“This remarkable book blends the experiences of several young Wisconsin men who fought in the Civil War with the course of events back home in Manitowoc. Using the letters and diaries of both soldiers and civilians, the author deftly handles the organizational problems of recounting military campaigns on several fronts as well as the travails of civilians on the home front. Written with verve, the narrative sweeps along the reader, who finds it hard to put down the book until the fate of the protagonists is finally revealed.”—James McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom