An Artilleryman's Diary

Through the eyes of a Welsh‑born immigrant who settled in Wisconsin, this diary captures the everyday realities of a Union artilleryman in the Civil War. The author’s candid reflections on his family’s pioneering journey set a humble tone before he joins the Sixth Wisconsin Battery, offering a personal lens on the larger conflict.

The entries trace a restless trek from the banks of the Mississippi to the rolling hills of Tennessee, chronicling river crossings, the grueling siege of Vicksburg, and the harsh winter camps that tested both stamina and spirit. Interwoven with occasional moments of camaraderie, fresh‑cooked meals, and the sounds of cannon fire, the narrative paints a vivid portrait of soldier life without venturing into later battles or the war’s conclusion.