History of the Second Massachusetts Regiment of Infantry: A prisoner's diary A paper read at the officers' reunion in Boston, May 11, 1877

A former captain of the Second Massachusetts Infantry shares a candid diary that traces his journey from the chaotic battlefield at Cedar Mountain to the stark reality of captivity. Written in the cramped margins of a pocket almanac, his entries reveal the everyday struggles of soldiers—overloaded knapsacks, scorching marches, and the uneasy camaraderie that forms in the face of hardship. He records moments of quiet humanity, such as sharing tea with a fellow lieutenant, while also noting the relentless pressure of military orders and the ever‑present threat of battle.

Through vivid, first‑hand observations, listeners gain insight into the physical and mental toll of war on ordinary men, as well as the small comforts that sustain them. The diary’s raw honesty captures the rhythm of camp life, the anxiety of impending engagements, and the hope that glimmers even in the darkest hours of confinement. It offers a personal lens on a regiment whose experiences mirrored the broader trials of the conflict.