The story of the Thirty Eighth regiment of Massachusetts volunteers

A soldier‑turned‑historian offers a straightforward chronicle of the 38th Massachusetts Volunteers, tracing their journey from the summer of 1862 when eager men gathered in Lynnfield and West Cambridge. The narrative follows their march through bustling cities, the rigors of training camps, and the first taste of war as they move toward the Atlantic coast and then southward. Readers hear the rhythm of daily life—drills, religious services, and the camaraderie that sustained them—while the author’s own observations lend a personal, almost diary‑like quality.

Relying on meticulous muster rolls, letters, and the recollections of fellow officers, the account stays grounded in facts rather than romanticized battles. It captures the regiment’s early movements, the challenges of cold weather, and the logistical hurdles of transport and supply, giving listeners a clear sense of what it meant to be a volunteer soldier at that pivotal moment in the Civil War. The work aims to preserve the shared memories of those who served, inviting modern ears to connect with the ordinary yet determined lives of the men behind the uniform.