History of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during its term of service

The volume offers a firsthand portrait of an Illinois volunteer regiment raised in the summer of 1862, following its young men from the farms of Peoria to the camps along the Ohio River. Written by a contemporary who served alongside them, the narrative captures the mix of pride and sorrow felt as friends departed for the distant battlefields of the South, describing their first drills, the clatter of new uniforms, and send‑offs from cheering townsfolk. Through vivid descriptions of camp life at Jo. Holt and the early march toward Nashville, readers get a sense of the soldiers’ determination and the camaraderie that bound them.

In addition to the chronological account, the author weaves in personal letters and anecdotes that reveal the everyday concerns, humor, and resolve of the men as they adjusted to military routine. The book also places the regiment within the larger brigade, highlighting the close ties with neighboring Illinois and neighboring state units. This intimate history provides listeners with a window into the human side of the Civil War before the regiment’s first major engagements.