In Camp with L Company, Second Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry

A vivid portrait of a New Jersey volunteer company comes to life through the eyes of a dedicated corporal. From its birth in the early 1890s, the men of L Company prove themselves on the rifle range, earning top marks and fierce pride in their drills, armory, and camaraderie. Their daily routines—rigorous training, friendly competitions, and the bustling preparations of a newly built armory—paint a picture of disciplined soldiers who are as much a community as a fighting force.

When the call to war finally arrives, the camp erupts with nervous excitement. The narrative captures the palpable mix of patriotism, anticipation, and personal goodbyes as the men ready themselves for deployment, their spirits buoyed by news of distant victories. Listeners are invited to share in the soldiers’ hopes, the buzz of the march, and the bond that holds them together as they step toward the unknown.