This book contains three diaries as well as various Civil War letters and documents. The first diary was written by Robert H. Wardlaw in 1820 when he was 13 years old and a young scholar and continues until age 18 when he learns of the death of his mother while he was away at school. Robert Wardlaw's ten sons all served the Confederacy and one of those sons, William C. Wardlaw is the author of the other two diaries. William Wardlaw was a captain in Company K of the 2nd SC Rifles, Jenkins Brigade. In addition to daily entries, he logs his locations when letters were sent or received. He writes almost daily of Molly, until he marries Josie. He reports Lincoln's death and the "humiliating ordeal of stacking our arms in the presence of the enemy" at Appomattox Court House. The diaries and letters were transcribed as written, as close to the originals as possible. Some photos are included which provide a realistic view of these fragile pieces of history.