The historic letters included in this book were written in the 1860's by Union soldier, Charles W. Gamble, to his wife and family during the Civil War. He bravely served with the 12th Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, Company D. A carpenter by trade, Charles joined the Union Army in August, 1862 to, as he stated, "preserve the country and the Constitution." Several times in his letters he frankly wrote that he might not come back home alive, but he was serving for a just cause. This is a fascinating and personal account of a common soldier's life serving his country and fighting to keep the Union intact. Told from the intimate perspective of a typical volunteer soldier, you will glean interesting tidbits of historical information not usually found in books about the Civil War.You will come to feel that you know Charles personally as you read his actual letters about his daily activities during the war. From mundane chores to the horrors of battle at Gettysburg, you will experience Civil War life through Charles' own words. No matter how difficult the hardships became Charles courageously pressed on for the good of the country. History comes alive in these insightful, heartwarming letters written nearly one hundred fifty years ago by Charles W. Gamble.