Hardtack and Coffee

Hardtack and Coffee is a humourous account of a soldier's life during the Civil War, as told by a veteran of the Union Army of the Potomac. The author vividly expounds on topics not usually found in history books, such as clothing and shelter, the many aspects of life in camp and on the march, offences and punishments, and how the soldiers dealt with such adversities as body lice and army food. John Billings has a keen eye, a fresh style, and a seemingly unlimited supply of fascinating Civil War anecdotes.