Historical Commentary by: Charles S. Vavrina
“From Chancellorsville to Gettysburg, Chattanooga to Atlanta, and Savannah to Bentonville, sergeant William McCollum recounts the life of a Union infantry soldier marching with generals Hooker and Sherman. He first saw action at the Orange Turnpike in Chancellorsville, was involved in recapturing Culp's Hill at Gettysburg, was pinned down in the open field at Resaca, was a picket running from Hood's assault at Kolb's farm, and faced Stewart's surprise attack at Peach Tree Creek - all were among the moments of terror William experienced. He fought disease, scarcities of food and clothing, brutal cold, scorching heat, relentless rain, endless mud, and losing comrades all the while maintaining a positive tone in letters home so as not to worry family and friends. The 123rd New York Volunteer Infantry was the only regiment raised solely from Washington County, NY. Of the 960 men who cheerfully boarded the train bound for war, only 474 would return.”
Historical Commentary by: Charles S. Vavrina
“From Chancellorsville to Gettysburg, Chattanooga to Atlanta, and Savannah to Bentonville, sergeant William McCollum recounts the life of a Union infantry soldier marching with generals Hooker and Sherman. He first saw action at the Orange Turnpike in Chancellorsville, was involved in recapturing Culp's Hill at Gettysburg, was pinned down in the open field at Resaca, was a picket running from Hood's assault at Kolb's farm, and faced Stewart's surprise attack at Peach Tree Creek - all were among the moments of terror William experienced. He fought disease, scarcities of food and clothing, brutal cold, scorching heat, relentless rain, endless mud, and losing comrades all the while maintaining a positive tone in letters home so as not to worry family and friends. The 123rd New York Volunteer Infantry was the only regiment raised solely from Washington County, NY. Of the 960 men who cheerfully boarded the train bound for war, only 474 would return.”