'Johnny Reb and Billy Yank' Summary

Alexander Hunter, a Confederate soldier who fought under General Robert E. Lee, meticulously documented his wartime experiences in a diary. The first part of the book follows Hunter's journey as an infantryman, leading up to the Battle of Chancellorsville. He describes the daily life of a soldier, the exhaustion and boredom of camp life, the exhilaration of battle, and the poignant losses endured. The second part of the book delves into Hunter's time as a cavalryman, leading to the end of the war. The reader witnesses the strategic maneuvering of the armies, the pivotal battles, and the devastating impact of war on both sides. Hunter's detailed account offers an unflinching glimpse into the physical and psychological toll of war and provides a compelling historical narrative of a pivotal period in American history.