From Claiborne's preface to the work: "As originally written, the narrative was almost literally in his [Dale's] own words. In the present memoir I have preserved his language in many parts, and faithfully expressed his opinions." The first passage...
During the Civil War, Riggs served in Company G of the 27th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. In the letter he describes recent losses in his company and the soldiers' difficult journey to their present encampment: "Since the fight at Perryville...