"Presents excerpts from the diary of William Bircher, a 15-year-old Minnesotan who was a drummer during the Civil War"--

In 1861 William Bircher joined the Union Army to help fight the Civil War. Too young to be a soldier, William was a drummer. He witnessed the many hardships of war long marches, severe cold, hunger, disease, and the great loss of lives. Through it all, 15 year old William recorded his experiences in his diary. Follow his story of challenges and triumphs.

Excerpts from the diary of William Bircher, a fifteen-year-old Minnesotan who was a drummer during the Civil War. Supplemented by sidebars, activities, and a timeline of the era.

Excerpts from the diary of Carrie Berry, describing her family's life in the Confederate South in 1864. Supplemented by sidebars, activities and a timeline of the era.