"This book presents, for the first time, a comprehensive picture of Minnesota's contribution to the nation's epic struggle during the Civil War." "From diaries and letters, journals and newspaper accounts, the words of the men who fought convey the terror of battle, the drudgery of marching, the fear of death, and the honor of camaraderie." "In addition to the extensive use of first-hand accounts of the war, this book contains many seldom-seen contemporary photographs, portraits, and artifacts drawn from the Minnesota Historical Society's outstanding connections."--BOOK JACKET.