"The personal objects left behind by the Civil War soldier are small windows which allow us to get a brief glimpse into the most momentous part of his life ... In today's 'world of disposable goods', who would take the time to meticulously inscribe their name or initials in such an inanimate object as a razor or soap dish. We may think it was done to prove ownership, maybe it could identify him if killed or wounded, or maybe it was just out of boredom ... The soldier knew the war would be scrupulously studied by future generations. Not being General Grant or Lee, he would have to settle for a less significant role to say 'I was there -- I was a part of this'. Many of these veterans carefully packed away their menial possessions as a personal time capsule, hoping that someone in the future would find them and if only for a brief moment, remember their small part in American history"--Back cover