Library of Congress
Loc: Learning Page: Civil War Soldiers' Stories
Included here are primary source documents that tell the story of Civil War soldiers in their own words. These historic documents tell why men and boys joined so enthusiastically, and what trials and suffering were endured.
University of Pennsylvania
University of Penn: Hospital Sketches by l.m. Alcott
Well-known writer Louisa May Alcott published her experiences as a hospital nurse in Boston in 1863. The complete text is offered here, but no accompanying commentary or interpretation.
University of North Carolina
Documenting the South: The War: "Stonewall" Jackson as I Saw Them
A first-hand chronology of James H. Wood's experiences in the Civil War. Included are campaigns of Stonewall Jackson in which Wood participated.
Other
Cartania: Civil War Reflections 1862 1865
Harvey Hogue's adventures as a Union soldier in a Confederate prison camp, and his escape from the notorious Andersonville make interesting reading. Not exactly a primary source document, but stories from an actual participant in the...
Other
The 7th Kansas Cavalry in the Civil War
Fletcher Pomeroy was a cavalryman and quartermaster sergeant in the 7th Kanasas. This portion of his daily diary is transcribed here by his descendants.