Publisher's Synopsis
Hardtack and Coffee: Or The Unwritten Story of Army Life is a book written by John Davis Billings and first published in 1887. The book is a memoir of the author's experiences as a soldier during the American Civil War. Billings served as a hospital steward in the Union Army and was present at several major battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg.The book is divided into chapters that cover various aspects of army life, such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Billings provides detailed descriptions of the soldiers' rations, which often consisted of hardtack (a type of hard biscuit) and coffee, hence the title of the book. He also describes the soldiers' uniforms and equipment, including their tents and bedding.In addition to these practical aspects of army life, Billings also writes about the camaraderie and humor that existed among the soldiers. He recounts stories of practical jokes, songs, and other forms of entertainment that helped to keep the soldiers' spirits up during the long and difficult war.Hardtack and Coffee is considered a classic of Civil War literature and is often cited as a valuable resource for historians and researchers. The book provides a unique perspective on army life during the Civil War and offers insights into the daily experiences of the soldiers who fought in this pivotal conflict.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
