The letters of a young Civil War soldier, away from home for the first time, sharing his firsthand experiences are chronicled in this one-of-a kind book. The majority of letters are to his "dear friend" Anna Contant, whose friendship eventually led to their marriage after the war. In his letters, Edwards shared his political views, his life as a Civil War soldier, the horrors of war, and the pain of separation from family and friends. His narrative of the war, and the evolution of his relationship with Anna gives the reader insight into the hearts of two people during an important time in American history.