All for the Union: The Civil War Diary and Letters of Elisha Hunt Rhodes: 2nd Rhode Island Infantry

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

Elisha Hunt Rhodes' All for the Union: The Civil War Diary and Letters of Elisha Hunt Rhodes offers an intimate and compelling firsthand account of a young soldier's journey through the American Civil War. Enlisting as a private in the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry in 1861, Rhodes rose to the rank of colonel by the war's end in 1865. His diary chronicles his experiences from the initial enthusiasm of enlistment, through the harrowing battles of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness, to the ultimate surrender at Appomattox.

Rhodes' writings provide a vivid portrayal of the daily life of a Union soldier, capturing the camaraderie, hardships, and evolving perspectives amid the backdrop of war. His reflections reveal a deep sense of duty, personal growth, and an unwavering commitment to the Union cause. The diary's authenticity and eloquence have made it a valuable resource for understanding the soldier's experience during the Civil War. Notably, excerpts from Rhodes' diary were featured in Ken Burns' acclaimed PBS documentary series The Civil War, further cementing its significance in American historical literature.