The first-person accounts in this historical work provide a primary source for the war that forever changed the United States of America. The stories gathered together in the years leading up to this collection’s first publication in 1896 came directly from veterans who fought for the Union or the Confederacy. From flaming shells and shrapnel, to the smoky air after cannon fire, these brutal, vivid accounts of the civil war from both soldiers and their commanders bring the reader onto the battlefield and, with each fallen soldier, demonstrate the cost of war.Making sense of such violent and deep divisions in our culture is as relevant today as it was during the turbulent times of this young nation. Presented in an unbiased format with unaltered stories, Under Both Flags: Personal Stories of Sacrifice and Struggle During the Civil War provides readers a chance to understand both sides of the conflict. The Civil War was an emotional war that struck at the hearts of our ancestors, pitting brothers against brothers, and uncles against nephews. The deep roiling tensions that led to the Civil War took decades to heal from and the scars left behind can still be seen on old battlefields today. These honest accounts are a unique collection that will prove an invaluable reference for Civil War enthusiasts and history buffs alike.