KING SOLOMON made a centre shot when he said "of many books there is no end," and yet there is always "a long felt want" for another.  If it were not so the book trade would be unprofitable.  Acting on the belief that there is a gap somewhere to be filled, this book is written.  It was first projected about twenty years ago -- soon after the fall of Vicksburg.  The writer had been keeping a record of the events in which the Seventy-Seventh participated, while those events were transpiring, and while all the circumstances were fresh in the mind. But he did not rely alone upon his own sightseeing or his own judgment.  Other members of the regiment from that day to this, have rendered valuable assistance.  Among these may be mentioned General D. P. Grier, Major J. M. McCulloch, Lieutenant Henry P. Ayres and J. H. Snyder, Musician of Co. "I."  The latter kept a daily record from first to last, noting all the occurrences worth noting, with great care and accuracy.  To him I am indebted for the rise of his voluminous and interesting journals.  Much of the matter contained in these pages was derived from that source.  To all who have assisted in any way, I can only say, THANK YOU, while indulging the hope that this work may prove acceptable to the members of the regiment and their friends, and be treasured as a memorial of the trying scenes through which we were called to pass.
        It is not the intention to exalt the Seventy-Seventh at the expense of any other regiment.  For pure, unselfish patriotism -- for devotion to principle -- for endurance on the march and for gallantry in the field, the Volunteer Army of the United States during the war of the rebellion, has no parallel in the history of nations.  But while this is true, each regiment has a history peculiar to itself.  And it is only right and proper that it should receive full credit for all it accomplished while in the service.
As the years roll on, and as one after another takes up the line of march to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns, may the ties of affection cemented by close companionship during those years of bloody strife, grow stronger as the sun lengthens the shadows on our pathway of life.  And at last may we clasp glad hands and renew the friendships of this life in that "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

W. H. B.

PEORIA, ILL., Sept. 2, 1883.
 
 

CONTENTS.

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