This is the true story of a red-headed Iowa soldier from Company C36 Iowa Volunteers Infantry. John Dawson took part in the famous Red River expedition, helped to capture Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort, and lived to write about his march through the streets of the Capitol of the Confederacy at the end of the war.

Originally handwritten in 1912, Dawson’s never before released autobiography contains 37 detailed, on-the-scenes diary entries, pages of fascinating personal recollections, and numerous interesting tidbits from the years 1845-1912. In his diary Dawson elaborates on the astounding (and little known!) wartime engineering feat known as Bailey’s Dam, gives a description of the Battle of Pleasant Hill as it was relayed to him by men who were in the battle, mentions General Banks, General Smith, and General Hood, describes the burning of Alexandria, LA, provides an account of the looting of the Confederate Governor’s home, and more.

Edited and standardized for clarity and illustrated with 17 original photographs from the Civil War, this book gives you uniquely personal access to the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of a young Civil War soldier.

Features:

• Thirty-seven detailed, on-the-scenes diary entries written by Dawson during his days as a soldier
• Seventeen Civil War photographs
• Seven common food items and their market prices in 1864
• A short whimsical poem written by Dawson and used as an address
• A long original poem authored by Dawson
• A chronology of Dawson’s life for quick reference
• A partial list of Dawson’s descendants
• A list of online resources for further study