Presented by: Doyl Fritz

Sponsored in collaboration with the National Society of Colonial Dames of WY

John N. Prentice served in the 57^th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment from his enrollment in late 1861 through the war’s end in 1865, writing in his diary nearly every day. The 57th played a distinguished role in the Western Theater of the Civil War and fought in major campaigns, including Battle of Fort Donelson, Battle of Shiloh, occupation of Corinth, the Atlanta Campaign, and Sherman’s March to the Sea.  His diaries give us a private’s viewpoint of combat, life in camp, waiting and wanting news and mail, hardship and illness, death and sickness in the ranks, and importance of faith and family.