Collection consists of records of the Grand Army of the Republic and allied organizations. Most papers are from G.A.R. Post 478 (Mount Joy) and Post 84 (Lancaster). Included are minute books, burial records, membership applications, correspondence, national and state G.A.R. orders, encampment information, and Post correspondence. Many records are in book form.
Soldiers and sailors honorably discharged from the Army, Navy or Marine Corps of the U.S. who fought in the cause of the Union from Apr. 12, 1861 to Apr. 9, 1865 were eligible to become members of the Grand Army of the Republic. Allied Orders include: Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, Woman's Relief Corps, Sons of Veterans U.S.A. (later Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War) and their Auxiliary, as well as the Daughters of Veterans (later Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War).
Leather multi-compartment Wallet. Some remnants of a red printed logo on interior flap. Contained the Civil War discharge papers of William Sweigart, Private, 195th Regiment.
Chapters : First Light --- All Talk --- They're Here --- They're Gone --- Storm Clouds --- The First Day --- The Second Day --- The Third Day --- The Fourth of July --- Sunday "Sabbath of Suffering " --- Monday " Up From The Ashes " --- Tuesday " Food Bandages and Prayer " --- Wednesday "More Surprises " --- Thursday " On The Move" --- Friday "A week of Peace " --- July 11 - 12 " The Living and The Dying " --- July 13 - 19 " Some Go Home " --- July 20 - 31 " An End To Nursing " --- August and September " Lingering Effects " --- November 19 " Four Score and Seven " --- Epilogue --- List of Hospital Sites
Summary
"Many books have documented the military repercussions of the Battle of Gettysburg - but never before has an author delved so deeply into what has been a nearly untapped historical resource: the accounts of the town's 2,400 civilians, who became combatants and casualties, spies and stretcher-bearers - eyewitnesses all to this momentous event." [from GoodReads]