I just finished writing a review of another book by a History-Sites contributor (Joe Reinhart), a fine edited book of letters detailing the experiences of the German 32nd Indiana.

Excerpt from the conclusion:

"August Willich's Gallant Dutchmen is a particularly valuable collection of letters from Indiana's German soldiers. Well constructed in durable cloth, the book also has more maps and illustrations than the typical letter compilation. A number of appendices3 are included, as well as detailed footnotes. A bibliographic essay rounds out this fine study. Beyond providing insights into the German political, cultural, and military perspective of the Union war effort, and details of battles fought, the letters also highlight the importance of German-language newspapers to the soldiers in the field, supporting the efforts of the fighting men, combating nativist slights in the mainstream press, and highlighting the achievements of ethnic regiments. Recommended."

For the full review, go to:

http://cwba.blogspot.com/2008/08/ed-reinhart-august-willichs-gallant.html