Book Synopsis
This is the diary kept by Azel D. Hayward in 1861/62, prior to joining the 72nd Illinois Infantry Regiment, letters he wrote home during his service, and letters to his mother written by his friend and fellow officer after his death. There are clues to an African Descent Infantry Regiment forming somewhat before any published history records it, to another A.D. regiment participating in an unrecorded skirmish prior to its first recorded engagement under a new designation, insights into lives well lived, and even some humor in that terrible time of war.