Three Years in the Service: A Record of the Doings of the 11th Reg. Missouri Vols.

"Three Years in the Service" by D. McCall is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This narrative recounts the experiences of a soldier in the 11th Regiment of Missouri Volunteers during the American Civil War, capturing the trials and tribulations of military service. The book likely focuses on the author's journey and the significant events faced by the regiment, detailing both the camaraderie and hardships encountered by the soldiers as they navigate the complexities of war. The opening of the narrative describes the author's enlistment and initial experiences upon arriving at Springfield, Illinois, where they join the 11th Missouri Volunteers. The text vividly illustrates the emotional farewells to loved ones, the challenges of military training, and the regiment's subsequent deployments, including their early movements and encounters with enemy forces. As the author details the monotonous yet intense routines of military life—such as drilling for hours, building defenses, and facing the threat of battle—the reader gains a foundational understanding of what life was like for a soldier during a tumultuous period in American history. The early chapters set the stage for a deeper exploration of the personal and collective struggles faced by those who served in the Civil War.