A Yankee at arms : the diary of Lieutenant Augustus D. Ayling, 29th Massachusetts Volunteers /

At a time when the flood of published memoirs and correspondence concerning the American Civil War shows no signs of abating, one cannot expect that every volume will make a significant impact. Still, Ayling's diary of his wartime service contains several engaging passages. The Massachusetts volunteer rose from an early assignment as a headquarters clerk to an infantry officer who saw service in several theaters, notably Virginia and Tennessee; he also spent some time recuperating from illnesses. His narrative will augment existing available accounts, and a few sections--notably his description of the clash between the Monitor and the Virginia at Hampton Roads--are worth highlighting. Other readers will seek his comments on the Seven Days campaign, Fredericksburg, or the siege of Vicksburg. Some passages deal with personal matters, and a romantic entanglement receives special attention. Editor Herberger offers sparse but adequate annotations and identifications. Best suited for large Civil War collections that seek comprehensiveness. B. D. Simpson; Arizona State University

Editor Herberger (Three Centuries of Centerville Scenes, Centerville Historical Society, 1989) provides a fascinating introduction to Lt. Augustus D. Aylings (18401918) Civil War diary, presenting information on the military career of this Lowell, MA, native. Ayling experienced the battle of the ironclads Monitor and Merrimack, the peninsular campaign, and the disastrous battle of Fredericksburg. He later served in Kentucky and Mississippi; during the latter posting, he was present at the Battle of Vicksburg and the occupation of Jackson. Many of Aylings entries deal with his painful bouts with typhoid fever, dysentery, and malaria; his infatuation with a Kentucky belle; and his dislike for certain superior officers. Transferred to the 24th Massachusetts as a regimental adjutant and judge advocate for court martials, Ayling was stationed in Richmond in the postwar period. The endnotes are informative and the selected bibliography is appropriately tailored to the scope of the work. Recommended for specialized Civil War collections and academic libraries.John Carver Edwards, Univ. of Georgia Libs., Athens (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.