"si klegg, of the 200th ind., and shorty, his partner," were born years ago in the brain of john mcelroy, editor of the national tribune.

these sketches are the original ones published in the national tribune, revised and enlarged some what by the author. how true they are to nature every veteran can abundantly testify from his own service. really, only the name of the regiment was invented. there is no doubt that there were several men of the name of josiah klegg in the union army, and who did valiant service for the government. they had experiences akin to, if not identical with, those narrated here, and substantially every man who faithfully and bravely carried a musket in defense of the best government on earth had some times, if not often, experiences of which those of si klegg are a strong reminder.

the publishers. this book is respectfully dedicated to the rank and file of the grandest army ever mustered for war.