History of the Forty-second regiment infantry, Massachusetts volunteers, 1862, 1863, 1864

A Massachusetts volunteer infantry regiment's history chronicles its recruitment and training, embarkation on transports, operations along the Gulf Coast including actions at Galveston, Bayou Gentilly, Brashear City, and La Fourche Crossing, detached duties at camps and pontoon service, participation in the Teche campaign and the siege of Port Hudson, captures and imprisonment of enlisted men and officers in Confederate prisons, daily camp life, small-unit adventures, and the regiment's return home and later brief service. The narrative combines chapterized chronological reporting with illustrative sketches, official records, and personal recollections to present movements, engagements, and soldier experiences.