J.R. Macduff. The Soldier's Text-Book: Or, Confidence in Time of War. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 1861. 

48mo, 2 3/4 x 4 1/2 in. Original wrappers with gilt title. 

Inscribed in pencil to front free endpaper: "Daniel Driscoll / Co. K 5th N.H. Inf." A poem is inscribed in pencil to the recto. 

Daniel Driscoll was 31 years old when he enlisted as a private at Milton, New Hampshire, in Company K of the 5th New Hampshire Infantry on 14 August 1863. Originally from Ireland, he worked as a shoemaker and joined the Union Army as a draft substitute. 

By the time Driscoll enlisted, the 5th New Hampshire was in dire need of reinforcements. The regiment was hard-fought, bloodied at Antietam, Fredericksburg (losing 200 men), Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, where they lost their commanders. Driscoll was one of 400 men added in the late summer of 1863, most of whom, including Driscoll, were drafted or bounty men.

In 1864, the men moved to Virginia and engaged at the Battle of Cold Harbor, where Driscoll was wounded in action. He was recuperating at a hospital in Philadelphia when he deserted on 3 January 1865. 

This "pocket companion" includes prayers for each day of the month, hymns, and a list of eleven "Directions for Soldiers in the Field." A rare publication not often encountered. 

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