A Grand Terrible Drama

The collection features 180 letters and drawings that document Charles Reed's experiences as a bugler in the Ninth Massachusetts Battery during the Civil War from 1862 to 1865. His correspondence provides an intimate glimpse into daily life and the realities of combat, as he participated in nearly all significant battles in the Eastern theater. Reed's insights and artistic expressions offer a unique perspective on the challenges and camaraderie of military service during this tumultuous period.