Section 1: INNOCENCE LOST January 1, 1862 - March 21, 1862
The 49th Illinois Infantry Regiment trains at Camp Butler, Illinois, before deploying to the field of action where Union forces victoriously participate in the battle of Fort Donelson, Tennessee. After securing the area and dismantling the Rebel works the regiment travels south over contested ground to prepare for its next engagement.
Section 2: BATTLES AND SICKNESS March 22, 1862 - June 30, 1862
As Union forces move south they are surprised by a Rebel attack at Shiloh, Tennessee. Following two days of brutal and deadly fighting the Rebels retreat, and the Union forces make preparations for another attack which does not come. Sergeant James Black becomes ill and is sent to a deplorable field hospital. Upon recovery he rejoins his unit and participates in the capture of Corinth, Mississippi.
Section 3: EASY DUTY July 1, 1862 - October 27, 1862
The 49th Regiment is stationed at Bethel, Tennessee, a military post protecting the northern rail approach to Corinth. The camp also serves as a place of rest and reorganization for the battle weary soldiers. Although concern over future enemy attacks never completely abates, it does diminish after a nearby Rebel army is defeated on the field.
Section 4: A SOLDIER’S LIFE October 28, 1862 - March 8, 1863
Although the 49th plays an important military role by protecting the rail lines, deterring Rebel activity, and occupying conquered territory, the soldiers face loneliness and struggle to understand the reasons for their seemingly inactive role in the war. James Black, through examination, becomes Assistant Surgeon, 49th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
Section 5: UNION SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS March 9, 1863 - May 24, 1863
Union forces establish a new post to secure and protect the eastern entrances to Memphis, Tennessee, and learn to deal with new challenges presented by Rebel guerrillas and military bureaucracy. Eventually the soldiers develop activities to pass their time and many take comfort in associations with civilians.
Section 6: MORE OF THE SAME May 25, 1863 - August 20, 1863
Military life, boredom, and Rebel cavalry attacks do not make for easy service. Frequent exposure to southern civilians gradually leads to a recognition of the many hardships of civilian life in occupied territory. This was during the Vicksburg Campaign
Section 7: LITTLE ROCK CAMPAIGN August 21, 1863 - November 20, 1863
Union troops suffer injuries and hardships as they are unnecessarily rushed over rugged terrain to participate in battle. Following the capture of Little Rock, Arkansas, the troops engage in routine occupation and pacification duties.
Section 8: THE MANY FACES OF WAR November 21, 1863 - March 8, 1864
Upon return to Memphis many soldiers take advantage of the amenities offered in the city, before two full Union Corps, under the leadership of General Sherman, conduct a winter campaign across the state of Mississippi. It is here the men of the 49th Regiment participate in a prelude to a different type of warfare--the scorched earth policy.
Section 9: FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP March 9, 1864 - June 12, 1864
The 49th participates in the ill fated Red River Campaign under the incompetent command of General Banks. With clarity James Black describes the many problems faced by his comrades in arms.
Section 10: VETERAN FURLOUGH June 13, 1864 - September 8, 1864
Time at home is appreciated. Once back in camp the 49th embarks on another campaign in Mississippi, but this time the regiment is quickly called back to defend Memphis from an expected attack.
Section 11: A BELEAGUERED FORCE September 9, 1864 - November 30, 1864
The 49th participates in a harsh winter campaign across Missouri fighting Rebel troops and pro southern guerrillas the entire way.
Section 12: POST SURGEON December 1, 1864 - February 28, 1865
The 49th participates in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee. Thereafter, Assistant Surgeon James Black is detached from his unit for medical duty at a military post in Smithland, Kentucky.
Section 13: SURRENDER March 1, 1865 - May 31, 1865
James Black receives a furlough and returns home to be married, before he returns to Smithland for the duration of the war. Post war he accompanies a detachment to the hills of Kentucky and Tennessee to accept surrender from isolated Rebel units.
Section 14: FINAL DUTIES June 1, 1865 - August 31, 1865
Surgeon James Black attends to post war duties at Paducah, Kentucky, as he also prepares to be mustered out of the service.
Section 15: HONORABLE DISCHARGE September 1, 1865 - September 22, 1865
The 49th Regiment returns to Camp Butler, Illinois, for final pay and mustering out ceremonies.
Section 16: POST WAR CIVILIAN LIFE September 23, 1865 - December 31, 1865
James Black adjusts to post-war life as he puts his neglected family affairs in order before he locates in a nearby community to establish his medical practice.
Section 17: Supplemental Material Included in the Diary.
1. History of Forty-Ninth Infantry
2. Resolution to the Illinois State Legislature
3. Resolution concerning the death of a fellow officer
4. Medical orders and official correspondence at Smithland, Kentucky
5. Addresses of soldier friends
6. Record of Army pay