Ahmed. A
Per.3
11/17/23
Life and Pay in Civil
War Army Camps
Daily Life in the Camp
● Living Conditions: Soldiers lived in canvas tents, often cramped and
exposed to harsh weather.
● Food and Rations: The diet mainly consisted of hardtack, salt pork,
and coffee. Fresh food was rare.
● Daily Routine: Days were filled with drills, guard duty, and chores,
with occasional letters writing and leisure activities.
Health and Sanitation in the Camps
● Medical Facilities: Basic and often overwhelmed, with limited supplies
and medicine.
● Common Illnesses: Diseases like dysentery, typhoid, and infections
were rampant due to poor sanitation.
● Sanitation Issues: Camps were often dirty, with inadequate waste
disposal systems, contributing to disease.
Pay Structure in the Civil War
Armies
● Basic Pay Rates: Union soldiers earned about $13 per month, while
Confederate soldiers earned less, with pay often delayed.
● Pay Delays and Issues: Soldiers frequently faced delayed payments and
depreciated currency value.
● Additional Income: Some soldiers supplemented their income
through looting or trading.
Voices from the Camp:
Personal Experiences
● Letters Home: Soldiers often wrote about harsh conditions, longing
for home, and camaraderie with fellow soldiers.
● Diary Entries: Diaries provide a personal account of daily struggles,
fears, and hopes.
● Reflections on Service: Many soldiers reflected on the reasons for their
service and their experiences in the army.