Hardtack and Coffee: Or, The Un: Written Story of Army Life, Including Chapters on Enlisting, Life in Tents and Log Huts, Jonahs and Beats, Offences and Punishments, Raw Recruits, Foraging, Corps and Corps Badges, the Wagon Trains, the Army Mule, the Engineer Corps, the Signal Corps, Etc.

Hardtack and Coffee, written by John Davis Billings and first published in 1888, offers a detailed account of the daily lives of soldiers during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Unlike many histories that focus on battles and leaders, this work emphasizes the experiences of ordinary soldiers, covering topics such as food, shelter, and camaraderie. Billings, a veteran of the Army of the Potomac, draws on his personal experiences and includes illustrations by Charles W. Reed to enhance the authenticity of his narrative. The book provides a vivid portrayal of military life, from recruitment to the challenges faced in camp and on the battlefield.