Military authority, British Field Marshal Garnet Joseph Wolseley, recommended Warren Goss's memoir for reading by military leaders. Goss fought in nearly every major battle from 1st Bull Run beyond the fall of Richmond. He was preparing for another battle when one of Sheridan's staff rode up waving his hat and shouting that Lee had surrendered. He writes: "The Army of the Potomac was the people in arms. It mirrored the diversified opinions and occupations of a free and intelligent democracy. The force that called it together was the spirit that made a government of the people possible." From a perspective of 25 years after the guns had silenced, Goss weaves a compelling tale, full of detail, still feeling the pain of sorrow, but also laced with a great deal of humor.