Soldier of Courage, Soldier of Compassion is drawn from the letters and diaries of Captain Bennett L. Munger of company C, 44th New York state volunteer infantry. MungerÕs regiment was known as ÒEllsworthÕs AvengersÓ, in honor of their fallen comrade, Col. Elmer Ellsworth. The regiment was a seasoned fighting unit, and saw action in many important battles during the civil war.
MungerÕs career would eventually place him in the position of prison inspector for the northÕs most notorious, Confederate prisoner of war camp, ÒElmiraÓ. Elmira was little better than a death camp, that in some ways was on par with the horror of Andersonville. MungerÕs letters and diaries give an important firsthand account and insight into a moment in time that otherwise would be lost without this small volume that is dedicated to his unwavering service to his country and his steadfast compassion to ease the sufferings of his fellow man.