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.