A Surgeon's Tale: The Civil War Letters of Surgeon James D. Benton, 111th and 98th New York Infantries, 1862-1865

A Surgeon's Tale tells the story of James D. Benton and his experiences during the Civil War through the letters written to his family in New York. Edited by Christopher E. Loperfido, Benton's honesty, raw emotion and passion for his work give insight into what life was like for the men who worked long and difficult hours to save the lives of the men who gave so much for the preservation of this nation.

Benton served with the 111th New York as an assistant surgeon through such battles as Harpers Ferry, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, and the siege of Petersburg. In 1865 Benton becomes the surgeon of the 98th New York where he remains until the end of the war.