Soldier life in the army of Northern Virginia

1) No, the boys and men who enlisted did not know what the life as a soldier was like. They had too much with themselves, items that were absolutely not necessary were being packed and taken along with them. They thought that gloves, large coats, heavy bags, small helpers, would actually be important and benificial in their fighting.

2) The author seems to be critical towards the soldiers. His tone can be seen as though he is mocking them. Thinking how someone could actually be so inexperienced in the ways and basics of war.

3) Many items were left behind. Canteens, gloves, items from knapsacks, etc. Only one hat, one jacket, one shirt, one pair of pants, one pair of drawers, one pair of shoes, and one pair of socks survived till the end along with the soldiers themselves. Gloves were for example said to be very useless, they were heavy and didn't do a single thing. The things that were actually used were the basic necessities.