The journal permits us to hear a voice in Civil War studies that is seldom heard--that of a Catholic clergyman. The window given into the pastoral dimension of serving in America's bloodiest war is further enhanced by a running commentary on politics, race, religion, and charitable works throughout the South. He also supplies an insight into incarceration as a prisoner of war at Fort McHenry, Baltimore. Last, because Sheeran was a frequent name dropper, tracking the movements of key military personnel or other personages of the war is made considerably easier through Sheeran's references--all of which have been scrupulously documented in an easy-to-use index.