In creative writing, I need to write a short historical biography by a fictional person. For example, a pioneer, or an Indian when the Pilgrims came. I have to write it from that person's point of view. I chose a soldier in General Grant's army, in April of 1863, about a month before the Battle of Vicksburg. But I don't know where Grant's army was that April, or what they wore, or what their weapons were like. Could anyone tell me a bit about where and what Grant's army was doing in that time range? Do you think it would make a better report if I wrote it as a soldier during the Battle of vicksburg? Thanks ahead of time!
If you don't know the person or the person's life you are writing about, cease it.
Consider: a field hand in the slave South, or on a slave trading boat being brought to the New World; or a indian being moved to a new land on a reservation. Both of these have good info to research. Again, write about something you can feel, you can know, and can research.
If you feel you really, really want to write about that soldier in General Grant's army in 1863, READ, READ, READ about that time. Not just the battles, but diaries written by soldiers, fictional stories about the lifestyles at the time, etc. Do some research through the internet on that period of the war, the common soldier's life, the foods, clothes, weapons, he would have had as well as diseases, medical treatments, etc.
Whoever you choose to be YOUR person, make him/her "real" by making notes (most of the stuff won't be included in your paper, but is needed to make the person come alive in your mind). How tall was he? What did he wear? WHat did he like to eat? Did he have any scars? What diseases had he had? Where are his parent/siblings/other relatives? Where does he live? Describe his home. Who does he work for? Does he go to school? Can he read? Does he have a pet? What is he afraid of?
Check online for information about the time period, type of person, and lifestyle of that class.
There were no major battles during the month of April...suggestion. In March of that year the first Conscription Act was passed causing major riots. Your soldier might have been caught in those. That would be interesting; then you could give his perpective of what training he received in April, and what was happening before the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Here are some sites that may be of help.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=First+Conscription+Act%2C+Civil+War&btnG=Google+Search
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Civil+War+soldier+training&btnG=Search
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chancellorsville
To write a historical biography from the perspective of a soldier in General Grant's army in April 1863, you will need to do some research on the time period. Here's how you can approach it:
1. Start by researching the whereabouts of General Grant's army in April 1863. Check credible sources such as historical books, websites, and even diaries written by soldiers during that time. Look for information on the movements and activities of Grant's army during that specific month.
2. Learn about the clothing and equipment worn by soldiers in the Union army during the Civil War. Look for details on the uniforms, headgear, and other accessories. This will help you accurately describe the appearance of your fictional soldier.
3. Study the weapons used by soldiers in General Grant's army during that time. This could include rifles, pistols, and other equipment like bayonets. Understanding the weaponry will allow you to accurately describe it in your story.
4. Look into the daily life of a soldier in General Grant's army in April 1863. Read about their routines, duties, and living conditions. This will give you insights into what your fictional soldier's daily life may have been like.
5. Research the Battle of Vicksburg, which occurred in May-July 1863. While your chosen timeframe is a month before the battle, it would still be beneficial to have an understanding of the overall situation leading up to it. This will help you create an accurate backdrop for your story.
In terms of whether it would make a better report to write from the perspective of a soldier during the Battle of Vicksburg, that decision ultimately depends on your writing style and the narrative you wish to convey. Both options can be compelling; it's up to you to determine which approach resonates best with your literary goals and the story you want to tell.
Remember to always cross-reference multiple sources and validate the information you find to ensure accuracy in your historical biography. Good luck with your writing!