As your big brother, Jon, already told you, it's a lot easier to write on the Civil War if you've been out in the field. There are things that most vets don't mention that you pick up on by reliving the experience.
Call him for my number and we can hopefully meet this weekend and I can show you what I mean. I also mentioned to him a few references to him on the Crescent Regiment that I haven't detailed on the message board.