The first section discusses Moravian musical traditions during the 18th and first half of the 19th centuries. The second part traces the band's Confederate service for over three years, including their participation in the battles of New Bern, Malvern Hill, and Gettysburg.
The text is profusely illustrated with pictures of Salem, band members, instruments, sheet music, and maps. It also contains twenty-seven sketches of camp life not previously published. The sketches were drawn by Alexander C. Meinung, a member of the 26th Regimental Band, and record various field scenes during the band's military service. The book's striking cover features a photograph of the eight original band members taken in Salem on their first furlough during July and August 1862.
