In "Mr. Lincoln's Army," Bruce Catton highlights the harsh lessons learned by young soldiers during the Civil War. These inexperienced recruits come face to face with the grim reality that war often leads to pointless deaths, fueled by poor leadership. The brutal encounters they experience reveal that acts of bravery can ultimately feel futile, exposing the disillusionment of those who serve their country.

As they confront the violence and chaos of battle, these soldiers grapple with the realization that their sacrifices may not have the noble purpose they believed in. The quote underscores the painful truth that valor does not always equate to meaningful progress in wartime, leaving patriots questioning the value of their courage in the face of incompetence from their leaders.