Question

after the defeat at the first battle of bull run, the union army around washington, d.c., spent time rebuilding and training. the army began to be known as the army of the potomac, after a river in the area. imagine that you are a historian interested in the daily routine of ordinary soldiers in the army of the potomac. below are some primary sources, or sources made during the time period being studied. which source would be most useful to you? a memoir written by a former confederate prisoner a speech given by a congressman visiting the army a newspaper article about the commander of the army a letter written by a new recruit to the army

Explanation:

To study the daily routine of ordinary Army of the Potomac soldiers, we need a source that directly reflects an ordinary soldier's personal, day-to-day experience. A Confederate prisoner would not have insight into the Union soldiers' routine. A congressman's speech would focus on formal, public observations, not daily soldier life. A newspaper article about the commander centers on leadership, not ordinary troops. A new recruit's letter would likely detail their daily activities, training, and daily experiences as an ordinary soldier.

Answer:

a letter written by a new recruit to the army