Question

The men were obliged to sleep in their clothing, with guns and equipment by their sides.Just before daylight the officer in charge of the trench guards would cause the officers and men to be awakened, and the line would be quietly formed in rear of the works. Arms would be stacked, and then preparations made as if for a march. Knapsacks would be packed, or blankets rolled, and haversacks and canteens made ready.

—The Second Rhode Island Volunteers at the Siege of Petersburg, Virginia; Colonel Elisha Hunt Rhodes

Excerpt courtesy of the Library of Congress

What conclusion can be drawn from the excerpt?
A.
Rhodes had little experience with the life of the common soldier.
B.
Rhodes had firsthand knowledge of the life of the common soldier.
C.
Rhodes had little regard for the safety of the soldiers he commanded.
D.
Rhodes had read many books about the experiences of soldiers.

Answer 1

B. Rhodes had firsthand knowledge of the life of the common soldier.

Justification: The detailed, specific description of daily routines (sleeping in clothing, weapons at hand, waking before daylight, packing as if for a march) indicates direct observation and experience rather than secondhand knowledge from books.