"The Old First Massachusetts Coast Artillery in War and Peace" by Frederick Morse Cutler is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the history, traditions, and significant events of the Massachusetts Coast Artillery, particularly focusing on its role during conflicts and its evolution over time. It discusses various eras from the regiment's inception to its active service in the Civil War, highlighting the pride and character of its soldiers. At the start of the book, the narrative introduces the commanding reverence of the Coast Artillery through the inspirational words of Chaplain Minot J. Savage, who captures the essence of duty and camaraderie within the ranks. The opening delineates the regiment’s responsibilities in protecting Massachusetts’ coastal defenses, emphasizing its importance due to the state's strategic position. Cutler sets the stage for the following chapters by outlining the regiment's early history, significant landmarks, and the diverse skills fostered among its personnel, establishing a tone of pride for the contributions of the Coast Artillery across different periods of war and peace. (This is an automatically generated summary.)