I have read, looked over, examined, at least several hundred “original” regimental histories and this is possibly the best “Preface” to a regimental history I have yet to encounter. Those original “autobiographical” regimental histories are so important and can help us understand “memory” and the Civil War, especially with regard to the soldier. Lucien Wulsin, The story of the Fourth Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Cavalry (1912): THE typical soldiers of our Civil War were youths, who, when … Read entire article »

Charles H. Weygant Journal printing house, 1877 To read this book for free. Lt. Col. Charles H. Weygant is an ancestor of mine (my g-g-g uncle) and at the conclusion of the Civil War he was in command of the 124th New York Regiment. Originally named “The American Guard” by the founding Colonel, A. Van Horne Ellis, Weygant helped to raise the regiment and enlist volunteers. Weygant would be promoted to Colonel after the bloody battle of Gettysburg. … Read entire article »

History of the 33d Iowa Infantry Volunteer Regiment, 1863-6 (Mills & co., 1866), By Andrew F. Sperry is unique in a couple of ways. First, it was written right after the war and published in 1866. Though an initial surge of Regimental histories were published in 1865-66 (I have documented 32), the number drops off significantly until the late 1880s. Second, A.F. Sperry is not just a “compiler” but a storyteller and a historian. A lot of these old regimental histories are not for everyone. They are rigid, bland, overtly “stuffy” and formal in writing style. In a word, they are “boring.” Often they were written to be nothing more than a “compilation” of a regiment’s exploits. But Sperry’s history is fluid and readable. There is also a modern reprint … Read entire article »