An Officer in the Iron Brigade

by Rufus R. Dawes

One of the most exciting, well-written, and important memoirs of the American Civil War from one of its most accomplished Colonel Rufus R. Dawes of the Sixth Wisconsin—The Iron Brigade. At Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Grant's Overland Campaign, the Iron Brigade suffered the highest percentage of casualties of any in the war. It seemed to Dawes that every time he saw the worst that he could see, it got worse. After Gettysburg, where he led the charge on the railroad cut on July 1, he "My horse was shot under me early in the fight, which perhaps saved my life. The experience of the past few days seem more like a horrible dream than the reality. May God save me and my men from any more such trials." There were more trials to come for the Sixth Wisconsin. His description of the fighting from the Wilderness to Spotslyvania is some of the most harrowing you'll ever read. At the end, he and his men were mentally, spiritually, and physically exhausted. But after seeing friends die and horribly maimed, Dawes stayed with the brigade until it mustered out. By then, he was a full colonel. Every memoir of the American Civil War provides us with another view of the catastrophe that changed the country forever.

285 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2017

About the author

Rufus R. Dawes (1838-1899) was a military officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He used the middle initial "R" but had no middle name. He was noted for his service in the famed Iron Brigade, particularly during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Reviews

[Debra Nord · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-read for anyone

I have attempted to read several first-hand accounts of Civil War soldiers and officers. This is the first I was able to read start to finish. Rufus Dawes writes with such ease as to make this memoir flow. How he managed to have a bit of a sense of humor is both amazing and welcome in his letters from the front and rear, and diary entries when time allowed. The incite into the conditions, emotions, hardships, ideology and horror come through brilliantly. As a student of history, I feel confident in recommending this book to fellow students or to anyone who appreciates an inciteful and interesting read.

[Lester C. Grindling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic History of the Civil War

Rufus Dawes, leader of the fames Iron Brigade, gathered his letters and correspondence during his 3 year in the Union Army of the Potomac. These letters are preserved in this book and give eyewitness accounts of various battles, an the slaughter of so many men to free the slaves. A great read, one you will appreciate.

[Thomas J. Moulfair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography of the war experiences of Rufus Dawes. I began reading it to gain insight into his role at Gettysburg but found it to be a valuable resource for any student of American History. His personal experiences during the Civil War give a glimpse into America's great cataclysmic event from the perspective of the common man. A must read for any Civil War enthusiast.