First-Hand Account Recommendation

[Gretchen]

Does anyone have a nonfiction recommendation, preferably a first-hand account, that details the process of Union enlistment and encampment (rendezvous camp) other than the Life of Billy Yank?

[Manray9]

Gretchen wrote: "Does anyone have a nonfiction recommendation, preferably a first-hand account, that details the process of Union enlistment and encampment (rendezvous camp) other than the Life of Billy Yank?"

How about --

:Hardtack and Coffee or, The Unwritten Story of Army Life| by John Billings?

[Gretchen]

Thanks for the recommendation. I've got that one. Love it!

Would a Union volunteer be encamped in training from his enlistment date on? Or would he be able to go home after enlisting and return to camp for training at a specified date? I guess I'm looking for a memoir that covers this time frame.

[Manray9]

Gretchen wrote: "Thanks for the recommendation. I've got that one. Love it!

Would a Union volunteer be encamped in training from his enlistment date on? Or would he be able to go home after enlisting and return to..."

It would depend upon which type of unit he joined. A local (state) volunteer regiment or the regulars.

[Sarah]

Gretchen wrote: "Does anyone have a nonfiction recommendation, preferably a first-hand account, that details the process of Union enlistment and encampment (rendezvous camp) other than the Life of Billy Yank?"

I found "Maine to the Wilderness: The Civil War Letters of William Lamson, 20th Maine Infantry" very helpful in understanding a volunteer private's experiences. (Didn't see the book in GoodReads, but used copies appear to be available on Amazon).

Also you may find Soldier's Heart: Being the Story of the Enlistment and Due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First Minnesota Volunteers helpful. It is a historical fiction, but based on a real soldier and his experience.

I assume from the discussion that you're looking for info on the common soldier; officers tend to be another story, but if that's what you're looking for I may have some suggestions for that topic too.
Good luck with your research!

[Sarah]

Gretchen wrote: "Thanks for the recommendation. I've got that one. Love it!

Would a Union volunteer be encamped in training from his enlistment date on? Or would he be able to go home after enlisting and return to..."

Hmm...I think it would depend on the regiment and at what point during the war. However, I think most of the time there would be no "break" to go home and then return. There was a lot that the new recruits had to learn and typically very little time to learn before they were sent to a war area.

[Jan C]

I've been reading The Chatfield Story: Civil War Letters and Diaries of Private Edward L. Chatfield of the 113th Illinois Volunteers. He had volunteered from Kankakee and I think may have gone through training in Chicago. I don't recall whether he got to go home but I think he was able to see his family in Chicago.

[Robert]

Gretchen wrote: "Does anyone have a nonfiction recommendation, preferably a first-hand account, that details the process of Union enlistment and encampment (rendezvous camp) other than the Life of Billy Yank?"

Frank Wilkeson's memoir might help. He recounts his recruitment experiences at its beginning. Here's a link:
https://archive.org/stream/02530520.3...

[Gretchen]

Manray9 wrote: "Gretchen wrote: "Thanks for the recommendation. I've got that one. Love it!

Would a Union volunteer be encamped in training from his enlistment date on? Or would he be able to go home after enlist..."

Local volunteer regiment.

My private enlisted 17 Apr 1861; companies quartered in at the local camp 22-23 Apr; field officers elected and reg't accepted by the state 24 Apr; mustered in 14 May; and left camp for war 18 May. I wasn't sure if he could leave after enlisting to stay with local family until the company quartered in 4-5 days later or if he would have to encamp for training immediately after enlisting. Thanks!

[Gretchen]

Sarah wrote: "Gretchen wrote: "Does anyone have a nonfiction recommendation, preferably a first-hand account, that details the process of Union enlistment and encampment (rendezvous camp) other than the Life of ..."

Fantastic! Thanks, Sarah! I do have The Last Full Measure, so Soldier's Heart sounds like it would make a nice companion piece. And yes, looking for personal experience of the common soldier (two-year volunteer) during the early enlistment and training period of Apr/May '61.

[Gretchen]

Jan C wrote: "I've been reading The Chatfield Story: Civil War Letters and Diaries of Private Edward L. Chatfield of the 113th Illinois Volunteers. He had volunteered from Kankakee and I think may..."

Thanks, Jan! I will definitely check out The Chatfield Story. It looks like a wonderful--and extensive--family collection!

[Sarah]

Not trying to be too curious...just wondering: is this private a real person that you are researching or is he a fictional character for a story that you are working on? I'm a historical fiction writer and when I hit a research road block, sometimes its easier to get around it. I have no idea who this volunteer is or what your story might be, but you might consider working around this detail, if you can. Could the character meet the family multiple times in town or as they visit their relative in the training camp? Or does he have to stay at their home?

I'm all for extensive research, but if the information is elusive, it might be easier reconsider your goals or, if writing, a slight adjustment in the plot. Just a thought... ;)

In response to message #9's info, I'm going to guess that he might be about to spend a little while with a local family before reporting for duty. The time between April 17 and April 22 seems to be the time in question and I'm guessing that many soon-to-be soldiers would have gone home, visited friends, etc. in this time.

I want to make it clear that this is just my guess.

Anyone else got any insight or confirmation?

[Gretchen]

Robert wrote: "Gretchen wrote: "Does anyone have a nonfiction recommendation, preferably a first-hand account, that details the process of Union enlistment and encampment (rendezvous camp) other than the Life of ..."

Thanks so much for bringing Frank Wilkeson to my attention, Robert. His memoir details are amazing!

[Robert]

Gretchen, I'm glad you've found Wilkeson's book helpful! I first read it twenty years ago and used excerpts in my teaching. I then turned to it three years ago while I was writing "Dawn Drums", my YA novel. I couldn't have written depictions of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania battles without the details Wilkeson provided. The published version of this memoir is entitled "Turned Inside Out".

[Gretchen]

Sarah wrote: "Not trying to be too curious...just wondering: is this private a real person that you are researching or is he a fictional character for a story that you are working on? I'm a historical fiction wr..."

Thanks for your insight and suggestions, Sarah! The private is my fictional MC, whose regimental history is based on the service of a real person. I'm not entirely knowledgeable on the enlistment-encampment process, especially with those few questionable days in between for my private. It doesn't help that I'm trying to be as historically accurate as possible. If I can't find the info, I will just have to play with the plot. Thanks again!

[Sarah]

Gretchen wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Not trying to be too curious...just wondering: is this private a real person that you are researching or is he a fictional character for a story that you are working on? I'm a histori..."

You're welcome! There's probably some answers in the books that have been suggested in this comment thread (I hope). I appreciate a writer who strives for great accuracy...best of luck!

[Gretchen]

Thanks again for all the help! I have another possibly silly question...

At what point does a recruit take the oath of muster? When the regiment musters into service? Upon signing the formal enlistment roll? After the Co. is inspected and accepted?

I do know hats are removed and the right hand is raised during the oath, but is the oath taken one recruit at a time or one Co. at a time?

[Sarah]

Gretchen,
I'm checking on the enlistment oath information and if I find anything will share it when I know.

Here's a website with some general info about the initial enlistment (paper signing, examination, etc.) process. Thought it might be helpful:
http://www.civilwarhome.com/enlisting...

If I can't find anything about the oath of muster, I'll ask at a living history event I'm attending on the 11th of this month.

By the way, have you tried any CW re-enactors' forums or unit contact with some of these questions. There are a few re-enactors who may not really know what they're talking about, but many that I interact or work with are very knowledgeable on their topics of study. (When in doubt, politely ask for a reference for the info.) Just a thought...

[Sarah]

Found this website that has transcripts of the Union Oath of Allegiance. I'm not sure if it was the same as the Oath of Muster.
http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us/clien...

As a writer, I'm not sure that I'd specifically quote it, unless I'd found the actually one that my soldier/regiment would have used.

Just thought the info might be helpful.

[Gretchen]

Sarah wrote: "Gretchen,
I'm checking on the enlistment oath information and if I find anything will share it when I know.

Here's a website with some general info about the initial enlistment (paper signing, exa..."

Thanks so much for helping, Sarah! Very kind of you! Yeah, this text is great. It's chapter 2 in Hardtack and Coffee, which I'm using and love. https://archive.org/stream/hardtackco...

The muster oath is also referenced in chapter 3 (pg 44) and on the following blog, which has sample documents and an explanation of the sequence of recruitment events. I totally forgot about this resource!
http://garytameling.hubpages.com/hub/...#

And thanks for planting the seed about checking in with re-enactors. We have a big anniversary coming up for Franklin TN this November and will have plenty of events to attend. I'll check online too.

Well...I think I have enough to push forward. Phew! Thanks again for all the helpful info!

[Sarah]

You're very welcome! It sounds like a great research project. ;)

How lucky to live close enough to possibly attend some of the larger re-enactments in the east! I hope there will be 100 soldiers at next weekend's event...but it's still fun to go and talk with the historians.

[Gretchen]

Sarah wrote: "You're very welcome! It sounds like a great research project. ;)

How lucky to live close enough to possibly attend some of the larger re-enactments in the east! I hope there will be 100 soldiers a..."

I love the research! My interest in the CW partly developed from living here on part of the battlefield. The history is really palpable. Have fun at your next event!

[Gretchen]

Mike wrote: "I don't know about all states, but the Illinois regiments compiled extensive reports to the state adjutant general. They often contain details of camp life and side excursions, as well as accounts ..."

Thanks for the suggestion, Mike. I did find a good source by the New York State Bureau of Military Statistics and, of course, the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

The mere thought of possibly walking in the footsteps of your g-grandfather on the former grounds of Camp Louisville must make the commute to work a magical one. How neat!

Thanks again for the info! And thanks to your g-grandfather for his service! The more I learn about what these guys (and gals) went through the more I admire them.

[Lia]

That's very interesting!! My family history is in Ukraine and would be hard to track as I'm sure the Communists destroyed the records.

[Gretchen]

Mike wrote: "Gretchen wrote: "The mere thought of possibly walking in the footsteps of your g-grandfather ..."

A little off-topic here, but yes it is. Even moreso: In 1674, my 8th GGF died in London. His wife..."

That is fascinating family history! The question is: did you tour the house before knowing this?

[Belle]

Hi Gretchen! I think we are neighbors.

I mentioned this in another thread but civilwartalk.com may be of help. They have a book and movie tent that covers the gamut of CW books.

[Gretchen]

Belle wrote: "Hi Gretchen! I think we are neighbors.

I mentioned this in another thread but civilwartalk.com may be of help. They have a book and movie tent that covers the gamut of CW books."

Hi, Belle! Nice to meet another Tennessean. Thank you so much for the site. Looks like a fantastic CW resource. I see more towering book piles in my future...