A Soldier at Laurel Hill

Formed in the summer of 1862 for three years of service, the 16th Maine Infantry Regiment had a number of officers with previous experience as well as many eager recruits. Some joined just to be part of the war effort and others were drawn by the bounties offered for service. The 16th Maine fought at…

Compassion and Chaos at Chancellorsville

Veterans on both sides of the Civil War who were present for duty at Chancellorsville on May 3rd, 1863, described it as the ultimate slaughter. In some accounts, they call it the worst fighting of the entire war. Cavalry officer J.E.B Stuart was personally appointed by the wounded Thomas Stonewall Jackson to take command of…

Rhode Island to the Rear

A year and a half before Ambrose Burnside was in command of the entire Army of the Potomac, he was Colonel of the Second Brigade under Colonel David Hunter in the Second Division at the first battle of Manassas. The brigade consisted of the 71st New York, 2nd New Hampshire, 1st Rhode Island, and 2nd…

A Soldier’s Story: Battle of Shiloh

Continuing in January’s dedication to the Battle of Shiloh, I thought it’d be important to give some direct soldier accounts from both the Union and the Confederate side. So much of history is told in facts and dates, but the first-hand stories are sometimes overlooked. What we forget is that the first-hand stories are where…