21st Wisconsin Resources

[Andy Ackeret]

Here are a few primary sources from members of the 21st Wisconsin that are available online (for free!).

Echoes of the Civil War As I Hear Them by Michael H. Fitch. Fitch served in the 6th WI before the 21st was mustered. He was the first adjutant of the 21st, and was promoted to Major in early 1863 (date of promotion back dated to December 1862) and later Lt. Col.

https://books.google.com/books?id=BJsKPdMfHNwC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

A Soldier of the Cumberland by Mead Holmes. This is a collection of letters written by Mead Holmes Jr, an enlistedman in the 21st. He died in 1863, his father, Mead Holmes Sr., had the letters published in 1864.

https://books.google.com/books?id=YYADAAAAQAAJ&dq=mead%20holmes%20a%20soldier%20of%20the%20cumberland&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false

The James M. Randall Diary by James M. Randall. Randall was a veteran of the 14th WI, he was transferred to the 21st with a commission as Lt. when the regiment was formed. He would eventually rise to the rank of Captain.

http://ehistory.osu.edu/exhibitions/letters/randall/index

[J.H.Berger]

Re: 21st Wisconsin Resources

I also recommend John Henry Otto's
"Memoirs of a dutch Mudsill" !!!

[Andy Ackeret]

Re: 21st Wisconsin Resources

Jan,

Agreed, that is an excellent book!

[Andy Ackeret]

Re: 21st Wisconsin Resources

In honor of the event website going online, here's more history for everyone! The roster of the 21st Wisconsin is available here:

http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/quiner/id/49989

-Andy Ackeret

[Andy Ackeret]

Re: 21st Wisconsin Resources

Latest offering of general 21st Wisconsin History. Courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society. From E.B. Quiner's Miltary History of Wisconsin, 1866, pgs 686-696.

http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/compoundobject/collection/quiner/id/16567

-Andy Ackeret
Mess No. 3 / Old Northwest Volunteers

[Andy Ackeret]

Re: 21st Wisconsin Resources

Here is a summary history of the regiment, and a few other items of interest.

http://www.wisconsinbattleflags.com/units-flags/21st-wisconsin.php

[Andy Ackeret]

Re: 21st Wisconsin Resources

Surprise mid-week update! Everyone who has ever looked for a regimental history online has undoubtedly come across a summary history that is taken from Dyer's A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion. Well, to make it easy for everyone, here is Dyer's entry for the 21st Wisconsin, courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Brigade and Division assignments, along with a list of engagements, at your fingertips!

http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/quiner/id/30067

[Andy Ackeret]

Re: 21st Wisconsin Resources

Many times, period engravings can be a poor example to use to create an impression of a Civil War regiment. In my research of the 21st Wisconsin, I've come across two period engravings, that actually turned out to be supported by other evidence.

This first example was published in 1863, purporting to show the 21st Wisconsin on parade during the formation of the regiment at Camp Bragg, Oshkosh, WI, in late August or early September of 1862. It shows long lines of Army Dress Hats and Enlisted Frock Coats.

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Content.aspx?dsNav=Ny:True,Ro:20,N:4294963828-4294955414&dsNavOnly=N:1135&dsRecordDetails=R:IM33523

The second example was probably published in late September 1862, showing the regiment crossing the pontoon bridge from Cincinnati into Kentucky. You will also see long lines of Army Dress Hats and Enlisted Frock Coats.

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2008675450/

As those of you who have read the uniform guidelines on the event website will see, evidence from 1862 shows Dress Hats and Frock Coats to be the initial issue to the regiment. This is supported both in writing, and by several photographs taken prior to the Battle of Perryville.

After Perryville, Fatigue Blouses and Forage Caps began to be issued, again supported by a few period photographs and written evidence.

Be sure to check out the unit guidelines on the event website! http://40roundsevents.wix.com/kentuc...st#!books/cnec