During the Civil War; African American war correspondent Thomas Morris Chester was so inspired by the men of the 36th United States Colored Troops that he declared the group to be "a model regiment." Composed primarily of former slaves recruited from Union-occupied areas of eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia; the 36th USCT participated in large-scale expeditions to liberate slaves; guarded Confederate prisoners at major POW camps; served in the trenches before Petersburg and Richmond; and stood as one of the first units to enter the abandoned Confederate capital on April 3; 1865. This volume; which includes a complete regimental roster; explores the background of these former slaves and their families; examines their initial recruitment and chronicles their military contributions throughout the war. More than a unit history; the story of the 36th USCT offers a vivid portrait of the challenging transition from slavery to freedom.
#3257665 in Books McFarland 2010-09-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .90 x 5.90l; .80 #File Name: 0786448938260 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent story.By John J.The 22nd Maine Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War: A History and RosterI found the approach to this story to work very well. The use of the letters of one common soldier and the replies from his family as well as the use of other sources provides a great deal of details that lead to an understanding of the Civil War not easily obtained in other works. The putting together of the Regiment helps explain how people were selected as military leaders (and why prior experience in the field was not essential to becoming a military leader). One has to wonder why a regiment from Maine was sent to New Orleans; certainly there were other battlefields closer to home. The impact of disease was clearly provided; and the recognition that the moral choice of leadership was not necessarily the choice that would be rewarded. But; it really leaves me wanting to read more about the Civil War. Just what any good book should do.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Awesome BookBy Shaun P SmithThis is a great book about 22nd Maine. I recommend it to anyone interested in the Civil War or had a family member in the 22nd. My 4x great grandfather was in Company D. I was very interested in reading the first hand accounts of the 22nd's travels and actions.
