I have a question for you . . . .
I’ve been working on some upcoming blog posts for Civil War Saturday and have a question for you.
What would you like to read? What aspect of the Civil War or Civil War research are you interested in? If I don’t know I’ll research it for you and report back here.
Just give me a couple of ideas of what you’re interested in reading – in the comments. You’ll see those topics as posts in the near future.
Looking forward to it and THANKS!
What were bushwhackers?
Amy – Thanks for stopping by the blog. During the Civil War bushwackers were small bands of men involved in guerilla warfare. They didn’t fight like “regular army” lining up in a row, marching into battle. These men hid in isolated spots like trees or “bushes” as they fired on the enemy. Many times making short, quick trips across a state border to wreck havoc.
Both North and South had bushwackers, although the generals in either of the armies did not condone their acts especially when some bushwackers raided, stole and shot private citizens. Soon the term was used as an insult. A bushwacker being the lowest of low life.
I appreciate that you’re reading the posts here. Thanks for your comment!
I would love to hear about civil war regular army records. Where are their service and pension records? Are they the same as volunteer?
I believe my Patrick Fraher served in the 12th US Regular Army. There is very little information I have about his service. I can’t even confirm he was the Patrick Fraher from the 12th US Regular Army.
Regards, Jim
Genealogy Blog at Hidden Genealogy Nuggets
Jim – Thanks for your comment. I do only write about the volunteer Civil War veteran. I’ll do some double checking on regular army in the Civil War and let you know what I find.
I really appreciate your comment and will get back with you. – Cindy
I would like to learn more about men replacing conscripted men during the Civil War and how much they may have been paid. My Canadian, Scottich-born ancestor replaced a man in New York who had been conscripted. Was paying someone to replace you common? Did only rich conscripted men pay men to replace them? Why did my ancestor enlist in Connecticut, not in New York? Does that mean that once paid, he could he enlist anywhere in the Union Army? Thanks!
Thanks Gail for your comment! I appreciate it! Yours is a great question. One I’m going to dig into to get some specifics. I do know the “going” rate to pay a substitute to fight was generally $300. An amount that allowed only the rich to find a replacement. My Civil War g-g-grandfather is listed in one set of records as serving as a substitute. My post on the Provost Marshal records may help some. Searching these records maybe your next step. I will look into the other variables you listed in your comment and post what I find.
Thanks again for stopping by my blog. I genuinely appreciate it! Will be in touch! ~ Cindy
Thanks, Cindy! I discovered your blog last week and have been following it daily ever since. I especially liked the post and accompanying links about the military and civil war history of Connecticut.
Fortunately for me, my Montreal-based great-great-grandfather wrote 45 typed pages about his service during the Civil War, his capture at Drewry’s Bluff, and the months he spent in Andersonville prison. It was in his his military file that I learned he had been a substitute. I tried researching the man he replaced until I discovered about 25 conscripted men in New York had the same name.
Keep up the good work with your posts.
Gail
Gail _ 45 pgs! That’s great! Apparently he survived Andersonville. That has to be interesting reading. Have you posted it on a blog? That would be such good reading. Let me know if you have it posted anywhere. I’d love to read it. Thank you so much for reading my blog. I really appreciate it! ~ Cindy
How were the dead identified on the battlefields? Who usually went through and collected the bodies?
Tiffany – my apologies for not responding to your comment! I had two comments that were stuck in a file on this blog! Weird! Never happened before. I’m really sorry! I wasn’t ignoring you.
Because identifying the dead on battlefields was so difficult and “dog tags” were not developed until WWI many soldiers pinned or sewed their names inside their clothing for identification.
The Civil War Trust has a series of excellent videos “The Civil War In 4″. Four minute spots with excellent info and very well done. This one explains the burial of soldiers really well! http://www.civilwar.org/video/civil-war-in4-battlefield.html
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I’ll be sure and double check I don’t lose any more comments!
P.S. Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll have a more in-depth post on it soon!