Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Book Report: Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units, 1861-1865


Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units, 1861 – 1865


By Arthur W. Bergernon, Jr.
Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana State University Press, 1989



During the Civil War, the state of Louisiana furnished 111 artillery, cavalry, and infantry units to the armies of the Confederate States of America. These units served in every theatre of the war and performed gallantly in numerous battles and engagements.

            Many of my family members served in Louisiana units during the Civil War. When I write about their service I like to give as many details as possible. Many of those family members were young farmers who had never traveled far from their rural homes. When and where did they enlist? Where did their units go? What military actions were they involved in? Did the units return safely?

            This book answers many of my questions. It is divided into three main sections: Artillery, Cavalry and Infantry. Within those sections regiments are detailed in numerical order with lists of companies, names of commanders and details of their activities during the war. Battles, illnesses, captures and surrenders are detailed.

            This book does not list the soldiers within the regiments. I suggest the use of fold3 to discover that data.

            We know that companies were formed in local areas and were composed of neighbors and family members. In uncovering the history of a company it often relates to multiple family members. For example, Louisiana’s Cavalry unit, 3rd Regiment, Wingfield’s was composed of several soldiers related to me. Companies A, C & K were formed in Washington Parish and I have Alford, Brock and Brumfield family members who served together. This book tells me the regiment operated in eastern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi. They surrendered in Gainesville, Alabama on 8 May 1865.

            I also found the units for my Dillon and Fortenberry soldiers. In all, six different Louisiana units contained men from my family tree.

            Although this book is no longer in print I was able to find it through Amazon Marketplace and Texas Book Consignments. The dust jacket is worn but the hardcover, 229-page book is in great condition. If it would be helpful to you look for a library copy and enjoy.


            I wish I had a similar book for Mississippi units in the Civil War.



MY LIBRARY


At the top of this blog, click on My Library for many more books that I have found useful for genealogical & historical research.




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1 comment:

  1. That’s a great addition to your library. A great find and purchase.

    ReplyDelete

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