Researching and discussing units

oldsoul3 · #1 02-15-2004, 12:33 AM

Hello all, I am a new member enjoying the forum. I just wanted to note that I had ancestors in the 2nd VA infantry (Stonewall Bgd), the 87th PA (3rd Div 6th Corps) and the 7th Va Cav (Laurel Bgd). If anyone has information or ancestors in any of these units (or related Bgd units) I would love to share info or just discuss. I would enjoy discussing if you have nothing to do with these units. lol Just thought I would put it out there! Thanks, Lew

johan_steele · #2 02-15-2004, 02:29 PM

Wert, Jeffry D., A Brotherhood of Valor: the Common Soldiers of the Stonewall Brigade, C.S.A., and the Iron Brigade, U.S.A., Simon & Schuster, 1999.

This a book w/ some very good info on both the Stonewall Brigade & the Iron Brigade. A worthy investment if you're interested in anything from the Stonewall Brigade.

www.civilwararchive.com has a wealth of info on various units of the CW.

Welcome and enjoy.

tamaroa · #3 02-16-2004, 09:18 AM

Official Records of the War of the Rebellion is the best starting place INMO to do unit research. If there is not a set near you in a library, you can purchase it on CD-Rom. I have the CD Rom version and use it regularly. you type in the name of the unit you are looking for and a table pops up showing all the hits. I have found some great battle reports doing that.

Bill

gary · #4 02-20-2004, 10:27 PM

Don't overlook published diaries, letters or journals by men who served in a different regiment but same brigade. Sometimes you'll get some insights into how your ancestor's regiment conducted itself in a certain battle.

In doing my own reading, it's not unusual for me to find one paragraph or a couple of sentences in an entire book that is quite revealing.

oldsoul3 · #5 02-21-2004, 02:30 PM

Shane, Bill and Gary,

Thanks so much for the great advise. I will try all three! I really enjoy all aspects of the ACW including causes, biography of individuals involved, tactics, battles etc. But, I am particularly facinated with tracing the footsteps of my ancestors. I have been able to find many of the places they were and it is aways an awe inspiring and nearly spiritual pilgrimage for me. lol
My ancestors were involved in the Valley campaign of 1864 between Early and Sherdian, so I have Jeffrey Werts "Winchester to Cedar Creek" but I don't have his book on the Iron Bgd and Stonewall Bgd. I will most certainly have to get it.
I will also have to get into the Official Records and I will also explore other regiment's in my ancestor's bgd's. Great Ideas. Thanks,

Lew