Western Sharpshooters

[samgrant]

Just finished Nothing But Victory by Woodworth, excellent book, by the way.

But am a bit confused between the 55th and the 66th Illinois. Were both in this unit (Birge's), or was it just one or the other? I think other regiments may also been included.

Maybe Gary is the go-to guy on this question, but any help would be appreciated.

Also, is there a good book on this subject?

[johan_steele]

66th was known as Birges Sharpshooters and the 64th as Yates Sharpshooters. 66th wasn't part of 15th Corps until 64... right after Atlanta IIRC.

I'm not aware of any specific book on Birges Sharpshooters but they are quite well covered in a variety of works on the subject of small arms & sharpshooters in general.

55th was w/ 15th Corps pretty much from the getgo I believe... they were w/ Sherman on the Yazoo expedition & I believe earlier but am not certain.

There is nothing that compares to Nothing But Victory as it is the first history of the AoT US thta I am aware of. It's a far cfry from perfect but it is quite groundbreaking.

A comprehensive Order or Battle would have been useful but that is just wishful thinking on my part. I've been contemplating making that my holiday project... a lot of work w/ Dyers.

[gary]

With the Western Sharpshooters by Lorenzo "Ren" Barker is the only book I'm aware of on the 66th Illinois (formerly 14th Missiouri) or Birge's Western Sharpshooters. Even then, as it covers Co. D, it isn't a complete account of the unit.