A Corporal in the 96th Illinois

[Nanabozo]

My great grandfather was a corporal in the 96th Illinois. I have read all his surviving letters, but still don't understand fully what his responsibilities were. Hardee's "Tactics" discuss corporal positioning for platoons. Billings "Hardtack & Coffee" talks about mounting guards. My great grandfather also took charge of small work parties, presided at funerals. But what else? Did he have a squad of men he was responsible for? Any help appreciated.

 

[Michael C. Hardy]

Have you seen a book called Kautz's Customs of Service for Non-Commissioned Officers and Service Men (1864)? Check out this link. The details for corporals start with paragraph 313. https://www.64thill.org/drillmanuals/kautzs_customsofservice/enlisted/index.htm

 

[The Walking Dead]

My great grandfather was a corporal in the 96th Illinois. I have read all his surviving letters, but still don't understand fully what his responsibilities were. Hardee's "Tactics" discuss corporal positioning for platoons. Billings "Hardtack & Coffee" talks about mounting guards. My great grandfather also took charge of small work parties, presided at funerals. But what else? Did he have a squad of men he was responsible for? Any help appreciated.

Do you know what Company of the 96th Illinois he served with? Have you seen the following new book?

The Bonds of War: A Story of Immigrants and Esprit de Corps in Company C, 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry by Diana Dretske