Common or Uncommon?

[Marley Scrooge]

In recent genealogical research, I found out about a great great great that spent the entirety of the war of northern aggression; but I find something curious. By what I find, he was there from the first day to the last--wound up under General Ewell. He was still a Private at the end of the war... it doesn't seem to me this would be normal..? Did he get into a lot of trouble or was this actually not so uncommon. I just figured with all the casualties/fatalities anybody in that long would have moved up.

 

[John Winn]

As I said in response to your intro post, I think it more common than not.

 

[Marley Scrooge]

As I said in response to your intro post, I think it more common than not.

My apologies, I'm brand new in here and I haven't been able to figure out how to get back to my "Intro Post".

 

[John Winn]

My apologies, I'm brand new in here and I haven't been able to figure out how to get back to my "Intro Post".

No problem. Posting your question here is, in fact, a good idea as it will likely get more readers and responses.

To get back to your intro post you click on the 'forums' tab at the top of the page. You will see them all listed. Click on the new recruits forum; all the threads in that forum will show up as a list. You can then click on yours. You can then edit (for a limited time) or make a new post.

 

[Marley Scrooge]

No problem. Posting your question here is, in fact, a good idea as it will likely get more readers and responses.

To get back to your intro post you click on the 'forums' tab at the top of the page. You will see them all listed. Click on the new recruits forum; all the threads in that forum will show up as a list. You can then click on yours. You can then edit (for a limited time) or make a new post.

Thank you. I knew it had to be simple; I just didn't see the new recruits somehow I guess. Thank you again.

 

[John Winn]

You are most welcome. Glad to have been of service.

Hang in there. We have members from many different time zones so it might take a bit to get some responses but folks here are most helpful and knowledgeable and I predict you'll get some useful answers.

 

[Marley Scrooge]

Yessir, I've already found out that there was also a William Crumpler with the Union. "My" William Crumpler was with the 6th Louisiana Cavalry and wound up under General Ewell.

 

[Taylin]

Most soldiers were privates and stayed privates. All my ancestors but 1 so far have been privates and remained so through the duration of the war.

 

[AUG]

Hard to say; it depends on a number of factors.

In units that served throughout many major battles and were often in the thick of things, I think many if not the majority of the original privates were usually either killed, died of disease, or were discharged for wounds or other reasons before the war's end and before promotion. Due to so many losses sustained, a number would have risen to a NCO and possibly higher.

But in other units not as heavily engaged or those serving in non-combat role, perhaps a greater number of men remained privates throughout the war, from beginning to end.

 

[WJC]

In recent genealogical research, I found out about a great great great that spent the entirety of the war of northern aggression; but I find something curious. By what I find, he was there from the first day to the last--wound up under General Ewell. He was still a Private at the end of the war... it doesn't seem to me this would be normal..? Did he get into a lot of trouble or was this actually not so uncommon. I just figured with all the casualties/fatalities anybody in that long would have moved up.

Some men did not want the responsibilities that went with promotion. I have seen at least one Ohio soldier who is recorded in muster rolls as having been promoted but after a time asked to return to Private.

 

[Larryh86GT]

Even in modern times there are some that are not interested in promotion. And then
there are others who get promoted and for various reasons get demoted.

 

[Marley Scrooge]

I appreciate y'all's responses; thank you very much for the info. I've no internet at home and I'm leaving for now..chat with you later!