New Soldier

[allenhs]

Hey again!

I'm working on a novel set during the war, and I was wondering what soldiers, especially conscripts, experienced upon first entering camp after leaving training (if they went to a training camp at all). How were they assigned to their companies? How was their equipment issued to them? Did soldiers every experience hazing from veterans?
Of course, everyone would have had a different experience, but generally, what were the first few days like for a new soldier?

H. Allen

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

Hey again!

I'm working on a novel set during the war, and I was wondering what soldiers, especially conscripts, experienced upon first entering camp after leaving training (if they went to a training camp at all). How were they assigned to their companies? How was their equipment issued to them? Did soldiers every experience hazing from veterans?
Of course, everyone would have had a different experience, but generally, what were the first few days like for a new soldier?

H. Allen

My paternal 2 x great-grandfather was a 39 year-old Confederate conscript from Wilkes County, NC.

David reported for duty (training) at Camp Vance, Morganton, NC. Feb.14,1864. Probably after about 6 weeks of Civil War " Basic Training " he is issued clothing before being sent to the front lines and the 13th NC infantry in Virginia. He probably arrived shortly before U.S Grant. David probably took part in some of the war's bloodiest battles during the war's final two years.

 

[leftyhunter]

Hey again!

I'm working on a novel set during the war, and I was wondering what soldiers, especially conscripts, experienced upon first entering camp after leaving training (if they went to a training camp at all). How were they assigned to their companies? How was their equipment issued to them? Did soldiers every experience hazing from veterans?
Of course, everyone would have had a different experience, but generally, what were the first few days like for a new soldier?

H. Allen

The state of Tn established a huge collection of testimonials from ACW soldiers circa 1900. They included both testimonials from Union and CSA soldiers from Tn.Lots of good information. One of the Tn federal troops just received something like two weeks training then he was on the front lines. Probably a FNG ( Friendly New Guy of course ) was kept more or less at arms length until "he saw the elephant) . Training varied wildly depending on who the commander of the training camp was , the experience of the NCO's how much food is available, sanitary conditions make a huge difference since sick and dying recruits can only learn so much. How well are the men protected against the elements? Most soldiers didn't get a lot of live fire practice with the exception of a small handful of regiments such has Sharpshooter battalions on both sides.
One of the best training camps was Camp Dick Robertson in Ky which trained mostly troops from Ky and Tn . It was commanded by General George Thomas who was an instructor at West Point and on very good terms with his fellow Virginian; Commandant Col. Robert E. Lee. When the ACW started Thomas stayed loyal to the Union Lee didn't the rest they say is history.
Leftyhunter

 

[allenhs]

The state of Tn established a huge collection of testimonials from ACW soldiers circa 1900. They included both testimonials from Union and CSA soldiers from Tn.Lots of good information. One of the Tn federal troops just received something like two weeks training then he was on the front lines. Probably a FNG ( Friendly New Guy of course ) was kept more or less at arms length until "he saw the elephant) . Training varied wildly depending on who the commander of the training camp was , the experience of the NCO's how much food is available, sanitary conditions make a huge difference since sick and dying recruits can only learn so much. How well are the men protected against the elements? Most soldiers didn't get a lot of live fire practice with the exception of a small handful of regiments such has Sharpshooter battalions on both sides.
One of the best training camps was Camp Dick Robertson in Ky which trained mostly troops from Ky and Tn . It was commanded by General George Thomas who was an instructor at West Point and on very good terms with his fellow Virginian; Commandant Col. Robert E. Lee. When the ACW started Thomas stayed loyal to the Union Lee didn't the rest they say is history.
Leftyhunter

Where can I find the testimonials from Tennessee? Is it online, or do I need to go to a library (in Tennessee...)

 

[leftyhunter]

Where can I find the testimonials from Tennessee? Is it online, or do I need to go to a library (in Tennessee...)

Online I forgot the web address. I will try to find the web address. Tennessee has a State Historical Society they should know.
Leftyhunter

 

[leftyhunter]

Where can I find the testimonials from Tennessee? Is it online, or do I need to go to a library (in Tennessee...)

Check with the Tennessee State Historical Society and the Tennessee State Library. One of our postets once posted the list
.I couldn't easily goggle it.
Leftyhunter