ePub Glory Was Not Their Companion: The Twenty-Sixth New York Volunteer Infantry In the Civil War by Paul Taylor in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Don't Forget the VolunteersBy R. HoustonGood summary of a regiment of volunteers that faced a frustrating phase of the Union war effort but deserves to be commemorated. It includes the good; the bad; and the ugly.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Though glory escaped them; they performed their duty wellBy BomojazThe 26th New York Volunteers was a two-year unit created in the spring of 1861 in Oneida County; New York; after a somewhat unexceptional time of it mainly at Antietam; Second Bull Run; Fredericksburg; and Chancellorsville; the unit mustered out in May 1863. In researching this book; Paul Taylor was surprised at the sparsity of material relating to the regiment (no regimental history ever written; few papers or records in various archives in New York and Washington); and hoped to correct this flaw. He's done a wonderful job.After spending a number of months stationed at Ft. Lyon outside Washington; the unit saw its first action at Cedar Mountain. Finding themselves unscathed after that prelude to Second Bull Run; they moved on to the real thing. Routed by Longstreet's Corps on the second day of the battle; the 26th lost 169 men; among the highest casualty figures for any infantry regiment at the battle. But their nadir was yet to come. A few weeks later; at Antietam; their commander; Col. William H. Christian; had an emotional breakdown as he was leading his men near the Dunker Church; and fled the field (he resigned two days later). Once the regiment (actually brigade - Christian had been leading the Second Brigade; of which the 26th was a part) was brought back in order by Gen. Truman Seymour; they fought well; though not long (after two hours they were done for the day).Their next trial occurred at Fredericksburg in December 1862. Attached to Gibbon's Second Division on the extreme Union left; the unit was heavily assaulted by Stonewall Jackson's Second Corps after crossing the Rappahannock River. A disaster for the whole Union army; two Medal of Honor recipients emerged from the 26th in this battle. Their final battle took place the following May at Chancellorsville. Positioned on the Union right; the 26th saw little action after spending a day digging trenches and rifle pits. The capture of three rebel prisoners seems to be their only contribution to the battle. The army retreated the next day; and the 26th made their way back to Utica; NY; where they mustered out near the end of the month.Unlike other regimental histories where there are plenty of diaries or letters to choose from; there is very little from soldiers of the 26th. Taylor was able to find scraps of contemporary pieces here and there; and uses them effectively (one just wishes there were more). His research is impeccable; and his account of the regiment is complete; detailed; and interesting. Included in an 80-page appendix is an annotated listing of all the members of the 26th New York who fought in the war. Pleasant to read; the book is an excellent resource book for anyone interested in this particular fighting unit.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An obscure regimentBy James P. MccorryThis really is a new regimental. Nothing had been done until the author produced this work. All sources have been examined. The appendix lists all soldiers and their war records. Every person in the regiment is accounted for. I wish other regimentals did this as it brings the unit to life. The author is a good writer and tells a great story of a unheraled unit who did their job to save the Union. 5 stars.