This is the first scholarly history of the only regular army cavalry regiment raised during the Civil War. Unlike volunteer regiments raised by individual states; the regular regiments drew soldiers from across the country. By war's end 2;130 men and at least one woman from 29 states and 14 countries served in the 6th U.S. Cavalry. The regiment's initial cast of officers included two grandsons of a former president; a cousin of Confederate President Jefferson Davis; two cousins of the governor of Pennsylvania; the son of a Radical Republican senator who opposed President Lincoln; and a number of enlisted soldiers promoted from the ranks. The book relies heavily upon primary sources to tell the regiment's story in the words of the participants. These include dairies and letters of officers and enlisted soldiers alike; several of which are previously unpublished. Official reports are excerpted when appropriate to provide the commander's view of the regiment's performance.
#2875260 in Books 2012-09-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.90 x 1.10 x 8.20l; 2.05 #File Name: 0786448725412 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Civil War History At It's BestBy Jim Huffstodt; TallahasseeThis modern history of a famous Civil War division was long overdue The author provides a clear strong narrative and covers every aspect of the Reserves in detail. The battle descriptions are well-done and easily comprehended by readers unfamiliar with the Civil War. Another strong point is the numerous and detailed biographies of the officers who served with the Reserves during the war. General Ent is a fine military historian; his impressive research serves as a firm foundation for this in-depth picture of one of the Union's finest divisions.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Brought a wider perspective of the Pa Reserves together for ...By ButchBrought a wider perspective of the Pa Reserves together for me. Price is kind of high for this type of book though.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Pennsylania's Storm Troopers in the Civil WarBy A. A. NofiA summary of the review on StrategyPage.Com'Lincoln’s call for volunteers in the Spring of 1861 met with such enthusiasm that Pennsylvania found itself with thousands more troops than had been requested; and so formed the division-sized “Pennsylvania Reserves†at its own expense. This passed into federal service in mid-1861; and while the cavalry and artillery fought separately; the infantry stayed together as a division until discharged in 1864. In this; the first full history of the Reserves; Ent gives us a comprehensive look at its organization and operations through the war; in which it distinguished itself and also served almost as a schoolhouse for notable generals; George Meade; John Reynolds; and Samuel Crawford all in command at various times. Ent includes profiles of many of brigade; regimental; and even lower ranking officers. He also provides excellent footnotes; frequently with comment or analysis of sources where there are controversies. This is a very welcome addition to the literature of the war.'For the full review; see StrategyPage.Com
