The 6th Michigan Volunteer Infantry first deployed to Baltimore, where the soldiers’ exemplary demeanor charmed a mainly secessionist population. Their subsequent service along the Mississippi River was a perfect storm of epidemic disease, logistical failures, guerrilla warfare, profiteering, martinet West Pointers and scheming field officers, along with the doldrums of camp life punctuated by bloody battles. The Michiganders responded with alcoholism, insubordination and depredations. Yet they saved the Union right at Baton Rouge and executed suicidal charges at Port Hudson. This first modern history of the controversial regiment concludes with a statistical analysis, a roster and a brief summary of its service following conversion to heavy artillery.

Eric R. Faust has written three books about the exploits of Michigan troops during the Civil War. He lives in Palo Alto, California.

Eric R. Faust

Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 301
Bibliographic Info: 66 photos, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2020
pISBN: 978-1-4766-8075-0
eISBN: 978-1-4766-3898-0
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi
Preface 1
1. Fortifying the Moral High Ground, April–September 1861 3
2. The Turkey Review, September–December 1861 27
3. Waning Crescent, January–May 1862 48
4. Tit for Tat, May–June 1862 68
5. Colonel of Truth, June–August 1862 89
6. Ranks All Dressed and Nowhere to Run, August 1862 104
7. Louisiana Burning, August 1862–March 1863 119
8. Out of the Pantry and into the Gunfire, March–May 1863 137
9. Once More Unto the Breach, Dear Friends, May–July 1863 154
10. Selective Memories 171
Appendix A: Statistical Analysis 189
Appendix B: Unit Roster 192
Chapter Notes 235
Bibliography 277
Index 287

“An excellent job of presenting a balanced, fair, and objective account of both the heroic service and numerous depredations characteristic of the 6th Michigan….well written, historically accurate, and treats the good and bad in a balanced fashion…highly recommended”—Civil War News