John Melvin Williams, “The Eagle Regiment,” 8th Wis. Inf’ty Vols… 1st Ed.

Description

The Eagle Regiment, 8th Wis. Inf’ty Vols. was an early history of a famous regiment and its even more famous mascot.

The 8th Wisconsin was known as “The Eagle Regiment” and the outfit they were attached to was known as “The Eagle Brigade” because of the bald eagle mascot carried by the regiment. The bird known as “Old Abe” (it was female) travelled on its own custom perch and was carried into battle next to the National colors. At the Battle of Corinth legend has it that Confederate General Sterling Price commanded his troops to try to shoot the bird instead of the soldiers. They missed her.

Written by a “non-vet of Company H.” Silver anniversary inspired narrative of the “Old Eagle Eighth.” An amplification of the regiment’s history begun in 1864 by a Sgt. Major George W. Driggs, who then published a history of the regiment’s first two years.

Written in a singular, long narrative format. Details the “Eagle’s” role in the siege of Vicksburg. Brief biographical sketches of members of the regiment, rosters, recapitulations, desertions, and casualties.

Split/cracked hinge.; light chipping of the extremities; else very good & bright!

Williams, John Melvin. THE EAGLE REGIMENT, 8TH WIS INF’TY VOLS; A SKETCH OF ITS MARCHES, BATTLES, AND CAMPAIGNS FROM 1861 TO 1865. Belleville: 1890. 1st ed., 166p., quarto (Dornbusch-101).