Originally published in 1887, this work remains the only history of the First West Virginia Infantry ever published. Its twenty-five chapters contain comprehensive accounts the regiment's activities. This regiment was the first to be formed in West Virginia for defense of the Union. They participated in the first land battle of the Civil War at Philippi. They were subsequently engaged in guarding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and were mustered out of service in August 1861. Two days later Dr. Joseph Thoburn, the former surgeon of the regiment, organized the First Virginia Infantry for three years’ service. This reprint enhances Pvt. Rawling’s original work with an index, photographs, material from the Adjutant Generals Report of 1864, biographical data and statistical analysis of the regiment's service. It is hoped that the reappearance of this work in quality book form, after an absence of 115 years, will serve to reacquaint the reading public with the service these men provided to the fledgling state of West Virginia and to our great nation.
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Although Charles Rawling doubted his ability to write a regimental history worthy of praise, he succeeded quite well. His homespun writing style and first-hand knowledge of people and events served him well in compiling this work and his inclusion of rosters add substantial value to an already significant work. It is hoped that the reappearance of this work in quality book form, will serve to reacquaint the reading public with the service these men provided to the fledgling state of West Virginia and to our great nation.
Noted Civil War scholar, Tim McKinney has enhanced this reprint with an index, photographs, material from the Adjutant General’s Report of 1864, biographical data, and statistical analysis of the regiment’s service. The first in a series of classic Civil War reprints from Quarrier Press.
The First Virginia Infantry "90 Day" regiment left Wheeling in May, 1861 and soon participated in the first land battle of the Civil War at Philippi. They were subsequently engaged in guarding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Although their actual military service was brief, their accomplishments had long-term ramifications for the war in western Virginia. They were successful in keeping the lines of the B&O Railroad open and accessible for the movement of men and supplies. Their return to Wheeling was warmly greeted. On August 30, 1861 just two days after the 90 Day men were dismissed, Dr. Joseph Thoburn, the former surgeon of the regiment, began organizing the First Virginia Infantry for three years’ service. The three-year regiment was formally organized in October, 1861 and embarked upon military service that would carry it to campsites and battlefields near and far. The transformation of raw recruit to disciplined solider is not an easy one and the task was made more difficult by the urgency of the situation. Nevertheless, by December 1861 enlisted men and officers alike had learned the rudiments of warfare. They served until the end of the war and were mustered out of service on July 16, 1865.
From the Inside Flap
Written by Charles J. Rawling of Wheeling, WV and originally published in 1887 by the J.B. Lippincott Company of Philadelphia, this work remains the only history of the First West Virginia Infantry ever published. Its twenty-five chapters contain a well written and comprehensive account of this Union regiments activities from 1861 to 1865.
This regiment was the first to be formed in West Virginia for defense of the Union. It began Civil War service in early May 1861 as a regiment intended for three months’ service, under command of Colonel Benjamin F. Kelly. Although formed in Wheeling, far from the secession cry of eastern Virginia, this regiments formation was not without controversy. Public sentiment being strongly divided in the region it was thought best to arm and equip the First Virginia Infantry as soon as possible.
The regiment left Wheeling on May 27, 1861 and were soon joined by troops from Ohio. On June 3, 1861 they participated in the first land battle of the Civil War at Philippi. They were subsequently engaged in guarding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and were mustered out of service on August 28, 1861. Two days later Dr. Joseph Thoburn, the former surgeon of the regiment, began organizing the First Virginia Infantry for three years’ service. The three-year regiment was formally organized on October 30, 1861 and embarked upon military service that would carry it to campsites and battlefields near and far.
This reprint enhances Pvt. Rawling’s original work with an index, photographs, material from the Adjutant Generals Report of 1864, biographical data and statistical analysis of the regiments service. It is hoped that the reappearance of this work in quality book form, after an absence of 115 years, will serve to reacquaint the reading public with the service these men provided to the fledgling state of West Virginia and to our great nation.
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This review is from: History of the First Regiment West Virginia Infantry (Hardcover)
Since I had ancesters in this regiment I had a personal interest and once I started reading I couldn't put down the book. The rememberences of the soldiers and the plain writing style gave real insights into their lives and experiences. There are detailed descriptions of rations, clothes and living conditions. The book also gives insight into the soldiers patriotism and feelings both good and bad about commanders and strategies. The book also includes rosters of the soldiers and their companies and limited vital information.
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