The Story of the Raising and Organization of a Regiment of Volunteers in 1862: Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Commandery of the District of Columbia, War Papers 46

"The Story of the Raising and Organization of a Regiment of Volunteers in 1862," prepared by Brevet Brigadier General Ellis Spear, U.S. Volunteers, is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This book delves into the recruitment and training of a volunteer regiment during the American Civil War, specifically highlighting the challenges and experiences of organizing these troops in the face of urgency and a lack of military preparation. In this narrative, Spear recounts the grassroots efforts that led to the establishment of the regiment, which was the last to be organized in its state under President Abraham Lincoln's call for more troops. He describes the varied backgrounds of the men and their officers, from inexperienced farmers and clerks to young lawyers, emphasizing the chaotic and often humorous circumstances surrounding their enlistment. As the regiment transitions from civilian life to military training, Spear shares anecdotes of awkward drills and the first encounters with military discipline, ultimately illustrating their rapid transformation into effective soldiers who fought valiantly in battles like Antietam and Gettysburg. The story reflects both the human spirit and the complexities of raising an army during a time of great national crisis.