Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion Volume 5; 32d-48th Regiments, Infantry, 1st Regiment African Infantry, and 1st-4th Batt (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1911 Excerpt: ... HISTORICAL SKETCH THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY The Thirty-seventh Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry occupies a distinct and unique position in the history of the great War of the Rebellion. It was composed exclusively of men who were exempt from the obligations of military duty. Prom the date of its organization, it came to be generally known and designated as the "Graybeard Regiment." Special authority was obtained from the Secretary of War to organize one regiment, composed of men who were over forty-five years of age, but who were in good physical condition, and therefore able to perform the duty of soldiers. It was understood, however, that the regiment was to be assigned to guard and garrison duty, and was not to be put upon active service in the field, except in the event of an emergency that would Justify its being ordered to perform such service.' It was a natural presumption that the patriotic men who were thus willing to ignore their legal right of exemption would--should the emergency arise--be found ready and willing to also ignore their exemption from the performance of the more arduous and dangerous duties of the soldier than those stipulated in the order. During the history of the regiment it was, as will be seen, called upon to occupy the post of danger, and was exposed to the fire of the enemy. Its greatest loss and suffering, however, was from disease--that most insidious foe of the soldier, both in camp and field. Reference to Its original roster reveals the fact that a great many of the men were beyond the age of sixty years, quite a number were between seventy and eighty, and one had reached the advanced age of eighty years. The ten companies of which the regiment was composed were ordered into quarters at Camp Stro...