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.

Table of Contents


Acknowledgments

Preface

¿1.¿Fortifying the Moral High Ground, April-September 1861

¿2.¿The Turkey Review, September-December 1861

¿3.¿Waning Crescent, January-May 1862

¿4.¿Tit for Tat, May-June 1862

¿5.¿Colonel of Truth, June-August 1862

¿6.¿Ranks All Dressed and Nowhere to Run, August 1862

¿7.¿Louisiana Burning, August 1862-March 1863

¿8.¿Out of the Pantry and into the Gunfire, March-May 1863

¿9.¿Once More Unto the Breach, Dear Friends, May-July 1863

10.¿Selective Memories

Appendix A: Statistical Analysis

Appendix B: Unit Roster

Chapter Notes

Bibliography

Index