For years I'd ignored...
a book because I didn't think it had any relevance to my research. It is, lightly edited, the "personal recollections" of Sgt. John A. Porter who served in Co. B, 76th Regt., PA Volunteer Infantry (1861-1865). My great-grandfather (Joseph Evans) had served in Co. K. Due to a lack of knowledge about military configurations, I had no idea that Co. B AND Co. K served at the same time and participated in the same battles.
Recently I had an opportunity to visit the GAR Museum in Philadelphia and speak with the archivists. Once again I was directed to this book. What made me want to get a copy? Learning that the two companies didn't serve consecutively (one being depleted or withdrawn and others formed to replace earlier ones), but that they served concurrently! No one had mentioned this to me in the past and I'm sure that I had pointed out the difference in companies.
As it turns out, this may be as close to a "Regimental History" as one gets for the 76th Regt. PVI. Yes, Bates has the list of battles, servicemen and "outlines" it movements. Porter provides (as I like to say) the "grunts" perspective.
"Conversation" can be so important when doing a job. Between hearing what others are talking about (and learning from them), as well as the tangents they can take resulting in "Ah Ha!" moments. It may takes years and, definitely, speaking with the right people. Luckily, before it was too late, I learned the value of Porter's work and Chisman's compilation of it.
https://lnkd.in/eVdyutqV
President, International Conference of Police Chaplains
2wCongratulations to an amazing group of individuals employed in selfless sacrifice for others!!!