The Twenty-fifth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion : history, reminiscences, description of battle of Irish Bend, carrying of pay roll, roster

A young, determined group of volunteers from Hartford and Tolland Counties formed the Twenty‑fifth Regiment in the autumn of 1862, driven by a fierce sense of patriotism and a commitment to discipline. Their first test came in March 1863, when they forged a crucial bridge across Bayou Sara under fire, holding a forward position while the main Union force closed in on Port Hudson. The regiment’s early days are marked by the stark contrast of battlefield bravery and the hardships of camps like the infamous “Camp Misery,” where a single act of kindness—coffee delivered by a weary quartermaster—became a lifeline for the men.

The volume blends official reports with vivid personal recollections. Private Samuel Ellis recalls the grinding march to Irish Bend and the brutal loss suffered there, while Major Thomas McManus provides a detailed account of that clash. Lieutenant Henry Goodell’s description of how the regiment’s pay was hauled to New Orleans adds a practical glimpse into the logistics of war.

Together, these narratives offer listeners an intimate portrait of ordinary soldiers confronting extraordinary challenges, revealing the grit, camaraderie, and daily realities that defined the regiment’s early campaign.