The Sword and Gun: A History of the 37th Wis. Volunteer Infantry

A vivid account of a Wisconsin regiment’s birth in the spring of 1864, this volume follows the rapid rally of eager volunteers as they answer President Lincoln’s call for fresh troops. From the hurried mustering of companies in Madison to their first march toward Washington, the narrative captures the camaraderie, discipline, and hardships of soldiers transitioning from civilian life to the rigors of Civil‑War training. Readers will feel the pulse of camp life—tent conversions, drills, and the anticipation that swelled as the unit prepared for its first deployment.

The author, a former officer, weaves personal recollections with official records to present an honest, day‑by‑day picture of the regiment’s early months. He details the leadership’s efforts to shape the fledgling unit, the logistical challenges of outfitting men for battle, and the morale that sustained them as they set out for the war’s closing chapters. This concise history offers a window into the lived experience of ordinary men thrust into extraordinary circumstances, preserving their story for future generations.