The 4th Michigan Volunteer Infantry was one of the first Michigan regiments to answer President Lincoln's call for troops in 1861. The regiment served from June 1861 through June 1864 with the focus primarily on the 4th Michigan role during their action at New Bridge, on May 24, 1862 just five miles outside the Confederate capital in Richmond Virginia. Under the command of Colonel Dwight A. Woodbury, the 4th Michigan would suffer casualties but not as severe as they would be in future battles such as, Gains Mill, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and Wilderness.

This fascinating narrative tells the story of a remarkable regiment at the center of Civil War history. The real-life adventure emerges from accounts of scores of soldiers who served in the 4th Michigan Infantry, gleaned from their diaries, letters, and memoirs; the reports of their officers and commanders; the stories by journalists who covered them; and the recollections of the Confederates who fought against them. The book includes tales of life in camp, portraying the Michigan soldiers as everyday people—recounting their practical jokes, illnesses, political views, personality conflicts, comradeship, and courage. The book also tells the true story of what happened to Colonel Harrison Jeffords and the 4th Michigan when the regiment marched into John Rose's wheat field on a sweltering early July evening at Gettysburg. Beyond the myths and romanticized newspaper stories, this account presents the historical evidence of Jeffords's heroic, yet tragic, hand-to-hand struggle for his regiment's U.S. flag.

Orvey S. Barrett's 'Reminiscences, Incidents, Battles, Marches and Camp Life of the Old 4th Michigan Infantry: 1861-1864' provides a firsthand account of the experiences of the 4th Michigan Infantry during the American Civil War. Barrett eloquently narrates the battles, hardships, and day-to-day life of the soldiers, offering a glimpse into the realities of war. His writing style is vivid and detailed, immersing the reader in the historical context of the mid-19th century America. This book is a valuable source for understanding the Civil War from the perspective of those who lived through it. Orvey S. Barrett, a veteran of the 4th Michigan Infantry, draws on his personal experiences and observations to paint a compelling picture of the war. His dedication to preserving the memory of his comrades and documenting the history of the regiment is evident throughout the book. Barrett's unique position as a participant in the events he describes lends authenticity and depth to his narrative. I highly recommend 'Reminiscences, Incidents, Battles, Marches and Camp Life of the Old 4th Michigan Infantry: 1861-1864' to anyone interested in the Civil War, military history, or personal accounts of wartime experiences. Barrett's detailed recollections offer a moving and informative portrayal of a tumultuous period in American history.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Fourth Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry was organized at Adrian, Michigan, and Mustered into United States Service June 20, 1861, for three years. It was quartered in the North College building, of the group of buildings situated at extreme west suburbs of City. Was commanded by Dwight A. Woodbury. It was presented by the ladies of Adrian, with a beautiful flag. The Regiment left its Rendezvous June 25th, for Washington, numbering on its rolls 1025, officers and men. In his orders for the movement, Colonel Woodbury said: "Let each man remember that he has the honor of Michigan in his keeping." The first appearance of the Regiment, while passing through Cleveland, Ohio, brought from the Leader of that city, the following notice of MICHIGAN TROOPS.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.