Tag Archives: Zouave

A Member of the 8th Missouri Infantry Reflects on Why He Enlisted

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Kristen Pawlak

One of the most thorough and remarkable diaries I have come across from a Missouri soldier is from a non-commissioned officer in the 8th Missouri Infantry. A German immigrant and Peoria, Illinois resident, Phillip A. Smith joined the “American Zouaves” … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Soldier, Primary Sources, Trans-Mississippi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Every Free, Able-bodied White Male Citizen: Two Examples of Militia Readiness in Antebellum America Part III                    

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Meg Groeling

Also in 1859, young Elmer Ellsworth became captain of a moribund militia company, the National Guard Cadets of Chicago, Illinois. Ellsworth had developed a statewide reputation as a drillmaster, and agreed to take on the challenge of rebuilding this group … Continue reading →

Posted in Antebellum South, Common Soldier, Memory, Personalities | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment