History of the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry: Vortex of Hell

by Brian C. Pohanka, Patrick A. Schroeder (Editor), Cricket Bauer (Editor)

Where the Regiment stood that day was the very vortex of Hell, ; Andrew Coats, Private, Duryée s Zouaves, remembering the Battle of Second Manassas. On April 12th, 1861, a group of military enthusiasts gathered in Manhattan to form a two-year volunteer regiment in support of the Union cause. Their unanimous choice for commander was Colonel Abram Duryée, a wealthy mahogany importer with three decades of militia experience. At Duryée's suggestion the new unit was outfitted in a colorful variation of the Zouave uniform, described by one reporter as a wild Saracenic costume. The flashy attire and Duryée's reputation attracted hundreds of eager volunteers for the Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry. Nicknamed Duryée's Zouaves, the Fifth was one of the most renowned fighting regiments of the American Civil War. Their colorful Zouave uniform, precise maneuvers, effectiveness in combat, and steady bearing under fire won them universal respect and recognition. Many observers considered the Fifth New York to be the best-drilled volunteer unit in the Federal Army. After suffering the heaviest casualties in the first engagement of the Civil War at Big Bethel, the regiment was posted to Baltimore before joining McClellan s Army of the Potomac for the Peninsular Campaign. The Zouaves proved their fighting prowess at the battle of Gaines Mill inflicting the highest number of Confederate casualties on the 1st South Carolina Rifles that day. Just over two months later the Fifth suffered a similar fate in a vain attempt to stop General Longstreet s assault at Second Manassas. Despite losing 330 men that day, the Fifth soldiered on with an influx of new recruits at the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville before mustering out of service in May 1863. Nine of its soldiers attained the rank of general. Drawing from period sources such as regimental records and soldier letters and recollections, Vortex of Hell recounts their journey from citizens to soldiers, in camp and in battle, and beyond.

Genres: Civil War

664 pages, Hardcover

First published November 13, 2012

Reviews

[Mark Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life work of the author, and it shows his passion, dedication and respect for the men of the regiment. The individuals of the unit are given flesh and blood in the text and in dozens of full page photos with accompanying biographical information. It's interesting that the actual combat experience of this famous regiment was primarily limited to a tough stand up slugfest early in the battle of Gaines Mill and their legendary sacrifice at Second Manassas, ten or twenty minutes being rolled over by Hood's Texas Brigade with great slaughter to the regiment. Yet we come to appreciate the unit as a whole, throughout their wartime experiences through the masterful descriptions of Pohanka. This volume includes some of the most effective discussions of life in camp, expressing the punishments meted out to the men for discipline and their general disgust with most of their officers. A fascinating look into the day to day life of a Civil War regiment, highly recommended.

[Bill Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will short and sweet. The absolute best regimental history ever written. I'm an amateur Civil War Historian, so fairly well versed in the Civil War. This book has added so much to my knowledge especially coming from the Union side of battles especially Big Bethel, Gaines Mill and 2nd Battle of Manassas. The knowledge gained about General Warren as well is extremely valuable. If Brian Pohanka would have lived, I can only imagine what other books he may have written. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION FOR A BOOK EVER FROM ME.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. A great legacy for the late author, Brian Pohanka. His obvious love of the regiment and its history shows at every level. Wonderful correspondence from the soldiers of the regiment, combined with clear narrative history of the regiment’s actions and movements. Also greatly enjoyed the many pictures and “mini-bios” of individual soldiers inserted throughout the book. Can’t recommend this enough to Civil War buffs.

[Stephen Aguirre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important to read, pleased I did so.

[Joe Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply one of the best books about a regiment that fought during the Civil War. This is the late author and historian Brian Pohanka's master work.