The Second Texas Infantry: From Shiloh to Vicksburg

by Joseph E. Chance

Photographs, notes, dust jacket in archival mylar cover.

Genres: History, American Civil War

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[John Calvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book for anyone interested in the History of what is called the American Civil War, or more properly the War for Southern Independence, especially if you are interested in the role played by Texans. The book fallows the exploits of the 2nd Texas Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was actually the First Texas Regiment to be organized for the war. The Regiment distinguished itself in many battles, starting its glorious career at the bloody battle of Shiloh Hill, which resulted in a total of 23,000 casualties in two days. The book ends shortly after the 2nd Texas Regiment is captured at the fall of Vicksburg, the Regiment is paroled, and later exchanged, but serves the rest of the war in Texas. The courage of the men of the 2nd Texas Infantry is evident in that they initially set out with nearly 1,500 men, but when the regiment was paroled at Vicksburg, scarcely 350 men were fit for active duty. As a study in what life was like for the common Soldier in the Confederate army, this is an excellent short book.

[Brett Marko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good interesting story of this Civil War unit. There is some very interesting facts and neat personal stories gathered in this book. Yet the book is poorly written in places with the context being cumbersome to read.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being located west of the Mississippi River, Texas provided numerous regiments to the Confederacy. The Second Texas Infantry started its military career in the Mississippi military department provided a solid backbone for Confederate forces.