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Service With the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers: Four Years with the Iron Brigade
Maj. Gen. McClellan: “What troops are those fighting in the Pike?”
Maj. Gen. Hooker: “General Gibbon’s brigade of Western men.”
Maj. Gen. McClellan: “They must be made of iron.”
And so, during the Battle of South Mountain, a prelude to the Battle of Antietam, this brigade earned its famous title as the “Iron Brigade”.
Once McClellan had heard of their actions during the Second Battle of Bull Run, where they were facing off against a superior force under Stonewall Jackson, he is said to have stated that they were the “best troops in the world.”
Rufus R. Dawes was a captain with the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, that along with 2nd and 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiments, the 19th Indiana, Battery B of the 4th U.S. Light Artillery, and later in the war the 24th Michigan, formed the Iron Brigade.
Although only in his early twenties at the beginning of the war he rapidly became an important leader in the famous brigade and by the end of the war was brevetted as a brigadier general for meritorious service.
One of his most famous actions was on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg when he led a counterattack on the confederate forces under Brigadier General Joseph R. Davis and forced the surrender of more than two hundred enemy soldiers.
Service With the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers records in brilliant detail all of the actions that he and his regiment were involved in, including Second Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Yet this book is not simply an account of the military activities that took place as he also recorded his feelings and moods, and included details about daily camp life and individual soldiers.
Rufus Dawes derived all of the books material from his diaries and letters. He realized the value of a statement made at the moment as to his experiences, and he appreciated fully the treacherous nature of memory. He believed contemporaneous expression in letters and diaries provided material of historical value. He had the material and the ability to write a superb history of the grueling service of this famous regiment, but he felt that the story of his personal experiences and impressions written at the time would be of greater value, and so this book is not only account of the regiment, it is also a very personal account of one man’s view of the Civil War.
This book deserves to be read and enjoyed by all who wish to hear more about this brutal but fascinating conflict and to get to the heart of what the soldiers saw and thought.
Rufus R. Dawes was a military officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war he became a businessman, Congressman and author. His book Service With the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers was first published in 1890. He passed away in 1899.
Maj. Gen. Hooker: “General Gibbon’s brigade of Western men.”
Maj. Gen. McClellan: “They must be made of iron.”
And so, during the Battle of South Mountain, a prelude to the Battle of Antietam, this brigade earned its famous title as the “Iron Brigade”.
Once McClellan had heard of their actions during the Second Battle of Bull Run, where they were facing off against a superior force under Stonewall Jackson, he is said to have stated that they were the “best troops in the world.”
Rufus R. Dawes was a captain with the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, that along with 2nd and 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiments, the 19th Indiana, Battery B of the 4th U.S. Light Artillery, and later in the war the 24th Michigan, formed the Iron Brigade.
Although only in his early twenties at the beginning of the war he rapidly became an important leader in the famous brigade and by the end of the war was brevetted as a brigadier general for meritorious service.
One of his most famous actions was on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg when he led a counterattack on the confederate forces under Brigadier General Joseph R. Davis and forced the surrender of more than two hundred enemy soldiers.
Service With the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers records in brilliant detail all of the actions that he and his regiment were involved in, including Second Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Yet this book is not simply an account of the military activities that took place as he also recorded his feelings and moods, and included details about daily camp life and individual soldiers.
Rufus Dawes derived all of the books material from his diaries and letters. He realized the value of a statement made at the moment as to his experiences, and he appreciated fully the treacherous nature of memory. He believed contemporaneous expression in letters and diaries provided material of historical value. He had the material and the ability to write a superb history of the grueling service of this famous regiment, but he felt that the story of his personal experiences and impressions written at the time would be of greater value, and so this book is not only account of the regiment, it is also a very personal account of one man’s view of the Civil War.
This book deserves to be read and enjoyed by all who wish to hear more about this brutal but fascinating conflict and to get to the heart of what the soldiers saw and thought.
Rufus R. Dawes was a military officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war he became a businessman, Congressman and author. His book Service With the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers was first published in 1890. He passed away in 1899.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2012
179 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Rufus R. Dawes
10 booksRufus R. Dawes (1838-1899) was a military officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He used the middle initial "R" but had no middle name. He was noted for his service in the famed Iron Brigade, particularly during the Battle of Gettysburg.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 4, 2020
I purchased this memoir a long time ago; a republication with the Forward written by historian/author Alan T. Nolan. "Service" is a masterpiece. Rufus wrote it to "contribute something of value" to the memory of his battle comrades, and to provide his children "with a record of personal experiences". He succeeded! He has been quoted by historians for decades. Years later I discovered and researched hundreds of original family letters and diaries saved and archived at several libraries. These eloquent documents lay out a remarkable life story - before, during and after the Civil War. They reveal many amazing personal and military details that Rufus withheld from his memoir. So, I recently wrote a book about it all, recounting a story that even family descendants did not know, but have now warmly endorsed. It is a truly captivating saga that brings Rufus Dawes, Mary Gates, family members, friends and soldiers back to life.
April 12, 2019
A Real Treasure!
If you are an avid Civil War reader, this book will be a great pleasure. Plus, It provides an inside view of the Iron Brigade. I now have a better perspective of their role at Gettysburg.
If you are an avid Civil War reader, this book will be a great pleasure. Plus, It provides an inside view of the Iron Brigade. I now have a better perspective of their role at Gettysburg.
June 1, 2014
Amazing read. One of the best personal memoirs of the war.
June 19, 2019
After reading Team of rivals,
I liked the raw writing and how it was kept in period. Sometimes a little hard to follow who was speaking, but still enjoyed it
I liked the raw writing and how it was kept in period. Sometimes a little hard to follow who was speaking, but still enjoyed it
June 16, 2020
Good read!
Not what I was looking for (but I don't really know what that is/was). But still a damn good read. Would recommend this book to anyone interested in the civil war.
Not what I was looking for (but I don't really know what that is/was). But still a damn good read. Would recommend this book to anyone interested in the civil war.
August 12, 2019
I got this as part of a Kindle Fire download setup. Originally published in 1890, it is a collection of letters written by Brevet Brigadier General Rufus R. Dawes to various people, especially to "vbg," (very best girl). Arranged largely in chronological order, it tells the story of his Civil War experiences as only an eyewitness to that gut-wrenching event can tell.
As soon as Ft. Sumter was fired upon in April, 1861, Rufus Dawes was instrumental in helping to organize an enthusiastic group of volunteers who answered Lincoln's initial call. These enlistees, however, were no 90-day wonders. Their terms of enlistments were not really specified, which this writer did not know about, but they would not expire until 1864.
Rufus Dawes was appointed Captain and his new company called themselves the "Lemonweir Minute Men." Little did they know at that time that the Sixth Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, to which they would be assigned, would become a part of the famed "Iron Brigade" of the great Army of the Potomac and see some of the most intense fighting and gain some of the greatest fame of any Brigade in either army of the entire war.
One also sees the bravery, considered decisions during battle, and narrow escapes of death that Rufus Dawes experiences during combat, along with the untimely deaths and/or transfers of his superiors, that results in his own promotions through the commissioned ranks from Captain to Lieutenant-Colonel, the rank he held when mustered out after three years. His brevet as a Brigadier General at the time of the original publication of the book is not explained.
This is not a typical history text in that there is little to no analysis of troop movements or strategic decisions. It is simply an eye-witness account of what happens in battle to your front and immediate sides, and sometimes you don't know the whys and what fors. And that is what makes this primary source a unique and interesting read. But that can also sometimes be a source of frustration for this reader. For example, the 6th Wisconsin was stationed on Culp's Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg. After that action, Dawes' letters make little to no mention of the more famous actions on Little Round Top or perhaps the most famous infantry charge in U.S. History: Pickett's. His unit wasn't involved. But this is more than made-up for with vivid descriptions the following year about the carnage associated with the Wilderness Campaign. Surly this helped convince Rufus Dawes to honorably exit military service and go home when his obligations expired as his letters terminate at this point and the book is concluded with others.
Just as an interesting aside, Rufus Dawes happened to be the Great Grandson of William Dawes who, along with Samuel Prescott and Paul Revere helped to warn the Massachusetts countryside that April night in 1775 that the Regulars were coming! Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Civil War.
As soon as Ft. Sumter was fired upon in April, 1861, Rufus Dawes was instrumental in helping to organize an enthusiastic group of volunteers who answered Lincoln's initial call. These enlistees, however, were no 90-day wonders. Their terms of enlistments were not really specified, which this writer did not know about, but they would not expire until 1864.
Rufus Dawes was appointed Captain and his new company called themselves the "Lemonweir Minute Men." Little did they know at that time that the Sixth Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, to which they would be assigned, would become a part of the famed "Iron Brigade" of the great Army of the Potomac and see some of the most intense fighting and gain some of the greatest fame of any Brigade in either army of the entire war.
One also sees the bravery, considered decisions during battle, and narrow escapes of death that Rufus Dawes experiences during combat, along with the untimely deaths and/or transfers of his superiors, that results in his own promotions through the commissioned ranks from Captain to Lieutenant-Colonel, the rank he held when mustered out after three years. His brevet as a Brigadier General at the time of the original publication of the book is not explained.
This is not a typical history text in that there is little to no analysis of troop movements or strategic decisions. It is simply an eye-witness account of what happens in battle to your front and immediate sides, and sometimes you don't know the whys and what fors. And that is what makes this primary source a unique and interesting read. But that can also sometimes be a source of frustration for this reader. For example, the 6th Wisconsin was stationed on Culp's Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg. After that action, Dawes' letters make little to no mention of the more famous actions on Little Round Top or perhaps the most famous infantry charge in U.S. History: Pickett's. His unit wasn't involved. But this is more than made-up for with vivid descriptions the following year about the carnage associated with the Wilderness Campaign. Surly this helped convince Rufus Dawes to honorably exit military service and go home when his obligations expired as his letters terminate at this point and the book is concluded with others.
Just as an interesting aside, Rufus Dawes happened to be the Great Grandson of William Dawes who, along with Samuel Prescott and Paul Revere helped to warn the Massachusetts countryside that April night in 1775 that the Regulars were coming! Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Civil War.
October 31, 2020
A couple months ago, I made a pretty cool genealogical discovery: one of my ancestors, Johann Entringer, an immigrant from what is now modern day Germany, moved to Wisconsin and was drafted into the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, part of the famed Iron Brigade.
This discovery sent me for a loop, as I suddenly imagined links to some of the greatest events of the time-- the German Revolutions of 1848, Civil War battles like Antietam, Gettysburg, etc.-- and now I may be personally linked to them! Well, a bit more research later, I found out that he moved before the German revolutionary refugees did, and also he wasn't drafted until way after the most famous battles of the Civil War. Still, he did see action in some battles of the Siege of Petersburg, before falling ill and being out of action for the rest of the war.
So when I found this memoir, written by the colonel of the Sixth Wisconsin, I was ecstatic. What better way to find out the exploits of this regiment than through the direct experiences of one of its men? And for the most part, it was really interesting. The book is a combination of narrative recollections combined with letters home, to family, friends, and his wife. It gives an in depth picture of the brutality of the Civil War, made even worse once you realize that the Iron Brigade faced higher casualties than any other brigade in the war-- and the Civil War was known for horrendous casualties all around. Unfortunately for my interests though, Colonel Dawes career ended (through honorable discharge, not death) basically at the beginning of the Siege of Petersburg, so imagine my disappointment when my eyewitness narrator stopped his story just when my ancestor was getting involved in it. Go figure. Still, it was a very interesting account of the Civil War from an officer's perspective, and would recommend it for anyone interested in the Civil War, particularly in the common lives of soldiers.
This discovery sent me for a loop, as I suddenly imagined links to some of the greatest events of the time-- the German Revolutions of 1848, Civil War battles like Antietam, Gettysburg, etc.-- and now I may be personally linked to them! Well, a bit more research later, I found out that he moved before the German revolutionary refugees did, and also he wasn't drafted until way after the most famous battles of the Civil War. Still, he did see action in some battles of the Siege of Petersburg, before falling ill and being out of action for the rest of the war.
So when I found this memoir, written by the colonel of the Sixth Wisconsin, I was ecstatic. What better way to find out the exploits of this regiment than through the direct experiences of one of its men? And for the most part, it was really interesting. The book is a combination of narrative recollections combined with letters home, to family, friends, and his wife. It gives an in depth picture of the brutality of the Civil War, made even worse once you realize that the Iron Brigade faced higher casualties than any other brigade in the war-- and the Civil War was known for horrendous casualties all around. Unfortunately for my interests though, Colonel Dawes career ended (through honorable discharge, not death) basically at the beginning of the Siege of Petersburg, so imagine my disappointment when my eyewitness narrator stopped his story just when my ancestor was getting involved in it. Go figure. Still, it was a very interesting account of the Civil War from an officer's perspective, and would recommend it for anyone interested in the Civil War, particularly in the common lives of soldiers.
November 19, 2024
Dawes brings the horrors of the war to life. He does not stint in the description of both the suffering and the heroism of the men in the Iron Brigade, the most celebrated brigade in the Army of rhe Potomac. He gives a harrowing description of his brother’s loss of his jaw to a minie ball and the two lengthy surgeries, performed without anesthesia, which rebuilt it. Another heartbreaking story is the tale of how William, bis “contraband” servant, searched for his mother and brother after rhe war.
March 11, 2023
The glorious 6th Wisconsin
An excellent history and of the famous 6th Wisconsin, part of the legendary Iron Brigade in the Army of the Potomac. Col. Rufus Dawes, who eventually rose in the ranks to command the 6th, does himself and his comrades great service in relating this history.
An excellent history and of the famous 6th Wisconsin, part of the legendary Iron Brigade in the Army of the Potomac. Col. Rufus Dawes, who eventually rose in the ranks to command the 6th, does himself and his comrades great service in relating this history.
February 12, 2023
A great read
Based on letters saved by his wife and family, he provides a good first hand narrative of service at the forefront of the Army of the Potomac. This provides a unique, in the moment view of his personal experience.
Based on letters saved by his wife and family, he provides a good first hand narrative of service at the forefront of the Army of the Potomac. This provides a unique, in the moment view of his personal experience.
June 18, 2025
Phenomenal primary account from one of the most storied and decorated regiments in the history of the Civil War. Really brings you to the ground level of what these guys were seeing and experiencing, both in and out of combat. Loved this book. Also, kind of funny?
January 17, 2020
Actual memories of service for the union.
With all the inadequacy of real notes as opposed to history from a smooth story line
No memorial can more.
With all the inadequacy of real notes as opposed to history from a smooth story line
No memorial can more.
March 26, 2020
Very interesting
Excellent reading
Would recommend too any serious civil war student another view of daily life in the ranks
excellent view of major campain
Excellent reading
Would recommend too any serious civil war student another view of daily life in the ranks
excellent view of major campain
February 3, 2023
Rufus Dawes was a Union soldier who served in the legendary Iron Brigade, one of the toughest brigades in the Army of Potomac. They first fought at Second Manassas against the famous Stonewall Brigade and did well. Dawes provides us his time during the Civil War. He enlisted to crush the rebellion and had romantic views of the war like many did in the beginning. He wrote "What seemed to most concern our patriotic and ambitious young men was the fear that some one else would get ahead and crush the Rebellion before they got there."
The books covers Second Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg and many other battles. What I like about this memoir is Dawes focuses on the common soldier. It is not just the generals that get the attention. This is a valuable book that people should read to get the insights of a soldier at that time.
The books covers Second Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg and many other battles. What I like about this memoir is Dawes focuses on the common soldier. It is not just the generals that get the attention. This is a valuable book that people should read to get the insights of a soldier at that time.
April 7, 2019
A very well written account of the Sixth, the Iron Brigade
These letters home well chronicle the daily life and serious work of a Regiment in the most famous Brigade in the Army of the Potomac, a Regiment that fought in every major battle. The defensive strategy of staying between Lee and Washington by all before Grant and Grant's offensive strategy of continuous maneuvering to get between Lee and Richmond can clearly be seen by the movement of this famous Regiment.
These letters home well chronicle the daily life and serious work of a Regiment in the most famous Brigade in the Army of the Potomac, a Regiment that fought in every major battle. The defensive strategy of staying between Lee and Washington by all before Grant and Grant's offensive strategy of continuous maneuvering to get between Lee and Richmond can clearly be seen by the movement of this famous Regiment.
March 21, 2020
6th Wisconsin and Commander Rufus Dawes
This is a fabulous read on the history of the 6th Wisconsin Vol Infantry. Highly recommended if you are a CW freak or interested in Wisconsin history.
This is a fabulous read on the history of the 6th Wisconsin Vol Infantry. Highly recommended if you are a CW freak or interested in Wisconsin history.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews