Conspicuous Gallantry: The Civil War and Reconstruction Letters of James W. King, 11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry ed. by Eric R. Faust, and: The 11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War: A History and Roster by Eric R. Faust (review)
- Conspicuous Gallantry: The Civil War and Reconstruction Letters of James W. King, 11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry ed. by Eric R. Faust, and: The 11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War: A History and Roster by Eric R. Faust
Eric R. Faust, currently a software engineer, is the great-great grandson of James W. King, who served in the Eleventh Michigan Volunteer Infantry. A lifelong enthusiast of the Civil War, Faust sets out to prove why the Eleventh Michigan deserves recognition, recovering it from obscurity among the myriad of countless regimental histories. He accomplishes this undertaking through two new publications on this little known unit of Wolverines. Both Conspicuous Gallantry and The 11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry provide thorough examinations of their meritorious service throughout the conflict.
Faust's familial connection provided the motivation to research and edit this project into Conspicuous Gallantry, a collection of letters between King and his friends and family. James King's commentary indicates he was educated and well read, which adds to the readability of this tome. Multiple characteristics place this compilation apart from other such volumes. These letters are not merely confined to King's service in the war but also speak of his transition back into civilian life and show the true experience of being a soldier involved in more than fighting battles. Also present in his communiqués is the courtship between him and Sarah Jane "Jenny" Babcock, his future wife. James W. King and the men who volunteered to fight in August 1861 had little idea what to expect. The bulk of the letters explain the monotony of camp life, as most of the time spent in the army was encamped or on the march. Additionally, King's letters bring to light with vivid clarity the [End Page 157] toughest enemy the soldiers faced, disease, observing as early as January 1862 that "sickness will kill more than the leaden ball" (36). Holding posts of clerk, hospital aide, and quartermaster sergeant provided King with an exceptional perspective to observe camp life.
King's letters show the Victorian Age courting process, as well. Often, both James and Jenny were too shy to fully express their feelings, and on one occasion it was clear that Jenny asked, out of embarrassment, that a letter be burned once it was read. As James becomes hardened by war, he is bolder in expressing his feelings and love openly. The survival of letters following King's active duty in the Union army is another unique quality of the collection. James and his new bride moved to the South in 1866, hoping to make a profit farming cotton. These letters dispel the common conception of the carpetbagger; rather, the King family was well received and made an honest attempt to assimilate with the former Confederates. While the majority of James King's writings express monotony, the Eleventh Michigan participated in major engagements. For the most part, James experienced little of direct battle, due to his role with the quartermaster, and he often was miles from the front. However, during the battle of Missionary Ridge, King charged ahead of the regiment on two occasions. In each, he was one of the first Union troops to meet the enemy. For his efforts, he received a severe wound to his right arm, but his gallantry that day would earn him a nomination for the Medal of Honor.
Readers who are interested in more about the regiment can find it presented in Faust's second book, The 11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry. In this work, the author further cements his argument that not only his relative King but the entire unit has suffered from an unfair anonymity. The Eleventh Michigan has gone unnoticed in large part because of the...
