Expert: Jason Grabill - 4/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: Let's take as an example, an able-bodied Irish American from New York City, who, on turning 16 in the Spring of 1864, decided to enlist in the Union army without his parents knowledge. Would he be admitted? Where and how long might he have trained before seeing action? And how might he be conveyed to his unit after completing his training?

ANSWER: Bryan:

  Yes.  He'd be enlisted but he'd have to lie about his age.  He'd then be sent directly to whatever unit was closest to him (unless he enlisted under certain recruitment programs for Cavalry, Artillery, or select infantry units).   

 There was no 'recruit training' per-se as we know it today, each unit basically was responsible for training it's own recruits (or, 'fresh fish' as they were commonly known then).  Basic instruction in handling the rifle, and drill, were the only things that were taught for the most part.

 If he was going to an already established unit he'd be taken to it by train, and usually with a large group of other 'fish'.

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Jason. That was very helpful. Would he have to say he was 18 to qualify? And are there any reference sources that you'd particularly recommend for understanding what this experience might have been like?

Answer
Bryan:

 Yes, basically.  He could have enlisted with a parental signature as well.

 There are numerous books out there by notable authors, including first person accounts.   You might try searching google using the terms 'civil war recruit' 'civil war recruiting' and the like.  It all depends on what you are looking for in the way of information, but it's out there.

Jason