"The Best Job in the Army" Topic

"Although my great-great grandfather Edward Willis was an illiterate Union private from Kentucky, he performed one of the most important jobs in an army: driving a commissary wagon.

Although it may have seemed like an inglorious job, the duty entailed at least three distinct perks. First, it allowed Edward, or any footsore infantryman, to sit rather than walk. Second, it put him in proximity to the food when it came to mealtime, always the brightest part of a soldier's day. Finally, Edward now could count himself as among the Army's most invaluable troops.

Providing sustenance to tens of thousands of men was a staggering task. Napoleon believed that "an army marches on its stomach," and it may have been equally true that the success of both the Union and Confederate war efforts rested squarely on the shoulders of each Army's respective commissary department. As Americans recover from the gluttonous feast that has become Thanksgiving, we should take a moment to consider the role food played in the drama of the Civil War…"
Full article here.
link

Hope you enjoy!.

Amicalement
Armand

My great-granddaddy was an infantry private in the 4th Minnesota until he was shot in the leg at Iuka – after a long stay in the hospital, he was posted as a Provost to a military hospital in Iowa – probably not as cosy as driving a commisary wagon, but close!

One greatx4 uncle – KIA Cold Harbor, Co. B, 27th MA VI, age 19.

One greatx4 uncle – POW Bermuda One Hundred, VA. – next Andersonville, Co. B, 27th MA VI., age 17 (he lied to stay with his brother above). Survived, but health shattered for life.

Greatx4 Grandfather – Deserter, Co. A, 10th MA, later after capture sent to 37th MA VI, only one of the brothers to have children. Thanks for running Great Grand Dad Philip.

My family was split down the middle. The Texas branch went south while the Kentucky branch went north. Of the Texas branch, 8 joined 4 survived (and the 4 survivors went on to become highly successful ranchers supplying horses to the US Army). The Kentucky branch were all riverman, all pilots. In in a time when a good river pilot was worth his weight in gold, they were not, if possible put in harm's way. All survived and went on to have long careers up and down the rivers.

Quite interesting good memories boys!.
Thanks for share.

Amicalement
Armand