These posts are part of a larger series highlighting the contributions and accomplishments of the Invalid Corps/Veteran Reserve Corps during the Civil War. This post only captures some of the activities of individual regiments. Clearly, this is an area ripe for additional research.

8th Regiment

Organized at Chicago, Ill., October 10, 1863, by consolidation of the 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 31st, 63rd, 78th, 81st, 83rd, 92nd and 96th Companies, 1st Battalion. Mustered out by detachments July 1 to November 20, 1865.

From November 1, 1864, to June 15, 1865, guarded rebel prisoners at Camp Douglas, Chicago. Daily number of prisoners varied from 9,000 to 11,800; number escaped, 8. Between 1,000 and 2,000 prisoners forwarded for exchange. Recruits forwarded, 1,954; stragglers and deserters, 308; bounty jumpers, 10; substitutes, 4; convalescents, 5; political prisoners, 10; total, 2,291; escapes, 6. Over 100 bushwhackers from Southern Illinois, who had come to Chicago to aid the projected rising of the prisoners, were captured by this regiment and other troops of the Veteran Reserve Corps.

This would be the regiment and Camp under the command of Benjamin Sweet. You can read his story and find out a lot more about the evens taking place in Chicago here – Benjamin Sweet: Hero or Monster at https://invalidcorpsfilm.nrbrown.com/2017/09/04/invalid-corps-officer-benjamin-sweet-hero-or-monster/

Reference:

The War of the Rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate Armies – https://archive.org/details/warrebellionaco17offigoog/page/n574

These posts are part of a larger series highlighting the contributions and accomplishments of the Invalid Corps/Veteran Reserve Corps during the Civil War. This post only captures some of the activities of individual regiments. Clearly, this is an area ripe for additional research.

7th Regiment

Organized October 10, 1863, by consolidation of the 46th, 56th, 62nd, 66th, 67th, 98th, 147th, 156th, 157th and 165th Companies, 1st Battalion. Mustered out by detachments June 30 to November 25, 1865.

Has performed continuous service as a part of the garrison of Washington. At one time guarded twenty-five posts in the city. One-third of the men and officers almost constantly on duty.

Reference:

The War of the Rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate Armies – https://archive.org/details/warrebellionaco17offigoog/page/n574

These posts are part of a larger series highlighting the contributions and accomplishments of the Invalid Corps/Veteran Reserve Corps during the Civil War. This post only captures some of the activities of individual regiments. Clearly, this is an area ripe for additional research.

6th Regiment

Organized at Washington, D.C., October 10, 1863, by consolidation of the 61st, 87th, 93rd, 95th, 100th, 112th, 164th, 167th, 169th and 170th Companies, 1st Battalion. Mustered out by detachments July 5 to November 25, 1865.

Nine companies guarded rebel prisoners on Johnson’s Island at the opening of the official year. Forty-five percent, of the men present for duty on guard every day. Daily average of prisoners, 2,761; number escorted to other posts, 1,144; total of these last escaped, 3. Company H patrolled disaffected counties for six months, enforcing the draft. Its operations were by night and involved much marching and exposure. It arrested over 100 deserters. Eight companies were stationed for a time at Cincinnati, guarding public property; 45 percent, of the men present constantly on guard.

Reference:

The War of the Rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate Armies –https://archive.org/details/warrebellionaco17offigoog/page/n574