Selected Bibliography of Reading about

The 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

Compiled by Susan L. Harnwell and other avid readers.

• See the Consolidated Lists of primary source documents and list of available photos at this site.
• Ford, Andrew E., "The Story of the Fifteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War 1861-1864," W. J. Coulter Press, 1898, available in reprint from Higginson Books

NEW ! Edwin R. Root and Jeffrey D. Stocker, "Isn't This Glorious: The 15th, 19th, and 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiments at Gettysburg’s Copse of Trees", Moon Trail Books, Hardcover, 237 pages, December 2005 (Ordering information here.)  It can also be ordered by calling the publisher at 610-866-6482.   Comment:  This book is wonderfully written and a terrific read.  I couldn't put it down.  The amount of research shows in every line.  By concentrating on a small part of a vast chaotic panorama, the writers have really been able to make the men and the moment come alive.  slh

Coco, Gregory A., editor, "From Ball's Bluff to Gettysburg...and Beyond: The Civil War Letters of Private Roland E. Bowen, 15th Massachusetts Infantry 1861-1864," Thomas Publications, P. O. Box 3031 Gettysburg, PA 17325, 1994. (1 Mar 98 - Gregory Coco writes me that if anyone wants to order this book from Thomas Publications, he will be glad to stop by their office and autograph it for you.  So remember to ask them if you decide to order there. slh) (or Order online at Amazon!) Comment: Bowen's letters are wonderful to read. In an age when posturing and gallantly posing was openly admired, Bowen shows a remarkably unvarnished and very human side of his life in the 15th MVI. The editor, G. Coco, has added tremendous amounts of research and filled in the background of many of the people, places and incidents with which Bowen was so familiar.  slh

• Daniels, George F., "History of Oxford Massachusetts", 1892

Comment from Will Melton: Daniels' book has extensive material on the regiment's formation and service including a list of members of Co. E, their age at the beginning of service, their occupations, rank, dates of enlistment and discharge, and residence as of 1890, if known. It also includes the roster of members of the regiment from Oxford who died in service.

On Ball's Bluff:

NEW ! Morgan, Jim, III, "A LITTLE SHORT OF BOATS : The Fights at Ball's Bluff and Edward's Ferry, October 21-22, 1861", Ironclad Publishing (October 2004) With the requisite keen understanding of the battlefield's terrain, Morgan has woven together a site-driven narrative in graceful style that is appropriately highlighted with participant's quotations. Featuring previously unused primary manuscript sources and a variety of first-hand accounts,  (Order online at Amazon!)

• Holien, Kim Bernard, "Battle at Ball's Bluff", Moss Publications (July 1996). (Order online at Amazon!)
• Phillips, Matthew, "Bungled River Crossing", in 'Civil War' magazine, date unknown.

Farwell, Byron, "Ball's Bluff: A Small Battle and its Long Shadow", EPM Publications, McLean, VA, 1990 Comment: Excellent recounting of the events in which the 15th MVI was fully involved, with extensive mention of the 15th. The surrounding political fallout is especially interesting. Unfortunately, there is no order of battle and requires some analysis to follow the 15th. slh  (Order online at Amazon!)

• Patch, Joseph , "The Battle of Ball's Bluff" Potomac Press; [Limited ed.] edition (1958) (Order online at Amazon!)

Catton, Bruce, "This Hallowed Ground" (Order online at Amazon!)

The Peninsula --

Sears, Stephen W., "To the Gates of Richmond: The Peninsula Campaign", Ticknor & Fields, 1992. (Order online at Amazon!) Comment: EXCELLENT! The order of battle is listed in the back of the book down to regimental and battery level. Knowing who the commanders were, makes it possible to follow your ancestor's actions almost on an hour by hour basis.

• "Forward to Richmond-McClellan's Peninsular Campaign", Time-Life books, p. 48, with a story of the 15th MVI.

Antietam--

Sears, Stephen W., "Landscape Turned Red: The Battle of Antietam," Houghton Mifflin, 1982. (Order online at Amazon!)
Priest, John, "Antietam: The Soldiers' Battle"   Oxford University Press, USA; Reprint edition (January 20, 1994) (Order online at Amazon!)
Frassanito, William A., "Antietam: The Photographic Legacy of America's Bloodiest Day," Charles Scribner's Sons, New York, 1978. (Order online at Amazon!)
NEW ! Mingus, Scott L. L., Sr., "Human Interest Stories of the Gettysburg Campaign, " Ortanna, PA: Colecraft, 2007, contains an anecdote about Thomas J. Spurr of the 15th Massachusetts.  (Order online at Amazon!)

On Fredericksburg --

Bailey, Ronald H., "The Bloodiest Day-The Battle of Antietam", Time-Life books, p. 90, with the story of the 15th MVI being hit by friendly fire. (Order online at Amazon!)
Palfrey, Gen. Francis W., "The Antietam and Fredericksburg," Da Capo Press, 1996, originally published 1882. (New Introduction by Sears, who else?) Not as satisfying as Sears, but the best I've found on this battle yet. (Order online at Amazon!)

On Chancellorsville --

Sears, Stephen W., "Chancellorsville," Haughton Mifflin Company, Boston, New York 1996. (Order online at Amazon!)  Note: the 15th was only marginally involved in this one.

On Gettysburg --

NEW ! Edwin R. Root and Jeffrey D. Stocker, "Isn't This Glorious: The 15th, 19th, and 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiments at Gettysburg’s Copse of Trees", Moon Trail Books, Hardcover, 237 pages, December 2005   It can also be ordered by calling the publisher at 610-866-6482.  (Or order online at Amazon!)
"Gettysburg" (the film), starring Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels and Martin Sheen, from Turner Home Entertainment. This one is not exactly about 15th MVI, but until we have a specific history it will provide an idea about what went on at Gettysburg. I think it's a terrific film.  (Order online at Amazon!  or splurge and have the Collector's Edition.)
Foote, Shelby, "Stars in Their Courses:  The Gettysburg Campaign, June - July 1863", Modern Library.  (Order online at Amazon!)  This one is new to me.  If you read it or have read it, please let me know if there are specific references to the 15th MVI. slh

• "Gettysburg Magazine" Vol 13 - July 1995 - The article titled "Defending the Codori House and Cemetery Ridge: Two Swords with Harrow's Brigade in the Gettysburg Campaign"  discussed the 15th Mass. References include Ford and Coco's book, full page picture of Capt. James May in uniform holding his presentation sword.  Dot May Logan
  

Spring 1864 –

• Scott, Robert Garth, "Into the Wilderness with the Army of the Potomac", Indiana University Press, 1992. (Order online at Amazon!)

Comment from Phil Richardson: Scott's attention to detail down to the regimental level is similar to Sears, and he also includes an order of battle. Very enjoyable reading.

POW Conditions --

• Harris, Lieut. Wm. C., "Prison Life in the Tobacco Warehouse at Richmond by a Balls Bluff Prisoner", 1862, private collection
• Jeffrey, William H., "Richmond Prisons 1861-62", 1890, collection of Middlebury College Library

General and Genealogical Information --

• "Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines in the Civil War", Compiled and published by The Adjutant General in accordance with Chapter 475, Acts of 1899 and Chapter 64, Resolves of 1930, Vol. VII, Norwood Press, Printed at the Norwood Press, 1931.   This is available on CD-ROM from Broderbund as Family Archive CD 134. (They also have online ordering.)

"The Civil War:  a Film by Ken Burns" (video)  I can't recommend this one enough.  It's an enthralling introduction for those with no knowledge of the American Civil War, and it's filled with plenty of compelling human detail to hold the interest of those who do.  An absolute must for anyone with an interest in American history.  (Order online at Amazon!)

• Walker, Francis A., "The History of the Second Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac," 1887, reprinted 1987 by Olde soldier Books.   Bob Ducharme says, " I found some interesting facts not found in Ford's book, and it includes a very good description of the marches during the Bristoe Station campaign."

• Rhodes, John P., "The History of Battery B, 1st Rhode Island Artillery", reprinted by Butternut and Blue, Army of the Potomac Series, 1997.   According to Bob Ducharme, "This unit fought alongside the 15th throughout the war and members of the 15th were often detached to serve with the battery.  The book tells the story of the Second Division of the Second Corps from the standpoint of an artillery unit.  The maps of each battle included in the book are more specific than those found in Ford's History.  I highly recommend it."

See also the Bibliography on the 15th MVI compiled by the U. S. Army Military History Institute in Carlisle, PA. When you reach the Civil War page, you will need to manover through "Browse" > inf > ma > 15th.

The American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA. Use their Gopher Site to search for family papers.  So far, I have found collections for Chaplain Wm. Scandlin, J. M. Studley, F. J. F. Crossman, S. F. Haven, and Clara Barton.  There may be more from the 15th.

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