J H Kidd

Recollections of a Cavalryman: With Custer's Michigan Cavalry Brigade in the American Civil War J H Kidd

Charging to glory with Custer

The Michigan Brigade-the Wolverines-was drawn from volunteer cavalry regiments of the Union Army. Comprised principally of the 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th Michigan Cavalry regiments it fought with distinction in every engagement undertaken by the Army of Potomac from Gettysburg to Appomattox. Despite the distinction of its service in its own right, perhaps what brought it the greatest fame was its association with its charismatic young leader- Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer. The Michigan horse soldiers are an essential part of the Custer legend and, perhaps, without their stalwart support in his early career his meteoric rise in rank and influence would not have been possible. Certainly several members of his Civil War command joined him after the war on his campaigns against the Indian tribes of the Western Plains-such was the measure of their mutual affection and confidence. This book was written by an officer of the brigade who was present throughout the war and it offers a thrilling, detailed and dynamic first hand account of Custer's centaurs on campaign. A true classic for the Civil War library.