Unit: 36th Wisconsin
Unit Affiliation: (1), 2, II
Title: The Letters of Colonel Clement Edson Warner While Serving in the Thirty-Sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment During the American Civil War, 1864-1865
Author: Colonel Clement E. Warner and Elizabeth Marshall Warner (editor)
SOPO’s Take: This is an OUTSTANDING self-published look at Colonel Clement E. Warner of the 36th Wisconsin which utilizes Warner’s own letters, a regimental history of the 36th Wisconsin, and various other materials to fill out an interesting and readable biography of the man, including his relatively short but very violent Civil War experiences. Warner fought in the Overland Campaign and a few months into the Siege of Petersburg before losing an arm near the shoulder. This horrific wound necessitated a lengthy hospital stay in Washington, D. C., where Warner was nursed back to health by his sister. Before 1864 was out, he was able to rejoin his regiment and commanded them for the rest of the war, seeing action again at Petersburg and in the Appomattox Campaign. Throughout 1864-65, Warner wrote letters home to his sisters and his future wife Eliza. He does not hold back when he feels criticism is warranted, and he was quite frank about the veteran regiments in his brigade being unenthusiastic about making any charges by the end of the Overland Campaign. But can you blame them? In any event, feel free to read the entire book below thanks to the generosity of descendant David Warner and his siblings, who became the copyright holder of this self-published effort when their Aunt Elizabeth M. Warner passed away. I will be publishing the letters relevant to the Siege of Petersburg soon, so stay tuned for those as well!
Book Summary/Review:
SOPO Siege of Petersburg Book Notes:
Letters of Colonel Clement E. Warner from This Book:
(Note: Individual letters will appear below as they are posted at The Siege of Petersburg Online.)
- LT: June 23, 1864 Clement E. Warner (36th Wisconsin)
- LT: July 31, 1864 Clement E. Warner (36th Wisconsin)
- LT: August 11, 1864 Clement E. Warner (36th Wisconsin)
Publisher: Elizabeth M. Warner (self-published)
Publication Date: 2004
ISBN-13: ?
Read the Book Here!:
SOPO Editor’s Note: Due to the amazing generosity of descendant David Warner and his siblings, the copyright holders of this self-published work, I have been given written permission to share the book in its entirety here at The Siege of Petersburg Online. This book may not be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of David Warner and his siblings. All rights reserved.
36thWIWarner2004
On p. 25, in the Aubery report, James Madison Aubery credited as a Lt. Col. is incorrect.
From page 293 of THIRTY-SIXTH WISCONSIN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY roster, Aubery, from Co. G, was appointed Quartermaster Sergeant Nov. 1, ’64.
From page 309, roster of Company “G”, rank of 2nd Lt. June 15, ’65, from Q. M. Sergt. M. O. July 12, ’65.
Aubery’s biography on page 365 is titled LIEUTENANT JAMES. M. AUBERY. Feb, ’64 he enlisted as a private in the 36th and “Was immediately after its organization detailed as regimental clerk, was promoted to sergeant-major, quartermaster-sergeant, and commissioned lieutenant in Company G. During part of his service he was acting quartermaster and adjutant. He was with the regiment during its whole service, was mustered out with the regiment,……..”.
Brett, this is great. I downloaded it – and will learn a lot, from several angles. Skimming through, I already see incidents of interest. For example – on page 23, the Quiner Report description of activity on July 26-29 looks like what I have seen in the Jeffers letters from the Confederate perspective (thanks to you). Does the sentence about “a few guns captured” refer to the Rockbridge Artillery’s loss?
Lisa,
That phrase almost certainly appears to be about the guns of the Rockbridge Artillery. I really owe the descendants of Col. Warner a GREAT deal of debt for being so unselfish with their materials. It really makes this site better. Keep an eye out. The transcribed letters for Petersburg will appear here each Wednesday(starting tomorrow) and will include my usual comments.
Brett
Hi I am interested in reading all the letters of Colonel Clement E. Warner that relate to Petersburg. In reference to your statement;
“I have been given written permission to share the book in its entirety here at The Siege of Petersburg Online.” Do you mean you will provide access to the entire work or rather post selections from it?
Just fyi I should submit my thesis on Petersburg to La Trobe University by the end of the year.
Graham Barrigan
Graham,
The book is (or should be) available as an embedded pdf file on the page you referenced. It is available to read near the bottom of the page. Do you not see it?
I’d be interested in reading your Thesis once you are finished with everything.
Brett
Thanks Brett. I found the scroll icon. I have been a subscriber for yonks and you have no idea how helpful you have been directing me to sources. I’m still hunting for letters from black soldiers. I know the literacy rates were low but, if anyone has any suggestions I would be grateful.
Graham.
Graham,
You’re welcome! And thanks for the vote of confidence. I started out doing this solely for my own entertainment, but it has grown into something more. I really enjoy being able to help someone find out where there ancestor was killed or wounded, especially when this occurred in one of the dozens of small fights outside of the “main events.” I unfortunately have not run across many letters penned by Black soldiers. It is almost always their White officers writing letters when you see “USCT” letters. That said, there is an excellent Facebook page for United States Colored Troops discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/182460225500764
If you join up there and ask around, I guarantee you that is the best place right now to find such letters. I’d also recommend subscribing to the Civil War Letters Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/180891375269394 You may see new USCT letters there from time to time.
Brett