The 11th Wisconsin in the Civil War: A Regimental History
By Christopher C. Wehner
(October 2008 Civil War News)

Illustrated, maps, appendices, roster, notes, bibliography, index, 240 pp., 2008. McFarland, Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640, $45 plus shipping.

Reviewer: Robert L. Durham
Robert L. Durham is a computer specialist. A longtime Civil War buff, he is also interested in Old West history and has written articles and book reviews for Alamo Journal, True West, Journal of the Alamo Battlefield Association, and Alamo de Parras web site at www.flash.net/~alamo3

Review:
The 11th Wisconsin Infantry was one of the far traveling, tough Western regiments that helped make the Western campaigns so successful for the Union.

Formed on Oct. 18, 1861, the 11th Wisconsin’s travels would take them through Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama before they were mustered out on Sept. 4, 1865, almost four years later.

Along the way, they saw hard fighting in the Vicksburg Campaign, their only major campaign. In March 1865, they were sent to Alabama to take part in the campaign to capture Mobile and, on April 9, the same day Lee surrendered at Appomattox, they attacked the strong Rebel fortification of Fort Blakely.

Christopher Wehner, the author, is descended from one of the soldiers of the 11th’s Co. E, William Henry Oettiker. Study of Oettiker’s diary led Wehner to do further research, resulting in this book.

He consulted over 1,000 letters in researching this volume and the contents of many of them found their way into the pages of The 11th Wisconsin. The writings of the soldiers serve to personalize the members of the 11th, bringing their story to life.

The 11th Wisconsin is a fine regimental history and will be enjoyed by anyone interested in the Western Theater, especially the Vicksburg and Mobile campaigns. Its roster will make also make it valuable to genealogists. At $45, it is on the expensive side, but will make an excellent addition to any Civil War bookshelf.