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Text originally published in 2002 under the same title.
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Although in most cases we have retained the Authors original spelling and grammar to authentically reproduce the work of the Author and the original intent of such material, some additional notes and clarifications have been added for the modern readers benefit.
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THE RED-LEGGED DEVILS, BROOKLYNS BEST REGIMENT
BY
MAJOR T.J. HARTSHORNE,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REQUEST FROM THE PUBLISHER
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What factors contributed to making the Fourteenth Brooklyn a superior regiment and what forces existed to maintain this high level of combat efficiency over time.
The Fourteenth Regiment New York State Militia of Brooklyn, New York gathered an impressive combat record during the Civil War, yet the Professional Military Education world rarely takes notice of their deeds. They were first formed on 5 July 1847 when the New York State Legislature consolidated the individual militia companies into regiments. During the Civil War the Fourteenth Regiment fought in 29 engagements and sustained over 700 casualties. Their battles include participation in both Bull Runs, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Though noted primarily for actions in the Civil War, the Regiment also served in the Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, and Korea, though under different unit designations. The Fourteenth Regiments past can be a road to our future. An insight to their performance under fire can provide todays students a timeless template on how to conduct combat operations.
Five factors, when taken collectively, made the Fourteenth Regiment a superior combat unit. The Brooklyn communities exerted extraordinary force on the men to fight. As a militia unit, the soldiers had a close relationship to the rest of the community. The support from the citizen created a heightened sense of Esprit de corps in the regiment. The existing soldiers and the newer recruits were of the highest caliber, facilitating an easy transition from citizen to soldier. As individuals and as a unit the soldiers strove for technical and tactical proficiency. The men fought for the honor of the regiment. The regiment took on a spirit like quality that in return for the men submission to it, returned to the men courage in trying times.
PREFACE
All writers have to overcome obstacles, whether real or self-inflicted. For me, two nagging issues had to be resolved. I had to first justify in my mind writing yet another work based on a legendary Civil War unit. Caught in this indecisiveness, Karl von Clausewitz provided me the confidence to press on. He advocated the study of the history of war, because as he said, in the art of war experience counts far more than any number of abstract truths. {1} In other words, legitimate theory must be grounded in reality and backed up by real world experiences. Clausewitz often used the European based battles of Frederick the Great and Napoleon as examples to give credibility to his arguments. This led me to believe that I could use the Fourteenth Regiment from Brooklyn, New York to reinforce my proposition that certain factors are critical in making some combat units superior, regardless of time, country or technology. Author Michael Howard gave me addition inspiration when he wrote that Clausewitz quite deliberately limited his analysis to what was likely to be of immediate utility to a commander planning a campaign. {2} This fell right in line with my goal of identifying for todays commanders the intangibles that are inherent in great units so they can seek these qualities for their own organizations.
The second issue to overcome was the constant temptation to give into my pre-existing passion for the Fourteenth Brooklyn and simply add to the glory of these men from my hometown. It is easy to fall victim to the historical accounts, some might say not always distinct. Primary sources make no mention of flaws with the Fourteenths tactics or character of the soldiers. I have been left with the impression that authors want their books to be received warmly so they write with a subjective hand. Speechmakers have an unspoken obligation to stir the souls of the audience so they gloss over the unflattering points. Commanders writing a post battle report have their units, and their own, reputations to protect so they write accordingly. Only the personal letters of the soldiers offer an unfiltered, honest critique of the Fourteenth. In a determined effort to balance this work, I relied heavily on these letters to identify weaknesses with the regiment. In order to overcome my fear of not staying objective, I inserted the majority of the negative comment available, even at the risk of angering staunch supporters of the Fourteenth such as the re-enactment community. Ironically, the quest to find fault with the Fourteenth had the opposite effect. The percentage of negative comments was tiny. Many of the comments I would consider trivial. In the end, one of the true indicators that the Fourteenth was an exception regiment stems from the lack of discontent within the ranks.
I would like to extend a special thanks to D. Richard L. DiNardo, Ph.D., my mentor. Dr. DiNardo pointed me to the book Wilsons Creek by authors William G. Piston and Richard Hatcher III. This book helped crystallize my thoughts and hopefully transition my jumbled words into coherent sentences.
CHAPTER 1
For the majority of Americans today the name Brooklyn conjures up images of gangsters, congestion and hard accents. But those who have lived on her streets understand the character and strength of this city. Below the scars of urban decay still lies a city blessed with culture, history, and a remarkably diverse population. After the recent attacks on the World Trade Center, New York demonstrated its typical resolve. It comes as no surprise that this region endured because there exists within New York a legacy of bravery in the face of adversity. A century and a half ago, this nation was faced with its biggest challenge as the Republic suffered through its only civil war. Within the chaos of this sorrowful chapter of American history, a small cadre of Brooklyn men known as the Fourteenth Regiment, bound by a common goal, accomplished great feats of courage and sacrifice. The Fourteenth Brooklyn was one of the militia regiments which gave up their legal three month militia obligation and volunteered en masse in April 1861 for three year war service. {3} When the Fourteenth Regiment initially marched off to Washington D.C. they were known by the people as the Brooklyn Chasseurs. After some early encounters with the Confederates, the southern gentlemen gave them a new name, ... for on occasions the Fourteenth made matters decidedly unpleasant for those who fought under the Stars and Bars. The title Red-Legged Devils was derived partly from the fact that the men wore red trousers, but also because they had a habit of making their presence felt wherever they went. {4} Before they were mustered out in 1864, the Red-Legged Devils had taken part in 29 engagements, sustained 717 casualties, and helped restore a broken nation.
