Since my Stoke Field project is slowing down a bit, I figured it was time to start a new blog. This one will focus primarily on my Second Bull Run project, though my various other efforts will doubtless make an appearance here as well.
To begin with, here is the first regiment of the first brigade, first division, I Corps: the 8th New York State Volunteers, then under the command of Lt. Col. Hedterich.
The regiment was also called the 1st German Rifles or Blenker's Rifles, after its founder, Col. Ludwig Blenker. Composed of German immigrants, almost all of whom had seen service in various German (and revolutionary) armies, the regiment was noted for its discipline, and at a review in 1861, Winfield Scott called it the finest volunteer regiment in Federal service.
Perhaps its most notable deed was the covering of the Federal retreat/rout after First Bull Run, when it intercepted and repulsed a Confederate cavalry charge aimed at the mass of fleeing Union troops. Joseph E. Johnston, surprised that there was still fight in the Union army, called off all subsequent pursuit, and the Federal army was thus allowed to slip back to the safety of Centreville.
The 8th continued to perform well, especially at Cross Keys (suffering almost 40% casualties) and at Second Bull Run, both on the first day and, once again, during the covering of the Federal retreat. It was mustered out in early '63, but many of its men were either folded into the 68th NYSV or into an independent HQ company. By the end of its service, it had lost more than twice as many men to wounds as it did to disease, which was fairly unusual in the Civil War.
The regimental colors are conjectural. This design is copied from a real NYS color, but I don't know whether the 8th carried this or a more normal variant.
Figures are Perry Confederate infantry in frock coats, with some GS additions to "Unionize" them. I also put in a regimental sapper (I believe these were rarities in the Civil War) in reference to Don Troiani's painting.
More Federals to follow soon.
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