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The Civil War
Civil War
The bloodiest and largest war the United States has ever seen. -
The Beginning of the Civil War
Assignment Discovery: The Beginning of the Civil War
The Civil War begins, forever changing our nation. John Milton Bancroft is serving in his third year as a rifleman in the Michigan Infantry. -
The Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run Video
John Milton Bancroft is in his very first battle. He records some of his encounters in his journal. "I have never in my life seen such a horrific site" -
Military Promotion #1
What did promotions mean?
John Milton Bancroft is promoted to the rank of sergent in his regiment. -
Illness - Liver Complaint
Civil War Diseases
Bancroft gets a liver disease and is constantly going back to the doctor to get medicine. In the meantime he is on guard duty until October 23. -
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Special Mission
Professor Lowe's Balloons
John Milton Bancroft and six other soldiers are sent to complete a task for the general. The assignment was to report to Professor Lowe in Washington D. C.. Professor Lowe was a hot air balloon engineer. Bancroft appeared to have a keen interest in hot air balloons because he has several drawings in his journal. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown
Union forces (121,500 strong) accidently come across a smaller Confederate group (35,000 strong) and faught for only a few days before the Confederates managed to slip away. This battle had a suprisingly small number of casualties. The Union lost only 182 while the Confederates lost about 300. Bancroft is working in and around Fredericksburg during this time period. -
Battle of New Bridge
Selection of Illustrations from Civil War Battles at Bridges
The following is an excerpt from the John Milton Bancroft Journal 1861 thru 1864</a>"My regiment, the 4th Michigan engaged in a skirmish at New Bridge in the Chickahominy near Richmond. They cross the river and drive a Brigade of Rebels holding it. Two killed, eight wounded, Rebels have 150 killed and wounded. This is the first active engagement they are in." -
Guard Duty
Guard Duty Details - Even Today
John Milton Bancroft is on guard duty in the town of Chicahominy. -
Soldiers Sick
Civil War Disease
John Milton Bancroft becomes sick while crossing Chicahominy. He sees several different doctors while traveling with his regiment. He is taking mercury and morphine. He does not know what is wrong with him. He gets pulled from his regiment. -
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The "Seven Days Battle"
Seven Days Battle
These are a series of battles that happened day after day in the same general area. Since John M. B. was sick, he was not allowed to fight with his regiment. -
Rejoining the Regiment
Civil War Illness and Injury Treatment and RecoveryJohn Milton Bancroft rejoins his regiment after being sick. -
Marching
Military Drills of the Civil War
Bancroft and his regiment march out with the rest of the army as they move out of Chicahominy. -
Rest Stop
Civil War Camp Life
Bancroft and his regiment stop in Williamsburg VA for the night. They start off for Yorktown in the morning. -
Close Calls
Deadly Weapons Used in the Civil warOn his way down to the river to wash his clothes, a shell fragment struck the man directly in front of him taking off the man's head and killing him instantly. -
The Battle of Fredricksburg
Battle of Fredericksburg Animated MapBancroft stayed low to the ground and away from close combat. -
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Battle of Fredricksburg
Battle of Fredericksburg Speeches
Bancroft's regiment participated in the battle at Fredricksburg. He described it as too cold to sleep. He stayed up all night listening to the moans from all the wounded. -
Promotion
Civil War Promotions
John Milton Bancroft is promoted to First Lieutenant of the Fourth Regiment Infantry of Michigan. -
The Battle of Chancellorsville
Chancellorsville Battle Video
Bancroft's regiment is reviewed by President Lincoln in site of the Rebel forces. -
The Sword
What does surrendering of the sword mean?
While lying on his death bed, Colonel Harrison Jeffords gave his sword to First Lieutenant John Milton Bancroft and told him to finish the job. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg
Bancroft and his regiment are positioned on Little Round Top Mountain. -
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The Battle of Gettysburg
The Gettysburg Battlefield National Park TodayThis battle was the largest and most bloody in American history. -
Pay Day
Soldiers Pay in the Civil War
Bancroft gets paid. He gets about 105 dollars because he is a first lieutenant. This is about 90 dollars more than regular soldiers. -
The End
The End of the Civil War
General Stand Watie surrendered, ending America's most deadly war. Bancroft survived the war as a member of 4th Michigan Volunteer infantry and died in 1918.
