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In December 1912, Andrew L. Swap, a silver-haired veteran of the Civil War was interviewed by his sister-in-law (Isora DeWolfe) about his service in the American Civil War (and afterward). This quiet, unassuming grandfather and great-grandfather told of his enlistment, his service, many battles, close scrapes, sickness (typhoid fever and malaria) as well as a few humorous anecdotes along the way. His story was faithfully recorded and turned into a small book in 1914, which received limited distribution.
Swap was a sergeant in the 37th Illinois Infantry during that regiment’s service (which included almost an extra year to deal with problems at the Mexican border). We read of his joining immediately after Ft. Sumter, his training, and the battles in which he participated (such as Vicksburg, Prairie Grove and Chalk Bluff). But we also read about the many skirmishes he fought in as well as the commanders he served under and fought against, which included (future President) Ulysses S. Grant, western explorer John C. Fremont and Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. We learn of details such as the Confederacy using Cherokee Indians at the Battle of Pea Ridge; casual details about his campaigning; and even a few details such as he and his friends going to see a play while in New Orleans, where John Wilkes Bwas starring.
His service in Texas along the Rio Grande both late in the war and immediately after was due in part to America’s concern over Mexican Emperor Maximillian (an Austrian archduke who attempted to create a second Mexican empire) and Juan Cortina, who was at the crux of the First and Second Cortina Wars. Because of these concerns, Swap’s regiment was discharged almost a full year after the war ended.
At the end of his narrative, a listing of the fourteen skirmishes and major battles in which he fought is included at the end of the book, as well as four poems written by his sister-in-law, Isora DeWolfe. The second edition’s editor, Ross Statham, performed minor edits to his text as well as research and extensive footnoting to help bring about clarity. Otherwise, the story is how Sergeant Swap told it to his family.
