The 7th Tennessee Infantry in the Civil War: A History and Roster.

This book follows the 7th Tennessee Infantry Regiment from their May 1861 mustering-in to the war's final moments at Appomattox in April 1865. It is an intensely personal account based upon the Tennesseans' letters, journals, memoirs, official reports, personnel records and family histories. It is a powerful account of courage and sacrifice.

The men (a full roster is included) changed from exhilarated volunteers to battle-hardened veterans. They had eagerly rushed to join up, "anxious to confront the enemy on the battle front." Later, amid the grim realities, the Tennesseans stayed with their comrades and carried out their responsibilities. Rifleman Tom Holloway wrote, "I went into this measure with the conviction that it was my imperative duty." Eventually, as the war destroyed the Tennesseans, Lt. Ferguson Harris wrote simply, "I wonder who will be the last of us to go?"

William Thomas Venner has researched and written widely about the American Civil War. His articles have appeared in Civil War Times Illustrated, Journal of Field Archaeology, and America's Civil War. A retired teacher of history and archaeology in schools and at the college level, he lives in Huntersville, North Carolina.