First
Kentucky "Orphan" Brigade 
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AN ORPHAN BRIGADE BOOKSHELF
The following volumes are recommended for those wishing to research the Orphan Brigade. These are the primary sources that we recommend, for other writings on the Brigade, see our Bibliography page.
1. & 2. Ed. Porter Thompson, History of
the First Kentucky Brigade (Cincinnati: Caxton Publishing House, 1868) and History
of the Orphan Brigade (Louisville: Lewis N. Thompson, 1898; reprinted by Morningside
Books, Dayton, OH, 1973 and 1991; also reprinted
by Janaway Pub., 2004). These two books, which must be considered together,
form the cornerstone of Orphan Brigade research. The 1898 edition was basically an
expanded version of the 1868 work, but did not entirely duplicate the earlier work. Justly
considered one of the finest Civil War unit histories, these books present the complete
history of the Brigade through official reports, anecdotes, biographies, and sketches of
the men in the ranks.
3. William C. Davis, The Orphan Brigade: the
Kentucky Confederates Who Couldn't Go Home (New York: Doubleday, 1980; reprinted by
Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA, 1994). Davis' superb use of numerous period references,
including heavy reliance on the official Brigade record books in the National Archives, as
well as writings in Southern Bivouac, provides the best modern history of the
Brigade. If you only read one book on the Orphan Brigade, make it this one.
4. William C. Davis, editor, Diary of a
Confederate Soldier: John S. Jackman of the Orphan Brigade (Columbia: University of
South Carolina Press, 1990). An edited transcription of the largely wartime journal of
John Jackman, 9th Kentucky Infantry. Invaluable for details on camp life and Brigade
history, although Jackman missed many battles. (The original Journal is in the
Library of Congress.)
5. A. D. Kirwan, editor, Johnny Green of the
Orphan Brigade (Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 1956; reprinted
2002). The post-war
reminiscences (based on wartime notes) of a soldier of the 9th Kentucky Infantry. Johnny
borrowed freely from other soldiers' stories, but provided much useful information,
particularly on the widespread actions as mounted infantry in Georgia and South Carolina.
(Original manuscript in the Filson Club, Louisville, Kentucky)
6. Lot D. Young, Reminiscences of a Soldier
of the Orphan Brigade (Louisville: Courier-Journal Job Printing Co., ca. 1918;
reprinted 2000 by Tim Bowman, Elizabethtown, KY). A small paperback supposedly prepared to
entertain World War I soldiers with stories from a previous war, this book is an expansion
of Young's lectures to historical groups. Young was a Lieutenant in the 4th Kentucky
Infantry.
7. Gervis Grainger, Four Years With the Boys
in Gray (Franklin, KY: The Favorite Office, 1902; reprinted by Morningside Books,
1973, and Civil War Enterprises, Danville, KY, 1993). A very small book that is useful
chiefly for Grainger's descriptions of Murfreesboro, Jonesboro, and prison life. Grainger
was in the 6th Kentucky Infantry.
8. Adjutant General's Office, Report of the
Adjutant General of the State of Kentucky: Confederate Kentucky Volunteers, War 1861-1865
(Frankfort: State Journal Company Printers, 2 Vols., 1915-1918; reprinted 1980-1990 by McDowell Publications, Utica, KY).
Although not dealing solely with the Orphan Brigade, Vol. 1 contains compiled company
rosters and notes, and Vol. 2 contains rosters of officers. Important for tracing an
individual's service. Also contains some information on regimental histories.
9. Southern Bivouac magazine, Volumes
1-3, 1882-1885 (Louisville, KY). This often overlooked source contains some prime Orphan
Brigade material. The first three volumes were edited by members of the 4th and 9th
Kentucky regiments, and contain many unit and individual anecdotes, particularly about the
4th Kentucky. All volumes available on microcard, and as a reprint by Broadfoot Publishing
Co., Wilmington, NC, 1992-1993.
---- compiled by Geoff Walden
URL: https://sites.rootsweb.com/~orphanhm/reading.htm
