The Schroeder Books

The Highest Praise of Gallantry:  Memorials of David T. Jenkins & James E. Jenkins of the 146th New York Infantry "Garrard's Tigers" & Oneida Cavalry

Edited and New Material by Patrick A. Schroeder

RELEASED – October 2001

            This memorial volume was dedicated to two brothers—David and James Jenkins—who served in the distinguished 146^th New York Zouaves (Fifth Oneida).  David became colonel of this hard-fighting outfit, and James commanded Co. H.  The brothers hailed from Vernon in Oneida County.

            David, a 26-year-old lawyer and a skilled engineer who had graduated from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, helped recruit the 117^th New York Infantry (Fourth Oneida), before taking the field as a first lieutenant and adjutant of the 146^th.  He quickly rose to the rank of colonel.  Leading the Zouaves of the 146^th in a desperate charge at Saunders Field at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5, 1864, David was twice wounded.  The last that was ever seen of him, he was holding himself up with his sword and encouraging his men.  He disappeared amidst the smoke and fury of battle, and his body was never recovered.

            James was a 20-year-old Hamilton College student when the war began.  He left his classes to become an officer in the Oneida Cavalry–an independent company that had the distinguished honor of being posted to the headquarters guard of the Army of the Potomac.  James transferred to the 146^th and was wounded in the neck by a sharpshooter while engaged on Little Round Top at Gettysburg, on July 2, 1863.  Late in 1864, James returned to command the Oneida Cavalry and served to the end of the war.

            The original printing of this book (1889) came about largely through the efforts of A. Pierson Case—a first lieutenant and quartermaster of the 146^th.  He personally knew the Jenkins boys and thought much of them.  Not only did he pay tribute to his departed gallant friends, he gives an informative and concise history of the 146^th, replete with anecdotes, that makes for entertaining reading.  The memorials, written to eulogize the Jenkins brothers, tender ample tribute to their patriotic nature.  This reprint will ensure that their sacrifices and courageous exploits will not be forgotten.  These two soldiers deserved “the highest praise of gallantry.” 

            This is a 72-page, perfect bound, soft cover book with 28 photographs, and one map.  Price $9.95.  ISBN-1-889246-17-4.