James Laird

Born in Scotland, James emigrated to the United states and found work as a laborer in Detroit. At the time of his enlistment he was 35 years old. He enlisted in company E on August 8, 1862 and was mustered into service on August 13, 1863. One of James' letters home survives.

He was wounded twice at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. After a stint in the hospital, he was transferred to the Invalid Corps on February 15, 1864. He was discharged on October 9, 1864 from the 102nd company, Second Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps.

While coming home on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, he was captured by confederate guerillas, along with several hundred others and two federal paymasters. The raiders took $200 from him. He was confined in Libby prison for 6 months before being released at the fall of Richmond.

He returned to Detroit, and lived there throughout his life. He attended the Dedication of the 24th Michigan's Monument at "Michigan Day at Gettysburg", June 12th-14th, 1889.