by srcurrie
The regimental history of the 76th New York Volunteer Infantry records the deeds and heroism of the men of Otsego and Cortland counties. It was not just the menfolk of Otsego and Cortland counties that went to war, however. Some women followed their husbands to war. Ann Redmond was one such woman.
Ann Redmond was the wife of Thomas Redmond of Company I of the 76th NYVI. A.P. Smith, author of the regimental history, speaks highly of her on page 121 of the unit history:
"No one connected with the Seventy-Sixth will ever forget Thomas Redmond, or his wife Ann, who was ever with him, on all occasion, marching by his side, and sharing all his joys and sorrows, and by her lively conversation, helping to drive away many a gloomy reflection incident to the life of a soldier. Though Ann did not shoulder a musket, she should be set down as much more useful to the army than many a one who did. Could clothing speak, many a blood-stained garment would testify to Ann’s industry, as day after day she labored over her half-barrel washtub to keep the Seventy-sixth comfortably clean."
Mrs Redmond appears to have serveed as what was known as a "vivandiere" or camp follower. These women typically helped the regiment by performing laundry and cleaning tasks thus freeing the men for drill and other military duties.
We at CurrieWeb.com do not have much other information on Ann Redmond but if any of our readers has a picture that they would like to share we would like to publishing it on this site. As a further clue to Mrs. Redmonds origins, Company I was raised here in Otsego County.
