Description
Published in the early spring of 1863, “The Invalid Corps”, with words and music by Frank Wilder, quickly became a popular music hall ballad due the song’s witty lyrics, which poke fun at the Union recruits’ various & sundry physical infirmities, be they volunteer - “I wanted very much to go to war…”, or conscript, humorously satirizing the examination process he must endure in his attempt to “do his part” in the war effort.
In spite of conscription, by April of 1863, the much reduced ranks of the Union Army of the Potomac were reflecting the effects of casualties and disease. In an urgent attempt to free up troops for active campaigning, that month General Order No.105 created the Invalid Corps. The order enabled previously wounded or partly disabled soldiers already serving but well-enough to be helpful by taking on less strenuous non-combat roles in hospitals, clerical supply, headquarters orderlies, or various light provost guard duties, thus relieving many perfectly healthy troops to fill the army’s depleted ranks in time for the spring campaign. The next year, 1864, saw the unit given a more ‘respectable’ name: The Veteran Reserve Corps, which brought a much appreciated boost to morale.
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