James Carlin enlisted in the Engineer Regiment of the West at Burlington, Iowa, on September 10, 1861; he was appointed sergeant on October 1, 1861, promoted to second lieutenant on March 29, 1865, and to first lieutenant on June 25, 1865.

The Engineer Regiment of the West (also known as Bissell’s Engineers after their commander, Colonel Joshua Bissell) was organized on July 10, 1861 at St. Louis, Missouri. Their service included building the siege works at New Madrid and Island No. 10, where they cut a 12-mile channel through swampland to allow small steamers to bypass the Confederate guns at Island No. 10. The regiment also rebuilt bridges, repaired railroads and cleared debris. On February 17, 1864, Bissell’s Engineer Regiment of the West and the 25th Regiment Missouri Infantry were consolidated to form the 1st Missouri Engineers. During the Atlanta and Savannah Campaigns, the Missouri Engineers became known for their expertise in transporting and building pontoon bridges.

Carlin and the regiment were mustered out on July 22, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky.

Carte-de-Visite by Charles D. Wilson, St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11836