“I Would Not Have Given Five Cents for My Life from One Moment to Another.”

The heat of battle can push a soldier to fully realize that the cause for which he is fighting is more important than his life. And so it was for John Baldwin, a first sergeant in the 74th Ohio Infantry. His moment of awareness came upon the second and final day of the Battle of Stones River. Here's his story.
"Life on the Civil War Research Trail" is hosted by Ronald S. Coddington, Editor and Publisher of Military Images magazine. Learn more about our mission to showcase, interpret and preserve Civil War portrait photography at militaryimagesmagazine.com and shopmilitaryimages.com.
This episode is brought to you in part by CS Acquisitions, the finest historical antique militaria. See the latest artifacts available for purchase at csacquisitions.com.
Image: Ronald S. Coddington Collection
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[@conradnelson5283]

For a farmer, he was very eloquent and descriptive. They were so much more educated than we are, even though we know more than them.

[@cht2162]

Speak for yourself.

[@dirtfarmer7070]

Folks today still think we farmers are uneducated. To be sure, I know some that are pretty ignorant. However, most that I know are fairly competent in a dozen different disciplines.

[@lynnjenkins9123]

Absolutely love your KZbins! Keep ‘em coming. I learn so much more about the real people who fought.

[@toolsteel8482]

Thank you for yet another interesting story. People’s lives may have been shorter in the nineteenth century but had enough experiences for two lifetimes.

[@kennethswain6313]

A true patriot like those that we appreciate and honor the day after the signing of the Declaration of Independence

[@frankperkin124]

Excellent video as usual. Thank you.

[@DorothySpang]

Thanks so much for Sharing History with all of us ❤ Especially the Personal Stories .. So fascinating. I am Proud of America. Warts and ALL 😊

[@bobhougher420]

I fully appreciate your focus on individual's efforts that contributed to the group Consciousness of each side in this trajedy.

[@grantlawrence611]

Thanks for your incredible work.

[@glstka5710]

This channel appeals to my totally nerdy side. Small vignettes of little details of history that only a history nerd like me can appreciate. Keep up the good work. Just subscribed.

[@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail]

Thanks, from one nerd to another!

[@richiephillips1541]

Another great video. Thanks!

[@markmcintosh7095]

Thank you

[@davem5308]

I may be very wrong, but I interpret "I would not give 5 cents for my life", as - I would not bet you 5 cents in a wager, that we are going to make it out of this scenario, alive. ???

[@jeffreyburress2200]

Stones River had a higher percentage of death than any other battle in the war.

[@wmschooley1234]

Another great video of an unsung hero. Appreciate your “man in the ranks” stories of true American patriots who fought hard, endured much, and contributed to the suppression of the rebellion. When, after hostilities ended, he returned to his civilian life, home and family living under the Stars and Stripes of the United States.

[@CAROLUSPRIMA]

“My poor orphans!”

[@ronaldshepard984]

Excellent

[@fredbunce9232]

They don't make them like they used to.

[@yisroelkatz-xj6pq]

If you look at this soldier's hat it seems that his hat is too small and it doesn't quite fit his head!

[@yisroelkatz-xj6pq]

Baldwin was a very decent person by giving his wounded enemies water! Too bad all wars couldn't be fought like this!

[@TermiteUSA]

Yes he was decent, but such acts don't change war one iota. Its an illusion to change the nature of the fight so the living can feel better about themselves.

[@brandonlollis1506]

He was a traitor not a patriot

[@brianniegemann4788]

Maybe you missed the part where it said was a Union sergeant from Ohio. I can't imagine how a man fighting for his own country could be a traitor.

[@carywest9256]

​@@brianniegemann4788So do you think the men and women who fought for the Confederacy were traitors? And women did fight for North and South until they were found to be female.

[@frankmiller95]

Whatever he was, YOU are dumb as a brick.

[@brandonlollis1506]

@@brianniegemann4788 he was from Virginia an moved to ohio

[@wmschooley1234]

@@brandonlollis1506 John Baldwin was born in Hampshire county. And when a whole big chunck of Virginia, includng Hampshire County, broke off and became the separate LOYAL STATE of West Virginia, did they ALL become "traitors" too?? It's more likely "traitor" doesn't actually mean what you think it means.Try reading the US constitution for the actual defination of traitor; "Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort."