High-Bounty Men in the Army of the Potomac
Reclaiming Their Honor
Speaking and Podcasts
Ed Rutan would enjoy speaking to your group about High-Bounty Men in the Army of the Potomac: Reclaiming Their Honor. If you are interested in having him speak, you can contact him at rutans@comcast.net, or by filling out the form below.
He has spoken to groups around the country about his first book, If I Have Got to Go
and Fight, I Am Willing. A Union Regiment Forged in the Petersburg Campaign:
The 179th New York Volunteer Infantry 1864-1865.
Podcast Appearances
Explore the Untold Story of the Union Army in Edwin P. Rutan II's Podcast Interview
In his recent book, High-Bounty Men in the Army of the Potomac: Reclaiming Their Honor (The Kent State University Press, 2024), Edwin P. Rutan II challenges long-held beliefs about the motivations and contributions of late-war Union soldiers.
By reassessing these "high-bounty" replacements, Rutan offers a fresh perspective on their critical role in the Union victory and their misunderstood place in Civil War history.
Join the conversation and learn more about Rutan’s groundbreaking research and insights in his latest podcast interview.
Click Listen Now below to dive deeper into the fascinating discussion.
Upcoming Speaking Engagements:
Pamplin Historical Park - The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier
March 29, 2025
Civil War Round Table of the Merrimack (Salisbury, MA)
May 14, 2025
Civil War Round Table of New Hampshire (Epping, NH)
May 16, 2025
Book Edwin P. Rutan II
for Your Next Event
Edwin P. Rutan II is a captivating speaker known for his insightful and engaging discussions on Civil War history. If you are interested in having Ed speak at your conference, seminar, or educational event, please complete the form below with the details of your request. Ed is committed to bringing history to life through his presentations and looks forward to the possibility of sharing his passion and knowledge with your audience.
Contact for speaking
Reviews from Previous Engagements:
Twin Cities Civil War Round Table (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
"I thoroughly enjoyed If I Have Got to Go and Fight, I Am Willing. The presentation based on Edwin Rutan’s book was detailed and well-researched. Mr. Rutan, a retired attorney, is a fine public speaker, both clear and entertaining. I highly recommend the presentation to any Round Table or group interested in learning more about the life and death of a Union regiment or the Petersburg campaign. What sets this presentation apart for me is the humanity Mr. Rutan brings to the subject. I really got an insight into the lives and deaths of the brave New Yorkers that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country."
Bruce Cooper, President
Rocky Mountain Civil War Round Table (Denver)
"The RMCWRT enjoyed your presentation. It was professionally presented, interesting, loaded with information, and fit exactly into the time allowed. It generated many questions and provided spontaneous discussion. We would highly recommend you to any group with any interest in the American Civil War."
Larry Peterson, President
"Your presentation ... drew about 65% of our membership, a very good turnout."
Ian Duncanson
Las Vegas Civil War Round Table
"The presentation by author Edwin Rutan on the topic of the Petersburg Campaign, as seen through the eyes of the 179th NY Vol Inf Regiment, was very well received by the Las Vegas Civil War Round Table. The presentation of the hard facts of this complicated campaign was presented with a human touch which made it easy to understand and digest. Ed presented the subject using a logical time line approach but then put a very relatable human face on the topic by adding period photos, letters and first hand eye witness accounts from various period sources both North and South. He followed the lives of several of history making participants from their induction to muster out and in some cases beyond, thereby making the story of this regiment very relatable. His power point presentation was thoroughly researched and wonderfully presented. His method of presentation was very inclusive and invited comments from the audience. His depth of knowledge was made known at the end of the presentation as he dug deeper into the subject in response to the questions that were asked. Ed created a welcoming environment which sparked conversations and the sharing of group knowledge on the Petersburg subject. All in all a very pleasant evening was spent with a friend discussing a very well researched and documented topic leaving his audience wanting to read his book on the subject which will take the reader into a deeper level of detail."
Donald L. Hotchkiss Jr., PE, Vice President, Programs
Buffalo Civil War Round Table
"We at the Buffalo Civil War Round Table were greatly pleased at Ed's presentation! He has a thorough knowledge of his subject, and made the connection of the Battle/Crater slide into a Buffalo participation very well. Complete with a slide show!!! I HIGHLY recommend Ed as a Civil War speaker!!"
Carl Modica, President
Salisbury Confederate Prison Symposium
"Mr. Rutan knows his subject well and is a great speaker. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to any roundtable, historical organization, symposium, or other group interested in a top-notch program presented by an individual who has an obvious interest in his research."