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THE
MILITAEY HISTOKY
WISOOKSIN:
A RECORD OF THE
€ml m& piUtarjj f atwfltfem ot the ^tixU,
WAR FOR THE UNION,
HISTORY OP THE CAMPAIGNS IN WinCH WISCONSIN SOLDIERS HAVE BEEN
CONSPICUOUS — REGIMENTAL HISTORIES — SKETCHES OF DISTINGUISHED
OFFICERS- THE ROLL OF THE ILLUSTRIOUS DEAD— MOVEMENTS
OF THE LEGISLATURE AND STATE OFFICERS, ETC.
BYE. B. QUIISTEE, ESQ.,
OF MADISON, -WIS.
ILLUSTRATED WITH STEEL ENGRAVINGS OF. EMINENT MEN.
IN ONE VOLUME.
^ CHICAGO:
CLARKE & CO., PUBLISHERS.
1866.
G S -:- '
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866,
By CLARKE & CO.,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Nortlaern District of Illinois.
CHICAGO TTPE FOUNDST
J. CONAHAN,
BTEEEOTYPEB.
ES3n
TO THE
BRAVE OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS
OF WISCONSIN,
WHO
''loUoiml tfe |lHg/' mwm §'mMt§, ilnxlnq tlu "gtMlm;
AND THE
RELATIVES AND FRIENDS OF THOSE WHO LAID DOWN
THEIR LIVES IN THEIR COUNTRY'S CAUSE ;
AND THE
PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN,
WHO SO NOBLY AND PATRIOTICALLY AIDED IN UPHOLDING THE
INTEGRITY OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT;
THIS VOLUME
IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED.
Ij^TEODUOTIOI^.
The collection of tlie material for this work was begun soon
after the outbreak of the rebellion. Being placed in a favorable
position — in a clerical capacity — where most of the correspond-
ence relating to the organization of the earlier regiments, passed
through his hands, the author obtained the consent of Governor
Randall, to the copying of such matters as would possess histor-
ical importance. The collection of material was continued during
the rebellion. The business in which the author was engaged
during the war, enabled him still further to become acquainted
with the movements of all the regiments or other organizations
sent from the State. In addition, access has been had to the
reports and documents on file in the Executive and Adjutant
General's Offices. From these sources the author has been
enabled to prepare the work now presented to the public. Our
object has been to give a plain statement of facts, as far as
possible, in a concise form, without attempting an elaborate
historical style.
"We have endeavored to give a correct narrative of what was
accomplished by the State authorities during the war, in filling
the requisitions made for troops by the General Government —
of the legislation necessary to enable the State officers to act
efficiently in support of the Government, and to provide means
to aid the families of those who enlisted in the United States
military service from this State — and the various matters relating
6 INTRODUCTION.
to military affairs wliich engaged the attention of the several
Executives and the Adjutant Generals of the State, during the
war.
The chapter on the Sanitary operations of the State, gives an
account of the several expeditions sent out by Governors Salo-
mon and Lewis, under the superintendence of Surgeon General
VV^olcott, to the several battle-fields wherever Wisconsin soldiers
were engaged, showing that the State has always exhibited an
active and noble interest in the comfort and welfare of our sick
and wounded heroes, as well on the battle-field, as in the several
hospitals, where State agents were sent to attend to the wants
and comfort of those of our soldiers who were inmates of those
institutions.
In order that the general reader may understand the connec-
tion which Wisconsin regiments had with the general military
operations of the Government, we have endeavored to make a
short sketch of those operations in the several divisions or
departments into which the rebellious district was divided, and
the war was prosecuted, by the Government.
The regimental histories are prepared from the best material
within reach. They are necessarily brief, but are believed to
contain a fair history of the organizations, and the lists of casu-
alties have been gathered wherever they have been officially
published, or otherwise made public, and the names corrected,
wherever it could bo done. They . are necessarily imperfect as
even the original muster rolls cannot be considered as giving the
names of enlisted men correctly, as every person knows who has
occasion to examine the rolls. In many cases the casualties are
not reported, or are so mixed up in the monthly reports as to
defy all attempts to make up a reliable list. Besides this, the
monthly reports, in many cases, contain only the names of those
who were wounded and absent from the regiment when the
report was made. The gathering of these casualties has involved
INTRODUCTION. 7
mucli time'and labor, and tliey have swelled the work to much
larger dimensions than was originally intended.
In the sketches of the military services of our general officers
and others, we have attempted no literary effect, but have been
contented to give a correct outline of their services as far as
practicable. In many cases, due credit has been given these offi-
cers in the regimental histories, for the several actions in Avhich
they were engaged. A biographical notice of each of the regi-
mental officers would have been an interesting feature, but it
was impossible to obtain data for that purpose, except by per-
sonal application to the parties themselves, which in many cases
would not have secured a reply.
Our acknowledgements are due to Governors Lewis and
Fairchild, for the favoi-s which they have extended for the
preparation of the work.
To Adjutant General Gaylord were we especially indebted
for numerous favors we have received at his hands, and the read-
iness with which our request to examine the reports and records
in his office, has been responded to. At great labor the General
has caused to be prepared from the monthly reports, a list of
those killed in battle, or died of wounds received. By reference
to the regimental histories, it will be seen that we have largely
availed ourselves of this valuable record, deeming it the most
correct of any list attainable, as it is taken from the original
reports, and published in the Adjutant General's report of 1866.
The statistics found at the end of each regimental history are
taken from a table, also prepared in the office of Adjutant
General Gaylord from the original reports.
We are also indebted to various officers for memoranda relat-
ing to their several regiments, among them, Brigadier General
Fairchild, of the Second Regiment, Brigadier General Paine,
of the Fourth, Brigadier General Allen, of the Fifth, Major
General Solomon, of the Ninth, Chaplain Walker, of the Twelfth,
8 INTRODUCTION.
the Chaplain of the Thirteenth, Colonel Hancock, of the Four-
teenth, Major "Wilson, of the Fifteenth, Brigadier General Ho-
bart, of the Twenty-first, General Winkler, of the Twenty-sixth,
Mr. Tompkins, of the Twenty-ninth, Major Ball, of the Thirty-
first, Colonel "Warner, of the Thirty-sixth, Lieutenant Colonel
R. C. Eden, of the Thirty-seventh, and Lieutenant Colonel Pier,
of the Thirty-eighth Infantry, and to Lieutenant Stevens, of
Company G, Sharpshooters, and Captain Zichrick, of the Twelfth
Light Battery. To Sergeant George Fairfield, of Company C,
of the Sixth Lifantry, we are indebted for the loan of a well
kept diary, from July, 1861, to the battle of Antietam, where he
was severely wounded, and during the Wilderness campaign, up
to the assault of the 18th pf June, 1864, where he was again
wounded.
A summing up of what was accomplished will show that Wis-
consin sent to the field over 91,200 men, over 1,200 more than
the several requisitions of the General Government called for.
That nearly 11,000 of these were killed or died of wounds
received in battle, or fell victims to diseases contracted in the
military service, to say nothing of those who died after their dis-
charge, and whose deaths do not appear upon the military rec-
ords— that nearly $12,000,000 were expended by the State
authorities, and the people of the several counties and towns
throughout the State, in their effort to sustain the National
Government.
At this date, only two regiments of Wisconsin remain in the
field, viz: the Fourth Cavalry, in Texas, and the Fiftieth Lifantry,
at Fort Union, in Dakotah Territory. Since writing up the regi-
mental histories, the Thirty-fifth and Forty-eighth regiments
have been mustered out of service and disbanded.
After the completion of the body of the work, which has
swelled to a volume far beyond the limits first intended, the
Legislature of 1866, convened, and among other matters, passed
INTRODUCTION. 9
a law authorizing the establishment of the " Soldiers' Orphans'
Home of "Wisconsin," appropriating $10,000 for the purchase of
the necessary buildings and grounds, and also, $25,000 for the
support of the " Home," during the current year. In order that
our readers may understand the character of the Institution, so
nobly established by the efforts of Mrs. Harvey, and her friends,
in a subsequent page of this introduction, we have given a
description of the building, after a personal examination, accom-
panied by an engraving taken from a photograph made expressly
for this work, together with a synopsis of the law establishing
the institution, by which the friends of the soldiers' orphans will
be able to understand the manner in which admission to the
" Home " may be obtained.
Wisconsin may well feel proud of her record made in defence
of the N"ational existence. Shoulder to shoulder with the other
lo3'al States of the Union, she has stood in the front rank. From
her workshops, her farms and her vast pineries, have poured
forth the stalwart men, who have filled up the organizations
which she has sent to the field. The blood of these brave men
has drenched almost every battle-field of the rebellion from Get-
tysburg to the valley of the Rio Grande. Establishing at an early
day, a reputation for gallantry and endurance, Wisconsin regi-
ments always occupied positions where hard fighting was to be
done, and reference need only to be made to the history of the
Iron Brigade, the Third and Fifth, the Twenty-sixth, the Thirty-
sixth, Thirty-seventh and Thirty-eighth Infantry in the army of
the Potomac, to show that their pathway was marked by a
bloody record.
It is out of place to assume that Wisconsin did better than
her sister States. We claim that she did her full duty — that her
several Executives in every way, used their best efforts to for-
ward the desires of the General Government for troops — that
her people responded from first to last, with a noble patriotism, to
10 INTRODUCTION.
tlie several calls — aud tliat those who remained at home, were
lavish of their means, not only to stimulate enlistments by the
payment of extra bounties, but to aid and support that left wing
of the grand army of the Union, composed for the most part, of
the mothers and daughters of the ITation, and the effect of whose
labors and patriotic efforts are seen in the happiness of many a
family, for the return and restoration to health of' many a son
and father, who otherwise would have slept in death on Southern
soil.
April 12, 1866.
SOLDIEES' OEPHAXS' HOME.
In the chapter on the sanitary operations of the State, we have
incidentally mentioned that a project was on foot to establish a
" Home " for the orphan children of soldiers of Wisconsin, who
were killed or died in the service of the United States during the
rebellion.
We are gratified to be able to state that the " Home " has been
established, and by a recent act of the Legislature, adopted as
one of the Benevolent Institutions supported by the State.
To correct a sentence in the notice of the institution given
elsewhere, we here state that an erroneous impression prevails
that the General Government donated the buildings. This is not
so, as we are assured by Mrs. Harvey. The buildings were turned
over to the owners of the property, in consideration of the rent
and repairs necessary to place the main building in its original
condition when taken possession of by the United States
authorities.
Mrs. Harvey had entertained the idea of establishing an insti-
tution of this kind for two years preceding the end of the war,,
and on her return after the closing of her business as State-
agent, in the summer of 1865, she immediately set about the
work which had occupied her thoughts for so long a period. It
was ascertained that Government was about to discontinue- the
general Hospitals in the N'orthern States, among them, " Harvey
United States Hospital," at Madison. Being eligibly situated,
and admirably adapted for the purpose designed by Mrs. Harvey,
negotiations were entered into with the proprietors of the pro-
perty, and so liberal a proposition was received from them, that
it was deemed advisable by Governor Lewis, and other promi-
nent friends of the undertaking, that Mrs. Harvey should proceed
to Washington to endeavor to secure a title to the buildings
12 soldiers' orphans' home.
erected by the United States, The War Department had no
authority to make a donation, hut on investigation of the matter,
it was ascertained that the buildings, which would have to be
torn down, would have no value to the Government except as
"old lumber," amounting to but a small sum, an arrangement
was made as we have stated above — the proprietors receiving
the buildings in lieu of rent and repairs, on condition that the
property should be devoted to the purposes of a " Soldiers*
Orphans' Home."
Soon after the return home of Mrs. Harvey, a sale of the
" Hospital property " at Harvey Hospital, took place, the most
of which, was purchased by the friends of the Home, at a price
which Mrs. Harvey was enabled to pay by the liberality of the
noble hearted citizens of Madison, and a few other places. It
will thus be seen that the General Government did not donate
any portion of the property, although it dealt liberally with the
friends of the enterprise, and enabled them to establish at once
the institution contemplated.
Repairs were immediately commenced, and the " Home " was
ready for the reception of inmates on the 1st of January, 1866.
The personal exertions of Mrs. Harvey, and liberality of the
citizens of the State, had secured means for the opening and sup-
porting of the " Home," until the needed legislation for making
it a State institution could be perfected.
The property consists of a main building, built of stone. It is
octagon in shape, three stories in height, with a roomy attic
above, and an observatory at the top of the building. The sev-
eral stories are reached by a spiral staircase in the centre, from
the lower floor to the observatory. The lower floor of the main
building is divided into a reception room — dining room for the
ofiicers and attendants — store room for bed linen and other arti-
cles— a small kitchen with range, complete with closets, pantries,
etc. A bath and wash room, with a sleeping room for the super-
intendent of the lower dormitory, completes the lower floor.
The upper stories are occupied as rooms for the officers and
attendants, with a public parlor in the second story, and a recita-
tion room, and two rooms used for hospital purposes, and a
sewing room in the third story.
soldiers' orphans' home.
13
In order that the reader may better understand our description
we have had a photograph taken, an engraving of which we here
insert:
/^
From the west side of the main building extends a wing two
Btories in height, used as dormitories. Here the beds are arranged
lengthwise of the building in four rows. These rooms are well
ventilated, light and airy. On the south side of the main build-
ing is a wing seventy-five feet in length, and twenty-five in width,
the lower story of which is used as a dining room for the children
of the " Home," and a large kitchen in which is a range sufiicieut
for cooking for a large number of persons. The second story of
this wing is occupied as a school room capable of seating one
hundred and fifty pupils. An office is also attached to this wing.
The building is heated by furnaces in the basement story. A
large octagon barn also belongs to the premises, with a laundry,
and a steam engine which supplies the building with water from
the Third Lake, that forms the southern boundary of the
premises.
At this time, April 6th, 1866, there are eighty-five children at
the " Home," all of whom are well cared for, and a good school
provided for them under the superintendence of Miss Torrey, a
niece of Colonel J. H. Howe, of Green Bay. Another school
14 soldiers' orphans' home.
room is to be fitted up as the number of inmates of the " Home"
increases, and it is expected that three hundred will be admitted
by the first of June.
The arrangement and organization of the " Home," has been
entirely under the supervision of Mrs. Harvey, who has been
untiring in her exertions, both in securing the means to start the
institution, and to place it in active operation. She fully appre-
ciates the liberality of the generous people of the State who have
lent their aid to the undertaking, and enabled her to carry out
her benevolent design.
The object of the " Orphans' Home," is to afford to the friend-
less little ones, the blessings and comforts of a real Home, and
no mother need feel any backwardness in confiding her children
to its care. Proper attention will be directed to the physical,
intellectual and moral development of the children, so that when
the proper time arrives for their re-entering the active world,
they will be qualified to fulfil the duties of useful citizens and
reflect honor upon the State that adopted them.
On the 31st of March, 1866, Governor Fairchild approved a
bill providing for the establishment of a " Soldiers' Orphans'
Home." We append a s^'nopsis of the law for the information
of our readers :
Section 1. Establishes an institution to be stj-led "Tlie Soldiers' Orplians' Home."
Sec. 2. Authorizes the Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and Attorney
General to provide suitable buildings, and purchase block 152 ("The Farwell Property"
in the City of Madison,) together with buildings and impi'ovements, provided there is a
perfect title, and it can be purchased for 510,000.
Sec. 3. When title is perfected, authorizes the Governor to appoint seven Trustees, to
be known as "Trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, of Wisconsin." Majority to
constitute a quorum. Three to serve for three yeai's, two for two years, and two for one
year, or until their suece.ssors are appointed. Vacancies to be filled by the Governor.
Sec. 4. The Trustees to manage and direct the affairs of the " Home," making, with
the sanction of the Governor, all needful by-laws and regulations for the proper admin-
istration of the " Orphans' Home," not inconsistent with the Constitution of the State
and United States. No comijensation to Trustees for services, but necessary expenses
incurred in performance of their duties.
Sec. 5. Trustees to appoint the President and Secretary, who are to perform their du-
ties under such regulations and instructions as is required by their by-laws. The State
Treasurer to be ex-offlcio Treasurer of the Board. The Secretary to keep a faithful record
of all transactions of the Board. The President to have power to call extra meetings
of the Board on a written request of not less than two members.
, Sec. 6. Board of Trustees to appoint the Superintendent of the " Home," and other
officers provided for in tlie by-laws, and to fix the coftipensation of ofHcers of the insti-
tution. Board to meet annually on the first Tuesday in October, and sani- annually on the
second Tuesday in April. At each meeting to visit and examine into the affairs of the
" Home," and at their annual meeting make a full report to the Governor of all their
proceedings.
soldiers' orphans' home. 15
Sec 7. Board of Trustees to have power to take and hold in trust, for the use and
benefit of the "Home," any grant or demise of real estate or any donation or bequest
of money or other personal property to be applied to the maintenance of soldiers'
orphans or general use of the " Home."
Sec. 8. Superintendent to be chief executive officer of the " Home ;" to have control
and authority over all assistants connected with the institution below the grade desig
nated in the by-laws as olHcers ; to employ or discharge as he may see fit, being respon-
sible to the Trustees for the proper discharge of that duty. For satisfactory causes, the
Superintendent may be removed by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Board.
Sec. 9. All soldiers' orphans admitted to the "Home" to be maintained therein at
the expense of the State.
Sec. 10. Board of Trustees to apportion, as near as practicable, the number of orphans
to be received from each county on the basis of the number of soldiers' orphans actually
residing in said county, and the County Board to apportion, as near as practicable, the
number to be admitted from the county, between the several towns thereof, upon the
basis of the returns made to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, as provided by
Section 12 of this Act.
Sec. 11. Establishes the prerequisite for admission into the institution, as follows : —
All orphans over the age of four and under fourteen years, whose fathers enlisted from
this State, and who have either been killed or died while in the military or naval .service
of the United States, or of this State, during the late rebellion, or who have since died
of diseases contracted while in such service, and who have no means of support, shall
be entitled to the benefits of this institution, giving the preference to those having
neither father nor mother in deciding upon applications.
Sec. 12. Board of Trustees to furnish each Clerk of the County Board with uniform
blanks, with necessai*y instructions as to filling the same. These blanks to be distributed
to the Chairman of each Town Board of Supervisors, and to the Mayor or President of
the incorporated cities or villages within the several counties of this State. In cases of
doubt, the death of the father is determined by the records of the Adjutant General ot
the State.
Sec. 13. On acceptance of any application for the admission of an orphan, the Chair
man of Town Board of Supervisors or Mayor or President of a city to make an order for
the removal of such orphan, so accepted, to the " Orphans' Home," in the care of some
suitable person, and all necessary expenses incurred in such removal to be paid by the
county in which such orphan child has a legal residence.
Sec. 14. Trustees to appoint an Executive Committee from their own number to per-
form such duties as may be prescribed by the by-laws established by the Board. Said
Executive Committee is authorized to draw warrants on the fund belonging to the
"Home," as may be directed by the Trustees, in conformitj^ with this Act. All warrants
60 drawn to be countersigned by the Secretary of State, and to designate the
appropriation from which the same shall be paid.
Sec. 1.5. Appropriates $10,000 out of the State Treasury to pay for the property
authorized to be purchased by Section 2 of this Act.
Sec. 16. Act to take efiect on publication.
In addition to the above, the Legislature appropriated the sum
of $25,000 for the support of the institution for the coming year.
Under this law, Governor Fairchild has appointed the following
persons as trustees :
F(yr three j/ears— Colonel R. M. Strong, Reedsburg; Colonel Henry Harndex,
Jefferson ; General C. C. Washburn, La Crosse.
For two years — 'B.on. N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; Hon. W. J. Abrams, Green
Bay.
For one year— "Hou. B. F. Hopkins, Madison; General E. S. Bragg, Fond du Lac.
16 soldiers' orphans' home.
The Board of Trustees met at Madison on the 18th of April,
and Hon. N. M. Littlejohn was elected President, and Colonel
R. M. Strong appointed Secretary. The Board were in session
several days, appointing Mrs. Harvey Superintendent of the In-
stitution for the ensuing year, and passed such hy-laws, rules and
regulations as were necessary for the full establishment of the
"Home."
It will be seen that the law establishes the manner in which
orphans are to be admitted into the " Home," through the
County Boards of Supervisors of each county, and persons who
may have orphans in charge, will know how to proceed in
securing the benefits of the "Home " for their wards.
The author has visited the Home, where he found about eighty
children of both sexes, varying from four to fourteen years of
age, all in good health, and apparently happy in their new
" Home." They are well cared for, with plenty of good whole-
some food, and everything to make them comfortable, without
any appearance of being subjects of public charity. In case of
sickness, every care and the best of medical attention is given.
TABLE OF OOISrTEJSrTS.
CHAPTER I.
ACTION OF THE STATE AUTHORITIES IN 1861.
PAQK
state Administration of 1860 and 1861 — Resources — Legislature of 1861 —Governor's
Message — Laws Passed — Fort Sumter — Popular Excitement- Call for 75,000
Militia— Governor's Proclamation — First Tender of Service — Only one Regi-
ment— Reserve Regiments Authorized — First Regiment Organized — Captain
Little — Proclamation to Women of Wisconsin — To the People — Companies
Tendering Service— Surgeon General Wolcott — Adjutant General Utley— Camp j
Randall — Second, Third and Fourth Regiments — Defense of Washington— I
Meeting of Loyal Governors — Governor's Letter to President Lincoln — Generals
King and Schurz — Two naore Regiments Accepted — Patriotic Women— Letter to
Governor Randall 33
CHAPTER II.
ACTION OF STATE AUTHORITIES IN 1861 — CONTINUED.
Extra Session of the Legislature — Governor's Message — Laws Passed — State Mili-
tary Departments — Third and Fourth Regiments — Six Regiments Accepted-
Fifth and Sixth Regiments— Letter to President Lincoln — Seventh and Eiglith
Regiments — Cavalry Authorized — Sharpslaooters — State Agents — Circular to
Loyal Governors — State Bonds — Letter to Secretary of War — More Infantry
Accepted — Artillery Wanted — First, Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh Regiments —
Letter to Secretary of War — Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth
Regiments — $205,000 Reimbursed— Correspondence — First Cavalry— Second Cav-
alry — More Artillery Accepted — Third Cavalry — Consolidation of Companies —
Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Regiments — Recruiting
Discontinued — Letter of Captain Eddy — Report of Gov. Randall — Biographical
Sketch of Gov. Randall— Close of 1861 71
CHAPTER III.
ACTION OF STATE AUTHORITIES IN 1862.
New State OflScers — Legislature Meets— Governor's Message — Laws Passed —
Eleventh and Twelfth Batteries — Recruiting Service Discontinued — Battle ot
Shiloh — Fourteenth, Sixteenth and Eighteenth Regiment* Engaged — Expedi-
tion to Pittsburg Landing- Death of Governor Harvey — 1 iographical Sketch—
2
18 CONTENTS.
PA8E.
Twentieth Regiment — Legislature Re-assembles — Governor Salomon's Message
— Laws Passed — State Sanitary Agents — Call for 300,000 more — Monster meeting
in Milwaukee — Twenty-flrst to Thirty-third Regiments Authorized — Extra
Session of Legislature — Governor's Message — Laws Passed — 300,000 Militia to be
Drafted— Draft Ordered — Draft Riots — Thirty-fourth Regiment — Close of 1862... 109
CHAPTER IV.
ACTION OF STATE AUTHORITIES IN 1863.
State Military Officers — Legislature Meets — Governor's Message — Laws Passed —
Number of Regiments Furnished —Thirteenth Light Artillery — Heavy Artillery
Battalion — Six Months Men Wanted — Enrolment Act — Provost Marshal Gen-
eral's Department— State Districted — Thirty-fourth Regiment Mustered Out —
Thirty-fifth Regiment — Harvey Hospital Established — Quotas and Credits —
Settlement of Credits — Results of Draft of 1863 — Negro Soldiers— Call for 300,000
More — Towns, etc., to be Credited — Big Bounties — Sixteenth Regiment —
Biographical Sketch of Governor Salomon— Close of 1863 150
CHAPTER V.
ACTION OF STATE AUTHORITIES IN 186*.
State Officers Elect in 1864 — State Military Officers — Legislature Meets— Governor's
Message — Laws Passed — Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettj'sburg — Re-enlist-
ment of Old Regiments — Call for 500,000 more — Thirty-sixth, Thirt5^-seventh and
Thirty-eighth Regiments— Veteran Re-enlistments— Veteran Regiments ordered
to General Sherman— One Hundred Day Troops Organized — Thirty-ninth,
Fortieth and Forty-flrst Regiments — Call for 500,000 Men for One, Two and Three
Years— Excessive Quota — Enrolment Lists Corrected — Quota Reduced — Error
Corrected — Forty-second Regiment — Fifth Regiment Re-organized — Forty-third
Regiment — Heavy Artillery Regiment— Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth Regiments
— Draft in September— Result— Another Call for 300,000 — Close of 1864 168
CHAPTER VI.
ACTION OF STATE AUTHORITIES IN 1865.
Military Officers of the State — Resignation of Quartermaster General Lund — Legis-
lature Meets — Extracts from Governor's Message — Laws Passed — Forty-sixth
and Forty-seventh Regiments — Change in Manner of Recruiting — Recruiting
Agents Authorized — Quota under Call of 19th December — Reduced— Appor-
tioned to Congressional Districts — Forty-eighth, Forty-ninth and Fiftieth Regi-
ment—Draft Ordered — Fifty-first, Fifty-second and Fifty-third Regiments —
Last Regiments Raised in the State — Correspondence between Grant and Lee —
Surrender of the Rebel Army — Final Overthrow of the Rebellion — Recruiting
Discontinued — Orders for Mustering Out of Regiments — Biography of Governor
jje^is— Adjutant General Gay lord— Quartermaster General Lynch 183
CONTENTS. X9
CHAPTER VII.
SANITARY OPERATIONS OF THE STATE.
Surgeon General's Department — His Duties — Expedition to Pittsburg Landing-
Second Expedition— Expedition to Perryville Battle-fleld — To Murfreesboro —
Visit toVicksburg— ToWashington Hospitals— Expedition to Chicamauga Battle-
field—Visit to Army of Potomac —Visit of Governor Lewis and Surgeon General
Wolcott to Hospitals for Transfer of Sick and Wounded —United States Hospitals
in Wisconsin — Sanitaiy Agents — Soldiers' Aid Societies —Wisconsin Soldiers'
Home — Soldiers' Orphans' Home — Bureau of Employment 208
CHAPTER VIII.
GENERAL MILITARY OPERATIONS— EASTERN DIVISION.
Wisconsin Organizations in Eastern Division — Skirmish at Falling Waters — First
Battle of Bull Run — Bolivar Heights — Winchester — Peninsula Campaign —
Banks' Retreat — Battle of Cedar Mountain — Gainesville — Second Bull Run-
South Mountain — Antietam— Fredericksburg— Chancellorville—Marye's Heights
— Gettysburg — Rappahannock Station — Battles from the Rapidan to Petersburg
— Weldon Railroad — Explosion of the Mine— Ream's Station— South Side Rail-
road—Hatcher's Run — Fort Stedman — Five Forks — Evacuation of Petersburg
and Richmond — Pursuit of Lee's Army— Sailors' Creek — Surrender— Sherman's
March from Savannah— A veiysboro—Rentonville — Johnston's Surrender —
"Johnny Comes Marching Home," .*. •2A^
CHAPTER IX.
GENERAL MILITARY OPERATIONS— CENTRAL DIVISION.
Wisconsin Organizations in the Central Division — Bowling Green — Nashville —
Huntsville — Bragg's March on Louisville — Battle of Perryville — Jefferson Pike
— Stone River — Spriug Hill — Tullahoma— Dug Gap — Chicamauga— Chattanooga
— Mission Ridge— Dal ton — Buzzard's Roost — Resaca — Dallas— Kenesaw Moun-
tain—Atlanta— Jonesboro—Lovejoy's Station— AUatoona— Destruction of At-
lanta — Shei-man's March to Savannah — Battle of Nashville— General Wilson's
Campaigns in Alabama and Georgia 320
CHAPTER X.
GENERAL MILITARY OPERATIONS —WESTERN DIVISION.
Wisconsin Organizations in Western Division — Battle of Frederickton — Pea Ridge
— New Madrid — Island No. 10 — Shiloh — Siege of Corinth —Battle of luka —
Corinth — Bayou Cache — Prairie Grove — New Orleans Captured — Vicksburg
Bombarded in 1S62 — Sherman's Attempt — Arkansas Post— Grant's March on
Vicksburg — Port Gibson — Jackson — Champion Hills — Black River — Invest-
ment of Vicksburg — Surrender — Jackson— Yazoo River — Teche Expedition —
Port Hudson Surrenders— Little Rock Captured — Second Teche Expedition —
Carrion Crow Bayou — Texas Expedition — Honey Springs — Battle of Helena —
Meridian Expedition— Red River Expedition — Fort de Russey — Sabine Cross
Roads — Pleasant Hill — Cane River — Alexandria — General Bailey's Dam-
Jenkins" Ferry— Price's Raid in Missouri— Fort Morgan— Siege and Capture of
Mobile , „ ., 377
if
20 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XI.
KEGIMENTAL HISTORY— FIRST INFANTRY, (THREE MONTHS.)
PAQB.
Regimental Roster— Ordered to Chambersburg — Hagerstown— Skirmish at Falling
Waters — March to Martinstaurg — Bunker Hill — Charlestown- Upper Potomac
— Mustered out — Regiment Reorganized — Regimental Roster — Skirmish on
Granny White's Pike — Rogersville — Battle of Pen-y ville — JeflFerson Pike —
Stone River— Hoover's Gap— Chicamauga — Resaca— Dallas — Kenesaw Moun-
tain — Atlanta — Jonesboro — Return to Wisconsin — Muster out — Statistics 42$
CHAPTER XII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— SECOND INFANTRY AND IRON BRIGADE.
Regimental Roster— First Battle of Bull Run — King's Brigade — Roster of the Sixth
Regiment— Roster of the Seventh Regimen t^Organization of the "Iron Brigade"
— Operations near Fredericksburg— Beverley Ford — Battle of Gainesville —
Second Bull Run — South Mountain — Antietam — Fredei-icksburg-Fitzhugh's
Crossing— Cliancellorville — Gettysburg— Veteran Re-enlistments— Battles of the
Wilderness — Spottsylvania— North Anna — Cold Harbor — Second Regiment Re-
turns Home — Mustered out — Statistics — Independent Battalion — Subsequent
Brigade History— Assault on Petersburg — Battle at Weldon Railroad — Hatcher's
Run — Dabney's Mills — Five Forks — Capture of Lee's Army —March to Wash-
ington— Grand Review — Sent to Louisville — Return to Wisconsin — Mustered
out— Iron Brigade Dissolved — Statistics 438
CHAPTER XIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRD INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Sliirmish at Bolivar — Occupation of Frederick — Pursuit of
Jackson — Fight at Buckton Station — Retreat of General Banlcs- Battle of
Cedar Mountain — Antietam — Cliancellorville — Fight at Beverley Ford— Gettys-
burg — Sent to New York — Transferred to Army of the Cumberland —Veterans
Re-enlist— Veteran Tliird on Furlough — Battle of Resaca— Dallas — Pine Knob
— Kenesaw — Atlanta — March to Savannah — March to Goldsboro — Battle of
Averysboro — 6entonville — Surrender of Jolmstou's Army — Homeward Bound
— Return to Wisconsin — Muster out — Regimental Statistics 483
CHAPTER XIV.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FOURTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Regiment Arrives at Baltimore — Expedition to the Eastern
Sliore — Newport News — Ship Island — Capture of New Orleans — Baton Rouge —
First Attack on Vicksburg— Burning of Grand Gulf— Second Attack on Vicks-
burg — Gunboat Tyler — Battle of Baton Rouge — Texas Rangers Captured —
Bombardment of Port Hudson — Fii-st Teche Expedition — Battle at Bislaud —
Port Hudson — Assault of May 27th and June 14tli — Surrender of Port Hudson —
Changed to Cavalry Regiment 498
CONTENTS. 21
CHAPTER XV.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FIFTH INFANTRY,
PAOE.
Regimental Roster — Winter near Washington — Embark on Peninsula Campaign —
Battle of Lee's Mills— Williamsburg— Qolden's Farm — Change of Ba.se — Rear
Guard, at White Oak Swamp Bridge — Malvern Hill— Return to Alexandria —
Battle at Crampton's Gap — Antietam— Fredericksburg- Marye's Heights— Salera
Church — Gettysburg — On Duty in New York — Rappahannock Station — Mine
Run — Battles of the Wilderness— Spottsj'lvania — North Anna — Cold Harbor-
Petersburg- Ream's Station —Veterans Return Home — Defense of Washington
— Independent Battalion — Battle of Snicker's Gap — Charlestown — Cedar Creek
— Regiment Reorganized — Roster — Joins Sheridan at Cedar Creek — Return to
Petersburg— Battle at Dabney's Mills — Capture of the Enemy's Works at Peters-
burg—Battle of Sailor's Creek — Lee's Surrender — March to Washington —
Return to Wisconsin — Muster out 508
CHAPTER XVI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Arrives at St. Louis— Battle of Fredericktown — New Madrid
and Island No. 10 — Farmington — Siege of Corinth — Battle of luka — Corinth —
Sei-vice in West Tennessee — Move to Vicksburg — Battle of Jackson— Siege of
Vicksburg — Expedition to Canton — Meridian Expedition — Red River Expedi-
tion—Rear Guard of Banks' Army — Battle of Lake Chicot— Veterans Return
Home — Retui'n to Memphis — Move to White River —Join in Pursuit of General
Price — Reinforce General Thomas— Battle of Nashville — Return to Vicksburg —
New Orleans— Battles before Mobile — Mustered out of Service — Statistics 526
CHAPTER XVII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— NINTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster— Move to Leavenworth, Kansas— March to Fort Scott— Join the
Indian Expedition— Battle of Newtouia — Prairie Grove — Service in Missouri —
Embark for Helena, Ark. — Join General Steele's Army at Little Rock — March
to Camden — Battle of Elkins' Ferry — Jenkins' Ferry — Return to Little Rock —
Non-veterans — Mustered out — Independent Battalion — Expedition to the Saline
River.-. 540
CHAPTER XVIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster— Arrival in Kentucky — Move to Nashville — Capture of Hunts-
ville — Railroad Guard Duty — Brilliant Fight at Paint Rock Bridge — Death of
Captain Moore — Rear Guard at Stevenson — March to Louisville — Battle of Per-
ry ville — Battle of Stone River — Hoover's Gap — Cross th5 Tennessee — Battle of
Chicamauga — Severe Loss — Assault on Mission Ridge — Battles from Dallas
to Atlanta — On Guard at Marietta — Return Home —Mustered out — Statistics 548
22 . CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIX.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— ELEVENTH INFANTRY.
PAGK.
Hegimental Roster — At Sulphur Springs — Steele's Advance into Arkansas — Battle
of Bayou Cache — Helena, Ark.— Return to Missouri — Join Grant's Forces near
Vieksburg — March Across the Peninsula — Battle near Port Gibson — Champion
Hills — Black River Bridge — Before Vieksburg — Assault of the 22d of May —
Second Battle at Jackson, Miss.— Transferred to the Department of the Gulf—
Berwick City — Teche Expedition — Return — Embark for Texas — Return to Bra-
shier City— Move to Mobile— Assault on Fort Blakely— "War Closed — On Duty
at Mobile — Mustered Out— Return Home— Statistics 559
CHAPTER XX.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWELFTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster— Leavenworth City— March to Fort Scott — To Fort Riley— Re-
turn to Leavenworth— Embark for West Tennessee — Join Grant's Southward
Movement— March to Memphis — Expedition to Coldwater — Move to Vieksburg
— The Siege — Battle of Jackson — Natchez — Return to Vieksburg — Veteran Re-
enlistments— The Meridian Expedition— Skirmish at Baker's Creek— On Veteran
Furlough — Joins General Sherman in Georgia — Battle at Kenesaw Mountain —
Nickajack Creek — Bald Hill, July 21-22 — Battle of the 28th of July — Siege of At-
lanta—Jonesboro—Lovejoy's Station— Join Sherman's Grand March — Savan-
nah— Pocotaligo — Orangebui'g — Goldsboro — Johnston's Surrender — March to
Washington — Grand Review — Move to Louisville — Return to Wisconsin —
Disbanded — Statistics 574
CHAPTER XXI.
RECtlMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTEENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Leavenworth — March to Fort Scott — To Fort Riley —
Return to Leavenworth — Move to West Tennessee — Stationed at Fort Henry —
Fort Donelson — At Stevenson, Ala.— Huntsville — Guard Sherman's Communi-
cations-Veteran Re-enlistments— Return to Huntsville — Move to Knoxville —
Return to Nashville — Move Down the Mississippi— New Orleans — Texas —
Muster out — Return Home — Statistics 590
CHAPTER XXII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FOURTEENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Arrive at St. Louis — Move up Tennessee River — Battle of
Shiloh— Battle of Corinth — Joins Grant's Southward Movement — March to
Memphis — Move to Vieksburg — To Lake Providence — Return to Vieksburg —
Assault of the 22d of May — The Siege — Move to Natchez — Re-enlistments —
Veteran Furlough — Red River Expedition — Worden's Battalion — Battle of
Tupelo — Expedition to Augusta, Ark.— Pursuit of Price through Missouri —
Battle of Nashville -^ Return to Vieksburg — New Orleans — Investment of
Mobile — Attack on Spanish Fort — Mobile Captured— Muster out— Return
Home — Disbanded — Statistics 598
CONTENTS. 23
CHAPTER XXIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FIFTEENTH INFANTRY.
PAGE,
Regimental Roster — Arrive at St. Louis — Bird's Point — Island No. 10— Skirmisli at
Union City— Capture of Island No. 10 — Move to West Tennessee — Transferred to
Army of the Cumberland — Florence, Ala.— Move to Louisville— Battle of Perry-
ville — Knob Gap — Stone River — Death of Lieutenant Colonel McKee — March
on Tullahoma — Battle of Chieamauga — Death of Colonel Heg — Battle of Mission
Ridge — Move to East Tennessee — Battle at Rocky Face Ridge — Resaca — Dallas
— Kenesaw Mountain — Atlanta— At Whitesides — Mustered out — Statistics 613
CHAPTER XXIV.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move up Tennessee River — Battle of Pittsburg Landing — Siege
of Corinth — Battle of Corinth — Lake Providence — Stationed at Redbone Church
— New Companies— Old Companies on Veteran Furlough — Move to Cairo — Join
Sherman's Army in Tennessee — At Ackworth — Brush Mountain — Kenesaw—
Cross the Chattahoochie — Battle at Bald Hill— Atlanta— Jouesboro — Pursuit of
Hood — Join in Sherman's Grand March — Savannah — Goldsboro — Surrendep of
Johnston's Ai'my- Return Home— Mustered out — Statistics.....". , 632
CHAPTER XXV.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to St. Louis — To Pittsburg Landing— Siege of Corinth —
Battle of Corinth — In West Tennessee — Move to Vicksburg— Lake Providence
— Return to Vicksburg — Assault of May 19th — Siege of Vicksburg — Move to
Natchez — Fort Beauregard — Vicksburg — Veterans Return Home on Furlough
— Return to Cairo — Join Army of General Sherman — Battle of Kenesaw Moun-
tain— Bald Hill — Atlanta — Jonesboro — Pursuit of Hood — Sherman's Grand
March — Savannah — Goldsboro — Raleigh — Richmond — Washington — Return
Home — Muster out — Statistics 644
CHAPTER XXVI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Sent to Tennessee River — Battle of Pittsburg Landing — Siege
of Corinth — Battle of Corinth — Lake Providence— Battle of Jackson — Champion
Hills — Siege of Vicksburg — Move to Chattanooga — Battle of Mission Ridge —
Battle of AUatoona — Veterans on Furlough — Non-veterans In Sherman's March
— Veterans in Provisional Division — Proceed to Goldsboro — Rejoin the Regiment
— Review at Washington — Return Home — Muster out — Statistics 656
CHAPTER XXVII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY- NINETEESTTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Ordered to Fortress Monroe — Norfolk — Suffolk —Yorktown
— Newbern — Join Eighteenth Aimy Corps — Before Petersburg — Fort Darling—
Veterans on Furlough — Battle of Fair Oaks — Enter Richmond— Mustered out-
Return Home— Statistics 668
24 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTIETH INFANTRY.
PAGE.
Regimental Roster— Ordered to Missouri — Marcli to Cross Hollows — Battle of Prai-
rie Grove — Expedition to Van Buren — Move to Rolla — Siege of Vicksburg —
Expedition to Yazoo City — At Carrol ton — Expedition to Texas — Proceed to
Matamoras, Mexico — Return to New Orleans — Proceed to Mobile — Capture cf
Fort Morgan — East Pascagoula — Capture of Spanish Fort— Proceed to Galveston
•—Return Home— Mustered out — Statistics 675
CHAPTER XXIX.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY- FIRST INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Cincinnati — To Louisville — Battle of Perryville—
Jefferson Pike — Stone River— Hoover's Gap — Move into Georgia— Dug Gap —
Battle of Chicamauga — Resaca — Dallas — Kenesaw Mountain — Peach Tree Creek
— Atlanta — Jonesboro — Pursuit of Hood — Join the Grand March of Sherman —
Savannah — Bentonville — Goldsboro — Raleigh — Review at Washington — Return
Home — Muster out— Statistics 686
CHAPTER XXX.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY- SECOND INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Proceed to Cincinnati — On Duty in Kentucky— Proceed to
Nashville — Battle at Thompson's Station— Brentwood Station— Regiment again
Organized — At Murfreesboro — Battle of Resaca — Dallas — Kenesaw — Chatta-
hoochie — Peach Tree Creek — Siege of Atlanta — First to Enter the City— Accom-
pany the Grand March — Savannah — Bentonville — Goldsboro — Return Home-
Muster out— Statistics 697
CHAPTER XXXI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY- THIRD INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Depart for Cincinnati — Service in Kentucky— Move to Mem-
phis—Sherman's Attack on Vicksburg— Battle of Arkansas Post — March to Rear
of Vicksburg — Battle of Grand Gulf — Champion Hills — Black River Bridge-
Siege of Vicksburg — Transferred to Department of the Gulf — Teche Expedition
— Battle of Carrion Crow Bayou — Return to Berwick City — Embark for Texas —
Return to Berwick City— Red River Expedition— Battle of Sabine Cross Roads —
Expedition to Mobile — Return to Morganzia — Expedition to Mobile — Capture
of Spanish Fort and Blakeley— Mobile — Muster out — Return Home — Statistics.. 707
CHAPTER XXXII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY- FOURTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to J,ouisville — Battle of Perryville — Stone River-
Chicamauga — Mission Ridge — East Tennessee Campaign— Atlanta Campaign-
Rocky Face Ridge — Resaca — Adairsville — Dallas — Kenesaw Mountain — Peach
Tree Creek— Siege of Atlanta — Jonesboro — On Duty at Chattanooga— Battle of
Franklin -Nashville — Service in East Tennessee — Muster out— Return Home-
Statistics 720
CONTENTS. 25
CHAPTER XXXIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
PAGE.
Regimental Roster — Sent to Minnesota — Return to Wisconsin- Move to Colum-
bus, Ky. — Satartia, on the Yazoo River — Snyder's Bluff— Siege of Vicksburg —
On Duty at Helena — Slierman's Meridian Expedition — Move to Cairo — Thence
to Decatur, Ala.— Join Slierman's Anny — Battle of Resaca — Dallas — Battle of
Decatur, Ga.— Atlanta — Jonesboro — Pursuit of Hood — Join in the Grand Marcli
— Savannah — Battle of the Salkchatchie — Reach Goldsboro — Surrender of Joim-
stou's Army — Homeward March — Grand Review at Washington — Muster out —
Return to Madison — Statistics 734
CHAPTER XXXIV.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Virginia — Battle of Chancellorville — Gettysburg —
TransfeiTed to Tennessee — Battle of Mission Ridge— Atlanta Campaign — Battle
of Resaca — Dallas — Kenesaw Mountain — Peach Tree Creek— Atlanta— March
with Sherman — Battle of Averysboro — Ben ton ville— Return Home — Muster
out — Statistics '. 74g
CHAPTER XXXV.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster— Move to Columbus, Ky.— Down the Mississippi — Up the Yazoo
— March to Snyder's Bluff— Siege of Vicksburg — Move to Arkansas — Capture of
Little Rock — March to Camden — Battle at Jenkins' Ferry — Return to Little
Rock — Ordered to Join Canby's Forces — Capture of Spanish Fort — Move to
Texas — Mustered out — Return Home — Statistics 760
CHAPTER XXXVI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Columbus, Ky.— To Helena — At St. Charles— Yazoo
Pass Expedition — Return to Helena — Battle of Helena — Capture of Little Rock
— Expedition to Mount Elba— Skirmish— Return to Pine Bluff— Join Canby's
Forces before Mobile — Surrender of Spanish Fort and Blakely — On Service in
Alabama — Move to Texas — Mustered out of Service — Return Home — Disbanded
— Statistics 7(37
CHAPTER XXXVII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Cairo- To Helena— Friar's Point— Cotton Specula-
tors—Expedition to WTiite River— Yazoo Pass Expedition — March to Hard
Times Landing — Battle of Port Gibson — Cliampion Hills — Assault of May 22d —
Siege of Vick.sburg — Battle of Jackson — Transferred to Gulf Department — Sec-
ond Teche Expedition— Texas- Red River Expedition — Battle of Sabine Cross
Roads — Retreat to Alexandria— Assist in Building Bailey's Dam — Stationed at
Morganzia — Join General Canby's Forces — Siege of Spanish Fort and Blakely —
Move to Shreveport- Muster out— Return Home — Statistics... 774
2!8, CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
KEGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTIETH INFANTRY.
PAOB
Regimental Roster — On Duty in the State — Move to Dacotah Territory— Take Part
in Sully's Indian Expedition — Build Fort "Wadsworth — Return — Move to
Louisville, Ky.— Muster out — Return Home — Statistics 789
CHAPTER XXXIX.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY-FIRST INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Columbus, Ky.— Thence to Nashville — Ordered to the
Front — Siege of Atlanta — Join General Sherman's Grand March — Battle of
Averysboro—Bentonville— Arrival at Goldsboro — Surrender of Johnston's Army
— Homeward March — Bichmond—Washington— Grand Review — Move to Louis-
ville, Ky.— Muster out — Return Home — Statistics 793
CHAPTER XL.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY- SECOND INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Memphis — Join Grant's Southward Movement — Dis-
aster at Holly Springs — Return to Memphis — On Provost Duty — Move to Mos-
cow, Tenn.— Move toVicksburg — Take Part in Meridian Expedition — Move up
the River— Caii-o- Up the Tennessee — Decatur, Ala.— Ordered to Atlanta— In
Atlanta Campaign — In Sherman's Grand March— Savannah — Fight at Pocotaligo
— River's Bridge — South Edisto — Bentonville — Goldsboro — Surrender of John-
ston's Armj' — Homeward March —Washington — Grand Review — Muster out —
Return Home — Statistics 800
CHAPTER XL I.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Memphis — Join Sherman's Army — Join Grant's
Southward Movement — Expedition Abandoned — Return to Memphis — Expedi-
tion to the Cold water River — Move to Vicksburg — Snyder's Bluff — Move to the
Rear of Vicksburg — Engage in the Siege — Battle of Jackson — Return toVicks-
burg—Move to Natchez — Return to Vicksburg — Meridian Expedition — Red
River Expedition — Vicksburg — Expedition to Central Mississippi — Camargo
Cross Roads — Tupelo — Move to Brownsville, Ark. — Pursuit of General Price
into Missouri — Move to Nashville — Battle of Nashville — Move to New Orleans
— Move to Mobile— Spanish Fort — War Closed — Move to Vicksburg — Mustered
out — Statistics • 808
CHAPTER XLII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY- FOURTH INFANTRY.
Kegimental Rost«r — Move to Columbus, Ky.— Engage in Garrison Duty — Time
Expires— Return Home — Muster out — Statistics 820
CONTENTS. 27
CHAPTER XLIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
PiOE.
Regimental Roster — Move to Alexandria, La.— Port Hudson — Morganzia — St.
Charles, Ark.— Join General Canby's Forces- Siege of Spanish Fort — On Daty
in Alabama — Move to Texas 821
CHAPTER XLIV.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Washington — Join Hancock's Corps — Battle of Tolo-
potomy— Cold Harbor — Before Petersburg— June 18th — Jerusalem Plankroad —
Strawberry Plains— Explosion of the Mine — Battle at Deep Bottom — Weldon
Railroad — Battle at Ream's Station — Hatcher's Run — Dabney 's Mills — Peters-
burg Captured — Pursuit of Lee — Surrender of his Army — March to Washing-
ton—Grand Review— Proceed to Louisville — Mustered out — Return Home —
Statistics 82:1
CHAPTER XLV.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Washington— Join Grant's Army — Move to Peters-
burg—Assault of 17th and 18th of June— Explosion of the Mine — Assault of 30tli
of July— Weldon Railroad — South Side Railroad— Hatcher's Run — Raid on tlie
Weldon Railroad —Winter Quarters — Fort Steadman— Capture of Fort Mahone
— Enter Petersburg — Surrender of Lee's Army— War Closed — Move to Wasli-
ington — Grand Review— Muster out — Return Home — Regiment Disbanded —
Statistics 835
CHAPTER XLVI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — First Battalion Arrives at Washington — Join the Army of the
Potomac — Cold Harbor — Cross the James River— Petersburg —Assaults of June
17th and 18th — June 30th — Battle on Weldon Railroad — Hatcher's Run — Second
Battalion Arrives at Petersburg — Regimental Organization Complete — Capture
of Fort Mahone— Occupation of Petersburg— War Closed— Proceed to Washington
—Grand Review — Muster out— Return to Wisconsin — Statistics 845
CHAPTER XLVII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— ONE HUNDRED DAY TROOPS.
Rosters— Thirty-ninth— Fortieth — Forty-flrst — Move to Memphis— On Picket and
Guard Duty — Forrest's Raid— Time Expires— Return Home— Muster out 8.54
CHAPTER XLVIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY- FORTY-SECOND TO FIFTY-THIRD INFANTRY. 8<^
4
28 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XLIX.
COMPANY HISTORY— COMPANY G, BERDAN'S SHARPSHOOTERS.
PAGE.
Organization — Move to New York— To Washington —At Battles on the Peninsula —
Second Bull Run— Antietam — Blackburn's Ford — Battle of Fredericksburg —
Chancellorville — Gettysburg — Wapping Heights — Locust Grove — Campaign of
1864 — In Battles from the Wilderness to Cold Harbor— Before Petersburg — Term
Expires— Muster out— Return Home 871
CHAPTER L.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FIRST CAVALRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to St. Louis — To Cape Girardeau — Operations in South-
east Missouri — Raid into Arkansas — Disaster at La Anguille Ferry — Helena —
Return to Cape Girardeau — Attack on Cape Girardeau — Ordered to Tennessee —
In Rosecrans' Army — Battle of Chieamauga— Anderson's Cross Roads — Opera-
tions in East Tennessee — In the Atlanta Campaign — Campaign of 1865— Assault
and Capture of West Point — Cessation of Hostilities — Pursuit of Jefferson Davis
— His Capture— Muster out — Return Home — Statistics 881
CHAPTER LI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— SECOND CAVALRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to St. Louis— To Springfield— First Battalion Bent to
Cassville — Second and Third Battalions March through Arkansas— At Helena-
Memphis — Snyder's Bluff— On Big Black River— Battle of Jackson — Expedi-
tion to Canton —At Redbone Church — Fight near Yazoo City — Move to Memphis
— Move to Texas — Muster out— Return Home — Statistics 900
CHAPTER LII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRD CAVALRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to St. Louis — To Leavenworth City — On Duty in Kansas
— Major Henning at Fort Scott — Regiment Joins Salomon's Brigade — At Battle
of Cane Hill — Prairie Grove — Fight at Fort Gibson — Honey Springs— Cabin
Creek — Massacre at Baxter Springs — On Veteran Furlough — Return to Little
Rock — Regiment Reorganized — On Duty in Ariiansas — Missouri and Kansas —
Ordered to Leavenworth City — Muster out — Return Home — Statistics 909
CHAPTER LIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FOURTH CAVALRY.
Organization as a Cavalry Regiment — On Scouting Duty — Exploit of Lieutenant
Earl — Expedition to Rosedale — To Gros de Tete— Veteran son Furlough — Expe-
dition to Clinton, La.— Death of Colonel Boardman — Earl's Independent Scouts
— Major Craigue Captures Clinton — March towards Mobile — Return to Baton
Rouge — Skirmish — March to Mobile — Into Georgia — Return to Vicksburg —
Move to Texas — Still in Service 92i
MILWAUKEE CAVALRY 928
CONTENTS. 29
CHAPTER LIV.
COMPANY HISTORIES— LIGHT ARTILLERY.
PAGE.
Batteries One to Thirteen 928
CHAPTER LV.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FIRST HEAVY ARTILLERY.
Regimental Roster— Battery A in Defenses of Washington— Battery B at Lexington,
^ Ky.— Battery C at Cliattanooga— In East Tennessee— Battery D at Brasliier City,
La.— Batteries E to M in Defenses at Washington— Muster out — Statistics 970
CONCLUSION 973
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Major General Charles S. Hamilton— Major General C. C. Washburn— Major General
Carl Schurz— Brevet Major General T. H. Ruger— Brevet Major General Frederick
Salomon — Brevet Major General Lysander Cutler — Brigadier General Rufus
King — Brigadier General Halbert E. Paine — Brigadier General John C. Stark-
weather—Brigadier General Lucius Fairchild — Brigadier General E. S. Bragg —
Brigadier General Joseph Bailey — Brevet Brigadier General Harrison C. Hobart
— Brevet Brigadier General Oscar H. La Grange — Brevet Brigadier General T. S.
Allen — Brevet Brigadier General Jeremiah M. Rusk — Colonel Charles R.Gill —
Colonel Sidney A. Bean — Colonel Frederick A. Boardman — Lieutenant Colonel
David McKee — Mrs. Cordelia A. P. Harvey 975
ILLUSTEATIOISrS.
Governor ALEXANDER W. RAKDALL.
Governor LOIJIS P. HARVEY.
Governor EDWARD SALOMOIS'.
Governor JAMES T. LEWIS.
Adjutant General AUG. GAYLORD.
President ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Lieutenant General ULYSSES S. GRANT.
Major General WILLIAM T. SHERMAN.
Mrs. CORDELIA A. P. HARYEY.
Brigadier General HALBERT E. PAINE.
Brigadier General LUCIUS FAIRCHILD.
Brigadier General T. S. ALLEN.
Lieutenant Colonel DAVID McKEE.
Colonel 0. H. LaGRANGE.
Colonel F. A. BOARDMAN.
Colonel SIDNEY A. BEAN.
MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
CHAPTEE I.
ACTION OF THE STATE AUTHORITIES IN 1861.
State Administration of 1860 and 1861 — Resources — Legislature;
OP 1861 — Governor's Message — Laws Passed — Fort Sumter —
Popular Excitement — Call for 75,000 Militia — Gtovernor's Pro-
clamation— First Tender of Service — Only one Regiment —
Reserve Regiments Authorized — First Regiment Organized —
Captain Little — Proclamation to Women op Wisconsin — To the
People— Companies Tendering Service — Surgeon General Wol-
cott — Adjutant General Utley — Camp Randall — Second, Third,
and Fourth Regiments — Defense op Washington — Meeting op
Loyal Governors — Governor's Letter, to President Lincoln —
Generals King and Schurz — Two more Regiments Accepted — •
Patriotic Women — Letter of Governor Randall.
IK N"ovember, 1859, His Excellency Governor Alex. "W. Ran
clair, was reelected to the office of Governor of Wisconsin, and
entered upon the duties of his second term on the first Mon-
day of January, 1860. The other State officers, elected in 1859,
were the Hon. Butler G. ISToble, as Lieutenant Governor, Hon.
Louis P. Harvey, Secretary of State, Hon. Samuel J). Hastings,
State Treasurer, being his second term, Hon. J. H. Howe, Attor-
ney General, Hon. J. L. Pickard, State Superintendent of Schools,
and Hon. G. Van Steenwyck, Bank Comptroller. The above
named individuals composed the State administration for the
years 1860 and 1861.
The reports of the several State ofiicers, in 1860, exhibited the
condition of the State before the outbreak of the rebellion.
3
34 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The decennial enumeration of the population of the State was
made in the year 1859, and Wisconsin was found to contain
775,881 inhabitants, being an increase of 470,490 in ten years,
the population in 1850 being 305,391. Wisconsin was organized
as a Territory in July, 1836, at which time the enumeration
showed a population of 11,683. From that period up to 1842, the
population increased very slowly, the tide of emigration not
setting towards Wisconsin until that year, when the population
of the State rapidly rose from 44,478, in the year 1842, to 155,277,
in 1846. Wisconsin was organized as a State in 1848, when it
was admitted into the Union. In 1846, the first wave of the
great flood of emigration from the old countries reached the
western shore of Lake Michigan, and from that time, yearly, our
State has received a large share of population from that source.
We desire to show, by the above statement, the aggregate of
the population of the State immediately preceding the war, and
to state that fully one-third of our people being of foreign
birth, many of them were not liable to do military duty, not
being recognized as United States citizens. In round numbers,
the population of Wisconsin, at the beginning of 1861, was
about 800,000.
The valuation of real and personal estate, in 1861, was as
follows :
Number of acres assessed $17,298,631 d8%
Aggregate value of lands, exclusive of city and village lots, 96,513,421 77
" " " " of city and village lots, 32,013,734 42
Total aggregate of real property, as assessed, 128,527,156 19
» " " " " as equalized by State Board, 158,175,360 58
Aggregate value of personal property, 24,331,861 55
Total value of all property in tlie State, as equalized by the State
Board of Equalization, was 182,507,222 13
At the beginning of 1861, the total banking capital of the
State was $7,237,000, with a circulation of |4, 580,832, which
was secured by the deposit of State stocks to the amount of
$5,120,080, and specie amounting to $88,725 60. Of the State
stocks deposited for security, as above stated, $3,163,560 were
issued by States who were eventually in open rebellion' against
the government. In consequence of the attitude assumed by
these States, their stocks rapidly depreciated in the New York
market, and the Bank Comptroller was obliged to call for further
security from the banks of the State. This crippled many of the
RESOURCES OF THE STATE. 35
banking institutions, and the financial aiiairs of the State were
in a very critical condition when the war of the rebellion began
in April, 1861. This state of aifairs was in a great degree reme-
died during the summer of that year, by the sale of the State
bonds authorized to be issued at the regular and extra sessions of
the Legislature, in 1861, for war purposes. These bonds were
sold to the bankers of the State, on condition that they should be
deposited as security for the circulation then outstanding. To
etfect this, the stocks of the rebellious States were disposed of at
the best price to be had in New York, and the proceeds invested
in Wisconsin State bonds.
We cite these statistics of the State to show its numerical, eco-
nomical and financial condition prior to the terrible contest which,
for the past four years, has drawn so enormously upon * the
resources of the country, in the shape of men and money.
The educational and other institutions of the State exhibited a
good degree of prosperity, but as they were only incidentally
afiected by the war, we content ourselves by merely mentioning
the aggregate amounts of the different funds under the manage-
ment of the State ofiicers :
The School Fund was estimated at 83,234,1.56 00 on the 1st of October, 1860.
" University" " " " 286,725 92 " " " " " "
The number of persons between the ages of four and twenty,
as reported to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, for 1860,
was 288,984, of which number, 199,455 attended school during
the year.
Such was the condition of Wisconsin when she was called upon
to aid the General Government in its efifort to sustain itself
against the designs of the secession conspirators. The commer-
cial afiTairs of the State were sadly embarrassed by the deprecia-
tion of the currency, which was felt very severely by the State
authorities when they entered upon the labor of raising forces
for the IsTational defense.
The designs of the secessionists were so far developed at the
close of 1860 as to show that resistance to the National authority
had been fully determined on. The formal act of secession in
South Carolina, on the 20th of December, the seizure of the
forts, arsenals and other property of the Nation, in the Southern
36 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
States, indicated that a struggle was at liand, whicli would necessi-
tate a call, ou the part of the President, for a military force, iu
order to preserve the National authority.
It is not the province of this work to discuss the points at issue
or to enumerate the causes which led the Southern States to seek
a disruption of the Union. Those matters more properly belong
to the general historian. Our mission is merely to show what a
single State has done towards sustaining the National Govern-
ment in its great struggle for existence — to gather, and place in
permanent form, the deeds of those of its people who went forth
to battle for the preservation of the blessings which our favored
country had so long enjoyed, under the liberal principles of our
National Constitution.
The open acts of the conspirators attracted the attention of the
authorities of the loyal States, and their several Executives took
early occasion to lay before their respective legislative bodies the
necessity of such action as would empower them to respond to
any call which might be made by the President for aid to put
down the threatened insurrection.
The Legislature of Wisconsin met at Madison on the 9th day
of January, 1861. In his annual message, Governor Randall set
forth the dangers which threatened the National Union, as de-
veloped in the actions of the secessionists up to that date. He
also elaborately argued the question of the right of a State to
secede from the Union, and goes on to say :
A variety of excuses are made for the threatening attitude assumed toward the
Government and Union. Tlie extreme Southern States complain of the personal liberty
laws, and demand their immediate and unconditional repeal. * * * Further com-
plaints are made because of the difficulty of enforcing the Fugitive Slave Law in the
North.
*******************
Personal liberty laws are found, or should be found, upon the statutes of every State.
They ought to be there. All States have them, both North and South, varying in their
character and provisions, yet still personal liberty laws. The highest duty of the Leg-
islature of any civilized State is to provide, by every constitutional means for the protec-
tion of the rights of person of the citizens. So a law for the protection and preservation of
the liberty of the people cannot be too stringent, if it is within the Constitution. The
States never surrendered the right to protect the person of citizens. Every living human
being has a right to a legal test of the question of whether he is a free man or a slave.
While it cannot be consented that laws, looking to the protection of liberty, should bo
repealed, yet all such laws should conform to the Constitution of the United States. If,
on, a close examination and scrutiny, you are satisfied that any of the provisions of our
personal liberty laws are in conflict with the Constitution, it will be your duty, as your
pleasure, to so change them that they shall conform to that Constitution. But no fear,
no favor, no hope of reward, no demand, no threat, should ever induce or drive a free
governor's message. 37
people to break down the walls of their protectiou. We love the Constitution and the
Union of tliese States. We will make sacrifices of feeling to appease and conciliate our
brethren, but lue will make no more sacrifices of principle. While this Government stands,
and we consent to live under it, Liberty may pay to Slavery the price the Fathers
agreed should be paid, but, with our consent, it shall pay no more. We will abide by,
and have never refused to abide by, the compromises of our common Constitution.
But, subject to that Constitution, the civil and religious liberty, for which the flesh of
the martyrs melted, and their bones crackled, in the flames ; for which the Pilgrims
becanie Pilgrims, and for which our fathers fought, shall travel down to otiier genera-
tions as they came careering on in the midst of the ages, with not one right impaii'ed or
one attribute lost.
*******************
Secession Is revolution; revolution is war; war against the Government of the
United States is treason.
It is time, now, to know whether we have any Government, and if so, whether it
has any strength. Is our written constitution more than a sheet of parchment ? The
nation must be lost or preserved by its own strength. Its strength is in the patriotism
of the people. It is time, now, that politicians become patriots, that men show their
love of country by every sacrifice taut that of principle, and by unwavering devotion to
Its interests and integrity.
The hopes of civilization and Christianity are suspended now upon the answer
to this question of dissolution. The capacity for, as well as the right of, self-govern-
ment is to pass its ordeal, and speculation to become certainty. Other systems have
been tried and have failed, and all along, the skeletons of nations have been strewn, as
warnings and land-marks upon the great highway of historic government. Wisconsin
is true, and her people steadfast. She will not destroy the Union, nor consent that it
shall be done. Devised by great, and wise, and good men, in days of sore trial, it must
stand. Like some bold mountain, at whose base the great seas break their angry floods,
and around whose summit the thunders of a thousand hurricanes have rattled, strong,
unmoved, immovable — so may our Union be, while treason surges at its base, and
passions rage around it, unmoved, immovable — here let it stand forever.
In the same message, His Excellency urged the necessity of
farther legislation, in order to effect a more efficient organization
of the militia of the State, and concluded in words that indicated
that he " scented the battle afar off," and warned our legislators
to make preparation.
The signs of the times indicate that there may arise a contingency in the condition
of the Government, when it will become necessary to respond to a call of the National
Government for men and means to maintain the integrity of the Union, and to thwart
the designs of men engaged in an organized treason. While no unnecessary expense
should be incurred, yet it is the part of wisdom, both for individuals and States, in
revolutionary times, to be prepared to defend our institutions to the last extremity.
I commend this subject to your wisdom and discretion.
On the 16th of January, the following joint resolution was
adopted by the Senate, which was concurred in by the Assembly :
Resolved, hy the Senate, the Assembly concurring/, That the people of Wisconsin are ready
to co-operate with the friends of the Union everywhere for its preservation, to yield a
cheerful obedience to its requirements, and to demand a like obedience from all others;
and therefore adopt, as the sentiments of this Legislature, the preamble and resolutions
of the State of New York, as follows :
Whereas, The insurgent State of South Carolina, after seizing the Post Ofllce, Custom
House, moneys and fortifications of the Federal Government, has, by firing into a
vessel ordered by the Government to convey troops and provisions to Fort Sumter,
virtually declared war ; and
38 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Whereas, The forts and property of the United States Government in Georgia.
Alabama and Louisiana have been unlawfully seized with hostile intentions; and
Whereas, As treason, as defined by the Constitution of the United States, exLsts in.
one or more of the States of the Union ; and •
Whereas, further. Senators and Congressmen avow and maintain their treasonable
acts ; therefore
Hesolved, by the Senate, the Assembly concurring. That the Legislature of Wisconsin, pro-
foundly impressed with the value of the Union, and determined to preserve it unim-
paired, hail with joy the recent firm, dignified and patriotic special message of the
President of the United States : that we tender to him, through the Chief Magistrate of
our own State, whatever aid, in men and money, may be required to enable him to en-
force the laws and uphold the authority of the Federal Government, and in defense of
the more perfect Union, which has conferred prosperity and happiness on the American
people. Renewing the pledge given and redeemed by our fathers, we are ready to
devote our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honors in upholding the Union and the
Constitution.
Resolved, by the Senate, the Assembly concurring. That the Union-loving citizens of Dela ■
ware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee, who
laJjor witli devoted courage and patriotism to withhold their States from the vortex of
secession, are entitled to the gratitude and admiration of the whole people.
Resolved, by the Senate, the Assembly concurring. That the Governor be respectfully re-
quested to forward, forthwith, copies of the foregoing resolutions to the President of
the Nation, and the Governors of all the States of the Union.
A lively intei'est was manifested in the discussion of these reso-
lutions in botli branches of the Legislature. Several proposed
amendments were defeated, and the resolutions adopted unani-
mously by both houses. It is worthy of remark, however, that
the democratic members voted for the resolutions under protest,
as follows :
In voting for the preamble and joint resolutions. No. 6, adopted by this honorable
body, the undersigned ask the consent of the Senate to have this their protest go on the
journal in connection with their votes, to the end that the country may know, that
wiiile we cannot vote against any reasonable proposition to aid the President of our
common country in maintaining the Constitution and the laws thereof against treason-
able violence and lawless force, we at tlie same time are in favor of announcing to the
world our purpose to be just and even magnanimous to our brethren of the South, in all
things j ust and proper under the Constitution, before (or at the time) we declare our pur-
I)Ose to resort to extreme measures. In other words, we believe it our duty that while we
vote to aid in the execution of the laws, and the maintenance of order, we should at the
same time hold out a means of reconciliation, with a view to avoid bloodshed if possible.
Having failed, for want of numerical strength, to enforce these, our solemn views in the
resolutions before this honorable body, we yielded to overpowering numbers in pursu-
ance of patriotic motives, and voted for the resolutions, while earnestly, yet respectfully,
protesting against the action of the majority in voting down the propositions we have
contended for, with a view to a harmonious solution of the complications by which we
are surrounded.
This protest, signed by the democratic members of the Senate
and Assembly, was entered on the journals of both Houses.
On the 26th day of January, Governor Randall sent to the
Legislature the preamble and resolutions adopted by the Gene-
ral Assembly of Virginia, on the 19th January, 1861. As these
VIRGINIA RESOLUTIONS. 39
resolutions possess historical interest, from the fact that they
formed the foundation of the celebrated "Peace Congress"
which met at Washington City in 1861, we insert a synopsis here.
In the preamble, it is set forth as the deliberate opinion of the
General Assembly of Virginia, that if the unhappy controversy
between the South and North could not satisflictorily he settled,
a permanent dissolution of the Union was inevitable — that the
General Assembly, representing the wishes of the people of Vir-
ginia, was desirous of averting such a calamity, they therefore
Resolved, That, in behalf of Virginia, they extended an invi-
tation to all States willing to unite with Virginia, for the adjust-
ment of the alleged difEerences, to appoint Commissioners to meet
at Washington on the 4th of February, 1861, to consider and
agree, if practicable, upon some suitable adjustment.
The second resolution appointed five Commissioners to repre-
sent Virginia in said Convention.
The third resolution instructed said Commissioners, if any
plan of adjustment was agreed on, involving amendments to the
Federal Constitution, to communicate such proposed amendments
to Congress, for the purpose of having the same submitted by
that body to the several States for ratification.
The fourth resolution provided that if Congress should refuse
to submit such amendments for ratification, as may be proposed,
the Commissioners shall immediately communicate the fact to
the Executive of Virginia, to be laid by him before a Convention
of the people and the General Assembly.
The fifth resolution gave it as the opinion of the General As-
sembly that the resolutions submitted to the Senate of the United
States by Hon. J. J. Crittenden should be modified, so that the
first article proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the
United States should apply to the territory south of latitude 36°
30', and requiring the protection of slavery therein during terri-
torial government, and that slave owners should be secured in
the right of transit between and through the non-slaveholding
States, and that this proposition should be the basis of settle-
ment that would be accepted by the people of Virginia.
The remaining resolutions appointed Ex -President Tyler a
Commissioner to the President of the United States, and Judge
John Robertson, Commissioner to South Carolina and other
40 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
seceded States, for the purpose of requesting a suspension of any
action which might produce collision between those States and
the United States, during the pendency of the deliberations of
the convention so desired by the people of Virginia.
Copies of the resolutions were telegraphed to the Execlitives
of the several States and the President of the United States.
We have given a synopsis of these Virginia resolutions, deem-
ing it sufficient for a perfect understanding of their import.
Resolutions appointing Commissioners to this proposed " Peace
Congress " were adopted in the Senate and Assembly of Wis-
consin, but there being some dissimilar features in the resolutions,
as proposed by each house, so much delay was occasioned by the
usual parliamentary manoeuvering for a Committee of Conference,
that the time for the meeting of the "Peace Congress" passed,
and fortunately Wisconsin was saved the humiliation of partici-
pating in the attempt to- settle our national difficulties on the
basis set forth in the Virginia resolutions.
The result of that " Peace Convention," or rather the attempt
to patch up our ITational Union, by making protection to slavery
one of the amendments to the Constitution, has become matter
of history. It is sufficient here to say that, on the submission of
its propositions to Congress, that body, in both houses, speedily
rejected them, as well as the Crittenden resolutions.
Those desirous of examining more fully the proceedings of this
" Peace Convention," are respectfully referred to the general
history of the rebellion, and also Moore's " Rebellion Record,"
where the proceedings may be found in full.
We are inclined to look upon that " Peace Congress " as a
farce, got up by the secession conspirators, to amuse the people
of the North, while they obtained time to proceed with their
nefarious plottings, looking with contempt at the efforts for com-
promise thus being made, having resolved that no compromise or
conciliation whatever would be concurred in by them, as they
had fully made up their minds to break up the Union at all
hazards.
At the beginning of the session, Senator Gill offered a resolu-
tion calling for a joint committee of the Senate and Assembly to
inquire into the expediency of putting the State on a " war
footing," and if deemed by such committee necessary and
LAW PASSED. 41
expedient, that the}" report a phiii or bill for that purpose. A bill
was reported and became a law — for the defense of the State,
and to aid in enforcing the laws and maintaining the authority
of the General Government.
Under this act, and its amendments, Governor Randall was
enabled to organize the earlier regiments for Wisconsin.
Section 1 stated that, in case of a call from the President of
the United States, to aid in maintaining the Union and the suprem
acy of the laws, to suppress rebellion or insurrection, or to repel
invasion within the United States, the Governor was authorized
to provide, in the most efficient manner, for responding to such
call — to accept the services of volunteers for active service, in
companies of seventy-five men each, rank and file, and in regi-
ments of ten companies each, and to commission officers for the
same.
Section 2 authorized the Governor to contract for uniforms and
equipments necessary for putting such companies into active
service.
Section 3 appropriated one hundred thousand dollars, for the
purpose of carrying out the provisions of this act, and to pay for
the transportation of troops, arms and munitions of war.
Section 4 authorized the issue of State bonds to the amount of
one hundred thousand dollars — directing how they should be pre-
pared and made payable.
Section 5 authorized the Governor to negotiate the sale of the
bonds, and directed the money to be deposited in the State
Treasury, to be applied to war purposes.
Section 6 authorized the levying of a tax upon the property of
the State, to pay ^le interest.
This law was amended subsequently, at the close of the ses-
sion, so as to increase the amount of bonds to two hundred thous-
and dollars.
Escaping the hands of the conspirators who had been set upon his
track by the secession leaders to prevent his inauguration, on the
4th of March, 1861, President Lincoln politely bowed his prede-
cessor into retirement, and took up the reins of Government, and
at once set to work in the effort to save the Nation from destruc-
tion. The conciliatory tone of his inaugural address, while, at
the same time, he insisted that the integrity of the National
42 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Union should be preserved, gave token to tlie people of the
ISTortli that a man was at the helm of Government, who was dis-
posed to sustain the principles of the Constitution, and, if neces-
sary, to resort to stringent measures in order to preserve the
Union intact. The public mind at the ISTorth became easier, and
the development of events was watched by millions of jealous
eyes, and when news spread throughout the land that the rebel
cannon were levelled at and about to open on Fort Sumter, the
people of the North prepared to gird on their armor and meet
the onset, which had now become inevitable, with that determi-
nation and courage which the brave man feels when he has used
every endeavor to conciliate and settle a contest without resort to
blows. This was the condition of the public mind at the l^orth,
when the news arrived that the flag of Fort Sumter was lowered
to the rebel conspirators, on the 14th of April, 1861.
l!^o sooner had the news come over the wires, than all other
business was laid aside, and nothing but " war, war, war," was
heard in the cities, and villages, and hamlets. The pen is inade-
quate to describe the excitement which prevailed everywhere.
Political parties seemed to be forgotten, and the public will was
bent upon one idea, of sustaining the General Government, with
men and money to the "bottom dollar." Political diflierences
were merged in a single desire for the public good. Then we
had a united N^orth.
Early on Monday morning April 15th, Governor Randall
received the Proclamation of President Lincoln, which reads as
follows :
Whereas, the laws of the United States have been for some time past, and now are
opposed, and the execution thei'eof obstructed, in the States of Soutli Carolina, Gteorgia,
Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by combinations too powerful to
be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in
the Marshals by law :
Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, in virtue of the
power in me vested by the Constitution and Laws, have thought fit to call forth , and
hereby do call forth, the niilitia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate
number of 75,000, in order to suppress said combinations and to cause the laws to be
duly executed.
Tlie details for this object will be immediately communicated to the State authorities
througli the War Department.
I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate and aid this effort to maintain the
lionor, the integrity, and the existence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of
popular government; and to redress wrongs already long enough endured.
I deem it proper to say that the first service assigned to the forces hereby called forth,
will probably be to re-possess the forts, places and property which have been seized from
POPULAR EXCITEMENT. 43
tlie Union ; and in every event, the utmost care will be observed, consistently with the
objects aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any destruction of or interference with,
property, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country.
And I hereby command the pei'sons composing the combinations aforesaid to dis-
perse, and retire peaceably to their respective abodes within twenty days from this date.
Deeming that the present condition of public affairs presents an extraordinary occa-
Bion, I do hereby, in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution, convene botli
Houses in Congress. Senators and Representatives are therefore su mmoned to assem-
ble at their respective chambers, at twelve o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the fourth day
of July next, then and there to consider and determine suclx measures as, in their wis-
dom, the public safety and interest may seem to demand.
In witness whereof, I have hei-eunto sot my hand and caused the seal of the United
States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this fifteenth day of April, in the year of our
[l. S.] Lord, one tlaousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the Independence of
the United States the eighty-tilth.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President,
William H. Seward, Secretary of Stale.
Oil the reception of the news of the fall of Fort Sumter, the
excitement was intense. For months the people had watched
the lowering clouds, looking with anxiety for the storm to break,
hoping, however, that- some measure might he adopted whereby
a resort to arms might be prevented. The persistency with
which the Southern States proceeded in their mad career, by
seizing National property, holding Secession Conventions, firing
upon the steamer bearing succor to Major Anderson, and at last
opening a cordon of fire upon the devoted garrison at Fort Sum-
ter, demonstrated to Northern people that the great contest had
begun.
With a unanimity unknown in the history of the Nation, the
people of the north, ahnost as one man, arose and gave assur-
ances to the National Executive that the Government should be
preserved at all hazards. ■
In "Wisconsin, as elsewhere, the public pulse quickened under
the excitement. The dangers which surrounded the Nation
awakened the liveliest sentiments of patriotism and devotion.
For the time, party fealty was forgotten in the general desire to
save the Nation. The minds of the people soon settled into the
conviction that a bloody war was at hand, and that the glorious
fabric of our National Government, and the principles upon
which it is founded, were in jeopardy, and with a determination
unparalleled in the history of any country, they rushed to its de-
fense. On every hand the National flag could be seen displayed,
and the public enthusiasm knew no bounds, and in city, town,
and hamlet, the burden on every tongue was war.
4-4 MILITARY 'HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
At Madison, the Madison Guard and Governor's Guard ap-
peared on parade, and after marching about the Park, proceeded
to the Capitol, and paid their respects to Governor RandalL A
large concourse of people had assembled in the Park and about
the Capitol. Captain J, P. Atwood presented the companies, in
an appropriate speech, to which the Governor responded, in
substance as follows :
We have never been accustomed to consider the military arm as essential to the
maintaiuence of our Government, but an exigency has arisen tliat demands its em-
ployment. The time has come when parties and platforms must be forgotten, and all
good citizens and patriots unite together in putting down rebels and traitors. The war
just commenced should be fought where it had begun, on the ground of the seceding
States, Charleston, where the first act was rehearsed, should be the theatre of the clos-
ing scene. Fort Sumter should be retalien, and held, though it cost fifty tliouaand
lives and a hundred million of dollars. What is money— what is life— In the presenc«
of such a crisis ?
The Governor closed by declaring that whatever power and
whatever means should be placed at his disposal tor equipping
the army of Wisconsin should be most faithfully employed to
prosecute the war, and to aid in restoring peace.
The occasion was one that roused up every patriotic impulse,
and the speaker and audience seemed to feel that the hour had
come for every man to do his duty.
The meeting adjourned with three rousing cheers for the
Governor, and three for the " Star Spangled Banner."
The Legislature had voted to adjourn sine die, on Monday
morning, April 15th, at 8 o'clock. No quorum being present in
the Assembly, a call of the house was had, and the Sergeant-at-
Arms sent for absentees. When a quorum was obtained, the
following message was received from the Governor :
To THE HONOEABLE THE LEGISLATURE :
Extraordinarj' exigencies have arisen which may create the necessity of further legis-
lation in order to aid efficiently tlie Federal Government to maintain its integrity. The
act approved April 13, 1861, is entirely ineflicient. It provides for an expenditure and
outlay of money, and provides nowhere for drawing money until after it has been ex-
pended. Before anything can be done under that act, it requires a material amend-
ment. It is a time when party politics sinlt into insignificance, and when the patriot-
ism of legislators and the people must be manifested by works. An amendment of the
law at this time will save the expense of a special session of the legislature, which
I shall be compelled to call unless the necessary legislation is passed before an
adjournment, A. W. RANDALL,
On motion of Mr. Spooner, in the Assembly, and Senator
Foot, in the Senate, the resolution to adjourn sine die, at 8 o'clock,
was rescinded.
AN UNITED NORTH. 45
On the evening of tlie 15tli, there was an informal meeting of
republican members of the Legislature and others in the Execu-
tive Rooms. The object was to discuss the subject of providing
for a resjionse to the President's call. Judge Cole, of the Supreme
Court, was called to the chair, addressing the meeting in a sterliuo-
speech, full of patriotism and the noblest sentiments.
The democratic members had assembled elsewhere to discuss
the mode of action which they should adopt under the circum-
stances. About 9 o'clock, a committee of three was appointed
to wait upon the meeting in the Executive Rooms and inform
that body that they cordially endorsed every reasonable effort
which could be suggested, in order to render aid to the General
Government, and desired the opportunity to unite with the
balance of their fellow members in the great work.
The announcement of this decision, on the part of the demo-
cratic members, was received with heartfelt enthusiasm, and a
committee of three appointed to accompany the committee, and
invite the gentlemen composing the democratic side of the Leg-
islature to seats in the Convention, and to a cooperation in the
objects of the meeting. Their entrance was greeted with ap-
plause, and they were received in a brief and eloquent welcome
by Judge Cole. Their chairman, Hon. W. H. Ramsay, remarked
that, on behalf of the democratic members of the Legislature, he
wished to express their hearty desire to promote the welfare of
our common country, by lending their aid and counsel in any
deliberation which had for its object the defense of the country
and the restoration of the principles of our National Constitution.
Li response to calls, several speeches were made, brief and to
the point, all uniting in the declaration that they were ready to
sustain the appropriation of whatever sum might be necessary to
ejiforce the laws and quell the revolt. Various sums were pro-
posed. $500,000 or 11,000,000, if adopted, it was contended,
would show to the South that JSTorthern men were not parsimoni-
ous of money or courage ^'hen called upon to sustain the
Government.
It will be well to state here that the rebels afterwards expressed
themselves as astonished at the manner in which the Northern
people met their hostile demonstrations. They had counted on
a quiet submission, on the part of the North, to their demands,
46 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and that a few weeks or months would serve to place the South-
ern Confederacy among the recognized Nations of the earth.
The uprising of the North, with its armed millions of men, and
thousands of millions of wealth to hear the expense of a long
war, startled the Southern conspirators to a realization that they
had awakened a mighty power, which must eventually crush their
treasonable designs.
The law passed on the 13th of April was so amended as to
authorize the issue of $200,000 of bonds.
Before adjourning, the Legislature passed a law exempting
from civil process all persons enlisting and mustering into the
United States service from this State.
The closing scenes in the Legislature are worthy of note, as
showing the state of feeling which pervaded all classes at this
period. In the forenoon, while waiting for business from the
Assembly, the Senate took an informal recess, during which
some patriotic senator struck up the song of " The Star Spangled
Banner." No sooner had the first line been sung, than the whole
crowd joined in singing both song and chorus, and never has
that glorious old song inspired a more enthusiastic crowd than
was then assembled. Hardly had the echoes died away, ere the
strain was taken up in the Assembly Chamber, which was added
to by the rushing crowd from the Senate, and from outside the
Capitol, who joined in the chorus, and the volume of sound from
hundreds of patriotic throats permeated through the whole
building, and the old Capitol shook from basement to dome with
the echoes. Every one, whether possessed of "music in his
soul " or not, did his utmost to do justice to the song. The
" Star Spangled Banner " hung over the Speaker's chau', and
never did it look more lovely, or its stars brighter, than when
thus saluted by the hundreds of patriotic hearts there assembled.
The Legislature finally adjourned, giving nine cheers for the
Star Spangled Banner and three cheers for the Governor's Guard,
who had just then tendered their services.
During Monday April 15th, the following despatch was received
from the Secretary of "War :
To His Excellency,
A. W. RandalI/, Governor of Wisconsin.
Call made on you by to-night's mail for one (1) regiment of miUtia for immediate
service. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
governor's proclamation. 47
The letter spoken of in the despatch was duly received and read
as follows :
War Department, Washington, April 1.3th, 1861.
Under the Act of Congress " for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the
Union, suppress insurrection, repel invasion, etc., approved February 2Sth, 1795, 1 have
tlie honor to request your Excellancy to cause to be immediately detached from the
militia of your State the quota designated in the table below to serve as Infantry or
Riflemen for the period of three months unless sooner discharged.
Your Excellency will please communicate to me the time at or about which your
quota will be expected at its rendezvous, as it will be met as soon as practicable by an
officer or officers to muster it into the service and pay of the United States. At the same
time the oath of fidelity to the United States will be administered to every officer and
man.
The mustering officer will he instructed to receive no man under the rank of commis-
Bioned officer who is in years apparently over forty-flve or under eighteen, or who is not
in physical strength and vigor.
[Here follows the table of quotas of each State.]
The rendezvous of your State will be at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
I have the honor, etc.,
To His Excellency, SIMON CAMERON.
Alex. W. Randall, (Governor of Wiscotisin.
In obedience to the call of the President and order of the
Secretary of War, and under the provisions of the law of the
State, the Governor on the 16th of April, issued his proclamation,
as follows :
To the Loyal People of Wisconsin:
For the first time in the history of this Federal Government, organized treason has
manifested itself witliin several States of the Union, and armed rebels are making war
against it. The Proclamation of tlie President of the United States tells of unlawful com-
binations too powei'ful to be suppressed in the ordinary manner, and calls for miLtary
forces to suppress such combinations, and to sustain him in executing the laws. The
treasures of the country must no longer be plundered ; the public property must be pro-
tected from aggressive violence ; that already seized, must be retaken, and the lawa
must be executed in every State of the Union alike.
A demand made upon Wisconsin by the President of the United States, for aid to
sustain the Federal Arm, must meet with a prompt response. One Regiment of tlie
Militia of this St-ate, will be required for immediate service, and further services will be
required as the exigencies of the Government may demand. It is a.time when, against
the civil and religious liberties of the people, and against the integrity of the Govern-
ment of the United States, parties and politicians and platforms must be as dust in the
balance. All good citizens, everywhere, must join in making common cause against a
common enemy.
Opportunities will be immediately offered to all existing military companies, under
the direction of th« proper authorities of the State, for enlistment to fill the demand of
the Federal Government, and I hei-eby invite the patriotic citizens of the SVite to enroll
themselves into companies of seventy-eight men each, and to advise the Executive of
their readiness to be mustered into service immediately. Detailed instructions will be
■ furnished on the acceptance of companies, and the commissioned officers of each regi-
ment will nominate their own field officers.
In times of public danger bad men grow bold and reckless. The property of the citi-
zen becomes unsafe, and both public and private rights liable to be jeopardized. I
enjoin upon all administrative and peace officers within the State renewed vigilance in
the maintenance and execution of the laws, and in guarding against excesses leading
to disorder among the people. \
Given under my liand and the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin, this 16th
[L. s.] day of AprU A. D. 18C1.
By the Governor, ALEX. W. RANDALL
L. P. Harvey, Secretary of Stale.
48 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Thus did Wisconsin wheel into line, and take her place with
other loyal States, and gird on her armor to battle for the Union
and its perpetuity. Gloriously has she fought the great fight,
and all honor is due to the brave boys who have gone forth to
represent her in the battle field, too many, alas, never to return.
Before entering upon the task of detailing the particulars of
the organization of our military forces, we desire to show the
reader the material which Governor Randall found at hand, out
of which to meet the requisition of the President and Secretary
of War.
Up to the opening of the rebellion, Wisconsin enjoyed the
benefits of a militia law, to a sufficient degree to permit the
Adjutant General of the State of Wisconsin to draw his annual
sahary, his stationery, and to enable him to make a report of the
number of men subject to military duty, and the condition and
whereabouts of a few hundred rusty guns, which were in the
hands of a score of independent companies, whose duty was to
ornament the occasion of a 4th of July, or some other gala day.
According to the Report of the Adjutant General, for 1860,
there were 130,000 persons in the State liable to military duty,
of these, 1,993 were doing duty as follows :
Infantry, 23 companies, rank and file 922 men.
Artillery, 6 " " " " 198 "
Cavalry, 2 " ■ " " " 104 "
Riflemen, ...19 " " " " 769 "
Total, ....50 " " " " 1993 "
According to the same Report, there were then in the hands
of the above companies, and in the armory, 56 tents, 6 brass
cannon, with carriages and limbers, without caissons, 135 flint
muskets, 796 percussion muskets, 811 rifles, 35 flint pistols, 66
percussion pistols, 80 musketoons, 40 cavalry sabres, 118 artillery
sabres, 44 swords, 1118 cartridge boxes and plates, 1340 cartridge
box belts, 1360 cap pouches, 88 pistol holsters, 407 powder
flasks, 371 gun-slings. This included condemned arms and
accoutrements of all kinds.
Notwithstanding the inadequate operation of our militia law,
several independent companies had been organized in various
parts of the State, who took a soldierly pride in their knowledge
of drill. To these Governor Randall naturally looked for men
THE STATE MILITIA. 49
to fill the requisition of the Secretary of War, and it is the
promptitude with which several of these independent companies
responded to his call that enabled him, in so short a time, to
organize the First (three months) Regiment. Eight of the ten
companies composing the First Regiment were organized parti-
ally under this defective militia law, and had attained considerable
proficiency in drill.
Governor Randall determined to avail himself of the services
of these companies, or, on their declining to volunteer, to dis-
arm them, and use the State arms for the drilling of companies
raised for active service. He accordingly sent out trusty agents,
with orders to the commanding ofiicers of such organized com-
panies, to muster their commands within twenty-four hours of
the reception of the order, and have them determine whether
they would volunteer and prepare for immediate service. By
this course, he gave such companies the first opportunity of
mustering into the service of the country. In case they declined
to volunteer, the agent was authorized to demand the arms and
accoutrements belonging to the State, and forward them at once
to the State armory. Many of the companies refusing to volun-
teer for active service, their arms were delivered over to the
Governor's agent, and sent to the State armory.
To show that our old military system was not entirely devoid
of good fruits, we append a list of such companies as responded
favorably to the call of the Governor, with the positions they
severally occupied in the regiments subsequently organized, as
the Wisconsin Active Militia :
First Regiment (three months. >— Company A, Milwaukee I>lght Gu.ard; Company C,
Horicon Guards ; Company D, Black Yagers, Milwaukee ; Company E, Madison Guards,
Color Company ; Company F, Beloit City Guards ; Company G, Park City Greys, Keno-
sha ; Company H, Milwaukee Riflemen ; Company K, Governor's Guard, Madison.
Second iJeg^iwe^ii.— Company A, Citizens' Guard, Fox Lake; Company B, La Crosse
Light Guard ; Company E, Portage Light Guard ; Company I, Miner's Guards, Mineral
Point.
Third Megiment.— Company A, Watertown Riflemen; Company D, Waupun Light
Guard; Company E, Williamstown Union Rifles, (late Mayville Rifles); Company G,
Neenah Guards ; Company F, Geneva Independents ; Company G, Hudson City Guards.
Sixth Iieginient.—Com.pa,ny B, Prescott Guards ; Company D, Montgomery Guard.s,
Milwaukee.
Such was the material on hand, to which Governor Randall
was obliged to resort, in order to fill the requisition for one regi-
ment of the militia. It will be seen that the First Regiment
50 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
was nearly completed from the old militia companies, recruited
to the required strength.
The question having arisen as to which was the first company
that tendered service, we have been to the trouble of securing evi-
dence, from papers in the Executive Department, which seems
to establish the fact without doubt.
In view of the threatening aspect of public affairs, at the
beginning of the year 1861, and the evident tendency to a war-
like collision, the Madison Guards, on the 9th day of January,
1861, held a meeting at their Armory, the proceedings of which
were embodied in a letter to the Executive, as follows :
Madison, Wis., Jan. 9th, 1861,
To Your Excellency Axexander W. Randall, Governor of Wiscmisin:
Sir :— I have the honor to report to the Commander-in-Chief of the Military of Wis-
consin tlie following resolution introduced by Lieutenant Plunkett, and this day
approved by my command :
" Resolved, That Captain George E. Bryant be instructed to tender to Governor Ran-
dall the services of the ' Madison Guards,' in case their services may be required for
the preservation of the American Union."
And I pledge you the services of my company at any and all times when you may
require them for the preservation of our State and of our American Union.
Your obedient servant,
GEORGE E. BRYANT, Captain Madison Guards.
This tender of service was duly acknowledged by Governor
Randall, the Company highly complimented, and the assurance
given that if the exigencies of the country demanded an exQi-cise
of military authority, the Madison Guards would be among the
first to be called to duty in the field. Accordingly, on the 16th
of April, 1861, the following letter of acceptance was forwarded
to Captain Bryant :
State of Wisconsin, Executive Office,)
Madison, April 16th, 1861. J
Captain George E. Bryant, Commanding Madison Guards :
Sir :— Tlie offer of the services of yourself and Company, made some time since, to be
enrolled in the service of the Federal Government, is hereby accepted, and you are
authorized to fill your Company to eighty men.
Your obedient servant,
A. W. RANDALL, Governor of Wisconsin.
At the outbreak of the rebellion, little did the mass of people
of the loyal States know the perilous condition in which the
Government was placed. The infamous conspirators had taken
care that the National Executive should be made as powerless as
POPULAR ENTHUSIASM. 5X
possible. Tlie contents of the ISTational arsenals liad been trans-
ferred to the armories of the seceding States, and placed in the
hands of those who, it was designed, should use them in the
overthrow of the Government. Military organizations were per-
fected, and thousands of men drilled to the use of arms, so that
when the first cloud of smoke rolled away from Sumter, the Na-
tional authorities discovered that the conspirators had a well
drilled army, ready to go to the field, and that the hundreds of
thousands of glistening bayonets, stolen from Northern armories,
were ready to march to the destruction of the Republic. "With
its regular army scattered to distant sections, and the naval force
sent to the farthest corners of the earth, and for the moment
left almost powerless, the Government officials chose to keep
their own councils until they were able to place the National
Capitol in comparative safety. Such was at that time the condi-
tion of the Government, that it was compelled to call for volun-
teers from the loyal States, and request the several State Exe-
cutives to clothe and equip them, relying upon the future ability
of the National Government to reimburse the expenditure.
Under these circumstances. Governor Randall was instructed
to organize, clothe and equip the force required from "Wisconsin.
"Without experience in military affairs, and entirely ignorant of
what was necessary to put a force of a thousand men into the
field. Governor Randall went at the work with characteristic
energy, and in four days a sufficient number of men were enrolled
to enable him to report to the Secretary of "War, on the 22d of
April, that the First Regiment was ready to go into rendezvous.
No sooner was it known that Governor Randall had received
a requisition for troops to sustain the Government than tenders
of personal service, and of companies of men, were made to the
Governor, and in all sections of the State public meetings were
held to raise volunteers and money to aid the families of such as
could go to the war was freely subscribed. At Milwaukee,
Madison, and all the principal cities and towns, large sums were
subscribed", and appropriated to the use above specified. In all
these gatherings, the democrat and republican met on the same
platform, advocated the same principles for carrying on the war,
even to the annihilation of slavery itself, if necessary to preserve
the Union, many of the democracy being more radical on that
52. MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
point, as their published remarks will show, than their radical
republican friends.
Justified by the overwhelming patriotism of the people every-
where exhibited throughout the State, and the large accumula-
tion of requests for active service, the Governor telegraphed to
Secretary Cameron, stating the facts, and requesting the assign-
ment of more regiments from Wisconsin, urging that injustice
had been done in calling for six regiments from Illinois, and only
one from Wisconsin, when Illinois had not quite double the
population of Wisconsin.
" To this request, the Secretary replied thus : " one regiment for
the present will suffice." It was interesting to see the outbreak
of feeling exhibited when this reply was received, and to view
the scenes enacted at the recruiting stations, when men were re-
jected for some imperfection, or declined on account of the com-
pany being full. Many a poor fellow was seen weeping, almost
broken hearted, on being told that the company was full, or that
he was physically disqualified for a soldier.
Repeatedly did Governor Randall plead for permission to raise
more men, but without avail. The War Department seemed de-
termined not to comprehend the magnitude of the rebellion,
while the people themselves could see that a long war was in
prospect, and were ready, with their blood and treasure, to sus-
tain the Government, if they could be permitted to do so.
Notwithstanding this refusal of the War Department, the peo-
ple still kept up their enthusiasm, and company after company
was organized, filled up, and tendered to the Governor, until a
dozen regiments were on the roll of the Military Secretary.
With Jackson-like disposition to assume responsibility, when
necessary, so characteristic of Governor Randall, he determined
to organize two or three regiments, which might be held in re-
serve for any further calls of the President. The Governor had
been an attentive observer of the events which preceded the final
action of South Carolina, in December, 1860. By a careful study
of Southern character and institutions, and a thorough under-
standing of the principles on which the Southerners based their
theory of secession and the establishment of a separate Govern-
ment, Governor Randall had formed conclusions in regard to the
magnitude of the contest, which led him to advise the strongest
FIRST REGIMENT. 53
measures, on the part of the Government, for its suppression. It
was, therefore, with no little chagrin that he received the reply
of Secretary Cameron. Persistent in his views of the necessity
of the case, he immediately threw all his energies into the work
of organizing additional forces. Therefore, no sooner had the
several companies of the First Regiment been assigned, filled up
and ordered into camp, than he ordered his Military Secretary
to assign the next ten companies on the roll to the Second Regi-
ment, with orders to hold themselves in readiness to come into
camp at twenty-four hours' notice.
The several companies composing the First Regiment were
ordered to rendezvous at Milwaukee by Saturday, the 27th of
April, at which time they were assembled. Captain J. C. Stark-
weather, of Milwaukee, had been commissioned as Colonel ;
Charles L. Harris, of Madison, as Lieutenant Colonel ; David H.
Lane, of Kenosha, as Major; and Alfred R. Chapin, of Milwaukee,
as Adjutant.
The departure of the several companies for Milwaukee was
characterized by public proceedings at their several localities,
and these pioneer soldiers of our State were greeted by the en-
thusiastic cheers of thoiiSands of their neighbors and friends as
they departed from their homes and firesides to put on the habi-
liments aud accept the duties and dangers incident to a soldier's
life.
Colonel Starkweather, assisted by James Holton, Esq., ot
Milwaukee, who had been appointed the agent of the State by
Governor Randall, provided temporary quarters for the com-
panies, as they arrived, in several of the public buildings and
halls, where they remained, being boarded at the several hotels,
until the Camp on the Fair Grounds, on Spring Street, could be
made ready for their reception.
The State being required to clothe the soldiers sent to the
field, the Governor ordered the purchase of the necessary quan-
tity of grey cloth, and authorized contracts to be made for its
manufacture into uniforms. He also ordered the purchase of
shoes, caps and other articles necessary to the full equipment of
the Regiment.
Awakened suddenly from a long period of peace, to assume,
without delay, the attitude of a nation at war, the country was
54 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
found to be unprepared for the organization and full equipment
of large bodies of troops. Particularly was this the case in the
Northwest, being a great distance from the large manufactories
and depots of goods. The Military Secretary of the Governor
encountered much difficulty in procuring such supplies of cloth
as would enable the Regiment to appear in uniform. It was,
however, accomplished, although the several Companies showed
a diversity of shades of grey, in their coats and pants, which
gave a somewhat unique appearance when the Regiment was on
parade.
A mess-house and other buildings were erected in the Fair
Grounds, and the Regiment was in a few days encamped under
canvass. Colonel Starkweather gave to the encampment the
name of " Camp Scott."
Captain Henry Little, of the Seventh United States Infantry,
had been ordered to this State as a mustering officer for the
troops in Wisconsin. It seems, however, that the gentleman
preferred to take up on the rebel side, and accordingly forwarded
to Governor Randall the orders and books which he had received,
with the information that he had tendered his resignation as an
officer of the United States army, ^n being informed of the
defection of Little, the Secretary of War ordered Lieutenant J.
B. Mclntyre, of the First United States Cavalry, to Wisconsin, to
muster in our regiments.
The subsequent history of Captain Little shows that he joined
the rebel army, under General Sterling Price, of Missouri, was
present at the battle of Boonville, in that State, and when Mar-
maduke refused longer to lead his men in a hopeless charge upon
the National forces, the rebel Governor of Missouri, Claib
Jackson, placed Captain Little in command of Marmaduke'a
Brigade. lie followed the fortunes of General Price into Ar-
kansas, and across the Mississippi into Tennessee, and took part
in the Battle of luka, on the 19th of September, 1862, where,
in command of a Division in a charge against the gallant heroes
under General Charles S. Hamilton, of our State, who com-
manded the Union forces, Little was shot from his horse by the
side of General Price, being instantly killed.
The organization of the First was completed, and the regiment
mustered into the United States service on the 17th of May, and
APPLICATION FOR ARMS. 55
the War Department informed that it awaited orders to march.
The danger to the National Capital, which was the cause of the
urgent call for 75,000 men, had passed away, and the Regiment
was allowed to remain in camp until the 9th of June, when, in
obedience to orders of the AVar Department, it left the State for
Harrisburg, Pa.
Called for, as the First Regiment was, in haste, and with the
popular impression that the City of Washington was in danger.
Governor Randall is entitled to much credit for the energy dis-
played in calling in a regiment of men, and, in ten days, placing
them at the disposal of the Government, uniformed and ready to
march. It is w^ell to consider that our people were unused
to war, that we lacked experience, supplies and everything
requisite for the full equipment of so large a body of men as a
regiment, and what, to-day, may appear trivial and unimportant,
in 1861, was of a character to put the most energetic of men to
a test of their best abilities. Secretary Cameron returned a high
compliment to Governor Randall for the energy he displayed in
responding to this first call of the Department for troops.
Finding it impossible to get early replies to communications
f ent to the War Department, at Washington, in regard to uni-
forms, arms and equipments for our volunteers. Governor Ran-
dall despatched a special messenger, with authority to lay before
the Department the urgent necessity for supplying such informa-
tion and instructions as would enable the State authorities to
organize the several bodies of men which might be required from
the State, and place them in camps of instruction, where they
would be drilled and otherwise prepared to render eflective aid
to the Government, and also to procure arms, for use in these
camps of instruction, and further, to ascertain whether uniforms
and clothing would be supplied by the General Government.
The messenger reported that, at the War Department, he had
been informed that our regiments would be furnished with arms
after they were mustered into the United States service, that
further than that they could not go, as the regiments arriving at
Washington must be first served ; that the Springfield Armory
was the only source of supply at that time ; that the large amount
of arms which had fallen into the hands of the rebels had made
it necessary to economize, in order that troops ordered forward
56 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
might be supplied ; that all our troops would be armed by the
Government as fast as called for. Further, that the G-overnment
could not get uniforms and clothing in sufficient quantity to sup-
ply the State troops, but that the State was depended on to fit
its soldiers for the field, and look to the National Government
for reimbursement.
The Governor endeavored to procure arms at New York city.
A requisition from General Wool, on the Governor of Illinois,
was secured, for three thousand stand of arms. This requisition,
in the hands of a special agent, was sent to Governor Yates, of
Illinois, who declined to fill it, as he doubted the authority of
General Wool to make the order. The arms, under the control
of Governor Yates, were examined by the agent of Governor
Randall, land found to be of inferior quality, and pronounced
unfit for the uses contemplated by Governor Randall. A scheme
to get possession of the arms in St. Louis Ai-senal had been set
on foot by influential men at St. Louis, and the Governors of
Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin were requested to cooperate. It
was feared that the secessionists would obtain possession of the
arms, and use them against the Government. Agents were sent
to St. Louis, but the seizure had been accomplished by Captain
Stokes, and the arms stored at Springfield, Illinois.
Much complaint was made that our regiments were sent out
of the State without being armed. It will be seen that Governor
Randall used every means to procure them, and that Government,
at the time, was actually unable, by reason of Floyd's treacher-
ous conduct, to supply them.
In order to carry out his design of a reserve force in advance
of the calls of the President, Governor Randall ordered the for-
mation of the Second and Third Regiments, and eventually the
Fourth.
Camps were formed for the reception of these Regiments, on
the State Fair Grounds, at Madison, at Fond du Lac, and at
Racine, at each of which places suitable buildings were erected
for the accommodation of the soldiers.
On the 22d of April, the Governor sent out the following
proclamation to the ladies of the State ;
governor's proclamations. 97
To THE Patriotic Women of Wisconsin :
I know that you will respond cheerfully to my request that you contribute your aid ia
the present crisis, in the way of preparing lint and bandages for the use of the array,
A much larger amount of such necessaries for an army may be prepared than may be
required by the sons of Wisconsin, but in the long war likely to follow, there may be
thousands who will require such kindness. Whatever is prepared can be forwarded to
James Holton, Esq., Milwaukee, who will attend to its proper distribution
Your husbands and brothers and sons are called upon to aid in subduing rebellion, in
punishing treason, in the maintenance of the Government, and in the execution of the
laws. It is your country and your government, as well as theli's, that is now in danger,
and you can give strength and courage and warm sympathies and cheering words to
those who go to do battle for all that is dear to us here. Bitter as the parting may be to
many, I am assured that you will bid them go bravely forward for God and Liberty, to
"return with their shields, or on them."
I commend the soldiers to your kindness and encouragement and prayers, with full
confidence, that when occasion calls, many, very many, Florence Nightingales will be
found in our goodly land. Most respectfully,
ALEX. W. RANDALL,
On the same day, the following proclamation appeared, in-
forming the people of the progress making in the organization
of companies, &c. :
To THE Patriotic People of Wisconsin :
In six days from the issue of my Pi-oclamation of the 16th instant, the First Regiment
called for by the President of the United States, for the defense of the Union, is enrolled
already for service. Five companies from Milwaukee, one from Kenosha, two from
Madison, one from Horicon, and one from Beloit are assigned to the First Regiment,
while nineteen more companies have tendered their services. It is to be regretted that
Wisconsin is not permitted to increase largely her quota, but her loyal citizens must
exercise patience tiU called for. I urge the formation of companies of able-bodied men
to the number of seventy-seven each, in every locality where it can be done without ex-
pense for subsistence ; men, who will pledge themselves to be minute men, standing
ready, at short notice, to answer to other calls of the Government. When such com-
panies are full, if infanti-y or riflemen, let them elect a Captain, Lieutenant and Ensign,
and report to the Adjutant General for commissions and for orders. It is not necessary
that men be taken from their peaceful avocations to be drilled for active service, thougli,
where companies are located in large towns, it is desirable that they be drilled as fiir as
possible in the use of arms. Whenever they are called into service, all their expenses
will be paid. Where companies have been enrolled, and have reported, offering their
sei-vices, they will be first called upon whenever a new demand is made ujjon the State
by the President, which is likely to be very soon. I thank the good people of the State
for their ready response to my Proclamation, and for their patriotic devotion to the
country.
ALEX, W. RANDALL.
In seven days after the Governor's proclamation, thirty-six
companies had tendered service, although but one regiment had
been called for by the Government. We give the locality of
these companies, and name of the Captain, in the order of accept-
ance, to show the manner in which all parts of the State respond-
ed to the call of the Governor; — Madison' Company, Captain
Bryant ; Kenosha Company, Captain McVean ; Horicon Com-
pany, Captain Twogood ; Milwaukee Company, Captain Bing-
ham ; Madison Company, Captain Fairchild ; Milwaukee Com-
pany, Captain Mitchell ; Milwaukee Company, Captain George ;
ft8 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Milwaukee Company, Captain Draher ; Beloit Company, Captain
Clarke ; Fond du Lac Company, Captain McCall. These com-
panies composed the First Regiment, and entered the service for
three months. Milwaukee Company, Captain O'lvourke ; La
Crosse Company, Captain Colwell ; Milwaukee Artillery Com-
pany, Captain Herzberg ; Fox Lake Company, Captain Stevens ;
Portage City Company, Captain Mansfield ; Milwaukee Dragoon
Company, Captain Von Deutsch ; Keenah Company, Captain
Hubbard; Mineral Point Company, Captain Allen; Prescott
Company, Captain Dill; Beloit Company, Captain Slaymaker;
Oshkosh Company, Captain Bouck; Racine Company, Captain
Strong; Janesville Company, Captain Ely; Shullsburg Com-
\ydny, Captain Vandergrift; Grant County Company, Captain
McKee ; Madison Company, Captain Randolf ; Watertown Com-
pany, Captain Gibbs; Sheboygan Company, Captain Grey;
Williamstown Company, Captain Hammer ; Geneva Company,
Captain Roundy ; Oshkosh Company, Captain Scott ; Janesville
Company, Captain Wheeler ; Green County Company, Captain
Flood ; Darlington Company, Captain Whitman ; Grant County
Company, Captain Limbocker; Berlin Company, Captain Bugh;
Waupun Company, Captain Clark; Beaver Dam Company, Cap-
tain Catlin ; Hudson City Company, Captain White. Of these
thirty-six companies, it is worthy of remark, that although when
originally organized, the President's call contemplated three
months service only, they, with one exception, enlisted for three
years. When it was known that Government required enlist-
ments for that length of time, they, with alacrity, accepted the
proposition, and were embodied in the first six regiments raised
by Wisconsin, and all of them were engaged in the severest
actions of the war, and covered themselves with honor. The ,
exception was the Beloit City Rifles, many of whom were stu-
dents in the College at Beloit, and had made no preparation for
longer than a three months service. This induced some of the
company to hesitate in mustering for three years, which, together
with a misunderstanding with some of the officers, prompted the
Adjutant General of the State to order them aside, and another
company took their place in the Second Regiment. The com-
pany was afterwards disbanded, and many of its members entered
other companies for three years. The people of Beloit were much
governor's aids. 59
disappointed, as this company was composed of some of its
best young men, and tlie city had taken much pride in its
organization.
In order to distinguish the volunteer service from the organi-
zations under the Militia Law, the Governor ordered that the
new regiments and companies should be designated as the Wis-
consin Active Militia. It was made the duty of the company
officers to muster their men into the State service prior to muster
into the United States service.
Dr. E. B. Wolcott, of Milwaukee, was appointed Surgeon
General of the State on the 17th of April, and entered immedi-
ately upon his duties. The well known professional reputation
of Dr. Wolcott, and the fact that he formerly occupied the posi-
tion of Surgeon in the United States Army, induced Governor
Randall to avail himself of his services in the organization of the
Medical Department of our regiments. To this foresight of
Governor Eandall, and the eminent ability of Dr. Wolcott, our
Wisconsin regiments, organized during the year 1861, are in-
debted for the outfits of stores and implements with which their
Surgeons have been furnished, and which have conduced so much
to the welfare of the soldiers in the field, and also to Dr. Wolcott's
personal labors, after the battles in which our Wisconsin troops
were engaged.
Seeking further for the services of men of experience, Gover-
nor Randall called Lieutenant T. H. Ruger, of Janesville, to his
aid, and appointed him as Engineer- in -Chief on his stafi'. He
also subsequently appointed Captain C. S. Hamilton, of Fond du
Lac, as one of his aids. Both these gentlemen were graduates
at West Point, and had served in the Mexican war — ^Lieutenant
Ruger in the Engineer Department, and Captain Hamilton in
the Infantry service. These gentlemen acted as military advisers,
and contributed their military experience towards the organiza-
tion of our earliest regiments. They were subsequently com-
missioned, and served during the war with distinction, both being
made Major Generals of volunteers.
On the 25th of April, General James A. Swain, Adjutant
General of the State, resigned, and the Governor appointed
Colonel William L. Utley, of Racine, as his successor. The
military department continued under the general supervision of
60 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Governor Randall, until the organization of new regiments so
increased the business of the ofhce as to require the formation
of Quartermaster, Commissary and Paymaster's Departments.
The Quartermaster Department was placed in charge of Major
W. W". Tredway on the lltli day of May, who acted also
as Commissary General until the 28 th of May, when E. R..
Wadsworth was appointed Commissary General.
Sixteen hundred army blankets were purchased in New York
by Governor Randall, for the use of the First and Second Regi-
ments, and contracts for several thousand yards of grey cloth
were made with Stewart & Co., Beaver Dam, and the Burlington
Woolen Factory.
The Governor having determined to organize more regiments,
as a reserve for future calls, accepted the proposition of the State
Agricultural Society, tendering the use of their Fair Grounds, at
Madison, as one of the Camps. These grounds were already
enclosed with a high board fence, with several buildings which
might be fitted for use until more substantial ones could be
built. About the 27th of April, carpenters and laborers were
set to work to clear up the grounds, enlarge one of the buildings
for a mess house, and otherwise prepare for the reception of the
Second Regiment. Halbert E. Paine, Esq., of Milwaukee, had
been commissioned as Quartermaster of the Second Regiment,
and superintended the preparation of Camp Randall, until
Horace A. Tenney, Esq., was appointed Superintendent by
Governor Randall, to oversee the erection of buildings, the pre-
paration of suitable quarters, and to attend generally to matters
pertaining to the fitting of the grounds for the reception of
troops. Mr. Tenney acted as such Superintendent until 1862,
when Camp Randall ceased to be a State institution, and passed
entirely under the control of the United States authorities.
The following companies had been assigned to the Second
Regiment, and were ordered to commence moving into Camp,
at Madison, on the Ist of May : — Fox Lake Company, Captain
Stevens ; Beloit Company, Captain Slaymaker ; Oshkosh Com-
pany, Captain Bouck ; Racine Company, Captain Strong ; Janes-
ville Company, Captain Ely ; La Crosse Company, Captain Col-
well ; Mineral Point* Company, Captain Allen ; Grant County
Company, Captain McKee ; Madison Company, Captain Randolf ;
SECOND REGIMENT. 61
Portage City Company, Captain Mansfield. The Fond du Lac
Badgers, Captain McCall, was originally assigned to the Second
Regiment, but the Montgomery Guards, of Milwaukee, not being
full in time for the First Regiment, they were set aside, and Cap-
tain McCall's company took their place in the First Regiment.
The Second Regiment were all in camp by the 6th of May. The
weather being cold and wet, and the barracks leaky, the soldiers
suffered severely. They also suffered from the want of blankets,
which the State was unable to purchase. The Governor appealed
to the ladies of the State to furnish blankets and comfortables
for the use of the soldiers until blankets purchased in New York
city should be received. Some of the companies of the Second
Regiment had procured uniforms at the several localities where
they were recruited. The others were uniformed by the Quarter-
master General. The patriotic ladies in Madison,Watertown, and
other places volunteered to make up the flannel shirts and draw-
ers needed by the volunteers of the earlier regiments.
On the 7th of May, the Secretary of War telegraphed to Gover-
nor Randall that no more three months volunteers were wanted ;
that those companies recruited must enlist for three years or the
war, or be disbanded. This question was submitted to the com-
panies of the Second, and about 500 of those enlisted consented
to go in for three years. The Beloit Rifles, Captain Slaymaker,
did not appear on the ground, and it being understood that they de-
clined going for three years, they were set aside by the Adjutant
General, and the Milwaukee Rifles, Captain Langworthy, took
their place. The companies short of men, by the order to enlist
for three years, were given time to fill up, which they did in a
few days.
For some time before the downfall of Fort Sumter, the atten-
tion of the Government authorities had been given to prepara-
tion for the defense of the Capital. Orders were given for the
assembling of the Militia of the District of Columbia, and their
muster into the United States service. Many of them refused to
do so, alleging one pretense or another for this course, but in
many cases it was evidently owing to the sympathy with the
rebel cause. Volunteer companies were also formed. It was said
that President Lincoln had reliable information that the rebels
designed an immediate attack on Washington, with 30,000 men,
62' MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and that the Governors of the nearest loyal States were desired
to call troops together, to be used for the defense of the City in
case of a rebel attack. These preparations were going on when
President Lincoln issued his Proclamation for 75,000 militia.
To still further add to the public defense, the employees of the
several Departments were organized into military companies.
Many strangers, temporarily in the City, with a patriotic
desire to aid in the defense of the Capital, enrolled themselves
under the command of Colonels Cassius M. Clay and Jim Lane,
of Kansas, and took their turns in guarding the several avenues
leading into the City, a heavy force being stationed at the end of
Long Bridge, over which, it was supposed, the rebels would
march to the attack. Many of our Wisconsin people thus evinced
their patriotic impulses, and shouldered arms in defense of
Washington City. The basement of the Capitol was turned into
quarters for the troops, and the lower stories of the Patent Office
and other public buildings were barricaded, or fitted up for
defense, or for military quarters.
The excitement at the North, over the attack on Fort Sumter,
was redoubled at the reports circulated in regard to the rebel de-
signs on Washington. In thirty-six hours after the call for
75,000 militia, old Massachusetts, God bless her, had more than
five regiments ready to march. The Sixth was sent to Washing-
ton April 17th, and on the 19th encountered the mob, in going
through Baltimore, losing several killed and wounded, but deal-
ing a fearful lesson to their assailants, and arrived in Washing-
ton, being the first regiment of volunteers, fully equipped, which
entered the city for its defense. Four or five hundred unarmed
troops, from Pennsylvania, had arrived the day before.
The attack on the Massachusetts troops, by the mob at Balti-
more, closed for a time the communications with Washington,
and the excitement became intense throughout the North, lest
the rebels should attack the Capital in its defenseless condition.
The Governor of Maryland declared that no more troops should
pass through Baltimore. This only tended to increase the indig-
nation of the people of the North, and a determination was made
to go through Baltimore, even if it was necessaiy to raze it to
the ground. In the meantime, the railroad bridges between
SECOND CALL FOR TROOPS. 63
Havre cle Grace and Baltimore had been destroyed, and commu-
nication, by rail, with Washington was impossible. At this time,
General Ben. Butler reached Philadelphia with the Eighth Massa-
chusetts Regiment, where he learned that the railroad was im-
passable beyond Havre de Grace. He accordingly run the trains
to that point, seized the ferry boat, and took the responsibility of
ordering the Captain to steam down to Annapolis, below Balti-
more ; arriving there, he was soon. followed by the Seventh New
York Regiment. Repairing the locomotives and relaying the
track, which had been torn up by the secessionists, the Seventh
Regiment reached Washington on the 25th of April, where they
were received with the intensest enthusiasm. The next day,
several thousand troops landed at Annapolis, from steamers sent
round by Chesapeake Bay. These were despatched as fast as the
railroad from Annapolis would permit, and on their arrival at
Washington were greeted with heartfelt satisfaction, and the
Government authorities began to feel that the Capital was safe.
Troops continued to arrive, the route through Baltimore having
been opened by General Butler, with his Massachusetts troops,
and the public heart of the North beat more freely.
The dimensions of the conspiracy had been increased by the
formal secession of Virginia. Reports were rife of the assemb-
ling of rebel troops at Richmond, for the purpose of moving on
Washington. The uncertain position of Maryland also gave
cause for the apprehension that she, too, would finally go over to
the rebels. Under these circumstances, President Lincoln, find-
ing the 75,000 men called for on the 15th of April insufficient to
suppress the rebellion, issued another Proclamation for 83,748
men — 42,034 volunteers, 22,714 recruits for the regular army, and
18,000 seamen for the navy, all for three years service. The
tone of the Proclamation seemed to indicate that the President
did not consider his authority to call out troops for the defense
of the Government sufficient unless sanctioned by Congress. He
could not mistake the opinions and desires of the people of the
Northern States, for, at the very moment he issued that Procla-
mation, at least 500,000 men had been enrolled, and anxiously
waiting for him to accept their services.
64 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
A convention of the Governors of the several loyal States was
called at Cleveland, Ohio, on the 3d of May, at which were pre-
sent the Governors of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan
and Indiana. The Governors of New York and Illinois were
represented by proxies. The several members of the convention
were serenaded at the Angier House, which was responded to
by their appearing on the balcony, and acknowledging the com-
pliment. Being severally introduced to the audience by the
Mayor of the City, addresses were delivered. Governor Ran-
dall, on being introduced, spoke as follows :
Fellow Citizens of Ohio:
I thank you for the honor you have conferred upon me, and upon the State ■whicli I
represent, by thus calling me out. We have been in the habit of saying that the strength
of the Government was in the ten thousand chords which bind together the people of our
land, l)ut now this is all changed, and without fault of ours. Rebellion and treason are
abroad in our land. We know where this commenced, and we know, too, where it must
end. Tliere is but one course for us to pursue, and that should be followed. We should
transport an army down the Mississippi, and blaze a broad track through the whole
South, from Montgomery to Charleston. Charleston should be razed, till not one stone
is left upon another, till there is no place left for the owl to hoot nor the bittern to
mourn. Had I the power, were I possessed of the thunderbolts of Jove, I would wipe
out not only traitors but the seed of traitors. We are no longer republicans or demo-
crats, but all parties are blended into one. We are brothers and patriots in a common
cause. Have we interfered with Southern institutions ? Have we not given them what
our Constitution and the Constitution of our fathers requires ? We will pay the price
which our fathers paid, and no more. Wisconsin is a younger sister, but she, like Ohio,
was born of Virginia, when liberty was the theme of her orators, and her children have
not forgotten the lessons taught.
The objects of the convention are well set forth in the letter
of Governor Randall to President Lincoln, and we, therefore,
lay it before our readers, with the information that the letter was
sent to President Lincoln by the hands of our esteemed fellow
citizen, Judge Hood, who bore also a letter of introduction in-
forming the President that Judge Hood was a true, reliable and
intelligent man, entitled to confidence in all things, and who was
authorized to consult upon the difficulties as affecting the North-
ern border and Northwestern States, and to receipt for such arms
as might be furnished by the Government to the State :
Executive Office, Madison, Wis., May 6, 1861.
His Excellency, Abraham Lincoln, Ih-esident of the United States :
A meeting of the Governors of several of the Western and Border States, on the even-
ing of Friday last, at Cleveland, Ohio, resulted In a determination to make to you some
suggestions in regard to the supposed condition of portions of the country, and to ask
advice from the President. Messengers were selected to confer with you. The extreme
anxiety we feel, and the anxiety felt by the people of the Border and North-western
LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT. .65
States, must be our sutflcient warrant for urging some moi-e definite course of policy in
regard to the relations bejtween the Government and these States. We are prepared, and
the people of the States we represent are prepared, to sustain you and your Administra-
tion in every measure, however extreme, for the suppression of tliis untoward rebellion,
and for the punishment of the treason. "We appreciate, also, most fully, the difficulties
under which you labored in taking the reins of Government at a time when its treasury
was empty and its credit exhausted ; when its army was scattered, its ships dismantled
or disabled, or in foreign ports, and its arms secured by deposit in the ha7ids of traitors.
We appreciate, also, the anxieties incident to the known or suspected treachery of a
multitude of civil, military and naval officers. We can understand the immense labor
that must have been performed to bring back the Government to the point it has now
reached. We approve most fully of what has been done by the Government, and are
prepared to expect still further exhibitions of energy, such as the public exigencies de-
mand. But now we wish to submit to you the absolute necessity, since Washington is
safe, of giving more attention to the country imruediately contiguous to the line be-
tween the free and slave States. The fierceness of this wicked rebellion is to exhibit
itself through the last named extent of country more than anywhere else, and on the
law and Government side of that line, there is less preparation than almost anywhere
else. From Pittsburg and Cincinnati to the mouth of the Ohio, on tlie northern side of the
river, the country is almost entirely defenseless against an armed enemy. Cincinnati,
and numerous smaller towns on the river, could be utterly destroyed, and the country
about them laid waste, without the means of resistance. It would require no very heavy
battery and no very large army to take Cairo, and for a long time to hold it. The com-
manding positions, for defense or attack, are on the south side of the Ohio. It is matter of
absolute necessity, not only for the Northern Border States, but for all the North-western
States, to be able to control the business and commerce of the Ohio River, and the Uppci
Mississippi, in order to reach a vital part of this rebellion. We must be able to cut oft all
supplies of breadstufTs, and alsolo stop the transit or transportation of arms or mimi-
tions of war. An enemy to our common Government cannot be permitted to hold an
important point like Cairo. The Mississippi and Ohio Rivers must be kept, at all times,
open to the legitimate commerce and business of the North-west. The vast lumber ajid
mineral interests of Wisconsin, independent of her commanding produce and stoclv
trade, bind her fast to the North Border States, and demand, like them, the free naviga-
tion of the Mississippi, and all its tributaries, from their highest navigable waters to
their mouths.
It requires but slight knowledge of the country and of the character of the States to
see all this. The necessities I have named being granted, we must look to the means ne-
cessary to do what ought to be done in the least possible time. It needs men, will, ajans
and munitions of war. One hundred and sixty thousand men can be rallied, in four
weeks, for this purpose, and among the swarming millions of the North Border and
North-western States, there is but one pulse beating to-day, and but one puipose : to
hold up your hands, sustain the integrity of the Government, and aid in executing tlio
laws in every State alike. The North-west needs a better military organization, and a
militai-y head to which it can immediately look for orders, and to which it can commu-
nicate its necessities without tedious and mischievous delays. I know full well that the
Government will do for the West and Border States just as fast as it seems to see a neces-
sity. We see a necessity now, not only for the safety of the Government, but for the
safety of the free Border States, for immediate action. There is no occasion for the Gov-
ernment to delay, because the States themselves are willing to act vigorously and effi-
ciently. I must be permitted to say it, because it is a fact, there is a spirit evoked by this re-
bellion, among the liberty-loving people of the country, that is driving them to action
and if the Government toill not permit them to act for it, they will act for themselves. It i«
better for the Government to direct this current than to let it run wild. So far as pos-
sible we have attempted to allay this excess of spirit, but there is a moral element and a
reasoning element in this uprising, that cannot be met in the ordinary way. There is a
conviction of great wi-ongs to be redressed, and that the Government is to be preserved
by them. The Government must provide an outlet for this feeling, or it will find one for
Itself. If the Government does not at once shoulder this difficulty, and direct this cur-
rent, there will come something more than a war to put down rebellion ; it will be a war
between Border States, which will lose sight, for a time, of the Government. If It was
absolutely certain that the seventy-five thousand troops first called -y^ould wipe out this
66- MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
rebellion in three weeks from to-day, it would stUl be the policy of your Administration,
and for the best interests of the Government, in view of what ought to be the great
future of this Nation, to call into the field, at once, three hundred thousand men. The
majesty and power of the Government, if it has either, should be manifested now, so thai
the world may see it. When the people see that tlieir uprising has put down the rebellion,
they will be satisfied, and not before, because they understand the Government. to be
theirs, and that they are a part of it.
The Border and Northwestern States cannot wait to see their towns and cities, upon
navigable streams, sacked and burned, and the contiguous country wasted, and then
content themselves with retaliation. They should have the means of preventing disasters
of the kind.
These States cannot be satisfied with small call after small call of raw troops, to be put
into the field as soon as mustered, without discipline or drilling. They would not be
soldiers, but marks for an enemy to shoot at. We want to understand the use of arms,
to be efficient soldiers, either in defending ourselves or in aiding the Government. We
cannot learn the use of them until we get them.
We want an authority to put more men into the field, and we want arms for the men.
The soldiers must go into camp and learn the use of weapons and the duties of soldiers.
If the Government cannot at once furnish arms, the States are ready to do it, and wait
upon and aid the Government. Unless something of this kind is done, I much fear that
what we count our greatest strength will prove our most dangerous weakness.
It should be determined now to what extent the Government expects aid from the
States, so that the States can be preparing that aid, both in furnishing men and provid-
ing arms, and so that, when niustered into service, the army may be eflicient. If the
Government authorizes the States to act efliciently, in organizing military forces, and in
ai'ming them, it can then both hold the control of those forces, and by distributing arms
to the States, or authorizing their purchase by the States, for the use of the Government,
it would have the right, as well as power, of ultimate dil-ection and control, without the
confusion that otherwise might arise between the States and the Government.
In Wisconsin, we need arms now. Illinois has but a trifle over double the popxilation
of Wisconsin, and the call for six regiments from Illinois, and but one from Wisconsin,
was so disproportionate as to excite extreme dissatisfaction. Companies for five regi-
ments, instead of one, are drilling now, without arms, and two regiments, but partially
armed, are in camp. I have endeavored, time after time, to ascertain, both by messen-
gers and letters, to what extent service would be required, or proffered service received ;
and to what extent it was expected the States would arm, equip and uniform the men.
I have failed to obtain any satisfactory information. The Government, in order to
retain the confidence of the people, must show sonve confidence in the people. The people
are anxious to know what, and how much, is expected of them, and they are ready to
respond. While the details of the policy of the Government should not be made public,
information of the general purposes of the Government should be lodged somewhere in
each loyal State, so that there can be an authoritative assurance of what the Govern-
ment expects and intends. I received a request to send to St. Louis for arms, but before
my messengers reached there, the arms had been moved to Illinois. I received, then, an
order from General Wool upon the Governor of Illinois, for three thousand stand of
arms— enough, with what Wisconsin already had, to arm five regiments of men. While
my messenger was on his way to Springfield, a despatch from General Wool stated that
his powers had been suspended, and that the Governor of Illinois, of course, could not
answer the order. I have to request that arms be furnished to arm such troops as are
likely to be called into service from this State, so that our soldiers may become accus-
tomed to the use of them, or that a license be given to purchase arms to be used for the
same purpose, and ultimately turned over to the Government, after its troubles are
quieted, upon its order.
You will excuse the frankness and freedom of this communication. The great inter-
ests involved, and the anxiety of the whole people, have induced me to thus address
you, and I feel assured that you will receive it with the good will with which it is in-
tended. Very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
ALEX. W. RANDALL.
WISCONSIN GENERALS. 67
In response to this letter, the Governor received the following
from the Secretary of War :
War Department, Washington, May 15, 1861.
Governor A. W. Randall, Madison, Wis. :
Dear Sir: — X have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th
instant, addressed to the President of the United States, and by him referred to this
Department, giving an account of the proceedings of the Governors of a number of the
States, held at Cleveland, on the 6th instant, and containing suggestions in regard to the
condition of public affairs.
The assurances of those who composed that meeting, that the pyeople of the States
whom they represented are prepared to sustain the President and his Administration
In every effort which may be made to suppress tlie present rebellion is gratifying to the
President and those connected with him in the administration of the Government, and
honorable to the people of the States those high functionaries represented at thai
meeting.
Concurring fully with you and your associates, as to the necessity of giving attention
to the country immediately contiguous to the line between the free and slave States, I
beg leave to assure you that all the steps deemed necessary to be taken have already, or
are now being taken. Before tliis letter reaches you, you will have received a dispatcl\
from this Department, informing you of the number of regiments desired from your
State, to serve during the war, which will be mustei-ed into service as soon as practicable,
and ordered to be marched into tlie field when they may be most needed.
I learn from your communication that in Wisconsin there is a need for arms now.
These, I beg to assure you, will be furnished immediately to all your regiments on beiJig
mustered into service. Difficulties like those you mention to have occurred under the
first call of the Pi'esident, in regard to the arms of Wisconsin, are naturally incident to
an occasion like that then existing, and I trust it will not happen again. I regret that
the people of your State should for a moment doubt the disposition of the Government
to do full justice to them and to give them as large a quota of troops to be furnished for
the war as can consistently be given to her, and I trust the requisition now made will
be entirely satisfactory to them. I am, sir, very respectfully,
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
The requisition spoken of was for three regiments — one for
three months, and two for three years or the war. At this time,
companies sufficient for over ten regiments were reported as ten-
dering service, and anxious to go to the war. The War Depart-
ment, for some reason, was disposed to throw a wet blanket on
the effi^rts of the Governor, and the patriotism of the people, at
this stage of the rebellion.
On the 7th of May, orders were issued by the Governor ap-
pointing General Rufus King as Brigadier General, and assigning
the First, Second, Third and Fourth Regiments, as the First Wis-
consin Brigade, to his command. This brigade organization was
never recognized by the General Government, but General King
was appointed by President Lincoln Brigadier General, and or-
ganized the famous " Iron Brigade," consisting of the Second,
Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin, and Nineteenth Indiana, which
command he retained until placed in command of a division.
68 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
General King was on his way to Europe, as Minister to Rome,
when the rebellion broke out. He immediately resigned his
position, and accepted a Brigadier Generalship.
Our fellow citizen, Carl Schurz, was about this time appointed
Minister to Spain, but his steps were arrested by the approach-
ing contest, and procuring leave of absence from his European
post, entered the military service of the United States, being
commissioned as Major General, which position he held during
the war.
Early in May, companies had been assigned to the Third and
Fourth Regiments, and their officers instructed to board and
lodge their men at recruiting rendezvous, to be ready to be called
into camp at short notice. This work was done before it was
known that Government would require any more men.
On the 6th of May, Governor Randall received a telegram
from Secretary Cameron, stating that it was desirable that regi-
ments sent from Wisconsin should enlist for three years, or dur-
ing the war, and ordering the mustering out of such persons as
declined to enlist for that time. In a subsequent telegram, the
Secretary of War stated that the quota of Wisconsin, under the
new call, was two regiments.
The Governor still wishing to gratify the enthusiastic desires
of the companies who had tendered their services, again wrote to
the Secretary, urging the Department to call for five more regi-
ments from Wisconsin. The Secretary replied " that as anxious
as are the people of your State to furnish the volunteers, they
are no more so than I am to gratify their wishes, but this I can-
not do, but I have done the best I could, by giving you three
regiments — one for three months, and two for three years." In
reply to another letter of Governor Randall, the Secretary made
answer, " Two regiments are assigned to your State in addition
to the regiment of three months militia already called for, mak-
ing three regiments. It is imjportant to reduce rather than enlarge
this number^ and in no event to exceed it. Let me earnestly re-
commend to you, therefore, to call for no more than three regi-
ments, and if more are already called for, to reduce the number
by discharge J'
PATRIOTIC LADIES. 69
Nothing daunted by these discouraging refusals, Governor
Eandall proceeded to organize the Second, Third and Fourth
Regiments. The Second Regiment was in camp, and the
companies of the Third and Fourth were at rendezvous.
One of the great features of this war of the rebellion has been
the position occupied by the women of the loyal States, and the
great work which they have been able to accomplish, stands out
in bold relief, and challenges the admiration, not only of our own
people, but of the civilized world. For the spirit manifested by
the daughters of America, history finds no parallel in the records
of any nation, and the patriotic women of the loyal States de-
serve a monument higher than that on Bunker Hill, for their
achievements in aiding our suffering soldiers in the hospitals and
on the bloody field.
At the Assembly Hall, the ladies performed a large amount
of labor, done at a time when great suffering would have occur-
red, if their timely assistance had not been rendered. Ladies in
Watertown and other places were supplied with material, and
assisted in making up the shirts and drawers so much needed
by our volunteers.
Much credit is due Mrs. B. F. Hopkins, and her staff of assist-
ants, in carrying out the benevolent designs of the ladies, and
the Governor in a letter, on the occasion of a collation in the As-
sembly Hall, on the conclusion of their labors, gratefully acknowl-
edged the services performed by the ladies in aid of the Quarter-
master's Department of the State. The Governor's letter is
worth preserving :
Executive Office, Madison, May 11, 1861.
To THE Patriotic Ladies of Madison :
I am necessarily compelled to be absent from [Madison this morning, or I would, in
person, pay my respects to you.
I thank you for the devotion you have manifested, and the sacriflces you have made,
in aiding to prepare comforts and necessaries for the gallant sons of our beloved State,
-who go so bravely to defend and maintain our common Government. Next to the devo-
tion they must feel to the good cause in which they are engaged, will be the homage
their noble hearts will pay you for the kindness and consideration and care you have
bestowed for them and upon them. It is not the business of your sex to mingle in the
severer strifes of the thronging heaving world, but we know that where smiles are
sweetest and eyes are brightest, there hearts are warmest, and that thence comes en-
couragement and moral strength to the stalwart-heart«d men of the land. In another
age, wives and mothers and daughters sent husbands and sons and brothers to the
fierce battle fields, to gain for themselves and for us and for all who are to come after
70 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
us, all that is great and useful and good in our institutions. To-day, you, following the
patriotic example of the noble women of the Revolution, send freely out all who are
near and dear to you, to preserve and maintain, for all coming time, what was so fear-
fully acquired. Remember now, and always, that your kindness will never be
forgotten. Very respectfuUy,
ALEX. W. RANDALL.
It is proper here to remark that the effort of the ladies at Madi-
son and other places laid the foundation for the permanent or-
ganization of the " Soldier's Aid Society," and kindred benevo-
lent institutions throughout the State, having for their object the
gathering and forwarding of sanitary supplies to the soldiers in
the hospitals and in the field — a labor that has contributed much
to the comfort and welfare of the soldier, and smoothed the
death-bed of many of our brave boys, who have in the field and
hospital laid down their precious lives for the cause of their
country.
CHAPTEK II.
ACTION OF STATE AUTHORITIES IN 1861— CONTINUED.
«
Extra Session of the Legislature — Governor's Message — Laws
Passed — State Military Departments — Third and Fourth Regi-
ments— Six Regiments Accepted — Fifth and Sixth Regiments —
Letter to President Lincoln — Seventh and Eighth Regiments —
Cavalry Authorized — Sharp-shooters — State Agents — Circu-
lar to Loyal Governors — State Bonds — Letter to Secretary
OP War — More Infantry Accepted — Artillery Wanted — First,
Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh Regiments — Letter to Secretary
OF War — Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Regi-
ments— 8205,000 Reimbursed — Correspondence — First Cavalry-
Second Cavalry — More Artillery Accepted — Third Cavalry —
Consolidation of Companies — Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eigh-
teenth AND Nineteenth Regiments — Recruiting Discontinued
— Letter of Captain Eddy — Report op Governor Randall —
Biographical Sketch op Governor Randall — Close of 1861.
ON being notified of the second call of the President for troops,
Governor Randall immediately issued a Proclamation con-
vening a special session of the Legislature on Wednesday, the
15th of May. On that day the Legislature met in extra session,
and the Governor delivered a message, from which we extract
Buch portions as have a military bearing :
Senatoes and Representatives :
At the close of the last annual session of the Legislature, to meet a sadden emergency
an act was passed authorizing me to respond to the call of the President of the United
States, for "aid in maintaining the Union and the supremacy of the laws, or to suppress
rebellion or insurrection, or to repel invasion within the United States," and I was au-
thorized, and it was made my duty, to take such measures as, in my judgment, should
provide in the speediest and most efficient manner, for responding to such call : and to
this end I was authorized to accept the services of volunteers for active service, to be
enrolled in companies of not less than seventy-five men each, rank and file, and in regi-
ments of ten companies each. I was also authorized to provide for uniforming and
equipping such companies as were not provided with unilbrms and equipments.
, The flist call of the President, for immediate o«tive service, was for one regiment of
men.
72 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
My proclamation, issued immediately after the passage of the act of the Legislature,
■was answered within less than ten days, by companies enough, each containing the re-
quisite number of men to make up at least five regiments, instead of one. I then issued
another proclamation, announcing the offers that had been made, and advising that
thereafter companies might be enrolled to stand as minute men, ready to answer further
calls, as they might be made, but without expense to the State, except as they are mus-
tered into service. In less than one month from the date of my first proclamation, at
least five thousand men, either as individuals or in enrolled companies, have oflFered
their services for the war, and all appear anxious for active service in the field.
In providing for the First Regiment, embarrassments have resulted from the fact that
there has never been an eflScient military organization in this State — no system or dis-
cipline. The men who had seen active field service were very few, or were almost en-
tirely unknown ; and the order and manner of equipping and uniforming and arming
soldiers and officers for rugged war were mysteries, the solution of which could only be
found by actual experiment. *
So the expenses incurred in preparing the First Regiment have been greater, to some
extent, than they otherwise would have been, or than they hereafter will be.
The spirit evoked by the rebellion against the Government of the United States is
such as has never before been manifested since its organization. The x>eople understand
that it is their government that is assailed, and everywhere throughout the North they
are rising up to rebuke the treason so rife in some portions of the land.
The deepening and widening dangers that threaten our institutions, and the pressure
of public opinion from all parts of the State, with the growing certainty that further
calls would be made upon this State, forced me to form another camp, and to bring to-
gether another regiment of men, and to authorize a number of isolated companies
which had volunteered, to remain together, and to learn so far as was possible without
suitable arms, the discipline and drilling necessary for men going into actual war.
T Illinois has but a trifle over double the population of Wisconsin, and the call for six
regiments from Illinois, and only one from Wisconsin, is so disproportionate, as to ex-
cite extreme dissatisfaction. Companies enough for five regiments, almost, are enrolled
and drilling without arms, and two regiments, partially atmed with indifferent weap-
ons, are in camp. We need, for the protection, and use, and benefit of our own citizen
Boldierjj, arms now, war or no war. It is as yet impossible to ascertain to what extent
the Stales, particularly this State, will be called upon to furnish forces, or to what extent
the forces called for must be armed, equipped and uniformed for service. The people of
the State, and of all the States, are anxious to know what and how much is expected of
them, and are ready to respond. While the details of the policy of the Administration
should not be made public, information of the general purposes of the Government
should be lodged somewhere in each loyal State, so that there can be an authoritative
assurance of what is intended and expected. In the absence of such information, the
judgment of this Legislature must determine for Wisconsin what aid she can afford to
extend to the Federal Government in the way of regiments of men, and in the way of
arming, equipping and uniforming its own citizens, for military purposes, and how far
it will make its military forces useful and efficient, bj' putting them, in the shape of
regiments, into camp to be drilled, inured to the hardships of the soldier's life, and made
skillful in the use of arms, before being called upon to face experienced ai-mies in battle.
In my judgment, at least six regiments of soldiers ought to be put into camp to learn
soldiers' duties, in addition to the one first called for. They should be armed and uni-
formed and equipped by the State now, and when mustered into the service of the
United States, their arms and uniforms and equipments accounted for to the State by
the National Government. The men sent to war should be soldiers when they go, or
there will be few of them living soldiers when it is time for them to return.
An appropriation of at least one million of dollars wUl, in mj^ judgment, be necessary
for the purpose of putting into the field a reserved force, and for providing to meet the
demands of the Government as they are made. An authority ought to be given' to pur-
chase, for the use of the State, in addition to such arms as are required for the use of
jregiments going into tlie field, six rifled cannon.
LAWS PASSED. 73
Tlie people ■will never consent to any cessation of the war, forced so wickedly upon
us, until the traitors are hung or driven into ignominious exile. This war began where
Charlestons; it should end where Charleston li'cw. The Supreme Ruler can but smilts
upon the efforts of the law-loving, government-loving, liberty-loving people of this
land, in resisting the disruption of this Union. These gathering armies are the instru-
ments of His vengeance, to execute His just judgments; they are His flails wherewith,
on God's great Southern threshing floor He will pound rebellion for its. sins.
The Legislature, by joint resolution, determined to transact no
business except that for which it was expressly called.
The limits of a single volume forbid our publishing in full the
laws of this or subsequent sessions, and we are compelled to
content ourselves with naming such acts as are passed, bearing
upon military mattei^, referring the reader to the published
volume for the laws in full.
The law hurriedly passed at the close of the regular session,
and under which Governor Randall had organized the First Regi-
ment, was found inadequate to meet the second call of the Presi-
dent. A bill was introduced, and became a law, which author-
ized the Governor to raise six regiments of intantry, inclusive of
those he had organized or placed at quarters. When the six
regiments were mustered into the United States service, he was
authorized to raise two additional regiments, and thus to keep
two regiments continually in reserve to meet any future call of
the Government. He was authorized to quarter and subsist vol-
unteers at rendezvous, to transport, to clothe, subsist and quarter
them in camp at the expense of the State. Arms and munitions
were to be furnished by the United States. Recruits were to be
mustered into State service, and into United States service for
three years. Two assistant surgeons to each regiment were to be
appointed and paid by the State. The regiments, as they came
into camp, were to be instructed in drill and various camp duties
to secure efficiency in the field. The troops, so called in, were
to be paid monthly by the State, the same pay and emoluments
as the soldiers in the United States army, from the date of enlist-
ment. The Paymaster General was authorized to draw funds
from the State Treasury for the payment of the State troops,
and the expenses incurred in subsisting, transporting and cloth-
ing them. The Governor was authorized to purchase military
stores, subsistence, clothing, medicine, field and camp equipage ;
and the sum of one million dollars was appropriated to enable
the Governor to carry out the law.
74 MILITAKY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
Under another law, he was authorized to purchase 2,000 stand
of arms, and fifty thousand dollars was appropriated.
Another law was passed, authorising counties, towns, cities
and incorporated villages to levy taxes for the purpose of provid-
ing for the support of families of volunteers residing in their
respective limits.
The law exempting volunteers from civil process was amended,
so as so include all who might thereafter enlist.
A law granting five dollars per month, as extra pay, to enlisted
volunteers having families dependent upon them for support,
payahle to the volunteer's family, was passed.
The Governor was authorized to employ such aids, clerks and
messengers as he deemed necessary for the public interest.
A law was also passed, authorizing the payment of those who
had enlisted for three months, but declined to go in for three
years.
The expenses of the extra session were ordered to be pail out
of the War Fund.
One million dollars, in bonds, were authorized to be issued for
war purposes, to be known as the " War Fund," The Governor,
Secretary of State and State Treasurer were authorized to nego-
tiate the sale of these bonds, &c. A section of the law required
all claims against the " War Fund " to be presented in three
months from the time they accrued.
The Governor was authorized to be absent from the State
during the war, if thought advisable, in connection with military
matters of the State.
A resolution was passed, recommending the appointment of
General King to a Brigadier Generalship.
Governor Randall having, by the Legislature, been invested
with full powers to act in the matter of raising troops, proceeded
to organize the Military Departments of the State, as follows :
His Excellency, Alexander W. RandalI/, Governor and Oommander-in- Chief.
Brigadier General William L. Utley, Adjutant General.
Brigadier General W. W. Tredway, Quartennaster General.
Colonel Edwin R. Wadsworth, Commissary General.
Brigadier General Simeon Mills, Paymaster General.
Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, Sturgeon General.
Major E. L. Buttrick, Judge Advocate.
Colonel W11.LIAM H. Watson, Military ISecretary,
STATE MILITARY OFFICERS. 75
The several offices were organized, as follows :
Adfuiant GeneraPs Q^e.— William L. Utley, Adjutant General; H. K. White,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Quartermaster General's Office. — W. W. Tkedway, Quarterma.^ter General; N. B. Vax-
8LYKE, James Holtqn and William R. Mears, Assistant Quartermaster Generals.
C&mmissary General's Q^ce. — Edwin R. Wadsworth, Commissary General; F. L.
Hicks, John G. Clark and S. D. Clough, Assistant Oymmissary Genei-als.
J>apmaster General's Office.— Simeon Mills, Paymaster General; James R. Mears,
Assistant Paymaster General.
The assistants in these several departments were appointed,
as the business of the respective offices required additional
assistance.
The volunteers raised in "Wisconsin, in the year 1861, were all
recruited, subsisted, clothed and equipped, (except arms,) and
paid by the State authorities ; the General Government not as-
suming control of the recruiting service until the 1st of January,
1862.
Quartermaster General Tredway was authorized to contract
for all the supplies necessary to equip the several regiments and
batteries called for in 1861.
Commissary General Wadsworth had under his supervision the
subsistence of recruits at rendezvous and in camp, until the regi-
ments were mustered into the United States service, after which
time, the Government paid their subsistence bills. All accounts
for subsistence of recruits in rendezvous were examined and
adjusted by this department.
The expenses incurred by the State, in 1861, became a rightful
claim against the General Government, by whom the State was
eventually reimbursed, with the exception of some of the ac-
counts which were returned for irregularity, but which will
eventually be adjusted.
Governor Randall determined to make another effort for the
acceptance of more regiments. By the hands of General King,
he sent the following letter to the Secretary of War :
You will excuse me for urging, respectfully, that the disposition of the St:Tte in fur-
nishing men and means in aid of the Government may warrant a recognition from the
Gtovernment, by accepting, as has been done with other States to some extent, the addi-
tional force of three regiments ordered into camp by tlie Legislature of the State, to be
turned into efficient soldiers, in anticipation of further calls of the President. General
King is the bearer of this letter, and is authorized to communicate fully with you upon
the subject herein suggested, and upon such questions as may suggest themselves of
interest between the Government and this State.
76 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Bringing to his aid the influence of the President and Secretary
Seward, General King succeeded at length in obtaining from Sec-
retary Cameron an agreement to accept the six regiments from
Wisconsin, provided they could be got ready in three weeks.
The First and Second Regiments were ordered to move for-
ward to Harrisburg. The First Regiment left the State on the
9th of June, and the Second on the 20th.
The six regiments being thus accepted, the Governor proceeded
to call into camp the Fifth and Sixth Regiments.
The Third Regiment was composed of the Watertown Com-
pany, Captain Gibbs ; "Williamstown Company, Captain Ham-
mer; Oshkosh Company, Captain Scott ; Neenah Company, Cap-
tain Hubbard ; Lafayette County Company, Captain Whitman ;
Grant County Company, Captain Limbocker; Waupun Company,
Captain Clark ; Green County Company, Captain Flood ; Dane
County Company, Captain Hawley ; Shullsburg Company, Cap-
tain Vandergrift. These companies were ordered into camp, at
Fond du Lac, about the 15th of June. Here the regimental or-
ganization was completed, under the supervision of Captain C.
S. Hamilton, who had been commissioned as Colonel, and the
Regiment was mustered into the United States service on the
29th of June, and left the State, for Harrisburg, Pa., on the 12th
of July. On their arrival at Harrisburg, the regiment received
arms, and were sent forward to Hagerstown and Harper's Ferry.
The Fourth Regiment was composed of the Calumet County
Company, Captain Hobart; Sheboygan Company, Captain Grey;
Geneva Company, Captain Roundy ; Jefferson County Company,
Captain Moore; Columbia County Company, Captain Bailey;
Monroe County Company, Captain Lynn ; Hudson City Company,
Captain White ; Ripon Company, Captain La Grange ; White-
water Company, Captain Curtice ; Oconto County Company,
Captain Loy,* and was ordered into camp, at Racine, on the 6th
of June. Halbert E. Paine, Esq., was promoted from Quarter-
master of the Second to Colonel of this Regiment, under whose
supervision the organization was completed, and the Regiment
left the State on the 15th of July, to report at Baltimore, Md.
* The Black Hawk Rifles, of Fort Atkinson, were originally assigned^ to the Fourth
Regiment, but, not being full, was displaced, and the Oconto County Company
substituted.
FIFTH AND SIXTH REGIMENTS. 77
The companies composing the Fifth Regiment were recruited,
two in Milwaukee, one eacli in Janesville, Waukesha, Richland,
Taychedah, Beaver Dam, Manitowoc, Berlin, and Meuomonee,
in Dunn County, and were all assembled in Camp Randall by
the 28th of June, where their organization was perfected under
the supervision of Amasa Cobb, of Mineral Point, as Colonel,
and were mustered into the United States service.
The Sixth Regiment was composed of companies recruited at
Prairie du Chien, Baraboo, Prescott, Beloit, Fond du Lac,
Buftalo County, two from Milwaukee, and two from Mauston,
and were all in Camp Randall by the 1st of July. Lysander
Cutler, of Milwaukee, was appointed Colonel. The organization
was completed, and the Regiment mustered into the United
States service.
The disastrous news of the defeat of our army at Bull Run, on
the 21st of July, was recei\'ed at Camp Randall, while these regi-
ments were yet in camp. On that day, orders were received
from the Secretary of War for the immediate forwarding of all
the troops in the State, to Washington. Colonels Cobb and
Cutler were notified to have their commands in readiness, and as
soon as transportation could be procured they left the State, the
Fifth on the 24th of July, and the Sixth on the 28th.
The necessary number of Companies to form the Seventh and
Eighth Regiments were severally assigned, but the Governor
declined calling them in until after harvest, unless specially
required to do so.
A letter from President Lincoln under date of June 24th,
requesting a full report from the Adjutant General and Quarter-
master General of the State, concerning the troops sent from
Wisconsin, was replied to, by the Governor forwarding the
required reports and by the following letter :
EXECTTTIYE DEPARTMENT, MADISOK, WIS., July Ist, 1861.
To Bis ExceUeney, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United Slates:
Sir:—1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th of June,
desiring certain information in regard to the military preparations of the State of Wis-
consin, and in reply, forward to you the enclosed reports relating to the six regiments
accepted from this State.
In addition to the six regiments thus accounted for, we have organized and in readi-
ness to be called into service at short notice, two more regiments of three years' volun-
teers. The companies composing them have for the most part been drilling at their
Beveral localities in the State for some time past, and could be called together in a brief
time. At the outbreak of hostilities, we had in this State, a very few good uniformed
78 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
companies, and a very insufficient militia law, so that we liave been obliged to form our
regiments entirely of new material. I think however, that the troops which we have
sent forward will bear comparison as to drill and efficiency with most of those sent from
other States, and that our succeeding regiments will be satisfactory in those respects.
We have endeavored to furnish them with everything necessary except arms. As to
the latter we have been unable to furnish them except at such exorbitant prices that
understanding that the government was in a condition to furnish them, we have not
attempted to do so.
We have had volunteer companies tendered in this State to the number of about one
liundred and twenty. So long a time elapsed before we were assured of the acceptance
of more than two that their organization and withdrawal from their usual avocations
was discouraged, until the acceptance of six regiments by telegraph reaching me June
lOth, enabled me to say to those who wished to enter the service that there was some
prospect for them to do so. We shall, in a few days have forwarded the six regim.ents
to their appointed rendezvous, at the East, fully equipped except arms.
Owing to the necessity for men to take care of the abundant harvest, it was not my
intention to call the Seventh and Eighth Regiments into camp before the 20th of August,
unless the emergency should make it necessary, and the companies have been so
advised. If they are needed sooner, a call will be immediately responded to, and we
shall have their uniforms and equipments ready for them. By the authority of our
Legislature I shall, after the middle of August, keep two regiments equipped and in camp
ready for a call to service and will have them ready at an earlier day if needed. Our
people are ready and anxious to take part in this war to sustain the Constitution and
the Union, and only wait to know that they are wanted, to respond immediately to any
call that the Government may make upon them.
I beg leave to urge upon your attention the fact that we have not in this State arms of
all kinds sufficient to supply two regiments, and that as it is necessary to leave a suffi-
cient supply in the hands of companies in various parts of the State, to guard against
outbrealcs in our large towns, such as has recently occurred in Milwaukee, and for the
protection of our Northwestern frontier, there is a pressing need of a supply of 1,500 or
. 2,000 stand, with swords, for non-commissioned officers, if they can possibly be spared
from the exigencies of the war. I trust that they may be forwarded to us.
I am very respectfully
Your obedient servant,
ALEX. W. RANDAIjL.
General Scott at the beginning of the war had assumed that
infantry would compose the chief force called for, ignoring
artillery almost entirely, and throwing cavalry aside as unneces-
8ary. Repeated offers of artillery and cavalry had been made
by several of the loyal Governors, which were uniformly declined,
until about this period a change appeared to have taken place in
General Scott's plans.
In the latter part of June, Edward Daniels, Esq., of Ripon,
made personal application at Washington, and received a special
permit to raise a squadron of cavalry, and was commissioned by
Governor Randall, as Lieutenant Colonel, in order to enable him
to recruit for that arm of the service. We will state here that
all of the cavalry regiments which were subsequently sent from
Wisconsin, were " independent organizations," authorized to be
raised by the General Government, independent of the State
COMPANY OF SHARPSHOOTERS. 79
authorities, although the commissions were issued by the State
Government. Colonel Daniels proceeded at once to recruit and
organize a battalion at Ripon.
About the latter part of June, the General Government author-
ized the raising of a regiment of sharpshooters, and placed the
matter in the hands of Mr. Berdan, for the recruiting and organ-
ization of such a corps, to consist of the best marksmen in the
loyal States. Knowing the character of our population as
pioneers and woodsmen. Colonel Berdan authorized Captain
Rowland to act as his agent. The matter was laid before
Governor Randall, and an order was issued by Adjutant General
Utley, detailing the manner in which these recruits were to be
examined, enumerating the qualifications necessary to secure a
position in this company, of which only one was to be raised.
Captain W. P. Alexander of Beloit, a good marksman himself,
was commissioned as Captain, with authority to raise a company.
The Captain at once engaged in the work, taking only those who
could show, practically, that they could put ten consecutive shots
in a target not to exceed the average of five inches from the
centre of the bull's eye. Each applicant was required to exhibit
his skill, and only those who could meet the requisition were
enlisted. The company was filled to one hundred and three
privates and three officers, and left the State about the middle of
September, under Captain Alexander, and was mustered into the
United States service at Weehawken, on the 23d of September.
This Regiment went to the Army of the Potomac and performed
gallant service. Company G, from "Wisconsin, holding a position
among the best in the regiment. The history of this company
will be found in subsequent pages of this work.
One feature has characterized this war, difiering entirely from
any other war on record. We mean that portion of it represented
by the several Sanitary Commissions and Soldiers' Aid Societies.
It may have had a prototype in the benevolent noble hearted
efforts of Miss Nightingale in the Crimean war, but hers were
the unaided labors of a single individual, isolated and alone,
dependant on her own resources, to carry out her benevolent
intentions. Ours assumed the character of a National enterprise,
and became so gigantic in its several channels of benevolence,
80 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
that its aggregate labors have become as much matter of astonish,
ment to ourselves, and to other civilized nations, as the organizing
and maintaining of our vast armies in the field. It is a pleasant,
reflection, that through this bloody struggle, there has been so
much noble-heartedness and genuine benevolent feeling displayed
in the endeavor to contribute to the wants of our sick and
wounded, and so much consolation aflforded those who have closed
their eyes in death upon the battle-field or in the hospitals. It is
not out of place to turn back to the early portion of the rebellion,
and trace the incipient eflforts of those who began this system of
benevolence. The idea of affording relief to the sick and
wounded, was first developed in the appointment of agents by
the Governors of the loyal States, whose duty it was to accompany
the reofiments to the field and furnish to the sick and wounded
such articles as would contribute to their restoration to health as
were not permitted by the army regulations. True, these
appointees may have failed to perform the duties they were
ordered to, but that did not vitiate the principle. Faulty it may
have been in its first organization, but theprinciple being establish-
ed it ripened into a system that accomplished, in a more ex-
tended field, the object sought in the original design. The his-
tory of all wars shows that the disasters of the battle-field are
less fatal than the diseases which are incident upon the exposures
to heat and cold, the exhaustion of long marches, the disarrange-
ments arising from insufficient or indifferently cooked food, the
use of impure water, and other health destroying elements,
which enter largely into the experiences of a military campaign.
The Government furnishes Surgeons to take care of the sick and
wounded, but it does not furnish them all with the requisite skill,
with patience and enduranee, and that kindness of heart which
often proves so efficacious in the welfare of the patient. Constant
attention to a Surgeon's duties often sears his sensibility, and he
becomes indifferent to the distress around him, and careless of his
patients, and they suffer and die sometimes, through his neglect.
Under these circumstances, the Sanitary agent is a fit person to
step in and bestow those attentions which the Surgeon has not
time or disposition to give. To show that Governor Randall
appreciated the sufferings incident to the military service, which
STATE SANITARY AGENTS. 81
it was not in the power of the Government wholly to relieve, we
insert here the circular sent by him to the Executives of other
loyal States :
ExECTTTiVE Ofeice, Madison, Wisoonsin, July 4th, 1861.
To His Excellency, The Governor of New York,
Dear Sir: It seems to be assumed that the moment one of our citizens enlists as a sol-
dier in the service of the United States, he loses to a certain extent his citizdbship, and
that he is entitled to but little further consideration. This has been at all times an
Inhuman error, but at this time it is doubly so. The men who have enlisted as soldiers
in the present war have not done so for the pay of the soldier, nor because they were out
of employment. The men who fill the armies of the United States, to-day, enlisted with
the patriotic purpose of putting down a wicked rebellion, and maintaining the Integrity
of the Federal Government. They are our neighbors and fellow-citizens, who, braver
than we are, go to endure the privations of the camp, and to brave the dangers of the
battle-field, not only for themselves, but for us. From Wisconsin — and I doubt not the
same may be said of all the loyal States — all classes and conditions of men, men of all
the professions and avocations and employments of life, swell the ranks of our regi-
ments. There is scarcely a soldier but leaves behind him a family or social circle broken
by his absence. In every conceivable way they make great sacrifices. They carry the
honor of their respective States with them, and are pledged to uphold that honor as well
as to punish rebellion. They are entitled to our greatest consideration and care. Who-
ever defrauds a patriotic, liberty-loving, government-loving soldier is a thief. So far as
possible, the several States should do, and are doing, all in their power to send their
regiments forward well uniformed and provided for the service in which they are to
engage. I feel impelled to submit that the duties of the authorities of the several States
toward the stalwart-hearted men who go to do our battles for us, do not and cannot end
here. The history of all wars tells us that both during their continuance and after their
close, thousands of soldiers, sick and diseased and maimed, go wandering homeward,
suffering with privation and want, begging their weary way, and meeting that curious
public gaze, which has no sympathy or kindness in it. Each State has a rich reversion-
ary interest in the citizen soldiers who represent it, and each State owes to itself and to
every soldier, an obligation to take care of that interest.
I have determined, in behalf of Wisconsin, to send with each regiment, men whose
sole business it shall be to stay with the regiment, look after its welfare, and to see that
every man who, from sickness or the casualties of war, becomes so far disabled that he
can no longer endure the fatigues or perform the duties of the camp or field, shall be
safely and comfortably returned to this State, and to his family or friends. In health or
sickness, in triumph or defeat, these men are ours and our country's, and our obliga-
tions and hopes equally go with them. May I invite you to co-operate in this move-
ment ? The agents appointed by and for the several States, for these purposes, can, to a
very large extent, act in concert, and aid each other. I cannot doubt but that by a
proptr effort, all Railroad and Steamboat Companies, touched by the humanity of the
object, can be induced to pass all disabled persons free, upon a certificate from the proper
responsible authority, that as such they were honorably discharged from service. The
expense will be comparatively light, and the good to result, incalculable.
Very respectfully,
ALEX, W. RANDALL.
In compliance with the circular, Governor Randall appointed
agents to accompany our earlier regiments to the field. In some
cases these agents acted for the Quartermaster's Department of
the State, in attending to the shipment and distribution of such
supplies as could not be furnished the regiments before they left
the State. The fact is undeniable, that the Medical Department
6
82 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of the United States Army, at the outbreak of the war, was
very inefficient, and many of the soldiers in the earlier battles
suffered severely, and many lost their lives by the inadequate
provision made by the Medical Department in the several hos-
pitals. To our own knowledge several of our brave boys were
permitted to die for want of proper medical attention, especially
at the btttle of Shiloh.
To the humane intentions of Governor Randall, and the untir-
ing industry and eminent ability of Surgeon General Wolcott, our
several regiments are indebted for the perfection of their medical
outfit. Ordered by Governor Eandall to see that nothing was
lacking in medical supplies for each regiment. Surgeon General
Wolcott, gave the matter his personal attention, and it became
notorious that Wisconsin regiments were superior in their
medical stores and instruments, to those of other States.
The organization of the several Sanitary Commissions, ren-
dered unnecessary a continuance of the system of regimental
agents, and they were finally recalled.
In explanation of the manner in which the bonds authorized
to be issued by the regular session of 1861, and also the extra
session, amounting to $1,200,000, were disposed of, we insert
here an extract from the report of the Secretary of State, for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1861 :
Chapter 13 of the General Laws, passed by the Legislature of 1861, at the extra session,
constituted a Board of Loan Commissioners, consisting of the Governor, Secretary of
State, and State Treasurer, who were charged with the duty of negotiating, in such man-
ner as they should deem proper, and "on the most favorable terms which in their judg-
m^ent could be obtained," a loan or loans for war purposes, not exceeding in the aggregate
tJtie sum of one million of dollars.
Through an alleged defect in the law, and owing to other causes not necessary to recite,
it was found to be impracticable to effect a negotiation of the bonds authorized by said
chapter 13, in the money marts of the East. But an arrangement was, after some delay,
perfected with the bankers of our own State, by which it was agreed that the Loan Com-
missioners should sell to them, and the said banlcers should purchase, eight hundred
thousand dollars of the one million authorized to be issued, at seventy per cent, of their
face, cash in hand, {sixty per cent, thereof in specie or New Yorlc exchange, and/tw/y per
cent, in current bank bills, as directed by section 8 of the Loan Act,) and the remaining
thirty per cent, in installments of one per cent, every six months ; the corporate bond of
each bank purchasing bonds to be taken for this thirty per centum.
An understanding was had by the Loan Commissioners with the leading bankers of
the State, that all bonds so purchased should be placed with the Bank Comptroller, as
security for Wisconsin currency then in circulation ; that the notes of all banks current
at the time the arrangement was made, (June 25th,) were to be made par by the deposit
of additional securities with the Bank Comptroller, and, finaUy, that bonds then in tho
Department as security, chiefly of Southern States, whose rapid depreciation was stag-
gering all confidence in our currency, should be sold in New York by the Bank Comp-
troller, sufficient to provide the means of effecting the purchase of the Wiscoosiu Bonds
oy which they were to be replaced.
SALE OF BTATB BONDS. 83
It Is believed that the seventy per cent, thus realized on the bonds sold, Is nearly, if not
quite, as high a rate as could have been realized from their sale in Wall street, after the
expense and delay of another extra session of the Legislature, and all objection to the
legality of their issue had been removed. On the other hand, the diversion of the entire
discount of the State must have suffered upon a sale at the East, to strengthen the cur-
rency then perishing In the hands of the people, has proved an Incalculable relief and
protection to all the business interests of the State, while at the same time the plan of
Bale promises the return to the Treasury of the State, in greater part, at least, the discount
thus abated.
But whether the obligations taken of the banks for the thirty per cent, remaining unpaid
at the time of purchase, are all of them paid or not, it is submitted that the substantial
Interests of the State have already been benefitted through this negotiation, in the manner
before indicated, far more than to equal in value the entire amount for which credit was
given in the sale of the bonds.
The exact number and amount of bonds sold and delivered (of the one million issue)
np to October 1st, are as follows :
794 bonds for $1000 each, for cash in hand 8555,800 00
90 bonds for $500 each, for cash in hand 31,920 00
6 bonds for $100 each, at par „ 500 00
$588,220 00
Leaving now on hand —
6 bonds of $1000 each 6,000 00
110 bonds of 500 each 55,000 00
995 bonds of $100 each ., 99,500 00
$160,.500 00
An issue of two hundred thousand of State bonds for war purposes, was authorized by
an act of the regular session of the Legislature, the negotiation of which was left to the
Governor alone. Owing to a restriction in the law, those bonds cannot be negotiated
below par, and consequently all but twelve remain unsold.
"WTien tlie news of the disaster at Bull Run was received,
Governor Randall was in New York. He took the first train
and was in "Washington at the earliest possible moment. Imme-
diately upon his arrival, he entered upon the work of hunting up
our sick and wounded of the Second Regiment, visiting the
camp and cheering up the drooping hearts of our brave soldiers,
by his electrifpng speeches, assuring them that the State had not
forgotten them; that their welfare should be attended to, and
the evils they had labored under remedied. Several persons
were employed to assist in this labor of looking after the sick and
ailing, in furnishing new clothing, shoes or other articles which
had been lost in the fight, and relieving those who were suffering
from hunger and from the hardships incident to the heat of the day.
In this work of humanity the Governor took the responsibility of
authorizing the purchase of supplies and comforts for the sick,
and paid it from funds he was permitted to use for purposes con-
tingent upon the organization of our Wisconsin troops. In this
he was governed by the impulses of a noble patriotism and
84 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
generosity, which could not see the faithful defenders of our
country's liberty suffer and die when he had the power to relieve
them. However much the Governor's action in assisting our
exhausted soldiers, after Bull Run, may have been censured by
those desirous of criticising his administration, it is certain that
the mass of the people of the State upheld the Governor in his
efforts for the relief of our soldiers at that time.
The disaster at Bull Run was destined to be one of the import-
ant points in the rebellion, and to awaken the administration to the
magnitude of the task which they had before them, and Congress
next day passed an act authorizing President Lincoln to call for
a million of men, if necessary, to suppress the rebellion. After
this no trouble was had by Governor Randall in the acceptance
of troops from Wisconsin.
The news of the defeat of our army at Bull Run, on the 21st
of July, was received with dismay, at first, but a reaction soon
took place, which had a tendency to augment recruiting, and to
rouse the public enthusiasm, to an ardent desire to wipe out the
stigma of defeat.
On the 26th of July a commission was issued to G. Von
Deutsch, of Milwaukee, to raise a company of cavalry. He
succeeded in filling this company to eighty-four men. It left the
State in September, joining the forces under General Fremont,
and was afterwards attached to the Fifth Missouri Regiment of
cavalry.
A despatch from the Secretary of "War, under date of August
13th, requested Governor Randall to send all the available
force in the State to General Fremont without delay, and to furnish
a full supply of field artillery and small arms.
The defeats of Bull Run and Wilson's Creek — the death of
the brave General Lyon — the peril of the National Capital,
showing the inadequate force opposed to the rebel armies in dif-
ferent parts of the country, opened the eyes of the officials at
Washington, to the fact that the rebellion was something more
than a riotous demonstration, and that the people were ahead
of the War Department, when their Governors were urging
Cameron to accept more troops to crush out the rebellion.
Governor Randall was not in the State at the time when the
dispatch was received, but answered it on the 16th of August as
follows :
GERMAN REGIMENT. 85
^on, Simon- Cameron:
Some days since, I received from your Department a telegraphic dispatcli, calling upon
me to forward immediately to General Fremont, all the organized and available force in
this State, and to send a full supply of field artillery and small arms. I replied imme-
diately, stating in the brevity of a telegraphic dispatch, the facts in the case, but desire
that your Department should be more fully informed of our condition. We have two
regiments organized, so far as the companies to form them are concerned. One of these
Is now coming into camp, many of the men sacrificing their harvests in their patriotic
feeling. We did not intend to call the other to camp until after harvest. After the first
of September we can proceed rapidly with the organization of regiments, the men being
ready and anxious for service, if we can avail ourselves of the arrangements which we
observe are extended to other States, for reimbursing our expenditures tlius far made.
It is very desirable that we should thus be provided with means in order that our work
of organization may proceed without delay. If the Government is prepared to furnish
any portion of the outfit of succeeding regiments, we should be relieved to that extent.
In relation to artillery and small arms, we have in this State, six old six pounder can-
non, which have for a number of years, been in the possession of independent compa-
nies, some of them more than ten years — all without caissons — and neither in harness
nor implements fit for use. We have no arsenal nor accumulation of ammunition.
When the war broke out we had some sixteen hundred stand of arms of all kinds and
patterns, in the hands of independent companies. These were called in for use in drill-
ing our troops, and by reason of hard usage among six regiments, are mostly unfit for
service. This is our condition and explains why we are unable to respond to your call
upon this State.
The Governor also wrote to General Fremont explaining the
reason why he could not respond to the order of the Secretary of
War. In conclusion he says :
If your authority extends far enough to enable you to equip and arm a German regi-
ment, we think we can send you in ten days after your acceptance, a regiment, more
than half of which has seen service, and who are anxious to join your force.
This proposition was made to General Fremont in deference
to the Germans of the State, many of whom desired the oppor-
tunity to serve under the " Pathfinder." Out of this grew the
organization of the Ninth or German Regiment, though it was
too late to eerve under Fremont.
On the 19th of August Secretary Cameron telegraphed to
know if a part of our uniformed militia, or "Home Guards,'*
could be spared for temporary service. The Governor replied as
follows :
Hon. Simon Camehon :
In reply to your dispatch of the 19th, I would say that our uniformed militia have gone
into service. We have no Home Guards to call upon. We have been embarrassed from
the first with a large number of companies seeking service, but we could not get them
accepted. If Government will call on us for four or six, or more regiments, agree to
muster them into service at once, and to refund our expenses on presentation of vouchers,
we can have all the men we want speedily. On the same understanding we can raise a
regiment of cavalry, and we have large numbers of European artillery men but no
cannon.
♦ ^Bwer by telegraph, and send detailed instructions by letter,
ALEX. W. RANDALL.
86 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
In response to the above, the Governor received the following:
To Governor Rand all, of WiscanMn :
You may organize and equip as rapidly as possible, five regiments of infantry and five
batteries of artillery, and procure for them necessary clothing and equipments according
to TTnlted States Regulations and prices, subject to the inspection of United States offl-
cei-p, Exjyenses incurred will be refunded by the Government. If you need the cannon
at once, send us an order and they shall be forwarded, and such other arms as may be
necessary. Please answer if this is understood and satisfactory,
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
The companies for the Seventh Regiment were ordered into
Camp Randall during the last week in August. They were
recruited at Lodi, Fall River, Platteville, Stoughton, Montello,
Lancaster, Grand Rapids, Fennimore, Beloit and Dodge County.
These companies were mustered in by the United States officers
soon after they arrived in camp, by companies. Captain Mcln-
tyre and Major Brooks were the mustering officers at Madison,
and Captain J. M. Trowbridge at Milwaukee.
Immediately on the receipt of the order of the Secretary of
War, Governor Randall issued a Proclamation calling for volun-
teers for the five regiments of infantry and five batteries of
artillery. One regiment of infantry was to be German. The
plan for organization was recited in the Proclamation.
From the beginning of the war a great desire was manifested
for the organization of artillery companies, and when this requi-
sition was received, but a few hours elapsed before commissions
to raise artillery companies were issued. Captain Hertzberg's
tender of service of the Washington Artillery of Milwaukee,
was accepted, and he was ordered to fill up to one hundred and
fifty men ; the same order was sent to Captain Foster of La
Crosse Artillery Company. Captain Pinney, Captain Drury and
others, were authorized to recruit for the artillery.
As instructed in the dispatch of Secretary Cameron, the
Governor made a formal requisition for the guns and the neces-
sary stores and ammunition for the five batteries of artillery,
and also for the arms and equipments for the five regiments,
ordered to be raised in addition to the Seventh and Eighth.
In reply to the above requisition the Secretary wrote, that orders
would be issued to send arms for three full regiments of infantry,
and guns for two batteries of six guns each. The remaining
regiments and batteries were ordered to be sent forward to
FIRST REGIMENT. 87
Wiisliington without arms, to report to General McClellan for
orders, and arms and equipments would then be provided. The
Secretary concluded his letter thus — " K you desire to add more
regiments to those already off'ered, I should be glad to hear from
you. Before closing this communication, permit me to extend
the acknowledgements of this Department for your prompt and
liberal response to all calls that have been made upon you for
forces."
It appears that an order of the "War Department required that
Adjutants and Quartermasters should be Lieutenants in the regi-
ments attached to companies. Governor Randall found it neces-
sary sometimes to disregard this order and appoint such regimen-
tal officers from civil life. lie addressed a paragraph to the
Secretary of War, enquiring if the order could not be modified
and suspended as it was in Illinois, to enable him to appoint
such officers as were fully competent for the positions without
depriving the companies of their officers. To this the Secretary
subsequently replied, authorizing the appointment of officers on
the recommendation of the Colonel of each regiment with the
rank of Lieutenant, who can then be appointed Quartermaster
or Adjutant by the Colonel.
On the 22d of August the term of service of the First Regi-
ment having expired, that organization was mustered out. To a
telegram from Governor Randall, inquiring if the First Regi-
ment reorganized for three years, would be accepted in addition
to those in service and the five regiments recently authorized,
the Secretary replied in the affirmative, thus making six infantry
regiments, in addition to the Seventh and Eighth.
In order to meet the desires of the German portion of the
population of Wisconsin, the Governor authorized the formation
of a German regiment, to be known as the Ninth. Orders were
issued on the 24th of August appointing Frederick Salomon of
Manitowoc, as Colonel, and William Finkler was appointed
Quartermaster, with authority to recruit and organize the regi-
ment, under special instruction until the Colonel took command.
They were ordered to encamp in Milwaukee. The men were
recruited in squads and sent into camp, where they were formed
into companies.
88 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN,
On the 28tli of August, orders were issued for the reorganiza-
tion of the First Regiment for three years, under the command
of John C. Starkweather, as Colonel, David H. Lane, Lieutenant
Colonel, and George B. Bingham, Major.
On the same day orders were issued assigning companies to
the Eighth Regiment, as follows : one company from "Waupaca,
Greenbush, Eau Claire, Fox Lake, Fitchburg, Janesville, Belle-
ville, La Crosse, the other two companies originally assigned,
failing to fill up, companies from Prairie du Chien and Racine,
were substituted. They were ordered to move to Camp Randall,
the first week in September, where they all arrived and were
mustered into the United States service by the 13th of September.
Daniels' battalion of four companies of cavalry being reported
ready for muster. Captain J. M. Trowbridge was ordered to
muster them. The muster was completed on the 10th of
September.
At this time Government had organized general camps of
rendezvous, at different points in the loyal States, under the
orders of the Government. The mustering ofiicer. Major Brooks,
insisted on sending recruits to these general rendezvous, which
compelled Governor Randall to telegraph to Washington as
follows, on the 3d of September :
Hon. Simon Cameron:
Your mustering officers in this State do not understand that they are to provide for
mustering, subsisting and transporting to the State camps, where we are gatliering our
new regiments. They expect to forward recruits to the general camps of rendezvous
■which have been provided elsewhere. This is all wrong — men will not enlist to be
lent away. Please instruct your officers, at once, by telegraph and mail.
A. W. RANDALL.
This dispatch brought about the desired reform in the action
of Major Brooks.
The Secretary of "War, on the 7th of September, desired
" information as to what number of regiments could be ready
to march on a few hours notice, if required, to meet an emer-
gency, urging that organization and equipment should pro-
gress as rapidly as possible, and in such manner as will enable
the Government to use the force actually mustered ?" to which
the Governor replied — " We can send our Seventh Regiment by
Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Another will be ready
in ten days thereafter, and we hope to be able to give you four
TENTH AND ELEVENTH REGIMENTS. 89
more regiments at intervals of ten days. "We send three com-
panies to camp this week for drill. We are so far from the scene
of action that we do not wish to send incomplete regiments
miless absolutely necessary."
Leave of absence was obtained by the Governor, for Captain
Maurice Maloney, of the Fourth Regular Infantry, to enable him
to take command of one of our volunteer regiments. Captain
Maloney was a resident of Green Bay, and had been promoted
from the ranks, for distinguished services. He was appointed to
the command of the Thirteenth Regiment which was authorized
to be raised in Rock and Green counties.
Orders were issued September 18th, assigning to the Tenth
Regiment, companies from Delavan, Kekoskee, Horicon, Juneau,
Black River Falls, New Lisbon, and Waupun, to which were
subsequently added companies from Menasha, Lancaster, and
Platte\alle. This Regiment was ordered into camp at Milwaukee
and was fully organized about the 1st of October.
The same order assigned to the Eleventh Regiment, companies
from Madison, (three companies,) Waterloo, Richland Centre,
Mineral Point, Mazomanie, to which was subsequently added,
companies from Portage City, Markesan, and Neenah. These
were all ordered to be in Camp Randall by the 1st of October.
We have stated that the First Regiment had been mustered
out from its three months service on the 22d of August.
Availing himself of the experience acquired by the officers and
soldiers in their short service in the field, the Governor apjaointed
several of them to official positions in the new regiments.
An attempt was made by Major Brooks, the United States
mustering officer, to put the soldiers of the Eighth Regiment in
Camp Randall on raw rations, compelling them to do their own
cooking. It produced a small rebellion immediately, and was
only pacified by an order from the Secretary of War, instructing
Major Brooks to rescind the obnoxious order.
The batteries authorized to be raised were reported full.
These companies numbered one hundred and fifty men each, and
were raised as follows: No. 1, at La Crosse, by Captain Foster;
No. 2, at Milwaukee, Captain Hertzburg; No. 3, at Madison and
Berlin, by Captain Drury ; No. 4, at Beloit, by Captain Vallee;
No. 5, at Monroe, by Captain Pinuey. It was ascertained that
90 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
seven companies had been raised, and the Secretary of War was
telegraphed to and the extra companies were accepted, making
No. 6, Captain Dillon, at Lone Rock, and No. 7, Captain Griffith,
at Milwaukee.
Daniels' cavalry battalion, although mustered into United
States service as an " independent acceptance," was suffering for
the want of blankets, tents, etc. It was entirely under the con-
trol of the United States authorities. On the Department being
informed, acting Governor Harvey was requested to furnish the
articles needed, and the General Government would reimburse
the State.
The 3,000 stand of arms for the infantry arrived, but were
without accoutrements. The Governor urged the necessity of
an immediate supply, and informed the Department that seven
hundred artillerymen were in camp waiting for the guns and
stores.
On the 21st of September, the Seventh Regiment left the State,
being ordered to report at Washington, under the command of
Colonel Vandor.
Up to, and including the Eighth, our Wisconsin regiments
had been clothed in grey uniforms. This being the color worn
by the enemy had produced much confusion, when the contend-
ing parties became mixed up in the battle-field. The War De-
partment promulgated an order, dated September 23d, recom-
mending that no more troops should be sent to the field in grey
uniforms, substituting the army blue. Before the order was
received, the outfit for the Eighth had been furnished, except
overcoats. These were made, in pursuance of the order, of sky
blue cloth. Subsequent regiments were clothed in blue.
This change of color was the occasion of great loss to the
soldiers of our regiments, as on their arrival in the field they
were compelled to throw aside their grey clothes, and receive
blue uniforms, being obliged to pay for both suits. This was
a hardship, and occasioned much complaint, as the grey clothing,
which the soldier was compelled to pay for and throw aside,
was an utter loss in most cases. Repeated efforts were made to
secure a refunding of the amounts paid for these grey suits, but
no satisfaction was ever received from the Quartermaster's
Department.
SCANDINAVIAN REGIMENT. 91
The raising of a regiment from the Scandinavian portion of
our population, was determined on by the Governor, and Kiler
K. Jones, was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel, and author-
ized to raise a regiment to be composed of Norwegians and
Swedes. It was understood that the regiment was to be com-
manded by nans Heg, then acting as State Prison Commis-
sioner. Mr. Heg had been unanimously renominated for a
second term as Commissioner but he declined it; desiring to
enter the military service of his adopted country. He was
commissioned as Colonel, but was necessarily occupied with
his official duties at the prison, until the 1st of January,
after which time his personal attention was given to the recruit-
ing and organizing of his regiment. The subsequent history of
the Fifteenth will show that the Scandinavians proved equal to
our best soldiers.
The Eighth Regiment was mustered .into the United States
service by companies from September 5th to September 13th,
1861, and 'left the State on the 12th of October, being ordered
to report to General Fremont, at St. Louis.
Li the month of August, certified accounts of the disburse-
ment made by the State for supplies furnished and subsistence
and pay for the first six regiments of infantry, amounting to
$512,000, were made and presented to the Treasury Department
at Washington, by State Treasurer Hastings, upon which the
Secretary of the Treasury paid forty per cent., being about
$205,000. This amount was received during the month of
September and passed to the credit of the " War Fund."
A German gentleman named Fritz Anneke was strongly
recommended to the Governor as an artillerist and experienced
soldier. He was appointed Colonel of the First Wisconsin
Regiment of Artillery, with a view to the regimental organiza-
tion of the batteries authorized to be raised in this State. The
Governor sent him to Washington to confer with the authorities
upon the subject, bearing a letter from which we extract
After stating the business on which Colonel Anneke was sent,
the Governor says :
There are now seven cdmpanles reported full, and more can be filled, with excellent
men. Yon made requisition for five batteries, and made an order, or said you would,
that the guna would be forwarded to this State. I have heard nothing from any officer
92 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of the war department on the subject. The artillery companies are at quarters await-
ing action and orders. The manner in which this business is done — or rather in which
it is not done — makes costs and trouble both to the State and Governnnent. If this
State can be met with the promptness with which it is ready to respond to all demands
of the Government, I submit it will be better for all parties, and keep alive the spirit
of our people. I can fill up to sixteen or seventeen regiments, if business can be so dis-
patched by your subordinates as to give us confidence that what is said is intended by
the Government authorities.
Finding himself still unable to secure attention to matters
pertaining to the artillery and infantry ordered by the War
Department, Governor Randall, on the Ist of October, again
Bays in a letter to the Secretary :
I am failing constantly in securing attention to our necessities here as they deserve,
and have been on the point of giving up the attempt to do anj'thing further in the way
of furnishing forces, although I could furnish two regiments a week, until our forces
amount to seventeen or eighteen thousand men, if the authorities of the State can be
aided at all, and if we can be furnished with information and assistance when we need
it. I don't know who to write to any longer, to get any attention. The Government
has not been cheated here yet, but will be exposed to large expense unless somebody is
authorized to act for it. We want arms and horses and equipments if you expect
cavalry, batteries or soldiers. You will excuse my plainness, but it is due to you that
you should know, in general terms, that your subordinate officers stop playing
" captain."
The "War Department telegraphed that the two extra companies
of artillery were accepted, with the understanding that the com-
missions of officers would be revoked if found incompetent to
perform the duties. Information was also sent that 3,000 sets
of infantry accoutrements had been sent from the N"ew York
arsenal by Express, and also that it was impossible to send the
guns and supplies for the batteries, as all the available field
artillery was required at Washington.
On the 3d of October a proclamation was issued forbidding
the recruiting of soldiers in Wisconsin to serve in other States.
Military Secretary Watson was sent to Washington to confer
with the Department, on the business which the Gbvernor had
eo diligently sought to accomplish. lie wa-ites on the 7th
of October :
Daniels'cavalry is left you to organize and provide for throughout, and may be in-
creased to six companies. In regard to artillery, the Government accepts three more
companies, making ten in all. * * * As to regimental organization of artillery, Mr.
Scott, Assistant Secretary of War, declared decisively that Government wished only de-
tached batteries. Quartermaster General Meigs promised to send usliorses if we c uld
get cannon. • * * Quartermaster General Meigs assured me that authority sliould be
given, by some arrangement soon to be devised, by which Government will assume the
payment of all our bills for the enrolment, subsistence and outfit of all tlie troops
CORRESPONDENCE. 93
authorized by Government to be raised in our State. From the Quartermaster General's
office, I went to the Ordnance Office. General Ripley showed me that the failure to
send accoutrements with the 3,000 muskets was caused by an omission in the order of
the War Department.
On the 8th, he says :
I telegraphed you to-day relative to Herzberg's artillery company. Secretary Camen >n
has left the city, and the business is in Mr. Scott's hands. In conferring with him as to
our artillery, he enquired the character of the several companies, and on being inform-
ed that one was composed of Germans, many of whom had seen service, he requested
me to forward the order for them to come to Washington. They are to go to Fortress
Monroe. * * * i enclose an official order from Mr. Scott, directing that the cavalry
and artillery be sent to St. Louis, as soon as uniformed, to report to General Fremont.
* * * The project of placing Colonel Anneke in command of the cavalrj' regiment is
broken up, by reason of there being no regimental organization authorized. On inquiring
whether the German regiment would be authorized to fill up to 1,500 men, Mr. Scott
refused to sanction it, as such organizations are productive of much trouble. I have,
therefore telegraphed to Milwaukee, so that the matter may not proceed further. I
secured, and took personally to the Ordnance Office, an order for 5,000 stand of arms and
accoutrements. In reply to a question of mine, the Acting Secretary of War stated
that no man will be discharged from the service to raise a volunteer company, though
he might be detailed for that purpose, to return to duty if he failed to get his company
by a certain date.
He again writes, on the 9th :
Enclosed you will find the order in relation to artillery, cavalry and infiintry.
This order reads as follows :
His Excellency, Govekxor Rai; daxl :
/Sir .-—Please consider yourself authorized to raise and organize three additional
batteries of artillery, and five regiments of infantry, also six companies of cavalry to be
added to the six already authorized under Mr. Daniels, thus forming a full regiment of
cavalry for Wisconsin. These organizations to be perfected as rapidly as possible, and
in accordance with general orders, as issued from time to time, from the Adjutant
General's Department.
THOS. R. SCOTT, Acting Secretary of Wot.
Under this order it will be seen that Governor Randall was
authorized to organize artillery companies, to the number of ten
in all — to also organize five regiments of infantry in addition
to the five authorized in September, making eighteen in all, and
to complete Daniels' cavalry up to a full regiment.
On the 15th of October, Governor Randall telegraphed to the
Secretary of War as follows :
Unless steps are taken immediately to reimburse the State to some extent, we must
•top and disband our regiments and companies.
To this a reply was received on the 17th, as follows :
Disbursing officer will soon have funds to pay just accounts.
(Signed) J. W. RUGGLES, A$»i*tani Aci/iUani OenercU.
94 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 16th of October, orders were received to send the First
and Tenth regiments to General Sherman at Louisville, and
also two artillery companies, without delay, whether armed or
not. Governor Randall replied :
Cannot send regiments out of the State until properly flttea out. Can send two or
three regiments per week if the Gtovernment will begin to reimburse.
The Honorable C. C. "Washburn had made application to the
War Department for authority to raise a second cavalry regi-
ment in Wisconsin. An order, authorizing him to do so, was
received from acting Secretary of War, Mr. Scott, on the 15th
of October, the Department reserving the power to revoke
commissions of officers found incompetent.
On the 25th of October, Commissary General Wadsworth
reported Camp Randall as ready to receive the Twelfth Regi-
ment— whereupon the several companies composing it were
called into camp, viz : one company each, from Prescott,
Reedsburg, Dodgeville, West Bend, Newport, Oconto, Grand
Rapids, Green Bay, Richland County, Boscobel. The Twelfth
was mustered into- the United States service by companies
between October 28th, and November 6th.
The several companies composing the Thirteenth Regiment,
were recruited in the counties of Rock, Walworth, and Green,
and were ordered into camp at Camp Tredway, Janesville,
whenever they reported full. The companies were recruited in
three towns of Rock County, Janesville, three companies, Evans-
ville, Milton ; in three towns in Walworth County, Whitewater,
Sugar Creek, and Sharon, and in Green County, town of
Albany. The regiment was mustered into United States service
by companies, between October 17th, and November 13th.
Under the authority to raise three additional companies of
artillery, C. H. Johnson, of Milwaukee, Stephen J. Carpenter
and Yates Beebe were authorized to recruit for the formation of
these additional companies, to be known as the Eighth, Ninth
and Tenth Batteries. These batteries were all filled, and went
into camp, at Racine, by the latter part of the year.
On the 22d of October, orders were received directing the
First and Tenth Regiments to be sent to Louisville, and the
Eleventh to St. Louis. The First Regiment left on the 28th of
WINTER QUARTERS AT CAMP RANDALL. 95
October, the Tenth on the 9th of November, and the Eleventh
on the 11th of November, being the last regiments sent from
the State in 1861.
In response to a request as to the number of regiments
organized up to this date. Governor Randall replied :
Wisconsin sent one regiment for three months, officers and men 810. The other regi-
ments for the war, up to the 13th, (including the First, reorganized,) will average 1,000
men each ; one company of sharpshooters for Berdan's regiment, 103 men ; and seven
companies of artillery. By the first of December, if we get any money from Govern-
ment, we can furnish seventeen regiments of infantry, a full regiment of artillery, and
one regiment of cavalry.
In view of the approach of winter, and the consequent need
of more comfortable quarters for our regiments in process of
organization, Governor Randall wrote to the Secretary of War,
as follows, under date of November 4th :
Hon. Simon Cameeon:
Sir:— I beg leave to lay before you, for immediate consideration, the following facts in
relation to our military operations in this State, and request that a reply be given at the
earliest day possible. The reasons for haste will readily occur to you.
Besides the regiments and squadrons now in camp at diflferent points in this State,
and almost ready for departure to such points as they are ordered, we have four more
regiments of infantry and two of cavalry in process of formation at the present time.
One of these is composed of full companies now at quarters in their several localities,
ready to be called into camp, while the companies for the others are likewise mostly a t
quarters at the points where raised, in various stages of progress. Enlistments have
been, and are progressing very rapidly, and will do so to an aggregate beyond our quota.
If we can make our men reasonably comfortable in camp. The season has advanced so
far that in this latitude we cannot insure that reasonable comfort in tents.
We propose, and desire to erect here, at Madison, barracks for quarters, in which our
regiments of infantry may succeed each other. How rapidly they will be sent out de-
pends upon the rapidity with which we may obtain their outfit. As this again is
dependent upon the arrangements of Government, in providing for reimbursing our
past expenses and meeting our current bills, I shall make the matter subject of a
separate communication. After inquiries into the probable expense of the proposed
barracks, I am of the opinion that we can make the necessary provisions here for three
regiments (by erecting barracks for two regiments, and repairing the existing board
barracks for another regiment) for 18,000 or S9,000. We can obtain the use of Fort Craw-
ford, at Prairie du Chien, gratis, from its present private owners, for a cavalry regiment,
and it can be placed m comfortable condition for less than 81,000. I wish to be advised
immediately whether our contracts for such expenses will be met by Government when
due, and this question I desire to have answered by telegraph, that we may proceed without
delay with the work. I know that money to a large amount will be saved by Govern-
ment by the plan suggested, since, unless we can provide such winter quarters in which
to place tlie troops, the companies must remain at their local quarters throughout the
State, and their expenses of pay or subsistence meanwhile are going on, whereas, if we
can bring them Immediately to camp, they can be subsisted at a much cheaper rate,
after being sworn into the United States service, and we can the sooner prepare them
for being sent into service. I desire, therefore, to be understood as urging in the strong-
est terms the policy of the immediate provision of the barracks alluded to, under the
best contracts that we can make, such contracts to be met by Government when due.
»6 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
If this cannot be done, it will be better to direct the disbanding of the companies noir
ready to come into camp, amounting to three or four thousand men, for it will be impos-
sible, and inhuman if it were possible, to keep them together in their local quarters, in
a climate in which we sometimes have the mercury at 20° below zero in December.
Yours very respectfully,
A. W. RANDALL.
Early in November, the "War Department issued an order dis-
continuing enlistments for the cavalry service, and circulars
were sent to the different State Executives to consolidate all
incomplete regiments. Ex-Governor Barstow, by authority of
General Fremont, which authority was confirmed by the Gene-
ral Government, had commenced the organization of a third
cavalry regiment in "Wisconsin, and made considerable progress,
when Governor Randall received information that the authority
of Ex-Governor Barstow had been revoked. Colonel Barstow
immediately repaired to "Washington, and upon representation
as to the advanced condition of his regiment, his authority was
restored, on condition that his regiment should be full by the
5th of December.
Several loyal States having agents in the market for the pur-
chase of arms. Government found such competition increased the
price put upon arms by the holders and speculators, and issued a
circular to the States to withdraw their agents, and permit the
Government to purchase all arms necessary, which would be
equitably divided among the several States. With this circular.
Governor Randall received notice that Major Hagner, of the
Kew York Arsenal, would forward to his address 5,000 muskets
and accoutrements.
Companies from Fond du Lac, "Waupaca, Omro, La Crosse,
Manitowoc, Depere, Chilton, Greenbush, Black River Falls and
Mazomanie were assigned to the Fourteenth Regiment, and
ordered to proceed to Camp Hamilton, at Fond du Lac. Hon.
D. E. "Wood had been appointed Colonel of the Fourteenth.
The Fifteenth Regiment (Scandinavian) was recruited in dif-
ferent parts of the State, among the Norwegian population
mostly. Some of the first companies were ordered into camp
in November, where they were filled to a minimum from recruits
brought in in squads. The regiment was several Weeks in tiling
up, and was eventually fally organized by Colonel Heg.
REGIMENTS ORGANIZINQ. 97
In reply to, a communication from .the Cavalry Bureau at
Washington, Governor Eandall reported the condition of the
cavalry regiments. The First was reported as having 1,000 men
in camp at Kenosha ; the Second, in camp at Milwaukee, reported
six companies in camp, and four more ready to report, making
964 men ; the Third at Janesville, reported with 700 men in
camp. The Milwaukee cavalry company was reported to be in
service with General Fremont. The Governor stated that these
regiments were not under the control of the State, their several
commanders having been authorized by the War Department to
raise cavalry regiments.
On the 26th of November, acting Governor Noble received
instructions from the War Department, that the Eighteenth
Regiment would complete the quota of infantry from the State
of Wisconsin for the present. A proclamation was therefore
issued directing the consolidation of such fractional companies
as had been raised for the Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth and
Eighteenth Regiments, in order that the companies might be
filled to a minimum number, and the organization of these four
regiments completed.
There being a conflict in the several orders relative to sending
forward the artillery companies. Adjutant General Thomas, on
the 27th November, countermanded all previous orders, and
instructed the Governor to send two companies to Baltimore'
without guns.
Companies from Oconomowoc, Ozaukee, Mauston, Friend-
ship, Wautoma, Chippewa Falls, Beaver Dam, Hanchetville,.
Darlington and Waushara County were assigned to the Sixteenth
Regiment, and ordered into Camp Randall, Madison. Benjamia
Allen, of Pepin, had been commissioned as Colonel.
The Seventeenth, or Irish Regiment, was authorized to be
raised under J. L. Doran, of Milwaukee, as Colonel. The regi-
ment was recruited in different parts of the State, among the
Irish population, and was ordered into Camp Randall, where
the organization was completed in the month of January, 1862.
The Eighteenth Regiment, completing the quota of infantry
called for by the General Government, was authorized to be
7
98 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
raised under Colonel Alban, of Portage County, to rendezvous
at Camp Sigel, Milwaukee. The regimental organization was
not completed till about tlie 1st of February, 1862.
Colonel Sanders, of Racine, had secured the acceptance of a
regiment from the "War Department, and had made but little
progress before the year expired. The regiment was ordered
into Camp Utley, Racine, where it completed its organization
the latter part of March, 1862.
The Ninth, Twelfth and Thirteenth Regiments were ordered
to be sent to Fort Leavenworth, to report to General Hunter.
Governor Randall sent a despatch stating that these regiments
and th6 artillery companies were all ready, and would be sent
as soon as paid.
On the 3d of December, the Government became alarmed at
the prospect of too large an army, and promulgated an ordei
changing the manner of recruiting, as follows :
Adjutakt Geneeax's Office, Washtnoton, December 3, 1861.
[General Orders, No. 105.]
The following orders liave been received from the Secretary of War :
I. No more regiments, batteries or independent companies will be raised by the
Governors of States except upon the special requisition of the War Department. Those
now forming will be completed under direction of the respective Governors thereof
unless it be deemed more advantageous to the service to assign men, already raised,to
regiments, batteries or independent companies, now in the field, in order to fill up their
organizations to the maximum standard prescribed by law.
II. The recruiting service in the various States, for the volunteer forces in service,
and for those who may hereafter be received, is placed under charge of general superin-
tendents for those States respectively, with general depots for the collection and
instruction of recruits.
By this order, the system of recruiting was entirely changed,
being taken out of the hands of the State Executives, and
assumed by the General Government.
The suspension of the recruiting service at this time must be
considered as one of the many unfortunate mistakes made by
the War Department while under the management of Secretary
Cameron. The delusion that fixed itself upon the minds of the
powers at Washington at the outbreak of the rebellion, that the
insurrection was a temporary afiair to be easily put down, seemed
still to govern the President and his advisers, dp to this time,
the officers of the Government, including the President, were
very far behind the people in their estimate of the magnitude of
CHANGE IN RECRUITING SERVICE. 99
tlie contest. In the eyes of the Government officials, the stu-
pendous array of troops congregated in the vicinity of Washing-
ton, under McClellan, seemed sufficient to crush every particle
of vitality out of the insurgents. Almost as ignorant of the
strength of the rebels at the end of the year as when the rebel-
lion began, the sanguine hope was cherished that the immense
army which McClellan had collected on the Potomac would be
able to bring the rebel government to terms and end the war,
without any further call for troops. It had been ascertained
that over 500,000 men had been mustered into service since the
war opened. Of these, nearly 200,000 were congregated under
the command of General McClellan, and constituted the Army
of the Potomac. "With this force, it was deemed possible to
march upon the rebel Capital, and conquer the rebellion. The
result proved the short sightedness of the officials at Washing-
ton, and the suspension of the recruiting service, at the close of
1861, proved to be one of the gravest of errors.
The order changing the system of recruiting defined the
duties of the several Superintendents, and appointed Major R.
S. Smith, Twelfth Infantry, as Superintendent for Wisconsin,
with headquarters at Madison. Major Smith reported himself
at Madison, on the 3d of January, and immediately entered upon
the duties of his office.
In reply to despatches from General Halleck, at St. Louis,
and Adjutant General Thomas, at Washington, dated December
10th, asking as to regiments, or parts of regiments, organized in
the State, Governor Randall telegraphed :
We have three regiments of infantry fuU to maximum, and equipped. These are
ordered by Adjutant General Tliomas to Fort Leavenworth, and arms sent tliere for
them. They only wait their pay to be sent immediately. Besides these, our Fourteenth
Infantry is full and in camp, and can be ready, if paid, in ten days. Fifteenth has five
companies in camp, and filling up. Sixteentli has eight companies in camp, and will be
full by the 25th of December. Seventeenth has some 400 men enlisted. Eighteenth will
be in camp, full, by January 1st. Seven maximum companies of artillery in camp, all
ready and waiting pay — two of them ordered to Baltimore without cannon. Three
regiments of cavalry— two full above the maximum ; the third, about 800 men in camp.
The State authorities were greatly embari^^sed by the neglect
of the General Government to promptly respond to the Gover-
nor's urgent appeals for the payment of regiments before they
left the State, and also the expenses incurred by the State in
their outjS.t.
100 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 19tli of December, Governor Randall telegraphed to
the Secretary of War :
We are distracted beyond endurance. Must the State give up getting any money ?
Send some instructions to your Quartermaster here to pay us the money we have
expended for the Government.
Quartermaster General Meigs was also appealed to, who
replied :
Requisitions for two hundred thousand dollars, for expenses of Wisconsin, were made
ou the Treasury, in favor of Captain Eddy, November 29th.
Soon after this, Captain Eddy reported that he had five hun-
dred thousand dollars for account of Wisconsin, but he could use
it only in paying bills due and current.
Company K, of the Second Regiment, as originally organized,
was detached and ordered to fill up as a heavy artillery company,
and was ordered to garrison duty at Washington. Captain
Stahel's company was ordered to take the place of Company K,
in the Second Regiment, and left Madison to join the regiment
late in December.
As a suitable termination to our recital of what was done by
the State authorities in 1861, towards furnishing troops for the
defense of the Union, we append here a letter from Captain
Eddy to Governor Randall on the latter's retiring from his posi-
tion as Governor. At the close of Governor R.'s administra-
tion, a bitter partisan feeling was manifested, and the acts of
himself and subordinates were unjustly censured by some who
chose to let personal malignity overcome their sense of patriotism
and courtesy :
United States Qtjartekmastek's Office, )
Madison, January 6, 1862, /
To His Excellency, A- W. Randall, Governor of Wisconsin :
Dear Sir: — The uniform courtesy and kindness with which I have been treated, as the
representative of the United States Quartermaster's Department, by the State authori-
ties, and your evident desire to assist the United States, as far as in your power, in as-
suming the direction of all war expenditures wherever practicable, makes it no less a
duty than a pleasure to give you, upon your retirement from the Chair you have so long
and so honorably filled, the assurance that the strictest investigation into the State war
expenditures, belonging to my department, will show that honesty, faithfulness and
integrity have characteriaed the oflicials whom you appointed to control them. I cannot
speak in too complimenffin-y terms of Quartermaster General Tredway and his gentle-
■ manly assistants. They have rendered me every aid in their power to complete the
perplexing duty incident to the settlement of State war accounts ; and I can wish the
State of Wisconsin no better fortune than to be hereafter as faithfully served as she has
been since the commencement of our domestic troubles.
Respectfully your friend and servant,
4. R. EDDY, U7iUed States Quartermatter,
1
GOVERNOR RANDALL'S REPORT. 10]
Governor Randall, in a report made to the Legislature of 1862,
accounting for the expenditure of the " "War Fund," under his
administration, after explaining the manner in which the two
hundred thousand dollars, appropriated at the regular session of
1861, and made subject to his warrants, was used — stating the
disposition made of the $1,000,000 worth of bonds, and the man-
ner in which the money realized from their sale was expended
through the office of the Secretary of State — he thus speaks of
the manner in which the $10,000, extra expenditure fund, placed
at his disposal by the Act of May 25th, 1861, was expended :
When this war broke out, and the State was called upon by the President for aid,
there were no military forces in the State, organized and liable to be called upon for
actual service. The few arms which had been distributed to the State by the Federal
Government were scattered over the Stat«. We had no militarj- organization, and so
far as was known to the authorities, no experienced military men in the State. For
three successive years I had asked the Legislature to provide some kind of an organiza-
tion, to the end that although not a military people, there might be some militai-y
education in the State. The Legislature judged this to be unnecessary, and it was not
done. The State authorities were suddenly called upon to organize, and uniforni and
equip large military forces for active service. The General Government had issued no
specific instructions as to the manner in which this work was to be done. We had no
system, and labored constantly under difficulties and embarrassments at a great dis-
tance from the seat of Government. While supporting large bodies of men, to save time
was to save money. My experience was like the experience of the Executives of other
States, and like them I was compelled to send messengers frequently to Washington.
It was the surest, the quickest and only effectual mode of transacting any important
business with the Departments. The experience of Treasurer Hastings and others will
bear this witness. I judged this the best course to take, and adopted it. What was
eflfected by these messengers proved that I acted wisely. A part of the ten thousand
dollars was appropriated for this purpose, and so used.
The insufficient accommodations for transporting large bodies of men, and large mili-
taiy stores, except upon the direct lines of railroads, and the want of experience in the
care of soldiers, both well and sick, induced me to adopt the plan of sending with our
regiments agents, whose business it should be to see that our neighbors who had volun-
teered to fight for us, should not suffer for want of care, in case of accident or sickness.
The precaution was a wise one, it it is wise or right to take care of sick and suffering
men. While some of our regiments reached the seat of war without accident, and
without serious sickness, and so requiring no essential attention or expense, some of the
soldiers in many of them were left on the way, and, but for the care and attendance of
these agents, would have died. The sick soldiers left at Elmira and Harrisburg, and
Baltimore, who were cooked for, and washed for, and attended upon, day after day, and
night after night, by Sanders and Hurlbut and Hill and others, and the sick men
brought home to their families and friends by Fairchild, received relief worth the whole
amount expended, and more. While all the agents may not have been well chosen, I
conceived the course a wise one. It was for such purposes that other portions of the
ten thousand dollars were used. This course has been adopted by many of the other
States, and has received not only the commendation of the authorities of those States,
but the commendation of the Secretary of War, who complimented Wisconsin for in-
augurating the system, and for the interest manifested for the welfare of her soldiers.
My only regret is, that I had so little means at my command to devote to such uses. In
the movements of our regiments, large amounts of clothing and other State and Gov-
ernment property have been taken care of by these agents, which otherwise would have
been lost or destroyed, in value far greater than the whole amount expended.
102 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The Legislature, when the first call was made upon the States for aid, did not antici-
pate what has since followed. It was supposed that not more than six or eight regiments
would be required from the State, and made provision only for that, while nearly, if not
quite,* twenty thousand men have been mustered into the United States service. It is
the universal testimony wherever the Wisconsin regiments have gone, and along the
routes over whicli they have passed, that no better troops can be found, and that none
have been better uniformed or equipped, or provided for, than those from this State,
and I believe that the closest examination will show that in the Paymaster's, and
Quartermaster's, and Commissary's Departments, every eflfort has been made to save
the State expense and loss.
Many expenses have been incurred not authorized by army regulations, because for a
long time we did not know what the army regulations were. Some expenses have
been incurred and money paid by the Paymaster, Quartermaster and Commissary that
I knew were not according to army regulations, under my direction, because I did not
wish to see our soldiers, unused totiie hardships of camp life, and going from comfortable
and pleasant homes, suffer or die according to strict military rule.
These soldiers help pay the expense as well as fight the battles, and I have directed a
few newspapei-s to be sent to each company. To provide against necessity or accident, a
few extra blankets, and a few extra pairs of shoes, and a few extra uniforms have been
sent forward with each regiment. I have audited and ordei-ed paid some small bills of
officers, made under misunderstanding of army rules, and have paid some small bills
for injuries done to the property of citizens by bands of soldiers, rather tlian have regi-
ments delayed at the expense of hundreds of dollars, growing out of threatened contro-
versies. Knowing that soldiers who drill eight hours in the day cannot well perform
much other labor, and to enable them to perfect themselves as fast as possible in the
discipline and duties of soldiers, I have relieved them as far as possible from other labors
in camp, and endeavored to make them forget their privations by supplying their
wants. If more ineans had been at my disposal, I should have expended more upon
them.
As required bylaw, I fixed the compensation of the Quartermaster General, Paymaster
General, Inspector General, Adjutant General, Commissary General, their assistants
and clerks. After seeing the great amount of labor they performed, and the pay
adopted in other States, and upon consultation with the United States Assistant Quarter-
master, I increased their compensation, keeping within the rule prescribed by the act,
adopting the rule of paying men for well doing what their services were worth. These
officers all desire that the Legislature should investigate their acts.
The policy of experimenting with soldiers, to ascertain how little they can live upon,
or how hard fare, and how extreme privations they can endure, and escape sickness or
death, is the policy of all time, and its result has been with all armies and in all nations,
that more men die in camp than are slain in battle. I believe this rebellion is to be
atoned for in blood, and that the business of an army is to fight, and that, therefore,
that course which will most husband the strength and preserve the health of the soldier
until the day of battle, is the wisest and best. Respectfully,
ALEX. W. RANDALL.
The action of the State authorities of 1861, closed on the 6th
of January, 1862, when Governor Randall transferred the duties
of his office to his successor.
The latter portion of Governor Randall's term of office, being
about eight months and a half, was destined to be the most
important of his Gubernatorial career, involving much labor,
care and responsibility, to the execution of which he brought all
his energies, and by his indomitable will, industry and
* Since ascertained to be nearly 25,000 men.
GOVERNOR RANDALL. 103
unbounded patriotism, performed a work wliicli has placed his
name among the ablest and noblest of the Executives in the
loyal States.
The long residence of Governor Randall in Wisconsin, has
made the most of the citizens of the State familiar with his career
as a public man. It is therefore unnecessary for me to indite a
formal biography. He was born in one of the interior counties
of New York, where he studied law, and removed to Waukesha
in this State, about twenty years ago, where he has since resided,
engaged in the practice of law, up to the tihie of his election as
Governor, in 1857. He served one term as a member of the
Legislative assembly. His first term as Governor, gave such
Batisfactian to the people of the State, that he was reelected for
a second term by a very large majority.
The stormy proceedings at the Democratic ITational Conven-
tion at Charleston, early in 1860, attracted the public attention by
the manner and threats of certain well known leaders of the South-
ern States, who openly declared that if the demands of the South
were not acceded to, the delegates from their respective States
would retire in a body from the Convention. So violent and
seditious became these malcontents, that discerning men were
led to anxiously watch the whole proceedings until it became
evident that the disaifection of Southern members was part of
the grand plot for the secession of the Southern States. By
increasing the chances of the defeat of the Democratic candidate,
they intended to secure the election of a " Black Republican"
as President, for the purpose of " firing the Southern heart,"
and thus induce a general uprising of the South against the
Government. That such was the design of the Southern mem-
bers of that Convention, subsequent events has fully proven,
and the election of Mr. Lincoln was ardently desired by South-
ern politicians as affording them a pretext for raising the flag
of rebellion. The Charleston Mercury, and other leading
Southern papers, rejoiced heartily at the nomination and elec-
tion of Mr. Lincoln, congratulating their readers and the people
of the South, on the auspicious event as fraught with great
blessings to the Southern people, enabling them to throw off"
the hated yoke that had so long bound them to the National
Union.
104 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
It no longer admitted of doubt as to the designs of the rebel
leaders, and the formal secession of Soutli Carolina, in Decem-
ber, was looked upon as a foregone conclusion. The National
Administration of Buchanan, permitted these rebellious acts,
his own Secretary of War aiding the traitors by supplying them
clandestinely with arms, and his Secretary of the Interior,
Thompson, attending a Convention in North Carolina, and
advocating the doctrine of secession. "With these matters tran-
spiring in full view of the country, the loyal men of the nation
began to awake to a consciousness of the volcano upon which
the welfare of the Republic was resting. The Executives of the
loyal States vigilantly watched the threatening cloud which was
lowering upon the peace of the nation, and took early occasion
to call upon their several legislative bodies to prepare to meet
the crisis. We have shown elsewhere that Governor Randall
fully understood the perils of the country, and recommended
immediate preparation. In the foregoing pages we have endeav-
ored to give a clear and concise history of the action of the
Governor and the Legislature, in performing the duties required
of them by the National Government.
The passage of the act placing the State on a " war footing,"
imposed great and heavy responsibility upon the Executive of
the State, and it is due to Governor Randall to say, that in
the execution of the important duties imposed upon him by
the Legislature in April and May, requiring him to respond to
the call of the President, in the raising and equipping of the
troops of this State, he threw into the work all the energy and
will which so eminently characterized him as a public man.
Suddenly called to act in a new and untried capacity, without
a practical knowledge of the organization of military forces,
without means, or instructions from the General Government,
he boldly took the responsibility of acting on his own judgment
in the performance of the duties thus imposed on him. He heard
the call of the Chief Magistrate of the Nation for troops to pro-
tect the National Capitol. His efforts never ceased till he had
secured the men necessary under that call, and in the shortest
possible time the First Regiment was reported as being at the
service of the Government. That duty being performed, his
GOVERNOR RANDALL. 105
f )rethouglit and wisdom taught him that still further calls would
I e made, and he resolved to organize other regiments as reserves.
J ustly indignant at the wrong done to the patriotic desires of
oar people, in fixing upon a single regiment as the extent of
our quota, while other States were allowed an undue propor
tion, he protested to the War Department and succeeded in
securing the acceptance of two more regiments under the second
call. These were soon organized from the companies held in
reserve, but he still pushed his importunities upon the "War
Department until three more regiments were permitted to be
raised. After that the folly and disaster of Bull Run opened a
way for all the regiments which could be raised in the State.
In the equipping and furnishing of the troops sent to the field
under his administration, he spared no pains in making their
outfit in everyway complete, and his often repeated instructions
to the Quartermaster General and Surgeon General, were to
have everything furnished that would insure the full efficiency
of our regiments when they arrived on the field. He refused
to allow the soldiers in camp to cook their own rations or
perform camp labor, stating that it was more important that
the soldier should have his time to perfect himself in drill, and
to make himself as efficient as possible in the field. To this
desire of Governor Randall to secure the utmost efficiency, not
only in the several duties which make the thorough soldier, but
also in the perfection of the regimental outfit of equipage, stores
and medical supplies, may be ascribed much of the credit which
the troops of Wisconsin have everywhere received, for effi-
ciency in drill and soldierly conduct, to say nothing of the
honors they have secured for themselves by their own deeds of
heroism in the field.
Wisconsin and her soldiers owe much to Governor Randall
for the manner in which he commenced the work of putting the
State on a " War footing," and it is no disparagement to his
successors to say that by his thorough energetic action, he laid
the foundation for the reputation which our State enjoys of
having sent the most efficient and thoroughly equipped troops
into the field.
His intercourse with the authorities at Washington, relating
to military affairs, shows that Governor Randall, was constantly
106 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and actively watcliing the interests of the State, at the same
time that he was ready to lend every aid in his power to sustain
the National Government in its great struggle. Hampered, as
he was sometimes, hy the red tape inefficiency of some of the
subordinate officers of the Government, he hesitated not to take
the responsibility of ordering such expenditures as he was satis-
fied the exigencies of the cause demanded, thereby saving the
Government much expense and materially expediting the
movement of troops from the State.
Through the whole of his administration after the fall of Sum-
ter, Governor Randall exhibited the most exalted patriotism, and
the greatest energy in his effi3rts to meet the requirements of
the I^ational Government. As evidence of this, we have his
speeches made on several public occasions, also the correspond-
ence with the authorities at Washington, as shown in the pre-
ceding pages, in which he frankly assures the Secretary of
War that his efforts and success is only limited by the necessary
means at his command. When Governor Randall retired from
the Gubernatorial Chair, he left his own best eulogy in the
recx)rd of his actions in the last nine months of his adminis-
tration, and th.e people of the State accord to him their cordial
approbation for the manner in which he executed the difficult
labors imposed upon him.
Before the expiration of his term of office. Governor Randall
had been appointed Minister to Rome. He left for Europe in
the spring of 1862, and remained there several months, but his
ardent patriotism could not endure the inactivity of his position
when the cloud which rested over his beloved country seemed
to increase in intensity, he therefore asked to be recalled in
order that he might be nearer the scene of hostilities. He
accordingly returned, and was appointed by President Lincoln
to the post of First Assistant Postmaster General, which office
he has held ever since.
Although Governor Randall has not occupied a military
position, he has been so situated that the Government has been
able to make use of his abilities and talents in furtherance of
the great cause, and we are happy to say that he has established
a national reputation as a public speaker, not only for the bril-
liancy of his language, but also for the able and statesmanlike
GOVERNOK Randall's staff. 107
manner in vvliicli he handles the great questions which have
agitated the country for the past four years.
It is due to the gentlemen composing the military staff of
Governor Randall to say, that each and all of them, devoted
theiSbest efforts in assisting the Executive in the very arduous
duties of organizing and equipping the several bodies of troops
sent to the field in 1861. General W. L. TJtley was indefatig-
able in the performance of the multifarious duties required of
him as Adjutant General. Early and late the General and his
assistants were at their desks, regardless of business hours, occu-
pied in preparing records, answering correspondence, and per-
forming all the various duties which continued to accumulate
as the forces called for increased.
Quartermaster General Tredway's office exhibited a hive of
industry. The General, with characteristic business tact, was
soon immersed in transactions which eventually reached the
expenditure of over a million dollars. The entire business of
purchasing supplies and their issue to the different regiments
was in his hands. His subordinates were equally active and
attentive to their duties.
Commissary General Wadsworth's sphere of duty did not
involve quite as great responsibility, but the business of his
Department was promptly and expeditiously attended to, and
the interest of the State scrupulously guarded, while at the same
time the soldier was protected from imposition, and not allowed
to suffer by the mercenary disposition of contractors.
The labors in the office of Paymaster General Mills were
performed with ability and satisfaction to those having business
with the department.
During the latter portion of Governor Randall's administra-
tion, the office of Private and Military Secretary was no sine-
cure. From early morning till far into the night, Colon'el W. H.
Watson was engaged at his desk in performance of the extra
duties which military affairs imposed upon him. The usual
business hours were ignored, and the Governor and his subor-
dinates were employed till midnight, oftentimes, in disposing of
the large amount of business on hand.
Surgeon General Wolcott, was equally attentive to the duties
of his department. Under his supervision was the examination
108 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and appointment of the medical officers of the regiments.
Another of his duties was to superintend personally the pur-
chase of medical supplies and instruments for the care of sick
and wounded soldiers in the field. To this duty Dr. Wolcott
faithfully devoted his attention, and the soldiers of Wisc^sin
owe much to his kind care and attention.
The labors of the offices of Secretary of State and State
Treasurer were more than doubled, and those two officers were
indefatigable in the performance of the new duties imposed
upon them, while their several subordinates were equally atten-
tive and industrious ; every attention being paid to applicants for
the aid to soldiers families and other claims.
OHAPTEE III
ACTION OF STATE AUTHORITIES IN 1862.
Nrw State Officers — Legislature Meets — GtOVErnor's Message
— Laws Passed — Eleventh and Twelfth Batteries — Kecruit-
ING Service Discontinued — Battle of Shiloh — Fourteenth, Six-
teenth AND Eighteenth Regiments Engaged — Expedition to
Pittsburg Landing — Death of Governor Harvey — Biographical
Sketch — Twentieth Regiment — Legislature Re-assembles —
Governor Salomon's Message — Laws Passed — State Sanitary
Agents — Call for 300,000 more — Monster Meeting in Milwau-
kee— Twenty-first to Thirty-third Regiments Authorized —
Extra Session of Legislature — Governor's Message — Laws
Passed — 300,000 Militia to be Drafted — Draft Ordered — Draft
Riots — Thirty-fourth Regiment — Close of 1862.
THE administration of Governor Randall, and the otiier State
officers, terminated at 12 o'clock, noon, of January 6, 1862.
The officers elect for the succeeding two years were :
Hon. Lotns P. Harvey, Governor; Hon, Edward Salomon, lAeutenant Governor; Hon,
James T. Lewis, Secretary of State ; Hon. S. D. Hastings, (S'tote lYeasurer, (third term;)
Hon. James H. Howe, Attorney General, (second term ;) Hon. J. L. Pickard, State Super-
intenderU, (second term;) Hon. WiiiLiAM H. Ramsey, Bank CmnptroUer.
The military officers of the State, at the commencement of
1862, were :
His Excellency, Lours P. Harvey, Governor and Commander-in-Chi^.
Brigadier General Augustus Gaylord, Adjutant General.
Brigadier General W. W. Tredway, Quartennaster General.
Colonel Edwin R. Wadsworth, Oommi.isary General.
Brigadier General Simeon Mills, Paymaster General.
Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, Surgeon General.
Major M. H. Carpenter, Judge Advocate.
Colonel William H. Watson, Military Secreiary,
110 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the deatli of Governor Harvey, on tlie lOtli of April,
Lieutenant Grovernor Salomon assumed the duties of Governor
and Commander-in-Chief.
On the last of August, 1862, General Tredway resigned the
position of Quartermaster General^ and Nathaniel F. Lund was
appointed to his place.
The office of Commissary General was closed ahout the 1st
of June, and the duties of the office transferred to the Quarter-
master General.
Paymaster General Mills resigned his position, and James 'R.
Mears was appointed his successor. The office finally closed
on the 10th of July.
On the 6th of January, 1862, at 12 o'clock, noon, the Hon.
Louis P. Harvey took the oath of office, and assurned the duties
of Governor of Wisconsin, as the successor of Governor Ran-
dall. His inauguration was characterized by the unusual feature
of an armed escort of three regiments — the Twelfth, Fifteenth
and Sixteenth, acting as a guard of honor, accompanying the
Governor elect and his predecessor in a procession, and forming
in front of the east portico of the Capitol, where the oath of
office was administered to the State officers elect.
The several military departments of the State remained the
same as under the preceding administration, except that the Hon.
Augustus Gaylord was appointed to the office of Adjutant
General.
We have before stated that the General Government had taken
the recruiting service out of the hands of the Executives of the
States, and appointed superintendents of recruiting service in
each State. The active services of the Quartermaster, Commis-
sary and Paymaster Generals were no longer necessary, and
their time, after January 1st, was employed in settling up the
business of their respective offices.
Major R. S. Smith, of the Twelfth United States Infantry,
entered upon the duties of Superintendent of the Recruiting
Service in Wisconsin, on the 3d day of January, with his
headquarters at Madison.
On the 8th of January, 1862, the Legislature convened at
Madison. We extract from Governor Harvey's message that
GOVERNOR HARVET'S MESSAGE. 11]
portion relating to military matters, as it is a full statement of
wliat was done by the State, under the administratioti of his
predecessor.
Speaking of the transactions in the "War Fund, created by
chapters 239 and 307 of the acts passed by the last Legislature,
at the regular session, and chapter 18 of the acts passed at the
special session, the Governor states the receipts into the "War
Fund to be as follows :
From sale of bonds of the S200,000 issue $13,007 50
From sale of bonds of the 81,000,000 issue 646,590 00
From United States, 40 per cent, of State's claim for expenses on first six
regiments 205,000 00
From. United States, for subsistence of First Regiment 3,531 00
From United States, Quartermaster's bills, audited and paid Dec. 31, '61.. 88,320 23
From Monroe County Bank, one per cent, on §42,000 bonds 420 00
DISBTTRSEMENTS. $957,368 79
To A. W. Randall, Governor, on appropriations by chapter 307, regular
session, and chapter 3, special session $200,668 39
To Simeon Mills, Paymaster 650,748 51
To expenses of special session 8,256 79
To extra pay to volunteers and their families 31,480 17
To discharged volunteers 1,169 97
To printing and advertising 10,357 76
To postage, clerk hire, and gas bills 1,460 11
To balance on hand January 1, 1862 50,227 09
Total disbursements and balance 1957,368 79
Vouchers have been filed in the Secretary of State's oflice, by the Paymaster General
of the State, for the expenditure of $820,526 43 ; the accounts audited directly by the
Secretary of State amount to $55,724 80— the remaining S30,890 47 includes. Military Con-
tingent Fund, $2,500; appropriation of $10,000 for Extraordinary Expenses, and certain
expenditures directly by the Governor, for which vouchers will be presented to the
Legislature with the report shortly to be made by my predecessor.
Wisconsin furnished to the service of the General Government, under the call for
volunteers for three months, one regiment. First Wisconsin, Colonel J. C. Starkweather.
This regiment— numbering 810 men— left Milwaukee the 9th day of June last, and
returned, and was mustered from the service, August 17th. A portion of this Regiment
played a distinguished part in the engagement at Falling Waters, Virginia.
Under tlie call for volunteers, for three years, or the war, Wisconsin has now in the
field ten regiments, as follows :
JYo. of Officers,
Mii.ncians and
JSTo. Ctoloncl Commanding. Left the State. DestincUion. Jh-ivates.
2d S.Park Coon June 20 Washington 1062
3d C. S. Hamilton July 12 Harper's Ferry, Va 979
4th Salbert E. Paine July 1.5 Washington 1053
5th AmasaCobb July 24 .'. Washington 1057
6th .Lysander Cutler July 28 .Washington 1083
7th Joseph Van Dor September 21. ...Washington 1016
8th .R. C. Murphy October 12 St. Louis, Mo 966
10th A. R. Chapin November 9 Louisville, Ky 908
•1st J. C. Starkweather October 28 Louisville, Ky 947
Uth ..C. L. Harris .November 20....St. Louis, Mo -•1046
Total 10,117
•.Reorganized.
112 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
There axe now organized in camp, and awaiting orders, the following regiments :
9th, Frederick Salomon, Camp Sigel, Milwaukee 940
12th,*George E. Bryant, Camp Randall, Madison 1039
13th, M. Malony, Camp Tredway, Janesville , 919
I4th, D, E. Wood, Camp Wood, Fond du Lac 859
Total 3,757
The Fifteenth, or Scandinavian Regiment, Colonel H. C. Heg, 700 men, and the Six-
teenth, Colonel Benjam.ln Allen, 900 men, are also at Camp Randall, in near readiness
for marching orders. The Seventeenth (Irish) Regiment, Colonel J. L. Doran, and the
Eighteenth, Colonel James S. Alban, have their full number of companies in readiness,
lacking one, and are notified to go into camp— the former at Madison, and the latter at
Milwaukee. These companies are not all full, but will muster 1,400 men. Seven com-
panies of artillery, numbering together 1,050 men, have long remained in Camp Utley,
Racine, impatient of the delays of Government in calling them to move forward. Three
additional companies of artillery are about going into camp, numbering 334 men.
Besides these, the State has furnished an independent company of cavalry, now in Mis-
souri, raised by Captain Von Deutsch, 81 men ; a company of 104 men for Berdau's
Sharpshooters ; and an additional company for the Second Regiment, of about 80 men.
Three regiments of cavalry— the First, Colonel E. Daniels; the Second, Colonel C. C.
Washburn ; and the Third, Colonel W. A. Barstow, are being organized, and number,
together, 2,4.50 men. A Nineteenth (independent) Regiment is being rapidly organized
under the direction of the Government, by Colonel H. T. Sanders, Ra.cine. Not calcu-
lating for this last, the State has furnished, and has organizing, 20,973, or adding for the
First, in the three months service, 21,783 men.'
The incomplete regiments are being rapidly filled, and when filled, as they shortly
will be, to the average number with which our regiments have left the State, and adding
the Nineteenth infantry, of which no estimate has been included above, the number of
volunteers from Wisconsin in the United States service will be full 24,800,
No State has furnished better material for soldiers than Wisconsin. Her regiments
have been filled by men who worthily represent the intelligence and loyalty of her peo-
ple. Universal testimony agrees that no troops have taken the field better provided in
all respects ; and it is believed that by no other State in the Union has a like service
been performed at a less expense.
The expenses of recruiting, organizing, uniforming, "paying and forwarding these
regiments, thus far, have been :
In Quartermaster General's Department $1,189,120 20
In Commissary General's Department 167,107 40
In Paymaster General's Department, on pay roll of the regiments... 213,827 02
$1,570,054 62
Add for war expenses, audited by Secretary of State 55,724 80
Expended by the Governor 30,890 47
Total war expenses $1,656,659 98
Tliis includes the liabilities of the Quartermaster General's office, for uniforms, ana
everything furnished, or to be furnished, by that Department, for eighteen regiments of
infantry, one of artUlery, and one of cavalry, with all articles supplied the First and
Third Cavalry.
As nearly as can now be ascertained, the liabilities of the State stand as follows :
Total expenses, as above $1,656,659 98
Payments by State Paymaster General $820,526 43
" of accounts audited by Secretary of State 55,724 80
" by the Governor 30,890 47
" by United States Paymaster, direct on Quar-
termaster's contracts 387,765 78
" on Commissary bills 18,743 78
. 1,313,651 28
Present liabilities of the State $343,008 73
MILITARY LAWS PASSED. 113
Some further allowance — not, as is believed, to exceed S30,000— should be made for
salaries due to members of the Governor's military staff, the Assistant Surgeons sent by
the State with her regiments, and wages due to agents and employees, in one service or
another, connected with our military operations.
The General Government having assumed all further responsibility of providing for
our volunteers, within as without the State, the services of many persons now in the
employ of the State can be dispensed with. Provision should at ouce be made of means
to settle their claims of wages or salaries.
Provision should also be made to continue the payment of the aid pledged by chapter
8 of the acts of the special session, to families of volunteers ; and all volunteers from the
State should be held in equal regard, in whatever branch of tlie service they may have
enlisted. A special tax or temporary loan may be necessary. Action on this raatter
should be taken at once, or much complaint and suffering may be the result. The
statute also requires amending in details, to the end that the State be better protected
against abuse of its provisions. Especially should heavy penalties be enacted against
justices making false certificates.
Speaking of tlie Government tax, Governor Harvey said:
" that the proportion of the $20,000,000, annually levied, is
$519,688 67 for the State of Wisconsin, being a valuation of
00.3312 ujDon the dollar of the present value of the real property
of the State — that this is to be assessed on the landed property
alone, the personal estate escaping altogether — that the State
can assume the collection of the tax, and thereby secure a de-
duction of 15 per cent." — and recommended that the Governor
be authorized to liquidate the tax by off-set of claims of the State
against the United States.
He also recommended compensation to the Allotment Commis-
sioners, appointed by the President, to receive from the volun-
teers their allotments of pay to their families and friends, such
Commissioners receiving no pay from the United States.
On the 18th of February, Governor Harvey sent in a message
to the Legislature, informing that body that the funds necessary
to the payment of the State aid to families of volunteers vt^ere
exhausted — that no payments had been made since the last of
January — that seven or eight hundred warrants had accumulat-
ed in the State Treasury, without means to pay them. The
Governor urged immediate steps to afford relief to the suffering
families of the soldiers.
The laws enacted by this Legislature, relative to military
matters, we epitomize :
An amendment to Chapter 13 of Extra Session, 1861, made it
necessary to present all claims which were made payable out ot
the " "War Fund " within twelve months from the time they
accrued.
8
114 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Chapter 89 authorized the investment of the principal of the
School Fund in the Bonds of the State, issued under the Acts
of Sessions of 1861.
Chapter 7 of Extra Session, 1861, granting exemption to per-
sons enrolled in the military service was amended, so as to
except persons acting as fiduciary agents, either as executors or
administrators, or guardians, or trustees, or persons defrauding
the State, or any School District, of any moneys belonging to
the same. It also authorized the issue of a stay of proceedings
in foreclosures of mortgage, by advertisement, under Chapter
154, R. S.
" The State Aid Law " was amended, so as to apply to all
regiments of infantry, cavalry, artillery and sharpshooters, de-
fining the rights of " families," fixing j)enalties for the issue of
false papers, imposing duties on military ofiicers in the field to
make certain reports. These amendments only embraced regi-
ments and companies organized since April 16, 1861, up to and
including the Twentieth, which was in process of organization
before the Session closed.
Chapter 131 suspended the sale of lands mortgaged to tho
State, or held by volunteers.
Chapter 190 defined the duties of the Allotment Commissioners,
appointed by the President, and fixed their compensation.
Chapter 228 authorized the issue of Bonds for $200,000, for
war purposes.
Chapter 229 authorized a temporary loan from the General
Fund, to pay State aid to families of volunteers.
Chapter 230 authorized the appointment of a Joint Committee,
to investigate the sale of War Bonds, &c.
Chapter 262 authorized the Governor to appoint surgeons to
batteries, and assistant surgeons to cavalry regiments.
The Legislature took a recess until the 3d of June. The laws
above mentioned were approved by Governor Harvey.
Of the regiments mentioned by Governor Harvey, as being
in camp awaiting orders, the Ninth, Twelfth and Thirteenth left
the State for Fort Leavenworth on or before the 18th of January,
and the Fourteenth on the 27th of March. The First and Third
Baiteries left for Louisville, Ky., on the 20th of January, and the
Second and Fourth Batteries on the same day for Baltimore.
ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH BATTERIES. 115
The Fifteentli, Sixteentli, Seventeenth and Eighteenth Regi-
ments of infantry, and the First, Second and Third Regiments
of oavalr}^, with the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and
Tenth Batteries, all left for St. Louis in the month of March.
In the formation of the Seventeenth Regiment, it was ascer-
tained that one company in excess had been assigned to that
regiment. The Oconto company was, therefore, detached, and
permitted to organize as an artillery company, under Captain
O'Ronrke, and was attached to Malligan's Brigade, in Chicago,
where the company was tilled to a full artillery company. This
is known as the Eleventh AVisconsin Battery.
On the 30th of January, Governor Harvey having consented
to the recruiting of three companies in the State for the First
Missouri Light Artillery, Chaplain W. A. Pile was detailed by
the commanding ofhcer of that regiment as recruiting agent,
and reported to Major R. S. Smith, Superintendent of Recruit-
ing Service, on the 20th of February. Chaplain Pile succeeded
in recruiting ninety-nine men in this State, which formed the
nucleus of one battery — the balance of the company were after-
wards recruited later in the season by Lieutenants Harlow and
Mills. Captain Pile left the State "vvith his recruits, April 16th,
for St. Louis. This company is known as the Twelfth A\"isconsin
Battery.
Owing to the imperative orders of General Halleck, Governor
Harvey was obliged to send the Eighth, jSTinth and Tentli
Batteries, the Seventeenth Infjintry, and the First and Third
Cavalry, to St. Louis, without being paid before they left the
State ; thus being compelled to depart from the practice of his
predecessor, who alwa^-s insisted on the payment of a regiment
before leaving the State. He perfected arrangements for their
payment on arrival at St. Louis, by sending Adjutant General
Gaylord in advance, who agreed with Paymaster Cumback for
their payment. Notwithstanding these eflbrts, some trouble oc-
curred in the Seventeenth Regiment, which required stringent
measures on the part of his Excellency. The regiment was,
after a little delay, got off', and was j)aid at St. Louis, as agreed
upon by Governor Harvey. The cavalry and artillery companies
were also paid off".
116 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 16th of January, Governor Harvey telegraphed to the
Paymaster G-eneral informing him that the State had advanced
1214,000 for the payment of troops before they left the State,
and also to Adjutant General Thomas, that the State had
advanced $165,000 for the subsistence of troops at rendezvous
and at camp, and asked that the State might be reimbursed.
A reply was received stating that these accounts must be
presented to the Treasury Department for settlement. Accord-
ingly Paymaster General Mills and Commissary General Wads-
worth proceeded to Washington to secure the settlement of
these claims. Upon submitting their papers, the Department
required the original vouchers upon which the claims had been
paid by the State. These original vouchers were on file in the
ofiice of the Secretary of State as required by law.
Forty per cent, of the amount disbursed by the State in organ-
izing the first six regiments, had been paid to Treasurer Hast-
ings in September of 1861. In order to settle the balance due on
the six regiments, the law of Congress required the presentation
of the original vouchers.
Governor Harvey sent in a message to the Legislature on the
3d of March, giving the information, and requested the passage
of a law, authorizing the Secretary of State to have certified
copies of such accounts as were not in duplicate in the Quarter-
master, Paymaster, or Commissary General's of&ces, made and
retained in his ofiice, while the originals were handed over to
the Governor for transmission to Washington.
An act to this effect was finally passed, and the several
accounts, amounting to over a thousand, were carefully copied,
compared and delivered to the Governor, whose receipt was
taken therefor, and the originals were transmitted to Washing-
ton. The claims of the State for war expenditures were thus put
in a way of liquidation by the General Government. The most
of them have been allowed, the last payment being secured by
Governor Lewis, to the amount of over $300,000. A few claims
laid aside for irregularity are yet unsettled, but they will,
undoubtedly, be paid eventually.
Orders were received from the War Department, dated Feb-
ruary 21st, 1862, stating that " independent organizations "
would be no longer recognized by the department, and the
BATTLE OF SIIILOH. 117
Nineteenth infantry, and the First, Second, and Third cavalry
were jilaced under the control of the State authorities.
Under the idea that the army as then constituted was suffi-
cient to cope with the rebellion, the War Department issued an
order discontinuing the recruiting service in the several States,
and directino; officers detached on recruitins; service to return to
their regiments with their recruits — ordering the superintend-
ents to disband their parties, close their offices and dispose of
the public property belonging to their respective stations. The
business of recruiting had been taken out of the hands of the
State Executives and no one was authorized to recruit after the
3d of April. This order remained in force until the 6th of June,
when general order iSTo. 60, was issued reopening the recruiting
service and ordering the superintendents to reestablish depots at
their several stations.
The Fourteenth, Sixteenth, and Eighteenth Regiments on
their arrival at St. Louis, were immediately sent forward up the
Tennessee river, the latter regiment arriving at Pittsburg Land-
ing on the evening of the 5th of April, marching directly to
the front, was placed in the division of General Prentiss, with
the Sixteenth Regiment. They had not pitched their tents
before the terrible battle began, in which nearly one third of the
regiment were taken prisoners or killed and wounded, and the
Sixteenth Regiment was badly cut up.
Telegrams brought news of the terrible battle at Pittsburg
Landing. The absolute certainty that some of our regiments
were in the engagement, and that they had suffered severely,
prompted Governor Harvey to organize an expedition for the
relief of our wounded and suffering soldiers. In less than twen-
ty-four hours, supplies and necessaries for the treatment of the
wounded and sick, were gathered, and the party started next
day, the 10th of April. On their arrival at Chicago, they found
a full car load of supplies, consisting of ninety boxes, famished
on the call of the Governor, sixty-one from Milwaukee, thirteen
from Madison, nine from Janesville, six from Beloit, and one
from Clinton.
The party consisted of Governor Harvey, Commissary General
Wadsworth, Surgeon General Wolcott, with a staff of eight
medical assistants, and General E. H. Brodhead, who was
118 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCOiSrSIN
appointed by the citizens of Milwaukee, as tlieir representative
on the expedition. Arriving at Mound City, about thirty Wis-
consin sokliers were found, whose wants were attended to, and
those who were able to go, were sent to the State. Two of the
Surgeons with part of the supplies were left at the hospital to
care for those remaining. Governor Harvey visited the hospitals
at Mound City and Paducah, calling upon all the Wisconsin
patients, taking them by the hand and cheering them by his
kindness and attention. At Savannah, the same scenes were
repeated. Over two hundred of our wounded were there, suffer-
ing from the neglect of their medical attendants, and lacking the
kind care to which they were entitled. The scene at the camp
of the Eighteenth is described as very affecting, and also with
the Fourteenth and Sixteenth regiments. The presence of the
Governor and party brought with it sunshine and gladness.
Everywhere did the Governor display the utmost energy in
examining into the wants of our soldiers, and the rest of the
party bear testimony to his indefatigable exertions and benevo-
lence of heart. The regiments and hospitals and depots of sick
and wounded, were all visited, and the wants of all, as far as
possible, attended to.
The party had nearly completed its labors with our wounded
troops, and was at Pittsburg Landing to take the boat for
Cairo, on Saturday evening, the 19th of April. They were on
board the steamer Dunleith, awaiting the arrival of the steamer
Minnehaha, on which they were to go down the river. She hove
in sight about ten o'clock in the evening, and the party was
standing near the guards in the fore-part of the Dunleith, when
the bow of the Minnehaha coming in contact with the Dunleith,
the Governor stepped aside, as if to get out of the way. The
night being dark and rainy, he made a mistep and fell over-
board between the two steamers. Dr. Wilson of Sharon, as
soon as he saw him fall, reached out his cane, but the Gover-
nor seized it with such force as to pull it out of the Doc-
tor's hands. Dr. Clark of Racine, immediately jumped into
the water, clinging to the wheel of the Minnehaha, and reached
out as far as possible, but was unable to grasp the Governor
by a few inches. The current being very strong, Governor
Harvey was swept down the stream, passing under a flat boat
DEATH OF GOVEENOB HARVEY. 119
lying just below. Every effort was made to rescue him from
his perilous position, but the darkness of the night rendered
these attempts unavailing. Dr. "Wolcott, General Brodhead,
and others, w^ere left to pursue the search for the body, and a
reward of a thousand dollars was offered for its recovery by the
authorities of the State.
Attorney General Howe, on the receipt of the news at Madi-
son, took the cars for Cairo, with a view to the recovery of the
body of Governor Harvey, and was empowered to offer the
above reward.
Lieutenant Governor Salomon assumed the duties of Gover-
nor, ancl, on the 22d day of April, issued a proclamation stating
the fact of the death of Governor Harvey, by drowning, on the
19th of April, while executing a noble and self-chosen mission
of philanthropy, in trying to recover from the recent battle field
in Tennessee, the dead, and to alleviate the sufferings of the
wounded soldiers of the State — that in assuming the duties of
the office, which devolved upon him by that sad event, he
"tendered to the bereaved widow of its late beloved Chief Magis-
trate the deep and sorrowful sympathy and condolence of the
people of the State.
He recommended that, for thirty days from the date of the
proclamation, all public offices, court houses and other public
buildings be draped in mourning, and that, during that time, the
people of the State wear the usual badges of sorrow.
He further appointed Thursday, the first day of May, 18G2, as
a day of public rest and cessation from public business, and re-
commended the people of the State, on that day, between the
hours of ten and twelve in the morning, to assemble in their
respective towns, cities and villages, then and there to commemo-
rate the death of the late Governor, by such public demonstra-
tions as may be appropriate to the occasion.
The national flags on the public buildings and camps, and
shipping and private dwellings, in different parts of the State,
were at half mast, and the people united in rendering homage to
the virtues of the departed Chief Magistrate.
Funeral ceremonies were performed in most of the cities of
the State. At Madison, the public offices and business houses
120 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
were all closed, and a large audience congregated in tlie Assem-
bly Hall to take part in the solemn and interesting services.
On the evening of the same day, dispatches were received
from Captain J. R. Cannon and Colonel D. E. Wood, of the
Fourteenth Regiment, informing the friends of Governor Har-
vey that the body had been found, and would be sent home
immediately. It had drifted about sixty miles below Savannah,
and was discovered by some children, who were playing near
the river, on the 27th of April. A negro man, living near by,
pulled it out of the river. The pockets of his clothes were cut
out by the children and negro, and the contents divided among
them, the negro retaining the watch. The body was then re-
turned to the river, but an eddy kept it close to shore. A white
man, living near, hearing the facts, caused the body to be taken
out and buried, in its clothing, on the bank. On examination
of the papers found on the body, it was ascertained to be Gover-
nor Harvey. A Mr. Singleton, living about two miles from the
river, hearing of it, immediately went to the spot, and succeeded
in recovering the most of the valuables taken from the body.
On the 30th of April, the steamer Lady Pike, Captain Walker,
was passing Britt's Landing, on the left bank of the Tennessee
River, when she was hailed by Mr. Britt, who informed Captain
W&lker that the body of Governor Harvey had been found, and
was buried about two miles below. Mr. Britt went on board,
and piloted the boat to the spot. Mr. Singleton was sent for,
and brought all the effects that had been recovered.
The body was disinterred, undressed, washed, wrapped in
blankets, by Captain Fosdiek, of the Twenty-ninth Indiana
Volunteers, and placed in a box, made for the purpose on the
boat, and taken to Pittsburg Landing on the Lady Pike. At
Savannah, a much larger box was obtained, and the smaller one,
containing the body, was placed therein, with lime to fill the
space between the two boxes, as the best disinfectant that could
be had.
At Pittsburg Landing, the body was taken possession of by
the oflicers of the Fourteenth Wisconsin, stationed there on
provost duty. Captain Walker desired to take the remains to
Paducah, but was overruled, and they were sent to Cairo, by
the steamer La Crosse, with a guard of honor, consisting of
THE FUNERAL. 121
twenty soldiers of tlie Fourteenth Regiment, to the care of
Attorney General Howe, at Cairo. General Ilowe had made an
ineffectual search for the body, and had started on his return to
Cairo the night the body was taken to Pittsburg Landing. It
was received at Cairo by Perry H. Smith, Esq., and other friends,
and sent forward to Chicago, where it arrived on Monday morn-
ing, and was received by the committee, consisting of Governor
Salomon and the other State officers, and removed to the Tre-
mont House, under an escort of the Eleventh Wisconsin Bat-
tery, Captain O'Rourke. As the procession passed along the
streets, the bells of the city were tolled, and the flag on the City
Hall was displayed at half mast.
Next day, a special train on the Chicago and iNTorthwestern
Railway conveyed the body and attendant Committee of Arrange-
ments to Madison, where it arrived about five o'clock in the
afternoon. The committee, on the part of the citizens, met the
train at Janesville, and accompanied it to Madison. The coffin
was placed on a hearse at the depot, and conveyed to the Capi-
tol, escorted by a procession of carriages, where it was deposited
in the Assembly Chamber, which had been very appropriately
decorated for the occasion.
A military guard of honor, from the JSTineteenth Regiment,
was stationed around the bier.
The funeral was appointed to take place at ten o'clock, next
day, but a change of arrangements was made, and the funeral
ceremonies were performed in the afternoon.
The body lay in state till about three o'clock, having been
visited by large numbers of people. Upon the rekitives of the
deceased retiring, the body, enclosed in a handsome metallic
coffin, with a plate inscribed " Louis P. Harvey, aged ^7," was
taken by the bearers to the hearse in waiting. The hearse,
trimmed with white and black crape, and white and black
plumes, was drawn by four wliite horses, with black plumes,
each led by an attendant.
The procession was half a mile long, under marshals and as-
Bistants, preceded by a band and a military detachment from the
Nineteenth Regiment, and the clergy; the hearse, with the State
Officers as pall bearers, with a guard of honor, was followed by
the relatives of the deceased, Committee of Arrangements,
122 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. '
United States Officers, Resident Physicians, Judges, Senators and
Members of Assembly, Mayor and City Council, Assistant
State Ofiieers, and Clerks of State Departments, Officers of the
University, and several Societies, Members of the Bar, and
citizens. As the procession moved on, the several bells of the
city tolled, and all business places were closed. The ceremonies
at the grave were performed by Rev. Mr. Kinney, of Janesville.
Governor Harvey lies buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, about
three miles from the City of Madison. The burial place is near
the centre of the grounds, from which a beautiful view is ob-
tained of the city and the lakes. The grave is walled up with
brick, and is surrounded by a handsome iron fence, put up at
the expense of the State.
Cut down in the flower of his manhood, the memory of
Governor Harvey is tenderly cherished in the hearts of those
who knew him, and his untimely decease was sincerely mourned
by the people of the whole State.
Louis Powell Harvey was born in East Haddam, Conn., July
22d, 1820. In 1828, his parents removed to Ohio. Like many
young men, Mr. Harvey was obliged to be the artificer of his
own fortune. He entered the Freshman Class in the Western
Reserve College, at Hudson, Ohio, in 1837. With brilliant
^lents, good scholarship and pleasing manners, he became a
favorite among his fellow students. He possessed those ele-
ments of character which go to make up a good Christian. Ill
health compelled him to leave the College previous to graduat-
ing. He was employed about two years as tutor in Woodward
College, Cincinnati, and in 1841, removed to Wisconsin, and
located at Southport, (now Kenosha.) Engaging in teaching, he
met with moderate success, and in 1843, assumed the editorship
of the Southport American, a whig paper. For a short time, he
held the position of postmaster, under Mr. Tyler. Marrying in
1847, he removed to Rock County, where he engaged in trade
and milling. He was a member of the first Constitutional Con-
vention, and evinced much ability as a debater. In 1853, he
was elected to the State Senate from Rock County, and served
two terms. In 1859, he was elected Secretary of State, which
office he filled to the satisfaction of the people. In 18G1, he
was elected Governor, and was inaugurated on the 6th of January,
I
LEGISLATURE RE-ASSEMBLES. 123
as elsewliere related. His services as Governor were sud-
denly cut short by Ms untimely death. Of a generous nature,
he engaged in the labor of alleviating the suflerings of the sick
and wounded, and died in the midst of his philanthropic labors.
Desiring to add to the force for the protection of Washington,
which city was not considered sutficiently safe after the departure
of McClellan to the Peninsula, President Lincoln made an in-
formal call for additional troops. Governor Salomon was in-
formed that one regiment was required from Wisconsin. lie at
once proceeded to the organization of the Twentieth Regiment.
Thirty days was the time limited, but the fact that the recruiting
service had been discontinued, extended the period of organiza-
tion into the month of August. The regiment was all in camp
and mustered by the 23d of August, and left the State for St.
Louis on the 30th of that month. The delay in the organization
was the occasion of a change of destination, and the regiment
was sent into Missouri.
The Legislature reassembled on the 3d of June. Lieutenant
Governor Salomon had assumed the duties of Governor. In his
message, he informed the Legislature of the death of Governor
Harvey, and recommended that the thanks of the State be ex-
tended to those who had been actively engaged in the recovery
of the remains. A resolution of condolence to the widow of
Governor Harvey was passed, and a vote of thanks to Captain
Cannon, Perry H. Smith, Esq., Captain Walker, of the Lady Pike,
Captain Fosdiek, of the Twenty-ninth Indiana Regiment, Mr.
Singleton and Mr. Britt, for their disinterestedness and liberality
in their efforts to recover the body of our late Governor.
Governor Salomon also stated in his message that the Com-
missary General had been relieved from active duty and his
salary had ceased. That the salary of the Adjutant General
had been fixed at $1,600 per annum, including the salary
allowed by statute — and that he was allowed one clerk, and the
State Armorer was also under his direction. That the salary of
the Quartermaster General had been reduced to $1,200 per
annum, and the clerical force consisted of two clerks, to be
employed until his accounts were in proper condition for settle-
ment with the Government. That the salary of the Military
Secretary had been reduced to §400, and that of the Paymaster
124 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
General to $1,200 per annum, without any clerk or assistant.
That tlie services of the Surgeon General could not be dispensed
with for the present.
We will here state that the active duties of the Paymaster
General, ceased about the 10th of July. That the business of
the Quartermaster General's office was so nearly closed that
General Tredway resigned the office about the last of
August, and Nathaniel F. Lund, Esq., who had been employed
in the office since its organization, as chief clerk, was appointed
Quartermaster General in order to finally close the accounts.
General Lund remained in the office, to which other duties were
added, until the 1st of January, 1865, when he was succeeded by
General J. M. Lynch, the present incumbent. The Governor,
in his message, continues :
The office of Adjutant General and that of the Military Secretary will continue to
involve considerable labor, owing to the large military force in tlie held from our State,
and the recruiting service. The services of a Quartermaster General will also, probably,
have to be retained, but those of the Paymaster General can soon be dispensed with, if
proper provisions are made by law for the winding up of his Department. 1 would
recommend that a law be passed authorizing the discontinuance, at a proper time, of
the active duties of the Paymaster General, Quartermaster Genei-al and Commissary
General, and that their duties, so far as they are auditing duties, be devolved upon the
Secretary of State, and so far as they are disbursing duties, upon the State Treasurer.
The books, papers and records of those offices should then be deposited in the office of
the Secretary of State.
It has been a source of very great embarrassment to the Executive Department that
no provisions had been made for the contingencies which have arisen since your ad-
journment, concerning the sick and wounded soldiers fi'om our State. Wisconsin has
sent into the field 24,000 men, and a new regiment is now being organized. As our army
has advanced, a great many of our brave soldiers have become sick, and many have
been wounded upon the battle field. Especially has this been the case in the Army of
the Mississippi. After the battle at Pittsburg Landing, my lamented predecessor went
to the battle field to aid and assist the wounded. What he had so nobly commenced, I
did not hesitate to carry out, so far as having those soldiers transported to their homes
who had by him been sent up the Mississippi River. Subsequently, when reliable and
continued accounts reached me of the helpless condition of our sick soldiers along the
Tennessee River, of the inadequate relief granted by the United States authorities,
when a battle was hourly expected, and when I was actually and credibly informed that
a great battle near Corinth had commenced, I sent another commission under the
charge of the Commissary General, E. R. Wadsworth, and the Surgeon General, Dr. E.
B. Wolcott, to Pittsburg Landing ; and although no battle occurred then, the commission,
consisting of gentlemen who volunteered their services, saved the lives of many brave
Wisconsin soldiers wiio were lying sick from the effects of tlie climate, and who would
have died had they not been removed. Since then, all State aid has been excluded by
the military authorities, until after a battle. But in that event, aid ought again to be
granted to those who fall wounded upon the field.
I trust that you will sanction what has been done, and will speedily make provision
for future emergencies. The great and noble State of Wisconsin ought not to let her
brave sons, who fight the battles of the Union, die for want of attention. The people,
the poor, sick, and wounded soldiers, look to the Executive for aid in such emergencies ;
STATE SANITAKY AGENTS. 125
but his hands are tied unless you place the necessary means at his disposal. The ex-
penses of such expeditions are necessarily large, notwithstanding the graiuitoua
services of physicians and nurses.
Aside from sucli expeditions, in cases of emergency there are, constantly, claims made
upon me in individual cases. It is but very recently that the General Government has
made provision for the transportation of such sick and wounded soldiers as have money
due them from the Government. Those who have no pay due them will not be furnished
with transportation, but must shift for themselves. In the cities of New York, Cincin-
nati, St. Louis, and other places, there are constantly arriving some of our sick and
wounded soldiers, anxiously expecting to And some agency from our State that will aid
them to get to their homes. Something should be done to relieve these poor, suffering
men; many a life may be saved, and many a heart made glad. I am confident that the
proud State of Wisconsin will not remain behind her sister States in that respect. Ac-
companying this, I lay before you copies of a few of the many communications I have
received concerning the necessity of appointing State agents to look after the sick and
wounded soldiers from Wisconsin.
The laws passed at this adjourned session, bearing upon the
military operations of the State, are :
Chapter 364 providing for the discontinuance of the active
services of the Paymaster General, Quartermaster Greneral and
Commissary General.
Chapter 371 appropriated $20,000 to enable the Governor to
care for the sick and wounded soldiers of our State.
Under this law Governor Salomon authorized the Surgeon
General to visit the battle-fields, and attend to our sick and
wounded soldiers, and visit them in hospitals. The duties and
services of the Surgeon General will be noticed more at length
in a subsequent chapter. The Governor was also enabled to
appoint State agents, who were located at the principal military
points East and West. Speaking of these agents in his message
for 1863, Governor Salomon says :
The results obtained by these agencies have been very beneficial and satisfactory.
Regular and accurate information has constantly been furnished by them to the people
of the State, of the sick and wounded soldiers in the several hospitals; the agents
have attended to the wants of the sick, that could not otherwise be supplied ; they have
seen that abuses in hospitals were brought to the attention of the proper authorities
and remedied; they have endeavored to obtain and accelerate the discharge of such as
were unfit for service; besides their ofllcial reports, of which I caused the substance to
be published, making, as I am informed, not less than sixty columns in the Daily Jour-
nal, of this city, they have furnished constant information to the press and to private
pei-sons. Applications have been and are almost daily made to me by the relatives of
sick soldiers concerning their condition, and soliciting interference on their behalf,
which, witliout these agents, I should not be able to answer or properly attend to.
We give the names of the sanitary agents appointed by
Governor Salomon.
The Honorable J. W. Beardsley w^as appointed June 18th,
1862, as sanitary agent at St. Louis. Reported from there till
126 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
July 2d, when he visited the hospitals, caring for our "Wisconsin
sick and wounded, at Cairo, Mound city, Paducah, Humbolt and
Corinth, returning to St. Louis and closing his labors on the
23d of July.
Mrs. Cordelia P. Harvey, widow of the late Governor Harvey,
was appointed September 10, 1862, as agent at St Louis. Mrs.
Harvey remained in the service of the State as agent, until the
close of the war. Her station was principally at Vicksburg,
moving up or down the river, when necessary to examine the
hospitals at Memphis, Natchez, or New Orleans. The services
of Mrs. Harvey, have been of great value to the soldiers of our
State, as she has been able from her influential position, to
alleviate a great amount of snftering, and to be very instrumen-
tal in returning many a poor worn out soldier to family and
friends.
The "Wisconsin Soldiers' Aid Society at Washington, of which
Ex-Governor Randall was President, through its Vice President,
W. Y. Sellick, and Norman Eastman, as Secretary, rendered effi-
cient aid to the sick and wounded soldiers of our State. Mr.
Sellick subsequently acted as the State agent at Washington,
nearly to the close of the war.
Robert R. Carson of Philadelphia, Secretary of the famous
" Coopershop Refreshment Saloon Association," at which sol-
diers passing through Philadelphia were supplied with food and
lodgings free of charge, acted as State agent in that city, from
July 31st, 1862.
Colonel Frank E. Howe, General agent of the New England
Soldiers' Relief Association, acted as our State agent, in New
York city, without charge, this State bearing its proportion of
the many expenses of the Association. Colonel Howe continued
to act until nearly the close of the war.
George W. Sturgis was appointed sanitary agent, June 18th,
1862, first proceeding to Kentucky and Tennessee, visiting the
hospitals and convalescent barracks. Was afterwards stationed
at Keokuk, and subsequently took up a permanent position at
St. Louis, devoting his attention to the hospital, at Keokuk, St.
Louis, Mound City, Paducah, and Cairo. Mr. Sturgis was
in the service of the State up to the close of the war, and his
SECESH PRISONERS. 127
services have been invaluable to tlie sick and wounded, and to
tlie soldiers generally.
Godfrey Stamm was appointed June 18th, 1862, at first sta-
tioned at Keokuk, but subsequently was transferred to Ken-
tucky and Tennessee, where he remained until the last of 1863,
or Spring of 1864.
George R. Stuntz was appointed June 19, 1862, as agent for
Tennessee, where he remained several months, and was then
transferred to "Washington.
George C. Smith was also appointed State agent at Memphis,
and remained several months engaged in attending to the wants
of the soldiers, subsequently visiting Vicksburg, JSTatchez, iSTew
Orleans and Mobile.
Chapter 379 authorized the auditing, by the Quartermaster
General, of bills for subsistence and transportation of the
"Wisconsin cavalry regiments.
Soon after the capture oi Island ISTo. 10, Government made
arrangements for the use of Camp Randall as a depot for secesh
prisoners taken at that place. About the 20th of April, a de-
tachment of about 900 arrived on the cars, under the charge of
Captain J. A. Potter, Assistant Quartermaster. Several compan-
ies of the ITineteenth I^giment were ordered to Camp Randall, to
guard these prisoners. They were disembarked from the cars
near the camp, and were marched between two ranks of the
Nineteenth into the barracks at Camp Randall. These prisoners
remained in that camp, their numbers being added to, until
the latter part of May, when they were sent to Camp Douglas,
in Chicago, and the Nineteenth Regiment left the State for
Eastern Virginia. Many deaths occurred among these prisoners
during their stay at Camp Randall. The dead were all decently
buried in Forest Hill Cemetery. No other prisoners were stationed
in the State during the war.
The apparent absence of a fixed policy on the part of Presi-
dent Lincoln and his Cabinet, in the conduct of the war, was
the subject of concern to the loyal people of the North, who
began to feel that the war was not carried forward with that
degree of energy and skill which they had a right to expect,
after having done their part by furnishing unlimited means and
hundreds of thou,sands of men in aid of the Government.
128 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Meetings were held in all sections of the North, calling for a
more vigorous prosecution of the war, and tendering to the
Government, the wealth of the country, and millions of men,
if necessary, to crush the rebellion. Party ties were forgotten,
and men of all political creeds seemed to have adopted the
sentiment of the departed Douglas, " that there can be but two
parties in this war — loyal men and traitors!" Side by side
with life long Whigs and Republicans, stood the representative
men of the Democratic party, and with a heightened eloquence,
imbibed from the flood of patriotism which everywhere surged
over the country, were loudly calling for the Government to
visit the rebellion and its leaders with annihilation. At this
time there was a " united North" on the question of a vigorous
prosecution of the war, and immediate suppression of the rebel-
lion. So intense had public feeling become that the Governors
of the loyal States met in Convention at Cleveland, Ohio, to
consult upon the public welfare, and determine upon the best
manner in which to render further aid to the National authori-
ties. On the 28th of June, the following letter was sent to
President Lincoln.
To the Pkesident :
The undersigned Governors of loyal States of the Union, impressed with the belief that
the citizens of the States which they respectively represent, are of one accord in the hearty
desire that the recent success of the Federal arms may be followed up by measures
which will insure the speedy restoration of the Union, and believing that in the present
state of important military movements, and the reduced condition of our effective forces
in the field, resulting from the usual and unavoidable casualties of the service, that the
lime has arrived for prompt and vigorous measures to be adopted by the people in sup-
port of the great interests committed to your charge, we respectfully request, if it meets
with your entire approval, that you at once call upon the several States for such num-
ber of men as may be required to fill up all the military organizations now in the field,
and add to the armies heretofore organized, such additional number of men as may, in
your judgment, be necessary to govern and hold all the numerous cities and military
positions that have been captured by our armies, and to speedily crush the rebellion
that still exists in several of our Southern States, thus practically restoring to the civil-
ized world, our great and good Government. All believe that the decisive moment is
near at hand, and to that end, the people of the United States are desirous to aid
promptly in furnishing all reinforcements you may deem needful to sustain the
Government.
This memorial was signed by the Governors of all the loyal
States, including Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri, Delaware, and
the Military Governors of Virginia and Tennessee.
Executive Mansion, Washington, July 1, 1862.
Oentlemen: — Truly concurring in the wisdom of the views expressed to me in so patri-
otic a manner by you in your communication of the 28th of June, I have decided to caU
I
■''•^^ar Siraji^mrs Co CSl'^
I
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Pre sa dent of the United States.
ENGRAVED EXPf?ESSQr FOR CLARKE & CO_ PUBLISHERS.
THREE Hundred thousand more. 129
Into service an additional force of three hundred thousand men. I suggest and recom-
mend that tlie troops should be chiefly of infantry. I trust they may be enrolled with-
out delay, so as to bring this unnecessary and injurious civil war to a speedy and
satistactory conclusion. An order fixing the quotas of the several States will be issued
by the War Department to-morrow.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Proclamation was immediately made on the receipt of this
new call. The President had struck a chord, in harmony with
the popular feeling and the war spirit of 1861, was again aroused,
and immediate measures taken to meet the emergency. War
meetings were the order of the day. A monster mass meeting
of the people of the State, was called at Milwaukee, where
50,000 people were in attendance. Resolutions urging the vig-
orous prosecution of the war, and tendering men and money
to any extent, were unanimously adopted, and the Governor was
requested to ofler $50 as a State Bounty, for volunteers enlisting
under the new call, in addition to the month's pay and bounty of
$25 in advance by the General Government. Meetings were
held all over the State, and the work of recruiting was revived,
and the w^hole community, throwing aside other avocations,
made the business of war, a special occupation.
Under this call of President Lincoln, Governor Salomon was
informed that five regiments of infantry were required as part
of the quota from this State. In order to facilitate the filling of
these five regiments, the Governor ordered the division of the
State into districts. Each district was required to furnish
men sufficient for one regiment. Camps of rendezvous were
designated and placed under control of Post Commandants, as
follows :
The Twenty-first Regiment— From the counties of Fond du Lac, Winnebago, Calumet,
Manitowoc, Kewaunee, Door, Brown, Outagamie, Oconto, Waupaca, Shawano, Portage,
Wood, Marathon and Green Lake. Rendezvous at Oshkosh— Colonel B. J. Sweet,
commandant.
The Twenty-second Regiment— From the counties of Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha,
Walworth, Jefi'erson, Rock and Green. Rendezvous at Camp Utley, Racine— Colonel
W. L. Utley, commandant.
The Twenty-third Regiment— From the counties of Dane, Columbia, Sauk, Marquette,
Wausliara, Iowa and La Fayette. Rendezvous at Camp RandaU, Madison— Colonel
Bertine Pinckney, commandant.
The Twenty-fourtli Regiment— From the counties of Milwaukee, Ozaukee.Washington,
Sheboygan and Dodge, Rendezvous at Milwaukee — Lieutenant Colonel Herman L,
Page, commandant. -i^
The Twenty-fifth Regiment^From the counties of Grant, Crawford, mchland.Vernon,
Juneau, Adams, La Crosse, Monroe, Jackson, Trempeleau, Bufl^alo, Pepin, Eau Claire,
Clark, Pierce, St. Croix, Dunn, Polk, Dallas, Chippewa, Burnett, Douglas, La Pointe and
Ashland. Rendezvous at La Crosse— Colonel L. S. McKinney, commandant.
9
130 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Governor Salomon desired to promote competent officers in
the field to the regimental positions of these new organizations.
Finding the War Department averse to discharging officers in
the field, fi^r that purpose, the Governor was compelled to
abandon the efibrt, although the Department consented finally
to the discharge of such officers as had been appointed by him,
up to that time, but would not sanction any further appointments.
Governor Salomon issued the following letter of instructions
to the commandants of the old regiments, requiring them to
report in accordance therewith :
State of Wisconsin, Execittive Department,!
Madison, July 8, 1862. /
This State being called upon for several new regiments of volunteers, it is my earnest
desire to find some method by which, in their organization, I can testify my apprecia-
tion of the fidelity, gallantry and soldierly qualities of some, at least, of the non-com-
missioned ofiicers and privates in the regiments from this State which have been longest
in the field. It is difficult to do this, since the companies and regiments must be raised
by the eflbrts of men who are in the State ; and the commissions will properly be
expected by those who raise the men ; but I shall use my best eflfbrts to bring about the
desired end.
For this purpose, I earnestly request the Captain of each company to recommend, in
concurrence with his Lieutenants, such of his non-commissioned officers or men as have
exhibited such qualities as to fit them in remarkable degree for commission. These
recommendations should be handed to the Colonels commanding the several regiments,
and I request that the Colonels, in conference with the field officers select, from the
number so recommended, not more than ten persons for each regiment, and forwai'd
their names immediately to me, preparing the list in the supposed order of merit. This
should be done as speedily as possible.
While I cannot, of course, promise commissions to all of the persons who shall be so
named to me, I shall spare no pains to testify to as many of them as possible, my appre-
ciation of their patriotism, bravery and soldierlj' attainments ; and I trust that througli
contemplated arrangements with the War Department, I may soon be able to gratify
my wishes in this respect, and do justice to some, at least, of the gallant heroes who
have left Wisconsin homes to peril their lives at the call of their country.
EDWARD SALOMON, Govet-nor of Wisconsin.
In response to the request of Governor Saloiiion, the com-
manders of several regiments furnished the following list of non-
commissioned officers and privates, as worthy of' promotion.
Although the Governor was unable to commission all thus
recommended, we publish the names as worthy of preservation
and in justice to those who were thus selected from the many
brave soldiers in the ranks, for their gallantry and soldierly
qualities :
First i?cj7wnen<.^fcompany A — Sergeants, Edward Ferguson, William Wilson, George
Bleyer; Company B— Henry Martin; Company C— Corporal Miles M. Trowbridge, A. J.
McKisson; Company D — T. M. Caliger, S. M. Smetzer, L. T. Battle; Company E —
Chauncey R. Thayer; Company F— Lewis O. Marshall; Company G — Charles A Sear les ;
C!ompany H — Zerah P. Clark ; Company K — Charles H. Morgan. ,
ROLL OF HONOR. 131
Second Hcffiment—Compuny A — Alured Lark ; Company B— Parker C. Dunn ; Company
C — Thomas Barnett ; Company E— Walker S. Rouse; Company E'' — George Bowman,
Company G — E. S. Fletcher; Company H — D. C. Holdi-idge, Samuel M. Bond; Company
I — William Noble, Samuel W. Smith, Albert S. Cole.
Third iJefirw/ie?!/.— Quartermaster Sergeant John H. Gowan; Company C — Corporal
George Gay; Company D — Sergeant Lyman D. Balcom, Charles R. Barrager; Company
E — Sergeant Edmund L. Blanchard; Company P — Sergeant Anson Titus; Company
G — Sergeant H. K. Edwards; Company H — Private Abdon L. Burke; Company I —
Corporal Wilson S. Brick; Company K — Sergeant Jens Moe.
Fourth Jiegiment.— Company A — Orderly Sergeant Harrington, Marcus W. Morton;
Company B — W. S. Whiting; Company C — Edward E. Sharpe; Company D— Carl
Moller; Company E— John W. Blake; Company H — Henry Mellen; Company I —
Myron Chase; Company K— S. Curtis Mower, John S. Sweet, Carl Witte.
2'i/th Ref/iment.— Company A— James McComber, Frederick Borcherdt, A.W.Hale;
Company B — E. K. Holton; Company C — Charley Von Baumbaek, Kempf; Com-
pany D— Samuel White; Company E — James McDaniel ; Company F — B. F. Crane;
Company G — George E. Hilton; Company H— William H. Bennett; Company I —
William Norton, I. Balding.
Sixth Iiegi7ne)it.— Company A— Jacob A. Schlick; Company B — Charles P. Hyatt;
Company C — Charles H. Palmer; Company D— Andrew J. Gilmore; Company E— An-
drew G. Deacon ; Company F — Christian Nix; Comjjany G— Lewis A. Kent; Company
H— John Beeley, John Starks; Company I —William Clay water; Company K — Erastus
Smith.
Seventh Hegiinent.— Company A— Linus Bascom; Company B— William H. Dunham ;
Company C— Jefferson Newman; Company D — E. Andre Camp))ell; Company E — O.
H. Sorenson; Company F— George W. Cowan; Company G — D. W. Mitchell; Company
H — Charles Fulks; Company I — Christopher Pretzman, Henry Thorngate; Company
K — Amos D. Rood.
Eighth Regiment.— Company A— John C.Stringham; Company B— William H. Conner;
Company C — Benjamin Cowan; Company D — Archibald Thompson; Company F —
John W. Greenman; Company G — David H. Sla\«son; Company H — T. B. Corbin;
Company I— Joseph C. Chilson; Company K — Alfred S. Henderson, Henry L. Bull, Levi
Billings.
Eleventh Regiment. — Sergeant Major Dudley Wyman; Company A — Sergeant Joseph.
B. Hillier; Company B— Sergeant W. W. Day ; Company C— Sergeant P. Holden Swllt;
Company D — Corporal Richard Caddie ; Company E — Sergeant Thomas Prie-stly; Com-
pany F— Sergeant Caleb B. Northrup ; Company G— Sergeant Andrew Winn ; Company
H — Sergeant L. F. Grow; Company I — Sergeant Henry C. Welcome; Company K —
Sergeant B. F. Lisk.
Twelfth Regijnent.Sergeant Major Henry Vilas, Commissary Sergeant William C.
Stevens; Company A— Ezra R. Strong; Company C — D. G. Jones; Company D — N. S.
Gilson; Company E— S. G. Swain; Company G— Elias H. Ticknor; Company H— Paul
Dakin; Company I — Sabina Rogers; Company K — Albert S. Samson.
Thirteenth Regiment. — Sergeant Major Williani M. Scott, Quartermaster Sergeant J. B.
Dutton, Commissary Sergeant Gage Burgess; Company A — Henry Payne, Samuel C.
Cobb; Company B— Jason W. Hall, V. E. Huginin; Company D— John Glading, Daniel
Phillip, William Everest; Company E— James Ray nor; Company F— Charles W. Starke,
Alexander McGregor ; Company G Frydenlund; Company I — Isaac W. Kingman ;
Company K— R. J. Wliittleton.
Fourteenth Regiment. — Company A — Edward Delany; Company B — James M.Randall;
Company C— William Bridge; Company D— Samuel H. Harrison; Company E — Benja-
min F. Goodwin; Company F — Oscar Cooley; Company G — Joseph Lacount; Com-
pany H — Eliphalet N. Moore; Company I— Michael Higgins; Company K— Heniy S.
Blackett.
Fifteenth Regiment.— Company A— Sergeant Arnoldus Schlambush; Company C — Ser
geant Christian Mayer; Company D — Sergeant Nelson G. Tufte.
Sixteenth Regiment.— Harry M. Robinson ; Company B— Charles M. Fedderly ; Company
C — T. G. Boss; Company F — Abel Brownell; Company G— Henry M. Culbertson
Company K— Edward Bradford.
132 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Eighleenth lier/hnent. — Company A— Private "William Lyon; Company C — Corporals
Ransom Chase, George Holmes; Company H — Sergeant Alfred S. Tucker; Company I —
Private Oscar Todd.
First Cavalry Regiment.— Y. A. Blood, G. G. Seaton, A. Holcomb, P. J.Williamson, F. S,
Schuyler, Charles H. Russell, Cyrus Hutchinson.
Third Cavalry Regiment.— W . H. Hewitt, Solon Johnson, Charles T. Porter, Henry
Bannister.
First Battery— MiMon E. Powell; Second Baitery—Oa.i<ir\QS May; Third Battery— AlAew
Woodbury; Fourth Battery— Ciia-rlea H. Clark; Seventh Battery— 3. N. Langworthy, Wel-
lington G. Sprague; Tenth Battery— Yl.W. Stetson; I'lvel/th Battery— T. H. Kennedy.
Wiscoymn Heavy Artillei-y.— Company A — Charles Hyde.
"We have before stated tliat the recruiting service was reopened
on the 6th of June, and depots reestabhshed. The system of
recruiting differed from that of 1861. Recruits were now
enhsted on regular " enlistment papers," and were entitled to
pay from date of enlistment. Muster into State service was
dispensed with. The duty of Major Smith, Superintendent of
Recruiting Service, was to subsist the recruit at rendezvous,
furnish transportation and clothing, and quarters in camp, at the
expense of the United States, payable from a fund under his
control. When forty men were enlisted, they were entitled
to muster with a First Lieutenant, and the Captain and Second
Lieutenant could not muster till the company was full to the
minimum. These officers were designated by the Governor, and
the old system of election of officers was done away with,
thereby securing more efficient men for the command of com-
panies. A system of advance pay and bounty was authorized
by the War Department, giving the new recruit one month's
pay, $13, and $25 of the $100 bounty, in advance.
■• In compliance with the general wish of leading men throughout
the State, Governor Salomon issued a proclamation with a view
to the raising of funds by the several counties of the State, to
enable him to oifer to each recruit the sum of $50 in addition to
the advanced pay and bounty from the United States, as stated
above. The subsequent call, in August, of President Lincoln,
for 300,000 militia, rendered the project impracticable, and
Governor Salomon revoked his proclamation authorizing the
collection of funds, and the State bounty was abandoned.
On the 22d of July, President Lincoln announced a policy
which gave assurances to the people of the North that the war
was to assume a new phase — that the rebels were to be treated
to hard blows, not only on the battle field, but in their social
A MORE VIGOROUS POLICY. 133
relations — that the "mud sills" of the South, on whom the
slavocracy relied to feed the armies opposed to the National
Government, were to be used by our commanding generals, in
aid of the Union cause, to relieve our soldiers from the severe
duties in the trenches, and, as the sequel proved, to arm them
against their rebel masters. It was in this manner that the poor
down-trodden slave, whose right to appear as a party to the
contest had been ignored by the officers of Government and
their generals in the field, was ordained, under Providence, to
assume position as a prominent feature in this war of ideas.
" There is a Providence that shapes our ends, rough hew them
as we may !"
The "kid-glove" arrangement, whereby our soldiers were
made to act as guards over the property of our " Southern
brethren," wdiile these same "brethren" were lighting our
armies in the field, was to be discarded, and every means,
authorized under the rules of civilized warfare, brought to bear,
and vigorous measures adopted, to crush the rebellion at the
earliest possible moment. The manner in which the war was
conducted, had disheartened people at the North, and indigna-
tion "loud and deep" was being heard in condemnation of this
"milk and water" policy of the Government. It was with no
small degree of satisfaction, therefore, that the loyalists hailed
the news, that the President had determined to recognize the
Rebels as belligerents, to be encountered, and, if possible, con-
quered by the usual modes of warfare, and that the negro was
to have a part in the contest, to be used as effectually for us as
he had been against us. The other property of the secessionists,
which had been so carefully guarded, was to be subject to the
control of the conqueror.
President Lincoln ordered the military commanders, in the
seceding States, " to seize and use any property, real or personal,
which may be necessary or convenient for their several com-
mands, for supply or for other military purposes, and that while
property might be destroyed for proper military objects, none
shall be destroyed in wantonness or malice. That commanders,
military and naval, should employ the negroes of the seceded
States, whenever necessary, in military or naval operations."
134 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Slowly and surely President Lincoln approached tlie great
work he was, under the will of Providence, destined to perform.
The disorganization of our several national armies, by reason
of the granting of furloughs to sick men to go to their homes,
liad become a great evil, and the attention of the War Depart-
ment was directed towards a correction of the abuse. To this
end, general hospitals were estabhshed, in the vicinity of army
operations, to which the sick and wounded could be sent for
treatment. The battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, "Wilson's
Creek, and other points in the West, had found the Government
unprepared with hospital conveniences, and the Executives of
the several States considered it a humane duty to have the sick
and wounded of their respective States furloughed and sent
home for treatment. Many of these soldiers were either unable
or unwilling to return to duty, until the absence of large num-
bers began to act upon the efficiency of the armies in the field.
To stop this depletion, the War Department ordered that no
more furloughs should be issued, and directing the return of
those out on furlough, and their arrest, by civil officers or other
persons, if the order was not complied with. Finding this
course not entirely effectual, on the 31st of July, an order was
promulgated, revoking all leaves of absence or furloughs, by
whomsoever given, unless by the War Department, absolutely
annulling such papers, and requiring all officers and privates to
return to their regiments, or they would be rated as deserters,
and subject to the penalties in such cases. Where wounds in
service, or disability from sickness, rendered the party unfit for
duty, they were ordered to report to the nearest military post.
The order further fixed the 18th of August as a day of general
muster, when absentees would be entered on the rolls as desert-
ers. Much difficulty has arisen to soldiers in this State from the
operation of this order, preventing the settlement of their claims
against the Government.
General Sigel having received from the War Department au-
thority to raise twelve regiments of infantry and six batteries of
artillery, called upon the Governor of Wisconsin for one regi-
ment of infantry. The request was responded to, and the
Twenty-sixth Regiment, Colonel Jacobs, was authorized to be
raised.
REGIMENTS ORGANIZED. 135
Recruitiug for tlie five regiments of volunteers, called for,
proceeded rapidly, the prospect of a draft giving it a renewed
impulse. These regiments, including the one for General
Sigel, received the earliest attention. Companies were assigned
and ordered into their respective district rendezvous, where they
were mustered, clothed and quartered.
The Twenty-first Regiment was composed of two companies
from Oshkosh, two from Fond du Lac, and one company, each,
from Menasha, Waupaca, Appleton, Chilton, Oakfield and Mani-
towoc, and were ordered into camp, at Oshkosh, on the 1st of
September. Here the organization was perfected. B. J. Sweet
was appointed Colonel, and the regiment being ready, left the
State on the 11th of September, to report to General Wright, at
Cincinnati.
The Twenty-second Regiment was composed of three com-
panies from Racine, two from Monroe, two from Beloit, and
one, each, from Janesville, Geneva and Delavan, and were
ordered to Camp TJtley, Racine, on the 2oth day of August.
Completing their organization, with W. L. Utley as Colonel,
they left the State on the 16th of September, to report to
General Wright, at Cincinnati.
The Twenty-third Regiment was composed of four companies
from Dane County, three from Columbia County, two from
Sauk County and one from Lafayette County, and was ordered
to Camp Randall, Madison, on the 25th of August. The organi-
zation was perfected, with J. J. Guppey, as Colonel, and left the
State on the 15th of September, to report to General Wright, at
Cincinnati.
The Twenty-fourth Regiment was made up of companies re-
cruited mostly in Milwaukee County, under the personal super-
vision of Lieutenant Colonel H. L. Page. The extensive
acquaintance of the Lieutenant Colonel, from his many years of
business and oflicial intercourse with the people of Milwaukee,
and the energy and perseverance for which he is distinguished,
enabled him, in a very short time, to fill the regiment to its
maximum number, most of its members being residents of
Milwaukee City and County. A splendid flag, offered by the
citizens of Madison to the first regiment which should fill up,
of the five ordered to be raised, was awarded to the Twenty-
136 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
fourth. The regiment being nearly ready, through the efforts
of some Milwaukee gentlemen, Major C. il. Larrabee, of Dodge
County, was appointed Colonel. This appointment being dis-
tasteful to Lieutenant Colonel Page, that gentleman resigned
his jjosition before the regiment left the State, and was succeeded
by E. L. Buttrick, Esq., of Milwaukee. The regiment left the
State on the 5th of September, to report at Louisville, Ky.
The Twenty-fifth Regiment was made up of companies recruit-
ed in Grant, Richland, Yernon, La Crosse and Monroe Counties,
and was ordered into camp, at La Crosse, on the 4th of Septem-
ber, w^here its organization was perfected, under Captain Milton
Montgomery, as Colonel. Wisconsin had been placed in the
newly created " Department of the Northwest," General Pope,
commanding, with headquarters at St. Paul, Minn. The Indians
were massacreing the inhabitants, and General Pope telegraphed
to Governor Salomon to send him all the organized regiments
in the State. The Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth being the only
regiments then organized, the Twenty-fifth was ordered to Ge-
neral Pope, who was informed that the Twenty-sixth was raised
especially for General Sigel. The Twenty-fifth left the State on
the 19th of September, to report to General Pope, at St. Paul.
The Twenty-sixth Regiment was recruited among the German
population, throughout the State, and the companies were
ordered into Camp Sigel, Milwaukee, on the 5th of September,
where the organization was completed, with William H. Jacobs,
as Colonel. They left the State on the 6th of October, to report
to General Sigel, in the Army of the Potomac.
The additional call, on the 5th of August, of the President,
for 300,000 men, to be drafted from the militia of the State, had
given such an impetus to recruiting, that the Governor deter-
mined to organize seven other regiments. By the instructions
of the War Department, the quota of volunteers was to be filled
by the 15th of August, and if there was any deficiency it would
then be drafted. The time for enlisting in new regiments was
finally extended to August 22d, at which time, bounties and
advance pay were discontinued to recruits in new regiments.
Regiments were authorized, numbering from the Twenty-seventh
to Thirty-third, both inclusive.
MORE REGIMENTS ORGANIZED. 137
The Twenty-seventh Regiment was made up of recruits prin-
cipally from Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties. When the
recruiting for new regiments was stopped, on the 22d of August,
the Twenty-seventh had only seven companies fully organized.
These were ordered into Camp Sigel, at Milwaukee, on the 17th
of September. The remaining companies were authorized by
the War Department to fill up. The partially organized regi-
ment remained through the winter in Milwaukee, doing duty,
part of the time, in guarding the Ozaukee draft rioters. In
March, 1863, the remaining companies being filled, the regiment
was mustered into the United States service, with Conrad Krez,
as Colonel. On the 16th of March, 1863, they left the State
for Columbus, Ky.
The Twenty-eighth Regiment was made up from companies
recruited in Waukesha and Walworth Counties, and was ordered
into Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, on the 13th of September.
The regiment was sent by the Governor to Ozaukee County to
assist United States Provost Marshal Mclndoe in the arrest of
the rioters, a work which the regiment performed in an admir-
able manner. It was engaged in this duty until the 20tli of
December, when it left the State, under command of Colonel
James M. Lewis, to report at Cairo, III.
The Twenty-ninth Regiment was recruited in the Counties of
Jefiferson, Dodge, Columbia and Dane, and was ordered into
Camp Randall, Madison, on the 20th of September, where its
organization was perfected, with C. R. Gill, as Colonel. On the
2d of November, they left the State, being ordered to report at
Cairo, 111.
The Thirtieth Regiment was raised principally in the North-
western counties of the State, and was ordered to rendezvous
at Camp Randall, Madison, about the middle of October. The
organization was completed, with Captain D. J. Dill, as Colonel.
This regiment did not leave the State until 1864, having been
engaged in a variety of duties in the State.
The Thirty-first Regiment was incomplete when the recruiting
for new regiments was discontinued, on the 22d of August. It
was, however, ordered into camp, at Prairie du Chien. By spe-
cial authority, recruiting for the regi^nent was continued. On
the 14th of November, it was ordered to move to Camp Utley,
138 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Hacine, to take charge of the drafted men at that rendezvous.
There it remained, and was completely organized, with J. E.
Messmore, as Colonel. It left the State on the 1st of March,
1863, to report at Columbus, Ky.
The Thirty-second Regiment was composed of recruits from
the Counties of Brown, Columbia, Portage, Outagamie, "Winne-
bago, Marquette, Fond du Lac and Green Lake, and was ordered
into camp, at Oshkosh, on the 13th of September, where its or-
ganization was perfected, with James H. Howe, as Colonel. It
left the State on the 30th of October, to report at Memphis,
Tenn.
The Thirty-third Regiment was recruited in Grant, Kenosha,
Rock and Lafayette Counties, and was ordered into Camp Utley,
Racine, on the 29th of September, and its organization perfected,
with Jonathan B. Moore, as Colonel. The regiment left the
State on the 12th of IS'ovember, to report at Cairo, 111.
In the equipment of the several regiments above described, a
deficiency of blankets in the Quartermaster's Department com-
pelled the Governor to call on volunteers to furnish their own,
and on the people of the State to supply such as could be
spared.
Deeming the exigencies of the public service to demand it,
Governor Salomon called an Extra Session of the Legislature on
the 10th of September. In his message, the Governor urged the
necessity of a thorough organization of the militia of the State,
making an enrolment of all able bodied men, between the ages
of eighteen and forty-five years, to enable the State to respond
promptly to any call which might be made by the IsTational au-
thorities, and, in case of draft, to make such exemptions as
would cause the draft to fall lightly on those who would be dis-
tressed by its operations, recommending " that two classes sub-
ject to draft should be established, viz., those between eighteen
and thirty-five years to be called first, and that class exhausted
before men between thirty-five and forty-five should be compelled
to go. Distinction might be made between married and unmar-
ried men, and also where one or more in the same family are
already in the service."
"We cite these portions cff the message for the purpose of show-
ing that Governor Salomon was feelingly alive to the hardships
DRAFT FOR THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND MILITIA. 139
which woiikl be imposed on the people of the State, by the en
forcement of the draft then pending, under the instructions ot
the War Department. Had due consideration been paid by the
Legislature to the suggestions of the Governor, much distress
would have been avoided, and the disgraceful scenes in Milwau-
kee, Ozaukee and a few other counties would, possibly, have
never occurred.
He also recommended the passage of a law allowing soldiers
in the field to vote, and the levying of a State tax of $150,000 to
enable the State officers to continue the payment of "State aid"
to families. The Legislature failed to meet the recommenda-
tions of Governor Salomon, in reference to a law in regard to
drafting.
An amendment w^as made to the law granting aid to families
of volunteers, by including all regiments of cavalry, infantry or
batteries of artillery heretofore raised, or that may hereafter be
raised, in this State, and mustered into the United States service.
It also authorized the levying of a State tax of $275,000, to be
placed to the credit of the War Fund, and used in the payment
of warrants for " State aid" to families of volunteers.
Chapter 7 authorized commissioned officers out of the State
to administer oaths, take acknowledgments, &c.
Chapter 11 authorized the soldiers in the field to exercise the
right of suffrage.
Chapter 13 authorized towns, cities, incorporated villages and
counties to raise money to pay bounties to volunteers.
On the 5th of August, Governor Salomon received from the
War Department, a dispatch stating that orders had been issued
for a draft of 300,000 men to be immediately called into the
service of the United States, to serve for nine months unless
sooner discharged. That if the State quota under the call of July
2d, for 300,000 volunteers, was not filled by the 15th of August,
the deficiency would be made up by draft. The Secretary of
War would assign the quotas to the States, and establish regula-
tions for the draft. On the 8th, the Secretary of War ordered
Governor Salomon to immediately cause an enrollment of all
able bodied citizens between eighteen and forty-five years, by
counties. If State laws did not provide officers, Governor Salo-
mon was authorized to appoint them, and the United States
140 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
would pay all reasonable expenses. The quota under tlie call
for 300,000 militia for nine months, was 11,904. It was under
these orders that Grovernor Salomon undertook to make the
draft in 1862, and was the first and only draft, made by the
authorities of the State. Subsequent drafts were made under
the direction of the Provost Marshal General at Washington.
Orders were issued under the direction of the Governor, for
the enrolment of all persons liable to military duty, and the
sherifts of the several counties were directed to make such
enrolment — to appoint deputies — to make lists of all able
bodied men between eighteen and forty-five years of age — to
exhibit such lists to public inspection — to send a correct copy
of roll to Adjutant General, and to complete the lists by the 1st
of September.
Orders of the War Department prohibited any one liable to
draft from leaving the State or United States, and suspended the
writ of habeas corpus in cases of arrests under this order, and the
President issued a proclamation on the 24th of September,
declaring that during the existing rebellion, and as a necessary
measure for the suppression of the same, all rebels and insur-
gents, their aiders and abettors within the United States, and all
persons discouraging volunteering and enlistments, resisting
military drafts, etc., should be subject to martial law and liable
to trial by court martial or military commission, and suspending
the writ of habeas corpus in such cases.
The impetus given to recruiting by fear of the draft, was
truly wonderful. Many of the towns were able to fill their
quotas by oftering extra bounties, they being assured by the
Government that they should receive proper credit on the
draft.
The law establishing a Bureau of Internal Revenue, and
dividing the loyal States into districts, for the collection of
Government tax, on the production and business of the country,
was carried into effect in this State. On the Ist of September,
the several offices were opened for business. Each Congres-
sional District constituted a collection district, to .each of whici
a Collector and Assessni" was appointed, viz: — First District —
Charles A. Bronson, Milwaukee, Assessor, Thomas J. Emerson,
Racine, Collector. Second District — David Atwood, Madison,
THE DRAFT IN WISCONSIN. 141
Assessor, E. R. "Wadswortli, Madison, Collector. Third Dis-
trict— B. W. Brisbois, Prairie du Chien, Assessor, J. H. War-
ren, Albany, Collector. Fourth District — Orrin Hatch, Oak-
field, Assessor, Joseph H. Babcock, Beaver Dam, Collector.
Fifth District — George Gary, Oshkosh, Assessor, Horace Meriam,
Berlin, Collector. Sixth District — James B. Gray, Hudson,
Assessor, William T. Price, Black River Falls, Collector.
Anxious to lighten the burden of the draft. Governor Salo-
mon wrote to the War Department enquiring, whether, if more
than the quota of three years volunteers was raised, they would
be credited on the draft. He also urged that volunteering for
three years might be continued in order to fill up the regiments
then organizing.
To this the War Department replied ;
Any surplus of three years volunteers will be credited on your draft. Volunteering
for new regiments will close after August 15th, unless otherwise ordered. It may
continue for old regiments until after the draft.
Governor Salomon again urged a postponement of the day for
volunteering, stating that if delayed a few. days, he would be
able to fill the two quotas without resort to draft. That he
would have the five regiments ordered under the call of July
2d, full by the 15th, and would then have to stop except for old
regiments. Day after day, the Governor urged the Department
to extend the time of volunteering, stating that it would be
impossible to commence drafting until the rolls were made and
corrected, and begged that volunteering in the new regiments
should be continued until the draft began.
Under date of August 11th, Governor Salomon, writes that
he is proceeding w^ith the enrollment, but it will be the 10th of
September before drafting can actually commence. That volun-
teering was delayed by the harvest, but he would undoubtedly fill
the first call by the 15th. Great anxiety was manifested to
avoid the draft, and many inquiries made as to whether towns
would receive credit, if they furnished their quotas under both
calls, and be exempt from further draft. He asked the Depart-
ment to " name the 10th of September, or if that was impos-
sible, the 31st of August, in which volunteers for new regiments
could be received. That to cut ofi" volunteering on the 15th of
August would check the spirit among the loyal people of the
142 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
State, who are thoroughly aroused to the determination to fill
all by volunteering, if they can be allowed to do so, by giving
them time enough. To cut otF volunteering in this State, where
it takes ten days to reach the most distant portions, is unfair
and unjust, and our people so feel it."
In reply to a request of the Secretary of War for information
as to number of volunteers under call of July 2d, enlisted at
twelve o'clock, August 13th, the Governor says:
From the best information at hand, I should think that the five regiments called for
from this State, under the first call are full. B3' the Ifith they wUl be full and one or two
surplus regiments. If we can have till September 1st to receive volunteers, we shall fill
our whole second call with three years' volunteers, and I earnestly desire such extension.
In reply to these several and repeated requests for extension
of time. Governor Salomon, on the 14th of August, received the
following from the Secretary of War :
To GovERXOR Salomon:
Order respecting volunteers and militia, ordered —
Isl. That after the 15th day of this month, bounty and advance pay shaU not be paid
to volunteers for any new regiments, but only to volunteers to regiments now in the
fleld, and volunteers to fill up the new regiments now organizing but not yet full.
2d. Volunteers to fill up the new regiments now organizing will be received and paid
the bounty and advance pay until the 22d day of this month, and if not completed at
that time, the incomplete regijnients will be consolidated and surplus officers mustered
out.
3d. Volunteers to fill up the old regiments will be received and paid the bounty and
advance pay until the first day of September.
IM. The draft for 300,000 militia called for by the President, will be made on Wednes-
day, the third day of September, between the liours of nine o'clock, A. M., and five
o'clock P. M., and continued from day to day between the same hours until completed.
5ih. If the old regiments should not be filled up by volunteers before the first day of
September, a special draft will be ordered for the deficiency.
Gth. The exigencies of the service require that officers now in the fleld should remain
with their commands, and no officers now in the field in the regular or volunteer service
will, under any circumstances, be detailed to accept a new command.
The War Department informed Governor Salomon on the
18th of August, that the number required to fill the old regi-
ments was 5,904. On inquiry by Governor Salomon as to
whether this number was in addition to the call for 300,000 of
2d July, and the 300,000 by draft, the Department says, August
26th :
Your quota of the 300,000 drafted men is 11,904 — the number of volunteers called July
2d, being the same. If your volunteers for old and new regiments mustered in from
July 2d to September 1st, exceeds this number, the excess may be deducted from the
number drafted. If ycm cannot make the draft on the Sd day of September, make it there-
ajter as soon as possible, yourself taking the responsibility of cxtendiim the time.
COKRESPONDENCE. 143
Tliis order for postponing the draft was given, on the
representation of Governor Salomon on the 13th, to wit :
In reply to yours of this date, I would say, that a special enrolment of the militia was
ordered, and the instructions sent out August 10th ; that some portions of the State have
no railroads or telegraphs and cannot be reached in less than a fortnight by mail.
The returns were ordered to be made by the 1st of September at farthest. It will take
some time to collect these returns when made; we cannot possibly carry into effect the
order for September 3d, but will do it as soon as possible thereaftei-.
On the 8th of Jnlv, the War Department requested Gov-
ernor Salomon to raise five regiments of infcntry, part of the
quota under the call of the President for 800,000 volunteers.
Under the impression that the five regiments, in addition to the
surplus over former calls, for which the State was entitled to
credit, would make up the quota under this call, Governor
Salomon proceeded to organize eight other regiments to comply
with the second call for drafted men. He was, however,
informed that h.e was in error, by the War Department. It
appears that the "War Department had made up the quota of this
State for calls previous to July 2d, 1862, from the aggregate
number of troops called out and furnished to July 1st, 1862,
viz : 548,448, of which the quota of Wisconsin was 21,753. The
rolls in the Adjutant General's office at Washington, showed
that Wisconsin furnished 22,263 up to July 1st, making our
surplus only 510. In order to right the error of the War
Department, Governor Salomon sent a dispatch, on the 29th of
August, as follows :
Your dispatch received. I had calculated on the call of 500,000 men, not on what had
been furnished. But the Adjutant General's records are defective. The duplicate rolls
here show we had furnished nineteen regiments of infantry, three of cavalry, twelve
batteries of artillery, one detached company of cavalry, and one of sharpshooters, mak-
ing in the aggregate 24,653 men. This is a surplus of 2,900 men. You have promised to
credit us this, and I have so published to the people. The neglect of any officers to file
our rolls should not operate to our disadvantage.
In response to this, Governor Salomon received tbe following,
August 30th :
No doubt is entertained of your desire to bring your State to the full measure of her
duty in defending the Government, and your proceedings, therefore, in accordance with
your published notices to the people. M'ill be sanctioned by this department.
Notice was sent by the War Department, on the 81st of
August, that recruits for old regiments might be received until
further orders. Bounty and advance pay to be continued.
144 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On tlie lltli of September, Governor Salomon reported eiglit
regiments as about going into camp, exclusive of the j&ve wbich
were about leaving the State. He also requested permission to
raise four companies to fill the Thirty-first Regiment, with the
advance pay and bounty, which was answered favorably, and the
regiment eventually filled to a minimum.
We have, in the foregoing pages, given, in a condensed form,
the correspondence which passed between the Governor and
War Department, to show that Governor Salomon did his
utmost to procure an extension of time for the filling of our
quota, and thus rendering a draft unnecessary. A singular
short sightedness seemed to govern the War Department, as it
was evident to any one, conversant with the subject, that the
quota of the State could have been easily filled before the draft
took place, but it will be seen that volunteering in the new
regiments was cut off on the 22d of August.
Governor Salomon having caused the enrolment to be perfect-
ed, and otherwise made arrangements for the draft, to supply the
deficiency in the quota of the State, on the 21st of October,
directed that the draft should take place on the 10th day of
iN'ovember. Orders were, therefore, issued by the Adjutant
General, directing that the draft should commence on Monday,
the 10th of November, at 9 o'clock, A. M., and continue, from
day to day, until completed. Drafting was to be made by towns.
Volunteering was allowed for four companies of the Thirty-first
and two companies of the Twenty-seventh, the advance pay and
bounty being eontinued to those enlisting in those regiments.
The quotas of the towns were assigned on the 24th of October,
with the exception of those in Milwaukee, Kewaunee and
Washington Counties.
The camps of rendezvous for drafted men were established, as
follows : — For the Counties of Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Kenosha,
Racine and Kewaunee — at Camp Utley, Racine, under Lieuten-
ant Colonel David H. Lane, commandant. For the Counties of
Brown, Dodge, Door, Outagamie, Marathon, Milwaukee, Ozau-
kee and Washington — at Camp Washburn, under Lieutenant
Colonel H. L. Page, commandant. For the Counties of Yernon,
Buffalo, Dane, Iowa, Green, Green Lake, Marquette, Jefferson,
RESISTANCE TO THE DRAFT. 145
Lafayette, Pepin, "Waukesha and Waushara — at Camp Randall,
under Captain E. R. Chase, commandant.
The Hon. Walter J). Mclndoe had been appointed United
States Provost Marshal, to assist in carrying out the draft.
The quotas of wards and towns in Milwaukee County were
assigned on the 7th of November. Indications of an intention
to resist the draft were manifested in JSIilwaukee, and a commit-
tee waited on the Governor, to secure its postponement in that
county. It was urged that the assignment was only made two
days before the draft was to commence, and that a postponement,
for a few days, was desirable, to enable the different wards and
towns to fill their quotas as far as possible. The draft was ac-
cordingly postponed until the 19th of November. Gross errors,
were detected in the returns of the sheriif. The Governor
ordered an investigation, and it was ascertained that the sheriff's
returns repeated a large number of names of volunteers three or
four times,and that he also returned some hundreds of names of
volunteers who could not be found on the, muster roll. By this
means, the quota of Milwaukee was made out to be only 105,
while returns, properly made, showed it to be over 700.
Evil disposed persons, operating upon the minds of the foreign-
born citizens, had incited threats of resistance, so much so as to
induce the Draft Commissioner to resign his position.
The draft was commenced on the 10th of November, except
in Milwaukee County.
On the morning of the 11th of November, Governor Salomon
received a despatch stating that the militia rolls of Ozaukee
County had been seized and destroyed by a mob, and that seve-
ral citizens had been injured, and their property destroyed. The
Governor immediately gave orders for the march of a military
force to the scene of disturbance.
It appears the Commissioner, Mr. Pors, was just prepared
to begin the draft, when he was unceremoniously crowded upon
by the mob, who seized him, dragged him to the door, and fling-
ing him down the steps of the Court House, injured him severely.
Succeeding in getting into the Post Office, he concealed himself
for a while in the cellar. The mob followed him to the door of
the Post Office, but could not gain entrance. After they depart-
ed, Mr. Pors left his hiding place, entered a carriage with a
10 m,
m
146 , MILITARY HISTdRY OF WISCONSIN.
friend, and, taking down the lake shore, succeeded in getting
out of Port Washington, and arrived at Milwaukee.
The mob, after losing their victim, determined to destroy his
property. They went to his dwelling, which was a very hand-
some house, well finished and furnished. This they completely
demolished in the interior, smashing furniture, pictures and
everything they could lay their hands on.
Leaving this scene of their barbarous outrage, they proceeded
to the residences of other prominent citizens, destroying them in
the same way. It is needless to say that whiskey contributed to
keep up the rebellious spirit. When the mob commenced, a
thousand men were present, and two hundred or three hundred
were actively engaged all day, led on by a saloon-keeper and
other similar characters. The mob appeared to belong to a class
of Germans or Belgians called Luxembergers. Kot an Irishman
was to be seen in the crowd.
On the afternoon of the 11th, Colonel Lewis, of the Twenty-
eighth Regiment, in camp, at Milwaukee, was telegraphed to by
Governor Salomon, and informed that a riotous mob was re-
sisting the operations of the Draft Commissioner at Port "Wash-
ington, and ordered to send a detachment of the Twenty-eighth
to quell the riot. Accordingly eight companies were detailed
for that purpose, who immediately prepared to leave, and by
midnight were on the steamer, bound for Port Ulao, the nearest
port to Port Washington. A portion of the troops were landed
south of the town, and marching to the rear of it, encompassed
it on the one side, while the balance of the forces were landed
at the pier, thus completely surrounding the scene of disturbance.
Provost Marshal Mclndoe immediately proceeded to arrest those
engaged in the riot, and established his headquarters at the Court
House.
Governor Salomoii issued a proclamation to the people of
Ozaukee County, informing them that those engaged in resisting
the draft would be arrested and punished, according to the pro-
clamation of the President of the United States, of September
25th, 1862. ^That every Government had an inherent right to
call upon its citizens to bear arms in its defense. That Congress
had authorized the President to call out militia, and a draft was
RIOT IN OZAUKEE COUNTY. 147
ordered for that purpose. That resistance to the orders of the
Government would onlj^ end in cahimity to those engaged in it.
That a sufficient military force had been sent into Ozaukee
County, under the command of the Provost Marshal of the
United States, to arrest those who had committed the recent
outrages, and to see that the di-aft was properly enforced, and
counselled the people of the count}'- to make no further resistance
to the constituted authorities, but to submit to the laws of the
country.
The Provost Court, opened by the Provost Marshal, examined
into the cases of those persons arrested for complicity in the riot,
and adjudged the evidence against eighty-one to be sufhcient to
commit them, and they were sent, under charge of Captain
"White, to Camp Washburn. The arrests, afterwards made, in-
creased the number of prisoners to about one hundred and thirty.
They were placed under guard at Camp Washburn, and after-
wards removed to Camp Randall, where they had quarters iti the
" Bull Pen." They were subsequently placed in charge of Gene-
ral Pope, who retained them as prisoners for some months, and
were subsequently released informally by the Government. The
sufferers by the mob at Ozaukee presented their claims to the
Legislature, at its next session. They were allowed, and the
amount charged to the Government.
On Tuesday, at West Bend, in Washington County, a mob of
fifteen or twenty men attacked the Draft Commissioner, and
drove him out of town, and, for the time, broke up the draft.
Four companies of the Thirtieth Regiment were sent to West
Bend, and the draft, in that county, was completed on the 24th
of November, under the Draft Commissioner, who had been
driven away, superintended by Provost Marshal Mclndoe and
Colonel Dili, of the Thirtieth Regiment.
The draft in Ozaukee was afterwards made, and completed
without further disturbance. The display of force had been
sufficient to intimidate the rabble. In a few other counties, a
fractious spirit was manifested, but no serious opposition occurred.
The draft in Milwaukee had been postponed until the 19th of
November. A committee was appointed to wait upon Governor
Salomon to get farther time. The Governoi" gave excellent
reasons why he could not extend the time. To a request for him
148 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
to accept nine montlis volunteers, he replied that he had no au-
thority to enlist volunteers for nine months — that no other State
had ever had authority to raise nine months volunteers, although
it was so stated by the committee. The committee returned to
their constituents, and advised them to raise all the substitutes
they possibly could before the day of draft.
Governor Salomon determining that the scenes in Ozaukee
County should not be reenacted in the City of Milwaukee, placed
the military forces in the city under the charge of Colonel
Starkweather, of the First Regiment. He also issued a Proclama-
tion to the people of Milwaukee County. In it, he says :
As Chief Executive of this State it is my duty to. execute this draft. A sufficient
military force has been employed to protect the officers who have been entrusted with
the execution of this law In your countj% to enforce obedience to it, and promptly to
suppress any tumultuous or riotous proceedings. I trust it will not become necessary
to employ force in order to enforce the law and maintain peace in your community, but
should it become necessary, I shall not shrink from the responsibilities which the laws
impose upon me. Your county and its several towns and wards have been justly and
^irly treated in the apportionment of the number of men required, and leniency was
eiven shown to you By the extension of time in order that volunteers or substitutes
might be provided. If bloodshed should occur, the responsibility must fall upon the
heads of those who resist the laws. My duty is to see them enforced. The disgraceful
scenes that recently occurred in a neighboring county shall not be re-enacted in your
community.
The Governor concluded his proclamation by urging the peo-
ple of Milwaukee County to quietly submit to the laws of the
country and its legally constituted authority.
Every preparation was made by Colonel Starkweather on the
19th of November, when the draft commenced. All the roads
leading into the city were picketed, and soldiers stationed in
diiferent wards, in squads, to assemble at a given notice. Com-
panies were marched through the streets, and everything indi-
cated that Governor Salomon had made ample provision for any
outbreak. The draft proceeded without disturbance and was
finally concluded under the management of William J. Whaling,
Esq., Draft Commissioner.
From inaccuracies in the rolls of Manitowoc County, the draft
in that district did not take place until the winter or sprino-.
The drafted men were allowed ten days after muster, in which
to furnish substitutes. They were also permitted to volunteer in
old regiments for three years, or in the old regiments for nine
months, but without advance pay or bounty. All drafted men
SANITARY EXPEDITIONS. 149
who had not furnished substitutes were ordered to report at the
rendezvous of the district to which they were assigned.
The rendezvous for drafted men at Racine was abolished, aiid
those stationed there were removed to Camp Randall and placed
in charge of Captain E. R. Chase.
The original design was to organize the Thirty-fourth and
Thirty-fifth Regiments as drafted men, but there had been so
many enlistments after draft, in old regiments, that the number
to be organized for service, was insutficient for two regiments.
The Governor therefore ordered the consolidation of the men
under charge of Captain E. R. Chase, at Madison, with the com-
panies of the Thirty-fourth mastered in at Milwaukee. The
organization of the Thirty-fourth was completed, with Fritz
Anneke as Colonel, and left the State for Columbus, Kentucky,
on the 31st of January, 1863.
During the year, several expeditions to relieve the sick and
wounded on the battle-field were sent out by Governor Salomon,
under the supervision of Surgeon General Wolcott. The next
after that where Governor Harvey lost his life, was sent up the
Tennessee River, and succeeded in removing several hundred of
our "Wisconsin soldiers to the hospitals at St. Louis. An expe-
dition was sent to Kentucky immediately after the battle of
Perryville, in October, where much good was accomplished by
Surgeon General "Wolcott and his stafl' of assistants. Another
was sent to the battle-field of Stone River, near Murfreesboro,
Tennessee, where our regiments suffered severely.
By the report of the Adjutant General, it appears that the
number drafted under orders of the War Department in 1862,
was 4,537. Of these 1,739 were mustered into service, 988 were
discharged, nineteen deserted, 129 were furloughed till further
orders, and 1662 failed to report.
w
OHAPTEE lY.
ACTION OF STATE AUTHORITES IN 1863.
State Military Officers — Legislature Meets — G-overnor's Mes-
sage— Laws Passed — Number of Regiments Furnished — Thir-
teenth Light Artillery — Heavy Artillery Battalion — Six
Months Men Wanted — Enrolment Act — Provost Marshal Gen-
eral's Department^ — State Districted — Thirty-fourth Regiment
Mustered Out — Thirty-fifth Regiment — Harvey Hospital Es-'*
tablished — Quotas and Credits — Settlement of Credits — Re-
sults OF Draft of 1863 — Negro Soldiers — Call for 300,000 More
— Towns, etc., to be Credited— Big Bounties — Sixteenth Regi-
ment— Biographical Sketch of Governor Salomon — Close of
18t)3.
THE military officers of the State on the opening of the year
1863, were as follows :
His Excellency, Edward Salomon, Governor and Commander in Chief.
Brigadier General Augustus G'aylord, AdjutaiU General.
Colonel S. Nye Gibbs, Assistant Adjutant General.
Brigadier General Nathaniel F. Lund, Quartermaster General.
Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, Surgeon General.
C!olonel W. H. Watson, Military Secretary.
At the close of the year 1862, hut three incomplete regiments
were in the State, viz : the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-first
Volunteers, and Thirty-fourth Drafted Regiment. These were
completed and all in the field by the 1st of March.
The Legislature convened at Madison on the 14th of January.
In the Governor's Message, he gives the annexed exhibit of the
expenditures of the War Fund :
The following is a summary of tlie transactions of the War Fund during the calendar
year:
Balance on hand December 31st, 1861.... S 50,227 09
Receipts 757,700 98
Total amout 8807,928 07
Disbursements ^ 760,929 72
Balance in Treasury December 31st, 1862 $ 46.998 35
GOVERNOR Salomon's message — extracts. 151
The receipts .in this fund are made up mainly of money received on sales of State
bonds and advances made by the United States upon the claims of the State for war
expenditure. The amount of these claims sent to the Secretary of the Treasury for
examination and adjustment, is, up to the present time $125,349 57.
Of this amount there has been refunded to the State and passed to the
War Fund $ 577,800 72
Applied in payment of the direct tax due from the State 441,735 :?7
Total amount refunded $1,019,546 09
Leaving due the State the sum of. 105,803 48
It is a source of great gratification to me that, in addition to the settlement of the
direct tax due from the State, and amounting originally to the sum of $519,6SS 6(5, but
reduced fifteen per cent, on account of having our vouchers filed in proper time, I was
enabled to obtain an advance sufficient from the General Government upon our unset-
tled claims to enable the State to discharge all its outstanding indebtedness on account
of war expenses of last year. Under the great pressure of business and the vast trans-
actions of the United States Treasury Department, the examination and settlement of
these State claims progress but very slowly, and great embarrassment would have re-
sulted to the State and its creditors, had these liberal advances not obviated the diffi-
culties. No further advance can however, now be counted upon, as the margin left for
accounts that may not be allowed is already a very small one, and as the financial
embarrassments of the General Government would also prevent further advances.
The sources of income, then, to meet the expenditures of this fund during the present
year will be confined to the tax of S275,000 provided at the extra session of last year, and
such other provisions as may be made by you to meet the demands upon this fund.
Tliese demands will be large, and in addition to the necessary expenses of our military
department, or State Surgeons for cavalry and artillery, and of taking care of our sick
and wounded soldiers, will mainly consist of tlie extra pay of five dollars per month
allowed to soldiers who have families dependent upon them. It is estimated that this
will require §60,000 per month. The special tax of $275,000 will probably be exhausted in
the month of March or April. The State of Wisconsin cannot permit the families of her
brave soldiers to suffer for want of this additional pay — it should not be discontinued;
but I know of no way in which the money necessary for this purpose can be procured
except by an additional loan. This subject will undoubtedly receive your most careful
consideration, and you will adopt such measures as your wisdom may dictate.
The Governor also gave a summary of what was clone in 1862,
in the recruiting of military forces, and the manner in which
the calls of the President were responded to, stating that the
enrolment made by the sheriffs of the State showed 127,89-1: men
liable to military duty. The result of the draft was also given,
which we have already stated as shown by the report of the
Adjutant General, lie urged the Legislature to take action in
regard to an efficient militia law, to secure an enrolment of all
men liable to do military duty, and be prepared to fully meet
any future call of the National Government. He stated that
Wftconsin had furnished 38,511 men in the organization of new
regiments; that 2,155 recruits had been sent to the old regi-
ments,; that 795 drafted men were in camp ; that the reports of
the Adjutant General of the State showed the total loss of our
troops in the field by deaths, discharges and desertions to bo
152 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
7,875 ; that of the appropriation of $20,000, of last Session, for
taking care of the sick and wounded, $10,828 94 had been
expended; that several expeditions had been sent South during
the past summer, under the charge of the Surgeon General,
consisting of physicians and nurses, for the purpose of bringing
home the sick and wounded of our regiments. The Governor
further says :
These exiseditions have been of the greatest usefulness to the brave wounded soldiers,
atldiug much to then- comfort and immediate help; and great credit is due to the Sur-
geon General and tlie philanthropic gentlemen who, always without compensation,
accompanied him, for the manner in which they always discharged their missions.
Often have I heard of the touching scenes that took place on the arrival of these parties,
when the gallant unfortunate men could not repress their tears on seeing that the State
followed them upon the battle-field, tendering them the aid and comfort which they so
■well deserved and were in need of.
Last fall, with Governors of many other States, I presented a request to the President
to cliange the system of placing men in General Hospitals, to some extent, by establish-
ing hospitals in the several States and removing as much as possible the sick to the
respective hospitals in their own States, where they would be nearer their friends, and
where, to a limited extent at least, the system of furloughing such as could go to com-
fortable homes could safely be carried out. Prior to this I had repeatedly and urgently
applied for the establishment of a hospital at some pi'oper place in our State, with a
view of having our sick and wounded removed thereto. The reason why these requests
have not been granted is the one, I presume, which induced the Government originally
to cease the system of furloughing. I am not prepared to deny that the present system
is on the whole the best, and one dictated by necessity; and I will here take occasion,
from my own observation, and from all the reports I have received from reliable sources,
to bear witness to the really excellent manner in which the Government/ hospitals are
generally kept.
Immediately after the appropriation, I sent several competent gentlemen to the
principal hospitals to act as agents on the part of the State in looking after and aiding
our sick and wounded soldiers. But few such agents, not exceeding four at any one
time, have ever been sent, and their labor has in all instances been most usefully
bestowed. In the cities of New York and Philadelphia, I have made use of agencies
already establislied by other States, and in the city of Washington the Wisconsin Aid
Society has rendered most valuable and gratuitous services. A soldier lying in a hospital
sick and wounded has many wants that the regular hospital attendants cannot well
supply. The agents can see to these wants, procure descriptive lists, place sick men in
communication with their relatives, see that those who are entitled to discharges obtain
Buclj, and see that abuses in hospitals are promptly brought to the attention of superior
ofllcers and remedied. Much complaint, and, I regret to say, just complaint, has been
made upon the matter of discharges. Men wholly unfit for service have often been
obliged to remain in hospitals, for want of their discharges, an unreasonable length of
time; many have died who, but for the negligence of some oflicer in not promptly for-
warding the papers, might have recovered if permitted to go home, or at least might
have expired in the arms of their friends. In this matter the State agents have woj^ed
incessantly, and have often made complaint to the proper authorities, not ah
however, with success.
t'c^ed
1-^ys,
The Governor pays a proper tribute to the several aid societies,
mostly the women of our State, who have incessantly labored to
eupply the wants of the sick . and wounded soldiers. He also
MILITARY LAWS PASSED. 153
states the amount allotted by oiir soldiers in the field, through
the allotment Commissioners up to December 15th, to be
$1,783,705 92.
We give the purport of the laws of this session of a military
character, as follows :
Chapter 32 established the manner of commencing and prose-
cuting suits against persons in the military service of the country.
Chapter 33 appropriated $3,000 to William A. Pors for
damages done to his property by the mob in Ozaukee Count3\
Chapter 59 amended the act granting soldiers in the field the
right of suffrage — authorizing them to vote for Judges of County
or Circuit Court, or Justices of the Supreme Court.
Chapter 139 authorized the levy of a State tax of $200,000 for
the support of families of volunteers.
Chapter 140 appropriated $5,000 to the Governor for contin-
gent expenses of the Executive office.
Chapter 141 appropriated $3,000 to the Governor for a military
contingent fund.
Chapter 154 authorized the Governor to furnish tourniquets
for the use of volunteers.
Chapter 157 authorized the issue and sale of bonds for $300,000
for war purposes.
Chapter 162 amended the act granting aid to families of volun-
teers, defining more fully the rights of families.
Chapter 185 amended the act suspending sales of lands mort-
gaged to the State, or held by volunteers, extending the time for
application to May 30th, 1863.
Chapter 186 gave volunteers the right to redeem lands sold for
taxes, within two years from April 1st, 1863.
Chapter 196 authorized the Governor to take care of the
sick and wounded soldiers of the "Wisconsin volunteers, and
appropriated $15,000 for that purpose.
Chapter 215 authorized the Governor to purchase flags to replace
flags of regiments in the field, injured or destroyed in battle.
Chapters 259 to 262, appropriated to A. M. Blair, $1,200; to
J. C. Loomis, $800; to II. W. Stillman, $1,400, and to H. H. Hunt,
$2,000, as compensation for destruction of property by Ozaukee
Countv rioters.
154 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
Chapter 264 extended the volunteer aid to families for six
months after the death of the soldier.
Chapter 266 amended former acts so that claims against the
war fund must be presented within two years from the time the
same accrued.
Chapter 295 provided for the collection of subscriptions made
to pay bounties to volunteers and subscriptions to support families
of volunteers.
A multitude of special acts authorizing towns to raise bounties
for volunteers were passed.
A Joint resolution was adopted asking for the promotion of
Colonels J. C. Starkweather and George E. Bryant to Brigadier
Generals.
A joint resolution was adopted establishing the design for a
State flag for the State of Wisconsin.
A Memorial to the President of the United States asking for
the establishment of a military hospital within the limits of the
State of Wisconsin for the sick and wounded soldiers of the
State, was adopted.
Up to the 31st day of December, 1862, Wisconsin furnished to
the General Government, thirty-one regiments of infantry, (not
including the First, three months regiment,) three regiments and
one company of cavalry, twelve batteries of light artillery, one
battery of heavy artillery, and one company of sharpshooters,
(company G, First Regiment Berdan's Sharpshooters.) The
Twenty-seventh, Thirty-first, and Thirty-fourth regiments were
not completely organized at that date.
No additional regiments of infantry were organized in 1863,
although recruiting for old regiments continued.
On the 25th of May, the Governor was notified that a company
of light artillery would be accepted from Wisconsin. Recruiting
commissions were accordingly issued for the Thirteenth Light
Artillery, but recruiting progressed slowly, and it was November
before snfiicient men were recruited to muster a first Lieutenant.
Under the impulse of high bounties at that time it was soon filled
to a maximum, and was ordered to Camp Washburn, where the
organization was completed with Richard R. Griffin, as Captain.
They left the State on the 28th of January, 1864, to report at
New Orleans.
BATTALION OF HEAVY ARTILLERY. 155
On the 1st of May, the business of recruiting in the several
States was placed under the supervision of the Provost Marshal
General.*
On the 8th day of June, Captain Charles C. Messervey, com-
manding Company A, Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, was author-
ized to recruit three batteries of heavy artillery in Wisconsin,
which, with Company A, as a base, would constitute a battalion.
A Major was to be mustered in, when the companies were re-
cruited to a maximum. With high commendation from General
Barry, Inspector General of Artillery, Captain Messervey came to
Wisconsin, and entered upon the recruiting 'service. Company
B was completely organized, and left Camp Washburn, Milwau-
kee, in October, being ordered to Mumfordville, Tenn. Company
C was mustered into the United States service October 1st, and
left the State for Chattanooga, Tenn., on the 30th of October.
Company D was mustered in November 7th, and left the State
on the 1st of February, 1864, for New Orleans.
On the 15th of June, the Secretary of War telegraphed that
General Lee was marching to invade Maryland and Pennsylvania,
and stated that the President had called for 100,000 militia, for
six months, from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Western
Virginia, and desired other States to furnish militia for a short
term, to be credited on the draft. The Governor replied that
there was no organized militia in the State, and that he could
not organize a force in time to be of service, but would proceed
to organize a force of six months volunteers if desired. He fur-
ther stated that there were only about three hundred men in the
State available to sustain the enrolling officers.
On the 3d day of March, 18G3, the Congress of the United
States passed an " act for the enrolling and calling out the Na-
tional forces, and for other purposes." This act is better known
as the " Conscription Act;" declaring every able bodied citizen
of the United States, between the ages of twenty and forty-five,
as liable to military service. The difficulties surrounding the
enforcement of the draft of 1862, induced the President to re-
commend the passage of an act which would give the National
Government control of the militia of the country, and thereby
secure a more prompt response to the calls of the National Exe-
cutive, for forces to suppress the insurrection. It did not abolish
156 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the system of voluuteering, but, on the eoutraiy, greatly contri-
buted towards filling our armies with men of character and value
as soldiers, who did not relish entering the service as conscripts.
For the carrying out of the provisions of this " Conscription
Act," a Bureau was established at Washington, styled the
" Provost Marshal General's Bureau," and Colonel James B.
Fry, Assistant Adjutant General, United States Army, was de-
tailed as Provost Marshal General. In each State, an Assistant
Provost Marshal General was appointed to supervise the business
of the Bureau. Each State was subdivided into Districts, co-
extensive with the Congressional Districts. In each of these
Districts, a Board of Enrolment was established, consisting of a
Provost Marshal, a Commissioner and an Examining Surgeon.
Each of these Enrolment Districts were again divided into Sub-
districts. These Sub-districts were composed of a single town-
ship or ward' of* a city. The duty of this Board of Enrolment
was to cause a thorough and correct enrolment of all able bodied
men in each of these Sub-districts, between the ages of twenty
and forty-five, who were not exempted by the " Conscription
Act " from military duty. Before the enforcement of a draft, on
any call made for the National forces, the persons so enrolled had
the privilege of claiming exemption from draft, under rules
established by the Act. On proving their right to exemption,
their names were stricken from the roll, and they were registered
as exempts. A draft being ordered, the names of those liable to
draft were written on pieces of card-board, and arranged in paper
parcels, each town or sub-district by itself. These names were
placed in the wheel, as each town was called, and the wheel put
in motion to intermingle the bits of card-board. A person,
blindfolded, or a blind person, then drew from the wheel one of
these bits of card, and presented it to the Provost Marshal, by
whom the name on the card was read aloud, and entered on the
list of the town. In this way, the number of conscripts a town
or sub-district was to furnish was drawn from the wheel, and
entered on the list as drafted men. The drafted man was
notified to appear, at a certain time, for examination by the Sur-
geon of the Board of Enrolment, and be examined for physical
defects. If found entitled to exemption, by physical disability,
he was discharged. If found to be able bodied, he was allowed
DISTRICT PROVOST MARSHALS. 157
a few days to obtain a substitute, or pay the commutation of
$300. If lie concluded to serve, he was clothed by the Provost
Marshal, and sent to the rendezvous, and assigned to a regiment.
The pay of drafted men differed from volunteers, in their
not being entitled to bounty, the same as volunteers. The con-
scripts for nine months, of 1862, were not entitled to bounty.
The conscripts of 1863 and Spring of 1864 were entitled to the
bounty of $100. The conscripts, under the draft of Summer and
Fall of 1864, were not entitled to any bounty.
We have analyzed the practical operation of this " Conscrip-
tion Act," for a more thorough understanding of its provisions
and mode of operation, by those who are not fully conversant on
the subject.
The State of Wisconsin was districted and" officered as follows:
First lyistrict — I. M. Bean, Provost Marshal; C. M. Baker, Commissioner, and J. B.
Dousman, Examining Surgeon. Head-quarters at MilM^aulcee.
Second District — S. J. M. Putnam, Provost Mai'shal; L. B. Caswell, Commissioner, and
Dr. C. R. Head, Examining Surgeon. Head-quarters at Janesville.
Third District — J. G. Clark, Provost Marshal; E. E. Bryant, Conamissioner, and John
H. Vivian, Examining Surgeon. Head-quarters at Prairie du Cliien.
Fourth District — E. L. Pliillips, Provost Marshal; Cliarles Burchard, Commissioner,
and L. H. Gary, Examining Surgeon. Head-quarters at Fon du Lac.
FifthDUtrict — C. R. Meri'ill, Provost Marshal; William A. Bugh, Commissioner, and
H. O. Crane, Examining Surgeon. Head-quarters at Green Bay.
Sixth District — B. F. Cooper, Provost Marshal; L. S. Fisher, Commissioner, and D. D.
Cameron, Examining Surgeon. Head-quarters at La Crosse.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Lovell, Sixteenth United States
Infantry, was detailed as Assistant Provost Marshal General of
the State, and Superintendent of the Recruiting Service. This
position was held by Colonel Lovell, with the exception of a
short time, until the business of the office was discontinued by
the close of the war.
The task of enrolling the State was commenced in the month
of May, Enrolling Officers being appointed for each Sub-district.
Opposition was made in some counties to the progress of the
Enrolling Officers, and one of them in Dodge County was shot.
Detachments from the Thirtieth Regiment were ordered to the
several points of disturbance, and order was restored, the officers
being allowed to proceed with their labors.
Governor Salomon was informed that Governor Curtiu was
about purchasing ground for a cemetery for the burial of Union
soldiers at Gettysburg. He informed the agent of Governor
158 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Curtin that the State of AVisconsin would cooperate with other
States in the work, and W. Y. Selleck, Esq., State Agent at
Wasliington, was authorized to represent the State.
The nine months term of service of the Thirty-fourth Regi-
ment, drafted militia, expired, and the regiment was mustered
out of service on the 8tli of September. Special authority was
given to Governor Salomon, by Provost Marshal General Fry,
to organize the Thirty-fifth Regiment as veteran volunteers,
under General Orders, JSTo. 191. That order directs " that all
able bodied men, between eighteen and forty-five years, who have
been heretofore enlisted, and served nine months, and who can
pass the examining surgeon, may be enlisted as veteran volun-
teers." Each veteran volunteer, so reenlisted and mustered into
the United States service, was to receive a bounty from the
United States of $402, in instalments.
The regimental and line officers of the Thirty-fourth were
ordered to recruit veteran and other volunteers for the Thirty-
fifth Regiment. Many of them, however, declining to reenter
the service, the order was revoked, and the regiment was directed
to reorganize as the Thirty-fifth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers,
under the supervision of Colonel Henry OrflJ". The camp was
established at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee. A considerable
number of the drafted men who composed the Thirty- fourth
Regiment reenlisted in the Thirty-fifth. This being a new regi-
ment, much delay occurred in filling up. The large bounties au-
thorized to be paid new recruits to new regiments did not' go
into efiect until December, and the Disbursing Officer refused to
pay the premium for the delivery of recruits enlisted for the
Thirty-fifth, consequently the regiment filled up very slowly. It,
however, perfected its organization, and left the State the latter
part of April, 1864, to report to General Steele.
From the commencement of his term of office. Governor
Salomon had endeavored to secure the establishment of United
States General Hospitals in the State, where our sick and wound-
ed soldiers could be cared for. His persistent efi:brts at last suc-
ceeded, and in October, of 1863, a General Hospital was estab-
lished at Madison. It was located in a large stone building,
built by Governor Farwell for a dwelling house. It was situated
on the banks of the Third Lake, a beautiful sheet of water with
QUOTAS AND CREDITS. 159
a pure atmospnere, free from the annoyance of dust or street
travel. In honor of the late Governor Harvey, it was named
the "Harvey United States Army General Hospital." This
was the first United Stiites Hospital established in the State,
others were subsequently established at Prairie dii Chien and
Milwaukee, but on a smaller scale. Harvey Hospital was i~)laced
under the care of Surgeon H. Culbertson, United States Army,
by whom it was admirably conducted, assisted by Drs. Favill,
Brown and Henderson.
Quotas and credits became the chief subjects of consideration
in the Military Department of the State.
The Adjutant General, in his Report, of 1863, states that, in
settling the quotas and credits of 1861 and 18^, the War De-
partment adopted the plan of bringing all terms of service less
than three years to a three years basis, under the provisions of
the Conscription Act. In this way, four nine months men were
equal to one volunteer of three years service, numerically
reducing the quota of nme months men to one-fourth.
The report of the Adjutant General shows that the number of three j-ears
men furnished under the calls of 1861 and 1862, was 40,314
Of nine months men, 961 divided by 4 240
Credits in 1861 and 1862 40,554
Quota of 1861 21,7.53
Quota of July 2d, 1862 11,904
Quota of August4th, 1862, 11,904 divided by 4.... 2,970-
Total quotas 1861 and 1862 36,633
Leaving an excess of - 3,921
In settling with the Department, in 1863, the new recruits
were added up to October 12, 1863.
The Governor, in correspondence with the "War Department,
was repeatedly assured that each town should be credited with
the number already furnished under former calls. By Adjutant
General Gaylord's Report, for 1863, we will show what was done
in settling with the War Department :
Upon receipt of notice from the War Department of the draft ordered under the act of
Congress of 1863, measures were immediately taken to secure the proper credit due to
this State.
Claim was made for all volunteers in the original organizations, and all subsequent
recruits, of whicli this office afforded the requisite information. A difference appeared
upon comparing the records, between the War Department and this office, of but 342.
Further information was furnished proving the correctness of the records in tliis office;
the claim was allowed and settlement obtained with the War Department, October 12th,
160
MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The question had already been raised as to a proper distribution of the credit, allowed
by the War Department, to the several localities of the State entitled to such credit.
Your Excellency urged the expectation, under former promises from both tlie State
and United States authorities, and the justice of crediting eacli locality, upon this draft,
with the excess over former calls. To this consent was at first given, with the added
direction that the people of each locality should make out new lists of all volunteers
claimed, giving the company and regiment in which eacli person had served, that com-
parison might be made with the muster rolls in the Adjutant General's office at Wash-
ington. The experience of the department in other States, where a similar course was
undertalsen soon proved this to be impracticable, as was apparent from the beginning to
all who had any knowledge of the amount of labor and delay involved in it, and the
Government declared its inability to give credit to localities for any excess heretofore
furnished, and announced that credits would be allowed only by Congressional districts.
A statement was then prepared by Congressional districts reducing the erroneous ex-
cess in each in proportion to the number heretofore claimed and bringing the total to
the exact credit allowed by the War Department. This was presented to the department
by your Excellency in person, with the renewed request tliat the Government should
take this enrolment of volunteers as made in 1862, as a basis, and through the sub-dis-
trict enrolling officers in the State, secure a correct revision of the same, and thereby
give the proper credifto each locality entitled thereto. This was deemed entirely feas-
ible, from the fact that the Government had already in the State the machinery neces-
sary to secure this result, witla but temporary delay. Although persistently urged with
the assurance that, with our experience the past year, such a plan was proven to be
practicable ; all attempts to convince the department proved futile ; they had concluded
upon the plan announced, and declined further argument upon the subject. The follow-
ing statement of credits for the several Congressional districts was then made tlie basis
of settlement between the General Government and the State, which credit is to be dis-
tributed among the several sub-districts in proportion to the number of first class men
enrolled, without regard to former excess or deficiency.
The following is the tabular statement, agreed upon, October 12th, 1863, to which have
been added such recruits as have enlisted up to the present date, (November 1st,) and to
which all volunteers in new organizations will be added up to the day of the draft.
Statement, showing the number of Volunteers, Recruits and Drafted men furnished by
the several Congressional Districts in the State of Wisconsin.
CONGBESSIONAIi DISTBICTS.
Wg-o--^
aO
R*^
l^gg
3 £,
li"
eers
riffs
I by
men
O 1-1
J i
rp-2 a
^ c&
: o S-S.
4-
: ?> 3 2
a a
• '
6,847
275
370
7,416
27
2a8
6,700
60
200
6,9.35
423
lis
6.'216
201
159
5,684
32
84
38,798
1,018
1,169
First
Second,.
Third,....
Fourth,.
Fifth, ....
Sixth,....
Total,.,
7,492
7,681
6,960
6,476
6,576
5,800
40,985
October 12th, 1863, net excess, 4,.'552.
The question has been asked, and the same inquiry may have arisen- in other localities,
why the draft was made by tlie State authorities in 1862, if, as now appears, the State
has an excess over all previous calls, to apply on the present draft. The reason is, tliat,
in the assignment of quotas in 1861 and 1862, the term of service was not taken into
account by the General 'Government, the calls were made for a given quota, and credit
was given for the number of men furnished, without regard to the term of service; on
Which basis our State was lacking some four or five thousand men. The conscription
DRAFT OF 1863 — RESULTS.
161
act of the present year, however, obligated the Department to bring all debt and credit
with the several States for troops to a three years basis, by which course our State now
receives the benefit of her three j'ears enlistments, in an excess on all calls heretofore
made. 4
The enrolment of 1863 included all male residents of the State,
between the ages of twenty and forty-five years, divided into two
classes, from the first of which, composed of all persons liable to
military duty between the ages of twenty and thirty-five years,
and all unmarried persons subject to do military duty, above thirty-
five and under forty-five years of age, a draft, of onefifih of the
number enrolled, was to be made with fifty per cent, added.
The draft of November, 1863, differs from other drafts, either
before or since, in not ordering a given quota to be raised. The
enrolment of the State was 121,202. '
The draft was ordered to take place in "Wisconsin, in Novem-
ber, beginning on the 9th, in the First District, at Milwaukee.
"We extract from the Adjutant General's report of 1864, a table
showing the results of the draft of 1863.
a
3
2!
a
3
2!
1
DRAFTED MEN ACCOITNTED FOR.
r
a
^
£?
a
a
i
3
e
1
"-J
a.
CD
c
P
■8
1
p<
p.
a
i
s.
■♦■
5'
•a
i
o
B
I
p.
1
1
►-J
1
5"
1
1
25,0M
1,172
34
140
1,787
1,047
1,164
$349,200
2
21,107
,758
43
15
748
183
769
230,700
3
17,746
,898
147
4
543
152
552
165,600
4
18,704
:,124
83
61
1,316
5;^7
1,127
338,100
5
20,709 ;
i,840
195
23
1,196
564
862
258,600
6
17,852
1,048
126
9
695
206
607
182,100
Tot
al.
121,202 1-
1,935
628
252
6,285
^,689
5,081
$1,524,300
Under the modification of the Draft Act by Congress, then in session, the number
required under the draft of 1863, was merged into the new call by the President of Feb-
ruary 1st, 1864, for 500,000, and it was ordered that a new assignment of quotas be made,
and that each sub -district be credited upon the new call with the number of men
obtained by the foregoing draft. By this course, the State received credit for five
thousand eight hundred and seven, (5,807,) upon the calls of February 1st and March
14th, and, with the veteran re-enlistments before mentioned, the new organization
completed and the recruits for old regiments, the quota of the State was filled, as
announced by the Secretary of War on the 5th of June.
11
162 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
In 1863, the policy of the Government in regard to arming
negroes to aid in the suppression of the rebellion was changed.
The bloody assault on Port Hudson, in the spring of this year,
had established the fact that color was not the test of heroism —
that the negro with a musket in his hands, could show an amount
of skill, courage, and endurance, equal to the white man, and
Government reluctantly gave the order for the organization of
negro regiments, on which duty Adjutant General Thomas made
a tour to the lower Mississippi in 1863. Regiments of colored
men were authorized to be raised in the Northern States, and on
the 26th of October, Governor Salomon received authority from
the War Department to raise a regiment, battalion, or company
in this State, and issued orders to that effect.
There being so few colored persons residents of the State, but
little effort was made to raise the company, until in December of
1863, Colonel Bross of Chicago, who had been commissioned to
raise the Twenty-ninth Regiment United States colored infantry,
sent his recruiting agents into this State and succeeded in enlisting
about two hundred and fifty able-bodied colored men, who were
credited to the State. Colonel Bross, with his regiment, joined
Burnside's Corps before Petersburg, in June 1864. In one of the
numerous charges made upon the enemy's lines. Colonel Bross
lead the Twenty-ninth United States colored regiment, far in
advance of any other. Seeing the hopelessness of the attempt
to storm the enemy's works, he ordered them to fall back. Just
at that time, Colonel Bross was struck by a musket ball, and fell
dead, wrapped in the folds of the flag which he had just seized.
In this attack the regiment lost two hundred enlisted men killed,
wounded, and missing.
"While the preparations for the draft in ITovember, 1863, were
going forward, Pre*dent Lincoln, on the 17th of October, issued
another call for 300,000 volunteers, to serve for three years or
during the war. The men under this call were intended to be
enlisted for the regiments then in the field, the term of service
of many of'" those regiments expiring in 1864, it was desirable to
keep their organizations up by new recruits. The President
ordered that a draft should take place on the 5th day of January ^
1864-, in all districts, that had not raised the quotas assigned to
them respectively.
CREDIT TO TOWNS. 168
Adjutant General Gaylord, under direction of the Governor,
issued an order stating that the quota of the State was 10,281,
there being 74,976 persons of the first class enrolled. The quotas
of Congressional Districts were assigned by the War Department
as follows : First District, 2204 ; Second District, 1829 ; Third
District, 1414 ; Fourth District, 1432 ; Fifth District, 1697 ; Sixth
District, 1705. The quotas of the several towns and wards in the
State, were assigned in accordance with the number of men of
the first class in each town or ward, enrolled by the United States
District Provost Marshals. Credits were to be given each town
for all volunteers enlisted since October 17th, and those who
might thereafter enlist in any of the old regiments or batteries,
or the Thirty-fifth Regiment of infantry, or Thirteenth Light
Artillery. Bounties were offered to veterans of $402, and to new
recruits in old regiments of $302. Premiums were also offered
to persons bringing in recruits for veterans, $25, and for new
recruits, $15.
Books were opened in the Adjutant General's office, and the
rolls of those mustered into the United States service since Octo-
' ber 17th, 1863, were entered, and also the name of the town to
which the recruit was credited. A register of the towns was also
kept, showing the names of volunteers credited to each town,
including those veterans who enlisted in the field.
The violation of good faith, by the Provost Marshal General,
after repeated promises that the towns and wards should be
credited with the men already sent into the service, was produc-
tive of much dissatisfaction, not that the people disliked to sus-
tain the government, but they felt that injustice was done those
towns who had more than filled their quotas, while many locali-
ties, for want of patriotism, or by reason of opposition to the war,
had made no efifort to furnish men for the service, were allowed
to escape the operation of the draft.
In order to set right the matter of credits in future drafts, the
following propositions from the Governor of New York, received
the approval of the War Department in December, and were
declared as governing in the matters referred to.
First, That quotas be apportioned to towns and wards in the
several Congressional districts in the State of New York, and that
assurance be given to such towns and wards as may furnish their
164 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
full quota of volunteers under the recent call of the President
for 300,000 men, that they will be exempt from the pending
draft, should one he rendered necessary in January next.
Second, That the several towns and wards receive credit for
all such volunteers as may have been mustered into the service
of the United States since the draft; and that the number so
credited be deducted from their portion of the quota assigned
to the State under the recent call.
A letter from Provost Marshal General Fry, enclosing a copy
of the above propositions, was received by Assistant Provost
Marshal General Lovell, in which General Pry says :
The principles therein announced, will, as far as they may be applicable, govern with
regard to the State of Wisconsin.
He requested that the information be communicated to his
Excellency, Governor Salomon.
Under the impulse of this decision of the "War Department,
the larger cities, by popular assemblages, requested their respec-
tive Councils to levy and assess a tax to raise money for extra
bounties to volunteers, and thus fill their respective quotas. The
city of Madison led oiF in this matter, and by offering an exti-a
bounty of $200 to each volunteer, the quota of the city, which
was one hundred and twenty-five, was filled in less than eight
days. Other cities and towns adopted the same plan, and very
large extra bounties were paid in some instances.
The Sixteenth Regiment having been reduced below the mini-
mum, had been consolidated into five companies. With the con-
sent of the War Department, Governor Salomon proceeded to
reorganize the regiment and issued commissions for recruiting
five companies, in November, 1863.
During the year. Governor Salomon made a visit to Washing-
ton, and the Wisconsin regiments in the army of the Potomac,
and made a personal inspection, cheering the boys by his pres-
ence, and in his speeches assuring them of the continued consid-
eration of the State authorities for their welfare. He also in
company with General Gaylord, visited the regiments in Missouri,
Arkansas, and Vicksburg during the seige of that place.
In closing our historical sketch of the military operations of
Wisconsin during Governor Salomon's term of ofiice, we desire
GOVERNOR SALOMON'S ADMINISTRATION. 165
to express our opinion of the manner in which the military
affairs of the State were conducted.
By an unforeseen accident, Governor Salomon was suddenly
called from his usual avocation, to perform the duties of Governor,
during one of the most trying periods of our country's history.
The nation was in extremity, and adversity had settled on her
banners. The jealousies of the general officers in the Potomac
army, had jeopardized the safety of the Republic, and the Presi-
dent was calling upon the State Executives to aid him, by fresh
levies of men, in upholding the power and authority entrusted
to him as the President of a united people. His predecessor had
just laid down his lif'^ in the cause of humanity, glorying in the
impulses which had carried him to the bedsides of our dying
Wisconsin soldiers, and by that self-sacrificing heroism, which
characterizes the true christian and philanthropist everywhere,
had visited the terrible battle-field, and gathered the bleeding
and mangled bodies of our brave Wisconsin boys, into comfort-
able hospitals, and administered personally to their comfort and
welfare.
With a detrrmination to give the JSTational Executive his
bearty support, and to bring all the resources of the State to b^ar
m aiding thft General Government to maintain itself against the
designs of those who sought its overthrow, he entered upon his
i'jty of Governor.
Ilis first acts were to issue Proclamations in response to Presi-
•dent Lincoln's calls for 600,000 men, one half to be raised by
volunteering, the other by draft. In the military organizations
of 1861, his predecessor. Governor Randall, had laid a foundation
which afforded a precedent for his successors to follow in the
enlistment of volunteers, and in the full and complete equipment
for the field, thereby giving a national reputation to the troops
of Wisconsin, for their efficiency and valor. Governor Salomon
determined that the reputation of Wisconsin should be sustained,
and with untiring energy entered upon the task of meeting the
renewed calls of the Government. In addition to the organizing
of volunteers. Governor Salomon was called upon to enforce the
orders of the General Government, in the drafting of the quota
of the State under the call for 300,000 militia. Conscription is an
odious measure, not only in this but in any country, and Governor
166 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Salomon had not only to contend with the difficulties of organiz-
ing the draft in the total absence of any State or National law,
but also those vexations and trials, incident upon the unpopular
character of the measure, heightened by efforts made by vicioua
disloyal men to array the foreign element of our population in
opposition to its enforcement.
"With the euergy and ability characteristic of him. Governor
Salomon proceeded at once to obey the orders of the "War De-
partment, and in a short time had fourteen regiments of infantry
partially organized, which were nearly all in the field before the
close of the year. Under the instructions of the War Depart-
ment the county sheriffs were directed to enrol the able bodied
men in their respective counties, and when the rolls were suffi-
ciently correct, the draft was ordered to take place simultaneously
throughout the State, with one or two exceptions. Rumors of
opposition to the draft, were frequent, and riotous exhibitions
expected. They did not find the Governor unprepared. On the
instant of the news of the first outbreak, the order went over the
wires for the march of a military force to the scene of disturb-
ance— again at West Bend in Washington county — and lastly
wken the excited populace of the commercial city of the State,
gave evidence of insubordination and determination to resist the
authorities, companies of armed men were gathered from Racine
and Madison, and the camps in Milwaukee, and under the super-
intendence of a tried soldier, every avenue was guarded leading
into the city, and when the evil disposed rioters saw around them
the evidences of a strong hand, they quietly acquiesced, in the
action of the draft commissioner, and retired to their homes
wiser, if not better men. Other portions of the State were intimi-
dated by these demonstrations of Governor Salomon, and the
draft passed off without opposition, except in the localities indi-
cated. Throughout the whole of his administration, Governor
Salomon evinced the same determined energy and patriotism,
and our people and soldiery owe much to the manner in which
the Governor and his subordinate officers conducted the military
affairs of the State in 1862 and 1863.
We know little of the personal history of Governor Salomon.
He was born in Prussia in the year 1828, and was educated in
the High School at Halberstadt and the University of Berlin,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 167
where he pursued principally the study of Mathematics and
Natural Philosophy. In the year 1849, he came to the United
States and took up his abode in Wisconsin, residing in Manito-
woc until the fall of 1852, when he removed to Milwaukee in
order to qualify himself for the legal profession, where he has
since resided. He was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court
in 1855, and entered upon the practice of his profession in the
fall of that year. In the fall of 1861, his name was placed on
the Republican or Union ticket for Lieutenant Governor, and he
was elected by a large majority. At the succeeding session of the
Legislature he took his seat as the presiding officer of the Senate,
and performed the duties of the position with great ability. By
the untimely death of Governor Harvey, he became the Execu-
tive officer of the State, and by the manner in which, for nearly
two years, he managed the State affairs, both civil and mihtary,
he secured the esteem and friendship of many of the leading
men of the State. Governor Salomon retired from the Guber-
natorial office, with the good wishes and respect of hosts of
friends. Being no politician in the popular sense of the term,
he always conducted the affairs of the State, without any sinister
view to any future political aspirations. In this way, he was
never the tool of any faction, neither could his better judgment
be warped to subserve the purposes of political adventurers.
OHAPTEE Y.
ACTION OF STATE AUTHORITIES IN 1864.
State Officers Elect in 1864 — State Military Officers — Legis-
lature Meets — Governor's Message — Laws Passed — Soldiers'
National Cemetery at Gettysburg — Re-enlistment of Old Regi-
ments— Call for 500,000 more — Thirty-sixth, Thirty-seventh
ArJ'D Thirty-eighth Regiments — Veteran Re-enlistments — Vete-
ran Regiments ordered to General Sherman — One Hundred
Day Troops Organized — Thirty-ninth, Fortieth and Forty-first
Regiments — Call for 500,000 Men for One, Two and Three
Years — Excessive Quota — Enrolment Lists Corrected — Quota
Reduced — Error Corrected — Forty-second Regiment — Fifth
Regiment Re-organized — Forty-third Regiment — Heavy Artil-
lery Regiment — Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth Regiments —
Draft in September — Result — Another Call for 300,000 —
Close of 1864.
OI:T the first Monday in January, 1864, Governor Salomon re-
signed the duties of his position to his successor, the Hon.
James T. Lewis, who was that day inaugurated as Grovernor of
the State.
The State officers elect, for 1864, were :
Hon. James T. Lewis, Governor; Hon. Wyman Spooner, Lieutenant Ooverrwr; General
Lucius Fairchild, Secretary of Slate; Hon. S. D. Hastings, Sltate Treasurer, (fourth term ;)
Hon.WiNFiELD Smith, Attorney General; Hon. J. L. Pickard, State Superinlendent, (third
term ;) Hon. William H. Ramsey, Bank Comptroller, (second term.)
The military officers for the State, for 1864, were :
Has Excellency, Jabies T. Lewis, Governor and Commarlder-in- Chief.
Brigadier General Augustus Gaylorb, Adjvlant General.
iColfflnel S. Nye Gibbs, Assistant Adjutant General.
Brigadier General Nathaniel F. Lund, Quartermaster and Oommisaary General, and
Chief of Ordnance.
■Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, Surgeon General.
ColQuel Frank H. Firmin, Military Secretary.
GOVERNOR LEWIS' MESSAGE — EXTRACTS. 169
The Legislature of the State met at Madison on the 13th of
January. We extract from Governor Lewis' message such por-
tions as relate to military matters :
Of her volunteers In the field, Wisconsin has reason to be prond. She sent forth noble
men, and nobly have they done their duty. By deeds of valor, they have won the high
position they now occupy. Troops from other Northern States are entitled to great credit.
We yet must claim for Wisconsin soldiers the highest meed of praise.
In response to the calls of the General Government, Wisconsin had sent to the field,
on the first day of November last, exclusive of three months men, thirty-four regiments
of infantry, three regiments and one company of cavalry, twelve batteries of light ar-
tillery, three batteries of heavy artillery, and one company of sharpshooters.. Making
an aggregate of forty-one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five men. Of this num-
ber, sixteen thousand nine hundred and sixty-three have been lost to the service, by
death, discharge and desertions, leaving in the service, on the first day of November
last, twenty-four thousand eight hundred and twelve men. The State can never fully
repay our soldiers for the sacrifice they have made and are now making. It can and
should do much to aid them, however, by adding to their comforts in the field and in
hospitals, caring for their families, and assisting them in procuring their pay for services
rendere<l the Government.
Many of our volunteers have been transferred to the Invalid Corps. The families of
these soldiers are equally entitled to the aid furnished by the State, with those who
rtjmain in their regiments. Provision should be made for their payment, upon proper
reports being furnished from oflicers in command of this corps.
Pi'ovision was made, at the last session of the Legislature, for the payment, to the
families of certain deceased soldiers, of five dollars per month for six months after the
death of the soldier. I doubt not the intention of the Legislature was to extend this
benefit to the families of all deceased soldiers residing in the State, but from the wording
of the act it could only be paid to the families of soldiers who were in the sei-vice at the
time of its passage, and who died in the service after that date. This law should be so
amended as to extend equal benefits to the families of all deceased soldiers residing in
tho State.
The amount received into the War Fund during the last fiscal year, in-
cluding the balance in the Fund at the commencement of the year,
was $818,032 44
Amount disbursed from this Fund, during same period, was 7SG,893 85
Balance in Fund, September 30th, 1863 31,139 59
The amount disbursed during the last fiscal year by the Governor, for
the benefit of sick and wounded soldiers, was 13,999 91
1 he whole amount of the State indebtedness, on the first day of the present month '
was seventeen hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. This debt was created, pur-
suant to provisions of law, by the issue of State bonds and certificates of indebtedness,
the bonds bearing interest at the rate of six per cent, per annum, and the certificates at
the rate of seven per cent, per annum.
The money, arising from the sale of these bonds and certificates, has been expended,
pursuant to law, for building the State Capitol ; payment of tax levied by the General
Government, upon the property of the State, for war purposes ; payment of bounty of
five dollars per month to the families of voluuteei-s; boarding soldiers, and preparing
them for the field ; caring for sick and wounded soldiers, and other war purix>ses. The
greater proportion of this debt, having been created for war purposes, is a legitimate
Charge against the General Government. The General Government has already repaid
a part of the money advanced by the State for carrying on the war, and, I doubt not,
will e-^entually repay the balance. This money, if refunded, will be sulBcient to liqui-
date all State indebtedness, and should be applied to that purpose.
The amount paid to families of volunteers, from the commencement of the war up to
January 1st, 18ft4, was 81,197,044 70. Amount paid on United States tax, 8411,7.35 37.
Amount advanced by the State, for boarding and equipping soldiers, caring for sick.
170 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and other war expenses not enumerated above, and still a charge against the General
Government, about 1200,000. Amount still due the State from Banks, on sale of war
bonds during the year 1861, S173,950.
The State bonds and certilicates, referred to above, were issued as follows :
In the .vear 1861 81,200,000
In the year 1862 250,000
In the year 1863 325,000
The laws passed at this Session, relative to military matters,
are as follows :
Chapters 39, 57 and 80 were acts to authorize towns, cities and
villages to raise money, by tax, for the payment of bounties to
volunteers, and to provide for levying and collecting the same.
Chapter 117 revised, amended and consolidated all laws relative
to extra pay to Wisconsin soldiers in the service of fhe United
States, providing for the relief of families, &c. Under this law,
the State aid to soldiers' families has been disbursed since its
passage.
Chapter 143 provided for the proper reception, by the State, of
"Wisconsin volunteers returning from the field or service of the
United States. Under this law, veteran regiments returning
home on furlough, or regiments returning on expiration of term
of service, have been received and entertained by the State
authorities.
Chapter 247 repealed the law relative to Allotment Commis-
sioners,
Chapter 248 authorized the Governor to purchase flags for
regiments or batteries whose flags were lost or destroyed in
service.
Chapter 341 amended the law suspending the sale of lands
mortgaged to the State or held by volunteers, so as to apply to
drafted men.
Chapter 349 provided for levying a State tax of $200,000 for
the support of families of volunteers.
Chapter 354 authorized the Governor to take care of the
sick and wounded soldiers of Wisconsin, and appropriated
$10,000 for that purpose.
Chapters 360, 361 authorized the borrowing of money for
repelling invasion, suppressing insurrection and defending the
State in time of war, one for $350,000, and the other for $300,000.
Chapter 435 amended chapter 117 of this session, being the
State aid law.
soldiers' national cemetery. 171
Chapter 467 prohibited the taking of fees for procuring volun-
teers extra bounty.
Chapter 471 defined the residence of certain soldiers from this
State in the service of the United States, who had received local
bounties from towns other than their proper place of residence.
An appropriation was made to aid the Gettysburg National
Cemetery of $3,523.
On the 18th of February, Governor Lewis sent into the
Legislature the following Message and accompanying document:
State ov Wisconsin, Execotive Depaetment, 1
Madison, February 18, 18&1. i
To the Honorable, the Senate and Assembly ;
I herewith lay before you the report of W. Y. Sellick, in regard to the Soldiers' Na-
tional Cemetery at Gettysburg, and would recommend the appointment of a committee
to inquire into the necessity of further legislation upon this subject, on the part of this
State. I shall be pleased to lay before such committee all information, in my possession,
bearing upon the subject.
JAMES T. LEWIS.
Washington, December 28, 1863.
His Excellency, Edward Salomon, Govemvr of Wisccm^n, Madison, Wis, :
Sir:—I have the honor to herewith report to you my action as agent or commissioner
for the State of Wisconsin, appointed by you to act in conjunction with tlie commission-
ers of the other States interested in arranging and carrying out a plan for the completion
of a cenaetery at Gettysburg, Pa., in which the remains of the brave and gallant Union
soldiers, who fell in the battle of Gettysburg, should be interred.
Receivingyour letter of August 3d, 1863, directing me to go to Gettysburg and confer
with Mr. David Wills, agent for the Governor of Pennsylvania, I started for Gettysburg,
August 9th, for the purpose mainly of looking after a number of Wi.sconsin soldiers
remaining there, and who were dangerously wounded. Wliile there, I called on Mr.
Wills, and informed him that I had been requested by the Governor of the State of
Wiscousin to call and confer with him in relation to the establishing of a "Soldiers' Na-
tional remetory," at Gettysburg. Mr. Wills informed me that he had received answers
from nearly all the Governors of the several States who had soldiers killed in the battle
of Gettysburg, expressing their approval of the proposition to establish a Soldiers'
Cemetery as aforesaid. In company with Mr. Wills, I visited the proposed site for the
cemetery, the lot then selected contained about fourteen acres; there was a site near by
which was far more desirable for the purpose of a cemetery, but at that time Mr. Wills
had been unaljle to negotiate successfully for it ; he lias since been able to procure it,
and it is now the site of the "Soldiers' National Cemetery," containing seventeen
acres, and from which a full view can be had of the whole battle field. Mr. Wills, at the
time, delivered to me a circular letter whicli he had addressed to the Governors of the
various States interested, in which was proposed a plan for the establishment of the
cemetery, and the amount of money to be expended thereon, which letter I forwarded
to you, enclosed with one from myself, dated August 16, 1863. While at Gettysburg, I
visited the battle field in company with some of the soldiers of the Second Regiment
Wisconsin Volunteers, who were in tlie battle, and endeavored to identify some of the
graves wherein the soldiers belonging to Wisconsin regiments were buried. We were
enabled to identify graves or trenches, as containing Wisconsin soldiers, but there was
no sign or mark by which we could learn the names of the inmates. As the most of
the Wisconsin soldiers were killed in the first day's fight, and our forces falling back
and leaving the remains of their killed on the field, they fell into the hands of the rebels,
and were buried without any mark being placed at the head of their graves by which
they could be identified.
172 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
In the latter part of August, I sent Mr. WiUiam P. Taylor to Gettysburg, with soma
sanitary stores, and to render assistance to our wounded soldiers who were there. I
also instructed him to go over the battle field and to mark every grave known or sup-
posed to contain the remains of a Wisconsin soldier or soldiers, by putting up a board oi
stave, upon which should be inscribed the name of the soldier, his company and regi-
ment, when known ; which instructions he carried out, as will be seen by the enclosed
copy of his report to me, of September 5, 1863, marked " E."
Enclosed, I forward to you copies of all the correspondence that has taken place
between myself and others relative to the establishment of the aforesaid cemetery,
(with the exception of a copy of my letter to you under date of August 16, 1863,) marked
respectively from "A" to "M;"* also a copy of the "specifications," under which pro-
posals were received by Mr. David Wills, for the removal of the remains of the Union
soldiers from the various parts of the battle field, and the depositing of them in the
cemetery in the lots set apart to the States, to which they respectively belonged, and
official copies received from the commanders of the Wisconsin regiments engaged in
the battle of Gettysburg, containing complete lists of names of the soldiers belongin-g to
their regiments killed in the battle, or who died of their wounds in and about Gettys-
burg, copies of which were sent by me to Mr. Wills. I also enclose copies of the bills of
expenses incurred by me to date in attending to this matter.
In accordance with the invitation in Mr. WiUs' letter of December 3, 1863, requesting
me to be present at the meeting of the commissioners at Harrisburg, on the 17th of
December, 1863, to complete a plan of details for the completion of the cemetery, I left
this place on the evening of the 16th of December for that place. The commissioners
present at Harrisburg met at three o'clock, P. M., on the 17th of December, at the Jones
House, and organized by electing Mr. David Wills, of Pennsylvania, chairman, and W.
Y. Selleck, of Wisconsin, secretary. Enclosed I send you copies of their proceedings as
part of my report. The photographs of the plan of the cemetery, ordered by the con-
vention, have not yet been completed ; as soon as they are, I will forward to you one or
more.
You will perceive that the amount to be expended is nearly double that stated by Mr.
WiUs in his circular letter of August last ; the reasons for the increase, or rather the
items on which the increase is made, are as follows, viz:— 1st, There are seventeen
acres to be enclosed instead of fourteen as at first proposed. 2d, The sum to be ex-
pended on the monument, 12.5,000, instead of 110,000, as at first proposed. 3d, That in
the laying out and ornamenting of the grounds and the finishing and placing of head
stones to the graves of the soldiers, would, if properly done, be more expensive than at
first calculated on.
The sum of $63,500, the amount designated for the completion of the cemetery, is the
maximum of the amount to be expended. It was thought by the commissioners that
the amount mentioned would more than cover the expenditures to be made, if judici-
ously handled. It was deemed best that a liberal amount should be expended in the
making of the cemetery a " Soldiers' National Cemetery," that the country should be
justly proud of in all time to come, and meritorious to the noble dead that sleep within
its precincts. The sum of 163,500, divided among the States having Union soldiers buried
in the cemetery, according to their population as represented in Congress, will be S420 53
for each member,' making the share of the State of Wisconsin, in said sum of $63,500 to
be paid, $2,,523 18.
His Excellency, A. G. Curtin, Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, desires and re-
quests of the commissioners, that they inform the Governors of their respective States,
that he would be much obliged to them, if they would send to him the name of the per-
son they had or would appoint trustee for their respective States, as requested in the
second clause in the resolution mentioned in the proceedings of the convention, that
he may present their names in the bill for the incorporation of the board of trustees of
the " Soldiers' National Cemetery," at Gettysburg, Pa., at the meeting of the Legislature
of Pennsylvania in the first week of January next.
The question of allowing individuals or States to erect inonuments in the cemetery
grounds was left open to be decided by the board of trustees when they shall become
organized.
* These accompanying papers are omitted, as being unimportant to the general
reader.
soldiers' national cemetery. 173
Nearly all of the rema'ns of the Union soldiers, killed in the battle of Gcttysbnrg,
have been removed to the cemetery; all of those killed in the first day's light have been
removed ; a great many of them were not identified ; such are placed in the lots that
are marked un/mown ! Quite a number of the soldiers belonging to the " Iron Brigade,"
are buried in those lots.
Trusting that my action, as the representative of Wisconsin in this matter, will meet
with your approval,
I am, sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
W. Y. SELLECK, Military Agent far Wis.
At the meeting of the commissioners, spoken of in the report
of Mr. Selleck, a committee of four was appointed to report a
plan in reference to the Soldiers' National Cemetery, as follows :
Colonel John G. Stephenson, of Indiana, Chairman ; Mr. Henry
Edwards, of Massachussets ; Hon. Levi Scohey, of New Jersey;
Mr. David Wills, of Pennsylvania.
On motion of Mr. Alfred Coit, of Connecticut, the convention
took a recess, to await the action of the committee.
The convention met again at 5 o'clock, P. M., to hear the re-
port of the committee.
The committee made the following report :
WffEREAS, In accordance with an invitation from David Wills, Esq., agent for his
Excellency, A. G. Curtin, Governor of Pennsylvania, the Governors of the several
States appointed commissioners, who met at Harrisburg, December 17, 1863, to represent
the States in convention, for the purpose of making arrangements for finishing the
Soldiers' National Cemetery, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the said commissioners, in convention assembled, that the following be
submitted to the diflerent States interested in the "Soldiers' National Cemetery,"
through their respective Governors :
1st, That the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shall hold the title to the land which
she has purchased at Gettysburg for the Soldiers' National Cemetery, in trust for States
having soldiers buried in said cemetery, in perpetuity for the purpose to which it is now
applied.
Sd, That the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania be requested to
create a corporation, to be managed by trustees, one to be appointed by each of the
Governors of the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Veiinont, Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West
Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and of such other
States as may hereafter desire to be represented in this corporation, which trustees
shall, at their first meeting, be divided into three classes. The term of ofllce of the first
class to expire on the first day of January, 186.5. The second class, on the first day of
January. 1866. The third «lass, on the first day of January, 1867. The vacancies thus oc-
curring to be filled by the several Governors, and the persons thus appointed to fill such
vacancies to hold their office for the term of three years. This corporation to have ex-
clusive control of the Soldiers' National Cemetery.
3d, The following is the estimated expense of finishing the cemetery :
Enclosing grounds « 815,000
Burial expenses and superintending 6,000
Headstones 10,000
Laying out grounds and planting trees 5,000
Lodge 2,500
Monument 2.5,000
Total .'. $63,500
174 MILITARY JIISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Uh, That the several States be asked to appropriate a sum of money, to be determined
by a division of the estimated expenses according to representation in Congress, to be
expended in defraying the cost of removing and reinterring the dead, and finishing the
cemetery, under directions of the cemetery corporation.
5fh, When the cemetery shall have been finished, the grounds are to be kept in order,
the house and inclosures in repair, out of a fund created by annual appropriations made
by the States which may be represented in the cemetery corporation, in proportion to
their representation in Congress.
The report was accepted and adopted.
Letters were received from the following Governors who were
not represented at the meeting but who approved any reasonable
action of the convention in reference to the completion of the
Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pa. Governor Seymour, of New York ;
Governor Blair, of Michigan; Governor Smith, of Rhode Island;
Governor Cannon, of Delaware ; Governor Swift, of Minnesota.
A committee was appointed to procure designs of a monument
to be erected in the Cemetery.
The plans and designs for laying out the grounds by William
Sanders, were adopted.
These plans Mr. Sanders had furnished gratuitously. Mr.
Sanders was requested to furnish forty photographs of the plan
of the Soldiers' National Cemetery for the use of the States
having soldiers buried therein.
The commission then adjourned.
At this meeting Commissioners were present from Maine,
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin.
The Legislature of our State appropriated the sum of $3,523,
in aid of the project for the Gettysburg Cemetery.
It is well to State here that the plans of the Commissioners
were carried out, the bodies of Wisconsin soldiers were removed
to the designated plat of the Cemetery and all those whose names
could be ascertained, were furnished with an appropriate head-
board, while those that could not be recognized, were placed
in a part of the plat and marked " Unknown."
On its completion the Cemetery was appropriately dedicated.
In June 1863, the War Department authorized the reenlist-
ment of the men composing the old regiments, where their first
term of service expired by a certain time. As an inducement to
this reenlistment, these veterans were to receive thirty days fur-
lough. On the 23d of December, 1863, three-fourths of the
NEW REGIMENTS. 175
Third Reii;iment reenlisted as veterans, under the order above
specified, and arrived at Madison on the 28th of December, on a
furlough of thirty days. This was the first veteran regiment that
received this furlough.
At the opening of 1864, there were recruiting in the State, the
Thirty-fifth Regiment of Infantry, Thirteenth Battery Light
Artillery and Battery D, Heavy Artillery. Five companies for
the filling of the Sixteenth Regiment to a minimum, were
also being recruited.
On the 1st of February, President Lincoln issued a call for
500,000 volunteers which was to be considered as including the
300,000 called for on the 17th of October. On the 14th of March
lie issued another call for an additional 200,000.
At the beginning of 1864, the system of extra bounties by
towns, gave great impetus to recruiting for old and new organi-
zations, so that no draft under the calls of February 1st, and
March 14th, was necessary, the number of men drawn in the
draft of i^ovember, 1863, being credited to the several sub-districts
in the two last calls.
In February, authority was given by the War Department, to
organize another Tegiment of infantry to serve for three jears or
during the war. Recruiting appointments were issued, and the
regiment was designated as the Thirty-sixth, and was ordered to
rendezvous at Camp Randall, Madison. Lieutenant Frank A.
Haskell was appointed Colonel, The prestige of his name, and
his gallant deeds, as Assistant Adjutant General of Gibbon's
" Iron Brigade," gave such impetus to the business of recruiting
that in a short time a full regiment was raised and the organiza-
tion completed. They left the State on the 10th of May, to
report at Washington.
The Thirty-seventh Regiment was authorized to be raised on
the 7th of March, and the Thirty-eighth Regiment on the 8th.
Recruiting for the old regiments was very brisk, and the an-
nouncement was made by the Secretary of War that the quota
of the State was full under the two last calls. This news was
received when the Thirty-seventh and Thirty-eighth regiments
were lesy than half filled.
The Thirty-seventh was recruiting under the superintencfence
of Colonel S. Harriman. Owing to the State quota being filled,
176 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
recruiting ceased almost entirely. Slow progress being made, the
War Department ordered six companies, recruited in March, to
Washington on the 1st of May, under command of Major Ker-
shaw. Remaining at Washington until the 17th, two companies
of drafted men who had been assigned to the Thirty-seventh
joined them. The regiment thus made up of eight companies,
was sent by boat to White House, Virginia. Acting as guard to
a wagon train they joined the Ninth Army Corps under General
Burnside, on the 10th of June. Colonel Harriman was ordered to
remain and recruit his regiment, whioh was finally accomplished,
and the Colonel took his position in the field.
The Thirty-eighth labored under the same difiiculties. Four
companies had been recruited by the last of March, before the
State quota was known to be filled, under the superintendence
of Colonel BintliflT. The prospect of filling up to a minimum
regiment being dull, the War Department ordered forward the
four companies, and they left Camp Randall on the 3d of May,
under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Pier. Company E
was sent forward in July, and on the 22d of September the
remaining companies left Camp Randall, to join the balance of
the regiment in the trenches before Petersburg.
We have elsewhere stated that Government had authorized the
reenlistment of men whose first term of service had not expired
in the old regiments, constituting thereby a veteran organization.
In order to claim the title of " Veteran Regiment," it was neces-
sary that three-fourths of the regiment should reenlist. That
number failing to reenlist, the non-veterans on the expiration of
their regular term of service were to be sent home and mustered
out, the remainder were attached to other organizations to serve
out their new term of enlistment. Where the requisite number
reenlisted to constitute a " Veteran Regiment," they were
awarded a furlough of thirty days, whenever the exigency of the
service would permit their absence from the army in the field.
All the organizations of 1861, admitted of reenlistments. We
annex a list of regiments with number of reenlistments, copied
from the Adjutant General's report of 1864. ^
Infantry— First 15; Second 78; Third 237; Fifth 204; Sixth 237; Seventh 218; Eighth 301;
Ninth 219; Tenth 13; Eleventh 363; Twelfth 519; Thirteenth 391; Fourteenth 272;
Fifteenth 7 ; Sixteenth 242 ; Seventeenth 287 ; Eighteenth 178 ; Nineteenth 270.
Oavaljy— First 61; Second 385; Third 357; Fouith260; Milwaukee Cavalry 9.
REGIMENTS MUSTERED OUT. 177
LtgM Artillery— Batteries— First 34; Second 48; Third 33; Fourth 43; Fifth 79; Sixth
84; Seventh 92; Eighth G6; Ninth 78; Tenth 11; Eleventh 39; T^vell■th 31 ; First Heavj'
Artillery Company A, 29.
Berdan's Sharpsliooters, Company G, 9.
The total number of re-enlistments was 5822,
Of these the following constituted veteran organizations — Third,
Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth and
Fourteenth Infantry; Fourth Cavalry; Seventh Light Artillery.
Diying the year 1864, besides the one hundred day troops, the
term of three years' service of the non-veterans expired, in the
following organizations, to-wit : The first twelve regiments of
infantry. First and Fourth Regiments and one company of cav-
alry, one company (G) of sharpshooters, the first ten batteries of
light artillery, and Battery A of heavy artillery.
These regiments and companies having completed their origi-
nal term of service, their history as such is also complete; the
remaining portions of these regiments being thereafter known as
veteran organizations.
The reenlisted veterans and recruits of the First Regiment
were assigned to the Twenty-first Infantry. Those of the Second
Regiment were assigned to the Sixth Infantry. Those of the
Tenth to the Twenty-first Infantry. Veterans in Company G,
Sharpshooters, were assigned to Company D, First Regiment
United States Sharpshooters.
The Fifth Infantry and First Cavalry were reorganized.
The Second Regiment was mustered out of service June 11th,
1864. The First on the 13th of October. The Tenth, about the
last of October. Company G, Berdan's Sharpshooters, on the
22d of September.
On the 8th of April, a telegram was received from Major Gen-
eral W. T. Sherman, notifying the Governor that the War De-
partment had given him control over the veteran regiments of
"Wisconsin on furlough, and desired notice to be given that all
our veteran regiments should report forthwith, on the expiration
of their furloughs, and proceed to join their brigades. Those
belonging to the armies of the Ohio and Cumberland to go to
Nashville. Those of the army of the Tennessee to Cairo, where
they would receive further orders. Not a day was to be lost, and
no excuse would be received, and regimental commanders would
be held to a strict account for absence a single day.
12
178 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 21st day of April, a proposition was made to the Presi-
dent by the Executives of the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Iowa, and Wisconsin, tendering for extra service 85,000 troops
for the term of one hundred days. The term of service to com-
mence from the date of muster into the United States service.
The organizations were to be governed by the regulations of the
War Department, and were to be raised in twenty days from
date of notice of acceptance. The troops were to be clothed,
armed, equipped, subsisted, transported, and paid as other United
States intantry volunteers, and to serve in fortifications, or
wherever their services may be required within or without their
respective States. No bounty was to be paid nor the service
charged or credited on any draft. In case of being drafted the
person should be entitled to credit for the service rendered.
The proposition was accepted by the President, and Governor
Lewis proceeded at once to issue orders to carry out the arrange-
ment. Recruiting appointments were sent out. The limited
time allowed compelled the consolidation of companies and
squads, and two regiments and one battalion were organized.
These regiments were numbered Thirty-ninth, under Colonel
Buttrick; Fortieth, under Colonel Ray, and Forty-first, under
Lieutenant Colonel Goodwin, and they left the State on the
13th, 14th, and 15th of June, for Memphis, Tennessee.
On the 18th day of July, President Lincoln called for 500,000
volunteers for one, two, or three years service. The quota of the
State was given as 19,032, This number was to be raised by
voluntary enlistments in any of the old regiments or batteries.
If the quota was not filled by voluntary enlistments, a draft was
ordered to take place on the 5th day of September. The quota
designated, was deemed very excessive in view of the fact that
the State had but just filled its quota under the call for 700,000.
An investigation was made by Adjutant General Gaylord, and it
became apparent that the quota under this call had been based
on an erroneous enrolment, or rather that the enrolment lists
had not been corrected, and the names of men alread}^ furnished
had not been stricken off. Attention thus called to the matter,
resulted in finding also, that the names of aliens and persons
physically disabled, and who had been exempted, were still
retained on these lists. Consequently the lists as reported showed
CORRECTION OF CREDITS. 179
a larger number thuu were actually subject to militaiy duty in
the State. These lists, thus incorrect and unjust, were returned
to the Provost Marshal General at Washington, as the number
of persons subject to military duty, and were made the basis of
the quota which had been assigned as due from the State under
the call of July 18th, 1864.
Adjutant General Gaylord was authorized to proceed to Wasli-
ington and adjust this and other matters which required correc-
tion. On presenting the subject in a proper light the department
conceded the injustice inflicted, and Provost Marshal General
Fry, sent the following order to Assistant Provost Marshal General
Lovell, under date of August 23d, 1864 :
Proceed at once thoroughly to correct the enrolment, striking off all men actually in
the service, at the present time, all who have been drafted and paid commutation or
furnished substitutes, all aliens, non-residents, men wlio are over age and those who
are permanently disabled. Report the total number of the revision tlius made before
the 1st of September, 1864, to this ofQce. The quota of Wisconsin will be reduced accord-
ingly. Give your entire attention to this work and give publicity to these instructions.
Acknowledge receipt by mail.
General Gaylord urged the necessity of a longer time to accom-
plish the work of correcting the lists, but was unable to secure a
modification of the order. By this means he succeeded in hav-
ing the quota reduced to 15,341 — being 3,691 less than the quota
first required.
In the investigation of this matter. General Gaylord discovered
an omission on the part of the War Department, in giving the
State proper credit on the preceding calls, ascertaining that the
excess of 4,352, which was found due the State in the settlement
with the War Department on the 12tli of October, 1863, had not
been credited to the State on the books of the Provost Marshal
General. Under the arrangement of October 12th, 1863, this
credit was apportioned to the several Congressional districts,
according to the excess raised and due to each. Under the mod-
ification of the law by act of Congress of 1864, the draft of 1863,
and the call for volunteers of October 17th, 1863, were merged
in the call of February 1st, for 500,000 men, and the credits by
volunteering since October 17th, 1863, and by draft of jSTovember
1863, were to be brought forward and credited to the sub-districts
under the call of February 1st. On examination of the table of
credits prepared by the War Department, and forwarded to the
180 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
office of tlie Assistant Provost Marshal General of this State, it
was found that this excess of credit due to Congressional districts
in 1863, had been omitted.
On proper showing to the department, General Gaylord
obtained a correction of the omission and the Congressional dis-
tricts were credited with the 4,352, in the following proportion :
First district 270 ; Second district 1,256 ; Third district 987 ;
Fourth district none, there being a deficiency in the district,
Fifth district 493 ; Sixth district 1346— total 4,352. In addition
to this, 216 were allowed to be credited to the several sub-districts
found to be entitled.
The quota of the State under the calls of February 1st, and
March 14th, being declared full by the Secretary of War in June,
the correction of this credit reduced the number to be raised
under the call of July 18th, to less than 11,000.
On the 30th of July, Governor Lewis having been authorized
by the War Department to raise new regiments, ordered the
formation of the Forty-second. Recruits for this regiment were
authorized to enlist for one, two, or three years, and were entitled
to the bounties offered by the United States, of one, two, orthret
hundred dollars, according to their enlistment of one, two, oi
three years, and those having families dependent, would be
entitled to receive the benefit of the " extra pay " of five dollars
per month from the State.
The Forty-second Regiment organized under the superintend-
ence of Colonel Ezra T. Sprague, as Colonel. It was ordered to
rendezvous at Camp Randall, Madison, where it completed its
organization, and left the State on the 22d of September, for
Cairo, Illinois.
The regiments organized in the State after the 18th of July,
were composed mostly of one years men, those enlisted previously
were three years men.
The Fiftli Regiment having failed to organize as a veteran
regiment, all but three companies returned home and were
mustered out. On the 8th of August, Governor Lewis having
authority from the War De]3artment, recommissioned Colonel
Allen and ordered the reorganization of the Fifth. Accord-
ingly seven companies were recruited, and left Camp Randall
DRAFT OF 1864. 181
on the 2d of October, to join the three companies of veterans
who had remained in the fiekL
The Forty-third Reg-iment was authorized to be raised on tiie
10th of August, and Colonel Amasa Cobb was appointed Colo-
neb The companies composing it were ordered to report at
Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, where they completed their
organization and left the State on the 10th of October, for
Tennessee.
On the 14th of September, the Governor received special
authority from the War Department to organize eight compa-
nies to complete the First Regiment of Heavy Artillery, ]le-
cruiting commissions were issued, and in a short period the
companies were filled, and were all en route for the field before
the 12th of JSTovember.
The Forty-fourth Regiment was authorized to be raised on
the 14th of September, and Captain George G. Symes was
appointed Colonel. The Forty-fifth Regiment was authorized
September 17th, and Henry F. Belitz was appointed Colonel.
The companies composing these regiments were ordered to ren-
dezvous at Camp Randall, where they were mustered by com-
panies. It being found impossible to organize full regiments
without delay, and there being an urgent necessity for men in
the field, these two regiments left the State in companies for
Tennessee.
The quota of the State not being filled by volunteering, a draft
took place on the 19th of September, which resulted as follows :
total number subject to draft 94,068, number drafted, 17,534,
mustered in, 2,494, substitutes after draft, 945, discharged after
draft, 6,724, failed to report, 7,367, paid commutation, 4, amount
of commutation, $1,200.
Subsequent to this draft the Government ordered a revision
and further correction of the enrolment lists, and in the month
of November, Governor Lewis issued a j)roclamation calling the
attention of the people to the necessity of affording all possible
aid in having this correction made, in order that the quota of
the State in the next call might be made in proportion to the
number of persons in the State liable to military duty. The
town authorities were requested to cooperate in assisting the
enrolling officers.
182 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
President Lincoln on the 19tli of December, made another call
for 300,000 men for one, two, or three years. His reason for so
doing was, that by the action of Congress, the credits authorized
to be made on the call for 500,000 men in July, had reduced
that call to about 280,000 men ; that from the position of affairs
in some of the border States, their quota could not be filled, and
that only 250,000 men had been raised under the call of July
18th, for the army, navy, and marine corps. In order therefore
to supply this deficiency he had made the additional call for
300,000 men, which if not furnished by volunteering, would be
drafted for on the 15th of February, 1865.
The Governor receiving many requests for the organization of
another regiment of Cavalry, asked authority for so doing from
the War Department. The Secretary of War declined granting
authority for cavalry or artillery, but authorized Governor Lewis
to raise two additional regiments of infantry provided they could
be mustered in by the 15th of February. K not full, at that time,
incomplete regiments and companies were to be consolidated
and mustered in with complete regimental organization.
OHAPTEE YI.
ACTION OF THE STATE AUTHORITIES IN 1865.
Military Officers of the State — Resignation of Quartermaster
General Lund — Legislature Meets — Extracts from Gover-
nor's Message — Laws Passed — Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh
Regiments — Change in Manner of Recruiting — Recruiting
Agents Authorized — Quota under Call of 19th December —
Reduced — Apfortioned to Congressional Districts — Forty-
eighth, Forty-ninth, and Fiftieth Regiments — Draft Ordered
— Fifty-first, Fifty-second, and Fifty-third Regiments — Last
Regiments Raised in the State — Correspondence between
Grant and Lee — Surrender of the Rebel Army — Final Over-
throw of the Rebellion — Recruiting Discontinued — Orders
FOR Mustering Out of Regiments — Biography of Governor
Lewis — Adjutant General Gaylord — Quartermaster General
Lynch.
NO change was made in the military otfices of the State in
1865, except that Brigadier General Lund resigned his posi-
tion as Quartermaster General, and James M. Lynch, Esq., Chief
Clerk in the office of the Adjutant General, was appointed to the
place.
The long and faithful public service of General Lund, entitles
him to more than a mere notice of his retirement. Soon after
the organization of the Quartermaster's Department by Governor
Eandall in 1861, Mr, Lund was called to occupy the position of
Chief Clerk in that Department. His recommendations for
ability and talent as a book-keeper and thorough accountant, and
the reputation he enjoyed as an honest, industrious, reliable man,
were of the highest character, and the manner in "wdiich he con-
ducted the business entrusted to his care while in a, subordinate
position, as well as in the administration of his more responsible
184 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN'.
duties as tlie liead of tlie department to wliicli lie was promoted,
eminently justified tlie action of Governor Salomon, in appoint-
ing him to the position so held by him. No oflicer of the State
discharged his duties with more faithfulness and ability than
General Lund. Under his supervision the accounts of the Quar-
termaster and Commissary Departments, remaining unsettled on
the retirement of his predecessor. General Tredway, were pro-
perly arranged, adjusted, and finally settled. By the laws of
1864, the duties of Commissary General and Chief of Ordnance
were added to his duties, placing him in charge of all the military
property of the State, including the several battle-flags of our
regiments, and such trophies as were received by the State
authorities. In his report of October 1st, 1864, he says :
The few claims against the State conti'acted under the laws of 1861-62, authorizing the
raising and fitting out of volunteers for tlie service of the United States remaining
unsettled at the date of my last annual report have been presented and adjusted. And
I have no knowledge of the existence of any valid claim against the State contracted for
the volunteer service which now remains unsettled. Should such claims exist, they can
only be allowed under future legislation, as the law limiting to two years the time for
presenting such claims would bar all further action by this department in relation to
them. The books connected with this service have therefore been balanced and closed.
Describing the " shot-torn, powder-stained," battle-flags whicli
our soldiers bore so bravely and so well upon the bloody field of
strife and carnage, he says :
■ The Old Flags of our regiments, whenever received, have been found torn and shat-
tered by shot and shell — often, all that remained of them being a few " honorable rags."
They have been put in the best possible condition that could be devised for their
preservation.
These trophies, with those captured from the hands of rebels, attest the daring and
courage of Wisconsin soldiers. Each has its histoi'y, of the patriotic devotion and self-
sacrifice of those who fought and died defending or capturing it, and in returning them
to their State, the heroes of Wisconsin have placed in her keeping, the noblest record
that can exist, of the bravery of her sons. Thousands have visited them during the past
season. This fact alone exhibits the interest attached to them by the people ; and I
txnst a fitting place will soon be provided, where they can be properly preserved.
Speaking of the return of our "Wisconsin regiments on farlough
or for muster out of service, he says :
upon the return to the State of regiments, companies and batteries of Wisconsin
volunteers on veteran furlough, or oil the expiration of their term of service, receptions
and entertainments have been provided for them by this department, (whenever notice
of their coming has been received,) on the order of your Excellency, as authorized under
the provisions of chapter 143, of the laws of 1861. All accounts of expenditures for this
purpose have been certified to the Secretary of State for audit; and in no instance has
that expenditure exceeded the sum authorized under the act. Much credit is due to the
several proprietors of the Railroad Hotel in this city, for the promptness with which
they have at all times furnished ample '?ntertainnients of excellent quality for our •
GOVERNOK lewis' MESSAGE — EXTRACTS. 185
returning troops. It has frequently occurred that commands have arrived during the
Dight ; liaving passed days witliout otlier food lliaii tlie sliglit ration from tlie liavorsaclc,
and tliat supply often exhausted, — when, but for the provision made Vjy tlie 8tate, no
food could have been procured for hours. Under such circumstances, the hot coffee and
bountiful supply of warm meats and vegetables provided, have been most timely. and
acceptable, and the thanks of officers and men have been freely given to the State, for
thus caring for them. I trust this wise provision of the Legislature may be continued
until Wisconsin' s last volunteer shall have returned to his home. Should anything
farther be required, let the appropriation be increased, and the care and honor to be
shown our soldiers correspondingly increased. The debt due for their sacrifices may be
acknowledged,— to discharge it is impossible.
The Legislature of 1865, met at Madison on the 11th of Jan-
uary. Governor Lewis, in his annual Message, speaks of the
military matters of the State, as follows :
To the calls of the Government for troops, no State has responded with greater alacrity
than has Wisconsin. She has sent to the flekl since the commencement of the war,
forty-four regiments of infanti'y, four regiments and one company of cavalry, one regi-
ment of heavy artillery, thirteen batteries of light artillery, and one company of sharp-
shooters, making an aggregate (exclusive of hundred day men,) of seventy-five thousand
one hundred and thirty-three men. To this large number furnished by our young State
should be added the three regiments of one hundred day men, who so nobly responded
to the call at a critical moment, when their services were so much needed, and whose
services were of so much importance to the Government, as to call forth from the
Commander-in-Chief the highest special commendation.
Furtlier provision should be made for keeping and preserving records of the names,
and deeds of valor, of all Wisconsin's sons who have taken i)art in the great national
struggle in which we are now engaged. It is due to them, and to posterity, that such
records should be handed down to future time, and spread before the rising generation
for their emulation.
The debt of gratitude we owe to our soldiers and sailors for their great achievements,
we can never fully repay. To their exertions, under the guidance of an All-wise Provi-
dence, is due the salvation of our country, and to no equal number is greater credit due,
than to the soldiers and sailors of our own State. They have fought in nearly every
action on land and sea, and none have fought better, none have made the last greaf
sacrifice, the sacrifice of life itself, more willingly at their country's call than they. But the
soldiers and sailors of Wisconsin need no eulogy from me ; with their own right arms they
have written their own proud history. Their patriotism, valor, courage and endurance
have never been excelled. Their praises are upon every tongue. As a State, we should
al.so pay sonae further tribute of respect to, and adopt some further measures to perpet-
uate the meniory and example of, the noble heroes from Wisconsin who have fallen in
defense of the liberties of the Nation. A suitable monument should be erected at the
Capital of the State, on which should be inscribed tlieir names. I doubt not their names
are registered in Heaven — let them also be registered on earth. They should ever be
borne in remembrance by those for whom Ihey fought and died. Their families should
also receive our attention. The heroic dead are gone — their orphan children are still
with us. Let us seek them out and cherish them as the children of that State and
country for whose benefit their natural protector offered up his life.
Every effort ha.s been made for the relief of the sick and wounded soldiers, of which
the nature of the case, and the means at my disposal would admit. But so extended has
been the field of military operations, and so numerous and scattered the cases, tluit I
have found it impossible to meet the wants of all as fully as I would wish to have done.
Much has been done by correspondence, in obtaining furloughs, transfers, discharges,
descriptive rolls, and otherwise assisting them. I have personally visited them in Hos-
pitals, so far as time and attention to other duties of my office would permit. I have
also sent agents to them, and through these means many who were lingering in Hos-
pitals, and who could be of no further use to the Government, have been discliarged
and returned to their families. Many others have been provided with comforts, which
186 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
have tended to soften their afflictions and materially aid in their speedy recovery and
return to duty. Great credit is due our citizens generally for their eflforts in behalf of
our sick and wounded soldiers. From nearly every hamlet and village all over the
State, have gone forth comforts for them. To the Ladies' Aid Societies especially is
great credit due for the assistance they have rendered in caring for them and their
families. They have with timely aid alleviated much suffering, and have doubtless
been the means of saving many valuable lives. The thanks of a grateful people, the
gratitude of the brave soldier, the destitute orphan, wife and mother, are their rewards.
Hospitals have been established at Madison, Prairie du Chien and Milwaukee, and
Wisconsin soldiers are enjoying their benefits, so far as I have been able to get them
transferred or ordered to report to these Hospitals. I have urged upon the War Depart-
ment the importance of providing Hospital accommodations, and sending all our sick
and wounded soldiers into our own State, where they might receive the benefits of our
bracing and invigorating atmosphere, and be accessible to their relatives and friends,
whose kind care and attention would aid much in restoring them to health and useful-
ness. The claims of the sick and wounded soldiers should receive careful consideration
at your hands. Ample provisions should be made for their wants, and for the wants of
the families of all Wisconsin soldiers now engaged in this great struggle.
The amount of State indebtedness is two millions and five thousand dollars. With
the exception of one hundred thousand dollars borrowed, and used for the purpose of
erecting the State Capitol, this debt was created for war purposes, and is a legitimate
charge against the General Government. Large amounts advanced by the State for the
purposes above named, have already been repaid. Vouchers for a considerable furthei
amount, are now in the hands of the proper United States auditing officers. Others will
soon be presented, and we confidently hope and expect that the day is not far distant,
when all the money advanced by the State, for war purposes, will be refunded by the
General Government, and the whole debt of the State, except the hundred thousand
dollars used in erecting the State Capitol, liquidated thereby. Authority should bo
given to the State Treasurer to pay off any bonds outstanding against the State, before
maturing, whenever they are presented, and the surplus in the State Treasury will
warrant him in so doing.
We give a summary of tlie laws passed, of a military character.
Chapter 14 authorizing cities, towus, and villages to pay
bounties to volunteers.
Chapter 16 incorporated the Wisconsin Soldiers' Home.
Chapter 28 and 362 amended the act relative " to the com-
mencement and prosecution of civil actions against persons in the
military service of the country."
Chapter 30, authorized the payment of salaries, clerk hire and
expenses of the offices of the Adjutant General and Quartermaster
General from the war fund.
Chapter 74 amended the act authorizing commissioned officers
to take acknowledgment of deeds, affidavits, and depositions.
Chapter 88 amended the act extending the right of suffrage
to soldiers in the field.
Chapter 179 provides for correcting and completing the records
of the Adjutant General's office, relative to the military history
of the individual members of the several military organizations
of this State.
MILITARY LAWS OF 1865. 187
Chapter 266, fixing the salary of the Adjutant General and
Quartermaster General, and their clerks and assistants.
Chapter 301 prohibits volunteer or substitute brokerage.
Chapter 403, supplementary and explanatory of chapter 14, of
this Session, authorizing towns, cities or villages to raise money
to pay bounties to volunteers.
Chapter 416 amended chapter 117, laws of 1864, relating to
the relief of soldiers' families.
Chapter 465 to provide for the establishment of State agencies
for the relief and care of sick, wounded and disabled Wisconsin
soldiers.
Chapter 478 authorized the borrowing of money for a period
not exceeding seven months, to repel invasion, suppress insur-
rection and defend the State in time of war, not exceeding
$850,000.
Joint resolution, No. 2, relative to raising a veteran regiment
for General Hancock's corps.
Joint resolution, No. 3, requesting the Governor to apply to
the President to have the draft postponed until April 1, 1865.
Joint resolution, No. 4, recommending disabled soldiers for
postmasters and other offices.
The committee on State affairs reported a bill appropriating
$2,623 towards completing the "Soldiers' National Cemetery," at
Gettysburg, Pa. This bill was referred to the committee on
claims, but by some inadvertence, it was not reported back for
action in the Assembly.
The Governor, by special order, was authorized to raise two
new regiments. On the 3d and 5th of January, he directed the
immediate organization of the Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh
regiments. Lieutenant Colonel F. S. Lovell, of the Thirty-
third, was appointed Colonel of the Forty-sixth, and Major Geo.
C. Ginty, Colonel of the Forty-seventh Regiment. Both regi-
ments were ordered to Camp Randall. For some reason, the
War Department changed its plan for recruiting these regiments,
and authorized a Second Lieutenant to be mustered, whose duty
it was to recruit the company. It was found to work badly, as it
retarded the organization of tlie company, and almost checked
recruiting. The Legislature and the Governor protested against
this innovation on former usages, and the Governor, on the 9th
188 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of February, received authority to appoint three recruiting
agents for each company.
The quota under the call for 300,000, on the 19th of Decern-
ber, was put at 17,800. This being considered excessive by the
Governor, correspondence ensued between the State and Provost
Marshal General. An examination was made, and the enrolment
lists, which had been in process of correction in ISTovember and
December, were examined, and the reported credits, up to De-
cember 31, were deducted. The result was sent to the Governor
by the hands of Assistant Provost Marshal General Lovell, on
the 23d of January, as follows : — " The revised quota of the State
of "Wisconsin, under call of December 19th, is 12,356."
This quota was apportioned to the several Congressional Dis-
tricts, as follows :— First, 1,740 ; S&cond, 2,291 ; Third, 2,105 ;
Fourth, 1,632; Fifth, 2,127; Sixth, 2,461.
The members of the Legislature, composing the delegation
from the Sixth District, protested against the quota assigned to
their district as being excessive, and that it was occasioned by
the failure to correct the enrolment lists, the district being of that
extent that it was impossible to ascertain the changes necessary
to make such correction. Provost Marshal General Fry declined
to make any change or give any further time for correction, and
the district was thus compelled to submit to the injustice. 'No
district in the State has sent more men to the held, in proportion
to population, than the Sixth, and it was evidently entitled to
have large numbers of names stricken from their enrolment lists,
by reason of many being already in service.
On the 26th and 27th of Januarj^, Governor Lewis ordered
the Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth Regiments to be organized, the
first to rendezvous at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, and the other
at Camp Randall.
On the 17th of February, recruiting being very brisk. Assist-
ant Provost Marshal General Lovell reported to Provost Marshal
General Fry that two or three more regiments might be fur-
nished from Wisconsin, if called for. Accordingly, General Fry
authorized Governor Lewis to organize four more regiments
of infantry, whereupon Llis Excellency immediately directed the
organization of the Fiftieth Regiment, to rendezvous at Camp
Randall.
^^'•■^^v.Sro^.^^ Co.CSICJ^'"'-
^-^
LIEUT. GEN. U- S. G-RANT_
■NGRiSAfED EXPRESSLY FOR CLARKE &. CO. PUBLISHERS.
LAST REGIMENTS ORGANIZED. 189
Salutes were fired at all the camps in the State, by order of
Secretary of "War, on the 22d of rebruary, in honor of the
restoration of the flag on Fort Sumter.
The draft was ordered to take place on the 27tli of March in
all sub-districts as were not making an eflbrt to fill their quota.
A new impetus was thereby given to recruiting, and Governor
Lewis gave directions for the organization of several new regi-
ments. The Fifty-first, Colonel Martin, to rendezvous at Camp
Washburn, the Fifty-second, Colonel "Webb, and the Fifty-third,
Colonel Johnson, both to rendezvous at Camp Randall.
The Forty-sixth, Colonel Lovell, the Forty-seventh, Colonel
Ginty, the Forty-eighth, Colonel Pearsall, the Forty-ninth, Colo-
nel Fallows, and Fiftieth, Colonel Clark, were all filled to the
minimum, and left the State in March.
Before these regiments were full, Congress passed an amend-
ment to the Enrolment Act, which compelled the recruit to be
credited to the place where he was enrolled, thus interfering ma
terially with the filling of quotas of towns. As a consequence,
recruiting fell off, and the organization of the Fifty-first, Fifty-
second and Fifty-third was delayed until indications of the rapid
collapse of the rebellion was manifested by the evacuation of
Petersburg and Richmond. The Fifty-first was filled up by a
company or two of drafted men, and the regiment left the State.
The Fifty-second and Fifty-third were unable to complete their
regimental organizations. Five companies of the Fifty-second
were sent forward to St. Louis, and organized as a battalion,
under Lieutenant Colonel Lewis. Four companies were organ-
ized for the Fifty-third, and mustered in as a battalion, under
Lieutenant Colonel Pugh, and were sent to St. Louis.
These were the last regiments organized in the State.
We cannot close tbe narrative of the action of the State au-
thorities of Wisconsin, in their efforts to aid in the suppression
of the " Great Rebellion," in a more fitting manner, than by
inserting here the special message of Governor Lewis to the
Legislature, with accompanying documents :
Executive Department, Madison, Wis., April 10, 186.5.
To THE Honorable the LEOisiiATtiRE :
Four years ago on the day fixed for adjournment, the .sad news of the fall of Fort Sum-
ter was transmitted to the Legislature. To-day, thank God, and next to Him tlie brave
officers and soldiers of our ai'my and na\Ti I am permitted to transmit to you the official
190 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Intelligence, just received, of the surrender of General Lee and his army — the last prop
of the rebellion. Let us rejoice and thank the Ruler of the Universe for victory, and
" the prospect of an honorable peace.
JAMES T. LEWIS.
The intelligence mentioned in the message was the following
dispatch from Secretary Stanton, dated "Washington, April 9th,
8 o'clock, P. M. :
To Oovernor Lewis :
This Department has just received official report of the surrender, this day, of General
Lee and his army to Lieutenant General Grant on the terms proposed b5' the Lieutenant
General Grant. Details will be given speedily as possible.
(Signed) EDWIN M. STANTON, Seo-etary of War.
The information of the surrender was received from General
Grant, by Secretary Stanton, on the same day, at 4.30 P. M., as
follows :
General Lee surrendered the army of Northern Virginia this afternoon, upon the
terms proposed by myself. The accompanying additional correspondence will sliow the
conditions fully.
U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General.
The following is the additional correspondence between Lieuten-
ant General Grant and General Lee, referred to in the preceding
dispatch to the Secretary of War. In sending the dispatch,
General Grant states that there had been no relaxation of the
pursuit during the negotiation. The first note to General Lee is
dated on the 7th of April :
General R. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. A. :
General: — The result of last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further
resistance on the part of the army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it
is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further
effusion of blood, by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the C. S. A. known
as army of Northern Virginia.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General.
Lieutenant General U. S. Grant : April 7, 1865.
General: — ! have received your note of this date, though not entirely of tlie opinion
you express of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the army of Northern
Virginia. I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and, therefore,
before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of its
surrender.
(Signed) R. E. LEE, General.
General R. E. Lee, Commandinff C. 8. A. : April 8, 1865.
General : — Your note of last evening, in reply to mine of same date, asking conditions
of which I will accept the surrender of the army of Northern Vii-ginia, is just received.
In reply, I would say, that peace being my first desire, there is but one condition I insist
upon, viz. : That the men surrendered shall be disqualified from taking up arms against
the Government of the United States, until properly exchanged. I will meet you, or
GENERAL LEE'S SURRENDER. 191'
designate officers to meet any officers you may name for the same purpose, at any point
agreeable to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terms upon which surrender
of the army of Northern Virginia will be received.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant OcneruL
lAeutencht General U. S. Grant : April 8, 1865.
General : — I received, at a late hour, your note of to-day, in answer to mine of yester-
day. I did not intend to propose the surrender of the army of Northern Virginia, but to
ask the terms of your proposition ; to be frank M'ith you, I do not think the emergency
has arisen to call for the surrender of this army ; but as the restoration of peace should
be the sole object of all, I desire to know whether j'our proposals would tend to that end.
I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to surrender the arnij- of Nortliern Virginia,
but as far as your proposition may afl'ect the C. S. A. forces, under my command, and
tend to the restoration of peace, I should be glad to meet you at 10, A. M., to-morrow, on
tlie old stage road to Richmond, between the picket lines of the two armies.
Very respectfully, &c.,
(Signed) R. E. LEE, General.
General R. E. Lee, Commanding C S. A. : April 9, 186.5.
Your note of yesterday is received. As Ihave no authority to treat on the subject of peace,
the meeting proposed for 10, A. M., to-day, could lead to no good. I ■will state, however,
General, that I am equally anxious for peace with yourself, and the whole North enter-
tain the sanie feelings. The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood by
the South. Laying down their arms, they will hasten that most desirable event, save
thousands of human lives and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed.
Sincerely hoping that all our difficulties may be settled without the loss of another life;
I subscribe myself,
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General.
Lieutenant General U. S. Grant, Commanding U. S. Armies : April 9, lS6o.
General :— I received your note this morning on picket line, whither I had come to
meet you and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in your proposition of
yesterday, with reference to the sun-ender of this army. I now request an interview in
accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yesterday for that purjiose.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) , R. E. LEE, General.
General R. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. A. : April 9, 1S65.
Your note of this day is but this moment (11.50) received, in consequence of my having
passed from the Richmond and Lynchburg to the Farmville and Lynchburg road. I am
at this writing about four miles west of Walters Church, and will push forward to the
front for the purpose of meeting you. Notice sent to me on this road, where you wish
the interview to take place, will meet me.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General.
Appomatox CmjRCH, April 9, 1865.
General R. E. Lee, Commanding C. tS. A.:
In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th instant, I propose to
receive the surrender of the army of Northern Virginia on the following terms, to wit :
Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an
officer designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may
designate, the officers to give their individual parole, not to take up arms against the
Government of the United States, until properly exchanged, and each company or
regimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms,
artillery and public property to be parked and stacked and turned over to officers ap-
pointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side arms of the officers, nor
192 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to
return to their homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority, so long as they
observe their parole and the laws in force where they may reside.
Very respectfully,
(Signed) U. S. GRANT, LieiUenant General.
Headqxjaeteks Army of Northern Virginia, April 9, 1865.
To General U. S. Grant, Commanding U. 8. A. :
General: — ! have received your letter of this date, containing the terms of surrender
of the army of Northern Virginia, as proposed by you. As they are substantially the
same as those expressed in your letter of the 8th instant, they are accepted.
I will proceed to designate the proper officer to carry the stipulations into effect.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) R. E. LEE, General.
War Department, Washington, 9.30, P. M.
To Lieutenant General Grant :
Thanks to Almighty God for the great victory with which He has this day crowned
you and the gallant army under your command. The thanks of this Department and
of the Government and of the people of the United States, their reverence and honor,
have been deserved and will be rendered to you and the brave and gallant officers and
soldiers of your command for all time.
(Signed) E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
War Department, Washington, April 9, 10, P. M.
Ordered, That a salute of 200 guns be fired at the head quarters of every army depart-
ment, and at every post and arsenal in the United States, and at the military academy
at West Point, on the day of the receipt of the order, in commemoration of surrender of
General R. E. Lee and the army of Northern Virginia, to Lieutenant General Grant and
the army under his command. Report of the receipt and execution of this order to be
made to the Adjutant General, Washington.
(Signed) EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War, ■
The surrender of General Lee and liis army was virtually the
close of the war. The surrender of General Johnston and his
army, to General Sherman, followed, as a natural consequence.
Thereafter, the rebel army lost its identity, and such fragmentary
portions of it as were scattered throughout the Southern States,
entered into negotiations with the United States authorities, sur-
rendered and disbanded. The last to do so being the army of
Kirby Smith, in Texas.
On the 13th of April, orders were received by Assistant Pro-
vost Marshal General Lovell to discontinue recruiting, and dis-
charge drafted men who had not been mustered in. About the
1st of May, orders were promulgated for the muster out of all
organizations whose term of service expired on or before the 1st
of October, 1865. Many of our "Wisconsin troops coming under
the operations of this order, they were soon on their way home,
and the action of the State officers has, since the close of the war,
been devoted to the reception of returning regiments, their
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF GOVERNOR LEWIS. 193
payment by the United States, and the settlement with those who
were entitled to the extra pay from the State. The several Dis-
trict Provost Marshals' offices were closed, their husincss having
been wound up. The mustering out of the several regiments
continued during tlie summer, fall and winter, many of them
being sent to the Eio Grande or the Northwestern frontier.
James T. Lewis, eighth Governor of the State of Wisconsin,
was born in Clarendon, Orleans County, New York, on the 30th
of October, 1819. In addition to the ordinary common school
education, he completed a course of English and Classical study
preparatory to entering College. He did not, however, enter
any Collegiate Institution, but proceeded to read law with Gov-
ernor Selden, at Clarkson, Monroe County. lie came to Wis-
consin in July, 1845, w^as admitted to the bar of the Supreme
Court of this State, and opened an office for the practice of his
profession at Columbus, in Columbia County, where he has
since resided.
As a public man he has been elected by his fellow citizens,
to several responsible positions, among them that of District
Attorney, County Judge, member of the Constitutional Conven-
tion, member of Assembly, State Senator, Lieutenant Governor,
and Secretary of State. In July, of 1865, the degree of LL. D.
was conferred upon Governor Lewis, by the Lawrence Univer-
sity at Appleton. Such was his personal popularity, that in 1861,
when he was a candidate for Secretary of State, he received
every vote cast in the town of Columbus, his place of residence,
and in 1863, when a candidate for Governor, he received nearly
25,000 majority, the largest vote ever given in this State to any
person for that office.
In his Inaugural Address, delivered January 4th, 1864, he
indicated the policy which would govern his administration. He
said:
You will doubtless expect of me at this time a brief exposition of the general policy
that will govern my administration.
It has often been remarked, and 1 fear with too much truth, tliat public offlcers are
prone to use their patronage during their first term of office to secure a re-electiou.
Not expecting or desiring again to be a candidate for this or any other public position, I
trust this motive will not influence my action,
13
194 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
In whatever I may do, I shall, with a mind free from party prejudice, endeavor to
consult the best interests of the people regardless of friends or foes, or my own private
interests.
It shall be my aim to inculcate principles of morality, foster benevolent institutions,
observe the closest economy in public expenditures compatible with the public good,
promote the interests of education, agriculture, manufactures, mining, and commerce,
and to aid in developing all those natural resources with which our noble State is so
richly endowed.
Among the important duties devolving upon the Executive at this time, are those
connected with our soldiers in the field. They went forth to flght the battles of the
nation under pledges of support. Good faith, honor, justice, and hunianity require that
these promises should be redeenied by filling up their thinned ranks, caring for their
sick in hospitals, and their families at home. No eflbrt on my part shall be wanting to
redeem these pledges.
Perhaps no more important and trying duties will engage our attention than those
connected with the General Government. A wicked rebellion is now raging in our
midst, threatening the life of the nation. Civil war, the great bane of a free govern-
ment, has been inaugurated with the avowed object of dismembering our gloi-ious
Union. This must never be. This great crime against man and sin against God, must
not be permitted. No, let us rather "strike till the last armed foe expires."
We must pay the debt of allegiance we owe to the General Government. "We must
support and sustain it in this hour of its peril. To this end I shall co-operate with the
officers of the General Government in those measures deemed necessary for its safety.
The pledges tlius enunciated, Governor Lewis has ably carried
out.
The messages of Governor Lewis to the Legislature have been
characterized by their genuine patriotism, their zealous support
of the national cause, their practical suggestions in regard to
State affairs, and their clear statements of the State finances as
well as resources.
In his first annual message, he calls attention to the necessity
of a more perfect military organization, and points out some of
the vital defects of the militia law passed at the previous session.
His remarks on what Wisconsin had done, and ought to do, in
the national struggle, are to be found in the preceding pages.
The necessity of having a school in the State where military
instruction could be obtained, induced the Governor to suggest
the propriety of incorporating into the organic act establishing
the State Agricultural College, a provision that the rudiments
of military science should be included in its course of study.
Speaking of national affairs, he says :
In commenting, as we have, thus far, upon subjects more immediately connected
with our State affairs, we are not unmindful that we owe allegiance to the General
Government, and have duties to perform in connection therewith.
Notwithstanding peace and plenty reign within the borders of our State, we cannot
lose sight of the fact that the nation is engaged in war — a war of great magnitude and
importance ; of immense importance to us as a State ; of immense importance to the
world.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF GOVERNOR LEWIS. 195
The interests, the hopes and fears of millions now hant; tremblinfj; in the balance, anil
the position of our State may turn tlie scale. How important that we cxantinc carefully
the ground on which we stand, and that we are found arrayed upon the side of justice
and humanity,
Wisconsin is now standing side by side with all the Free States in support of the Gen-
eral Government; in support of law and order; in support of freedom. The important
question which presents itself to our mind is, are we right in our position? If we are,
it is our duty to go forward, press on the war with renewed energy until victory and
peace shall crown our efforts. If wrong, our first duty should be to place ourselves in
a true and correct position. In judging of this matter, we may very properly ask our-
selves the question, are our minds free frona prejudice and passion? It is natural tii;it
the monarchs of the old world, as well as the aristocrats upon our own soil, im-
pressed with the dangers that threaten their tenure of place and power from the spreswl
of our free principles, should desire the downfall of this Government, and to accomplish
this end should counsel the withdrawal of our armies, and the final separation of these
States. There may be those, also, in our midst wliose narrow prejudices, whose love of
gain or fear of personal harm, will induce them to withhold support from the Adminis-
tration, favor the withdrawal of our troops, and the consequent destruction of the
Government. Our faith, however, in the integrity and loyalty of our people, is too
strong to permit us to believe there are many of this class of persons in our State. It is
true some within our borders may have arrayed themselves against the Government,
but we have the charity to believe that most of them were but temporarily misled, and
that they will, when their eyes are opened to their true position, place themselves on
the side of law and order. The large numbers wdio have gone foith to battle, the voice
of the people of this State heard in the late election, afford incontestible proof, that witii
the great majority of our people, patriotism rises above prejudice and passion; that rhe
hearts of the people are rightly attuned to the music of the Union.
If our fathers were patriots in establishing this government, we certainly cannot be
far wrong in maintaining it. Believing then, as we since relj^ do, that the government
is in the right, that it is lighting in a holy and just cause, that duty demands of us action
and sacrifice in its behalf, that etTorts to patch up a temporary peace to obtain it by
concessions to traitors, are not only dislionorable, but tend to protract the war and
make it more expensive and dangerous — we hope to see Wisconsin unite all her ener-
gies, without distinction of party or sect, in prosecuting the war with the utmost
vigor. Let us sustain the govei'nment and prosecute tlie war with a will and determin-
ation that shall carry the conviction to the minds of traitors, that obedience to the
legally constituted authorities is the only course left to them ; that our Government
must be respected. The Union must stand, and we shall soon see the principles of Ijt)-
erty and equality re-established in every part of our National domain, firm as the rv.'.k
Of ages, there to stand a blessing to the world, an enduring monument of the fidelity
and patriotism of those noble men of the Revolution wlio founded, and the noble
patriots who now defend it.
In his second message, speaking of the diiferent funds phxced
under his control, Governor Lewis stated that the Military Con-
tingent Fund, of three thousand dollars, appropriated by the
Legislature of 1863, and for the expenditure of which the Exe-
cutive was required to report to the Legislature, had not been
expended, for the reason that no necessity had arisen for its use,
and that the money remained in the Treasury, unexpended, ex-
cept so much as was drawn by liis predecessor. Of the Conting-
ent Fund, for the payment of the contingent expenses of the
Executive office, but a small proportion had been used, and that
the sum now in the Treasury would render any further
appropriation unnecessary at the present time.
196 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Tliat portion of Governor Lewis' second message as treats of
the military affairs of tlie State will be found under the head of
the action of the State authorities in 1865.
In eubmitting to the Legislature of 1865, the proposed consti-
tutional amendment abolishing slavery in the United States, the
Governor in his special message says :
I have the honor herewith to lay before you a copy of a joint resolution of Congress,
approved February 1st, I860, passed pursuant to said article V, proposing to the Legisla-
tures of the several States, an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, to be
designated as article thirteen of the said constitution, and to req^uest your decision on
said proposed amendment.
Seldom has there been presented to any legislative body a more important question,
or one in which the people of the United States feel a deeper interest, than is presented
by this resolution.
Though the last few months have been crowded with important events, important
victories causing the people to shout for joy, yet the announcement of no event, lias
sent a deeper thrill of joy to loyal hearts than will the announcement of the adoption
of this amendment.
Upon its adoption hangs the destiny of nearly four millions of human beings, and it
may be the destiny of the nation. I trust, and doubt not, the Legislature of Wisconsin
will record its decision firmly, and I liope unanimously in favor of the amendment.
Let us wipe from our escutcheon the foul blot of human slavery, and show by our
action that we are worthy the name of freeman.
May God in His providence grant that this contemplated amendment of the funda-
mental law of our land may be adopted by every State in our Union, that it may nerve
the arms of our patriotic soldiers to strike still harder blows for liberty, and that it may
redound to the glory of our beloved country.
The Governor also called the attention of the Legislature to
the subject of establishing permanent hospitals or retreats to
become the homes of disabled soldiers, and issued a proclama-
tion to the people recommending liberal contributions in aid of
the proposed " Wisconsin Soldiers' Home." '
We have endeavored to give, in detail, in the preceding pages,
the action of Governor Lewis in the organization of regiments, in
response to calls pending when he assumed the office of Gover-
nor, as well as under calls made during his administration. Li
the year 1864, four calls were made, amounting in the aggregate
to 1,500,000 men.
The State quotas under these various calls were organized under
the direction of Governor Lewis, into thirteen regiments of
infantry, besides two regiments of which only one battalion each
was sent to the field ; the AYar Department deeming the war
virtually closed before these regiments could be fully organized,
ordered a discontinuance of the recruiting service, and the dis-
charge of such recruits as had not been mustered into the United
States service.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OV GOVERNOR LEWIS 197
In 1864, Governor Lewis, aetiii<^ in concert with other Western
Governors, tendered to the President 5,000 infantry troops from tiie
State of Wisconsin to serve one hnndred days, in ])erforniino- guard
and garrison duty, in order to relieve the vetei-an regiments and
permit their aiding Generals Grant and Sherman in tlieir expe-
ditions wliich were destined to be the crowning acts of tlie war.
The proposition was accepted, and the Governor was successful
in organizing the Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, and Forty -first regiments
as one hundred day men. The operations of these regiments will
be found in the regimental records.
Under Governor Lewis' direction, eight companies of Heavy
Artillery were organized, completing the First Regiment of
Heavy Artillery. Three companies of colored troops were also
recruited for Colonel Bross's Twenty-ninth United States colored
troops.
The total number of troops raised during the term of Governor
Lewis up to April 30th, 1865, amounted to 38,618 men. This
includes volunteers for new regiments and batteries, recruits for
old organizations, veteran reenlistments, drafted men and the
one hundred day troops.
Governor Lewis is entitled to special credit for the manner in
which he has watched over and protected the interests t)f the
soldiers, personally visiting them in the field, inspecting their
proficiency in the usual duties of the soldier, and encouraging
them by generous words and deeds in their patriotic efforts to
sustain the National cause. Attending to their physical welfare,
he has visited the General Hospitals both at the East and West,
and also made a tour of inspection of the hospitals from Wash-
ington by the w^ay of Fortress Monroe, j^orfolk, Richmond,
Mobile, and New Orleans, returning up the Mississippi, visiting
the hospitals at the diflerent points on the route. Before leav-
ing Washington, he secured an order from the Surgeon General
of the United States for the transfer of all Wisconsin soldiers
to hospitals in our own State. In this round trip he visited the
sick and secured under the Surgeon General's order, their imme-
diate transfer, and also transmitted copies of the special order of
Surgeon General Barnes, to the Medical Directors of such dis-
tricts as be was unable to visit, with a request that the same
should be immediately complied with. He also secured the
198 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
establishment of United States Hospitals at Prairie du Cbien and
Milwaukee.
At all times tlie soldier and the friends of the soldier have had
access to the Executive attention, and every eflbrt made to assist
them if possible. Communications from the soldiers, their fami-
lies or friends, have been speedily attended to. All business con-
nected with the several departments of the army has been
vigorously prosecuted, and in every way has the Governor
endeavored to do his full duty to the brave representatives of the
State, in the great contest just closed.
The business between the State and the War Department, and
its auxiliary bureau under the charge of the Provost Marshal
General, has been promptly attended to, and the interests of the
State watched with jealous care, while at the same time the
General Government was accorded the fullest confidence and
support. Credits were adjusted and quotas reduced, and the
burdens of the people lightened, as much as possible, from the
exactions of the draft, or the requirements of the General
Government.
Under the supervision of Governor Lewis, the claims of the
State against the United States, have been prosecuted success-
fully, -and about half a million of dollars was collected during
his administration, one item alone of $300,000 being allowed.
The famous five per cent, claim, which has been in abeyance
for twenty- two years or more, has been finally settled under
his supervision, and the amount of nearly $300,000 added to the
resources of the State.
The duties of a civil character pertaining to the Executive
office, have been carried forward with the same degree of ability,
and with a view to the greatest economy compatible with a
suitable execution of the work to be performed.
In the selection of his subordinates, the Governor was exceed-
ingly fortunate in securing able, industrious, and efficient helpers.
Colonel Frank H. Firmin, his Private and Military Secretary,
has been indefatigable in the performance of the duties of his
office. Prompt, pleasant and obliging, he has secured the respect
and friendship of those who have had business with him. The
arduous duties of this position can be understood only by those
who have had opportunity to see the amount of correspondence
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF GOVERNOE, LEWIS. 199
which is daily received at tlie Executive office, all of which it is
necessary to answer without delay, as an accumulation would
produce incouceivahle confusion and annoyance, besides often
occasioning hardships. During the continuance of the war, the
office of Military Secretary has been one of great labor, requiring
a remarkable degree of industry and endurance to perform its
duties. Both Colonel Firmin and his predecessor, Colonel
"Watson, have filled the position with marked credit to themselves.
In closing our sketch of the Gubernatorial career of Governor
Lewis, we cannot do better than insert the resolution unanimously
passed at the Union State Convention in September, 1865. In
March 1865, Governor Lewis published a letter declining to be a
candidate for reelection, in which he said :
Wliile there are so many good and true men who are not only willing but desirous to
serve the people in this, as well as In other public stations, I cannot feel it a duty again
to enter the political field, and when I consult my own happiness, the pleasure of a ciuiet
home far outweighs that of a public station.
I may be permitted further to say, that this decision has not been made hastily, as it
■will be remembered that on assuming the duties of my present position, I publicly
stated that I did not desire again to be a candidate.
The resolution which was unanimously adopted by the Union
State Convention is as follows :
Resolved, That by his continued adherence to the pui-pose publicly avowed by him on
the day of his inauguration not to be a canditate for re-election, there is left to us no
other mode of manifesting our sentiment towards the present Chief Magistrate of the
State, Honorable James T. Lewis, than by giving expression to our cordial approbation
of his administration of the Executive office. In the discharge of his official duties he
has shown a fidelity, zeal, economy and untiring watchfulness in protecting tlie inter-
ests of the State which are recognized and appreciated by an intelligent people, and in
the voluntary retirement from public life which he seeks, he will be followed by their
sincere respect and warm good wislies. By his unremitting efforts to aid and cheer our
brave soldiers in the field. By his tender care for the sick in hospitals, and his Icind
deeds to their families at home. By his careful attention to the financial affiiirs of the
State, and his judicious expenditure of funds appropriated for his use. By his steadfast
devotion to all the varied interests of the State of which he has been the Chief Execu-
tive, and above all by his hearty and unwavering support of the National administra-
tion in its efforts to put down the rebellion. Governor Lewis has won for himself the
esteem of all good citizens who know and appreciate his services as a public ofiicer, and
has merited the commendation of the people—" well done good and faithful servant."
There is another official, whose labors during the war have
been such as to entitle him to notice in the record of the mili-
tary operations of the State. We allude to Adjutant General
Gaylord.
200 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Brigadier General Augustus Gaylord, Adjutant General of the
State, was born in the town of Torriugton, Litchfield County,
Connecticut, in the year 1826. In 1846, he went to 'New York
as a clerk for a Connecticut manufacturing establishment, in
which he subsequently had an interest. In 1853, he became
engaged in business as a broker. A bronchial difficulty which
threatened serious results, compelled a change of climate, and in
1857, he removed to Wisconsin, and located at St. Croix Falls,
in Polk County, where he opened a store and exchange ofiice.
He was elected County Treasurer in 1859.
On the breaking out of the rebellion. General Gaylord came
to Madison and held a position as confidential clerk under Hon-
orable Louis P. Harvey, then Secretary of State, up to the time
of his inauguration as Governor, and was by Governor Harvey,
appointed Adjutant General, on the 7th of January, 1862. On
the death of Governor Harvey, General Gaylord tendered his
resignation to his successor, Governor Salomon. The resignation
was not accepted, and he was retained in his j)Osition.
From the beginning of the rebellion the duties of the Adju-
tant General's office have been extremely arduous, requiring a
large amount of labor, and constant supervision and attention.
In 1861, the State authorities had the control of recruiting,
subsisting, and supplying the troops of the State, and the several
departments were organized fully and efficiently. The labors
performed by the several military departments during that year
were very great, increasing with the increased number of regi-
ments raised, until the Adjutant General's office at the end of
the year had become one of the most important in the State.
The General Government assuraino; the control of the recruitino;
service, at the beginning of the year 1862, relieved the Quarter-
master, Commissary, and Pay departments of the State, and
changed, in some of its features, the business of the Adjutant
General's office, without occasioning any decrease in the amount
of labor to be performed.
In addition to the usual duties of an Adjutant General, consist-
ing of the promulgation of the orders of the Commander-in-Chief,
and proper attention to their being carried out, the making up,
signing, registering and transmission of military commissions,
and the usual correspondence incident to the office, was added
ADJUTANT GENERAL GAYLORD. 201
many special duties, growing out of the exigencies and necessi-
ties of the war. An enumeration of some of these will show
that the Adjutant General's office has been no sinecure during
the rebellion, and that the head of the bureau is entitled to much
credit for the amount of labor performed, and the manner in
which it has been accomplished.
In 1861, a system of issuing passes to soldiers in camp to
enable them, while on furlough, to visit their friends, was inaug-
urated. Although very convenient to the soldiers, it devolved
a large amount of labor upon the Adjutant General's Depart-
ment, outside of its regular duties. Tickets were issued to the
soldier by the Adjutant General, and the amount charged on
the muster rolls, to be deducted on pay day. As long as the
State Paymaster paid the troops, but little trouble was experi-
enced with this system. But when, at the latter end of the year,
the United States assumed the payment of our troops, difficulties
arose, and the pass system was suspended.
On Governor Harvey's taking the Gubernatorial Chair, Adju-
tant General Gaylordwas directed by him to make arrangements
with the railroad officers at points where the regiments were
encamped, for the transportation of the men having furloughs,
in some w^ay, so that the State would not be liable. Accord-
ingly, arrangements were made with the Milwaukee & Mississippi,
the La Crosse & Milwaukee, and the Chicago & IsTorthwestern
Railroads, whereby passes were to be issued by the Adjutant
General, and countersigned by an officer of the regiment. Ac-
counts for transportation were to be made monthly, giving the
name of the volunteer and the route traveled. The Adjutant
General was to use proper diligence to secure the amount due
from each volunteer, by stoppage on the pay roll, and to pay
over the amount thus collected to the several roads. This extra
duty involved a large amount of labor, in the collection and
settlement.
By the law of the Extra Session of 1861, five dollars per
month was allowed the families of volunteers. In order to
enable the Secretary of State to audit these claims with safety,
the regimental officers or commanders of batteries were required
to report to the Adjutant General, monthly, the names of all non-
commissioned officers, musicians or privates who had died,
202 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
deserted, been made prisoners by the enemy or honorably dis-
charged, or dishonorably dismissed from the service since their
last report, with the respective dates of such deaths, desertions,
discharges or dismissals, a copy of which report was to be forth-
with transmitted by the Adjutant General to the Secretary of
State. In order to secure these reports in proper shape, blanks
were prepared and furnished to each organization, which, on
their return, were examined and copied, involving much care
and labor.
Under the calls of 1862, Governor Salomon organized fourteen
regiments of infantry, besides large reinforcements sent to regi-
ments in the field, all three years men. "While these regiments
were in progress, requiring the issue of large numbers of recruit-
ing appointments and subsequent commissions, with examina-
tions of accounts for subsistence and transportation of recruits
and companies, orders came for an enrolment of the able-bodied
men of the State, preparatory to a draft. The General Govern-
ment required this draft to be made by the Governors of the
loyal States. This duty involved the labor of causing an enrol-
ment to be made — a deduction for exemptions — compilations
from the muster rolls of the volunteers previously enlisted, to
enable localities to receive appropriate credits — computation of
quotas — preparation of lists of draft commissioners and examin-
ing surgeons, and instructions — all of which were necessary
before the draft could be made. And after the draft was made,
the transportation to rendezvous, subsistence and care of drafted
men was performed through the office of the Adjutant General,
making the labors, from the nature of the case, extremely
perplexing and arduous.
Under the provisions of the " Militia Law," of 1863, the duty
of organizing the State militia devolved upon the Governor.
The enrolment by the sherifis, of 1862, was adopted, and four
regiments and a battalion of infantry, and two batteries for
service in the State, were organized.
During the greater part of the year 1863, the transportation
of recruits, from their homes to the designated rendezvous, was
furnished through the Adjutant General's office.
Upon the United States taking the entire charge of the re-
cruiting business, under the provisions of the "Conscript Law,"
ADJUTANT GENERAL GAYLORD. 203
it became necessary to efiect a settlement "witli the General Gov-
ernment, for all credits due for troops furnished under previous
arrangements. This was made, and showed a net excess of
4,352, three years men. In order to efiect this settlement, a
complete overhauling of all the rolls in the office was necessary,
requiring a large amount of labor in the research.
The draft of 1863 was under the supervision of the General
Government, and the quotas were assigned by the Provost Mar-
shal General, only to Congressional Districts. In order to enable
the people of each locality to ascertain its exact indebtedness,
the quotas were computed in this office, on the basis of the
United States enrolment, and published for the information of
the public in General Orders, No. 21, dated November 23, 1863.
In the latter part of 1863, an order from the Provost Marshal
General authorized credits to the several towns and wards for
such volunteers as were mustered into the United States service.
In the beginning of 1864, in order to satisfy the public demand
for information as to the men credited in the different localities
throughout the State, books were opened in the Adjutant Gene-
ral's office, in which were entered to the credit of the appropri-
ate towns and wards the name, regiment and date of muster of every
volunteer credited to such locality. It is worthy of notice here
that this information could not be obtained under the system of
records kept b}^ the Provost Marshal General's Department—
the United States giving such credit only in numbers. A great
amount of labor was required in reconciling conflicting claims
for credit, not only of ]iew recruits but of veteran reenlistmenta
— the names of these men being taken from the reenlistment
rolls, and appropriately recorded to the credit of the proper
locality — and a condensed statement or summary of such credits
prepared and forwarded to the War Department. This state-
ment was made official authority by order of the Department,
and Provost Marshals throughout the State were directed to
credit localities accordingly.
Early in the year 1864, four regiments of infantry, and several
companies of artillery were organized — large numbers of re-
cruits for old regiments vrere sent forward, filling up those regi-
ments to a maximum, and, in April, three regiments of 100 day
men were authorized, recruiting commissions were issued,
204 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
companies organized and consolidated, officers commissioned,
and tlie regiments sent forward.
Under the call of July 18, 1864, for 600,000 volunteers, the
quota of Wisconsin was fixed at such figures as to puzzle the
calculations of able arithmeticians to find out upon what prin-
ciple it was based. Adjutant General Gaylord set to work, and
ascertained that the State had not received the benefit of the
enlistments under prior calls, by having the names of the volun-
teers and drafted men, already sent to the field, stricken from
the enrolment lists, leaving those lists as originally made, on
which the quota of the State was computed at Washington. It
was also found that a credit of 4,352, originally allowed in the
settlement of credits, October 12, 1863, had not been given. By-
direction of the Governor, Adjutant General Gaylord visited
Washington, and presented these matters to the War Depart-
ment, in person, and asked that a correction be made upon a
proper explanation, and the presentation of the necessary proofs,
which received the prompt and favorable consideration of the
Department. The claim of the State for credit was conceded,
and the correction of the enrolment was directed to be made by
the Provost Marshal General. By this correction, a reduction
of 3,691 was made in the quota, and a credit of 4,568 was ob-
tained, reducing the number to be raised, under the call of July
18, 1864, to 10,773.
In the fall and winter of 1864-5, thirteen regiments of infantry
were organized, involving the usual amount of recruiting
commissions, officers' commissions, &c.
By an act of the Legislature, of 1865, it was made incumbent
on the Adjutant General to procure a complete history of every
man mustered into the United States service in this State, in
such form as to make them part of the records of his office, and
thus give them a place in the archives of the State. Blank
books were prepared, which were furnished to the command-
ers of companies on the muster out of their commands, who
were required to give the history of every man mustered into
their companies while in the United States service. This record
will prove of great value in the future.
The war being closed, the muster-out rolls, and regimental and
company books and papers, were placed in the custody of the
AEJUTANT GENEEAL GAYLORD. 205
Adjutant General, and the completion of the final records, and
supplying deficiencies in the records of the earlier regiments,
added to the labors of the office.
During the whole time, the permanent records of the office
have been kept up. Making out and recording of commissions,
recruiting appointments, resignations and discharges, furnishing
monthly to the Secretary of State a complete abstract of the regi-
mental returns, upon which to base the auditing of claims against
the State for the State aid to the families of the soldiers, corres-
pondence, and the preparation of annual reports, have formed,
the regular duties of the office since its first organization.
The preparation of the annual reports of the office has involved
a great amount of labor and research, and we venture to say that
no State in the Union can show a better arranged record of its
military operations, or a better prepared roster of its regimental
or line officers, than that sent out from the office of Adjutant
General Gay lord. We know, personally, of the many difficulties
in the way of the preparation of such a work. Scattered, as our
regiments were, from one end of rebeldom to the other, many of
them furnishing very meagre reports, and some of them none at
all, we think much credit is deserved for the ability and labor
displayed in the preparation of these annual reports, which was
under the charge of James M. L3'-nch, Esq., Chief Clerk.
In season, and out of season. General Gaylord has attended
faithfully to the duties of his position, having been very seldom
away from his post. He has managed, with preeminent ability,
all the vexatious questions brought before him. Always gentle-
manly and courteous, he has won hosts of friends among those
with whom he has come in contact. In General Gaylord, the
" boys in blue " have always had one of their best friends, and
the State w^ill find that in the performance of the duties of
Adjutant General, no better man could have been found.
In the performance of the clerical labors of his office. General
Gaylord has had the assistance of Colonel ISTye S. Gibbs, As8isi>
ant Adjutant General, and James M. Lynch, Esq., Chief Clerk,
now Quartermaster General. Colonel Gibbs has been employed
in the Adjutant General's Office since the summer of 1861, and
has filled the several posts which he has occupied with marked
206 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
ability. In the absence of Adjutant General Gaylord, the office
has been under his charge.
The employees in the Adjutant General's office, during the
war, have been occupied not only during the usual business hours,
but often, when the pressure of business required it, have extended
their labors, for days and weeks, late into the night, in order to
accomplish work which the exigencies of the times required
should be promptly performed. A more faithful and industri-
ous corps of clerks cannot be found than those who have labored
in the military department of the State during the war.
Brigadier General James M. Lynch, Quartermaster and Com-
missary General, and Chief of Ordnance of "Wisconsin, was born
in the city of J^ew York, September 28th, 1832. His parents
removed with their family to Wisconsin in 1842, and settled on
a farm in Kenosha County. In 1845, the subject of this sketch,
was attacked by disease, from which he has never fully recov-
ered, being crippled for life, and necessitating the use of crutches.
From the fall of 1851, until the spring of 1853, he was a teacher
in the public schools, first in the country and subsequently in
the cjty of Kenosha, during which time he devoted his leisure
hours to the acquisition of the higher branches of education.
In May 1858, he became engaged in the business of bookselling,
which he discontinued in the summer of 1859. He engaged in
other pursuits until February 1862, when he received an appoint-
ment as clerk in the office of Adjutant General Gaylord, which
position he occupied until his appointment to the office of Quar-
termaster General, which, requiring only a portion of his time, he
retained his desk in the Adjutant General's office. He was
appointed Quartermaster General at the beginning of the year
1865, and has performed the duties pertaining to his position
with perfect satisfaction. General Lynch is a person of fine
abilities, which he has taken every opportunity to improve. He
has been engaged in the office of Adjutant General Gaylord, as
Chief clerk, for nearly four years, during the time performing a
laro-e amount of clerical labor. In executing the multifiirious
duties which have been imposed upon the Adjutant General's
QUARTERMASTER GENERAL LYNCH. 207
office during that period of time, Mr. Lyncli lias exhibited great
skill and ability. The gathering of the material for the reports
of the Adjutant General, was entrusted to Mr. Lyncli, and the
manner in which that labor was performed, indicates a degree of
patience, industry, and research on his part, which entitles him
to much credit. We speak intelligently on this point, having
had occasion in the preparation of this work, to pursue much the
same course in the collection and preparation of our historical
material of the different regiments, and find an immense amount
of labor and patience involved in the vmdertaking. The very
complete regimental roster prepared for the report of 1864, is
the result of the labors of Mr. Lynch, as are also the various
tables in that and preceding volumes. Of a gentlemanly quiet
disposition. General Lynch has secured a large circle of friends,
who esteem him highly for the many good qualities he possesses,
and who look with gratification upon his promotion to a position
of responsibility and trust.
CHAPTEE YII.
SANITARY OPERATK/nS OF THE STATE.
Surgeon General's Department — His Duties — Expedition to
Pittsburg Landing — Second Expedition — Expedition ■<?o Per-
ry ville Battle-field — To Murfreesboro — Visit to Vuksburg
— To Washington Hospitals — Expedition to Chicamauga Bat-
tle-field— Visit to Army op Potomac — Visit op GrOVERNoa
Lewis and Surgeon General Wolcott to Hospitals for Transfer
of Sick and Wounded — United States Hospitals in Wisconsin
— Sanitary Agents — Soldiers' Aid Societies — Wisconsin Sol-
diers' Home — Soldiers' Orphans Home — Bureau of Employment.
I!N" contributions to the several National Sanitary organizations
our State has not been parsimonious, as we think the records of
those societies will show that Wisconsin stands equal with tho
best in its liberal support of the objects of the United States
Sanitary Commission, Christian Commission, and kindred
undertakings.
Foremost among the Sanitary operations of the State, was the
organization of the Surgeon General's Department. Dr. E. B.
Wolcott, of Milwaukee, as Surgeon G-eneral, was the first appoint-
ment made by Governor Randall, on his Staff, only a day or two
after the issue of his Proclamation calling for a regiment of
militia. General Wolcott is an old settler in Wisconsin, having
been stationed at some of the military posts in this region long
before Wisconsin was thought of as a Territory. He was for
some years a Surgeon in the United States army. The experi-
ence and skill acquired by him in that position, combined with
his well known character as a man of integrity and judgment,
prompted Governor Randall, as the first move in organizing our
regiments, to select him to fill the very responsible position of
SURGEON general's OFFICE. 209
Surgeon General of the State. In this the Governor evinced the
principle, which he followed out in other departments, that the
troops which he should send to the field from Wisconsin, should
be made as efficient as possible before they left the State, not only
in outfits of clothiug, camp equipage, and if possible, arms and
accoutrements, but in that important particular of a complete
and adequate supply of medicine and instruments, as well as an
efficient medical staff.
The results of four years of war, have shown that Governor
Kandall's judgment and decision, on this particular point, was
sound and eminently just.
\Ye cannot better define the duties of the Surgeon General's
oflBice, than by inserting a portion of Dr. Wolcott's report to
Governor Salomon in 1863. He says :
Without adequate conception of the maguUude ol the worK entered upon, being
entirely without precedent — tlie office of Surgeon General heretofore ha\'ing been
purely complimentary — the medical department was not organized as it would have
been, had prescience been among our prominent qualifications ; therefoi"e, tlie course
pursued has been developed by exigencies as they have arisen, rather than by any
predetermined system.
In tlie organization of regiments under the existing laws of the State, the command-
ants were authorized to appoint tlieir ownstalT. To tliis there could be no objection;
for as in the case of the Surgeon General, it was a mere nominal matter, involving
neither duty nor responsibility ; but under existing circumstances, it became a matter
of grave importance that the appointee should possess those qualifications, both
acquired and natural, that are essential to the practical surgeon and physician. The
right of granting commissions, belonged to the Governor, and it tlierefore became both
his province and duty to ascertain tlirough some channel, tlie professional character
and standing, and tlieir adaptation to active duties in the fleld, of the applicants for
positions in the medical staff of tlie regiments.
In the absence of an examining board, it was made the duty of the Surgeon General to
inquire into and report upon the qualifications of Piiysicians seelcing appointments —
an endorsement from this source being in most instances necessary thereto. Tlie physi-
cal condition, professional education, cliaracter, and habits generally, were all legiti-
mate subjects of inquiry. A personal and intimate acquaintance witli many, left no doubt
as to their qualifications, but in a majority of cases tliey were compai-atively or totally
strangers. In such cases, through correspondence with the most reliable parties, no
pains have been spared to learn tlie true position, character and professional standing of
the applicant at home, in his place of liusiness. After obtaining satisfactory reports from
such sources, a personal interview and such examination as was deemed necessary follow-
ed. Ifsatisfactory, a recommendation for theposition,eitlicr of Surgeon or Assistant was
granted. A diploma, or, in its absence, satisfactory evidence of his being a graduate of
some regular medical college authorized to grant degrees in medicine, has, with few
exceptions, been insisted upon. A diploma proves that tlie individual possessing it has
had the advantages, according to the school, of acquiring a professional education, that
is, of learning those things essential to be known before entering upon practice. It is
the foundation to build upon. If possessed of the essential natural parts, a fair super-
structure, after years of labor, may be reared thereon — but without it, neither time nor
labor will avail, and the superstructure will turn out, instead of a castle, a shanty. Ab-
solute qualification for the responsible duties of the position, is what I have endoavore<l
to secure. All will admit the indispensable necessity of a thorough medical education,
but no one will concede the fact that all tlioroughly educated medical men are adapted
14
210 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
to the arduous duties of the military surgeon. After all there is no denying the fact
that, neitlier in civil nor military practice, in either surgery or medicine, any more than
in other avocations of life, is scholarship the measure of practical ability.
I have been lead to the foregoing remarks from the fact, that on my recommendation,
in a few instances, gentlemen have received appointments who have not obtained a de-
gree in medicine — notwithstanding which, I have the most positive assurance that they
have acquitted themselves most creditably.
This has proved a delicate, laborious and responsible duty — that errors have been
committed is very probable. In this connection I have qnly to say, that a conscientious
regard for botli individuals and the public service, has in all cases, guided my decisions.
The true test of qualifications, is in the discharge of the dutiestof the position. It is
here that on more occasions than one, I have had good reasons fbr feeling proud of our
Wisconsin Surgeons, who on the battle-fleld and subsequent thereto, have occuiDied an
enviable position, among the most prominent, in these trying times.
In my first interview with Ex-Governor Randall, after assuming the duties of this
office, the question arose, whetlier one Surgeon and one Assistant, or two Medical Officei-s,
were sufficient to secure the necessary medical and surgical treatment that a regiment
of men, consisting of about one thousand, would require when ii? active service in the
field? In view of disabilities, incident as well to surgeons as soldiers, from accidents,
disease, etc., from- the exposure and hardships inseparable from camp life, involving a
radical change in all the habits, greatly increasing the liability to numerous forms of
disease — not to mention those plagues of armies, diarrhoea, dysentery, and the whole
family of fevers, assuming not unfrequently, a low or typhoid grade of frightful mor-
tality ; and measles, much worse to be dreaded, since the introduction of vaccination,
than small pox — there was not a doubt on my mind that the prescribed number was in-
sufficient, and an additional Assistant Surgeon was recommended. This resulted in the
appointment of a State Assistant to each of our regiments — rank, pay, emoluments,
etc., same as in the United States service, but paid by the State. The fact that the
United States has made the same addition to tlie regular army and mustered our State
Assistants into the service, is conclusive as to its propriety and necessity, and should
secure, in a final settlement with the General Government, a reimbursement of all sums
paid by the State to such Assistants, prior to their being mustered into the United States
service.
Three months' supply, according to the standard supply table for field service (Revised
Regulations,) of medicines, instruments, books, hospital stores, bedding, furniture, and
dressings, was furnished each of our Wisconsin regimente before leaving the State, at
the State expense. This practice resulted from the apprelrension that the vast augmen-
tation of the army would impose such accumulation of dulses on the Department at
Washington, that more or less delay would be very apt to exist, and as our troops wero
liable to be ordered not only to the field, but into immediate conflict with the enemy,
delay or disappointment in the receipt of those supplies, would, especially in the event
of a battle, place our soldiers in a most embarrassing position — for surgeons, few or
many, without the necessary means, medicines, instruments, etc., would be useless. In
this matter the result proved the wisdom of the precaution. In numerous instances,
regiments were months in the field, and in some instances, in actual engagements, — as
at the battle of Falling Waters — before any supplies, in the Medical Department, were
received from the United States. In this battle the First Regiment Wisconsin Volun-
teers, (its first organization,) was engaged, and furnislied the surgeons of a Pennsylvania
regiment, also in the action, witli instruments, dressings, medicines, etc., they beiii^
totally destitute. It is presumable that this practice has cost a trifle more tlian it would
had the supplies been furnished through the regular channels of the Department ai
Washington, but as a compensation therefor, we have the proud satisfaction of knowing
that our brave volunteers were as well protected and provided for in that most essential
point — both in their medical attendants and in the supplies furnished — as the powers
and wisdom of this Department could secure to them.
The duties of Surgeon General Wolcott did not call him out
of the State in 1861. Two actions only occurred in that year, in
EXPEDITION TO PITTSBURG LANDING. 211
wliicli Wisconsin troops were engaged. The first at Falling
"Waters, on the 2d of July, and the other at Bnll Run, on the
21st of the same month. To take care of the sick and wounded
in the First Regiment at Falling Waters, an agent was sent by
Governor Randall, and the wounded and sick after Bull Run,
were attended to and cared for under the Governor's own super-
vision. After the retreat of the Second Regiment from the hat-
tie of Bull Run, the men were in a very destitute condition.
All were in a state of confusion, and much scattered. Some of
them were destitute of shoes, others of blankets, and other arti-
cles, and were hungry and worn down by the exertion on the
battle field, through the excessive heat and smoke and dust.
The usual channel of supplies through the Quartermaster and
Commissary, would not afford the immediate relief needed. The
Governor therefore, expended means .under his control, for the
food, and shoes, and other articles necessary to make them com-
fortable. About six hundred dollars were thus expended for
provisions, meals, lodging, shoes, and money in small amounts to
the soldiers. This was after the battle. During the battle of the
21st of July, Messrs. 'N. B. Van Slyke and S. G. Benedict, were
engaged in attending to the sick and wounded, as they were
brought into the hospital. Dr. Lewis, Surgeon of the Second
Regiment, was engaged professionally in the same hospital.
Van Slyke and Benedict, left the hospital when it was charged
on by the cavalry, and escaped. Dr. Lewis was taken prisoner.
Governor Randall, in July, instituted the practice of sending
agents to accompany each of the regiments, many of whom
were of much service to the sick. Governor Harvey discon-
tinued it.
On the 6th of April, 1862, occurred the terrible battle of Shi-
loh, in which the Fourteenth, Sixteenth, and Eighteenth Wis-
consin regiments were engaged, and were badly cut up. The
news was received on the 9th of April. Governor Harvey deter-
mined to organize an expedition for the relief of the sick and
disabled. He immediately called upon the ladies of Madison for
supplies for the sick and wounded, and telegraphed for the same
to other points. At Milwaukee the following dispatch was
received on the 9th :
212 MILITABY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
To W. B. Hibbakd:
Call a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce — see that a supply of bandages, sheets,
and shirts are gathered and packed to go by to-morrow's train, with Dr. Wolcott, to our
regiments in tlie fight in Tennessee.
L. P. HARVEY, Govo-nm:
The dispatch was received at noon — read at the Chamber of
Commerce, and a committee appointed to act in the matter.
Such was the energy displayed in the several localities tele-
graphed to by Governor Harvey, that ninety boxes of supplies
were forwarded to Chicago, subject to the direction of the
Governor.
At Milwaukee, several hundred dollars in cash were donated,
and General E. II. Brodhead was sent as a delegate on the part
of the City of Milwaukee. The delegation was made up as
follows :
Governor Harvey, Commissary General Wadsworth, General
E. H. Brodhead, and J. W. Bundy, of the Wisconsin, who acted
as Secretary of Governor Harvey.
The Medical staff was composed of Surgeon General Wolcott,
Dr. J. K. Bartlett, and J. B. Dousman, of Milwaukee; Dr. A. S.
McDill, of Plover, Portage County; Dr. Treat, of J anesville ;
Dr. Cody, of Watertown ; Drs. John L. Page, and Orrin Peak,
of Racine, and Dr. Reuben Wilson, of Sharon.
On arriving at Chicago, Governor Harvey found an entire car
load of supplies, ninety boxes, donated as follows : Milwaukee,
61 boxes, Madison, 13, Janesville, 9, Beloit, 6, Clinton, 1. The
contents of these boxes were found to be of the character re-
quired, special instruction having been given by Dr. Wolcott, as
to what was wanted.
General Halleck ordered the railroad authorities to pass Gov-
ernor Harvey and delegation, over the Central Road to Cairo ;
and arrangements were also made for transportation of the party
and stores up the Tennessee River.
Arriving at Cairo, Governor Harvey found the steamer Gladi-
ator, placed at his disposal- for the conveyance of himself and
party up the Tennessee, General Strong, in command of the post
at Cairo, having provided transportation as desired. Incessant
applications for passages up the river, were made by the crowd
3f anxious people, desirous of reaching the battle-field, but Gov-
ernor Harvey was constrained to deny the greater portion of
EXPEDITION TO PITTSBURG LANDING. 213
them, making an exception, however, in favor of a corps of Sur-
geons from Indiana. These were permitted to make a portion
of the steamer's passenger list.
The party were obliged to remain at Cairo until the 14th of
April. Hospital boats were constantly passing with loads of
wounded from the battle-field. These were visited by the Gov-
ernor, or some of the Surgeons, and inquiry made for Wisconsin
Boldiers on board. His Excellency visited Mound City Hospital,
and found about forty men from Wisconsin wounded at Pitts-
burg Landing. Seeking them out, the Governor took each of
them by the hand saying a kind w^ord, and expressing the warm-
est sympathy for them in the heartiest manner. The happy
eflectof this visit could be seen in the countenances of the brave
fellows. The work in the hospital being largely increased by
arrivals from the battle-field. Governor Harvey tendered the ser-
vices of two of the Surgeons of his party, as assistants to Dr.
Franklin, the Surgeon in charge of the hospital. The offer was
accepted, and Drs. Page and Peak were detailed to remain at
Mound City. A portion of the sanitary stores were also left.
On the 14th of April, they began the ascent of the Tennessee
Kiver. Arriving at Savannah, they found about two hundred of
our Wisconsin wounded, who were sufiering badly from the
neglect of the regimental and post Surgeons. These were
attended to as well as the circumstances would admit, and the
Governor and his party proceeded to Pittsburg Landing, visiting
the Fourteenth, Sixteenth, and Eighteenth regiments. They
were received with delight, and the very idea that our State and
friends at home had not forgotten them, tended greatly to cheer
the depressed hearts of our Wisconsin soldiers.
We regret exceedingly, that no official report was ever made
of this expedition, that full justice might be done to the noble
corps of professional men who gratuitously gave their services to
aid in giving relief to the sick and wounded, which were found
upon this expedition.
The death of Governor Harvey gave a mournful conclusion to
the benevolent undertaking, and the several members retifrned
home with saddened hearts at the loss of him who had planned
the great errand of mercy, and finally sealed his devotion to the
cause of humanity with his life.
214 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 22d of April, Commissary General Wadswortli, by
the direction of Governor Salomon, proceeded to Keokuk, Iowa,
and was instrumental in returning thirty-five of our wounded
soldiers, who were able to travel, to their homes in "Wisconsin.
Another expedition to Pittsburg Landing, was undertaken by
direction of Governor Salomon, by a party of Surgeons, under
Surgeon General Wolcott, and a number of gentlemen who
volunteered to act as nurses. The whole was under the direc-
tion of Commissary General Wadsworth. The steamer Sam
Gaty, at St. Louis, was chartered, and Surgeon General Wolcott,
with his medical staff, and General Wadsworth, with the rest of
the party, arrived at Chicago, on the morning of the 5th of May.
Waiting upon the Sanitary Commission, Surgeon General Wol-
cott, succeeded in securing ample provision for fitting out the
boat, with the exception of cots.
When all together, the party consisted of thirty-four persons,
of whom the following were physicians, who patriotically volun-
teered their services, viz : Drs. Garner, Kisling, Hoyt, Perrine,
and Robinson, of Milwaukee; Parr and Thompson of Kenosha;
Taggart and Morgan, of Beloit; Riddell, of Palmyra; Peed, of
Jefferson ; Miller and Boyce of Geneva.
They arrived at St. Louis, on Tuesday, the 6th of May. Dr.
Wolcott, in his report says, that the expedition received from
all the authorities, military, sanitary, and the regular medical
department of the army, every assistance to facilitate their
movements and secure their speedy departure.
Leaving St. Louis on the 7th, the expedition arrived at Savan-
nah on the 9th. Here arrangements were made to take all that
remained of the Wisconsin wounded, on the return of the boat.
Peaching Pittsburg Landing, Dr. Wolcott learned from the
Medical Director, Dr. McDougal, the localities of the principal
hospitals, and proceeded at once, accompanied by Dr. Taggart,
to make a personal inspection of the sick, in order to determine
who should be removed. There was a general tendency to
typhoid fever, and many were too far advanced to be removed.
These, and those least ill, were to be left. The Surgeon General
says:
During our absence, under direction of the medical gentlemen on board, the boat was
converted into a hospital — carpets removed, floors cleansed, cots and mattrasses ar-
ranged, dispensary opened, and under the eflicient and intelligent direction of Mrs.
CHAPLIN HILLS BATTLE FIELD. 215
Woi'den, the culinary department, so essential to the sick, put in complete order. Some-
thing like eighty cases were already on board. This was unexpected, thougli unavoida^
ble, for it soon became known that a boat had arrived for the purpose of carrying home
the sick
This was sufficient to call into requisition baud stretchers, ambulances, and all the
various metliods of moving the sick and wounded. Night soon, came on and ended
operations till morning.
Early in the morning of the 11th, ambulances from the hospital began to leave their
freight, and soon after 11 A. M., we found our boat filled to its utmost capacity. Notliing
now remained but to submit our boat to the inspection of the medical Director, and to
procure from him the necessary papers for the ultunate disposition of what he very
feelingly styled our "precious charge."
I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without acknowledging the uniform courtesy
and prompt co-operation, of tlie medical Director, Dr. Charles McDougall, United States
Army. He manifested not only the readiness consequent on long experience, but
proved conclusively by his acts, that his heart was in tlie work, and impressed all
indelibly, with the fact, that he possessed the qualities of a true soldier and gentleman.
Tlie inspection over, and necessary papers furnished as usual, thanks to General Wads-
worth, we now prepared to leave, and in a few moments were " homeward bound." "We
left at 12 M., on Monday the 12th inst., and arrived at St. Louis "Wednesday evening,
the 14th.
About one hundred and eighty patients were on board the
boat, sixty of whom were down with typhoid fever, and seventy-
eight with diarrhoea. Six deaths occurred on board, and one
man was supposed to have fallen overboard and drowned.
Surgeon General "Wolcott .says :
Most of the cases improved rapidly on the way, so much so that one hundred and eight
were selected for the convalescent hospital, Benton Barracks, and the balance were
received in the Fourth Street Hospital, under charge of Dr. Madison Mills, United States
Army, where they will no doubt receive all the attention that skill and ample accom-
modations can bestow. I have no doubt that a number of the cases of typhoid fever
left in the above named hospital will prove fatal ; still the number of deatlis must be
very small, compared with what would have taken place had they been left on the bat-
tle-field of Shiloh in the situation we found them. That many lives were saved by the
expenditure does not admit of a doubt.
Our ample supplies of medicines, hospital stores, cots, etc., remaining on hand after
discharging our sick, were all delivered to the Sanitary Commission at St. Louis ; receiv-
ing the assurance from the President, Mr. Yeatnian, that should the necessity arise for
another expedition (which at that time was highly probable,) we could draw on him at
sight for the necessary outfit. St. Louis being the centre of military operations for the
Department of the Mississippi, it was obviously the point from which auotiier outfit
could most conveniently be made. Hence the course taken as above stated.
Dr. Wolcott concludes his report by acknowledging his obli-
gations to the entire corps of medical gentlemen and attendants
for their cordial cooperation in the performance of the several
responsible duties incident to the expedition.
In compliance with instructions received by telegram from
Governor Salomon, on the 16th of October, 1862, Surgeon Gen-
eral Wolcott organized an expedition to visit the battle-field of
Chaplin Hills to aid the sick and wounded. From the Surgeon
General's special report we compile a statement ot his operations.
216 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
His party consisted of Surgeons Hatcliard, Dunlap, Thompson,
Ellswortli and Kessling, of the Medical Department, and Messrs.
Babcock, Caswell, Mitchell, Drmy, Douglas, Rood, Ferguson,
Plummer, Morgan, and Hopkins, as nurses. Leaving Mil-
waukee on the first train after the reception of the telegram,
they arrived at Chicago, at noon of the 17th. Calling on Judge
Skinner, Secretary of the United States Sanitary Commission,
and informing him of the business on hand, he at once went to
the Commission Eooms, and ordered the clerk to box and
prepare for transportation, every article that was on hand, that
could minister to the relief of the sick and wounded they were to
visit. The result was, forty-two packages of most appropriate
articles were ready for the evening train.
They took the seven and a-half P. M. train on the Michigan
Central for Louisville, via Lafayette and Indianapolis, arriving
at Louisville about noon on the 18th. Availing themselves of
the aid of the managers of the United States Sanitary Commis-
sion, by means of a letter of introduction from Judge Skinner,
passes and transportation to go to the field were procured. They
received the hearty cooperation of the commission, and from
them received much valuable information. Li his report the
Surgeon General heartily recommended individuals and associa-
tions in Wisconsin, to send their donations to the " Chicago San-
itary Commission," stating that although our soldiers might not
get the identical articles, others equally needy and worthy would,
and ours would receive from other sources, like favors, so that in
the end all would be benefitted.
Being ready to start for the battle-field, rumors were circu-
lated that Morgan and his guerrillas, were in the rear of our
army, and probably along the route towards Lebanon, General
Boyle was therefore consulted as to the propriety of moving for-
ward. He advised against it, and subsequent events indicated
the wisdom of the advice.
The delay was, however, well improved, as the numerous hos-
pitals, thirteen in number, in the city, were visited by the Sur-
geon General and his assistants, and the condition of all sick and
wounded soldiers from Wisconsin, numbering about three hun-
dred, was ascertained. Considering the hurried manner in
which the hospitals were prepared, and the accumulation of
SURGEON general's REPORT. 217
inmates, tlie condition of the sick and wounded was as comfortable
as could be expected.
On Wednesday, October 22d, it being deemed safe, the expe-
dition started for Lebanon, on the Lebanon Branch Railroad.
On the train, the Surgeon General made the acquaintance of
Colonel Charles B. Flood, agent of the United States Sanitary
Commission, also going to the Chaplin Hill battle-field, from
whom the party received many courtesies and favors.
Being detained by the unfinished condition of the road, the
party did not arrive at Lebanon till late, when they found some
difficulty in procuring quarters, the hotels being overcrowded.
"We condense from the Surgeon General's report, the subsequent
action of the expedition :
A portion of BueU's army was encamped in the neighborhood of Lebanon, inchiding
several regiments from Wisconsin— these were visited by most of the party wliilst pre-
parations Avere mailing for transportation, the arrangements for whicli having been
completed, we were again on our way to Perryville, the sanitary stores having left sev-
eral hours in advance. About midway we met tlie Chaplain of the First Regiment
Wisconsin Volunteers, Captain McNamara on his route to Lebanon after sanitary sup-
plies. He gave us a hearty welcome, immediately changed his course and returned with
us. Rooms were secured at Perryville, by the Sanitary Commission, which on our ar-
rival came under the charge of Commissioner Flood, who kindly offered us their occu-
pancy, which we gladly accepted, and therein we established our headquarters. We
found the Ciiaplain most thoroughly posted as to the locality, condition and wants of
our wounded Wisconsin soldiers— active and untiring — benevolent and sympathizing,
with ample means now on hand to relieve the urgent wants of our brave boys — it can
easily be imagined, that, aided by the anxious and willing hands of our party, a rapid,
and, I trust, judicious distribution of the sanitary stores entrusted to our care, ensued.
Tlie Surgeons were detailed to visit all the hospitals, and examine personally into the
condition of every Wisconsin soldier, whether sick or wounded, and report at he.ad-
quarters as early as possible, the primary object being to better understand their wants,
with a view to a more intelligent distribution of nieans for their relief, and next to en-
able me to report, as fully and early as possible, for the benefit of all parties concerned.
As soon as returns were made to me, they were again forwarded.
I will not attempt to detail what took place at Perryville, suffice it to say that our visit
was timely; that every member of the party exerted himself to make it effective and
successful, that we were cordially welcomed by the officers of every department of the
army, from whom we received numerous courtesies, and assistance whenever needed,
and that I express the feelings of all the members of our delegation in saying that they
have been instruniental, by disbursing the munificence of the public, in alleviating a
vast amount of physical suffering, whilst the moral effect is by no means to be over-
looked. Everywhere, the moistened eye, the expression of face and the language of
those ministered to, spoke the joy, gratitude, and exultation felt, that they were notfor*
gotten by the government and people of Wisconsin. The words of one may be regarded
as expressing the thoughts and feelings of all. Said he, "when we get into the field
again, we shall fight better for knowing that we are remembered by the good folks at
home, expecting, if we get wounded, another visit of aid and comfort." Nor is this in-
fluence confined to the sick and wounded, but extends equally to all Wisconsin soldiers,
a« is abundantly evinced by the expressions heard in camp as well as hospital. This
potent moral influence alone, upon our soldiers, furnishes abundant compensation for
the time, labor, and expense incurred, and should another emergency arise, c:'.lling for
a similar expedition, the wisdom of ordering it, and if possible, securing an earlier
arrival on the field, cannot be questioned.
218 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Drs. Dunlap and Tlaompson, were detached to visit Danville, to report to Dr. Defendorf
with the necessary supplies, and Dr. Ellsworth returned to Lebanon to aid such as
required it on their way to Louisville.
On closing our operations at Perry ville, the various articles remaining on hand were
placed in charge of Colonel Flood, who was to be aided by Mrs. Dr. Roberts.an estimable
lady of Perry ville, and President of the Ladies' Aid Society, in their proper distribution
and use. In such hands we felt assured that the utmost good would be accomplished by
a judicious use of what remained.
As to the general condition of the wounded and sick soldiers, I cheerfully bear testi-
mony to the general good management of the medical officers in charge. The difficulties
surrounding them none can appreciate, save those who have experienced them ; hence
sufficient allowance is not made by medical gentlemen whose professional duties have
been confined to civil practice, either in or out of hospitals. It is quite a diflferent thing
to prepare hospitals, with very limited or no means, for two or three thousand men, do
all the operations immediately called for, and dress and make clean and comfortable the
balance, from the duties performed by professional gentlemen in civil life. I must say
that I have been much more surprised that so much has been done, than at there not
having been more.
To the well organized and generally capable medical officers and the liberal Govern-
ment supplies, add the unbounded means of the Sanitary Commission, with its faithful
and able management, better provision is made for the sick and wounded of our armies
than has ever before been witnessed, on so large a scale, in any country or age of the
world.
"Wednesday, October 29th, our work being about completed, and aU necessary
arrangements made, we left for home, where we arrived on the 31st inst., midnight.
"We find the following letter published in regard to the Sanitary
Expedition sent to the Perryville battle-field :
United States Sanitary Commission, Perryville, Ky., October 28, 1862.
To His Excellency, the Governor of Wisconsin :
^>.._ The subject matter of this hasty note will, I know, be a sufficient apology for
trespassing on your time.
Attached to the United States Sanitary Commission, and having charge of its rooms
and stores at this place, being the village around and in which the late sanguin-
ary battle of Chaplin Hill was fought, I offered a portion of the storehouse secured
for me, to the Wisconsin commission sent out by you, under the command of Surgeon
General Wolcott, for the reUef of the sick and wounded of your State, and hence being
with them day and night, and present at all their consultations, I feel that it may be a
satisfaction to you to have it from one who has no interest in your State, save as a mem-
ber of the American Union, how faithfully and energetically they fulfilled their duty
in seeking out and rendering aid to the sick and wounded of your State; and when the
commission leave, which will be in the course of a few hours, they will leave more
friends behind them than any other commission sent out, while the gratitude of the
Wisconsin wounded, if excelled at all, is by exultation of men of that State, in the feel-
ing of pride and exultation in hailing from a State that so nobly and so promptly
succored her wounded in the service of their country.
I write this merely to express to you. Governor, and to such of your people as you may
choose to show this letter, the unfeigned admiration expressed by gentlemen of different
States, at the noble example set by your young State; and in this admiration, I join not
only in giving all praise to Wisconsin, but to her Chief Magistrate for sending so faithful
and intelligent a body of gentlemen, to represent her noble sons, my thanks are specially
due.
In Kentucky, and in this immediate vicinity, Wisconsin this day, has admirers that
she has earned by her generous action and the chivalrous and gallant devotion to
suffering humanity exhibited by Drs. Wolcott, Thompson, Dunlap, Hotchkiss, Ellsworth,
Kessling and Douglass, and to Mr. Hopkins, and the other gentlemen of the expedition.
With great respect, your ob't servant,
CHARLES B. FLOOD.
BATTLE FIELD OF STONE RIVER. 219
Tlie following letter to Mr. Hopkins, of Milwaukee will throw
additional liglit upon tlie operations of tliis expedition.
Camp Reid, Perryville, Ky., October 27 1SC2.
Otis B. Hopkins, T.sq., Jlilwmtkee, Wisccmsin:
Dear Sir: — As your mission at this place is about ending, I have thought that it would
be ungenerous in nie if I did not express to you, and the members of the Sanitary com-
mittee from your State, the thanks of the sick and wounded soldiers of the One hundred
and twenty-flrst Ohio Regiment, commanded by Colonel William P. Reid, for your
generosity towards them in donating clothing, fruit, periodicals, etc.
As far as I can learn, you have, in the first place, made your own brave wounded and
afflicted men comfortable, by giving them the sanitary stores sent them by your noble
and generous people. After this was accomplished, you extended the hand of benevo-
lence to the sick and wounded of other regiments, for which I again extend the kind
regards of our afflicted and wounded men. When the benevolent men and women of
your noble State shall hear how grateful these self-sacrificing men feel towards their
donors, they will feel amply rewarded for all their trouble and expense.
May the benedictions of the Great I Am, rest upon the committee, and upon the kind
hearted and generous people of your great and growing State.
Much praise is due unto your Governor for the part he has taken in making his
soldiers comfortable.
Yours, fraternally,
L. F. DRAKE, Chaplain 121st Ohio IlegH.
The next Sanitary expedition was made by the Surgeon Gen-
eral to the battle-field of Stone River, near Murfreesboro. Dr.
Wolcott received orders from Governor Salomon, on the 3d of
January, 1863, to repair forthwith to the scene of the battles
near Murfreesboro, with the assistance deemed necessary, and
such sanitary stores as could be speedily got together. Tele-
graphing to the Sanitary Commission at Chicago, and applying
to the Chamber of Commerce and Ladies' Aid Society of Mil-
Avaukee, the necessary stores were soon got together, and Dr.
Wolcott found an ample outfit. The citizens of Milwaukee
responded nobly to the call for supplies, and the Sanitary Com-
mission of Chicago investe'd five hundred dollars cash in groce-
ries and such articles as were needed to complete the outfit, all
of which the Surgeon General found neatly packed and ready
for shipment on his arrival at Chicago. Several packages were
received from Racine.
Leaving Milwaukee on Monday morning, January 5th, with
Drs. Raymond and Lilly, of Fond du Lac, Ilarshaw, of Iloricon,
and Selby of Milwaukee, in the Medical Department, and JNlcssrs.
Douglas, Hart, Babcock, and Davis, as nurses and attendants,
all of Milwaukee, the party passed through Chicago, adding to
their stores, the articles furnished by the Sanitary Commission,
220 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and arrived at ITa&hville, on Friday, January 9tli, and quartered
at the City Hotel. The wounded in Nashville were visited next
day, and found to be well provided for. Passes and transporta-
tion to Murfreesboro were procured. As a portion of the party
could be advantageously employed at JSTashville, they were all
left under the direction of Dr. Raymond, except Drs. Harshaw,
Douglas, and Davis, who accompanied the Surgeon General to
Murfreesboro, arriving there on Sunday evening. Dr. Wolcott
Bays, in his report :
The next day was spent in visiting tlie hospitals containing the wounded froTn Wis-
consin. They were widely scattered, every house in the neighborhood of the battle-field
being a hospital. As fast as beds could be prepared in Murfreesboro, those able to be
moved were sent to them, the object being to get them all as near the source of supplies
as possible. Every possible effort was made bj' both Surgeons ai. I attendants in behalf
of the wounded and suffering soldiers, and the additional supplies furnished by and
through the Sanitary Commission, placed at the disposal of the Surgeons nearly every
essential article, for both comfort and recovery.
Our supplies arrived at Nashville the day we left; they were immediately transferred
to government wagons, — a train from Murfreesboro being in Nashville at the time —
and the next day, Monday, the 12th, were forwarded to their final destination, Murfrees-
boro. Arrangements with the agents of the Sanitary Commission, for occupying their
rooms, having been made, we proceeded the next Monday, to unpack and place in con-
venient shape for distribution and use, all the articles, except those sent to individuals,
which were dispatched as soon as possible to their destination.
The Surgeons were informed of our whereabouts, and instructed to make their requi-
sitions on the Sanitary Commission, endorsed by the Medical Director, for any articles
on hand, necessary for their hospitals, — that they were brought there to be used, — pru-
dently and carefully, of course — and not to remain, when needed, on the shelves. This
is the only channel, outside of the regular operations of the Medical Department,
through which the friends of the wounded and sick soldier can properly reach him.
The operations of the commission are on a scale commensurate with the objects to be
accomplislied ; it is catholic in the fullest sense; the needy share and share alike its
bounty. This is what the soldier desires, and certainly nothing short of this can satisfy
the surgeons in charge.
We remained in Murfreesboro a week. It would be useless and tedious to detail the
scenes passed through during this time. Of those accompanying me, — botli surgeons
and nurses — it gives me unfeigned pleasure to say that all their duties were faithfully
performed; as evidence of whit h, I think it excusable to give tlie unsolicited testimony
of an impartial and very competent witness. On our application for transportation, to
the Medical Director, he at once gave the order, and accompanying letter :
Murfreesboro, Tenn., January 17, 1863,
To all whom it may concern :
It gives me great pleasure to attest to the efficiency and thoroughness of the assistance
rendered by Surgeon General Wolcott and corps, of Wisconsin, in attending to the wants
of the wounded, who fell in the battle of Stone River. The medical staff and country
owe them a debt of gratitude.
JAMES F. WADSWORTII,
Assistant Medical Director, lUh Army Corps.
The party left Nashville on the 20th of January, except Dr.
Lilly, who entered the United States service as a surgeon, and
was placed on duty at Nashville. Dr. Harshaw, of Horicon, was
VISIT TO VICKSBURG. 221
subsequently tendered a responsible position in the United States
Sanitary Commission, but his health compelled him to decline.
Arriving at Milwaukee on the 23d, the expedition ended.
Late in February, 1863, intelligence was received that the
troops in the vicinity of Vicksburg, were suffering for the want
of vegetables, and that anti-scorbutics were greatly needed.
Surgeon General Wolcott, and General W. W. Tredway, called
on the Governor about the 1st of March, when it was definitely
arranged that they should gather supplies of this character, and,
with them, proceed to Vicksburg, as soon as practicable.
They left Madison on the 7th of March, General Tredway
appropriating a charitable fund at his disposal of about $125,
investing it at Chicago, in dried fruits, pickled cabbage, etc.,
which, with contributions of like character from Madison and
vicinity, and including some twenty-five barrels of potatoes and
onions, with other articles from Sauk County, made about four
tons. At Chicago, they conferred with Judge Skinner, the eflS,-
cient President of the Sanitary Commission, who assured them
that their supplies were greatly needed at Milikin's Bend, near
Vicksburg — that all points above were supplied, and informed
them that an agent of the Commission would leave Chicago the
next day, with supplies for that point. Their supplies, with
those of the Sanitary Commission, left on the same train, and at
Cairo, they were joined by an agent of the St. Louis Sanitary
Commission with a large supply, all of which were embarked on
the same vessel, and some of which were distributed, at the dis-
cretion of the agents, at various points as they proceeded to their
destination.
Generals Wolcott and Tredway arrived at Milikin's Bend on
the 19th of March, where they found much suffering and great
mortality among the troops, arising, in a great degree, from a
deficiency of vegetable food. The entire supply was transferred
to a steamer, which had been placed at the disposal of the Sanitary
Commission by General Grant, and thence distributed to regi-
ments and hospitals, as in the judgment of the agents seemed
appropriate. The First Battery of Wisconsin, and the Twenty-
third Infantry, were the only Wisconsin troops there, and their
wants were met as far as practicable. Eleven members of this
222 MILITAB.Y HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
regiment died during tkt four or five days they remained there,
and the hospital was crowded with emaciated patients.
Surgeon General Wolcott remained hehind, and examined the
hospitals around Milikin'sBend, and also at Memphis, at which lat-
ter place, large general hospitals had heen established, and the
sick from all points on the lower Mississippi were being concen-
trated there. Large numbers of sick soldiers were landed there
from every transport, and much suffering existed among them,
and many deaths occurred. On the representation of the state
of things at Memphis, to Governor Salomon, George C. Smith,
Esq., was sent to that city as the Sanitary agent of the State, to
look after the soldiers of Wisconsin.
On the 6th of May, 1863, Governor Salomon requested Surgeon
General Wolcott to proiceed to the battle-field in Virginia, with
assistants, to aid our Wisconsin wounded.
The battles in the vicinity of Fredericksburg and Chancellor-
ville were in progress, when the request of the Governor was
received. Dr. Wolcott finding no assistant ready to accompany
him on short notice, started himself with the intention of tele-
graphing, if assistants were necessary, after an inspection of the
field in person. He accordingly proceeded to Washington direct,
arriving there on the 9th of May. Reporting next day to the
Surgeon General of the United States Army, he applied for a
pass to go to the front. He was informed that an order from the
headquarters of the army of the Potomac, prohibited the issue
of passes. In his report, the Surgeon General says :
A pass could not be obtained to visit the army, and nothing remained for me to do,
but to visit the several general hospitals in and around Washington, where most of the
wounded from the battle of Chancellorville had already arrived. There are eighteen
hospitals in and around the City of Washington, about as widely scattered as this "city
of magniflcent distances" will permit. It was no trifle, therefore to find our Wisconsin
boys, so widely scattered and mixed >Tith such large numbers from other States, and
but for the assistance of Mr. Selllck, it would have cost me much more of both time and
labor.
A letter from the Surgeon General secured every facility for the work before me, and
the courtesy and attention of the surgeons in charge, as well as the assistants, expedited
and rendered pleasant my visits to each hospital. Notwithstanding they were sur-
rounded by every comfort and many luxuries, so much so, that in no case did I hear a
complaint, still the gratification from the visit was as obvious as on any former occasion,
when under very different circumstances, both professional assistance and sanitary
means were needed and supplied.
I have, from the commencement of my visits to our sick and wounded soldiers, con-
sidered that the gratification felt by them for such attentions— knowing they were by
the State authority, and regarded by them in the light of maternal kindness and care—
constituted the chief source of benefit.
GOVERNOR SALOMON'S VISIT TO VICKSBURG. 223
I continued my rambles through the hospitals until I found and examined all our "Wis-
consin boys, a list of whom accompanies this report. In the meantime I endeavored to
familiarize myself with the general arrangements, and devoted the necessary time to
the numerous interesting cases met in almost every ward. In this way I spent much
more time than was necessary to barely visit our wounded, as sucli ojiportunities rarely
offer in this or any other country. I trust I shall be pardoned for the tinie so expended';
tor it was more with a view to public than private benefit. With the same views I
visited the hospitals at Alexandria, Annapolis, and Baltimore, and other large cities.
Passed through, also the Convalescent Camp Virginia. The result of this wide survey of
our Government hospitals, their general management and munificent provisions in
every department essential to the well being of the inmates, confirmed me in the ojiin-
ion heretofore expressed, that the history of the world can furnisli no example where
the medical Department, or the remedial and sanitary means have been so ample and
successful for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers.
On tlie 15th of Ma}^, Governor Salomon and lady, and Adjut-
ant General Gaylord, left Madison, with the intention of visiting
as far as practicahle, all Wisconsin troops in Missouri, and in
proximity to the Mississippi River, as far toward Vieksbnrg as
possible, but more particularly to make a thorough visitation of
all hospitals in the Western Department, with a view to the
transfer of patients to Northern hospitals. Arrangements had
been perfected with Colonel Woods, Assistant Surgeon General,
stationed at St. Louis, for the opening of a United States Hos-
pital at Prairie du Chien, and cots, with other furniture necessary
had already been shipped from St. Louis. All the hospitals at
St. Louis, Jefferson Barracks, and Benton Barracks, and at
Rolla, were visited, which labor was just completed, and the
Governor returned to St. Louis, when news came of the assault
on Vicksburg, of May 22d, and the terrible loss in our army.
The Governor decided to go immediately to Vicksburg for the
relief of such of our soldiers, as he might be able to reach. The
Western Sanitary Commission boat Champion was already
loaded with sanitary stores, and a corps of experienced nurses,
and the President of the commission tendered passage to Gover-
nor Salomon and his party, also to Governor Kirkwood and Ad-
jutant General Baker, of Iowa, and the trip was made direct to
Chickasaw Bayou, the nearest point of approach by water to our
forces.
Here the field hospitals of our troops were visited, and such as
could Joe moved, were sent to the boat, and transferred up the
river. Mrs. Salomon remained on board the boat, and labored
assiduously, in rendering aid to the sick and wounded. The
larger part having already been sent to Memphis, the Governor
224 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and party, started on the return for tliat point, the Governor and
Mrs. Salomon, stopping at Helena, the Adjutant General being
directed to proceed to Memphis and inform Colonel Woods of
the number of "Wisconsin wounded, with a request for a boat to
ti'ansfer them direct to Prairie du Chien.
On arriving at Memphis, information was sent to Colonel
Woods, who replied that the request had been forwarded to
"Washington and must await reply. It came, denying the request
and revoking the permission before given to Indiana and other
States, for the transfer of their wounded to hospitals in their
several States. Indiana had succeeded in removing one boat
load from Memphis before the order was countermanded. Mea-
sures were taken to secure the removal of as many as possible
to the Government hospitals at Jefferson Barracks and other
points up the river, w^ith a good degree of success.
Arriving at St. Louis, Governor Salomon learned from Assist-
ant Surgeon General "Wood, that the Medical Department had
changed its mind in reference to the hospital at Prairie du Chien.
Their labors being completed. Governor Salomon and lady, and
Adjutant General Gaylord, returned to Madison in the early part
of June.
The hospital at Prairie du Chien, was established, and organ-
ized in the following year.
In his regular annual report to the Governor for the year 1863,
Surgeon General Wolcott says :
In the month of August last, a communication was received from the Surgeon General
of the United States, requesting the organization of a "Surgical Aid Corps," in this
State — said corps to consist ot thirty members, selected with due care — who were to
hold themselves in readiness, whenever called upon, to render such aid immediately
after severe battles as circumstances might require. They were to continue in service
at least fifteen days, obeying their superiors in the medical Department, and receive pay
or not, at their option, the amount being the same as for contract surgeons.
I proceeded without delay, in accordance with instructions from the Surgeon General,
to organize said corps, and succeeded in completing it, prior to the battle of Chicamauga,
which was the first after my instructions were received, of sufficient severity to require
any outside assistance. The following list of names, composing said corps, was
immediately forwarded to the Sui'geon General's office, Washington, D. C.
W.W. Blackman, Stoughton ; John A. Jackson, Mineral Point ; B. B. Spaulding, Ripon ;
A. C. Boyers, Highland ; George W. Burwell, Dodgeville ; L. G. Armstrong, Fennimore ;
W. C. Boi'den, Milton ; George W. Jenkins, Kilbourn City ; H. A. Hitchcock, East Ran-
dolph; A. S. Martin, Plainfleld; W. W. Reed, Jefferson; George D. Wilber, Mineral
Point ; H. E. Tiley, Clinton ; C. F. Ellsworth, Hale's Corners ; H. J. Bennett, Juneau ; J.
Copp Noyes, Fairwater ; William Riley, Ripon ; S. S. Clark, Menomonee Falls ; H. F.
Day, Wauwatosa ; J. W. Coman, Delavan ; S. S. Bicknell, Jefferson ; H. F. Whitcomb,
Racine; Ira Manly, Markesan ; John R. Orin, Green Bay ; C. C. Robinson, Milwaukee;
J. F. McClure, Beaver Dam ; A. P. Barber, Oshkosh ; H, Van Duser, Mineral Point ; C. F.
Dodge, Janesville ; A. L. Castleman^ Milwaukee.
SURGICAL AID COUPS. 225
The necessity for this measure gi'ew, I have no doubt, out of the fact that largo num-
bers of medical gentlemen from dilTerent States, visited battle-fields without adequate
organization, and consequently, without systematic and concerted action — and, as
might be expected, without accomplishing the amount of good they would have done,
had they been properly organized, and placed under the rules of the Medical Department.
Doubtless, there were also, in many instances, a greater number than Ihe occasion
required, so that, in various ways, the good that was intended, failed to be accomplished.
Under the present system, the whole matter of surgical assistance from the States, is
at the disposal of the Surgeon General of the United States. He, no doubt, as soon as
any one, receives information during and after battles, of all those facts essential to the
formation of a correct opinion as to whether any, or how many, may be needed from the
several " Aid Corps" of such States as are most immediately interested in the wounded
requiring assistance. Whatever number he deems necessary, he then calls for by tele-
graphing the Surgeon General ; or if, as is the case in some of the States, there be no such
officer, then the Governor or Adjutant General, for such number as he thinks necessary,
and they are immediately ordered to the battle-field for such duties as may be assigned
them.
Practicallj% this plan has been in operation in Wisconsin from the commencement of
the war, the only difference being that the Surgeon General of the United States deter-
mines the question whether any, or how many are needed, instead of the Governor, and
those liable to be called for are apprised of the fact by belonging to the " Surgical Aid.
Corps," from the members of which the number called for are to be drawn.
In speaking of sanitary and surgical assistance furnished by-
States, the Surgeon General, in the same report, takes the
ground, that they should operate through organizations suffi-
ciently comprehensive to embrace the whole army, breaking
over the distinction of States, and treating soldiers as belonging
to a general Union army, engaged in the same glorious work of
subduing the rebellion, and that contributions should be made to
a general fund to be appropriated to the use of any of the brave
boys in the field, regardless of the State from whence they came,
and cites the United States Sanitary Commission, as an institu-
tion organized with a view of doing the most good to the great,-
est number, without enquiry as to State, nation, or color, dispos-
ing of the means within its control, having but one grand object
in view, and that is, that their labors and efforts shall contribute
to the welfare of our gallant boys, inmates of hospitals from
sickness and wounds. The Surgeon General further says :
The same general principles are applicable to State efforts, for rendering surgical aid.
All expeditions fitted out by State authority, at State expense, feel under obligations to
make the soldiers of their respective States the recipients of their favors, whether of
services or sanitary supplies . This is specious in theory, and would be correct if prac-
ticable; but it is easy to say, that, all the time allotted for useful assistance, would )ip,
consumed in seeking after the particular soldiers for whose benefit the expedition was
sent out.
The organization of "Aid Corps" in the several States, will obviate this difficulty by
placing all called out, under the orders of the Medical Department, thereby at once, sys-
tematizing and rendering efficient, what has heretofore not unfrequently been chaotio
and nearly useless.
15
226 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Mistakes may, nevertheless, arise under the present " Aid Corps " system, in not call-
ing for assistance when needed. Such, I think, was the case after the battle of Chica-
mauga. I am not aware that any assistance was called for from any of the States,
through the " Aid Corps " organization, and yet, if my experience and observation may
be trusted, no battle during the war, at least, none at the South-west, more imperatively
called for aid, than that.
In the early part of the war, much was said throughout the country about the in<;om-
petence of the surgeons, and the abuses the soldiers were subject to in consequence.
Then the whole volunteer army, from private to general, was inexperienced and very
Incompetent to judge of the efforts of the surgeons. No one seemed to appreciate the
great change from the home life of a volunteer, to the life of a soldier in active service
in the field ; consequently no one anticipated any especial amount of sickness, and pro-
bably all expected about the same attention and care when sick, they had been accus-
tomed to at home. In all this they were destined to sore disappointment, and it is not
remarkable that all the reports in circulation at that time, should have originated under
such circumstances ; but time, the infallible test and corrective of all such things, has
been busy at work, and by various means has removed nearly all cause of complaint,
consequently but little is now-a-days said on the subject. The incompetent, whether
from physical disability, lack of professional qualifications, irregular habits, or general
want of adaptation to the service, on the part of the surgeon, and the weeding out of
the ranks, of both men and oflacers, unsuitable material, together with the accliniation
of the balance, and the experience acquired in self-protection, not only against their
open enemies, but what is of still greater consequence, those insidious and much more
fatal ones, disease, in its hundred forms, always watching an opportunity to seize a
picket or outpost, and by flank movement, if the force is not suflicient to overwhelm
by direct attack, gain possession of the interior works, from which a dislodgment can
only be effected, if at all, by desperate means. In this way the army, as well as the
surgeons, has been winnowed. In both cases, most of the chaff has been blown away,
hence there Is now very little sickness among our veterans. In my last visit to the
front at Chattanooga, the hospitals were filled, it is true, but with wounded, not otherwise
Bick men. Scarcely a man was to be found on sick report.
Instructions were sent by Governor Salomon to Surgeon Gen-
eral Wolcott, on tlie 22d of September, 1863, for him to visit
Chattanooga, Tennessee, with such surgical aid as was deemed
necessary. Selecting six from the list constituting the " Surgi-
cal Aid Corps " described on a preceding page, the following
named gentlemen were notified by telegraph : William C. Bor-
den, M.^D., of Milton ; William Willey, M. D., of Ripon ; E. F.
Dodge, M. D., of Janesville; and L. Kissling, M. D., of Mil-
waukee; B. B. Spalding, M. D., of Ripon, was also notified but
getting no response from him, Dr. Crugom, of Milwaukee, was
substituted. Dr. Spalding was absent when the telegraph was
received. Immediately on his return he found it, and started at
once, and joined the party at Nashville, making one more than
originally intended, but Dr. Crugom returned soon after reaching
Nashville.
Proceeding by the way of Indianapolis, they passed through
Louisville, reaching JSTashville on the 25th of September. Secur-
ing quarters, after tea. Surgeon General Wolcott immediately
EXPEDITION TO CHATTANOOGA. 227
reported to the Medical Director, Dr. Clendennin, stating that he
had with him six competent medical gentlemen, ready for ser-
vice, in whatever field they could be most useful — that they
came to work — were ready to become members of his depart-
ment, and obey all orders during their term of service. The
Surgeon General was informed by Dr. Clendennin, that Nash-
ville was unquestionably the place where their services were most
needed — that in the commencement of the battle, he had been
called on for all the surgeons he could spare — that they had not
yet returned, whilst many wounded men were already in Nash
ville, and more constantly coming — that some five hundred had
arrived that evening whose wounds had not been dressed — that
his whole corps was overworked, and consequently the aid oftered
was exceedingly opportune, — and after expressing much gratifi-
cation, assigned them all to duty, and not till two o'clock next
morning did they complete their task for the night.
Reporting again in the morning, they were assigned perman
ently to duty, Dr. Clendennin giving them all wards in the seve-
ral hospitals to look after, thus losing no time in entering on the
duties they were sent to perform.
Considering his whole force satisfactorily employed. Dr. Wol-
cott determined to go to Chattanooga. Through the kindness
of Dr. Castleman, one of the Inspectors of the Sanitary Commis-
sion, the Surgeon General was provided with a pass, which
enabled him to leave Nashville, and reach Stevenson, Alabama,
at 6, P. M., on the 29th, and from thence, next day, to Bridge-
port, the end of Railroad transportation. We cannot do better
than to let Dr. Wolcott tell his own story :
The choice now lay between the ambulance route, or a shorter, or quicker way across
the mountains on foot. I cliose tlie latter, after failing to procure means for the best way,
to wit; on liorseback. I placed niy luggage in care of Captain Ravenscraw, conductor
of an ammunition train, which was about to start for Chattanooga, and in company
with a loyal Geoi'gian, who was well acquainted with the shortest mountain passes, set
out for Jasper, twelve miles towards Chattanooga, where we arrived before darlc. We
got off in the morning about seven o'clock, having thirty-three miles between us anil
Chattanooga. The route lay over a high mountain, and the way about as rugged as it
could well be. We had, therefore, no time to lose, for a moderate rain that began in
the night, still continued with a good prospect of lasting through the day. After ;i
pretty hard walk through a day of uninterrupted rain, whicli was drenching in the
afternoon, we arrived at our destination before sun-down, a little tired, very wet, sorno
hungry, but in no way damaged by the walk, save blistered ankles from the wrinkles
of wet boot-legs. Although compelled to wear wet clothes till they became diy, no
disturbance resulted, notwithstanding it required nearly twenty-four hours.
228 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
In the morning I ascertained the locality of the Field Hospital of the Fourteenth
Army Corps, and made my headquarters with Surgeon Marks of our State, by whom, as
well as his assistant, Dr. Benson, and the other medical gentlemen connected therewith,
I was most hospitably and courteously entertained.
I could not have been present at a more favorable period for either observation or
service. The time for secondary operations had arrived, and it was most gratifying to
observe the course pursued by the Surgeon in charge. When an operation was indis-
pensable, it was skilfully performed — no limb being sacrificed as long as there was a
reasonable hope that it could be saved in useful shape. Skill, kindness, and prompt
attention, whether by day or night, characterized the medical corps, and I can now,
with wider experience and in<_./eased confidence, repeat what I said in some former
report — that no army in the history of the world, was ever so well cared for in the med-
ical Department, as ours — bountifully provided for by the Government — with almost
exhaustless additions of the Sanitary Commission — but what is of still greater conse-
quence, the combined results of thorough instruction, ample experience, discipline, and
system in the Medical Department— making the means above alluded to in the greatest
degree available, presenting a most gratifying spectacle to any man, competent to
appreciate the facts, who visits the scenes of carnage, after such battles as Chicamauga.
After two days in Chattanooga, rumors were heard, that the ammunition and supjjly
trains were captured and destroyed. Finally, during the third day, stragglers, who
escaped capture, began to come in, and reported the facts. Over four hundred wagons,
including the ammunition train, were totally destroyed. My baggage, consisting of an
entire suit — more than I usually carry, in consequence of my anticipated return through
Washington, "went up,"— not a shirt collar left. Perhaps, on the whole, I ought to
consider myself fortunate, as this is the first loss I have directly sustained at the hands
of the rebels.
All the wounded, in a condition to be moved, had now been sent to the rear, and there
being ample surgical aid for those remaining, I set out on my return, October 7th, at 4,
P. M., and spent the night at the Pioneer Camp, some ten miles towards Bridgeport,
finding quarters with Assistant Surgeon Fuller, of the Twenty-first Regiment Wisconsin
Volunteers, who, by a long, faithful, and skillful performance of duty, has earned pro-
motion, whenever an opportunity offers. Getting off in good season, I reached Bridge-
port, on horseback, about 6, P. M., and the next day moved on to Stevenson, where I was
compelled to remain till the 12th, from interruption of the trains. We arrived at Nashville
Monday, the 12th, at 10, P. M., finding quarters at the Sewanee House.
On reporting to the Medical Director, I learned that in consequence of my detention,
making my absence much longer than was anticipated when 1 left, all my assistants
had returned home, after discharging their duties in a creditable and satisfactory
manner
It was my desire and design to return to Nashville before they left, and from thence to
Louisville with them in a body, but for unavoidable delay, this would have been
accomplished.
Before closing, I deem it proper to advert to one fact, that with some may need expla-
nation. Tliis, like other similar expeditions heretofore, was fitted out under State
authority, and at State expense, although in its organization and proceedings, it was
strictly in accordance with the request of the Surgeon General on this subject, except
that he, not decniing it necessary, did not call for our assistance. Your Excellency, on
the contrary, believing it necessary, did so call, and I can bear testimony to the fact,
which I have no doubt will be sustained by Dr. Clendennin, Medical Director, at Nash-
ville, that it was both necessary and timely, meeting the demand as opportunely as
could well be. But inasmuch as the State furnished both men and means, should not
Wisconsin soldiers mainly receive the benefit? In theory, perhaps, they should, but
practically it is impossible. Our army is a great family, scattered through which, are
our Wisconsin soldiers, and on such occasions, so widely, that an attempt to hunt them
up would alone, consume all the time allotted for useful aid, and the whole effort prove
equally abortive, not only to the rest of the family, but also to them.
Experience shows that the success of such expeditions, depends on such an organiza-
tion as permits prompt action, entering upon and discharging such duties as are required,
no matter when or where, or for whom. It is sufficient to know that our brave and
patriotic soldiers, are recipients of our labors, and the surgeon who duly appreciates his
duties and privileges, will strive to do the most good to the greatest number, without
knowing or caritig who they are, or where they are from, so they be Union soldiers.
VISIT TO THE POTOMAC ARMY. 229
The battle of Chicamanga, was the hist severe l)attle wliich
took place in 1863, and no other sanitary expeditions were
undertaken.
In the early part of the year 1864, the efforts of the National
armies were chiefly concentrated in the campaigns of General
Grant, on the Potomac, and General Sherman, in Tennessee,
both commanders beginning their campaigns, by agreement, in
the month of May. General Grant opening with the celebrated
battles in the Wilderness, in Virginia, on the 6th, and Sherman
on the 7th, commencing the grand forwai'd movement of the
army in the direction of Atlanta, Georgia, opening with the bril-
liant action at Resaca, the first of the series of battles and flank
movements which culminated in the fall of Atlanta.
In the Spring of 1864, Governor Lewis, being in Washington,
on civil business, took occasion to visit the dift'erent hospitals in
and around the city, and in its vicinity, inquiring as to the welfare
of the soldiers from Wisconsin. He also visited the army before
they crossed the Rapidan, in the onward movement of May 6th,
reviewing the " Iron Brigade," presenting a new flag to the Fifth
Regiment, and otherwise caring for the interests and welfare of
the troops from the State.
Surgeon General Wolcott was in Washington at the same
time. General Grant having opened the campaign of 1864, at
the battle of the Wilderness, bj' request of Governor Lewis, Dr.
Wolcott i)roceeded on a visit to the army of the Potomac.
Learning from the Surgeon General's ofiice, that the wounded
had accumulated to such an extent at Fredericksburg, as to
make outside assistance acceptable. Dr. Wolcott proceeded at
once to that point. Fredericksburg was the general depot where
the wounded and sick were collected for treatment and distribu-
tion to the general hospitals at Washington, and other points
ITorth. The railroad from the mouth of Acquia Creek to Fred-
ericksburg, had not been repaired, and army supplies were
wagoned across from Belle Plain, to Fredericksburg, twelve
miles. No transportation could be procured from Belle Plain,
and the Surgeon General, and others forming a party of twelve,
were compelled to perform the journey on foot. The guerillas
on the day before, had captured a party of stragglers, but fortu-
nately for the Surgeon General, and his party, they were got
230 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
througli unmolested. The weather was warm and rainy, and the
roads very muddy. The walk was enlivened by the cannonad-
ing in front, which became more and more audible as they
advanced, the excitement lending vigor to their footsteps and
alleviating the tediousness of the tramp.
We prefer to let the Surgeon General give the particulars of
this visit to the Potomac army. He says :
On arriving at Fredericksburg, I immediately reported to Dr. Dalton, Medical Directoi ,
for orders. Ascertaining that the Second, Sixth, and Seventh Regiments Wisconsin
volunteers were in the Fourth Division of the Fifth Army Corps, I requested that I might
be assigned to duty in that division, which was accordingly done, and I reported to Dr.
Ebersole, who was the Surgeon in charge of that division, and who assigned me the
position of Consulting Surgeon to the several hospitals in that division. This was very
gratifying, as it gave me an opportunity to see all our Wisconsin wounded in the
division, and a voice in all important measures in their cases.
In consequence of the bad state of the roads, and the distance from Belle Plaine to the
army, over which all supplies had to be wagoned, every available means for transporta-
tion was required to supply the army. So pressing was this necessity, that for about a
week, not even bed sacks and the necessai-y material for filling them, could be obtain-
ed — and the wounded were compelled to lie on floors with nothing under them but their
blankets. To this, as to all other privations, they submitted most patieptly— knowing
that every precaution had been taken to provide all necessaries, and nothing but the
bad state of the roads, and the indispensable necessities of the army at the front, pre-
vented their arrival. Supplies at Belle Plaine, for the Medical Department, had accum-
ulated in large quantities, and with an improvement in the roads, they began to come
forward, and the pressing wants of the men were more satisfactorily met. At length,
the railroad being repaired, and navigation up the Rappahannock opened, the crowded
condition of the hospitals was soon relieved; and notwithstanding large numbers
arrived almost daily from the front, still larger numbers were shipped for the North
where hospitals, possessing every comfort and even luxuries, awaited them. Finally, a
change of base to White House being ordered, (which is at the head of navigation of
York River,) the wounded from the front took that direction, and the newly opened
facilities for transportation soon cleared Fredericksburg of the hosts of wounded, all of
whom no doubt, bade a willing adieu to a place that had offered so little to comfort and
assuage their sufferings.
In the mean time I had visited the hospitals of the Second Division of the Sixth Army
Corps, in which I found most of the wounded of the Wisconsin Fifth Regiment. Many
of them, however, as was more or less the case with the other regiments, were scattered
through other divisions and hospitals, after whom I did not look. As soon as the
wounded were reduced within the easy attendance of the Army Medical Staff", I returned
to Washington, where I determined to await, for a time, operations at the front, deeming
it possible, that further assistance might become acceptable.
On the 6th of June, I learned from Colonel Barnes, Acting Surgeon General U. S. A.,
that assistance was again needed at White House, I accordingly left on the 7th, and ar-
rived the next day before noon. On reporting to Medical Director Dalton, I was assigned
to duty in the Eighteenth Corps. Dr. Fowler, surgeon in charge, gave to me the same
duties and position as at Fredericksburg.
Here were abundant supplies— no wagoning over bad roads to prevent their timely
arrival. It is due to Surgeon General Barnes to say that the delay that occurred at
Fredericksburg was not attributable to any neglect or mistake connected with his de-
partment—every essential article having been seasonably landed at Belle Plaine — but
solely to the want of transportation from that point. Again, at the end of a week the
number of the wounded was so far diminished, and the determination to change the
base of operation to City Point, on the James River, being understood, I concluded to
embark with the Second Regiment Wisconsin volunteers, their time of service having
expired, on board the mail boat Lizzie Barker, for Washington, where we arrived on the
13th inst., at 12 M.
GOVERNOR lewis' VISIT TO THE HOSPITALS. 231
A detail of the occurrences connected with these visits would swell this article beyond
the intended limits. I would, however, say, that in the management of the Medical
Department of our amies, quite as much as in otiiers, the fruits of experience are most
obvious. Order is now as triumphant as the want of it was in the commencement of the
volunteer service. Our wounded now, from the battle-field to the United State.s General
Hospitals, have all that skill, science and experience can do for men under such circum-
stances. On all occasions requiring outside assistance, the best professional talent of tlie
country is commanded — with ample supplies of every description, for if anythin<i the
Government lacks, the Sanitary Commission is sure to be present with its almost unlim-
ited resources to supply the deficiency. I need not repeat here what I have so frequently
said of the United States Sanitary Commission, and will only add that the more inti-
mately one becomes acquainted with the comprehensiveness of its plans, the skill and
economy with which they are carried into execution, and the vast amount of relief and
benefits resulting, all the sanguine expectations formed in the beginning of its opera-
tions, are so far transcended by its practical workings that it towers into sublimity when
compared with any, or all other efforts of a similar natui-e, however commendable or
useful they may be. In several of its most important departments, be it remembered,
this grand work is conducted mainly by the women of our country. When was there
ever before a field of such unselfish patriotic, useful labor opened for the occupancy of
woman, and when was ever an opportunity more gloriously embraced? Work on, ye
women of America! In the history of this gigantic struggle, your deeds will add lusti e
to the achievements of our arms, and go down in the menioiy of mankind " to the lasi
syllable of recorded time."
In liis annual report to the Governor for 1864, Surgeon Gen-
eral Wolcott, thus speaks of the important position which the
duties of Surgeon General had been made to assume by the
progress and magnitude of the rebellion. He says :
In my first annual report for the year 1862, 1 alluded to the fact, that in the commence-
ment of the war, no adequate conception of the magnitude of the work entered upon,
was claimed. Could I have foreseen the vast proportions and desperate character of the
struggle, and the length of time it was to occupy, I should have considered the matter
much more maturely, before consenting to act as Surgeon General of the State. In order
to have done full justice to either myself or the State, a medical bureau should at once
have been established, located at the State Capital, to the duties of which my whole time
and such assistance as experience proved to be necessary, should have been devoted.
This would have involved large additional expense to the State, it is true, but wliich
results, I think, would have fully justified. I do not allude to this subject in a spirit of
complaint, but rather of apology, for the want of such interesting and valuable facts as
should abound in a report of this nature, and which, under such circumstances, could
easily have been supplied. But the heat and burden of the great day of our regeneration
is so far passed, with the bright and cheering prospect of a speedy and glorious termina-
tion, already rising before us, that it is too late now to think of radical changes, and in
tKe future as in the past, what time I occupy the place, I shall endeavor to discharge its
d aties, as well as circumstances and ability will permit.
In the Spring of 1865, Governor Lewis, and Surgeon General
Wolcott, visited Washington, with a view to a general inspection
of the hospitals, and if possible, to secure a transfer of the sick
and wounded of our Wisconsin soldiers to the general hospitals
established at home. To do this, the Governor secured an order
from Surgeon General Barnes, authorizing the transfer. Thus
prepared, with Dr. Wolcott, he proceeded on his tour visiting
232 MILITARY HISTORY OF -WISCONSIN.
the hospitals at Fortress Monroe, Richmond, and Norfolk, secur-
ing transportation with the expedition sent to Texas under Gen-
eral Wetzel. They visited Mobile and l^ew Orleans, and going
up the river, stopped at all the principal places where hospitals
were located, visiting the sick of Wisconsin, and securing their
transfer to hospitals in this State. By this means. Governor
Lewis secured the immediate removal of at least a thousand
invalids, and as many more were transferred from such hospitals
as could not he reached by his Excellency, but to the directors
of which he sent copies of the order of the Surgeon General.
UNITED STATES GENERAL HOSPITALS.
Soon after Governor Salomon was invested with the duties of
the Executive, he broached the subject of establishing a hospital
in the State, by the General Government, in order that our sick,
wounded, and disabled soldiers should have the privilege of being
near their friends and homes. Experience had also demon-
strated that a removal, to our clear bracing atmosphere, would
hasten the convalescence of many who wovild otherwise die if
left in the hospitals in the unhealthy districts of the lower Mis-
sissippi, or the seaboard of Virginia. In May, 1863, an order was
sent to the Medical Director of the department, to organize a
General Hospital at Prairie du Chien. Dr. Town proceeded to
Prairie du Chien, where a large stone building, built for a hotel,
had been selected as a suitable place for the hospital — the con-
tract was closed — the papers executed, and the tenant notified
to leave, and every arrangement made to commence the under-
taking when an order was received, directing an abandonment
of the project. Accordingly no further progress was made in
that direction.
Still further efforts were made, however, and finally, in October,
1863, an order was received for the establishment at Madison, of a
"United States General Hospital. Several buildings were exam-
ined, and a choice made of the Farwell mansion, a large octagon
stone building, three stories in height, beautifully situated on
the Third Lake, in the Third Ward of the City of Madison.
Of this hospital, Surgeon General Wolcott, in his report for
the year 1864, says :
HARVEY HOSPITAL. 233
Somewhere about the middle of October, 18C3, it was opened for the reception of In-
mates, under the care of F. L. Town, Assistant Surgeon United States Army. Within
a month, however, the present Surgeon, Dr. Howard Culbertson, Surgeon United States
volunteers, was placed in charge.
I have frequently visited the Harvey Hospital, and it affords me great pleasure to bear
testimony to the untiring zeal and ability of the Surgeon in charge, and the medical
officers and subordinates under him.
The essential excellence of a Hospital, consists in the successful results of ellbrts to
restore the inmates to health, or the nearest approximation to it possible. The general
police, hygienic regulations, orders, rules, etc., should all tend to this grand result.
Viewed in this light, although there are many much more spacious and comiiiodious
hospitals in the country, very few will be found superior to the Harvey Hospital. Rem-
ediable cases, whether requiring surgical or medicinal means, or both, are seasonably
and skilfully treated. Another feature, second only in importance to the one above
alluded to, is the perfect system of records of cases, so that in the briefest possible man-
ner, compatible with accuracy, all the important facts connected with each individual
case, can be seen at a glance, thus leaving a reliable, rich, and convenient legacy to the
professional statistician. Those of our gallant sick and wounded boys, who are so fortu-
nate as to be inmates of the Harvey Hospital, have abundant reason for self-gratulation.
Of such, there are at this time, about six hundred and thirty, including those at the
Branch, Camp Randall.
Harvey United States General Hospital continued under the
charge of its able superintendent, Dr. Culbertson, until after the
end of the war, when it was ordered to be closed. The patients
were discharged or transferred to the Post Hospital, at Camp
Randall, and the hospital property disposed of about the 1st of
October, 1865. The United States generously released to Mrs,
Harvey, all right and title to the additional buildings put up on
the grounds, on condition that the building should thereafter be
appropriated to the purposes of a " Soldiers' Orphan's Home."
General Hospitals were established in 1864, at Prairie du
Chien, and Milwaukee. The Prairie du Chien hospital was
placed under the charge of Dr. F. "W. Kelley, Assistant Surgeon
United States Army, and continued its operations until after the
end of the war. The Milwaukee hospital was designed for an
officers' hospital, and was placed under the care of Dr. A. Xelley,
Assistant Surgeon United States Army, and continued up to the
period when a general order closed the United States General
Hospitals in Wisconsin.
These three general hospitals, and the Post Hospital at Camp
Randall, were the only institutions of the kind established in
Wisconsin, by the United States, during the war.
Two of the public hospitals in Milwaukee, did much towards
the care of our sick soldiers, particularly during the early part
of the war, viz : the St. Mary's, under the charge of the Sisters
of Charity, and the Milwaukee Hospital. Much praise is due
234 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
these institutions for tlie kind attention and care shown to the
sick and disabled of our soldiers who came under their care.
SANITARY AGENTS.
In a preceding chapter devoted to the action of the State
authorities in 1861, it will be seen that Governor Randall intro-
duced the practice of appointing agents to travel with the regi-
ments to the field, who were to take charge of the sick, and to
care for them in case they were unable to travel, etc. The
practice was not continued by Governor Harvey.
At the reassembling of the Legislature in 1862, subsequent
to the death of Governor Harvey, Governor Salomon called the
attention of that body to the necessity of an appropriation, to be
placed at the control of the Executive, whereby in the case of a
battle, in which Wisconsin troops were engaged, the sick and
wounded might be cared for by the State authorities, and such
of them as could be removed, returned home, or to Northern
hospitals.
^Notwithstanding the assertion has been made that the United
States takes care of the sick and wounded, and that they are not
left to perish, it is a lamentable fact, that at the opening of the
war in 1862, many brave men died for want of proper care on
the part of regimental and hospital Surgeons. At that time the
medical department was not thoroughly organized, and Surgeons
of regiments lacked that experience and skill which a few months
practice in the field afterwards gave them. It was on this ac-
count, as well as others, that Governor Salomon desired that
funds should be placed in his hands. Two expeditions to bring
home the sick and wounded at Pittsburg Landing, and one to
Keokuk, had been undertaken with beneficial results.
The Legislature passed an act which became a law on the 17th
of June, authorizing the Governor to take care of the sick and
wounded soldiers of "Wisconsin, and appropriated |20,000 for
that purpose. Under this act, the several expeditions mentioned
in the Surgeon General's report on preceding pages, were pros-
ecuted. At this time many of the Governors of the loyal States
had placed agents at the several great military points, both East
and West, whose duty it was to look after the welfare of the
STATE SANITARY AGENTS. 235-
soldiers of their respective States, and to visit the sick and
wounded in the hospitals, and furnish them with such necessaries
for their comfort as were not comprised in the usual hospital
supplies. Governor Salomon immediately appointed the follow-
ing named persons to act as agents : Honorable J. "W. Beardsley,
for St. Louis; Mrs. Cordelia P. Harvey, widow of Governor
Harvey, at St. Louis; Robert R. Carson, at Philadelphia; Colo-
nel Frank E. Howe, at New York; George W. Sturgis, at Keo-
kuk; Godfrey Stamm, agent in Kentucky and Tennessee;
George R. Stuntz, agent in Tennessee. The Wisconsin Soldiers'
Aid Society of Washington, also acted as the agent of the State.
Speaking of the operations of these agents in his message to the
Legislature in 1863, Governor Salomon says :
The results obtained by these agencies have been very beneficial and satisfactory.
Regular and accurate information lias constantly been furnished by them to tlie people
of the State, of the sick and wounded soldiers in the several hospitals ; the agents have
attended to the wants of the sick, that could not othei'wise be supplied; they have seen
that abuses in hospitals were brought to the attention of the proper authorities and
remedied ; they have endeavored to obtain and accelerate the discharges of sucli as were
unfit for service; besides their oflicial reports, of which I caused the substance to be
published, making, as I am informed, not less than sixty columns in the " Daily Jour-
nal" of this city, they have furnished constant information to the press, and to private
persons. Applications have been, and are almost daily made to me by the relatives of
sick soldiers, concerning their condition, and soliciting interference on their behalf,
which, without these agents, I should not be able to answer or properly attend to.
In addition to the employment of these agents, Governor
Salomon authorized the use of a portion of this fund to assist
the sick or discharged soldiers to their homes from Madison.
In the summer of 1862, large numbers of soldiers were exam-
ined by the Post Surgeon at Camp Randall, and being found
unfit for military duty, were discharged by Major R. S. Smith,
then miUtary commander at this post. This was before the
establishment of a Department of the Northwest, under General
Pope. The men thus discharged, were unable to get their pay
on their final accounts, for the reason that no Paymaster was
stationed at this point. The Governor authorized the loan of a
sufficient amount to the soldier, to enable him to go to his home,
on his signing an order to his attorney to return the amount
when his claim was settled. In this way large numbers of our
soldiers were enabled to reach their homes.
The system of State Sanitary agents has been continued by
the subsequent administration up to the close of the war. Some
236 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
changes were made in 1864. The offices at New York and Phi-
ladelphia, were discontinued. Plonorable J. W. Beardsley,
returned, after serving about a month. M. D. Bartlett, tooktlie
place of Mr. Stamm, in Tennessee, served several months, came
home, and L. B. Nichols was sent as his successor. D. R.
Spooner, E, L, Jones, and Captain M. J. Meade, were succes-
sively appointed at Nashville, whenever business or health com-
pelled his predecessor to resign. George C. Smith, and George
E. Davenport, were both appointed by Governor Salomon, at
Memphis, who were superceded by Jacob Low, of Lowville^
who remained until some time in the summer of 1864, when the
office was discontinued. William Y. Sellick acted as the only
State agent at Washington, until the beginning of 1865, when
D. Ostrander was sent forward to assist him.
Mrs. C. A. P. Harvey, George W. Sturgis, E. L. Jones, W.
Y. Sellick, and D. Ostrander, remained in the field as agents of
the State, until the close of the war.
That the services of these agents have been of great value to
the soldiers and their relatives and friends, does not admit of
doubt, but that their labors might have been made more efficient
by the exercise of a more liberal spirit, permitting them to
sitpply the sick and weary soldiers with many little comforts in
the way of more palatable food, or articles of clothing, which
they sorely needed, and which might have been supplied to them
had the formal instructions sent to State agents been accompa-
nied with means sufficient to enable them to meet these wants
of the soldier. The expenditure of a few thousand dollars in
this way, would have never made our great State any poorer, and
much suffiBring might have been prevented. We have to confess
that Wisconsin has not been as liberal in making her State
Sanitary agencies as effective as other States.
The heroism displayed by Mrs. Harvey, in devoting nearly
four years of her life, to the sacred duty of looking after the sick
and wounded of our soldiery, to the alleviation of their suffer-
ings, to her kind christian attention at the bedside of the dying,
her efforts to cheer the desponding, and where the neces-
sity demanded it, her determined energy in securing the final
discharge of those who would be no longer serviceable as
soldiers, is worthy of the greatest praise. To the perseverance
/
'^^STERK EKOEATOia CO. CHIC^""'
-^W (S®mo)mitSJL ^ oIPo ISL^JSWlETo
ESr&BAVED EXPRESSEf FOR CLARKE &. CO. PUBLISHERS.
MRS. C. A. P. HARVEY. 237
of Mrs. Harvey, our soldiers are indebted for the establishment
of the Harvey Hospital, where so many have received treatment.
On presenting to the authorities at "Washington, a request for
the establishment of a United States Hospital in Wisconsin, it
was refused. She determined to apply to the President. On
securing an audience with Mr. Lincoln, he kindly heard her
appeal, but stated that her request could not be granted, stating
that the general hospitals already established were sufficient for
the accommodation of the soldiers in the army, that they were
w^ell managed, and that no necessity existed for the establishment
of new hospitals. Nothing daunted by this refusal, she explained
to Mr. Lincoln her experience in the several hospitals on the
Mississippi, giving him to understand how they were managed,
and how the soldiers were treated, how the hospitals were in-
spected, and showing that the glowing reports of the inspectors
were not based upon their real condition and management, but
that the institutions were prepared expressly for the reception of
these inspectors, and that her own personal knowledge of these
matters, prompted her to apply for the establishment of a hos-
pital within the borders of Wisconsin, where the soldiers could
be better cared for than in the hospitals on the river. By her
persistent effort, calling again and again, upon the President,
and the Secretary of War, she attained her object, and on her
last call on President Lincoln, he good naturedly informed her
that he had concluded to give her a hospital for Wisconsin. On
her return home, she received a telegram from Secretary Stanton.
Washington, September 27, 1863.
To Mrs. Governor Harvey :
I have ordered the establishment of a hospital at the Farwell house In Madison, to be
called the Harvey Hospital, in memory of your late lamented husband, the patriotic
Governor of Wisconsin, who lost his life while caring for the wounded soldiers of the
State.
edwin m. stanton,
soldiers' aid societies.
In addition to what the men of Wisconsin have done in the
war, the women of the State are entitled to notice for their great
and persistent efforts to uphold the arm of the National
Government in the recent struggle.
At an early day, the sympathy of the women of the State was
enlisted in the National cause. By their timely assistance, the
238 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
State authorities were enabled to comfortably clotlie the earlier
regiments. Meeting in concert, these worthy descendants of
" our revolutionary mothers," devoted their time to the fabrica-
tion of garments necessary for the comforts of those who had
voluntarily relinquished the endearments of home, not only to
contend with an armed foe, but also to expose themselves to all
the hardships incident to a soldier's life. This first work being
accomplished, naturally induced those engaged, to continue their
efforts. Soon the call came for lint and bandages, with an inti-
mation that a supply of those articles and delicacies so necessary
to the comfort of the sick, would not be declined. These hints,
at once showed to woman what was to be her duty during the
war, and with great alacrity she proceeded to fulfil that duty.
At first, these benevolent impulses manifested themselves in
donations to individuals, squads or companies, raised in the town
or neighborhood of the donors, being their sons, brothers, or
intimate friends. The practical .difficulties surrounding this
manner of sending supplies, soon manifested itself by repeated
failures of the packages to reach their destination. Another
source of disquietude arose from reports that the supplies sent
were diverted from their original destination, and that they were
appropriated to the personal use of the officers, or medical
attendants. For these, and other reasons, the general ardor for
furnishing sanitary assistance to the soldiers, became somewhat
dampened. Like other great projects, where large numbers
were working to the same end without concert of action, it was
found that this army of benevolent women, needed organization
in order to make their efibrts effective. At this juncture, the
United States Sanitary Commission was organized in June, 1861.
Branches were soon established at Chicago, Louisville, and St.
Louis. This institution and its several branches, were dependent
upon the benevolent men and women of the loyal States, for
means to carry out their great sanitary measures, and they at
once became the medium, by which the local " Aid Societies,"
which had been formed in all the cities, villages and townships
of this, and other States, could send their donations to the field,
with the- assurance that the supplies thus sent, would be properly
bestowed.
soldiers' aid societies. 239
"We would gladly accord a chapter for the relation of what the
women of Wisconsin have done to sustain the government in
the recent war, hut the limits of a single volume will not permit
us to do so, had we the time to gather the material for such a
history. The subject is worthy of a volume by itself, and we
have no doubt a history will some day be written, by one fully
conversant with all thatjias been done by the women of the loyal
States, as their efforts form one of the marked features of the
war, having no parallel in the military history of any nation in
the world.
" Soldiers' Aid Societies " were formed throughout the State
soon after the disaster at Bull Run, the sufferings of our soldiers
on that field of battle being the first to call out the sympathies
of the non-combatants at home. At Milwaukee and Madison,
strong societies were organized, other cities and towns following
closely. The society at Milwaukee, at first styled the " Ladies
Association for the Aid of Military Hospitals," became the
nucleus for a State organization, and the " Wisconsin Soldiers'
Aid Society " was subsequently formed. This institution became
the centre of over three hundred auxiliary societies, and con-
tinued its labors until the close of the war. The reports of this
society, exhibit the number of boxes received from its several
auxiliaries — the amounts in cash received from different parts
of the State — a statement of its disbursements — and treats of
other matters of charity to which the society devoted its attention.
A "Wisconsin Soldiers' Aid Society" was organized at Wash-
ington City, by citizens of Wisconsin, temporarily resident there.
Ex-Governor Randall, was the President. This society contrib-
uted much to the relief of our soldiers in the hospitals in and
around the City of Washington, and was the medium through
which Governors Salomon and Lewis, extended relief to our
soldiers on the Potomac.
The following from the farewell address of the United States
Sanitary Commission, giving notice of the close of their labors,
shows in what estimation the efforts of the patriotic women of
the North were held by those who were best able to judge of
their extent and value. They say :
For more than four years the United States Sanitary Commission has depended on ita
branches, mainly directed and controUed by women, for keeping alive tlie interest in
240 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
its work in all the villages and homes of the country, for establishing and handing
together the Soldiers' Aid Societies which in thousands have sprung up and united their
strength in our service. By correspondence and by actual visitation, as well as by a
system of canvassers, you, at the centres of influence, have maintained your hold upon
the homes of the land, and kept your storehouses and ours full of their contributions.
By what systematic and business like devotion of your time and talents you have been
able to accomplish this, we have been studious and admiring observers.
Nor do we suppose that you, who have controlled and inspired our branches, and with
whom it has been our happiness to be brought into personal contact, are, because acting
In a larger sphere, more worthy of our thanks and respect than the women who have
maintained our village Soldiers' Aid Societies. Indeed, the ever-cheering burden of
your communications to us has been the praise and love inspired in you by the devoted
patriotism, the self-sacrificing zeal of the Aid Societies and their individual contribu-
tors. Through you we have heard the same glowing and tear-moving tales of the sacri-
flees, made by humble homes and hands, in behalf of our work which we often hear from
the comrades of privates in the field, who throughout the war have often won the
laurels their officers have worn, and have been animated by motives of pure patriotism,
unmixed with hope of promotion or desire for recognition or praise, to give their blood
and their lives for the country of their hearts. To you, and through you to the Soldiers'
Aid Societies, and through them to each and every contributor to our supplies, to every
woman who has sewed a seam or knitted a stocking in the service of the Sanitary Qom-
m.ission, we now return our most sincere and hearty thanks— thanks which are not
ours only, but those of the camps, the hospitals, the transports, the prisons, the pickets
and the lines, where your love and labor have sent comfort, protection, relief and some-
times life itself. It is as it should be. The soldier will return to his home to thank hia
own wife, mother, sister, daughter, for so tenderly looking after him in camp and field,
in hospital and prison ; and thus it will be seen that it is the homes of the country
which have wrought out this great salvation, and that the men and women of America
have an equal part in its glory and its joy.
PERMANENT BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.
With, the close of the war, the several benevolent and sanitary
organizations, which had their origin in the necessities arising
from a state of warfare, brought their labors to an end. The
great United States Sanitary Commission found its principal
mission ended, and therefore closed up its labors, except in some
small matters. The Christian Commission did likewise; the
several temporary " Homes " for soldiers were closed and the
country began to assume the garb of peace.
The casualties of war, however, had left many subjects for the
exercise of the benevolent impulses, which had been so nobly
exercised in the days of bloody battles. The armless sleeve, or
the crutch, told of suffering in the past, and of trial and hardship
in the future, — the wail of the soldier's widow, or the cry of his
orphaned children, as they mourned for the lost one who was to
return no more — were left to remind us of the great struggle
through whioh the nation had passed. These maimed and
bereaved ones should not be left dependent upon common
charity. They are entitled to the best of care and consideration.
PERMANENT SOLDIERS' HOME. 241
The maimed are not to be neglected, those who have no friends
to care for them, must have friends furnished them, and those
who have no homes to shelter them, must have them provided.
The helpless must be sustained — those who are not entirely dis-
abled, must have employment furnished them ; the fatherless and
motherless little ones must be gathered together, and fostered,
cared for, and educated at the hands of the people who have
been benefitted by the services of those brave heroes, who have
been deprived of life or limbs in their struggle for the national
defence.
To carry out these charitable propositions, it was found neces-
sary to establish permanent institutions. In this State it was
proposed to locate in Milwaukee, the " Wisconsin Soldiers'
Home," for the purpose of providing and caring for the sick,
wounded, and disabled soldiers, and also to give to those
permanently disabled, a quiet comfortable home.
A brief statement of what is already accomplished, and what
is designed in the future, we give here.
In the spring of 1864, the attention of benevolent individuals
in Milwaukee, was attracted to the numerous instances of sick
and disabled soldiers, who were constantly passing through the
city. Cases of unusual suffering were brought to their attention.
Frequently soldiers were destitute of means to procure food and
lodging, and were compelled to ask charity, or they were unable
to pay their way to their homes. Under these circumstances
they were subjected to much suffering, which the ladies of the
city determined to alleviate as far as possible. Accordingly an
association was formed, for the purpose of affording relief to
these cases of distress, by the opening of a " Soldiers' Home."
Large and airy rooms were procured in one of the blocks on
West Water Street, and arrangements were soon perfected for
the reception of the maimed, sick, and w^ounded of our soldiers,
who had occasion to pass through the city. Here the soldier
could come and be provided with temporary rest and entertain-
ment, and when too sick to proceed on his journey, he could
receive such medical aid as was required, and kind and careful
nursing.
16
242 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The expenses of the institution were defrayed by the contribu-
tions of the benevolent people of the city and State. Supplies
were solicited and received from all parts of the State.
We copy from the report of 1865, some of the results of the
labors of this institution :
This Home is not a wayside charity, or transient recreation, but a serious and per-
manent assumption of a sacred duty wliich we owe tlie defenders of our common
country. It is food for the hungry, comfort for the cheerless, sympathy for the afflicted.
It is a constant acknowledgment, that we too have duties, personal and direct, con-
nected with the conflict that convulses our country, which can neither be postponed or
evaded. It is an embodied declai-ation, that we at home acknowledge our obligations
and are willing to share with them the arduous responsibilities of the hour. There has
been no victoiy gained by a loyal army which the strong arms and brave hearts of Wis-
consin soldiers have not helped to win. Tlirough the heroism of these men we are still
enabled to say we have peaceful homes and a stable government.
Having with a year's success and experience, learned many useful l^sons, and
demonstrated the positive need of tills institution, we trust that a generous public will
continue to sustain and firmly establish a work which we confess has arrived to this
level of success with many inconveniences and sacrifices.
The Home is conducted wholly by ladies, with the counsel of an advisory committee
of gentlemen ; the total number of the corps being fifty-five. The regular meetings arc
held semi-monthly, and the average number of ladies present is twenty-five. Tho
Home is in charge of a male superintendent and matron, and the President or one Vice-
President, and a Directress is daily in attendance. At the opening of the enterprise
only one building of limited capacities, was occupied, such as our means could warrant,
for from the fli'st our motto has been " owe no one," and the financiering has been, at
times, fearfully close. As our contributions and necessities increased, we added another
building, thus lessening the labor and increasing the alacrity with which meals could
be provided and lodgings furnished.
The Committee on Benevolent Institutions of the Senate, and the Committee on
Benevolent and Charitable Institutions of the Assembly, visited the Home in March.
We copy with pride the closing paragraph of their Report to the Legislature :— " The
committee extend to the ladies who compose this society, their most cordial approbation
and commendation for their self-sacrificing devotion, tlieir kindness and benevolence,
their perseverance and industry, and also for the financial ability and business capacity
which characterizes their eflTorts in this behalf."
Statistics. — The total number of enlisted men who have received free entertainment
and assistance during the year, has been two thousand eight hundred and forty-two
(2,842.) Besides this number entertained at the Home, there have been fed at camps and
depots, two thousand soldiers passing through the city to and fi'om the field — making a
total of four thousand eight hundred and forty-two (4,842,) soldiers who have been
entertained by this Association.
It adds to the pleasure of our labors that the Superintendent reports the behavior of
the guests of the Home, as almost without exception, of the most decorous and soldierly
character.
Of the soldiers who have shared the hospitalities of the Home there were representa-
tives from twenty difl"erent States, as follows :— Wisconsin, 2,090 ; Minnesota, 237 ; Iowa,
14; Missouri, H; Pennsylvania, 17 ; New York, 20; Illinois, 26; Indiana, 4; Michigan, 23;
Ohio, 4; Maryland, 4; Virginia, 4; Connecticut, 6; Massachusetts, 7; Maine, 2; New
Hampshire, 2 ; Veteran Reserves, 226 ; Rebel Deserters, S7 ; Delaware, 1 ; North Carolina,
1; Louisiana, 1; Mississippi, 1; Regulars, 34; Christian Commission Delegates, 13;
Civilians, 47.
The last named, principally in attendance upon the sick and dying.
The total number of meals served for the year ending April 15th, 1865, was seventeen
thousand four hundred and fifty-six (17,456) — an average of forty-eight daily.
REPORT OF 1865. 243
The meals have been prepared, cooked, and served with as much care as In private
families. The food hs»« always been the most wholesome, fresh and healthful to be
purchased in the market.
No pains, labor or expense, on the part of the officers and nirectresses, has been
spared to render this department of the Homk as near the standard of the family circle
as possible, with our limited means, thus keeping fresh in the minds of our soldiers the
firesides they went forth to defend.
The number of sick and wounded that have received medical or surgical treatment at
the Home, for the year, amounted to upwards of four hundred (400.) And this number
does not include the many soldiers arriving in need of special diet and careful nursing.
The brief and refreshing rest afl'orded by this institution, to the sick, wounded, and
worn soldier, has no doubt been the direct means of saving many precious lives to the
cause of the nation, and to distant and anxious friends.
Just here we have to acknowledge the cheerful and principally gratuitous services of
the physicians of the city.
It is due to the public to state that during the stay of a large number of sick and
wounded from the Thirty-ninth and Forty-first Regiments, being quartered in different
buildings, many contributions were made unaccompanied with names, hence they are
not included in the list of contributions contained in this report.
The number of deaths at the Home for the year, was fifteen. «
The funeral expenses, in most instances, have been paid and the remains foi-wardea
to the homes of the deceased, in charge of the Superintendent or some responsible per-
son. When friendless, the ladies have stood by them, until the last whisper had ceased,
as by those to whom they owed a debt which no human tongue could tell. They were
borne to honored graves in our beautiful " Forest Home " — followed to the last by some
of the ladies. They rest in hallowed ground, belonging to the "Wisconsin Soldiers'
Home, which is forever set apart as sacred to the ashes of heroes.
The Treasurer's report shows the amount received as contri-
butions during the year, up to April 15th, 1865, to be $6,429 68.
The Legislature of 1865, also appropriated $5,000 to the
institution, making a total of $11,429 68.
The disbursements were, $4,591 93.
The necessity for a permanent institution of this kind, which
should continue its operations after the close of the war, early
impressed itself upon the minds of the ladies who had the insti-
tution in charge. Steps were, therefore, taken to secure an act
of incorporation, for more efiectually carrying out the project. An
act was passed at the session of 1865, incorporating the institu-
tion, and an appropriation of $5,000 was made on the recom-
mendation of the Committee on Benevolent and Charitable
Institutions.
In order to place funds in the hands of the Directors of the
Institution, a State Fair was projected. It was held at Milwau-
kee, and proved a splendid success, one hundred and one thous-
and dollars having been realized after paying all expenses. "With
this sum, it is proposed to build and endow a Permanent Soldiers'
Home.
244 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN".
Since tlie puMication of the Eeport, of 1865, many thousands
of the returning soldiers of- the State have been entertained at
the " Home," and there are now (in October, 1865,) forty per-
manent residents in the Institution. It is proposed to complete
the building by the 1st of May, 1866, until which time the rooms
at present occupied by the Association will be open for the
reception of those of our battle-scarred heroes who need a home.
soldiers' orphans' home.
Another project was, to establish an asylum for the orphan
children of our deceased soldiers at Madison, to be placed among
the other benevolent institutions of the State, and receive its
support in the same manner.
On the discontinuance of Harvey Hospital, at Madison, the
idea was conceived of making use of the hospital buildings for
the purposes of a home for the orphan children of soldiers who
have died in the service of the United States during the recent
war.
It was ascertained at the office of the Secretary of State that
there were in Wisconsin at least 8000 orphan children of soldiers.
The pledges given by every community that the families of those
who went forth to battle should have the protection of those
whose liberties and property were defended by the heroic fathers
in the field, are doubly binding in the case of those helpless and
homeless ones who have been left fatherless by the casualties of
war. While the " lost one " cannot be restored, the hand of
charity can mitigate the poignancy of the bereavement, by pro-
viding an asylum where the soldiers' children, many of whom are
motherless also, may be cared for, protected and educated as the
wards of a grateful people.
The large and elegant building, erected by Governor Farwell
on the banks of the Third Lake, in Madison, and recently occu-
pied as Harvey Hospital, being eligibly situated for the purposes
of the contemplated institution, the proprietors proposed to sell
the property for a nominal sum, on condition that the State
would take the institution under its patronage, and the General
Government would contribute, without charge, the extensive
wings which had been added, at a cost of |15,000.
soldiers' orphans' home. 245
Mrs. Harvey proceeded to Washington, and laid the matter
before the proper department. She sneceeded in securing the
donation of the Government additions, on condition that the
main buildings should be purchased, and used for the purposes
of a " Soldiers' Orphans' Home."
The citizens of Madison promptly contributed $5,000 for the
purchase of the buildings, and mechanics were set immediately
to work, making such alterations as were necessary. It was
proposed to refit and furnish the buildings for the immediate
reception of at least two hundred children, to put it in complete
operation, and then hand it over to the State, to be adopted as
one of its benevolent institutions.
The sum required for this purpose is estimated at $30,000, ol
which ^5,000 has been subscribed by the citizens of Madison, the
balance, it is expected, will be raised among the citizens of the
State. Mrs. Harvey is devoting her time and energies in secur-
ing such donations to the enterprise as will secure the early
organization of the institution, and the reception of inmates.
The design of this Institution is one of the noblest of the age,
and it is the duty of every locality in the State to lend its aid to
the undertaking, and thereby furnish a home to the destitute
orphans of our deceased soldiers, where they may be protected,
fostered and educated.
The following persons were selected as officers of the Institutiou,
preliminary to a formal organization :
His ExceUency, James T. Lewis, President.
Hon. David Atwood, Vice-Pi-esident.
Hon. Denison Worthington, Secretary.
Samuel Marshall, Ti-easwer.
Mrs. Cordelia A. P. Harvey, General Superintendent.
Executive Committee. — Governor James T. Lewis, Hon. David Atwood, Hon. Dknison
Worthington, Samuel Marshajll, Philo W. Dunning, Benj. F. Hopkins, N. B.
Van Slyke.
A Board of Trustees was chosen, to present the subject, and
solicit subscriptions in their several localities.
BUREAU OF EMPLOYMENT.
For the purpose of continuing benevolent efforts to assist
the disabled soldier, a " Bureau of Employment for Discharged
Soldiers " was established at Milwaukee, by William H. Byron,
Esq., at the rooms of the "Young Men's Christian Association,"
246 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
409 Main Street. This project was heartily endorsed by the
"Wisconsin Soldiers' Aid Society and the Christian Commission.
We append a statement of the objects of this Agency for
Employment :
1. To aid those who have served in the Army and Navy of the United States In
obtaining employment.
2. To prevent, as far as practicable, the necessity for costly charitable institutions, by
thus encouraging industry, and aiding the disabled soldier who might otherwise seek
an asylum, to strive for self-support.
3. To lessen the pauperism and crime necessarily more or less a consequence of war,
and which surely attend on large numbers of unoccupied men left to themselves without
employment or means of subsistence.
4. To save to tlie country a large amount of prgductive labor, at a time when it can
least afford to maintain idle hands.
Information and suggestions are solicited relative to employments adapted to maimed
and disabled men. Employers are earnestly requested to make application to this office
for every class of labor ; and are reminded that our Army and Navy have contained
many of the best and most trustworthy young men of the nation — skilled in every
occupation.
It is demanded by both patriotism and humanity, that the light occupations of all
towns and communities, and whatever work can be as well done by invalid soldiers as
by others, be given to the men who may have incapacitated themselves for rivalry in
more active and laborious fields of duty, by giving their limbs, their health, and their
)i>lood to the nation.
f
These benevolent projects we heartily recommend to the atten-
tion of the people of Wisconsin, who are second to none in
patriotism or benevolence, and to whom an appeal for aid, in
any good cause, has never been made in vain.
In the preceding pages, we have endeavored to give a history
of the action of the State authorities of Wisconsin, in the or-
ganization of the military force, which was required by the Gen-
eral Government, to aid in the suppression of the recent rebel-
lion. It is necessarily brief, but gives a sufficiently explicit
statement to enable the reader to fully understand what was
done by the State. While it might be more interesting to some,
if more detail had been given, and the several public documents
inserted at large, we are constrained to think that the general
mass of readers would prefer a short, concise relation of the
facts, such as we have endeavored to give. An experience in
the preparation of this work has demonstrated to us that a com-
plete and full history of the State action, with the documents
pertaining thereto, would make a large volume, which would
prove of more interest to the student or historian than to the
general class of readers.
CHAPTER YIII.
GENERAL MILITARY OPERATIONS— EASTERN DIVISION.
Wisconsin Organizations in Eastern Division — Skirmish at Fal-
ling Waters — First Battle or Bull Bun — Bolivar Heights —
Winchester — Peninsula Campaign — Banks' Retreat — Battle
OE Cedar Mountain — Gainesville — Second Bull Run — South
Mountain — Antietam — Fredericksburg — Chancellorville —
Marye's Heights — Gettysburg — Rappahannock Station —
Battles from the Rapidan to Petersburg — Weldon Railroad
— Explosion of the Mine — Reams' Station — South Side Rail-
road— Hatcher's Run — Fort Stedman — Five Forks — Evacua-
tion OP Petersburg and Richmond — Pursuit of Lee's Army —
Sailors' Creek — Surrender — Sherman's March from Savannah
— AVERYSBORO BeNTONVILLE — JoHNSTON's SURRENDER — '' JOHNNY
Comes Marching Home Again."
Ij^ order that the reader may more fully understand the position
occupied by our Wisconsin regiments in the general military
operations instituted by the National Government for the sup-
pression of the rebellion, we have compiled a brief sketch of the
several campaigns in the Eastern, Central and Western Depart-
ments. We do not pretend to give a general history of the war,
or of any campaign, confining ourselves to that portion in which
our Wisconsin regiments were engaged. It is necessarily brief,
but sufiiciently explicit for the reader to understand the connec-
tion which our regiments had with the several great military
movements which characterized the recent terrible struggle. We
have drawn our information chiefly from the official reports of
the several commanding generals. Where we failed to secure
these, we have had recourse to the most reliable histories of the
war. Many minor aflairs may not be noticed, but the organiza-
tion engaged will receive due credit in their regimental or
248 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
company history. "We have divided the subject into three divisions,
intended to coincide with the three grand divisions, into which
the General Government divided the rebel territory in order to
more readily prosecute the war.
EASTERN DIVISION.
The following Wisconsin regiments were, at different periods,
assigned to duty in the Eastern Division, which comprised the
territory on both sides of the Potomac, and the seaboard from
Baltimore to Savannah : — First (three months,) Second, Third,
Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Nineteenth, Twenty-sixth, Thirty-
sixth, Thirty-seventh and Thirty- eighth Infantry, and Company
G, First Regiment Berdan's Sharpshooters, and Batteries Nos.
Two and Four, and Battery A, Heavy Artillery. The Heavy
Artillery, in time, was increased to a regiment, with full organi-
zation. The batteries composing it, with the exception of Com-
panies B, C and D, were assigned to duty in the fortifications
around "Washington, in the latter part of the year 1864, where
they remained until the close of the war.
The Third and Twenty-sixth Regiments were transferred to
the Central Division, in 1863, and took part in the Atlanta Cam-
paign and the grand march of General Sherman. The Fourth
Regiment was, in the Spring of 1862, transferred to the " De-
partment of the Gulf," under General Butler, and subsequently
operated in the Valley of the Mississippi.
To the proclamation of President Lincoln, of April 15, 1861,
calling for 75,000 men, the loyal States responded with such
alacrity, that in a short time the City of Washington was so far
supplied with troops from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey
and Pennsylvania, as to insure its safety against any attack which
the rebels might make. This object being attained, the General
Government turned its attention to other points in the vicinity
of the National Capital. On the 25th of May, part of the forces
congregated at Washington proceeded to take possession of the
City of Alexandria, and to occupy and fortify the elevated grounds
on the Virginia side of the Potomac, known as Arlington Heights.
A portion of the militia of the district was also sent to occupy
the several fords on the Potomac, above Georgetown, as far as
OPERATIONS ON THE UPPER POTOMAC. 249
Edwards' Ferry, midway between "VYasliington and Harper's
Ferry. General Patterson, of Pennsylvania, was also appointed
as commander of a military department, composed of the State
of Pennsylvania and a portion of Maryland. He was ordered to
congregate an army for active operations on the Potomac, above
where the forces of the district were stationed, at Edwards'
Ferry.
On the 18th of April, or three days after the issue of the Presi-
dent's proclamation, Governor Letcher, the secession Governor
of the State of Virginia, dispatched a body of State troops to
Harper's Ferry, for the purpose of seizing the United States
Arsenal at that place, and taking possession of the arms there
stored. The energetic Lieutenant Jones, of the Regular Army,
who was in charge of the Government property, however, de-
feated the designs of the enemy, by setting fire to the work-shops
and store-houses. The rebels found very few serviceable arms,
but secured much of the valuable machinery, which was removed
to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and used by the rebels in fabri-
cating and repairing arms during the war. Sometime in May,
the Confederate Government sent a large force, under the com-
mand of Colonel Jo. Johnston, to hold the place as a military
point.
Several of the regiments organized under the first call of the
President were ordered to report to General Patterson, at Cham-
bersburg, Penn. A few regular cavalry and artillery were
added, together with a Rhode Island battery, under command of
Colonel Burnside. On the 15th of June, General Patterson
moved his troops to Hagerstown, Md,, and from there made a
demonstration into Virginia, crossing the Potomac River, on the
17th, at Williamsport. His forces, under General Cadwallader,
commenced their march to the rear of Harper s Ferry, Avhich
was situated a few miles below Williamsport, on the Virginia
side, at the confluence of the Shenandoah River with the Poto-
mac. The rebels apprehending that they would be cut oft' from
communication with their main force, at Centerville and Manas-
8€8, Colonel Johnston evacuated the place, and took possession
of Winchester, about thirty miles west of Harper's Ferry.
This first expedition of General Patterson was destined to be a
failure, as it had advanced but a few miles when orders were
250 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
received from General Scott, at Washington, for General Patter-
son to send fortliwitli all the regulars in his army, horse and
foot, to Washington, as an attack on the city was apprehended.
This compelled the recall of General Cadwallader, and the
abandonment of the expedition.
The arrival of other troops enabled General Patterson to make
another demonstration. The First Wisconsin, under Colonel
Starkweather, was among the number. General Patterson, with
about 18,000 men, crossed the Potomac, at Williamsport, on the
2d day of July. The First Wisconsin had been brigaded with
some Pennsylvania regiments, and was under the command of
Colonel Abercrombie. This brigade was the first infantry force
to wade the River — the First Wisconsin in the advance. After
crossing and marching a few miles, the rebels, under Colonel
Jackson, were encountered at a place called Porterfield's Farm,
near the village of Falling Waters. The six right companies
of the First Wisconsin were deployed as skirmishers, and at-
tacked the rebels with such vigor, that with the assistance of a
section of a battery, which opened a severe fire, the enemy soon
retreated, and were pursued two or three miles by the First
Wisconsin and a Pennsylvania regiment. The fight was over
before the rest of Patterson's command made its appearance.
Proceeding to Martinsburg, his army encamped. There he
was instructed by General Scott to hold Colonel Johnston in
check at Winchester, and prevent his joining the forces of
Beauregard, at Manassas, as he (General Scott) proposed to
attack the latter in that strong position. General Patterson
was to fight Johnston if. he could not be detained in any other
way. From cowardice, or some other cause, Patterson failed
to carry out the instructions of General Scott, and permitted
Johnston to escape to Manasses, and take part in the battle
of Bull Run, on the 21st of July, his rear division arriving
on the field of battle in the afternoon, and snatching the vic-
tory from the hands of our exhausted soldiers. General Pat-
terson retired with his forces to Harper's Ferry. He was soon
after mustered out of the United States service, and was per-
mitted to retire to private life, without any investigation as
to his misconduct.
^■''ESTEf'/^KfJGRAyrtfa CaCsicAOO.
MAJ- GEN_VvTLiiAM. T. SHERMAN. U S- A-
ENGR'\VED EXPRESSLY FOR CLARKE 5. CO. PUBLISHERS.
BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 251
While those operations were progressing on the Upper Po-
tomac, the Government planned a campaign against the rebels
at Manassas, and placed the execution of it under the control
of General McDowell, who immediately made preparations, and
congregated his troops on the Virginia side of the Potomac,
near Washington. The Second Wisconsin, under Colonel Coon,
had arrived at Washington, and was incorporated with a brigade
commanded by Colonel, now General W. T. Sherman. This
brigade was the Third, in General Tyler's division, and marched
with it to Centreville, where General McDowell concentrated his
forces on the 18th of July. A portion of General Tyler's divi-
sion was engaged in the afternoon of that day, in areconnoissance
at Blackburn's Ford, on Bull Run, about two miles from Center-
ville. The rebels were found in strong force, and returned the
flre of General Tyler's guns with such vigor as to induce that
General to withdraw his forces after a loss of one hundred killed
and wounded. Although not actively engaged, the Second Reg-
iment was under the rebel fire and lost one man killed and two
wounded.
Participating in the movement of the 21st of July, General
Tyler's division in the morning, marched to the neighborhood
of the Stone Bridge, which crosses Bull Run on the Warrenton
turnpike, four miles west of Centerville. Here the brigade was
stationed at the right of the road till about eleven o'clock, when
it was ordered to cross Bull Run, to the assistance of General
Hunter. Arriving on the field, the several regiments of the
brigade were ordered singly to assault the battery of the enemy
strongly posted on a hill. Marching forward under a withering
fire, the men of the Second Wisconsin, assailed the rebel
works, but were unable to carry them by reason of the superior
strength of the enemy, and the want of proper support. After
repeated advances, the regiment retired. About this time, the
rear guard of Johnston's army from Winchester deployed on the
battle-field, and opened fire upon our fatigued troops, who were
compelled to retreat, being too far exhausted to withstand the
charges of these fresh battalions. Leaving the field, the Union
troops returned to their encampments around Washington,
somewhat demoralized.
252 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
This was the only campaign planned in the Eastern department
during 1861, in which Wisconsin regiments were engaged.
In addition to the First and Second regiments already men-
tioned, the Third Wisconsin, Colonel Hamilton, arrived in July,
and reported to General Banks, at Harper's Ferry, and was
stationed under his command on the Upper Potomac, during the
fall and winter. Companies A, C, and H, of this regiment, en-
gaged the enemy at Bolivar Heights, in October, driving the
enem}?^ from the village — losing six killed, and eight wounded.
The Fourth Wisconsin, Colonel Paine, arrived at Baltimore in
July, and was employed in guarding the railroads, encampiiig at
the Relay House, and taking part in a reconuoitering expedition
to the Eastern shore of Virginia, returning to winter quarters,
near Baltimore. The Fifth Wisconsin, Colonel Cobb, and Sixth
Wisconsin, Colonel Catler, arrived at Washington during the
latter part of July, and were brigaded with the Second, in King's
brigade, and were engaged, during the month of September, in
outpost duty, building earthworks, and attaining perfection in
drill and discipline preparatory to a grand advance against the
rebels in the spring. In October, they were joined by the Seventh
Wisconsin, Colonel Vandor, which was added to King's brigade,
the Fifth having been transferred to Hancock's brigade, in Gene-
ral Smith's division. Company " G," of the First Regiment of
Berdan's sharpshooters, was also a Wisconsin organization, and
was encamped with the regiment near Washington, during the
fall and winter of 1861. In March, 1862, the Fourth Wisconsin,
was transferred to the department of the Gulf, under General
Butler, and sailed for Ship Island.
The first movement of the forces in Northeastern "Virginia, in
1862, was commenced by General Banks, under the direction and
personal supervision of General McClellan. On the 24th of
February, General Banks crossed the Potomac and took posses-
eion of Harper's Ferry, and the surrounding heights. On the 2d
of March, Leesburg was occupied by Colonel Geary, and
Martiusburg was taken possession of on the 3d.
After the battle of Bull Run, in 1861, and during the fall and
winter, the Confederate forces occupied a line extending fi-om
Acquia Creek, on the Potomac, below Alexandria, passing
through Manassas and Centerville, to Winchester, on the Upper
BATTLE OF WINCHESTEK. 253
Potomac. The effect of this movement of General Banks on
the enemy's left flank, caused the evacuation of Winchester, and
subsequently of Manassas, and a general change of the rebel
line to the Rappahannock River.
General C. S. Hamilton, formerly Colonel of the Third Wis-
consin, was ordered by General Banks, to drive the rebels from
Winchester. Advancing againstthat town on the 11th of March,
the rebel General Jackson, evacuated and retired from the place
during the night. General Shields followed up the retreat, and
found General Jackson reinforced, and within supporting dis-
tance of the main body of Confederates, under General Johnston.
General Shields immediately retreated in great haste to Win-
chester. The rebel General pursued and made his appearance
near that place, when being led by the departure of one division
of General Banks' corps, towards Centerville, to the conclusion
that Winchester was evacuated, he made an attack on General
Shields' division and was defeated after a hard fought battle.
General Banks, at Harper's Ferry, where he had arrived on his
way to Washington, hearing of the action, returned and took
command of the army, recalling the division which had been sent
to Centerville, and went in pursuit of the enemy, following him
to Woodstock, where the retreat became a rout.
In the meantime the grand army of General McClellan, which
had been so long stationed around Washington, perfecting its or-
ganization, began an onward movement towards Manassas. Find-
ing that post evacuated, the army was ordered to Alexandria, to
embark for Fortress Monroe, to enter upon the Peninsula cam-
paign. The army was styled " the Army of the Potomac," and
had been organized into five corps, viz : First, under General
McDowell; Second, under General Sumner; Third, under Gen-
eral Heintzelman ; Fourth, under General Keyes ; and the Fifth,
under General Banks. The first four of these corps were de-
signed to form the force for the Peninsula campaign ; the Fifth,
under General Banks, being intended as a part of the force which
President Lincoln insisted should remain for the defense of
Washington.
The troops commenced embarking for Fortress Monroe, pro-
gressing very slowly for the want of transports, and it was two
weeks before the embarkation was fully accomplished. Before
254 ^ MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
this, the rebel movements in the Shenandoah valley, as we have
before related, prevented General Banks from complying with
the order to concentrate his corps at Manassas for the defense of
the Capital. President Lincoln at once took the responsibility
of detaining McDowell's corps, which had not yet embarked for
the Peninsula.
The only regiment of Wisconsin which took part in this Pen-
insula campaign, was the Fifth, under Colonel Cobb, which was
attached to Hancock's brigade, in General Smith's division,
Fourth army corps. General Keyes. Landing at Hampton, oppo-
site Fortress Monroe, the Fifth Eegiment advanced with tbe
brigade — was present at the battle of Lee's Mills — taking no
part however — entered Yorktown, after its evacuation — was in
the advance in the pursuit of the rebels, and was with Hancock's
brigade, sent to the right, while General Hooker was fighting
the rebels at Williamsburg, on the left. Marching to Cumber-
land Landing, Smith's division was transferred to the Provisional
corps of General Franklin, and marched to the Chicahominy,
taking part in the battles on that stream, and finally occupied the
position of rearguard for the protection of the grand army on
its retreat to the James River, and camping about the 3d of July,
near Harrison's Landing, where it remained till the final with-
drawal of the army from the Peninsula, in August. Company
" G," First Regiment, Berdan's Sharpshooters, also accompanied
the army on the Peninsula, and performed valuable service in
nearly all the battles.
General McDowell's corps, was retained for the defense of
Washington, with the exception of Franklin's division, which
was finally sent to McClellan on the Peninsula. The Depart-
ment of the Rappahannock was established, and General
McDowell placed in command. His corps consisted of the divi-
sions of Generals McCall and King. The Second, Sixth, and
Seventh Wisconsin regiments were brigaded with the Nineteenth
Lidiana, under Brigadier General John Gibbon, in the division
of General Rufus King.
At the same time, the department of the Shenandoah was
created and placed under the command of General Banks. His
forces consisted of the divisions of Generals Williams and
banks' retreat. 255
Shields. The Third Wisconsin Regiment was attached to the
Third Brigade of General Williams' division.
General McDowell was directed by special order to consider
Washington as under his protection, and was not to make any
movement whereby his force should be thrown out of position
for the discharge of that primary duty. On the 17th of April,
General McDowell was directed to move towards the Rappahan-
nock, and occupy a position near Fredericksburg. The enemy's
pickets were encountered and driven in, and several skirmishes
took place. The next day, their whole force was driven over the
bridges at Fredericksburg. Not being able to defend the place,
the rebels abandoned it after destroying everything of value to
themselves which could not be carried away, and on the next day
the city was surrendered by the authorities, but was not occupied
by the National forces until the 4th of May.
Repeated requests from General McClellan, for reinforcements,
induced the Government to endeavor to send a force which could
cooperate with him, at the same time that it would not uncover
Washington. Accordingly General McDowell was directed to
enter Fredericksburg, and await the arrival of General Shields,
who had been ordered to detach his division from General Banks'
corps, and join General McDowell, which he did on the 22d of
May. On his arrival McDowell was directed to commence his
advance towards McClellan, taking the road by Bowling Green
and Hanover Court House. He had thrown out his advance as
far as the former place, when he was ordered to suspend opera-
tions, and send 20,000 men to aid General Fremont in cutting
off Generals Jackson and Ewell, who had succeeded in compel-
ling General Banks to retreat down the valley of the Shenandoah,
and across the Potomac. The withdrawal of General Shields'
division, left only General Williams' division under General
Banks' command, one brigade of which, (Geary's,) was detached
to guard Manassas Junction, leaving only two small brigades
with General Banks, amounting to about 6,000 men, to oppose
the attack of Jackson and Ewell, with at least 20,000 men. The
great error lay with the War Department, and General Banks is
entitled to much credit for the masterly retreat made in the front
of such overpowering numbers as the enemy were able to bring
to bear against his small force.
256 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
We have elsewhere stated that General Banks had pursued
Jackson as far as Woodstock, after the battle of Winchester in
March. He remained in that neighborhood until after the de-
parture of General Shields with his division, to join McDowell.
He then fell back to Strasburg. Before he could entrench him-
self there. Generals Ewell and Jackson made an attack on a
small detachment at Front Royal, but such was the gallant re-
sistance made by the Union forces that the enemy's advance was
checked about six hours, which enabled General Banks to put
his main force on the retreat towards Winchester. The attack
at Front Royal had developed the designs of the enemy to get
in his rear, and intercept his retreat, and endeavor to capture his
whole army. On the road to Winchester, the enemy continually
harrassed his flanks and rear. Reaching that place, he threw
his command into line of battle, and held the enemy in check
five hours, while his trains moved towards the Potomac. He
again turned towards the river, with his troops in three columns,
with a strong rear guard. The pursuit was prompt and vigorous,
and the retreat rapid and without loss, after leaving Winchester.
The whole force reached the banks of the Potomac about sun-
down of the 25th, and had crossed the river by noon of the 26th,
having marched fifty-three miles in forty-eight hours, thirty-five
of which were performed in one day. The loss was, killed 38,
wounded, 155, missing, 711 — total 904. The wagon train of
500 wagons, were all brought in except 55. All the guns were
saved. The Third Wisconsin occupied a prominent position and
did much towards repelling the attacks of the enemy.
The attack on General Banks was designed to prevent General
McDowell from carrying out the instructions of President Lin-
coln, to reinforce McClellan, as soon as General Shields should
join him. In this the enemy succeeded. General McDowell
being ordered to suspend, for the time being, his attempt to aid
General McClellan, and to send 20,000 men, including General
Shields' division, to cooperate with General Fremont, who was
in the Mountain Department, next west of the Shenandoah valley,
and endeavor to intercept the return of the rebel Generals from
the pursuit of General Banks. General King's division, which
had advanced to Bowling Green, was recalled. The division of
General Shields, returned to the upper part of the valley, with a
GENERAL POPE IN COiMMAND. 257
portion of General McDowell's corps. General King's division,
which was also despatched by General McDowell, not being able
to secure railroad transportation, marched to Haymarket on the
Manassas Gap Railroad, where it remained until news was re-
ceived of the escape of Jackson and Ewell, when they returned
to Warrenton, and encamped until the 8th of June, returning to
their old camp at Falmouth, on the 10th. The forces of General
Jackson, were transported to Richmond, and took part in the
operations against General McClellan, during the celebrated
" seven days' fights."
A second attempt was made by General McDowell, to lein-
force General McClellan, but a portion only of his force suc-
ceeded. The division of General McCall was sent by the way
of Fortress Monroe, and took part in the battles on the
Chicahominy.
The news of the retreat of General Banks caused great con-
sternation throughout the country. Secrelary Stanton, of the
"War Department, issued the following to the Governors of the
several States :
Intelligence from various quarters, leaves no doubt that the enemy in great force are
marching on Washington. You will please organize and forward immediately, all the
militia and volunteer force in your State.
The North flew to arms, and in a few days, 500,000 men had
tendered their services for the defense of Washington. It was
under this extraordinary call that the Twentieth Wisconsin
Regiment was organized by Governor Salomon, in 1862.
The disastrous news from General McClellan, induced Presi-
dent Lincoln, to call General Pope from the West, to take com-
mand of the army of Virginia, which was organized with a view
to consolidating the forces in the several distinct departments of
tne Rappahannock, the ShenandoaL, and the Mouiii-ain.
General Fremont's troops were organized into the First corps,
and placed under the command of General Sigel, General Fre-
mont declining to act under General Pope, The troops of Gen-
eral Banks were organized into the Second corps, under his
command, and the troops of McDowell, formed the Third corps.
General Pope issued an address to the officers and soldiers of
the army of Virginia, and also an order for the subsistence of the
troops under his command, in the country in which military
17
258 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
operations were to be carried on. The inhabitants along the
lines of railroads and telegraphs, and the routes of travel, were
to be held responsible for any injury done to the track, line or
road, or for any attacks on trains or stragglers, by bands of
guerillas in their neighborhood.
The main divisions of General Pope's army by the 17th of July,
were stationed at Culpepper Court House and Fredericksburg.
The repulse of General Banks in the Shenandoah valley, and
the discomfiture of McClellan on the Peninsula, gave the rebels
such an estimation of their own powers, that consultations were
held at Richmond, and it was resolved to abandon the defensive
policy, and a general advance was to be made in Virginia, Ken-
tucky, and other border States. Maryland was to be liberated,
and not only "Washington and Baltimore were to be captured, but
also Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and Louisville, and Cincinnati,
were to be taken and destroyed. Measures were immediately
adopted for the execution of these plans.
In order to facilitate the withdrawal of McClellan from the
Peninsula, and to gain time also, by a demonstration against the
enemy, General Pope was ordered to push his forces across the
Rappahannock, and occupy Culpepper, and threaten Gordonsville.
In view of the threatened invasion, of the loyal States, Presi-
dent Lincoln issued a proclamation, ordering a draft of three
hundred thousand militia for nine months service.
On the 24th of July, General King, in command at Freder-
icksburg, ordered General Gibbon to move forward with sufii-
cient force to make a reconnoissance to Orange Court House, and
ascertain the force of the enemy at that point. With three reg-
iments of infantry, sixty sharpshooters, one battery of artillery,
and a squadron of cavalry. General Gibbon proceeded to within
five and a half miles of the Court House and camped. "With
one regiment of infantry, the sharpshooters, two pieces of artil-
lery, and the squadron of cavalry, he pushed forward to within a
mile and a half of the Court House, and ascertained the where-
abouts of the enemy.
The enemy's cavalry pursued them on their return, and a dash
was made on the rear guard, but was easily repulsed. The expe-
dition returned to camp opposite Fredericksburg, without the
BATTLE OF CEDAR MOUNTAIN. 259
loss of a man. The Second Wisconsin formed part of this
expedition.
Another expedition was sent out by General King, under the
command of General Gibbon, in which his brigade, composed of
the Second, Sixth, and Seventh "Wisconsin, and ISTineteenth Indi-
ana, took part. It was for the purpose of destroying the Virginia
Central Railroad. The Sixth Eegiment, with a small force of
cavalry and artillery, was placed under command of Colonel
Cutler, of the Sixth, who proceeded to Frederickshall, on the
Virginia Central Railroad, and destroyed two miles of the track,
the depot, etc. They penetrated to a point thirty miles within
the enemy's lines.
General Pope reached Culpepper Court House on the 8th of
August, where he found Crawford's brigade of Banks' corps, and
General Ricketts' division of McDowell's corps. General
McDowell had taken command of these forces. At the same
time General Banks was moving to Culpepper Court House with
the rest of his corps, having left Front Royal on the 10th of July,
and reaching Culpepper by way of Flint Hill, Warrenton, and
Little Washington, and the First corps, under General Sigel,
who had succeeded General Fremont in its command, was en-
camped at Sperryville, twenty miles from Culpepper. The
cavalry of Generals Bayard and Buford, were guarding the fords
of the Rapidan. General Bayard reported, on the 8tli, that the
enemy had crossed the river and driven in his pickets, and he
was obliged to retire before them. General Buford reported the
enemy advancing with heavy force upon Madison Court House.
General Pope ordered General Crawford's brigade to the sup-
port of General Bayard, and sent orders to Generals Banks and .
Sigel, to concentrate their forces at Culpepper. This order was
complied with, and General Banks proceeded to the neighbor-
hood of Crawford's brigade, seven miles from Culpepper. Sigel's
corps also arrived.
The enemy showed a strong force at Cedar or Slaughter
Mountain, two miles west of the Orange and Alexandria Rail-
road, at Mitchell's Station. Here a severe battle took place on
the 9th of August, between the command of General Banks and
the rebels, under General Ewell, who were reinforced by General
Jackson, during the night. The loss was heavy on both sides.
260 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
At daylight the enemy retired a couple of miles, and higher up
the mountain. The army rested during Sunday. Monday was
spent in burying the dead, and caring for the wounded. The
enemy retired during the night in the direction of Gordonsville.
In this fight the Third Wisconsin was engaged, losing heavily,
among others, Lieutenant Colonel Crane.
General Pope pushed forward his whole force to the Rapidan,
but subsequently fell back and took position on the north bank
of the i^orth Fork of the Rappahannock. Important documents
were captured showing it to be General Lee's design to attack
General Pope, before a junction could be formed with the army
of the Potomac, then on its return from the Peninsula.
General Halleck had been called from the Western Depart-
ment, by the President, to assume the duties of General-in-
Chief of the entire army of the United States. He immediately
visited tlie army of the Potomac, at "its encampment at Harri-
son's Landing. Not being able to furnish the additional forces
estimated to be necessary by General McClellan, for another
attempt on Richmond, he ordered that General to withdraw hia
forces from the Peninsula, and send them to Acquia Creek, for
the purpose of -cooperating with the army of General Pope. The
evacuation of Harrison's Landing did not commence until the
14th of August, eleven days after it was ordered.
On the day that General Pope retired to the north bank of
the North Fork, at Rappahannock Station, General Lee crossed
the Rapidan, with a large force of all arms, and his cavalry
advance made an attack on the rear of General Pope's forces as
they crossed the bridge at Rappahannock Station, but were easily
jepulsed.
A portion of General Burnside's corps reached General Pope
from Fredericksburg, and a few regiments from Port Royal,
South Carolina. General Lee made various atteinpts to cross
the North Fork of the Rappahannock, but was defeated by his
antagonist. He therefore attempted a crossing higher up, and
was again unsuccessful. His design was to flank General Pope
on his right, and get between him and Washington. To do this,
he sent a force to the west of Bull Run Mountains, under Gene-
rals Ewell and Jackson. To confront this movement. General
Pope sent McDowell's corps, and that of Sigel, and the division
BATTLE OF GAINESVILLE 261
of General Reynolds, to Gainesville, on the Manassas Gap Kail-
road, to prevent reinforcements reaching General Jackson
through Thoroughfare Gap. The other forces of General
Pope were brought up to the vicinity of Manassas. One division
of Fitz John Porter's corps, from the army of the Potomac, was
among them, and also the entire corps of General Ileintzelman,
under Generals Hooker and Kearney.
On the 26th of August, the small force on guard at Manassas
Junction, was driven across Bull Run, by General Ewell, and
the immense stores deposited there, fell mto the hands of the
rebels. General Ewell next day, however, suffered a terrible
defeat at the hands of General Hooker's division.
The defeat of Ewell })laced General Jackson in a dangerous
position, and he was obliged to fall back towards Centerville, as
the corps of McDowell, and Sigel, and Reynolds' division were
between him and Longstreet, who was advancing through
Thoroughfare Gap to reinforce him.
At noon on the 28th, Manassas was occupied by the troops of
General Pope, and on the same day, General Heintzelman's
corps, consisting of the divisions of Generals Hooker and Kear-
ney, pushed on to Centerville, and entered the place soon after
the rear of General Jackson had retired, in order to join General
Longstreet. The advance of General Jackson encountered, near
Gainesville, on the Warrenton Turnpike, General Gibbons' brig-
ade, of King's division, on whom they opened fire, and a severe
fight ensued which lasted until darkness closed the contest.
This is known as the battle of Gainesville, fought on the 28tli
of August, 1862, in which the Second, Sixth, and Seventh Wis-
consin, and the Nineteenth Indiana, won the proud name of
" The Iron Brigade of the West." Single and alone, although
the balance of the division was within hearing, if not within
sight, of the contending parties, this brave band of heroes fought
the whole left wing of Jackson's corps, and only ceased their
efforts because of the darkness of the night. Here the brave
Colonel O'Connor, of the Second, lost his life. We give the
particulars of the fight in the history of that brigade. The
"Iron Brigade," as we shall in the future style it, held posses-
sion of the ground until midnight, when the}* were ordered, with
the rest of General King's division, to retire to Manassas, and the
262 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
road was left open for Jackson to reach Longstreet, and form a
junction on tlie next morning. Had the efforts of Gibbon's
brigade been sustained by other forces in close neighborhood, it
is the opinion of good military men who were present at the
fight, that the concentration of the rebel forces could have been
prevented. It is evidently a case of " somebody blundered."
This concentration of the rebel corps of Longstreet and Jack-
son brought the whole rebel force to bear upon General Pope's
position, and no alternative was left him but to retreat before
them, making the best fight he could. The "Army of the
Potomac " was tardily sent forward to his assistance.
On the 29th, the contest began between General Sigel's corps
and Reynolds' division, of General McDowell's corps, and the Con-
federate forces. These divisions were on the west, towards
Gainesville. The plan of General Pope was for General Ileint-
zelman, with Generals Hooker, Kearney and Reno, to proceed
from Centerville towards Gainesville, and attack the enemy
on that side, and General Porter, with General King's divi-
sion, to make another attack from the south, and Generals
McDowell and Sigel from the west, thus attacking them on
three sides. The contest continued until the afternoon, when
General Heintzelmau's corps joined General Sigel, soon after
Longstreet had joined General Jackson. Just at night. Gene-
ral Heintzelmau's right division, under General Kearney, suc-
ceeded in turning the enemy's left towards Sudley Springs,
and driving him half a mile. The entire force of Gene-
ral Pope, including General McDowell's corps, was in this
engagement with the two wings of Lee's army.
The contest was renewed next day, when a terrible slaughter
was carried on for several hours, the men behaving with great
firmness and gallantry, under the command of General McDowell.
The left was driven back half a mile, remaining firm and un-
shaken, while our right held its ground. General Franklin's
corps arrived at Centerville after dark, and General Sumner was
four miles in the rear of Franklin. It appears at this time that
General Pope was suffering for provisions for his men and
forage for his horses.
Apprehensions that the enemy would attempt to occupy the
road to Centerville, in their rear, made it necessary for General
INVASION OF MARYLAND. 263
Pope's forces to fall back, which they did, leaving the field of
battle with its killed and wounded in the hands of the enemy.
The "Iron Brigade" acted as the rear guard.
A truce was made between Generals Pope and Lee for the
removal of the wounded.
An attempt was made by the enemy on the 31st to turn Gene-
ral Pope's right. This was prevented by that Genferal changing
his front. General Banks joined General Pope at Germantown,
on Sunday, September 1st, after burning large quantities of rol-
ling stock, ammunition, etc., on the railroad, near Manassas. On
the same day, General Burnside evacuated Fredericksburg, after
burning commissary stores, and destroying the bridges. Aquia
Creek was also evacuated.
General Pope's forces, on the 1st of September, were posted
in and around Germantown and Fairfax Court House, General
McDowell's corps being two miles to the west of Fairfax. A severe
fight occurred in this position on the 1st of September, in which
Generals Stevens and Kearney were killed. On the 2d, the
whole army was ordered to fall back to the defenses at Washing-
ton, which was executed on the 2d and 3d of September, after
fifteen days of fighting and retreating.
The Confederate Army moved towards Vienna, threatening
the Chain Bridge near Washington. The invasion of Mary-
laud was now open to the rebel forces. Lee accordingly drew
off" his army towards Leesburg, and crossed the Potomac at
Poland's Ferry, and also above Point of Rocks. His force
consisted of the divisions of Longstreet, Jackson, Ewell, A, P.
Hill and D. H. Hill. Proceeding in the direction of Frederick,
he entered that city on the 6th of September, leaving it on the
10th, continuing toward Hagerstown, entering that city the
same day. Evacuating Frederick and Hagerstown, he posted
himself along the crest of South Mountain, awaiting the
advance of McClellan's forces.
This invasion of Maryland caused great excitement in the
adjoining counties of Pennsylvania, the farmers sending away
their wives, children and cattle, and hastening to take up arms.
Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, called for fifty thousand
volunteers to defend the State from invasion. Seventy-five
thousand men responded to the call. The neighboring States
264 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
were equally excited, and the troops collected under tlie call
for three hundred thousand men were hurried to Washington
and Ilarrisburg.
General McClellan was, by order of September 2d, placed
in command of the fortifications around "Washington, and of
all the troops for the defense of the Capital. He found it ne-
cessary to reorganize the several distinct armies, which were
then congregated around "Washington, composed of the forces
formerly under General Pope, and his own army of the Potomac,
and the army which occupied the defenses of Washington.
The army designed for the march into Maryland was or-
ganized as follows: — The right wing, composed of the Ninth
Corps, under General Reno, and the First Corps, made up
mostly of the troops of McDowell's old corps, under General
Hooker, was commanded by General Burnside. The center,
formed of the Second Corps of General Sumner, and the
Twelfth Corps, made up of General Banks' old corps, under
General Williams, subsequently at the battle of Antietam, under
General Mansfield, was commanded by General Sumner. The
left wing was formed of the Sixth Corps of the Army of the
Potomac, General Franklin, and Couch's division and Sykes' divi-
sion, of the Fifth Corps, all under command of General
Franklin.
General King's division was in General Hooker's corps. Gene-
ral King accompanied it until near South Mountain, when he
was relieved, and General Hatch took command. In the battle
of South Mountain, General Hatch was wounded, and General
Doubleday was placed in command of King's old division. Gib
bon's " Iron Brigade " was still attached to the division.
. The Third Wisconsin was located in General Williams' Twelfth
Corps, and the Fifth in Franklin's Sixth Corps. The sharpshoot-
ers were in Fitz John Porter's Fifth Corps, (Couch and Syke's
divisions,) which was held in reserve at Antietam.
Having intelligence that General Lee was in Maryland, Gene-
ral McClellan was ordered to pursue him with all the troops not
required for the defense of Washington. On the 5th of Septem-
ber, most of the army was in motion, rapidly advancing into
Maryland. On the 13th, General McClellan's forces came in
BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 2G5
contact with the Confederate rear, and drove it out of Middle-
town. On the 14th, the Confederates were found posted on the
east side of the South ^Mountain, stretching on a line north and
south. Early in the morning, the advance came in contact with
the enemy, who retreated slowly towards Boonsboro.
The enemy were found strongly posted in the vicinity of
Turner's Pass. General Reno, in the forenoon, carried the crest
of the heights on the left of the Pass or Gap, and General
Hooker, with the Pennsylvania Reserves, carried the heights to
the right, while Gibbon's " Iron Brigade " were assigned the
duty of storming the Pass itself on the main road, which they
accomplished, after an obstinate resistance, some time after dark.
The brigade used up the last of its ammunition, and also the
contents of the cartridge boxes found on the dead and wounded,
and held the Pass until they were relieved by Gorman's brigade
of Sedgwick's division. Here Captain Colwell, of Company B,
Second Wisconsin, was killed.
During the night of the 14th of September, the enemy left his
position at South Mountain. Pursuit was made next day, and
General Lee was found in a strong positioi) on the Elk Ridge, on
the west side of Antietam Creek. On the 16th of September,
examination showed the enemy's lines stretching across the angle
formed by the Potomac and Antietam, protected on the flanks
by these streams. General McClellan's line confronted the
enemy. General Hooker's corps occupying his extreme right,
and General Burnside the extreme left, Mansfield's corps was
on Hooker's left.
In the afternoon of the 16th, General Hooker's corps crossed
the Antietam, and attacked the enemy, and attempted to turn
his left flank. General Meade's division advanced, and a sharp
contest ensued, in which General Meade succeeded in driving
his antagonist from the strip of woods where he was first met.
The firing lasted till dark, Avhen General Hooker's corps rested
on their arms on the ground won from the enemy.
During the night, General Mansfield's Twelfth Corps, consist-
ing of the divisions of Generals Green and Williams, crossed at
the same place as Hooker did the day before. At day light on
the 17th, the action commenced, and General Hooker's corps was
soon engaged, and drove the enemy from the open field in front
266 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of the first line of woods into a second line "beyond. The con-
test was obstinate, and became more determined as General
Hooker advanced. He, therefore, ordered up the corps of Gene-
ral Mansfield. The First Division (General Williams) deployed
to the right on approaching the enemy, Crawford's brigade on
the right and Gordon s on the left. Green's division joined the
left of Gordon's brigade. While deploying thus. General Mans-
field fell mortally wounded. The command of the Twelfth
Corps devolved on General Williams. General Crawford took
command of the First Division. Line of battle was forjned, and
the battle began about 7, A. M. The enemy met the attack in
the open fields while his main force occupied the woods to the
west of the turnpike. These woods were traversed by out-
cropping ledges of rock. To the right and rear was a hill com-
manding the debouche of the woods, and in the fields was a
long line of stone fences continued by breastworks of rails which
covered the enemy's infantry. For two hours the battle raged
with varied success. Ultimately, our troops succeeded in forcing
the enemy back into the woods near the turnpike. At about 9,
A. M., General Sedgwick's division of Sumner's corps arrived
on the field. Forming in three lines, the division moved upon
the field of battle, passing diagonally to the front across the open
space in front of General Williams' division, which enabled the
latter to withdraw.
Driving the enemy before them, the first line met a heavy fire
of musketry and shell from the infantry behind the stone wall,
and the batteries on the hill, meanwhile the enemy crowded back
the troops of General Green's division, and appeared in Sedg-
wick's rear. Pouring in a hot fire, he was able to throw Sedg-
wick's division into temporary confusion. It soon rallied,
however, and again poured a destructive fire into the enemy.
During this attack on Sedgwick's division. General Gordon, of
Williams' division, moved forward with part of his brigade, to
his support, teaching the position of Sedgwick's left, he found
that it had given way, leaving him with his small force, alone
opposed to the enemy. He therefore withdrew to the rear of the
batteries in the second line of woods. These batteries opened
with such a hot fire as to compel the enemy to take shelter in
the woods and rocks beyond the turnpike.
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 267
Tlie battle was equally severe along the whole line, particularly
ill the afternoon. Our Wisconsin regiments, " the Iron Brig-
ade," and the Third Regiment, were engaged in the tight on the
right, which we have endeavored to describe. Franklin's corps
arrived on the iield between twelve and one, and were intended
as a reserve, but it becoming necessarj^ to aid a battery which
occupied a position without support, the several regiments of
Hancock's brigade, in Smith's division, were ordered to its sup-
port, with additional batteries. General Hancock had taken
command of General Richardson's division, that oiRcer being
mortally wounded, leaving his brigade in command of Colonel
Cobb, of the Fifth Regiment. Colonel Cobb retained this
position until the battle was over.
On the extreme left. General Burnside was fighting gallantly,
endeavoring to hold the lower bridge across the Potomac. Find-
ing his force inadequate to do so, he sent to General McClellan
for reinforcements, that General replied by sending him a single
battery. The fight continued on the left till dark, resulting in
the repulse of the enemy. Nearly two hundred thousand men and
five hundred pieces of artillery were for fourteen hours engaged
in this sanguinary strife.
On the 18lh, General Lee withdrew across the Potomac, and
abandoned the invasion of Maryland. On the 20th, Harper's
Ferry was evacuated by the enemy, who fell back on Winchester,
while McClellan rested his exhausted troops a few days. On the
1st of October, the army was visited by President Lincoln, who .
was cordially received, and remained until the 4th.
General McClellan did not move his army in pursuit of the
enemy until the 26th of October. Then the enemy fell back as
his force advanced.
General McClellan established his headquarters at Rectortown,
on the Manassas Gap Railroad, between Manassas Gap and
Thoroughfare Gap. On the night of the 7th of November, Ge-
neral AlcClellan received an order from President Lincoln to
surrender the command of his army to General Burnside, and
report himself immediately at Trenton, New Jersey. This order
ended the services of General McClellan in the war of the
rebellion.
268 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The mass of General Lee's forces retired to Gordonsville, soutli
of the Rapidan, and General Burnside's army concentrated at
Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg. Acquia Creek was again
made the point of supplies. The army was organized into three
grand divisions, viz., the Second and Ninth Corps formed the
right grand division, under Major General Sumner ; the First
and Sixth Corps formed the left grand division, under Major Ge-
neral Franklin ; the Third and Fifth Corps formed the center
grand division, under Major General Hooker. The Eleventh
Corps, under General Sigel, was assigned as a reserve. To this
corps the Twenty- sixth Wisconsin, under Colonel Jacobs, was
attached, having arrived at Washington the second week in Oc-
tober. We are not going into detail of all the operations at Fred-
ericksburg, further than to say that General Burnside's plan of
operating against Richmond was frustrated by the untimely
detention of the pontoons which delayed the crossing of the river
and the occupation of Fredericksburg until the enemy had con-
centrated so strong a force there that when General Burnside, in
December, attacked the city, he was repulsed.
In the battle of Fredericksburg, the " Iron Brigade," the Fifth
Wisconsin, and Company G, sharpshooters, were engaged, but
not in a very exposed position, and their losses were small.
After the battle of Fredericksburg, the army of General Burn-
side remained inactive for some weeks. About the middle of
January, the roads being dry and hard, the pontoons were
brought up from Belle Plain to Falmouth, and taken to the river
some distance above. Orders were issued for the march of the
army, and a general movement was commenced on the 20th of
January ; but on that night a storm of wind and rain commenc-
ed, which, before morning, rendered the roads impassable. In
every gully, batteries, caissons, supply wagons, ambulances
and pontoons were mired. Such was the condition of the roads,
that it was found impossible to move the array forward, and on
the 23d of January, the movement was abandoned, and the
troops returned to winter quarters. This is known as the " Mud
Campaign."
On the 26th of January, the command of the Army of the Po-
tomac was transferred to General Hooker, at General Burnside's
request. The troops remained in winter quarters until the 27th
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORVILLE. 269
of April, when a forward movement was commenced. The
enemy held a line running from northwest to southeast. Its
right wing extended from Port Royal, on the Rappahannock,
while its left wing rested above Fredericksburg, on the same
river. His army consisted of seventy thousand men. General
Hooker had one hundred and twenty thousand men under his
command. He proposed to attack General Lee, by massing
three corps below Fredericksburg, to cross there and make a
feint attack on the enemy, when two of the corps were to return
and join the other four corps, which, in the meantinie, would
cross at fords ten to twenty miles above Fredericksburg. His
object in moving down upon the enemy's left was to force him
to light outside of his entrenchments, or to fall back on
Richmond.
At the opening of the campaign, in 1863, the Wisconsin regi
ments were located as follows : — The " Iron Brigade " was the
First Brigade, First Division, General TVadsw^orth, First Corps,
under Major General Reynolds. The Third Regiment was in
General "Williams' Division of the Twelfth Corps, General How-
ard. The Fifth Regiment was in the " Light Division " of the
Sixth Corps, General Sedgwick. The Twenty-sixth Regiment
was in the Eleventh Corps, General Sigel. The Sharpshooters
were attached to the Third Division, General Whipple, Third
Corps, at the battle of Chancellorville, but was transferred on
the 11th of June to the Second Brigade of the First Division.
On the 27th of April, the Eleventh Corps, General Howard,
the Twelfth Corps, General Slocum, and the Fifth Corps, under
General Meade, marched westward, the Eleventh Corps crossing
near Kelly's Ford, and the Twelfth Corps crossed the next morn-
ing. The Fifth Corps crossed a little lower down. The three corps
were massed at Chancellorville, between five and ten miles from
the Ford, where General Hooker arrived, and established his
headquarters. The Second Corps, under General Couch, took
position at Banks' Ford, five miles above Fredericksburg.
Stoneman's cavalry were sent to cut the enemy's communica-
tions with Richmond. Of the other three corps, the First, Third
and Sixth moved, and took position two miles below Fredericks-
burg. Early next morning, one division of the Sixth Corps
crossed two miles below Fredericksburg, and one division of the
270 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
First Corps, the Iron Brigade leading the advance, about one
mile further down. The Third Corps was ordered to join Gene-
ral Hooker at Chancellorville, and crossed at United States Ford
About noon of Friday, May 1st, the Fifth and Twelfth Corps
were advanced by separate roads towards Fredericksburg, the
former on the left, the latter on the right. Heavy firing ensued
in about an hour, which continued for some time, extending
towards the right wing. Orders were sent by General Hooker
for the two columns to fall back slowly, w^hich was done, and
everything became quiet till about 4 o'clock, when the enemy
appeared in line of battle in an open field, fronting a dense wood
on the right of General Hooker, about a mile from Chancellor-
ville. An artillery fire on both sides was kept up all night,
when the enemy retired. Intrenchments were thrown up by
Hooker's army. On the next day, Saturday, the First Corps, under
General Reynolds, crossed at United States Ford and took a
position on the right.
The enemy, during the night, were engaged in cutting a road
past the Federal pickets on the right, and wagons were seen
passing up the road on Saturday. By a reconnoi-sance next day,
it was ascertained that these trains were ordnance wagons and
ambulances following a column of troops. It was at once in-
ferred that Jackson was to make a sudden and fierce attack upon
the extreme right. To defeat this object, General Sickles was
ordered to push forward Birney's division of his corps, which
advanced with great vigor, cutting in twain a column of the
enemy still moving up the road. General Williams, of Slocum's
corps, which had orders to cooperate, then commenced a flank
movement which promised great success, Notwithstanding
these movements, the enemy, about five o'clock, opened the
battle by a terrific musketry fire on the extreme right. The
First Division of General Devin, of the Eleventh Corps, was the
first assailed, and almost instantly gave way, it being attacked in
the front and flanks at the same time. The division finding
themselves overpowered, turned and run over and through the
division of General Schurz, causing some confusion in the latter,
but they soon rallied, and the second line of this division changed
front from south to west, and with the assistance of a battery on
the left, checked the enemy for a short time, while the first line
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORVILLE. 271
of Schurz's division, in connection with Colonel Biishbeck's
brigade of General Steinwher's Second Division formed behind
this second line, and occupied the rifle pits, receiving the entire
shock of the battle, and holding the enemy in check for at least
an hour, when the corps behind came to their assistance. For
the panic and disaster which occurred in the Eleventh corps,
General Schurz was in no way responsible, as General Howard
has willingly asserted.
General Hooker sent to General Howard's assistance, the divi-
sion of General Berry, of the Third Corps, whose artillery, under
Captain Best, after a sanguinary contest, checked the advance of
the enemy. Generals Sickles and Slocum, were recalled. Gen-
eral Williams' division found a portion of their works occupied
by the enemy, and General Sickles found himself cut off on the
route by which he had advanced. The communications were,
however, established by a night attack, under General Woods.
General Hooker was compelled to contract his lines and act
on the defensive, protected by breastworks and intrenchments.
During the night, the First Corps, General Reynolds, and the
Fifth Corps, General Meade, were transferred to Hooker's right,
where they intrenched themselves. The Eleventh Corps was
transferred to the old position of the Fifth Corps, and reorganized.
On the next morning, Sunday, the enemy were seen about a
mile and a-half from the Chancellorville House, the headquarters
of General Hooker. The Federal line was formed by General
Berry's division on the right. General Birney's on his left, and
Generals Williams and Whipple, supporting. In General Wil-
liams' division, the Third Wisconsin was brigaded, and Berdan's
Sharpshooters were attached to Whipple's division. The enemy
advanced in overwheliming numbers for the purpose of crushing
the Federal lines, but the forces of Generals Sickles and Slocum,
held them in check. The struggle was desperate, the carnage
great — continuing till near nine o'clock, without the slightest
intermission, when it lulled for the reason that the ammunition was
expended on the Federal side. Bayonets took the place of pow-
der, and the position was held until a fresh supply was received,
and orders came to fall back to headquarters, where the contest
was continued — the house being burned by a shell from the
enemy — until nearly twelve o'clock, midnight, when the musketry
272 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
fire ceased. General Hooker contracted his lines still further,
acting on the defensive. The enemy attacked next day, but were
driven back.
While this was transpiring near Chancellorville, General Sedg-
wick was operating against the Heights of Fredericksburg, being
ordered to march out on the plank road to Chancellorville, until
he connected with Hooker's right. The three divisions of the
Sixth Corps crossed on the night of the 2d of May, two or three
miles below the city. At four o'clock, on the 4th of May, the
head of the corps was in motion towards Fredericksburg. It
was halted, and the several intrenchments on the heights were
assaulted and taken with considerable loss, among others, the
forts on what is known as " Marye's Hill," were taken by the
gallant Fifth Wisconsin, led by the brave Colonel Thomas S.
Allen. The ground in front of this hill, was known as the
" Slaughter Pen," General Burnside having lost 6,000 or 7,000
men in the attempt to take these heights in December preceding.
The Sixth Corps was immediately sent in pursuit of the enemy,
and their captured works were left without protection, and were
repossessed by the enemy next day. The advance of the Sixth
Corps engaged the enemy about six miles out on the road to
Chancellorville. With Howe's division deployed with its left
wing to the rear, to confront the enemy who was reoccupying
the heights, the army of General Sedgwick spent the night in
line of battle, distant about six miles from General Hooker. In
the morning the enemy made an advance in strong force, which
Sedgwick was unable to check, and he fell back towards Banks'
Ford, and on Monday night crossed the Rappahannock. The
Fifth Regiment took part in this movement. While these opera-
tions were going on, no serious attack was made on General
Hooker. They began shelling his trains on Monday, and until
Tuesday, a harrassing and annoying fire was kept up. At ten
o'clock, P. M., the army commenced crossing the Rappahannock
at United States Ford, and was not disturbed by the enemy.
The river rose rapidly during the night, and General Lee dared
not follow in pursuit. General Hooker's army returned to its
original camp opposite Fredericksburg.
General Hooker's loss was 1,512 killed, and 9518 wounded.
About twelve hundred of the wounded remained on the battle
FIGHT AT BEVERLEY FORD. 273
field for ten days or more. General Lee sent in a flag of truce
stating that his medicine and hospital stores were exhausted. A
fresh sujjply was sent over for the wounded of General Hooker's
army. The celebrated " Stonewall Jackson," was wounded in
this affair, and died on the 10th of May. He was shot by his
OAvn skirmishers, himself and staff being mistak-^n for Federal
officers in the darkness of the night. He was struck by three
balls.
The two hostile armies remained confronting each other at
Fredericksburg, and for sometime were inactive. Suspicions
began to exist that a portion of the rebel army had been sent
off from the main body, and was on its way to make another
invasion of Maryland or Pennsylvania. Reconnoisances were
frequently made by the cavalry ; among others, one on the 6th
of June, which was composed of a cavalry force under General
Pleasanton, assisted by Generals Buford aiid Gregg, and Colo-
nel Duffie. In addition, two small brigades of picked infantry,
under General Ames, of the Eleventh Corps, and General Kus-
sel, of the Sixth Corps, were detailed to accompany the expedi-
tion, and also one battery of artillery to each brigade. The
infantry force selected, challenged particular admiration, among
others, a portion of the Second and Seventh Wisconsin, under
Colonel Robinson, and the Third Wisconsin, with several
regiments of other States.
The infantry marched by different routes to the rendezvous.
That under General Ames, in which was the Third Wisconsin,
crossed, with Pleasouton's cavalry force, at Beverly Ford, where
the cavalry became engaged with the enemy, and where th»e
infantry acted as skirmishers. The other infantry force, under
General Russel, in which were the Seventh Wisconsin, and two
companies, A, and I, of the Second Wisconsin, crossed at Kelly's
Ford, with General Gregg's cavalry force, and advanced to
Brandy Station, where a severe cavalry fight occurred, after
which the force returned and joined Pleasonton's force at Bev-
erly Ford, and soon after reached Bealston Station. In this fight,
letters were captured, which indicated that Longstreet's corps
had already been sent as an advance guard for the invasion of
Pennsylvania or Maryland, moving by the Shenandoah Valley.
It also discovered that the enemy was massing his cavalry on the
18
274 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Upper Rappahannock, and that 250 of them crossed the Potomac
at Edwards' Ferry.
The troops detached by General Lee, for the invasion of Penn-
sylvania, were far advanced towards their destination, before
General Hooker was aware of the movement On Saturday, the
13th of June, his army began to move from Falmouth, and the
stores at Acquia Creek were removed to Alexandria. On the
next day, the last of General Hooker's army left Falmouth,
and by night his troops encamped at Dumfries, half-way from
Falmouth to Fairfax. General Lee had massed his troops at
Culpepper to fall upon the right of General Hooker, and cut
his communications with Washington. His design Avas frust-
rated by the rapidity of General Hooker's march. On Monday,
the army reached the Bull Run battle field. Li this position
General Hooker was prepared to defend Washington. General
Milroy retreated from Winchester on the 15th of June, and
General Tyler from Martinsburg.
The advance of General Lee's army, under General Ewell,
crossed the Potomac, passed through Williamsport and Hagers-
town, and entered Greencastle, Penn., on the 22d of June.
On the next day Chambersburg was occupied by General Ewell.
General Lee crossed the Potomac into Maryland, near Shepards-
town, on the 24th of June. The advance was made in two divi-
sions, one by way of the Harrisburg and Chambersburg Railroad
towards Harrisburg, the other from Gettysburg to the Central
Railroad to York and Lancaster. Carlisle was reached on Satur-
day, the 27th, and the advance continued to Kingston, thirteen
miles from Harrisburg. On the other line of advance, Gettys-
burg was occupied by a force from Hagerstown, on the 26th,
which force continued on to a point on the Central Railroad,
thirty miles south of Harrisburg. York was occupied the same
evening. On the same day the advance from Carlisle approached
within four miles of Harrisburg, where some skirmishing took
place. On the 28th, the rebels demanded of the town of York,
$100,000 in Treasury notes, and a large amount of provisions
and other supplies. A train of 178 wagons and 1,000 mules
were captured a few miles north of Georgetown. Stewart's
cavalry were scouting through the country bordering on the
GETTYSBURG. 275
Potomac, some of tliem penetrating to Silver Spring, on the
Seventhi Street road, near Washington.
On the 28th of June, General Lee, ordered his forces to con-
centrate at Gett^'sburg. General Hooker's army had advanced
as far as Frederick, Maryland, on the 27th of June, when that
General was served with an order to transfer the command of
the army to General JNIeade, of the Fifth Corps, and to report
himself at Baltimore. The change caused great surprise to the
public as well as the army.
General Meade's first business, after being placed in command
of the army, was to ascertain the position and strength of the
different coi-ps, and to bring up the cavalry which had beer
covering the rear of the army in its passage over the Potomac.
General French, commanding at Harper's Ferry, was ordered to
move with 7,000 men, and occupy Frederick, Maryland, and
with the balance of his force, about 4,000, to remove and escort
the public property to Washington.
The army was put in motion on the 29th, and on the 30th
three corps, the First, Third, and Eleventh, were at Emmetsburg.
The right wing was at Manchester. General Buford having
reported the enemy's appearance on the Cashtown road, near
Gettysburg, General Beynolds was directed to occupy that town.
General Meade's force, consisted of the First Corps, under
General Reynolds, in which was the " Iron Brigade," under
General Meredith, in Wadsworth's division, and a brigade com-
manded by Colonel Cutler, of the Sixth Wisconsin; the Second
Corps, General Hancock ; Third Corps, General Sickles, t.o
which Berdan's regiment of Sharpshooters was attached ; the
Fifth Corps, General Sykes ; Sixth Corps, General Sedgwick, in
which the Fifth Regiment was brigaded ; Eleventh Corps, Gen-
eral Howard, in which the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin was located ;
and the Twelfth Corps, General Slocum, in which the Third
Wisconsin was brigaded in the division of General Williams.
Gettysburg, which was destined to become historically famous,
is a town of about three thousand inhabitants, the county seat of
Adams County, Pennsylvania, possessing no particular attrac-
tions of itself, except that quiet plainness which characterizes
most of the towns of Pennsylvania. Several important roads
diverge from this point. A mile south of the town is Cemetery
276 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Hill, the termination of an important ridge running two or three
miles in a southerly direction, and. terminating in an isolated
knoll called Round. Top. Cemetery Hill, and the adjacent ridge
as far south as Round Top, was the position of the National
army after the first day's fight at Gettysburg. A little to the
northwest of the town of Gettysburg, near the Chambersburg
road, is a Seminary, on a ridge called Oak Ridge, which runs in
a north and south direction, and terminates opposite the Round
Top, which we have described as the most southern spur of the
Cemetery Ridge.
Roads enter Gettysburg, from all the points of the compass,
centering in the town. The rebel force entered by the roads
from the north, northeast, and northwest, while the Union forces
reached Gettysburg, the First and Eleventh corps, by the Em-
mettsburg road, from the southwest, the Second and Twelfth
corps, from the south, by the Taneytown road, which was also
the route of the Third and Fifth corps. The Sixth Corps, on
Thursday, came up on the road from "Westminster, from the
southeast.
In pursuance of the order to occupy Gettysburg, General
Reynolds marched on the 1st of July, and arrived about ten
o'clock, where he found Buford's cavalry warmly engaged with
the enemy, who was posted on a ridge on the west side of Wil-
loughby's Run, near the Cashtown road. The First Corps en-
tered the town, and turned to the northwest, and marched out
by the Seminary, on the Cashtown road, where they found Heth's
division of rebels advancing and driving Buford's cavalry.
General Wadsworth's division was in the advance, and without
a moment's delay, it was deployed into line of battle on the
double quick, and attacked the enemy with great vigor. The
Second Wisconsin, under Colonel Fairchild, leading the brigade,
opened the battle on the enemy's centre, receiving a deadly fire,
which caused great havoc in their ranks. The enemy came on
in overwhelming numbers, and gradually pressed the First Corps
nntil crowding the right centre too rashly, a movement of the
left centre upon the flank of the enemy, resulted in the capture
of a large number of prisoners, among them, General Archer.
This checked the enemy's advance. "When the attack com-
menced, General Reynolds sent a courier to the Eleventh Corps,
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 277
General Howard, wliicli was about eleven miles from Gettysburg,
to hurry it up. General Howard put his men at the quick step,
and arrived on the field about noon. The enemy being repulsed,
General Reynolds went forward with his corps, driving the
enemy to the ridge on the opposite side of the valley, suft'ering
severely from the enemy's fire, and occupied the position lately
held by the rebels, which was a ridge to the west of, and nearly
parallel with the Seminary ridge. General Reynolds advanced
to reconnoitre, when he was mortally wounded by a rebel
sharpshooter, and died shortly after.
General Howard, on his arrival, assumed command on the field
while General Schurz took command of the Eleventh Corps.
General Doubleday temporarily commanded the First Corps
until General Meade appointed General Newton to that duty.
The First Corps had held the whole of the rebel force at bay
until about one o'clock, when the first and third divisions of
the Eleventh Corps were sent to the aid of the First Corps, tak-
ing position on its right, while the division of General Stein-
wher, with three batteries, was sent to occupy Cemetery Hill, to
the south of the town. About 2.30, P. M., the enemy being
reinforced by General Jackson's old corps, under Early and
Rhodes, advanced across the valley in line of battle. In over-
powering numbers they attacked the right, where the Eleventh
Corps was posted. A stout resistance was made, but the advan-
tages were all on the side of the rebel's " heavy battalions," and
the line was forced to retire, which was done with deliberation, and
without confusion, until the town was reached. A heavy enfilad-
ing fire swept the streets, and in attempting to protect them-
selves from this, the Eleventh became confused, and a temporary
panic ensued, but they were rallied around the second division on
Cemetery Hill, and reorganized. The left, wdiich was composed
of the exhausted veterans of the First Corps, was attacked by
the combined corps of Hill and Ewell, pouring in the most ter-
rific fire, which it was impossible for flesh and blood to stand.
The right of the corps slowly gave way, the centre, under Wads-
worth, held on awhile longer, being supported by three regiments
fi^-om Doubleday's division. But further resistance to the fierce
attacks of the greatly superior force of the enemy was useless.
The Eleventh had left the right of the First Corps exposed which
278 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
compelled Robinson's division of the First, to fall back, by
which Wadswoi'th was exposed on the flank. Doubleday's divi-
sion on the left, was also overrun and fell back. With only
Wadsworth's division confronting them, the rebels poured round
both flanks and in front. To save itself from annihilation, the
division, slowly and sullenly fell back, through the toAvn to
Cemetery Hill ; the First Corps occupying position on the east
side of the point of the hill, the Eleventh Corps adjoining it on
the west side of the point. The enemy made a slight attack on
the right flank, where the First Corps was posted, which was
repulsed, and the enemy desisted from further attack that day.
"We here remind the reader that the First and Eleventh Corps
was all of Meade's army which engaged in the first day's fight,
except Buford's cavalry. The Twelfth Corps, and part of the
Third, arrived on the ground about seven o'clock in the evening,
and took position, the Twelfth on the right of the First Corps,
the Third Corps on the left of the Eleventh.
General Meade had sent General Hancock to represent him
on the field, from whose reports, he became satisfied that the
enemy designed to support the attack already made, by his whole
army. He therefore ordered forward the other Corps of his
army, and himself appeared on the field at one o'clock on the
morning of the 2d. About 7, A. M., the Second and Fifth
Corps, with the rest of the Third, arrived. The Second was
posted to the left of the Eleventh, and the Third to the left of
the Second, while the Fifth was held in reserve until the arrival
of the Sixth, which did not come up until about 2 o'clock in
the afternoon.
We have before stated that the ridge on which the Seminary-
was located, ran in a southerly direction, continuing parallel to
the Cemetery Ridge.' On this continuation of the ridge, the
enemy had arrayed his forces in the front of the army of General
Meade. A valley, one and a half miles in width, lay between
the two armies.
On the arrival of the Sixth -Corps, in which the Fifth Wiscon-
sin was brigaded, the Fifth Corps was posted on the extreme
left, and the Sixth Corps occupied its position in the reserve,
having marched thirty-two miles from nine o'clock the night
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 279,
before. Along the ridge from Cemetery Hill, southward, Gen-
eral Meade posted his artillery, consisting of about one hundred
guns.
* The enemy were posted on the ridge, running parallel to Cem-
etery Ridge, west of Meade's position, as follows : General
Longstreet's Corps, opposite General Meade's extreme left, ex-
tending north, first Hood's division forming Longstreet's right,
then McLaws, and then Pickett's division; Hill's Corps joined
Longstreet, with the division of Anderson, Prender, and Heth,
who occupied the extreme left of the rebel line. Ewell's corps
was posted in Gettysburg, in the front and on the right flank of
General Meade, confronting the Eleventh, First, and Twelfth
corps.
The enemy made a vigorous assault about 3 o'clock, P. M.,
of Thursday, on General Meade's left and centre. Opening
with a heavy fire of artillery. General Longstreet sent forward
his corps to the assault of General Sickles' position on an emi-
nence, in advance of the line near Little Round Top. The Third
Corps stood the shock nobly, and were soon reinforced by troops
from the Second and Twelfth corps, and by the Fifth Corps.
Round Top was occupied by a portion of the Fifth Corps. The
enemy made desperate attempts to take the position, and thus
turn Meade's left flank, but were repulsed. General Sickles'
corps fell back from its advanced position and reformed on the
original line. The Sixth Corps, and parts of the First and
Second corps, were brought up at difterent periods, and suc-
ceeded with the gallant Fifth Corps, in repulsing the assaults of
the enemy, who retired in confusion and disorder, about sunset.
About 8, P. M., an assault was made on the Eleventh Corps,
which was repelled with the assistance of troops from the First
and Second Corps. The Twelfth Corps on the right of Cemetery
Hill, had been weakened by the withdrawal of Geary's division
to assist at the left. This was taken advantage of by the enemy
who occupied part of the line.
At daylight, on the morning of the 3d, General Geary re-
turned, and with General Williams' division, attacked the enemy,
drove him back, and reoccupied his former position. The con-
test was continued all the morning at this point, and a brigade from
the Sixth Corps coming to the aid of the Twelfth, inflicted severe
280 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
losses on the enemy. Other parts of General Meade's line re-
mained quiet until about 1, P. M., when the enemy opened with
125 guns, playing upon the centre and left. General Meade
replied with all his guns on the ridge. For two hours this
artillery duel continued, when General Meade's guns slacking
fire, the enemy's infantry were seen massing for an advance on the
left and centre. The assault was directed principally against the
Second Corps, and was met with great firmness by that corps,
supported by a division and brigade of the First Corps. This
terminated the battle, the enemy retiring to his lines, leaving
the field covered with his killed and wounded, and numerous
prisoners in the hands ot General Meade. Generals Hancock,
Sickles, and Gibbon, were all severely wounded at this sanguinary
"battle.
Buford's cavalry had been sent to Westminster to refit and
guard trains. Kilpatrick's corps was occupied on General
Meade's left on the Emmetsburg Road, in protecting the left
flank, while General Gregg engaged the enemy on the right.
On the 4th, both armies engaged in burying their dead and
caring for the wounded, the enemy sending many of his wound-
ed to Hagerstown. In the afternoon, their artillery and wagon
trains commenced moving in that direction, and at dark their
whole army was in motion on the road to Fairfield, crossing
South Mountain to Waterloo Gap. Lee reached Hagerstown on
the 6th, and on the 7th, Meade reached Funkstown, within six
miles of Lee. Lee proceeded to Williamsport, and took posi-
tion, but on Meade's advancing, crossed the Potomac on the 14th
of July, and marched up the Shenandoah Valley, and, by the
way of Strasburg, "retired, and took position with his army on
the Rappahannock, about the last of July. General Meade pur-
sued by a flank movement on the east side of the Blue Ridge,
keeping the enemy to the west of the Rappahannock, and
halting his army at Warrenton on the 25th of July.
No other operations of importance, in which Wisconsin regi-
ments were engaged, occurred in the Army of the Potomac
until about the middle of October.
Soon after the battle of Gettysburg, the Third and Fifth Wis-
consin Regiments were sent to New York City, to assist the
United States Provost Marshals in the execution of the draft.
meade's retreat. 281
They returned in October to the Army of the Potomac. The
War Department had assigned the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps,
under General' Hooker, to the aid of General Rosecrans in Ten-
nessee. The Third and Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Regiments being
located in these two corps, were thus transferred to the Central
Department.
After the battle of Gettysburg, General Lee, with his army,
retired to the vicinity of Orange Court House, where he remained
quietly until about the 1st of September. About this time.
General Rosecrans was preparing for an attack on Chattanooga.
He was confronting the rebel General Bragg at that point. De-
termined to crush Rosecrans, if possible, the rebel forces were
concentrated under Bragg. The army which had been paroled
by Grant at Vicksburg, was declared exchanged by the Con-
federate Government, and were again marshalled to fight our
forces in Georgia. In order to still further strengthen General
Bragg, Lee had sent Longstreet's corps from the Army of the
Potomac. The army of Grant and Sherman could not reach
Rosecrans in time, and the War Department sent the Eleventh
and Twelfth Corps of the Army of the Potomac, under General
Hooker; to reinforce and keep open Rosecrans' communications.
They did not reach him in time to take part in the battle of
Chicamauga.
With a view to still further aid their operations at Chattanooga,
General Lee assumed a threatening attitude against General
Meade, and manoeuvered to turn his left flank at Culpepper
Court House. His main object was to keep Meade's forces
employed, so that no more reinforcements could be sent to
Rosecrans. Lee's forward movement began on the 8th day of
October.
Proceeding by way of Madison Court House, the corps of A.
P. Hill and Ewell advanced towards Culpepper, from which
General Meade fell back along the line of the Orange and Alex-
andria Railroad. On the 12th, General Lee advanced in two
columns, with the design of intercepting General Meade's re-
treat. Attempting to cross the Rappahannock at Warrenton
Springs, the Federal troops disputed his passage. On the arrival
of his main force, they fell back. On the next day. General
Lee's columns united at Warrenton, where they halted, and next
282 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCON.SIN.
day a portion of his army moved towards Bristoe Station, by
way of JSTew Baltimore, the rest proceeding to the same point,
by the way of Auburn and Greenwich. A skirhaish occurred
near the latter place. General Meade's retreat was conducted
on direct parallel roads, while the enemy pursued a circuitous
route, and were thus unable to cut off" his retreat. General
Meade's rear guard, being the Second Corps, under General
Warren, reached Bristoe's Station about noon on the 14th, where
it was attacked by General Hill. After a sharp struggle of seve-
ral hours, the enemy were repulsed with a severe loss. Retain-
ing the position a short time, the Second Corps fell back across
Broad Run. General Meade now fortified his position beyond
Bull Run, extending his line toward the Little River turnpike.
The enemy ceased his advance, and on the 18th, after destroying
the railroad from Cub Run to the Rappahannock, retreated to
the line of that river, leaving his cavalry in front of General
Meade. On the 19th, General Meade's cavalry advanced until
an attack was made on their flank by General Fitz Hugh Lee,
near Buckland's Mills. Meade's cavalry retired to near Hay-
market, where the infantry came to the support of the cavalry,
and succeeded in driving back the cavalry force of the enemy.
The " Iron Brigade " took part in this afl:air.
At Rappahannock Station, on the 7th of November, Generals
French and Sedgwick attacked the enemy in his entrenchments,
capturing several redoubts, guns, battle flags, and two thousand
prisoners. In this encounter, the Fifth Wisconsin gallantly as-
saulted the works with the same regiments which accompanied
it to the assault of Marye's Hill in the preceding May. An un-
successful attack was made upon the enemy at Mine Run in No-
vember. This closed the campaign of 1863. That of 1864 was
destined to open under new auspices.
The headquarters of General Meade, in command of the
Army of the Potomac, was near Culpepper Court House.
This position was occupied until May, 1864. On the 12th of
March, General Grant was appointed Lieutenant General, and
assigned to the command of all the armies of the United
States. He announced his headquarters to be with the Army
of the Potomac. By order of the War Department, on the
23d of March, the Army of the Potomac was reduced to three
ARMY REORGANIZATION. 280
corps, viz., the Second, Fifth and Sixth Corps. The troops
belonging to the First and Third Corps were distri])uted
among the other corps. The Second, Fifth and Sixth Corps
were each consolidated into four divisions. To each corps
was assigned eight batteries. This reduction of the number
of corps was occasioned by the reduced strength of nearly all
the regiments serving in the army. The month of April was
spent in reorganization.
At this time, the Second, Sixth and Seventh Regiments of
the Iron Brigade, and the Fifth Wisconsin, and Company G
of the Sharpshooters, were the only Wisconsin organizations
in the Army of the Potomac. In May, the Thirty-sixth Wis-
oonsiu reported for duty, and in June, eight companies of the
Thirty -seventh and four companies of the Thirty -eighth re-
ported for duty in the Army of the Potomac. The two last
regiments were subsequently tilled up.
In the reorganization of the armj^ the " Iron Brigade " was
designated as the First Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifth Army
Corps. Brigadier General J. S. Wadsworth was appointed Di-
vision Commander, and Major General Warren commanded
the Fifth Corps. The Fifth Regiment was in the Third Bri-
gade, First Division, General H. G. Wright, in the Sixth Corps,
under General Sedgwick. The Thirty-sixth Regiment, Colonel
Haskell, was placed in the First Brigade, General Webb, Se-
cond Division, General Gibbon, Second Corps, General Han-
cock. The Xinth Corps, under General Burnside, joined the
Army of the Potomac at Culpepper, on the 24th of April.
The Thirty-seventh VV^iseonsin, under Major Kershaw, reported to
General Burnside on the 10th of June, and was assigned to
the First Brigade, Third Division. About the same time, the
battalion ■ of the Thirty-eighth Wisconsin was assigned to the
First Brigade, First Division of the Ninth Corps. These three
Wisconsin regiments joined the army during its progress fi'om
the Wilderness to the James River. The Berdan Sharpshooters,
in which was the Wisconsin company, were attached to the
Second Brigade, Third Division of the Second Army Corps.
A short statement of the plan of the campaign by General
Grant will enable the reader to understand the reasons of certain
movements. General Sigcl was to move up the Shenandoah
284 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Valley to gain possession of tlie Virginia Central Railroad, and
hold Lynchburg, thus cutting oft' Lee's source of supplies from
the west. Other operations in West Virginia were for the same
general object, viz., to cripple Lee in regard to supplies for his
army. General Butler, in command of the Army of the James,
was, if possible, to capture Petersburg to the south of Richmond.
By holding this point and Lynchburg, all Southern connection
would be cut off" from Richmond. The grand leading object of
General Grant was to destroy or capture the rebel army,
considering it to be the soul and life of the Confederacy.
On the 3d of May, General Meade issued a spirited address to
his arm}', and on the 4th, camp was broken up, and with six
days rations, the army was put in motion, in light marching
order. The three corps crossed the Rappahannock on the same
day, and at night, encamped — the Second on the Chancellor-
ville battle field ; the Fifth at the old Wilderness Tavern ; the
Sixth at the latter place and at Germania Ford.
The Confederate army consisted of three corps, under Gene-
rals Longstreet, A. P. Hill and Ewell, and occupied a position
around Orange Court House, south of Culpepper. General
Grant's plan was to follow a line nearly corresponding to the
route of the Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad. This
would endanger Lee's communications, and that General deter-
mined to give General Grant battle, and accordingly his three
corps were placed so as to confront the army of General Grant.
Early on the morning of the 5th of May, General Grant's
forces began to move, the Fifth Corps, General Warren, advanc-
ing five miles to Parker's store. The Sixth Corps, General
Sedgwick, followed and assumed position on Warren's right.
The Second Corps, General Hancock, taking to his left. The
center was a little in the advance when the battle began. Gene-
ral Grifiin advanced with the First Division of the Fifth Corps
about a mile when he came in contact with General Ewell. A
sharp engagement ensued, when he was driven back to the line
of battle. The Fourth Division, General Wads worth, and Se-
cond, General Robinson, now advanced, relieving General Grif-
fin, and holding the enemy in check. A gap having been made
"between Hancock and Warren, the enemy attempted to take
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 285
advantage, when a severe action occurred, lasting till late in the
night, when the enemy were compelled to desist, failing in their
object.
On the right, General Sedgwick was attacked in the afternoon,
the enemy making a desperate eftbrt to turn his right. General
Burnside had come on to the field with his corps, and he was sent to
assist General Sedgwick. The enemy was repulsed, but the
attack was resumed near nightfall, and continued for two hours
after dark. General Grant's line continued the same as when
the battle commenced, stretching northwest and southeast, thus
fully protecting his communications and supplies at Germania
Ford.
During the night, both armies threw up slight barricades or
earthworks. The battle on the 6th of May, was a series of
fierce attacks made on each side. The engagement became ge-
neral about 6 o'clock, A. M. The ground between the two
armies was fought over several times, the combatants driving
each other in turn from the opposite line of rifle pits. The
enemy tried to break though the different corps, but were frus-
trated by the closing of the gaps by the Ninth Corps. The
enemy massed his forces, and hurled them against the Second
Corps of Hancock with such vigor as to nearly overcome them.
Burnside's corps reinforced Hancock, and the enemy were
checked. About noon. General Wadsworth, commanding the
Fourth Division, was shot in the forehead, and killed, and Gene-
ral Cutler, of Wisconsin, took command of General Wadsworth's
division. In the afternoon,the attack on the Second and Fifth Corps
was renewed with great fury, and the enemy succeeded in driving
in one of Hancock's divisions and rushed into the gap, but were
repulsed,- with great slaughter. Towards night, an assault was
made on the brigades of Generals Seymour and Shaler, of the
Third Division of the Second Corps. They were overwhelmed,
and their commanders captured. The whole right wing was
now in peril, but General Sedgwick rallied the Sixth Corps, and
held his troops, .saving the army from threatened destruction.
The enemy retired in the darkness. The lines remained nearly
the same, the intervening space being occupied by the dead and
wounded.
286 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the afternoon of the 7tli of May, Gleneral Lee witlidrcw
his forces in the direction of Spottsylvania Court House. At
dark, the Second Corps, General Hancock, moved by way of
Brock's Road, followed by the Fifth Corps. The Sixth and
Ninth Corps moved by the old Chancellorville Road, and arrived
on the field near Spottsylvania at noon on Sunday. The Fifth
Corps arrived within three miles of Spottsylvania on Saturday
night, where they then came upon the enemy behind earth-
works near Alsop's Farm, and fought them several hours, hold-
ing their ground until a brigade of the Sixth Corps came to their
aid, when the enemy were driven from the position.
Mon'day, the 9th of May, was comparatively quiet, with some
cannonading and skirmishing, but no general battle. While
superintending the mounting of artillery, General Sedgwick
was killed by a sharpshooter. On General Sedgwick's death,
General Wright assumed command of the Sixth Corps. Gene-
ral Warren, with the Fifth Corps, occupied the center. General
Hancock's Second Corps on the right, and the Sixth Corps, late
Sedgwick's, occupied the left, under General Wright. Towards
night. General Grant ordered another advance on the enemy.
Hancock's corps crossed to the south bank of the Po River. A
severe fight ensued ; the enemy held Spottsylvania Court House,
and General Hancock retired his corps.
On Tuesday, the 10th, Grant's line occupied" substantially the
same position as the day before, stretching about six miles on
the north bank of the Po, taking the general form of a crescent.
The enemy held Spottsylvania and the region north of the Court
House. The conflict opened with a terrific fire of artillery, which
was incessant during the forenoon. A vigorous attack was
made by the Fifth Corps and two divisions of the Second Corps
on General Lee's center. In these charges, General Grant's
losses were very severe. Kear the close of the day, an energetic
assault was made along the whole line, in which the enemy's
works were scaled, and over a thousand prisoners taken, with
several guns, by a brigade of the Sixth Corps. ,
Nothing important occurred on the 11th. A plan was formed
to assault the enemy's left on the next morning, and the position
of the Second Corps was changed during the night, from the
extreme right to the left.
NORTH ANNA RIVER. 287
At dawn, on the 12tli of May, a dense fog enveloped the
conntrv, nnder cover of which the Second Corps advanced to
the enemy's hnes, reaching his intrenchments, and with loud
cheers, the command leaped over them and dashed among the
astonished enem3% compelling their surrender in mass. A whole
division was thus surprised and taken prisoners. The second
line of rifle pits was stormed and wrested from the enemy. A
cannonade now commenced, and the whole line advanced to the
support of the Second Corps. The enemy endeavored to recover
their lost works, and for three hours kept up a terrible tight, but
about noon they abandoned the attempt. The advance of the
Second Corps was checked, and the enemy's position was found
to be impregnable. Meade now sought to turn the enemy's right.
Every inch of ground was fought for, and the bloody contest
continued till darkness closed upon the fearful scene.
On the 14th, continual skirmishing and artillery tire was kept
up, and Grant's army occupied itself in throwing up earthworks.
Rain began to fall, which impeded military operations, and no
important movement took place on the 15th, IGth, or 17th of
May. On the 18th, two lines of the enemy's rifle pits were car-
ried, but were afterw^ards abandoned. On the 18th of May the
Thirty-sixth "Wisconsin, under Colonel Haskell, reported for
duty, and was assigned to General Gibbon's division of the
Second Corps.
On the 19th, Ewe 11 attempted to turn Grant's right in order
to cover General Lee's withdrawal to the North Anna, which
was two day's march from Spottsylvania.
On the night of the 20th, the cavalry was put in motion
towards Guiness' Station, as the advance of the army in its next
movement towards Richmond. During the 21st, the whole army
was in motion. The advance reached JSTorth Anna river on the
22d. The Fifth Corps arrived by the telegraph road in the
neighborhood of the Jericho Mills. The Second Corps arrived
during the afternoon, and took position on the left of the Fifth.
Here the enemy opposing the crossing of the river, a bridge in
front of the Second Corps became the subject of contest. The
enemy were finally driven from the earthwork which com-
manded the bridge, and the Second Corps crossed the river next
morning. The Fifth etfected a crossing at Jericho Ford, on the
288 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
afternoon of the 23d, and threw up slight breastworks. They
were soon after attacked by a heavy force of the enemy, which
was repulsed by the Fifth Corps, after suffering a loss of five
hundred men. The Sixth and Ninth corps arrived, and the
whole army crossed the river, and considerable skirmishing took
place along the whole line, with a loss of about five hundred.
Here General Sheridan's cavalry force reached General Grant's
army from the James River.
On the 25th, the enemy were found within two miles of Gen-
eral Grant's position. He was very strongly posted, and it
would require a great sacrifice of life to drive him from the posi-
tion. General Grant, therefore, determined on a new movement.
A strong cavalry demonstration was made on the enemy's posi-
tion, on the evening of the 26th. While his attention was thus
occupied, the several corps of General Grant recrossed the river,
and moved easterly for the Pamunkey River, the rear protected
by General Hancock's corps. At 10, A. M., on the 27th, Han-
overtown, on the Pamunkey, was reached. This place is fifteen
miles from Richmond, and sixteen miles from the White House.
To the last named place, General Grant changed his base of sup-
plies. In the course of next day, the crossing of the river was
secured. The whole army was across the Pamunkey on the
29th, and on the 30th, General Lee was found in force on the
Mechanicsville road, south of Tolopatomy Creek, with his right
resting on Shady Grove. The Sixth Corps was on the right of
Grant's army, the Second Corps formed the right centre, and
the Fifth Corps the left centre, the Ninth Corps occupied the
left. About 5, P. M., the Fifth Corps was attacked, the enemy
attempting to turn its flank. Timely reinforcements prevented
it. A sharp engagement followed, and the enemy were forced
to return. General Hancock captured the enemy's rifle pits and
held them all night. General Warren held his position near
Mechanicsville.
On Tuesday, the 31st of May, the army of General Grant was
further reinforced by the Eighteenth Corps, under General
Smith. The Nineteenth Wisconsin was attached to the Second
Brigade, Second Division of this Corps. The headquarters of
G eneral Grant were about five miles from Hanover Court House.
In front, line of battle extended, the Sixth Corps on the right,
BATTLE OF COLD HARBOR. 289
next the iSecond Corps, next the Ninth Corps, and the Fifth
Corps on the left. Firing continued through the day. At night
the Sixth Corps was sent to Cokl Harbor. It formed on the
Gaines Mill road. The Eighteenth Corps arrived and joined the
Sixth Corps on the 1st of June. The object of this movement, was
to prevent General Hoke's division of rebels from taking posses-
sion of Cold Harbor. He had repulsed General Sheridan, and
had been reinforced. The Eighteenth charged and took the
enemy's first line of rifle pits, which the enemy attempted, dur-
ing the night, to recover, but in vain. The result of this days'
fighting, was the complete occupation and holding of Cold
Harbor.
An attempt was made on the 2d of June, to push the enemy
across the Chickahominy, and to secure a place to ford that
stream. The Second Corps was changed to the extreme left.
The attack was delayed by the rain, but took place on Friday,
the 3d of June. The whole line was engaged, but the brunt of the
battle was borne by the Second Corps, General Hancock. Bar-
low and Gibbon's divisions, fought splendidly, and were tempo-
rarily in possession of the enemy's position, but their second line
was massed and hurled against them, and overwhelmed and
drove back those divisions. Intrenching themselves, they re-
mained through the day. The Eighteenth and Sixth, were simi-
larly repulsed, and fell back and intrenched. The Fifth and
Ninth corps, were not so severely handled, as the enemy had
massed his forces on his right. All etforts to cross the Chicka-
hominy at that point, were repelled. In this battle, Colonel
Haskell, of the Thirty-sixth Wisconsin, was killed. The posi-
tions gained, were held, and the next day temporary breastworks
were erected. A fierce attack on the Second, Eighteenth, and
Sixth Corps, was repulsed on the 4th of June.
During the 5th and 6tli of June, the lines remained the same,
except that the Fifth Corps was withdrawn to the rear, and the
Ninth Corps transferred to its place in the line. An attack on
Smyth's brigade, of Gibbon's division, Second Corps, was suc-
cessfully repelled. New earthworks were built along the Chicka-
homony, the enemy erecting works parallel to them. On the
7th, an attack on the Ninth Corps was repelled. The divisions
of Generals Gri£S.n and Cutler, of the Fifth Corps, drove the
19
290 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
enemy from Sumner's bridge, across the Chickaliominy, but were
unable to bold the bridge, as it was commanded by the enemy's
artillery.
During the succeeding four days, affairs remained about the
same. Intrenching was continued, and an advance was made
to Bottom bridge, next below the railroad crossing of the
Chickahominy. The enemy confronted the advance, and fortified
at the bridge. On Friday, the destructipn of the railroad to
"White House, was begun, preparatory to a change of base to
James River.
On Sunday night, June 12th, the army began its march to-
wards the James River. The Second and Fifth Corps, crossed
at Long Bridge, six or seven miles below Bottom Bridge, which
was commanded by the enemy's artillery, and could not be
crossed. These two corps marched to Wilcox's wharf, on James
River. The Sixth and Ninth corps, crossed at Jones' bridge,
below Long Bridge, and marched to Charles City Court House.
The Eighteenth Corps marched to the White House, and em-
barked on transports, and proceeded to Bermuda Hundred. On
Wednesday, the entire army of General Grant was transferred
to the south side of James River. The whole movement was
attended with some skirmishing, and the loss of about four
hundred men.
An attempt had been made to capture Petersburg, by forces
under General Gilmore, and a cavalry force under General
Kautz. The movement commenced on the 8th of June. Gen-
eral Gilmore advanced within two miles of the city, and drove
in the enemy's skirmishers. On arriving near enough to exam-
ine the fortifications, General Gilmore found them too strong
for his force to attempt an assault, and accordingly withdrew,
and returned to camp. In the meantime, General Kautz had
forced the enemy's intrenchments, and reached the streets of the
city, and was sharply engaged. The withdrawal of Gilmore,
permitted the enemy to concentrate on General Kautz, who was
forced to retire. The Fourth Wisconsin Battery was attached
to Kautz's division, having been converted into Horse Artillery.
Petersburg is situated on the south bank of the Appomattox
River, twenty miles south of Richmond, and ten miles from City
Point, on James River. The city was defended by a series of
BEFORE PETERSBURG. 291
strong earthworks, consisting of square redoubts, and well
established and commanding rifle trenches. Petersburg was
destined to be the strong point of all the military operations
around Richmond, as it proved to be the key of the enemy's
position, and its surrender, finally, involved the destruction of
the Southern Confederacy.
On the 15th of June, it was ascertained that General Hill's
Corps occupied the region southeast of Richmond, in strong
force. The Eighteenth Corps arrived from White House, and
marched, on the 15th, to Petersburg, crossing the Appomattox
on a pontoon bridge, on nearly the same route takcM by Gen-
eral Gilmore. General Hink's colored troops, captured a row
of rifle pits, and two twelve pounders. In the afternoon line
of battle was formed in front of the outer intrenchments and
an assault was made about sunset. Advancing under a heavy
artillery fire from the enemy, the entire range of rifle pits were
swept with great gallantry. The enemy deserted their works,
losing sixteen guns, a battle-flag, and three hundred prisoners.
The Nineteenth Wisconsin took part in this assault. The posi-
tion was held, but no further advance was made. The enemy's
force was small, but was heavily reinforced before the arrival
of the corps of General Grant. The Second corps arrived, and
occupied the captured intrenchments, the other corps coming
up during the night.
On the morning of the 16th, General Birney, of the Second
Corps, carried a redoubt on his left. The intrenchments of the
enemy ran in a semi-circle from the river on the north to the
river on the south, and the north end was strengthened by bat-
teries on the opposite bank of the Appomattox River. In the
afternoon a line of battle was formed with the Eighteenth Corps,
General Smith, on the right, the Second Corps, under General
Birney, in the Centre, and the Ninth, General Burnside, on the
left. An attack was made about six o'clock. The assault did
not result in any permanent advantage, and was abandoned after
continuing three hours.
The assault was renewed on Friday morning, June 17th, by
General Patten's division of the Ninth Corps. Two of his brig-
ades, under Generals Curtin and Gritfin, carried the works in
the front, capturing six guns, sixteen ofiicers, and four hundred
292 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
men, witli a loss of five hundred men. Patten's division was, in
the afternoon, relieved by General Ledlie's division. This divi-
sion also succeeded in carrying and holding the enemy's breast-
works in their front, until about 9, P. M., when massing their
forces by desperate eftbrts, General Ledlie was obliged to relin-
quish his dearly bought success, having lost a thousand men.
The rest of the line accomplished nothing decisive.
A renewal of the assault was designed next morning, but it
was found that the enemy had retired to his inner line of works.
This destroyed the plan of operations agreed on. At noon, the
Second, Fifth, and I^inth corps, were ordered to advance. An
assaulting column of three brigades of the Second Corps, was
sent forward, while the rest of the corps threw out skirmishers
to attract the enemy's attention. The assaulting column was
received with such a desperate enfilading fire from the enemy's
left, that they retired before reaching the breastworks, leaving
their dead and wounded on the field. A second storming party
in the afternoon, met the same repulse. The works assaulted
were near the Petersburg and City Point Railroad. The IS mth
Corps were skirmishing during the day. The Fifth Corps dA-
vanced against the works on the south side of the Norrolk
llailroad with partial success. The result of the day was
disastrous.
On the 19th and 20th of June, no important results Trere
obtained.
On Tuesday, the 21st, a movement was made to destro} the
railroad from Petersburg to Weldon. The Second Corps sup-
ported by a division, from each of the Fifth and Sixth ccrpj, was
marched in a southerly direction, and found the enemy in strong
position at Davis' Farm, three miles below Petersburg^ and one
mile from the railroad. It was not deemed advisable to make
a general attack, and the force retired to their former position for
the night.
Early next morning, June 22d, the movement against Weldon
Railroad, was resumed. The object was to destroy the railroad,
General Wilson's cavalry being sent ten miles further south for
that purpose. The Second and Sixth corps, and Grifl3.n'8 division
of the Fifth Corps, were engaged in the movement. In an ad-
vance against the enemy's works, each corps was to protect its
WELDON RAILROAD. 293
own flanks. As they closed on the enemy, gaps occurred be-
tween the corps, which was taken advantage of by the enemy,
who threw General Mahone's division into an interval on Gen-
eral Barlow's flank, which was immediately rolled up, and a
large number made prisoners. Barlow's disaster uncovered Gen-
eral Mott's flank, who was compelled to fall back, thus in turn
exposing the flank of General Gibbon's division. The enemy
took possession of Mott's intrenchments, and thus pressed Gen-
eral Gibbon's division in front and rear. Several regiments were
captured before the enemy was checked. The broken corps
were soon rallied, and a new line formed, and further attacks of
the enemy repulsed. The left flank of the Sixth Corps was also
driven back. General Meade afterwards rallied the two corps,
and ordering an advance, the Sixth recovered its former line,
and the Second part of its line, and intrenched for the night.
At daylight, the enemy were strongly intrenched before the Wel-
don railroad. The loss for the day, was two thousand prisoners,
four guns, and some colors.
On the 23d, General Wright, of the Sixth Corps, moved out
to the extreme left, and finding no enemy, sent out a recon-
noitering force to the railroad, who cut the telegraph. Three
Vermont regiments were sent to hold the road, when the enemy
attacked them on the flank, and drove them back on the main
body, and made a general attack. The line was withdrawn at
night, to the breastworks.
No important movements in the Second, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth,
or Eighteenth corps, in which the Wisconsin regiments were
located, took place on the 24th and 25th of June. On the 29th
of June, the Sixth Corps was sent to Ream's Station, on the
Weldon Railroad, to render assistance to Wilson's cavalry force,
who had been sent to the Danville Railroad, to destroy it. Here
they remained until the lltli of July, when the Sixth Corps de-
parted for Washington, to defend that city against a force sent
there by General Lee. No movements of importance, were
made before Petersburg for several days, excepting the artillery
fire.
About the 1st of July, General Lee, finding himself able to
spare part of his force before Petersburg, and that the army of
General Hunter, the successor of General Sigel, sent to operate
294 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
against Lyncliburg, had retired to "West Virginia, leaving the
Shenandoah Valley open for his operations, detached a portion
of his troops for the invasion of Maryland, hoping thereby, to
compel the recall of some of General Grant's force for the
defence of "Washington.
The enemy advanced, and crossed the Potomac, at Ilagers-
town, on the 3d of Jnly. On the 7th, after skirmishing with the
enemy, near Frederick, Md., the Federal troops, at Hagerstown,
retired to Chambersbiirg. General Wallace was put in command
of the troops in Maryland, and advanced against the enemy at
Monocacy, when his skirmishers were driven back. On the 9th
of July, the enemy advanced against him, on the east bank of
the Monocacy, and drove him back towards Ellicott's Mills.
This disaster created great panic at Washington, and through
the Northern States. Washington appeared to be in imminent
peril, and reinforcements were hurried forward. The Nineteenth
Corps, on its way from New Orleans, to reinforce General Grant,
was sent to Washington, and the Sixth Corps, General Wright,
was sent from Grant's lines, before Petersburg. The enemy's
cavalry appeared within six miles of Baltimore, then turning
south, they joined their command near Washington. The enemy
appeared before Fort Stevens, on the Seventh Street road, just
north of Washington. Here their Sharpshooters became very
annoying, and a brigade of the Veteran Reserve Corps was sent,
which encountered the enemy and drove them off, leaving about
a hundred dead and wounded on the field. On their retreat,
they were followed by General Wright, with the Sixth Corps,
and one division of the Nineteenth. Following them across the
Potomac, General Wright had an engagement with the retreat-
ing enemy, near Snicker's Gap. Soon after. General Wright
abandoned further pursuit, and returned to Washington. The
rebel force was under the command of General Early.
The enemy made incursions from the west bank of the Poto-
mac, into Pennsylvania, burning Chambersburg, and committing
other depredations. He also defeated General Crook, at Win-
chester, and compelled him to cross into Maryland. On hearing
of the defeat of General Crook, the Sixth Corps, General
Wright, started on the 26th of July, and reached Halltown,
, FIGHT AT STRAWBERRY PLAINS. 295
three miles from Harper's Ferry, with orders to march in pursuit
of General Early, in Pennsylvania.
The result of operations in Maryland and Pennsylvania, secured
the organization of a force under General Sheridan for the defence
of the Shenandoah Valley, consisting of the Sixth Corps, and
K'ineteenth Corps, General Crook's division of infantry, and cav-
alry under General Torbert, and four brigades of Hunter's cavalry.
The Sixth Corps, in which the Fifth Wisconsin (reorganized) was
brigaded, remained in service, under General Sheridan, in the
valley until about the first of December, when it rejoined the
army before Petersburg,
During these operations in Maryland, the army of General
Grant remained comparatively quiet before Petersburg. The
firing being principally on the right and centre, where General
Grant's lines were pushed steadily forward, the enemy's
batteries, and also the city, were pertinaciously shelled.
In the latter part of July, General Grant's lines extended a dis-
tance of twenty miles. The Second Corps was transferred from
the trenches before Petersburg to the north side of the James
River, about the 27th of July. JAne of battle was formed with
Sheridan's cavalry on the extreme right, the Second Corps next,
at Strawberry Plains, a brigade of the Nineteenth on its left, and
General Foster on the extreme left. The position of the enemy
was in front of the Second Corps, occupying rifle pits, defended
by one battery. The Second Corps advanced upon them, and
General Miles' brigade, under cover, flanked the whole position
under a brisk charge. The enemy retreated, losing their guns and
some prisoners, A cavalry battle took place the next day. Four
hundred supply wagons were sent across the pontoon bridge, ap-
parently for an advance on Malvern Hill. A considerable force
was sent by the enemy, from Petersburg, to oppose any advance.
After this transfer of troops by the enemy, the Second Corps and
the cavalrv very quietly returned to Petersburg. This move was
made to decoy the forces of the enemy from Petersburg, in order
to explode a mine under one of the enemy's heaviest works.
The plan was to explode the mine, and immediately after open
a cannonading from every gun on the lines. Under cover of this
tire a storming party was to rush through the gap made by the
296 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
explosion, and endeavor to carry the enemy's position on the hill
beyond. Nearly a hundred heavy guns could be brought to bear.
The assaulting force was the Ninth Corps of General Burnside,
supported by the Eighteenth Corps, with the Second Corps in
reserve on the right, and the Fifth on the left, the whole closely
massed. This force was in position soon after midnight, on
Friday, July 29th.
The Ninth Corps was arranged, with General Ledlie's division,
in advance, Generals "Wilcox and Potter's next, and General Fer-
rero's colored division in the rear. In this last was the Twenty-
ninth colored regiment, under Colonel Bross, of Chicago, in
which about 250 of the colored men of Wisconsin were enlisted.
The explosion took place a few minutes before five o'clock in
the morning. A heaving and trembling of the ground was fol-
lowed by huge clouds of earth and all the contents of the fort, as
guns, cassions, timbers, and the soldiers which manned them,
were thrown into the air. The crater was one hundred feet or
more in length, and half as wide, and a depth of twenty feet,
with heaps of ruins, remained where once was a six gun fort, its
camp equipage, and two hundred men. The cannonading from
a hundred guns commenced. The enemy recovering from his
surprise, began to respond. Soon Marshall's brigade, of Ledlie's
division, began to advance across the deadly plain. The sup-
porting brigades spread out and enveloped the flanking rifle pits,
capturing two hundred prisoners. The breech was gained, and
the troops began to reform for the assault. The assaulting force
stopped to throw up entrenchments and get two guns to bear,
thus delaying an advance until the enemy had recovered and ral-
lied and poured in a terrible enfilading fire upon the captured
fort. This delay proved fatal to the final assault. The Ninth
Corps, with General Potter's division on the right, Ledlie's in the
centre, and AVilcox's on the left, under the fire of two guns, began
the charge. On the right and on the left, and from the crest in
front, the enemy concentrated a terrible fire upon those devoted
divisions, and ploughed their ranks with slaughter. The charge
was .checked — a halt took place — and finally the whole line
recoiled to the fort. The colored division, as a forlorn hope, was
ordered to accomplish what the other three failed to do. As
might be expected, they, too, were obliged to fall back, and
BATTLE AT EEAM'S STATION. 297
entered the captured fort on wliicli the enemy poured a concen-
tric fire, making of it a slaughter pen. It was difficult to retreat
from the position, the fire of the enemy sweeping every foot of
ground between the crater and our lines. By leaving in squads
many of our men got back in safety. In the afternoon a general
retreat was ordered. Those left in the fort were captured. In
this assault five thousand were killed, wounded or made pris-
oners on our side. The dead lay on the field thirty-six hours,
when they were removed under a flag of truce. The Thirty-
seventh Regiment and the five companies of the 38th were
engaged in this bloody struggle. Of the former regiment only
ninety returned, out of two hundred and fifty-five.
On the 5th and on the 9th of August, sharp skirmishes and
artillery duels occurred in front of the IsTinth Corps, but nothing
further of importance took place until the 18th of August, when
the Fifth Corps marched to Ream's station, on the Weldon Rail-
road, and surprising a body of the enemy took possession of the
road. Next day, August 19th, the enemy, under General Ma-
hone, made an impetuous attack upon their right, driving back
the pickets and an advanced regiment, and rushing through a
gap in the line separating the divisions of Crawford and Wilcox.
A desperate engagement ensued. The left was also attacked by
General Ileth and the temporary intrencliments carried. Reach-
ing the second line, the enemy was checked and driven back with
great slaughter. The First and Second divisions of the Ninth
Corps, arrived as reinforcements. The lines were finally rallied,
and the enemy forced to retire. The Federal loss was estimated at
3,500 or 4,000. The Weldon Railroad was thus recovered by
the enemy as far as Yellow Tavern, but the position first taken
by General Warren was held. *
The Second Corps was engaged in an affair at Deep Bottom,
north of James River, on the 14th of August. On the 12th the
corps marched to City Point, and embarked on transports and
steamed down the James River until after d-irk, when the whole
fleet turned and steamed back, landing the troops near the old
position occupied by General Foster, on whose right the Second
Corps formed. An attack was made on the enemy on the 14th,
which resulted in his retiring to a stronger position, losing fiv^
hundred prisoners, six cannon and two mortars. The object of
298 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
this attack was to draw the forces of the enemy from Petersburg,
while the Fifth Corps made its demonstration on the "Weldon
Baih'oad, as stated in the preceding paragraph. The Second
Corps remained on the north side of the river until the 20th,
when it moved to its old position to the south of Petersburg, and
thence to the Weldon Railroad, where it arrived on the 23d, in
support of the Fifth and Ninth Corps,
Leaving the front of the Fifth and ISTinth corps, the Confede-
rates, on the 24th of August, reappeared on the flank and
rear of the First and Second divisions of the Second Corps, at
Ream's Station, who were engaged in destroying the Railroad.
Falling behind some breastworks, the Second Corps awaited the
attack. Three assaults were made and repulsed. A desperate
charge was then made, the rebels were mowed down by the terrible
musketry fire, but they still pushed on until the center gave way,
when General Hancock withdrew his men to a wood near by,
from which he sallied against the enemy's flank. Kight closed
the contest.
Matters remained comparatively quiet until the latter part of
September, when General Grant determined to press General
Lee's army in their intrenchments covering Richmond and Pe-
tersburg. His movement was directed against both flanks of
the enemy. On the 28th the Tenth and Eighteenth Corps were
transferred to the north side of the James, and carried the outer
works of Richmond at Chapin's Farm. Fort Harrison, occupy-
ing a commanding position below Fort Darling, was captured,
with sixteen heavy guns and two or three hundred prisoners.
The enemy's works at New Market Heights were captured by
General Birney's Tenth Corps. An unsuccessful attack was
made on Fort Gilmer, on Laurel Hill, near Richmond. A re-
connoissance was made by General Kautz' cavalry, within two
miles of Richmond, which demonstrated that there were no for-
midable defenses until within four miles of that city. This de-
velopment of the enemy's weakness, at this point, inspired Gene-
ral Grant with the idea that Richmond might possibly be captured,
and he accordingly redoubled his exertions, which induced Gene-
ral Lee to mass his forces for the immediate protection of the
j^bel Capital. On the 30th, General Lee's forces attacked and
endeavored to penetrate the lines between the two corps, at their
BATTLE OF HATCHER'S RUN. 299
junction. Two assaults were made, at a great sacrifice of life on
the part of the enemy, but without success. On the same day,
General Meade, with the Fifth and Ninth Corps, advanced from
his position on the Weldon Kailroad, encountering- the enemy at
Peeble's Farm, w^est of the railroad. The enemy's position was
carried, and he was compelled to fall back to his fortiiications,
covering the South Side Kailroad. These were also attacked.
A brilliant charge made upon the works failed, and the Fifth and
Sixth Corps withdrew. The rebels made a counter charge, pene-
trating to our lines, and taking many prisoners. Ayres' division
of the Fifth Corps was attacked next day, but the enemy were
repulsed, as was an attack on Gregg's cavalry by the rebel General
Hampton in the afternoon.
The operations of General Grant, with the Army of the James,
immediately around Richmond, on the north side of the James,
were continued with varying results until the 27th of October,
when General Grant again moved against the Confederate right
and left. The Armies of the James and Potomac moved simul-
taneously. In the former, the Tenth Corps occupied a position
on the Darby town Road, skirmishing with the enemy. The
Eighteenth Corps, with Kautz' cavalry, endeavored to turn Lee's
left flank, near the old " Seven Pines " battle field ; two brigades
assaulted the enemy's position, but were repulsed. Ilolman's
colored brigade captured a redoubt of two guns. The entire
command then retreated to their intrenchments.
The main attack of General Grant was on the enemy's right,
near the South Side Railroad. The Second, Fifth and Ninth
Corps were engaged. The Second Corps, with Gregg's cavalry,
started at 2, P. M., on the 2Gth of October, leaving Miles' divi-
sion in camp, moved southwesterley, towards Hatcher's Run,
followed by the Fifth and Ninth Corps. Gregg, keeping to the
left, found Hampton's cavalry pickets at the bridge, over the
Run, and fell back to the Second Corps, skirmishing all the while.
The Second Corps had crossed the Run, and marched directly
westward, to the Boydtown Road. Mott's brigade had captured
the rebel works at Armstrong's Mill. Generals Grant and Meade
were on the ground. The enemy were strongly posted where
the Boydtown Road crossed the Run at the bridge before spoken
of. General Hancock's corps was drawn up across the road
300 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
fronting nortli towards the bridge. The Fifth Corps, having
missed the road, did not come up on the right of the Second
Corps, as was expected. The enemy attacked Mott's division,
which was driven back, and exposed Egan's flank. That gene-
ral promptly changed front, and repulsed the enemy with heavy-
loss. The federal forces then withdrew to the former position.
The Sixth Corps returned from the Shenandoah Valley, and
took up its position in the lines before Petersburg, about the 5th
of December.
On the 7th of December, a raid upon the Weldon Railroad
was made, under the lead of General Warren, with the Fifth
Corps and Mott's division of the Second Corps, and Gregg's
cavalry. On that day, Warren moved rapidly to the Nottaway
River, crossing it on pontoons. Leaving a cavalry guard at the
Grossing, and protecting his flanks with cavalry, he continued by
Sussex Court House, to Nottoway Bridge, driving back the
enemy's cavalry till the bridge was reached, which he burned.
He then destroyed eight miles of the railroad south of the bridge.
Jarret's Depot was burned, and the road destroyed southward,
reaching Bellfield Station, near the Meherrin River, at night.
Twenty miles of the road had been destroyed. Finding the ene-
my were posted at Hicksford, with considerable artillery, Warren
turned northward on the 10th. The town of Sussex Court
House was burned in retaliation for soldiers murdered. The
railroad destroyed by General Warren entirely cut o& General
Lee's supplies from Eastern North Carolina and Virginia, east
of the Weldon Railroad.
On the Ist of January, the Second Corps was commanded by
Major General Humphreys, the Fifth by Major General Warren,
the Sixth by Major General Wright, the Ninth by Major General
Parke. The Eighteenth Corps was discontinued.
The month of January, 1865, passed off without any particular
demonstration, except the attempt of the rebel iron-clads to de-
scend the James River and attack Grant's headquarters at City
Point. The land batteries, however, thwarted their designs.
On the 6th of February, General Grant made a movement to
extend his left toward Hatcher's Run. The Second and Fifth
Corps were engaged in this movement. They advanced until
near the enemy's works, when they halted and intrenched. The
CAPTURE OF FORT STEADMAN. 301
enemy attacked the intrenchments, and were repulsed. By this
movement, General Grant gained some three or four miles of
ground.
On the 25th of March, the campaign around Petersburg open-
ed. General Lee suddenly attacking General Grant's lines, south
of the Appomattox. Fort McGilvrey is the first fort south of
that stream. A mile to its left is Fort Steadman, on Hare's Hill,
and still farther to the left is Fort Haskell. Fort Steadman
was the strongest position on the whole line. Three divisions of
Lee's army, under General Gordon, were massed in front of
Fort Steadman, and at daybreak, by a sudden rush, they seized
the line held by the Third Brigade of the First Division, at the
foot of the hill to the right of Fort Steadman, wheeled, and over-
powering the garrison took possession of the fort, turning the
guns upon the federal lines. An attack made on Fort Haskell,
which was held by part of McLaughlin's brigade of Wilcox's
division, was repulsed with great loss to the enemy. Fort Stead-
man was retaken by the troops of the First Division on either
flank and a brigade from Hartruft's division.
During the afternoon of the same day, the enemy made a
strong demonstration all along our lines, in front of the Second,
Sixth and Ninth Corps, and were repulsed at all points, losing
heavily in killed, wounded and prisoners. This was a last des-
perate move by General Lee, in hopes of breaking our lines, and
cutting our extreme left from communications with City Point.
He signally failed, and, from this moment, further defense of
Petersburg and Richmond became hopeless. The Second and
Sixth Corps pushed forward and captured the enemy's intrench-
ed picket line, and held it. An attempt to retake this prolonged
the battle to 8 o'clock at night, the enemy losing heavily.
Pursuant to orders, the Army of the Potomac formally resum-
ed operations against the enemy around Petersburg. The white
troops of the Army of the Ja^mes crossed the James River on
the 27th of March. The cavalry force of General Sheridan,
which had just marched from Winchester, on the Upper Poto-
mac, also joined General Grant, and on the 29th, marched by
Reams' Station, on the "Weldon Railroad, and took position at
Dinwiddle Court House.
302 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the same day, the Second and Fifth Corps moved across
Hatcher's Run. The Second Corps was relieved from its position
on the extreme left, before Petersburg, by two divisions of the
Twenty-fourth Corps, nnder General Gibbon. The Second
Corps took position, with its right resting on Hatcher's Run,
near Dabney's Mill, and its left on the Quaker Road, near
Gravelly Meeting House. The Fifth Corps was ordered tf
move up the Quaker Road, beyond Gravelly Run. In doing so,
they were obliged to build a bridge across the Run. Griifin's
division was attacked about 4 o'clock, P. M. The enemy were
repulsed and driven back.
On the 30th, the Second Corps again advanced, driving the
enemy into his main line of works, and by night occupied a line
from the Crow House, on Hatcher's Run, to the intersection of
the Dabney Mill and Boydtown Plank Road. The Fifth Corps
advanced on the Quaker Road to the Boydtown Plank Road,
and Ayers' division was pushed over to the White Oak Road.
On the night of the 30th, Miles' division of the Second Corps
occupied the position of the divisions of Griffin and Crawford of
the Fifth Corps who were sent to support Ayers' division on the
"White Oak Road. On the following morning, Ayres' division
attempted to dislodge the enemy, in position on the White Oak
Road, but was unsuccessful, and was compelled to fall back upon
Crawford, who, in turn, was attacked, and both divisions fell
back on Griffin's division, when the pursuit ceased. Miles' divi-
sion of the Second Corps attacked the enemy in flank, and drove
him back to his position on the White Oak Road, capturing
several colors and many prisoners. About the same time, War-
ren advanced with Griffin's division, supported by portions of
Ayres' and Crawford's divisions, and succeeded in driving the
enemy,' and securing a lodgment on the White Oak Road. Dur-
ing the night, pursuant to orders of General Grant, General
Warren proceeded to Dinwiddle Court House, to the support of
General Sheridan. During these operations, the Sixth and Ninth
Corps remained in the lines before Petersburg, watching the
enemy.
The Fifth Corps moved to the Five Forks Road, reaching
there after daylight. Meantime, Sheridan had moved against
the enemy posted in his front at Dinwiddle Court House. The
BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS. 803
rebel commander finding the Fifth Corps in his rear, hastily left
his position, moved oli"by his right flank across Chamberlain Creek,
towards their works at Five Forks. They were followed by tho
cavalry, who succeeded in driving them ^ito their main works
at the Five Forks. Sheridan's plan was to coop them up in their
M^orks, and make a feint with the cavalry on their right flank,
while the Fifth Corps made a real attack on their left, and crush
their whole force, if possible, and drive westward those who
might escape, thus isolating them from the main army at Peters-
burg. In this he succeeded admirably. By two o'clock the
enemy was behind his works, at the Forks, and his skirmish line
drawn in. The Fifth Corps was then ordered up, and put in
position on the Gravelly Church road, obliquely to, and at a short
distance from the White Oak road, and about one mile from the
Five Forks. The division of Ayers was on the left, in double
lines, Crawford's division on the right, in double lines, and Grif-
fin's division in reserve, behind Crawford. General Merrit was
ordered to demonstrate on the enemy's right flank, he being in-
formed that the Fifth Corps would strike the enemy's left, and
that the cavalry would assault the enemy's works when the
Fifth Corps became engaged, w^hich would be determined by the
volleys of musketry. As soon as the Fifth Corps were in posi-
tion they were ordered to advance. They reached the White
Oak road, made a left wheel and burst on the enemy's flank and
rear, like a tornado, and pushed rapidly on, orders having been
given, that if the enemy was routed, there should be no reform-
ing of broken lines. General Merritt promptly responded to the
designated signal, and the works of the rebels were soon carried at
several points, and they were completely routed, the Fifth Corps
dou-bling up their left flank in confusion, and General Merritt
dashing on to the White Oak road, and seizing their artillery,
turned it against them, and riding into their broken ranks, so
demoralized them, that they made no serious stand, and fled in
disorder. Five or six thousand prisoners were taken, and the
fugitives pursued in their flight to the westward. This is con-
sidered one of the most brilliant achievements of the war, and
had much to do in deciding the contest with General Lee's army.
It is known as the battle of Five Forks.
804 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Soon after the engagement, General Sheridan being dissatisfied
with General Warren's want of energy, relieved him of the
command of the Fifth Corps, and ordered General Griffin to
assume the commai^d. General Sheridan, in his report, spoke
highly of the conduct of the Fifth Corps, as well as of his cavalry
command. The Fifth Corps retired to a position on the Gravelly
Church road.
Intelligence having been received of the brilliant success of
the cavalry and Fifth Corps, orders were immediately given to
General Wright, of the Sixth, and General Parke, of the Ninth
corps, to open their batteries and press the enemy's picket line.
At 4 P. M., of April 2d, the Sixth Corps, under General Wright,
attacked, carrying everything before him, taking possession of
the enemy's strong line of works, with many guns and prisoners.
After reaching the Boydton road. General Wright turned to his
left, and swept the enemy's line of intrenchments till near
Hatcher's Run, where meeting the head of the Twenty-fourth
Corps, General Wright retraced his steps, and advanced on the
Boydton plank road toward Petersburg, encountering the enemy
in an inner line of works, immediately around the city. He
immediately deployed his corps in front of the enemy's works,
in conjunction with the Twenty-fourth, and part of the Second
Corps.
General Parke's attack was also successful, carrying their lines,
and capturing guns and prisoners, but it was found that the
enemy occupied an inner and stronger line of works, which
General Parke was unable to carry. Reinforcements from City
Point were immediately sent, which enabled him to hold his
lines. The remaining portion of the Second Corps, under Gen-
eral Humphrey, advanced and captured a redoubt in front of the
Crow House. Mott's division advanced on the Boydton plank
road, and finding the enemy's lines evacuated, the two divisions
joined the Sixth Corps, confronting the enemy. Miles' division
of the Second Corps, returning from Sheridan's support, attacked
the enemy at Sutherland Station, defeating them, and capturing
several guns, and many prisoners.
At 3 o'clock, P. M., Major Generals Parke and Wright, re-
ported no enemy in front, when on advancing, it was ascertained
that Petersburg was evacuated. Wilcox's division of the Ninth
BATTLE OF SAILOR'S CREEK. / 305
Corps, was ordered to occupy the town, and the Second, Sixth,
and Ninth Corps, immediately moved np the river, arriving that
night, near Sutherland's Station.
The City of Richmond was taken possession of at 8.15 P. M.,
of the 3d, of April, by the Twenty-fifth Corps, under General
Weitzel. General Grant immediately started toward the Dan-
ville road, to cut oif Lee's retreating army. In the pursuit, the
Fifth Corps accompanied General Sheridan's cavalry, striking
the South Side Railroad at Ford's Depot, from thence to Suther-
land's Station, and supported Miles' division of the Second
Corps. On their approach, the enemy fled along the main road
by the river. Crawford's division of the Fifth Corps, engaged
them about dusk. ISText morning the cavalry took up the pursuit,
followed rapidly by the Fifth Corps, picking up prisoners, and
artillerj'. On the 4th of April, the Fifth Corps moved rapidly to
Jettersville, on reaching which place, it was found that Lee's
whole army was at Amelia Court House. General Sheridan
immediately wrote to General Grant, asking for his presence at
his headquarters, that he was confident of capturing Lee's whole
army, and that there was no escape for him. General Grant im-
mediately went to the front. The Fifth Corps was ordered to
intrench at Jettersville, to hold it until the main army came up.
The Second and Sixth Corps were following the Fifth, while
the Ninth had been detached to guard the Southside Railroad.
On receiving news that Sheridan was in position at Amelia
Court House, the Second and Sixth Corps were pushed forward,
reaching Jettersville about 5 P. M., of the 5th of April, where
they found the Fifth Corps intrenched, expecting an attack.
On the 6th of April, it being ascertained that Lee had moved
from Amelia Court House toward Farmville, the Second Corps
was ordered to move to Deatonville, the Fifth and Sixth Corps,
to move in parallel direction, the Fifth on the right, and the
Sixth on the left. The Second soon overtook the enemy's rear
guard, and fought it all day, capturing a large train which the
enemy abandoned at Sailor's Creek. The Sixth Corps on the
left, came up with the enemy, posted on Sailor's Creek. Gen-
eral Wright with two divisions attacked, and completely routed
him. In this fight. Lieutenant General Ewell, and four other
20
306 . MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
general officers, with tlie most of General Ewell's Corps, were
captured.
On the 7th, the Fifth Corps moved toward Prince Edward
Court House, the Second resuming direct pursuit of the enemy,
coming up with him at High Bridge, over the Appomatox. He
attempted to hurn the railroad and common bridges, but the
destruction of the latter was prevented. General Humphrey,
of the Second, immediately crossed in pursuit, coming up with
the enemy at the intersection of the High Bridge and Farmville
roads, where he was found intrenched behind rail breastworks.
An assault on the enemy's works, by Miles' division of the
Second Corps, was unsuccessful. The Sixth Corps moved to-
ward Farmville, in the morning, but the road was obstructed so
that it did not reach there nntil late in the afternoon, when it
was found that the enemy had destroyed the bridge. Being
ordered to the support of the Second, in front of the enemy, a
temporary bridge for infantry was constructed, over which Gen-
eral Wright crossed, but it was after dark before this could be
effected. The enemy abandoned the position during the night.
The pursuit was continued next day, April 8th, on the Lynch-
burg stage road. On the 9th, the enemy were overtaken by the
Second Corps, about three miles from Appomattox Court
House. Here General Meade, who accompanied the Second
Corps, received a letter from General Lee, asking for a suspen-
sion of hostilities pending negotiations for a surrender. Being
informed that General Ord, of the Twenty-fourth Corps, on the
other side of Appomattox Court House, had consented to a
truce. General Meade replied to General Lee, that he should
suspend hostilities for two hours. He was subsequently in-
structed by General Grant, to continue the armistice till further
orders.
At about four o'clock in the afternoon, General Meade was
informed officially, of the surrender of the army of General
Lee.
General Meade, in his report, speaks in the highest terms of
the gallantry and heroism displayed by the Second, Fifth, Sixth,
and Ninth corps, in the several positions in which they had been
placed during the campaign against Petersburg.
Sherman's march from savannah. 307
"We thus close our sketch of the military operations of the
army of the Potomac, in which our Wisconsin regiments were
engaged. It is more lengthy than originally intended, for the
reason that the several corps in which Wisconsin was repre-
sented, embraced the entire army of the Potomac, proper, and
the history of the actions of our Wisconsin regiments involved
a general history of the whole army. We trust that we have
given the statement such plainness, that the readers of our work
will be able to understand the main facts of the campaign in
which our Wisconsin boys performed so honorable a part.
Sherman's march from savannah.
Under the head of military operations in the central military
division, we have given an outline of General Sherman's great
march from Atlanta to Savannah. Considerino- that the sketch
of the second part of General Sherman's grand expedition, per-
tains more to operations in the Eastern or seaboard division, wo
will close up our sketch of military operations in the Eastern
division, by giving a condensed statement of General Sherman's
advance from Savannah through the Carolinas to the second act
of the great drama, which closed the bloody rebellion, by the
surrender of the Confederate army under general Johnston,
By a singular connection of circumstances, the armies of the
East, and those of the West, were destined to take part in tlie
last great military operations of the government against rebel-
lion, and the armies of these two divisions of the Republic, were
each through their recognized leaders, to receive the submission
of the two principal armies of the rebels, General Grant, at
Appomattox Cotirt House, on the 9th of April, and General
Sherman, at Durham's Station, JSTorth Carolina, on the 26th of
April.
General Sherman took possession of Savannah about Christ-
mas, of 1864. lie spent nearly a month in refitting his army,
and preparing it for the second part of its grand march. On tlic
15th of January, he was ready to start northward. The same
order of march as that from Atlanta to Savannah, w^as to be
maintained, the Fourteenth and Twentieth corps still continuing
308 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
as the left wing, under General Slocum, and the Fifteenth and
Seventeenth corps, as the right wing, under General Howard.
TheWisconsin regiments retained positions as when the expedition
started for Savannah. Preliminary to commencing the march,
General Howard, in pursuance of orders, conveyed his command
by water, to Beaufort, and from thence to the main land. Ad-
vancing along the Charleston Railroad, they met the enemy,
who fell back after a sharp skirmish. On threatening a flank
movement, the enemy evacuated their works, and General How-
ard's troops occupied the position at Pocotaligo. The left wing
and Kilpatrick's cavalry, were ordered to rendezvous about the
same time, near Sister's Ferry, on the Savannah River. The
heavy rains, which deluged the swampy region around Savannah,
delayed General Slocum's advance so that he did not reach
Sister's Ferry, until the first week in February.
General Grant had sent to General Sherman, Grover's division
of the Nineteenth Corps, to garrison Savannah, and had trans-
ferred the Twenty-third Corps, General Schofield, to North
Carolina, to assist General Sherman in his operations. On the
18th of January, General Sherman transferred the city and forts
of Savannah to Major General Foster, commanding the Depart-
ment of the South. He informed General Grant, that he should
make Goldsborough, North Carolina, his objective point, and
sent Colonel Wright, his Superintendent of military railroads,
to Newbern, North Carolina, with orders to be prepared to ex-
tend the railroad out from Newbern to Goldsborough by the
15th of March.
His Quartermaster and Commissar}' were ordered to complete
the supplies at Sister's Ferry and Pocotaligo, and then to follow
the movement coastwise, to Newbern, and open communica-
tions with him, at Morehead City, about the 15th of March.
General Sherman joined the right wing at Pocotaligo, on the
24th of January.
The march began on the Ist of February. The continued
rains had flooded the country, and Wheeler's cavalry had en-
deavored to obstruct the roads by felling trees, and burning
bridges. These, however, proved small impediments to the well
Drganized pioneer corps. The felled trees were removed, and
bridges were rebuilt before the rear could close up, impassable
SKIRMISH AT ORANGEBURG. 309
roads were corduroyed, and rivers and swamps were often
crossed, the men wading, sometimes, up to their armpits. Such
was the spirit which the resolute men of the difterent regiments
exhibited, that no obstacle could stand a moment before their
all conquering march. The main points of General Sherman's
route, were Orangeville, Columbia, Cheraw, Fayetteville, and
Goldsborough.
On the 2d of February, the Fifteenth Corps arrived atLoper's
Cross Roads, and the Seventeenth Corps, at River's Bridge.
The Seventeenth Corps was ordered to carry River's Bridge, and
the Fifteenth Corps, Beaufort Bridge, which was done. The
first position was carried by the divisions of Generals Mower,
and Giles A. Smith, on the 3d of February, by crossing the
swamp, nearly three miles wide, with water varying from knee
to shoulder deep. Led by their gallant generals on foot, they
waded the swamp, made a lodgment below the bridge, and
drove the rebel brigade, which guarded it, in confusion, to
Branchville. The w^hole army pushed rapidly to the South
Carolina Railroad at Midway, Bamberg, and Graham's Station.
All hands were at once set to work destroying railroad track.
This occupied till the 10th of February, at which time General
Slocum reached Blackville, and on the 11th, all the army was
on the railroad from Midway to Johnson's Station.
On the same day, the movement commenced on Orangeburg.
The Seventeenth Corps crossed the Edisto, at Birmaker's Bridge,
and the Fifteenth, at Holman's Bridge, moving directly to
Orangeburg. The left wing, and cavalry, were ordered to cross
at New and Guignard's bridges. The Seventeenth Corps, found
the enemy at the Orangeburg bridge, swept him away by a dash,
and followed him, forcing him across the bridge, which was parti-
ally burned. One division held the bank of the river, and two divi-
sions crossing a mile or two below, flanked the enemy, who aban-
doned their position and fled. Taking possession of the enemy's
works, the bridge was soon repaired, and the whole corps was
in Orangeburg, tearing up the railroad track. General Blair
was ordered to continue its destruction to Lewisville, and to push
the enemy across the Congaree, and force him to burn the
bridges, which he did, on the 14th, leaving Charleston to fall
by cutting off its communications w^ith the interior. General
310 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Sherman pushed his columns straight on Columbia, whicli, next
to Charleston, was the hotbed where treason first sprung up to
curse the nation.
The Seventeenth Corps followed the State road to Columbia,
the Fifteenth Corps crossed the North Edisto, at Schilling's
bridge, and took a country road, which came into the State road
at Zeigler's. They found the enemy at a strong position at
Little Congaree-bridge, on the Congaree Creek, with a tcte de po7ii
on the south side, and a well constructed fort on the north side,
commanding the bridge with artillery. Their flank was turned, the
tete de j^ont abandoned, and the bridge and fort beyond, were taken
possession of. The bridge requiring repairs to permit the pas-
sage of artillery, the corps was so delayed that it did not reach
the bridge across the Congaree, at Columbia. The next morn
ing, before the head of the column reached the bank of the Con-
garee, the enemy had set fire to the fine bridge which spanned
the river. A few shells were thrown at the railroad depot to
scatter the people who were seen carrying away sacks of corn
and meal.
General Howard was directed by General Sherman, to cross
about three miles above the city, at the Saluda Factory, and
afterwards the Broad Hiver, so as to approach Columbia from
the north. General Slocum arrived with the left wing, soon
after General Howard's column reached the bank of the river.
General Sherman ordered him to cross the Saluda, at Zion
Church, and to take roads direct to Winnsboro, breaking up, en
route, the railroads and bridges about Alston.
General Howard crossed as directed, skirmishing with cavaliy,
and on the 17th, the Mayor surrendered the city to Colonel
Stone, of the Twenty-fifth Iowa infantry. The Fifteenth Corps
passed through Columbia, and out on the Camden road. The
Seventeenth did not enter town at all, neither did the left
wing, under General Slocum, or Kilpatrick's cavalry, come
within two miles of the city. The brigade of Colonel Stone
was properly posted in the town. General Sherman, and Gen-
eral Howard, were the first to enter the city. General Hampton,
of the rebel cavalry, ordered that all cotton, public and private,
should be moved into the streets and fired, to prevent the Fede-
ral troops from making use of it. Bales were piled everywhere,
BURNING OF COLUMBIA. 311
the rope and bagging cut, and tufts were blown about in tlie
wind, lodged in the trees, and against the houses. Some of these
j)iles were burning, especially', one in the very heart of the city.
Before one single public building had been fired by order of
General Sherman, the smouldering fire, set by Hampton's order,
was rekindled by the wind, and communicated to the buildings
around. About dark, the fire began to spread, and got beyond
control of the brigade on duty within the city. The whole of
Wood's division was brought in, but it was found impo&sible to
check the flames, which raged until about four o'clock in the
morning, when the Avind subsided, and the flames were got un-
der control. Our oflicers and men on duty, worked industriously
to extinguish the flames. During the 18th and 19th, the arse-
nals, railroad depots, machine shops, foundries, and other build-
ings were destroyed by detailed working parties and the rail-
road track torn up and destroyed, to the Wateree bridge, and
up towards Winnsboro.
The left wing and cavalry reached Winnsboro, on the 21st of
February, having broken up the railroad in their rear. They
continued its destruction up to the Blackstakes depot. The
Twentieth Corps reached Rocky Mount, and crossed the Catawba,
on the 22d, on a pontoon bridge. Kilpatrick's cavalry followed,
and crossed over in a terrible rain, during the night of the 23d,
and moved up to Lancaster, in order to create the impression
among the rebels, that his next point of attack was Charlotte,
JSTorth Carolina. From the 23d to the 26th, rain had fallen ren-
dering the roads almost impassable. Much trouble was occa-
sioned in crossing the Catawba, the heavy rains having swollen
the river and broken the pontoon bridge.
General Howard's column broke up the railroad as far as
"Winnsboro, then turned for Peay's Ferry, where it crossed the
Catawba, before the heavy rains set in, the Seventeenth Corps
moving straight on Cheraw, by Young's bridge, and the Fifteenth
Corps, by Tiller's and Kelly's bridges. Detachments were sent
from the Fifteenth Corps, to destroy the bridge and railroad
depots, stores, etc., at Camden. An unsuccessful attempt was
made b}- a mounted force, to destroy the railroad from Charles-
ton to Florence. Meeting Butler's cavalry, a skirmish ensued,
312 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
when they were compelled to return without accomplishing their
purpose.
The Seventeenth Corps entered Cheraw, on the 2d of March,
the enemy crossing the Pedee, and burning the bridge. Here a
great quantity of guns and ammunition were found, which had
been brought from Charleston, on the evacuation of that city.
The enemy did not suppose it possible that this point would be
invaded by the hostile Yankees. These articles were destroyed,
as well as the railroad.
On the 7th of March, the columns were again in motion, the
right wing crossing the Pedee at Cheraw, and the left wing and
cavalry at Sneedsboro. The Fourteenth Corps moving by
Love's bridge, was given the right to enter and occupy Fayette-
ville first. The roads were bad, but the Fourteenth Corps of the
left wing, and the Seventeenth Corps of the right wing, reached
Fayetteville, on the 11th of March, skirmishing with Hampton's
cavalry, that covered the rear of Hardee's retreating army, which
had crossed Cape Fear river, burning the bridge, as usual. Dur-
ing the march fi'om the Pedee, General Kilpatrick had kept his
cavalry well on the left, and exposed flank. During the night of
the 9th of March, his three brigades were divided to picket the
roads. General Hampton detecting this, dashed in at daylight,
and gained possession of the camp of Colonel Spencer's brigade,
and the house in which General Kilpatrick and Colonel Spencer,
had their headquarters. The surprise was complete, but Gen-
eral Kilpatrick quickly rallied his men on foot, in a swamp near
by, and by a prompt attack, well followed up, regained his artil-
lery, horses, camp, and everything, save some prisoners, whom
the enemy carried off, leaving their dead on the ground.
The next three days were spent at Fayetteville, in destroying
the United States arsenal and the vast amount of machinery
which had formerly belonged to the old Harper's Ferry United
States arsenal. Every building was demolished, and the
machinery utterly broken up and ruined. A great quantity of
property of great use to the enemy was here destroyed, or cast
into the river.
At Fayetteville, General Sherman succeeded in opening com-
munication with the outside world, by means of a tug and a
gunboat from Wilmington. Dispatches were sent to Generals
BATTLE OP AVERYSBOEO. 313
Terry and Schofield, informing them that General Sherman, on
"Wednesday, the 15th of March, would move on Goldsboro,
making a feint on Raleigh, and ordering them to march straight
to Goldsboro, which he expected to reach by the 20th.
N"o concentration of a rebel force had, as yet, been made to
oppose General Sherman's advance. About this time, however,
there were indications that a force was gathering in his front.
Hardee was just ahead of him. Beauregard had been reinforced
by Cheatham's Corps, from the "West, and the garrison at Au-
gusta, and had had ample time to move them to Sherman's
front and flank at Raleigh. These several forces, with those
under Johnston and Hoke, the whole under the command of
General Johnston, their most skillful and experienced General,
made up an army superior to Sherman, in cavalry, and formida-
ble in artillery and infantry, sufiicient to induce Sherman to
prepare for a severe contest, at some point on his march. He
therefore put his several columns in fighting condition.
General Kilpatrick was ordered to move up the plank road to
and beyond Averysboro. He was to be followed by four divi-
sions of the left wing, with as few wagons as possible, the rest of
that wing to take a shorter and more direct road to Goldsboro.
General Howard was ordered to send his trains to the right,
towards Faison's Depot and Goldsboro, and hold four divisions,
light, ready to go to the aid of the left wing, if attacked while
in motion. The weather was bad, and the roads had become
mere quagmires.
On the loth of March, the columns moved out from Cape
Fear river. General Slocum moved up the plank road with
Kilpatrick's cavalry in advance, to Kyle's landing. The cavalry
skirmished heavily with the enemy's rear guard, three miles be-
yond, near Taylor's Hole Creek. Advancing in the same order
next morning, the enemy was developed with artillery, infantry,
and cavalry, in an intrenched position. It was Hardee's force
of about 20,000 men. General Slocum was ordered to press
and carry the position. "Ward's division of the Twentieth Corps,
having the advance, was deployed and developed a brigade of
Charleston Heavy Artillery armed as infantry, posted across the
road, behind a light parapet. General Williams sent a brigade,
which made a circuit, turned the enemy's line, and by a dashing
314 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
charge, broke the brigade, wliicli rapidly retreated to a second
line. On advancing Ward's division over this ground, General
Williams captured three guns, and 217 prisoners. Over one
hundred rebel dead were buried. Ward's advance developed a
stronger line, when Jackson's division of the Twentieth Corps
was deployed on Ward's right, and the two divisions of the
Fourteenth Corps on his left, and Kilpatrick was ordered to mass
his force on the extreme right, and to act with Jackson's divi-
sion. He got a brigade on the road, but it was furiously
attacked by McLaw's division, and though it fought bravely,
it was obliged to draw back to the flank of the infantry. The
whole line advanced late in the afternoon, drove the enemy into
his intrenched line, and pressed him so hard that next morn-
ing he was gone, having retreated in a stormy night, and over
the worst of roads. Ward's division followed to and through
Averysboro, and developed the fact, that Hardee had retreated
to Smithfield. Slocum's loss in this aifair, known as the battle
of Averysboro, was 12 oflicers and 65 men killed, and 477
wounded. Ward's division kept up a show of pursuit, and Slo-
cum's column turned to the right, and crossed the South river,
and took the road to Goldsboro, Kilpatrick moving to the east-
ward, to watch that flank. Howard's column during this
time, was wallowing along the miry roads between Benton-
ville and Goldsboro. Slocum's column camped on the 18th, ou
the Goldsboro road, twenty-seven miles from Goldsboro, and five
miles from Bentonville. Howard was at Lee's store, two milea
south, and both columns had pickets out three miles in front.
General Sherman had left Slocum's column and just joined
General Howard's, when he heard artillery in Slocum's direction.
Soon Slocum's staft'oflicers came in, informing General Sherman,
that Slocum had developed the whole rebel army, near Benton-
ville, in his front, under Johnston himself. Orders were sent for
him to call up his two divisions guarding his wagon trains, and
Hazen's division, of the Fifteenth Corps, to fight defensively,
until Blair's corps could be brought up and with the three
remaining divisions of the Fifteenth Corps come upon Johnston's
left rear from the direction of Cox's bridge.
General Slocum advanced from his camp, on the 18th, and
fii-st encountered the enemy's cavalry, but soon found hia
BATTLE OF BENTONVILLE. 815
progress impeded by infantry and artillery. Tliey attacked the
head of Lis column, gaining a temporary advantage, and took
three guns, driving the leading brigades of Carlin's division,
back on the main body. General Slocum immediately deployed
the two divisions of the Fourteenth Corps, General Davis, and
brought up on their left, the two divisions of the Twentieth
Corps. These he arranged on the defensive, behind hastily con-
structed barricades. General Kilpatrirk also massed his cavalry
on the left. In this position the left wing received six distinct as-
saults by the combined forces of Iloke, Hardee, and Cheatham, all
under General Johnston's command, without giving an inch of
ground, and doing great execution with the artillery. Johnston
had moved from Smithfield in order to surprise the left wing
before the right wing could be brought up. During the night,
Slocum got up his wagon trains with their guard of two divisions,
and Ilazen's division of the Fifteenth Corps, which enabled him
to make his position impregnable.
The head of the right wing encountered the rebel cavalry about
three miles from the battle ground of the day before. General
Howard soon put his column in line of battle, connectijig closely
on Slocum's left. By 4 o'clock of the 20th, a complete and strong
line of battle confronted the enemy in his intrenched position, and
General Johnston was soon himself put on the defensive, with
Mill Creek and a single bridge in his rear. Skirmish firing and
artillery were freely used, but no general charges were made.
On the 21st of March a steady rain prevailed. During the day
General Mower got well into the rear of the enemy, towards the
bridge over Mill Creek, which developed the weakness of Gen-
eral Johnston s position. In doing so, however, General Mower
liad exposed himself to an attack of Johnston's reserves, and he
was therefore ordered to regain connection with his own corps,
the enemy, in the meantime, being attacked all along the skir-
mish line. That night the enemy retreated on Smithfield, with-
out withdrawing his pickets, and leaving his dead unburied and
/his wounded in field hospitals. Pursuit was made about two
miles beyond Mill Creek, when it was recalled. General Slo-
cum's losses at Bentonville were 9 officers and 145 men killed, 51
officers and 816 men wounded, and 3 officers and 223 men miss-
ing and taken prisoners ; total, 1,247. He buried on the field
816 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
167 rebel dead, and took 338 prisoners. General Howard's losses
were 2 officers and 35 men killed, 12 officers and 289 men
wounded, and one officer and 60 men missing, total, 399. He
also buried 100 rebel dead, and took 1,287 prisoners. The
aggregate loss was 1,646.
On the 21st General Schofield entered Goldsboro with the
the Twenty-third Corps, and General Terry was in possession of
the Neuse River at Cox's bridge, so th-at the three armies were
in actual connection, and the object of the campaign was
accomplished.
The railroads to the seacoast, at Wilmington and Beaufort,
North Carolina, were rapidly repaired. Ample supplies were at
Kingston, which were brought forward to Goldsboro, where both
wings of the Grand Army were congregated on the 24th. On the
25th the railroad to Morehead City was finished, thus enabling
General Sherman to draw full supplies for his arm}^ at that point.
General Sherman on the 25th, left General Schofield in chief
command, took cars to Morehead City, thence went by steam to
City Point, on James River, where he had an interview with
General Grant, President Lincoln, Generals Meade, Ord and
others of the Army of the Potomac, and soon arranged plans for
the further prosecution of the campaign, returning to Goldsboro
on the 30th of March.
In his report of the march to Goldsboro, General Sherman
Bays that " the real object was to place his army in a position
easy of supply, whence it could take an appropriate part in tke
spring aud summer campaign of 1865." This was completely
accomplished on the 21st of March, by the junction of the three
armies, and occupation of Goldsboro.
On the 1st of April the troops around Goldsboro occupied posi-
tions as follows: — The Army of the Ohio, under General Schofield,
lay at Goldsboro, with detachments to secure and cover the routes
of communication and supply, at Wilmington and Morehead
City ; the Tenth Corps, General Terry, was at Faison's depot ;
the Army of the Tennessee, Major General 0. 0. Howard, com-
manding, was encamped to the right and front of Goldsboro ; and
the Army of Georgia, Major General Slocum, commanding, to
the left and front. The cavalry, Brevet-Major General Kilpatrick
commanding, were at Mount Olive. All were engaged in repairing
PURSUIT OF Johnston's army. 317
the wear aud tear of the recent hard march from Savannah,
and in replenishing clothing and stores necessary for a further
progress.
Notwithstanding the inadequate supply of railroad cars, which
delayed the accumulation of supplies, by the 10th of April the
men were all reclad, the wagons reloaded, and a fair amount of
forage collected.
General Sherman received the news of the battles around
Petersburg, at Goldsboro, on the 6th of April. His designs were
to move rapidly northward, feigning on Ealeigh, and striking
straight for Burkesville, thereby interposing himself between Lee
and Johnston. Events in Virginia, since his interview with
General Grant, at City Point, had changed the whole military
problem. The grand objective points now were the armies of
Lee and Johnston. General Grant was to capture the former,
whijje General Sherman would endeavor to take care of the
latter.
At that time General Johnston had an army of about 45,000
men at Smithfield, directly between General Sherman and Ea-
leigh. A forward movement was ordered on the 10th of April.
At daybreak of that day all the heads of the columns were in
motion, straight against the enemy. Major General Slocum
taking the direct road to Smithfield, Major General Howard tak-
ing a circuit by the right, and feigning up the Weldon road to
disconcert the enemy's cavalry, Generals Terry and Kilpatrick
moving on the west side of the Xeuse river, and aiming to reach
the rear of the enemy, between Smithfield and Raleigh. General
Schofield followed General Slocum as a support.
Sweeping away the slight opposition six miles from Goldsboro,
the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps entered Smithfield. John-
ston retreated, availing himself of the railroad to lighten his
trains. Having burnt the bridge, the pontoons were sent for,
and General Slocum crossed over one division of the Fourteenth
Corps.
Here General Sherman first heard of the surrender of General
Lee's army, which was received with the liveliest satisfaction by
the whole army. Under the impulse of this glorious news the
army of Sherman was impatient to push ahead, and endeavor to
capture the other rebel army. The trains were dropped without
318 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
hesitation, and the whole army marched rapidly in jDursuit, to
and through Raleigh, reaching that place on the 13th, in a heavy
rain.
Johnston's army was retreating rapidly on the roads from
Hillsboro to Greensboro. From Raleigh, the cavalry pushed on
through the rain to Durham's Station, the Fifteenth Corps fol-
lowing to Monroeville Station, and the Seventeenth Corps
to Jones' Station. The other columns were turned off towards
Ashboro. By the 15th, though the rains were incessant and the
roads were almost impassable. Major General 'Slocum had the
Fourteenth Corps near Martha's Vineyard, with a pontoon laid
across Cape Fear River, at Aven's Ferry, with the Twentieth
Corps, General Mower, who had been appointed to its command,
supporting the Fourteenth Corps. General Howard had the
Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps stretched out on the road to
Pittsboro, while General Kilpatrick held Durham's Station^and
Chapel Hill University.
Thus matters stood, when General Sherman received General
Johnston's first letter, dated April 14, copies of which were sent
to the Lieutenant General and Secretary of AVar, with General
Sherman's reply. We do not propose to enter at length into the
discussion of the points in the negotiations which took place
between General Sherman and General Johnston. It is sufficient
for us to state in general terms that the basis agreed upon be-
tween those generals was rejected by the President of the United
States, and General Grant was requested to repair immediately
to General Sherman's headquarters and direct operations against
the enemy.
On the 24th of April, General Sherman served a notice on
General Johnston, informing him that the truce or suspension
of hostilities agreed to under the first articles of their agreement
would cease in forty-eight hours after the notice was received at
General Johnston's headquarters.
On the same day, he sent to General Johnston a letter stating
that he had received replies from Washington in answer to his
communication of April 18. That he was instructed to limit his
operations to General Johnston's immediate command, and not
to attempt civil negotiations, and therefore demanded the
SUREENDER OF JOHNSTON'S ARMY. 319
surrender of his army on the same term-s as were given to General
Lee at Appomattox, of April 9, purely and simply.
These communications led to an interview between the two
generals, which resulted in the surrender, by General Johnston,
of his whole army, to General Sherman, on the 26th day of
April, 1865.
Thus ended the great march of General Sherman, one of the
most remarkable expeditions in this or any other age.
It is left to us to state how the gallant armies which had so
gloriously carried the old flag through the heart of the rebellious
States closed their career. The Tenth and Twenty-third Corps
were ordered to remain in the Department of ISTorth Carolina, as
was also the cavalry under General Xilpatrick. Major General
Howard was ordered to conduct the Army of the Tennessee to
Eichmond, by the<(vay of Lewisburg, Warrenton, Lawrenceville
and Petersburg, or to the right of that line. Major General
Slocum was ordered to conduct the Army of Georgia to Rich-
mond, by roads to the left of the one indicated for General How-
ard, by Oxford, Boydton and Nottaway Court Houses. The
armies were ordered to turn in at Raleigh the contents of their
ordnance trains, and use the wagons for extra forage and provi-
sions. The colamns were to be conducted slowly and in the
best of order, aiming to be in Richmond, ready to resume the
march, by the middle of May.
Reaching Richmond, the Army of General Sherman was
ordered to march to "Washington, having been preceded on the
road a few days by the Army of the Potomac. They reached
the neighborhood of Washington about the 18th of May, where
they went into camp. Here they remained until the 23d and
24th of May, when a grand review of the troops of the Army
of the Potomac, and of the Army of General Sherman, took
place at Washington, in presence of the President, and generals
and other dignitaries. From Washington, the troops from the
West were sent to Louisville or St. Louis, where they were
mustered out, and sent to their respective States for payment
and disbandment.
OHAPTEE IX.
GENERAL MILITARY OPERATIONS— CENTRAL DIVISION.
Wisconsin Organizations in the Central Division — Bowling
Green— Nashville — Huntsville — Bragg's March on Louisville
— Battle op Perryville — Jefferson Pike — Stone River —
Spring Hill — Tullahoma — Dug Gap — Chicamauga — Chatta-
nooga— Mission Ridge — Dalton — Buzzard's Roost — Resaca —
— Dallas — Kenesaw Mountain — Atlanta — Jonesboro — Love-
joy's Station — Allatoona — Destruction of Atlanta — Sher-
man's March to Savannah — Battle op Nashville — General
Wilson's Campaigns in Alabama and Georgia.
THE Wisconsin organizations originally assigned to the Central
Division, embracing Kentucky, Tennessee, Northern Alaba-
ma and Georgia were as follows, viz. : The First, (reorganized,)
Tenth, Twenty-first, Twenty-fourth, Forty-third, Forty-fourth,
Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh Infantry, and Batteries
Nos. 1 and 3, Light Artillery, and Companies B and C, Heavy
Artillery. The following were transferred from the "Western
Division, at different periods during the war, viz. : Thirteenth,
Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Twenty -fifth,
Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second Infantry, First Cavalry,
and Batteries 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12, Light Artilleiy. The Third and
Twenty-sixth Infantry were transferred from the Eastern Division.
The First Battery was transferred to the Western Division in
1862.
The military operations of the Government in the Central
Division, comprising Kentucky, Tennessee, and Northern Geor-
gia, commenced in June, 1861, by authorizing General Rosseaii
to organize two or three regiments of loyal Kentuckians. For
fear of disturbing the neutrality, which Kentucky hypocritically
AFFAIRS IN KENTUCKY. 321
claimed to maintain, General Rosseau established a camp for his
ti'oops on the Indiana shore, two miles below Louisville, naming
it " Camp Holt." A camp, called " Dick Robinson," was located,
at a later day, in Garrard county, and Colonel, afterwards Genera]
Nelson, commenced the enrolment of recruits.
On the 4th of September, the Confederate General Polk took
possession of Columbus, on the Mississippi, which was followed
by General Grant taking possession of Paducah, at the mouth of
the Tennessee River. This destro^^ed Kentucky's ueuti'ality, and
henceforth, her soil was to echo to the tramp of armed men.
General Buckner, who had enlisted for the Confederate army a
large number of Kentuckians, raising the standard of rebellion,
advanced with a band of armed men, and established a camp at
Bowling Green, on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, about
forty miles north of the Tennessee line. Placing his men on the
cars, he attempted to reach the Ohio River, and capture Louis-
ville. A few miles out of Bowling Green, a loyal young man
tore up two or three lengths of the rails, by which the trains con-
taining the rebel troops were thrown off" the track and detained,
which enabled General W. T. Sherman, who had been appointed
to command the department, to congregate the troops of General
Rosseau at Camp Holt, and the Home Guards of Louisville, and
place them enroute to meet General Buckner. He succeeded in
getting as far as Elizabethtown, 35 miles from Louisville, where
he was deterred from a further advance. General Sherman en-
camped at Muldraugh's Hill, three miles from Elizabethtown,
with his forces, and the rebel Buckner returned to Bowl-
ing Green, where he spent the winter, gathering recruits and
strengthening his army for the spring campaign.
In the meantime, requisitions had been made for troops from
the neighboring Western States, and soon several regiments
arrived, among them the First Wisconsin, reorganized under
Colonel Starkweather, "and the Tenth Wisconsin, under Colonel
Chapin.
General Buell succeeded General Sherman, in November, and
immediately entered on the duty of organizing an army, for the
spring campaign, of nearly 100,000 men.
Intending to confine our remarks to a brief sketch of the sev-
eral operations of the Union armies, in which Wisconsin
21
322 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
regiments were enrolled, the general movements, in otlier respects,
will be but incidentally noticed.
General Buell, early in the 3'ear 1862, had disposed his troops
so as to flank the rebel Buckner on the left, by sending General
Thomas with his division, on that duty, while General Mitchell
advanced toward the rebel stronghold in ft-ont. On the 1st of
February the capture of Fort Henry was undertaken by General
Grant, and accomplished on the 7th. This was immediately
followed by the downfall of Fort Donelson, in which the rebel
Buckner was taking prisoner, he having left Bowling Green, with
a portion of his forces, to reinforce the Fort.
These important captures were followed by the immediate
evacuation of Bowling Green, under General Johnston. General
Mitchell advanced with his division, and took possession of the
town on the 14th of February. The control of the Cumberland
and Tennessee Rivers, by the Union gunboats, insured the early
abandonment of Nashville by the rebels, which was done on the
advance of General Nelson's brigade, on transports up the river,
on the 24th of April. Nelson's troops landed without opposition,
and took possession of the city just about the time General Buell's
advance made its appearance on the bank of the river opposite.
Columbus, on the Mississippi, was also evacuated, and the rebel
forces were removed to Island No. 10 and New Madrid.
General Buell's forces congregated around Nashville, encamp-
mg within five miles of the city, with pickets extending for ten
miles. The Confederate forces, under General A. S. Johnson,
retired to Murfreesboro, 32 miles from Nashville. Here they were
soon joined by the Confederate force under General Crittenden.
In January, 1862, the Wisconsin Batteries, No. 1, Captain Fos-
ter, and No. 3, Captain Drury, arrived at Louisville, where they
entered the " Camp of Instruction."
A change had been made in the plans of General Buell, by the
retiring of the rebel forces, and their concentration in the vicinity
of Corinth, with a view to an attack on General Grant, who had
transported a large army up the Tennessee River, to Pittsburg
Landing. The Departments of Kansas and Kentucky were
merged in that of Missouri under the designation of the Depart-
ment of the Mississippi, and General Halleck assigned to the
command. General Halleck thereupon directed General Buell
i
CAPTURE OF HUNTSVILLE. 323
to join his forces with General Grant. lie accordingly left l^ash-
viile on the 28th of March, and sncceedcd in reaching Pittsburg
Landing on the evening of the tlrst day of the fight at that phu;e
on the 6th of April, and contributed materially to the defeat of the
enemy.
General Buell, before he left ITashville, had sent the divis-
ions of Mitchell, Nelson, and McCook, to occupy the northern
portions of Alabama and Georgia. Overhauling these divisions,
on his route to Pittsburg Landing, General Buell changed the
route of McCook and Nelson, and they accompanied him to Pitts-
burg Landing, while General Mitchell was permitted to continue
his route into Alabama. The Division of Geneial Negley had
been detached from McCook's corps, and sent to Columbia on
special duty. Colonel Starkweather's First Wisconsin Regiment
was attached to this division.
General Mitchell remained at Murfreesboro, which had been
abandoned by the rebel troops, who had gone to reinforce Beau-
regard at Corinth, until the 4th of April, when he pushed south,
through Shelbyville and Fayetteville, crossing the Alabama line
on the 8th. He proceeded to within four miles of Huntsvillo,
where he captured a railroad train with 150 prisoners. Putting
his men on the quickstep his army arrived in the city at the dead
of night, when the inhabitants were all asleep. The clatter of the
cavalry aroused them from their slumbers, and they awoke to
find their beautiful city in possession of the hated Yankees. By
his energy, before night. General Mitchell had possession of one
hundred miles of railroad, stretching from Stevenson to Decatur.
General Mitchell continued in possession of the territory which
he had at first occupied, although he was closely pressed on the
west end of his line. On the 1st of May, he reports to the Secre-
tary of War, " The campaign is ended, and I now occupy Hunts-
ville in perfect security, while all of Alabama, north of the Ten-
nessee River, floats no flag but that of the Union." The Tenth
Wisconsin, Colonel Chapin, in Sill's brigade, performed very
important services during the administration of General Mitchell.
On the advance of General Buell, this division of his army was
placed under the command of General Rosseau, and General
Mitchell was transferred to a command at Port Royal, South
Carolina.
324 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
' General Buell left Corinth with the main body of his army,
for Chattanooga, on the 10th of June. Taking positions at
Battle Creek, Huntsville, and McMinnville, he commenced the
reorganization of ajffairs in this department. The Confederate
General Bragg, massed his forces at Chattanooga and Knoxville.
General Kirby Smith was stationed at the latter place.
We have elsewhere stated that the Confederate authorities had
determined on taking the ofiensive, and planned an invasion of
the Northern States. In furtherance of this plan in the west,
General Kirby Smith, on the 22d of August, made his appear-
ance at the Gaps, in the southeast corner of the State of Ken-
tucky. At the same time. General Bragg marched for a similar
purpose, crossing the Tennessee River above Chattanooga, and
turning General Buell's left, proceeded by the mountain road, to
Dunlop, thence to Pikeville. Throwing out a large force towards
McMinnville, the main body of his army marched by way of
Crossville. The force sent toward McMinnville, was suddenly
withdrawn, and followed after the main body, which passed into
Kentucky, on the 6th of September. On the 13th, this force
appeared before Mumfordville, and demanded its surrender.
Colonel "Wilder refused, an attack was made, and after seven
hours fight, the enemy was repulsed. The attack was renewed
on the 16th, with great spirit, and the place was surrendered
next day, by Colonel Dunham. In the meantime. General Kirby
Smith had advanced into Kentucky, occupying Lexington and
Frankfort, and throwing his advance within a few miles of Cin-
cinnati. This movement created great excitement at Cincinnati
and Louisville. At the former city, martial law was declared.
General Lew. Wallace took command of Cincinnati, Covington
and Newport, on the 1st of September. Places of business were
ordered to be closed at nine o'clock, and the citizens were re-
quired to assemble at ten o'clock, for defence. The citizens
turned out, and took turns in working upon the fortifications on
the opposite side of the river.
Meanwhile General Buell was not idle. Dispatches to General
Bragg, were intercepted, by which it was ascertained that Louis-
ville was the point aimed at by the Confederate army. Forced
marches were to be made without supplies, subsisting on the
country, and the city reached, when it was unprepared for
BRAGG INVADES KENTUCKT. 325
defense. The canal around the Falls, was to be destro^'cd, the
public stores seized, and the city held, under the impression that
the Federal forces would not bombard it.
The march of General Bragg commenced on the 21st. Gen
era! Buell was on his left tlank at Lebanon, guarding against his
approach to jS'ashville. General Buell harrassed his rear, shelled
him out of Woodsonville, forded Green River, and drove him
out of Mumfordville, followed him along the turnpike road to
Louisville, until Bragg turned off to the east, through Ilodge-
ville, evidently endeavoring to unite with the forces of Kirby
Smith, Humphrey Marshall, and Colonel Morgan, and make a
combined attack on Louisville. General Buell continued on
directly to Louisville.
Plunder seemed to be the main object of this movement.
Everything was seized that could be of use to the Confederate
army, or to the Southern people. From Mumfordville, the Con-
federate force moved to Bardstown, Glasgow, and the central
part of the State.
While this invasion was in progress, reinforcements from the
"Western States were pouring into Cincinnati and Louisville.
The State of Wisconsin furnished the Twenty-first, under Colo-
nel Sweet; the Twenty-second, under Colonel Utley ; the Twen-
ty-third, Colonel Guppy ; the Twenty-fourth, Colonel Larrabee.
These regiments were ordered to Cincinnati, where they remained
until the excitement died away, when the Twenty-first moved to
Louisville, where it was placed with the First Wisconsin, in Col-
onel Starkweather's Twenty-eighth Brigade. The Twenty-second
performed service in different parts of Kentucky, until the close
of the year. The Twenty-third remained in Kentucky, until
the 19th of November, when it moved to Memphis, Tennessee.
The Twenty-fourth was subsequently attached to the Thirty-
seventh Brigade of the Eleventh Division, under command of
Colonel Greusel, and took part in the battle of Perryville. The
Fifteenth, Colonel Heg, had been transferred to Tennessee, in
September, 1862.
In the march of Kirby Smith, through the eastern gaps of
Kentucky, the flank of General Morgan, who was sent in April
to hold Cumberland Gap, was turned, and he was forced to
retreat, after fighting the battle of Tazewell, and standing a
326 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
montli's siege, tlie men being part of the time on half and
quarter rations. The Gap was evacuated on the 17th day of
September, and after a laborious march of twp hundred miles,
during which the troops suffered great hardships, they reached
Greenupsburg, Ky., on the 3d of October. In this march,
Captain Foster, of the First Wisconsin Battery, bore a con-
spicuous ]Dart, as chief of artillery, bringing off" the most of his
guns.
The following Wisconsin batteries were also with the forces
under General Buell, when the advance , against Bragg com-
menced : — The Third, Captain Drury, the Fifth, Captain Pin
ney, the Eighth, Captain Carpenter — the two last having re
cently been transferred from the Army of the Tennessee. Thi
Tenth Battery, Captain Bebee, was transferred to JSTjishville in
ISTovember, and was permanently attached to the Fourteenth-
Corps.
On the 1st of October, Buell began his march in pursuit of
the Confederate forces under General Bragg, who was now
endeavoring to make his escape- with his immense trains of
plunder.
On the 7th, a large Confederate force was reported to be at
Perryville, forty-two miles from Frankfort. Here they were
met by the corps of Generals McCook and Gilbert, on the 8th,
and a severe battle ensued, in which the First and Twenty-
first Wisconsin, in the Twenty-eighth Brigade, of Colonel
Starkweather, the Tenth, in Harris' Brigade, the Fifteenth, in
Carlin's Brigade, the Twenty -fourth, in Colonel Greusel's
Brigade, and the Third, Fifth and Eighth Batteries were more
or less engaged, the First, Tenth, Fifteenth and Twenty -first
Regiments being in the hottest of the tight, and losing heavily.
The Confederate forces retired during the night, and were
pursued towards the southeast, where they passed into Ten-
nessee, through the Cumberland Gap, and the pursuit was
given up.
On the 25th of October, General Bosecrans was ordered 'to
Cincinnati, to take command of the Army of the Ohio, as the
successor of General Buell. The army was reorganized, and
eventually became the second army of the Union in size.
■ BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 327
The new plan of operations was the advance of a powerful
army, under Rosecrans, through Tennessee and Alabama. This
army became the famous "Army of the Cumberland." It was
divided into the right wing, center and left wing, and the reserve.
General McCook commanded the right wing. General Thomas,
the center, and General Crittenden, the left wing, and the reserve,
General Rosseau.
On the 10th of November, General Rosecrans arrived at Nash-
ville, and was constantly engaged in concentrating, reorganizing,
reequiping and disciplining his army, accumulating supplies by
railroad, and preparing for a forward movement. The Con-
federates manifested a purpose to contest the possession of Middle
Tennessee. Troops were hurried to Murfreesboro, and General
Jo. Johnston was placed in command.
The advance of General Rosecrans against the enemy, at
Murfreesboro, was begun on the 26th of December. The Con-
federate skirmishers were encountered and driven back, as wa.s
also the case on the 27th, the Confederates retiring as the Na-
tional army pushed on their advance. This continued until the
30th, when the Confederates were encountered in line of battle,
within two miles of Murfreesboro, with its right resting on the
Lebanon turnpike, extending west across Lytle's Creek and the
Nashville turnpike, under the command of General Polk, the
center was under General Kirby Smith, and the left under Gene-
ral Hardee. The Federal right, under McCook, faced the com-
mand of Hardee. Near the extreme right, the division of Gene-
ral Jefferson C. Davis was posted, in which was Carlin's brigade,
to which the Fifteenth "Wisconsin Regiment was attached, and
Battery No. Five, Captain Pinney, and Eighth Battery, Cajttain
Carpenter, were posted in their neighborhood. Next to Davis'
division was Sheridan's division, in which was posted the Twenty-
fourth Wisconsin, in Greusel's brigade. The First, Tenth and
Twenty-first Wisconsin Regiments were in the reserve, under
General Rosseau, while the Third Battery was in Van Cleve's
division, on the extreme left. General Starkweather's brigade
was detached on the 30th, to guard division trains, and had a
severe skirmish with Wheeler's cavalry, who attacked the train
on the 30th, and were repulsed by the brigade. In consequence
328 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of this affair, Starkweather's brigade did not arrive on the field
of battle on the 31st until evening.
The attack commenced on the morning of the 31st, by an ad-
vance of the rebel left upon the Federal right. The charge was
so overwhelming, that the whole right wing of McCook was
obliged before night to fall back upon the Nashville turnpike, in
the rear of the center. The fighting on the 31st was tremendous,
and the Wisconsin regiments suffered severely. Lieutenant
Colonel McKee, of the Fifteenth, was killed, as well as Captains
Pinney and Carpenter, of the Fifth and Eighth Batteries. The
fight on the 1st of January was chiefly confined to rebel attacks
upon the front and flank of the wing which had been driven
back the day before. These attacks were successfully resisted.
The First, Tenth and Twenty-first Wisconsin suffered but little,
although exposed to a severe fire. On the 2d, the rebel tactics
were changed, and massing three divisions on their right, they
made a bold dash at the division of Van Cleve, who was posted
on the extreme left of the Union line, across the creek. Such
was the vigor of their charge, that Van Cleve was forced to retire
across the river, in the face of a terrible fire. The rebel foe,
emboldened by their success, were stepping into the water for
the purpose of following up their attack, when General Rosecrans,
who had massed fifty-six pieces of artillery on the opposite bank,
gave the orders to fire, and such a storm of cannister and grape
was vomited forth, that their front ranks withered and disappear-
ed, and when the smoke cleared away, they were seen to be fall-
ing back. This movement being expected, General ISTegley was
at hand to follow up the advantage. His forces dashed across
the stream and up the bank, and it was not long before the rebels
were seen to be in full retreat, and the battle of Stone River was
fought and won, although the rebels did not evacuate Murfrees-
boro until the 4th of January, when it was taken possession of
by the Union forces.
The battle of Murfreesboro was in progress at the beginning
of the year 1863. On the 4th of January, the enemy evacuated
Murfreesboro, and on the 5th the headquarters of General Rose-
crans were established there. The army occupied positions around
the town, and earthworks were constructed encircling it, in order
FIRST WISCONSIN CAVALRY. 329
to protect it as a depot of supplies, and the base of future
operations.
The army was divided into three corps, designated the Four-
teenth, Twentieth and Twenty-first, commanded respectively by
Major Generals Thomas, McCook, and Crittenden. The first
duty which absorbed the attention of the commanding general,
was the collection of supplies at this point, and to organize an
adequate cavalry force to meet that of the enemy, and to protect
the lines of communication. The rise of water in the Cumber-
land facilitated the accumulation of supplies at Nashville, which
was made a great central depot. Transportation on the Cumber-
land was materially interfered with, by the enemy's cavalry, and
wagon trains were often captured. His weakness in this arm of
service. General Rosecrans endeavored to remedy by the organi-
zation of mounted infantry regiments, and the accumulation of
such cavalry regiments as might be assigned to his department.
Such, however, was the difiiculty of securing forage, that it w^as
the 15th of June before the cavalry force could be brought into
available condition. About that time the First Wisconsin cav-
alry, which had been doing duty at Cape Girardeau, Mo., was
ti'ansferred to the Army of the Cumberland.
On the 31st of January, Brigadier General Davis, with a divis-
ion of infantry and two brigades of cavalry, moved against the
rebels at Franklin and contiguous places. The force was absent
thirteen days, and captured one hundred and forty-one prisoners.
The Fifteenth Wisconsin was engaged in this affair. Several expe-
ditions, of a like character, were sent out from time to time, but
none of great moment until March. On the 4th, an expedition, un-
der the command of Colonel John Coburn, of whicli the Twenty-
second Wisconsin, Colonel Utley, formed a part, consisting of
1589 men, with 600 cavalry, and a battery of 6 guns, was ordered
to proceed from Franklin to Spring Hill, ten miles south on the
Columbia turnpike. Skirmishing commenced soon after start-
ing, which was kept up at intervals, the enemy retreating, in
order to draw the force into a fiivorable position, when he devel-
oped his full force. A severe struggle ensued, which was con-
tinued until General Forrest, with his cavalry, turned their flanks,
and got into the rear of Colonel Coburn's force. Finding his
amnmnition failing, and his retreat cut off", Colonel Coburn was
330 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
obliged to surrender. The cavalry, whicli were not engaged,
and the artillery escaped, as also did a portion of the Twenty-
second "Wisconsin, under Lieutenant Colonel Bloodgood, who,
seeing the enemy about closing up on the rear, succeeded in
getting about one hundred and fifty away by a flank movement.
The Confederate force consisted of six brigades of cavalry and
mounted infantry, under the command of Major General Van
Dorn.
On the 8th of March, the balance of the Twenty-second regi-
ment, which had been left at Franklin, were sent to Brentwood
Station, on the JSTashville and Decatur railroad. Here they were
attacked b}^ overwhelming numbers and obliged to surrender.
The officers and men thus captured in the two engagements
wei-e sent to Richmond, where they were soon paroled, and sent
to Annapolis, Md. A rendezvous, at St. Louis, was established,
where the regiment was reorganized, and resumed service in the
Army of the Cumberland about the 1st of July.
In June General Rosecrans was prepared to take the field.
The rebels under General Bragg, at this time occupied a strong
position north of Duck River, the infantry extending from Shel-
byville to Wartrace, and their cavalry to McMinnville, and on
their left to Columbia and Franklin, where Forrest's forces were
concentrated and threatening Franklin. Chattanooga was their
main base of supplies, but their superior cavalry force had ena-
bled them to command the rich country of Duck Creek valley,
and the country south, and Tullahoma, a large intrenched camp,
at the intersection of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad
with the McMinnville branch, was their main depot. Bragg's
infantry position was covered by a range of high, rough, rocky
hills, the priiic'ipa] routes passing southward, from Murfreesboro
to Tullahoma. The enemy held the passes through the hills.
We cannot enter into the particulars of the movement of Gen-
eral Rosecrans to drive Bragg from his position at Shelby ville,
but will content ourselves to say, that the army commenced its
onward march on the 24th of June, General Rosecrans' plan
was to make a feint upon Bragg's left and center, with the smaller
portion of his army, in the direction of Shelbyville, while the
main blow was to be struck by marching rapidly, with the main
body, upon Bragg's right ; and after turning or defeating it, to
GENERAL BRAGG OUTFLANKED. 331
move upon Tullalioma, bj way of Manchester, thus seizing the
enemy's base and lines of communication at that point.
The Twentieth Corps, under General McCook, was to advance
on the Shelbj^'ille road, turn to the left, and advance on the War-
trace road, seize and hold Liberty Gap. The Twenty-fourth
Wisconsin, under Lieutenant Colonel West, was brigaded under
General Lytle, in Sheridan's division of McCook's corps. The
Fifteenth Wisconsin w^as in Colonel Ileg's brigade, (the Third,)
in General Davis' division, of the same corps.
The Fourteenth Corps, under Major General Thomas, was to
advance on the Manchester pike, seize and hold with its advance,
if possible, Hoover's Gap, and bivouac, so as to command and
cover that and the Millersberg road. Liberty and Hoover's
gaps were narrow passes through the high hills, the latter being
three miles in length. Li the Fourteenth Corps the First and
Twenty-first Wisconsin were brigaded in General Starkweather's
brigade, in Rossean's division (the First) in this corps. The
Tenth Wisconsin was in Scribner's brigade, of the same divis-
ion. The Fifth and Eighth Wisconsin batteries formed a portion
of this corps.
The Twenty-first Corps, under General Crittenden, was to
leave Van Cleve's division at Murfreesboro, and concentrate the
other two at Bradyville, and await orders.
The several movements above described were all executed
promptly in the midst of a continuous rain which so softened the
gi'ound as to make the roads almost impassable. The occupation
of these gaps gave Rosecrans the command of the position, and
as soon as he advanced through them, to Manchester and Win-
chester, he flanked General Bragg at Tullahoma, and obliged
him to retreat. On learning of this. General Rosecrans ordered
a rapid advance of his forces. General Thomas moved on the
Manchester road, and General McCook on the one to Tullahoma.
The enemy reached the crossing of Elk River before he was over-
taken. The rear of General Hardee was encountered about four
miles north of Elk River. General Wheeler, with his cavalry,
resisted General jSTegley so stubbornly that the rebel trains were
successfully got across the river. After crossing, the enemy
endeavored to cover the retreat of his infantry and trains to the
332 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
mountains, by burning the bridge, and hastily throwing up earth-
works on the opposite side of the river. A passage was forced
across the river, and General Sheridan, supported by General
Davis' division, pursued the enemy to Cowan, where he ascer-
tained that he had crossed the mountains with his artillery
and infantry, and that his cavalry was covering his rear.
The enemy having thus entirely escaped them, the army of Gen-
eral Rosecrans halted to await supplies from Murfreesboro. This
ended the first part of the campaign which drove the rebel forces
again out of Middle Tennessee. Had not operations been
retarded at Hoover's Gap and Manchester, the enemy would
have been compelled to give battle in defence of his
communications.
In these operations to recover Middle Tennessee, General
Rosecrans lost 85 killed, 462 wounded, and 13 missing. The
entire loss of the enemy is unknown, but 1,634 were made pris-
oners, six pieces of artillery, and many small arms, much camp
equipage, and large quantities of commissary and quartermaster's
stores were taken.
General Bragg returned to Chattanooga, on the south side of
the Tennessee River, and threw up defensive works, to protect
his position and the crossing of the river.
The first step of General Rosecrans was to repair the rail-
roads and get forward his supplies. As soon as the main line
to Stevenson was finished, Sheridan's division was advanced,
two brigades to Bridgeport, and one to Stevenson, and the sup-
plies were pushed rapidly forward to the latter place. By the
8th of August, a sutficient quantity had been collected, and
corps commanders were ordered to supply their commands with
Buflicient rations and forage for a general movement.
The movement over the Cumberland Mountains began on
the 16th of August.
General Crittenden's Corps advanced in three columns, into
Sequatchie Valley; General Wood, from Hillsborough, by Pel-
ham, to Thuman, in Sequatchie Valley ; General Palmer, from
Manchester, by the best route, to Dunlop ; General Van Cleve,
with two brigades, by the best route, to Pikeville, the head of
Sequatchie Valley. To General Van Cleve's division, the Third
ADVANCE ON CHATTANOOGA. 333
Wisconsin Battery was attacliecl. Captain Drury was appointed
Chief of Artillery, in this division.
The Fourteenth Army Corps of General Thomas, moved as
follows : The divisions of Generals Reynolds and Brannan, to
Battle Creek, where they were to take post, concealed, near its
mouth ; General Is'egley, to go by Tantallon, and halt on Crow
Creek, between Anderson and Stevenson ; General Baird, to follow
him, and camp near Anderson. General Baird had been tem-
porarily placed in command of General Rosseau's division, in
which the First, Tenth, and Twenty-first "Wisconsin regiments
were brigaded.
The Twentieth Corps, under General McCook, was to move
as follows : General Johnson, by Salem, to Bellefont, and General
Davis, by Crow Creek, to near Stevenson.
Thus the army passed the barriers between them and the
enemy and arrived opposite his position, on the banks of the
Tennessee.
To cross the river, General Sheridan, not having pontoons for
two bridges, began trestle work for a bridge at Bridgeport.
General Reynolds, at Shellmount, collected the means for cross-
ing at that point, and Brannan prepared rafts to cross his troops
at the mouth of Battle Creek.
The laying of the pontoons at Caperston Ferry, was done by
Colonel Ileg's brigade, under the direction of General McCook,
and the Fifteenth Regiment was the first to cross the Tennessee,
throwing out skirmishers, and advancing two miles from the river.
The several corps were all across the river by the 8th of Sep-
tember. This barrier overcome, the enemy was found holding
the Point of Lookout Mountain with infantry and artillery.
The forces of the rebels from East Tennessee were reported as
concentrating at Chattanooga. To dislodge him fi-om Chatta-
nooga, it was necessary to carry Lookout Mountain, or to
endanger his communications.
By a judicious disposition of his several corps. General Rose-
crans succeeded in compelling the evacuation of Chattanooga,
on the 9th of September, General Crittenden, entering and
taking peaceable possession, at 1 o'clock, P. M. Passing around
the point of Lookout Mountain, on the 10th, General Crittenden
334 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
encamped for the night, at Rossville, five miles soutli of
Chattanooga.
General Thomas' corps pushed over the mountains at the
designated points, each division consuming two days in the
passage.
At this time, the attention of the authorities at "Washington was
drawn to the movements of troops from Richmond. It was certain
that General Longstreet's corps had left the rebel capital, but its
destination was unknown. At first, surmises placed their loca-
tion in North Carolina, but subsequent developments showed
that the corps had gone to Bragg's assistance. Burnside had
just driven the rebel fo»rces out of East Tennessee, and a portion
of them under Buckner had also joined Bragg, at Chattanooga,
and accompanied him on his retreat. Bragg had also been rein-
forced by troops from General Johnston in Mississippi, and the
prisoners taken at Vicksburg and Port Hudson, released on
parole, whom the Confederate authorities had declared to be
exchanged.
Under these circumstances, General Halleck ordered General
Burnside to move down his infantry towards Chattanooga, on
the left of General Rosecrans, at the same time requiring Sher-
man at Vicksburg, to send all the available forces at that point,
to Memphis, thence to Corinth, and Tuscumbia, to cooperate
with General Rosecrans in case the enemy should attempt to
turn his right. At the same time General Schofield, commanding
the Department of Missouri, and General Pope, in command of
the Northwest Department, were ordered to send forward to the
Tennessee line, every available man in their departments, while
the commanding otficers of Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, were
ordered to make every possible exertion to secure General
Rosecrans' line of communications.
General Rosecrans was, however, destined to encounter the
enemy at Chicamauga, without the reinforcepients, which the
Government had so energetically ordered forward.
For a minute description of the'battle of Chicamauga, we are
obliged to refer the reader to the general histories, as we can only
give a short account compiled from the reports of Genera]
Rosecrans, Thomas, and McCook.
MOVEMENTS AGAINST BRAGG. 335
It is veiy evident that General Rosecrans was not aware of the
largo reinforcements that General Bragg had received, or he
woiikl never have sent General McCook to Alpine with his corps,
this place being three da3's' march in advance of the corps of
Generals Thomas and Crittenden, to the right and roar of the
position at Lafayette, whore Bragg had concentrated liis forces.
He certainly jeopardized the safety of that corps, which it is
fair to presnme he won Id not have done, had he known the
superior force of the enemy.
After crossing the mountains, it was found that General Bragg
had concentrated his forces at or in the vicinity of Lafayette.
This place is the capital of Walker County, Georgia, being
twenty-two miles from Chattanooga, and eighteen from Dalton.
Ringgold is eighteen miles from Chattanooga, on the Georgia
State road. Rome is sixty-five miles southwest of Chattanooga,
on the Coosa River. The road from Chattanooga to Rome,
known as the Lafayette road, crosses Missionary Ridge, into
Chicamauga Valley, at Rossville, and proceeding in a southwest-
erly direction, crossing Chicamauga Creek, eleven miles from
Chattanooga, at Lee's and Gordon's Mills, and passing to the
east of Pigeon Mountains, goes through Lafayette. A road from
Caperton's Ferry, on the Tennessee River, below Chattanooga,
leads over Sand Mountain, to Trenton, and from Trenton, over
Lookout Mountain, through Cooper's and Stevens' Gaps, into
McLemore's Cove, and over Pigeon Mountain, by Bug Gap, to
Lafayette. The road from Trenton, continued up Will's Valley
between Raccoon and Lookout Mountains, to Valley Head,
over twenty miles from Trenton. From Valley Head to Alpine,
was about twelve miles. By reference to the map, it will be seen
that this point is nearly south of Lafayette, the position where
Bragg was concentrating his forces.
When the river was crossed. General McCook was to move
from Caperton's Ferry across to Trenton, thence up Will's
Valley to Valley Head, and seize Winston's Gap. This was
done under the belief that when he fell back from Chattanooga,
Bragg would continue his retreat to Rome, and that no fight
would take place to the north of the Coosa River, on which
Rome is situated. The movement of McCook was ]nade to
intercept his retreat in that direction. The cavalry, under
836 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
General Stanley, was ordered to advance on tlie extreme right, to
Somerville, and General McCook was to support the movement
by throwing forward a division of infantry to Alpine. General
McCook, on the 9th of September, received notice from General
Rosecrans, that the enemy had evacuated Chattanooga and
was retreating southward, and ordering him to move rapidly
upon Alpine and Somerville in pursuit, to intercept his line of
retreat, and attack him in flank. Thus it will be seen that
McCook was about forty miles in advance of the balance of
Rosecrans' army.
After crossing the river, the several divisions of General
Thomas corps, the Fourteenth, marched over Sand Mountain to
Trenton, in the vicinity of which place they were to concentrate.
Crittenden's corps was ordered to reconnoitre the front of
Lookout Mountain, and enter Chattanooga in case the enemy
should evacuate it. •
These forward movements of the several corps were begun on
the 8th and 9th of September, Crittenden's movement resulted
in the discovery that Chattanooga was evacuated, and his ad-
vance took peaceable possession of the town. His whole corps
passed round the point of Lookout Mountain, and encamped
that night, on the Rossville road, five miles from Chattanooga.
It being supposed that Bragg had returned on the road to
Lafayette, General Crittenden was ordered to advance as far as
Ringgold. His report indicated that the main body of the
rebel army was at Lafayette. Crittenden was, therefore, ordered
to move his corps from Ringgold to Gordon's Mill, at the cross-
ing of Chicamauga Creek, on the Lafayette road, and communi-
cate with General Thomas, who had passed through Lookout
Mountain by Cooper's and Stevens' Gap, and was moving on
Lafayette through Dug Gap of the Pigeon Mountain.
On the 8th of September, Negley's division had seized and
occupied Cooper's and Stevens' Gap. On the 9th, he moved for-
ward into McLemore's Cove and took a position near Rogers'
Farm, throwing out skirmishers, and the enemy's cavalry were
seen, and a heavy force of infantry, cavalry and artillery were
reported as concentrated in his front, at Dug Gap. On the 10th,
Negley advanced to within about a mile of Dug Gap, and on the
11th, General Baird's division, in which were the First, Tenth
starkweather's brigade at dug gap. 337
and Twenty-first Wisconsin, were ordered to Negley's support.
Tlie enemy advanced in heavy force, when a severe skirmish
took place, in which General Starkweather's brigade skilfully
covered tlie retreat of General Negley's force, permitting them to
fall back to a strong position, in front of Stevens' Gap.
Stanley's cavalry division, which had been sent to the right
and rear, with McCook's corps, had a brisk fight with the enemy
at Alpine, on the 9th of Se[)teniber, which continued for two
hours, with the loss of four killed and twelve wounded. In this
fight, the first Wisconsin cavalry was engaged, having joined the
cavalry corps, and been placed in the First Division, Second
Brigade.
Convinced by this attack on ISTegley, and information from
General McCook, that Bragg was concentrating all his forces at
Lafayette, preparatory to a battle. General Rosecrans became
alarmed, and at once proceeded to concentrate the corps of his
army, which were at Gordon's Mills, Bailey's Cross Roads, at
the foot of Stevens' Gap, and at Alpine, a distance of forty miles
from flank to flank. Orders were therefore sent to General
McCook to close up his forces on Thomas' right, while General
Crittenden was ordered to take a good defensive position at Gor-
don's Mills. General McCook was at least three days march
from General Thomas. General Crittenden could not reinforce
General Thomas without exposing Chattanooga; and General
Thomas could not move to General Crittenden's position without
exposing McCook.
• As soon as General McCook's corps arrived, General Thomas
moved down the Chicamauga towards Gordon's Mills. The
troops were finally placed in position. Orders were sent to General
Thomas to relieve General Crittenden's corps, posting one divis-
ion near Crawfish Spring, and to move the remainder of his
corps, by the Widow Glenn's house, to the Rossville and Lafayette
road, the left extending obliquely across it, near Kelley's house.
This placed General Thomas to the left of General Crittenden's
corps, with which he connected at Gordon's Mill. The First
Division, General .Baird, took up a postion at the forks of the
road, facing towards Reid's and Alexander's bridges. Over these
bridges the enemy had crossed the night before, and driven
Colonel Wilder's brigade of mounted infantry across the State
22
338 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
road to the heights on the east of the Widow Glenn's house.
General Brannan's division was placed in position to the left of
General Baird's. The battle began on the extreme left of Gen-
eral Thomas, Croxton's brigade, of Brannan's division, opening
the battle about 10 o'clock. General Baird was ordered forward
to his support with his whole division, which was done, and the
enemy were driven back for some distance. Croxton's brigade
having exhausted their ammunition, moved to the rear to fill
their cartridge-boxes, when Baird and Brannan,'combining their
forces, drove the enemy from their immediate front. Learning
that the enemy were in heavy force on his immediate right, Gen-
eral Baird threw back his right wing in order to meet the attack,
which was made by the rebels in overwhelming numbers, assault-
ing Scribner's and King's brigades, and driving them back in dis-
order. A combination of Johnson's, B,eynolds' and Palmer's divi-
sions with Baird's and Brannan's was soon formed and advanced
upon the enemy, attacking him in flank, and driving him in
great confusion for a mile and a half, recapturing the artillery
which had been temporarily lost by Baird's brigade, and com-
pelling the rebels to fall back on their reserves, between Reid's
and Alexander's bridges. Baird's and Brannan's commands
were then reorganized, and took position on the road to Reid's
bridge. Several attacks were made, by the enemy, on Baird's
division during the afternoon, but were handsomely repulsed,
and towards evening the combat ceased for the night.
General Davis' division of McCook's corps, in which the Fif-
teenth Wisconsin was brigaded, under Colonel Heg, fought on
the right of the Widow Glenn's house, against vastly superior
numbers, maintaining the conflict gallantly until near nightfall,
when it was relieved by Bradley's brigade of Sheridan's division.
General Sheridan, with his division, relieved General N'egley
at Gordon's Mills, soon after the battle began in the morning,
and that General proceeded towards the left. General Sheridan
remained in this position till General McCook received an order
to send two brigades of Sheridan's division to the Widow Glenn's
house, leaving the First Brigade, General Lytle, at Gordon's
Mills, The Twenty-fourth Wisconsin, Lieutenant Colonel West,
was in this brigade.
BATTLE OF CIIICAMAUGA. 339
The first day's fight being over, preparations were made for
the next day ; temporary breastworks of logs were thrown up,
during the night. Baird's division was attacked on the left early
in the morning, the enemy commencing a furious assault, and
partially succeeding in gaining his rear ; Baird was soon rein-
forced, when the enemy were driven entirely from his left and
rear. At the time of this attack, the divisions of Johnson,
Palmer and Reynolds were furiously assailed. This contest con-
tinued two hours, assault after assault being made, with freeh
troops, which were met by those divisions with a most determined
coolness and deliberation. The enemy having exhausted his en-
ergies, fell back, and the left of the army was not disturbed
again until the withdrawal to Rossville began in the evening.
The right and center did not fare as well as the left on the sec-
ond day. Late on the 19th, General McCook was ordered to post
his command, so as to form the right of the new battle front, and
hold the same. In compliance with this order, Lytle's brigade, of
Sheridan's division, was posted in a strong position, in the rear
of the Widow Glenn's house. Davis' division, consisting of
Carlin's and Heg's brigades, was posted to the left and rear of
Lytle's position, in reserve.
General Rosecrans, at this time, passed along the line, and
noticing a portion of the log breastworks unoccupied, on Gen-
eral Wood's right, ordered General Davis' division to occuj^y the
vacant space, which was done by one brigade, the other being-
held in reserve. Davis' instructions were, to keep well closed
upon the left with Wood's division. One of Sheridan's brigades
was posted in column on Davis' right and rear, as his support.
At a little after 10 o'clock, A. M., General McCook received an
order from the commanding General to withdraw his right, bo
as to spare as much force as possible to reinforce Thomas on
the left, who was being heavily pressed. The order said : " The
left must be held at all hazards, even if the right is withdrawn
wholly back to the present left. Select a good position back
this way, and be ready to start reinforcements to Thomas, at a
moment's warninc;."
* . . .
In a few minutes after, another order was received, directing
him to " send two of Sheridan's brigades at once to support
840 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
General Thomas, and the Third Brigade as soon as the lines
can be withdrawn sufficiently."
This order was executed at once. Lytle's and "Walwortli's
brigades were taken from the extreme right and moved at the
double quick to the support of General Thomas. Simultaneously
with this movement, Wood's division left the position it had held
in line of battle on General Davis' left, marching by the left flank,
leaving a wide gap in the line. General Davis made an attempt
to fill up this space, thus vacated, but the last brigade had not
m.arched more than its length before the enemy made a furious
assault, in overwhelming numbers, on this portion of the line.
By this withdrawal of General Wood, Brannan's right was ex-
posed, and the enemy rushed into the gap. The enemy's line
of battle extended from a point beyond Brannan's right to a
point far to the right of the "Widow Glenn's house, and in front
of the strong position just abandoned by Sheridan's two brigades.
To resist this attack, McCook had but two brigades of Davis'
division, Heg's and Carlin's, numbering about 1,200 men, and
Laibold's brigade of Sheridan's division for a support.
Finding the enemy pouring through the interval between Davis
and Brannan, Lytle's and Walworth's brigades, were deflected
from their line of march, and ordered to assist in resisting the
enemy. Colonels Wilder and Harrison, of the mounted infantry,
closed in with their commands on Sheridan's right, as speedily
as possible, and did good service. General Davis' division, being
overwhelmed by numbers, was compelled to abandon its position,
in order to save itself from complete annihilation or capture.
Laibold's troops, coming up to Davis' support, met with a similar
fate. The other two brigades of Sheridan, Lytle's and Wal-
worth's, struggled nobly, and for a time checked the enemy in
their immediate front, but the position being turned far to the
left, they were compelled to withdraw from the unequal contest.
It was thus that these five brigades of the Twentieth Army
Corps were cut oft' and separated from the remainder of the
army. No troops fought with more heroism, or suftered greater
losses, than these fiye brigades. Their loss was over forty per
cent, of the number engaged, in killed and wounded.
The troops of Generals Sheridan and Davis were rallied a
short distance in the rear of the line of battle, and marched
BATTLE OF CHICAMAUGA. 341
towards Rossville, to endeavor to form a junction with the troops
of General Thomas. They were reported to General Thomas,
who placed them in position on the road to Rossville, and
they withdrew to that place with the remainder of the army.
"While the attack on the right and center was progressing.
General Thomas sent an aid to hurry up General Sheridan's
divisions, who soon after returned, stating that he had met a
large force of the enemy in the field in the rear of Reynolds'
division, advancing cautiously, with a strong line of skirmishers.
Hearing heavy firing to his right and rear, through the woods,
General Thomas rode to the slopes of the hill, to ascertain the
cause. Meeting Colonel Harker, of General Reynolds' division,
he was told by General Thomas that General Sheridan's division
w\T,s expected from that direction, but if the troops, seen advanc-
ing, fired on him, seeing his fiag, that he w^as to return their fire,
and resist their advance. He immediately commenced skirmish-
ins: with them. On further inspection. General Thomas became
convinced that the troops advancing upon him were the enemy,
although he was not aware of the disaster to the center and
right. Ordering General Wood to place his division in prolong-
ation of Brannan's division, and to resist the further advance of
the enemy as long as possible. General Thomas sent an aid to
inform General Reynolds that his right had been turned, and
that the enemy was in his rear in force. Scarcely had General
Wood time to dispose his troops on the left of Brannau before
another of those fierce assaults, similar to those made in the
morning, was made on him and Brannan combined, and kept
up by the enemy throwing in fresh troops as fast as those in their
front were driven back, until near nightfall.
About this time General Granger appeared on General Thomas'
left flank, with General Steadman' s division of his corps. He
was immediately ordered to take position on Brannan's right,
which was done with promptness and alacrity, driving the enemy
down the hill with a terrible loss. This addition of fresh troops
revived the flagging spirits of General Thomas' men, and inspired
them with more ardor for the contest. Every assault of the
enemy from that time, until nightfall, was repulsed in the most
gallant style, by the whole line. By this time, the ammunition
was reduced to two or three rounds per man, and a small supply
342 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
could only be liad from Steadman's command. This being
distributed, gave about ten rounds to a man.
General Garlield, Chief of Staff of General Rosecran?, reached
General Thomas' headquarters, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon,
giving the first reliable information that the centre and right had
been driven back. General Thomas, soon after, received a dis-
l>atch from General Rosecrans, ordering him to take command
of all the forces, and with Crittenden and McCook, occupy a
strong position, and assume a threatening attitude at Rossville,
sending the unorganized forces to Chattanooga.
The retirement to Rossville, was begun about half past five,
P. M., when a column of the enemy was seen approaching,
wliicli was met, and driven from the field by General Turchin,
of Reynolds' division. Reynolds' division was placed on the
Rossville road, to cover the retiring columns. Wood's, Bran-
nan's, and Granger's divisions, withdrew from their positions,
and took the road to Rossville. Johnson's and Baird's divisions,
were attacked at the moment of retiring, but being prepared,
retired without confusion or loss, Baird's division being in the
rear. A cavalry force covered the rear of the retreating columns,
among them, was the First Wisconsin Cavalry.
The whole army were finally withdrawn to the intrenchments,
at Chattanooga, on the 22d.
In conclusion, we have to say, that the dead and wounded were
left on the battle-field, many of the former, were not buried for
months. In this battle, our Wisconsin troops suflfered severely.
Rosecrans' loss was 16,851, that of the enemy, was 18,000.
After the retreat to Chattanooga, General Rosecrans withdrew
his troops from the passes which covered his lines of supplies,
from Bridgeport, which were immediately occupied by the
enemy, who also sent a cavalry force across the Tennessee, and
destroyed a large train of wagons in the Sequatchie Yalley, and
captured McMinnville, and other points on the railroad, and
thus almost completely cut ofif the supplies of the army at Chat-
tanooga. The enemy's cavalry were attacked by Mc Cook's
cavalry, at Anderson's Cross Roads, on the 2d of October, in^
which the First Wisconsin, bore a conspicuous part. The rebels
were signally defeated.
GENERAL GRANT IN COMMAND. 343
"We have before stated, that the forces of General Grant had
been ordered to Tennessee. Before an answer was received
from General Grant, General Hooker was, on the 23d of Septem-
ber, sent to Tennessee, m command of the Eleventh and Twelfth
Corps of the Army of the Potomac, which were detached for
that object. They were assigned to protect General Rosecrans'
line of communication from Bridgeport to JSTashville. In the
Eleventh Corps, was the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin, and in the
Twelfth Corps, the Third Wisconsin, who were thus transferred
to the Central Department of* Tennessee.
On the 18th of October, General Grant assumed command of
the Departments of Tennessee, Cumberland, and Ohio, by order
of the President, the command being consolidated and styled
the " District of Mississippi." General G. II. Thomas was
placed in the immediate command of the army and Department
of the Cumberland; and General W. T, Sherman, in that of the
army and Department of Tennessee; General Rosecrans was
relieved ; and Generals McCook and Crittenden, were ordered
to Cincinnati, and their corps consolidated to form the Fourth
Army Corps, which was placed under the command of General
Gordon Granger.
Since the retreat to Chattanooga, the army had lain at that
point behind intrenchments, its right flank lying at Chattanooga
Creek, near the base of Lookout Mountain, and its left at Citico
Creek. This was the only point on the south side of the river,
held by a Federal force. The base of the army was at Steven-
son and Bridgeport. The south side of the river, from Lookout
Mountain to Bridgeport, was in possession of the enem}-, and
the north l)ank of the river was rendered impassable. In order
to support the troops at Chattanooga, it was necessary to trans-
port supplies over the mountains into the Anderson road, thence
to Chattanooga.
General Hooker, with the Eleventh and Twelfth corps, arrived
at Bridgeport, and proceeded at once to open the river commu-
nication with Chattanooga. A series of movements were entered
into after the arrival of General Sherman with his Corps, and
General Grant, who took command of the whole military opera^
tions. The most prominent of these was the driving of the
enemy from Mission Ridge, on which General Bragg had
344 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
established himself. The original plan of attack on this celebrated
position, contemplated only the capture of the rifle pits at the
base of the mountain, but the heroes of the arm}' of the Cum-
berland, remembering Chicamauga, and having been impatient
spectators of the operations of Generals Sherman and Hooker,
for t\\-o days, went forward with a will, drove the enemy from
his lower works, and went on, heedless of the heavy artillery
and musketry hurled against them from the crest of the ridge.
Half way up they faltered, but it was for the want of breath.
Without returning a shot they ke^3t on, around the ridge, cap-
tured thirty-five out of the forty-four pieces of artillery on the
hill, turned some of them against the rhasses in Sherman's front,
and the routed line fell back, while the rest of Bragg's army, in-
cluding Bragg and Hardee, fled routed and broken, to Ringgold.
Thousands of prisoners and small arms, and large quantities of
munitions of war were taken. That night Mission Ridge blazed
with loyal camp fires.
In this brilliant exploit, the Tenth, Fifteenth, Eighteenth,
Twenty-first, Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-sixth regiments, and
Sixth and Eighth Batteries, took part. Battery C, Heavy
Artillery, garrisoned Fort Wood. This is commonly known as
the battle of Chattanooga, or storming of Mission Ridge.
After the battle of Chattanooga, the pursuit of the enemy was
not continued, for the want of horses for hauling the artillery
and supply trains. General Sherman proceeded, with a body of
troops, to the relief of Knoxville, which was being besieged by
the forces of General Longstreet. The Fourth, Eleventh, and
Fifteenth corps, were engaged in this expedition. On the night
of December 3d, the cavalry of General Sherman reached
Knoxville, thereby turning the flank of General Longstreet, who
raised the seige, and retreated toward Rutledge that night. The
Fourth Corps arriving the next day, in conjunction with General
Burnside's forces, commenced the pursuit of Longstreet, who
fell back into the border of Virginia, and took a strong position.
The Fifteenth and Twenty-fourth Wisconsin accompanied the
Fourth Corps, to which they were transferred on the discontinu-
ance of the Twentieth Corps, and the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin
were with the Eleventh Corps.
FEINT ON DALTON. 845
The expedition of General Sherman towards Meridian, in
February, 1864, was supposed by the rebel authorities, to be in-
tended as an attack on Mobile. General Johnston, who had suc-
ceeded General Bragg in the command of the Confederate army,
near Dalton, dispatched two divisions to the aid of General Polk,
at Meridian. In order to counteract this movement, General
Grant set on foot an expedition against Dalton. The Four-
teenth Corps, under General Palmer, advanced against that place
on the 22d of February. The divisions of Generals Davis,
Johnson, and Baird, participated on the right or Dalton road,
and General Stanley's division on the left. The whole force
moved in line of battle, till it reached Tunnel HilL Here an
artillery fire was opened on them, which was soon silenced, and
the ridge occupied in the afternoon. The advance continued,
and the cavalry force pressed forward in pursuit of the few
scattered enemies, until it was checked bj^ a cross fire from artil-
lery on Rocky Face, a gorge through which the roads pass. The
enemy were dislodged, and the movement continued to Dalton,
seven miles from Tunnel Hill. Advancing cautiously within
two miles of Dalton, they found that General Johnston had
made preparations to receive them with his whole army. De-
serters reported that the two divisions which had been sent to
Mobile, had returned. General Palmer now fell back on Tun-
nel Hill, and finally to Ringgold. His loss was about three
hundred and fifty killed and wounded. The First, Twenty-first,
and Tenth Wisconsin regiments were in General Baird's
division, and took part in the expedition.
In February, 1864, Congress passed an act reviving the grade
of Lieutenant General. President Lincoln immediately sent in
the nomination of General Grant for confirmation. This was
done. General Grant left Tennessee, and reached Washing-ton
on the 9th of March, where he was presented, by President Lin-
coln, with his commission, in the presence of the Cabinet, and
several distinguished military and civil gentlemen.
Orders were issued, on the 12th of March, assigning General
Grant to the command of the Armies of the United States, and
General Halleck to duty as Chief of Staft' for the Army, under the
direction of the Secretary of War and Lieutenant General com-
manding. General W. T. Sherman was assigned to the command
346 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of the Military Division of Mississippi, vacated by General
Grant, and Major General McPherson was assigned to the com-
mand of the Department and Army of Tennessee, recently held
by General Sherman.
Under General Grant's direction, the campaign upon the Poto-
mac, and upon Atlanta, by General Sherman, were to begin
simultaneously, and immediate preparations were commenced.
General Grant summoned General Sherman from Vicksburg to
a conference at Nashville, in which a full and complete under-
standing of the policy and plans for the ensuing campaign was
had, covering a vast extent of country, and embracing nearly the
programme which was subsequently carried out by Generals
Sherman and Grant. Visiting the commanders of the Depart-
ments of Tennessee, Cumberland, and the Ohio, at their respec-
tive headquarters, at Huntsville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, he
made all needful arrangements for the coming campaign, and
fixed the 1st of May as the time when all things should be ready.
These officers were to complete the details of organization and
preparation, and General Sherman turned his attention to the
question of supplies. The depots of I^ashville were found with
an abundance of the munitions of war, and the railroads in
fair condition, and new supplies of cars and locomotives were
ordered to fill the new and increased demands of the service.
The General found it necessary to discontinue the issue of sup-
plies to the inhabitants of East Tennessee, who, up to that time,
had been fed by the government. By the 1st of May the store-
houses at Chattanooga began to fill up, and continued to afford
a large supply of all the necessaries for the maintenance of the
army.
General Sherman notified the Governors of the Worth western
States, that Government had given him control of veteran regi-
ments on furlough, and ordered all such regiments belonging to
the armies of the Ohio and Cumberland Departments, to come
direct to IsTashville, and those belonging to the Department of
Tennessee, to Cairo, there to receive further orders. Under this
order several Wisconsin regiments, who had been serving with
Grant and Sherman in the Mississippi Valley, were transferred
to the seat of operations near Chattanooga.
AllMY ORGANIZATION. ' 347
The Eleventh and Twelfth Army corps, which had h^cn hrought
from the Army of the Potomac by General Hooker, were consol-
idated into the Twentieth Corps, and placed under command of
General Hooker. The several departments in the District of
Mississippi, under General Sherman, were organized for the sum-
mer campaign as follows : The Department of the Cumberland,
under General Thomas, consisted of the Fourth Army Corps,
General Howard, Fourteenth Army Corps, General Palmer, and
Twentieth Army Corps, General Hooker. The Department of
the Tennessee, under General McPherson, consisted of the Fif-
teenth Army Corps, General Logan, Sixteenth Army Corps,
General Dodge, and Seventeenth Army Corps, General Blair.
This last did not join the Army of General Sherman till about
the 1st of June. The Department of the Ohio consisted of the
Twenty-third Corps, under General Schofield.
The Wisconsin regiments were severally located in the Army
Corps as follows : Department of the Cumberland, Fourth
Corps, Fifteenth and Twenty -fourth Infantry; Fourteenth
Corps, First, Tenth, and Twenty-first Infantry, and Fifth Bat-
tery; Twentieth Corps, Third, Twenty-second, Twenty-sixth, and
Thirty-first Infantry. In Department of the Tennessee, Sixteenth
Corps, Twenty-fifih and Thirty-second Infantry; Seventeenth
Corps, Twelfth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth Infantry. The Eighth
Wisconsin Battery was attached to Kilpatrick's division of cav-
alry, and the First Cavalry was in McCook's division of cavalry.
The Thirteenth Regiment was attached to the First Brigade,
Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corps, but was detached on
railroad guard duty. The Eighteenth was attached to the De-
partment of the Cumberland, but took no part in the Atlanta
campaign, being occupied in guarding railroads in Alabama, and
subsequently at Allatoona, Georgia. The Third Battery, and
Batterj' C, Heavy Artillery, were stationed at Chattanooga, and
the Sixth Battery was stationed successively atlluntsville, Kings-
ton, and on the Etowah Iviver, near Cartersville. The Twelfth
Wisconsin Battery was stationed, successively, at Iluntsville,
Kingston, and Allatoona.
General Grant notified General Sherman that he should move
from his camp, round Culpepper, on the 5th of May, and requested
General Sherman to begin his forward movement on Atlanta at
348 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
that time. On the 27th of April the troops of the three depart-
ments were put in motion for Chattanooga, and on the 6th of
May were found in their designated positions, the Army of the
Cumberland at Ringgold, 23 miles southeast of Chattanooga ;
the Ai-my of the Tennessee at Gordon's Mills, on the Chica-
mauga, eight miles from Ringgold ; the Army of the Ohio, near
Red Clay, ten miles northeast of Ringgold ; the first amounting
to 60,773 men and 130 guns, the second, 24,465 and 96 guns, and
the third of 13,559 and 28 guns, — aggregate, 98,797 men, and
254 guns.
The enemy lay in and about Dalton, fifteen miles from Gen-
eral Thomas, at Ringgold, under the command of General Joseph
E. Johnston, whose army consisted of the corps of Hardee, Polk,
and Hood, and about 10,000 cavalry under Wheeler.
After a reconnoissance, General Sherman became satisfied that
tbe position of General Johnston, at Dalton, could not be success-
fully attacked in front, as it was covered by an inaccessible ridge,
known as " Rocky Face," through which was a pass, between
Tunnel Hill and Dalton, known as the Buzzard Roost, which was
traversed by the railroad and wagon road. It was narrow, ob-
structed by abatis, and flooded by dams across Mill Creek. Bat-
teries commanded its whole length. General Sherman deter-
mined to turn the position, and, if possible, compel Johnston to
evacuate Dalton, thus inaugurating that system of flank move-
ments which have made the operations of Generals Grant and
Sherman famous in military annals.
Resaca, eighteen miles below Dalton, on the railroad. General
Sherman found could be reached by way of Snake Creek Gap.
General McPhersou, therefore, marched from Gordon's Mills, by
way of Ship Gap, Villanow, and Snake Creek Gap, directly on
Resaca, while General Thomas, with the Army of the Cumber-
land, advanced, on the 7th of May, toward Tunnel Hill, which
was carried by the Fourteenth Corps, under General Palmer, the
enemy retiring to Buzzard Roost. Next day demonstration was
made on Rocky Face and Buzzard Roost; on the 9th General
Newton's division, of the Fourth Corps, carried the Ridge, but
found the crest too narrow to enable it to carry the pass. The
Fifteenth and Twenty-fourth Wisconsin were in this division.
BATTLE OF RESACA. 349
General McPherson found Resaca too strong to be carried by
assault, he therefore fell back and took a strong position at the
west end of Snake Creek Gap. Failing, by this movement, to
compel the enemy to evacuate Dalton, General Sherman, on the
10th, ordered General Thomas to send General Hooker's corps
forward to Snake Creek Gap, to the support of General McPher-
son, and follow with the Fourteenth Corps, General Palmer,
leaving the Fourth Corps, General Howard, to threaten Dalton.
General Schofield was ordered to follow by the sarme route. On
the lltli the whole army, excepting General Howard's corps and
some cavalry, were in motion on the west side of Rocky Face
Gap, for Snake Creek Gap and Resaca.
On the next day General Sherman's forces moved against.Res-
aca, General McPherson on the direct road, preceded by Kilpat-
rick's cavalry ; General Thomas to come up on his left, and Gen-
eral Schofield on Thomas' left. The cavalry met and drove the
enemy's cavalry from across the road, two miles from Resaca, and
then stood aside and let General McPherson pass, who struck the
enemy's infantry pickets near Resaca and drove them inside their
lines, and occupied a ridge of hills, — his right on the Oostanaula,
and the left abreast of the town. Generals Thomas and Schofield
occupied the places assigned them.
The rebel general finding his position at Dalton no longer tena-
ble, moved with his army to Resaca, before Sherman's forces
could reach it through the impracticable roads, by the way of
Snake Creek Gap. General Howard's divisions entered Dalton
and finding it deserted pushed on and united with the Federal
forces near Tilton. The naturally strong position of Dalton was
thus overthrown by the exercise of that quality styled " strategy."
Safely in Resaca, the rebels at once proceeded to strengthen
the position by additional earthworks. Skirmishing began at an
early hour on the 14th. A force of cavalry and infantry was sent
to threaten Calhoun, four miles in the rear of Resaca. General
Garrard, with his cavalry division, was sent to break the railroad
between Calhoun and Kingston, if possible. At 1, P. M., an
attempt was made to break the enemy's line, and force him from
the elevated position which he occupied. In order to do this, it was
necessary to descend a hill, in full range of the rebel artillery,
ford a stream, obstructed on its banks by a thick undergrowth,
350 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and then cross a valley full of ditclies and other obstructions, to
mount the opposite eminence. In performing the movement the
troops became entangled in the obstructions, and being unable to
shelter themselves, or return the murderous fire, they were com
pelled to return with a loss of upward of a thousand. Farther to
the left a division of the Twenty-third Corps, and ISTewton's of
the Fourth Corps, succeeded, after a desperate struggle, in forc-
ing the enemy to abandon an important position on their outer
line.
Later in the afternoon. General Johnston attempted to turn
the left flank of Sherman, held by Stanley's division, and charged
with such impetuosity and overwhelming numbers, that that
division was forced to fall back in confusion ; the rebels followed
up, but Hooker's Twentieth Corps checked their advance, and
Stanley's division was enabled to rally, and at dusk the enemy
was driven into his intrenchments with severe loss. General
McPherson sent the Fifteenth Corps, General Logan, and a por-
tion of the Sixteenth Corps, across Camp Creek, which carried
a hill and line of rifle pits on the enemy's extreme left, in front
of Resaca. This position enabled General Logan to pour a
destructive enfilading fire upon the rebel works, and to command
the railroad and trestle bridges across the river. A desperate
eifort was made, after dark, to retake it ; column after column
of infantry moved up to the very crest of the hill, but recoiled
under the steady fire of the Federal troops, and retired in
confusion.
Strengthening their positions during the night, the two op-
posing armies opened the fight next day with heavy skirmishing
along the Federal center, under cover of which troops were
massed for an assault on two fortified hills on the enemy's ex-
treme right, which were considered the key of the position.
Hooker's corps had been sent to the left, and Howard's, Scho-
field's and Palmer's troops moved to the right to fill up the gap.
Soon after 1 o'clock Butterfield's division was sent forward by
General Hooker as the assaulting column, supported by Geary's
and "Williams' divisions. After repeated assaults, the enemy was
finally driven from a portion of their lines, and a lodgment se-
cured under the projecting works of a lunette, mounting four
guns. The severe fire of the interior rebel lines rendered further
BATTLE NEAR DALLAS. 361
advance impossible, and the Federal troops were content to hold
the position. Under cover of the darkness the walls of the works
were dug through, and the guns hauled out, by means of ropes,
under a destructive fire from the rebels ; a breach made, the
lunette was soon captured.
During the night the enemy abandoned Resaca, which was en-
tered next day by General Sherman's forces. An immediate
pursuit was commenced by the whole army ; General Thomas
directly on his heels. General McPherson by Lay's Ferry, and
Schofield by roads to the left. General Davis was sent along the
west banks of the river to Rome. About sunset of the 17th,
General Newton's division, of the Fourth Corps, had a severe en-
counter with the rebel rear guard, but the next morning he was
gone, and was not seen again until about four miles bej^ond
Kingston ; he was found on ground well adapted for a battle.
General Sherman made the proper dispositions, but when the
enemy found the National forces closing around him, he retreated
in the night across the Etowah River, burning all the bridges
across that stream near Cartersville.
General Thomas' army encamped near Cassville, McPherson's
about Kingston, and Schofield's at Cassville Depot, toward the
Eto\v^ah Bridge, awaiting supplies for the next stage of the
campaign. General Davis, after a sharp fight, obtained posses-
sion of Rome, with its forts, and its valuable mills and foundries
employed in the service of the Confederate Government.
Leaving garrisons at Rome and Kingston, General Sherman,
put his army in motion for Dallas, by the way of Van "Wert,
with twenty days rations in his wagons. By this route, he
turned General Johnston's position at Allatoona Pass, which
was considered an impregnable barrier to a direct advance upon
Atlanta by the railroad. General Davis moved direct from Rome
for Dallas, by Van Wert. General McPherson took the road to
Dallas, by Van Wert; General Thomas took the road by the
Euharlee and Burnt Hickory; General Schofield moved by roads
more to the East. General Thomas captured a courier with a
letter of General Johnston's, showing that he had detected the
move, and was preparing to meet General Sherman near Dallas.
The country was verj^ rugged, mountainous, and densely wooded,
with few and obscure roads.
352 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On tlie 25tli, the enemy were met in line of battle, two or
three miles from the crossing of Pumpkin Vine Creek. Gen-
eral Hooker being in the advance, his leading^division. General
Geary, had a severe encounter. General Hooker's other two
divisions were on other roads. They were immediately ordered
in, and about 4 o'clock, P. M., he had his whole corps well in
hand, when he deployed two divisions and made a bold push to
secure possession of a point known as the New Hope Church,
where three roads meet from Ackworth, Marietta and Dallas.
Here a hard battle was fought, and the enemy driven back to
'New Hope Church, but he had thrown up some earthworks, and
a dark, stormy night setting in. General Hooker was unable to
drive him from from these roads. In the morning the enemy
were found well intrenched. This compelled General Sherman
to change the disposition of his forces. General McPherson waa
moved up to Dallas, General Thomas was deployed against New
Hope Church, and General Schofield was placed to turn the
enemy's right. General Garrard's cavalry operated with Genera]
McPherson, General Stoneman with General Schofield, Genera]
McCook looked to the rear.
The 26th and 27th were occupied in making these new disposi-
tions ; on the 28th, while General McPherson was attempting to
close up with General Thomas, the enemy suddenly made a bold
and daring assault upon him at Dallas. Breastworks having
been erected by the Federal troops, the rebel forces were repulsed
with terrible and bloody slaughter.
By a series of movements. General Sherman succeeded in dis-
posing of his forces, so that he occupied all the roads leading
back to Allatoona and Ackworth. On the 1st of June, Stone-
man's cavalry were sent to the east end of the Allatoona Pass,
and Garrard's to the west end, which was accomplished without
trouble, and thus General Sherman succeeded in his real purpose
of turning the Allatoona Pass. The bridges across the Etowah
were rebuilt, and on the 4th of June, General Sherman contin-
ued his movements by the left, for the purpose of leaving John-
ston in his intrenchments at New Hope Church, and moved to
the railroad at Ackworth, which he reached on the 6th of
June. Allatoona Pass was found admirably adapted as a second-
ary base for the operations of the campaign. General Sherman
BATTLE OF KENESAW MOUNTAIN. 353
gave orders for the defence of the pass, and as soon as the rail-
road bridge across the Etowah was finished army supplies came
forward by railroad.
On the 8th of June, General Blair joined General Sherman,
with two divisions of the Seventeenth Corps that had been on
veteran furlough. The Twelfth, Sixteentb and Seventeenth
Wisconsin regiments were attached to this army corps, being
thus transferred from the army on the Mississippi River.
The communications to the rear being secure, on the 0th of
June, General Sherman moved forward to Big Shanty. Intent
on the advancement of his army to the Chattahoochie, the grand
object of the campaign. General Sherman permitted no obstacle
to interfere to prevent his success.
Kenesaw Mountain, crowned with the frowning batteries of
the enemy, was the next point to which he was compelled to
turn his attention. This mountain was now in his front, a range
trending from it towards the northeast, terminated in another
peak called Brushy Mountain. To the right was a smaller
mountain called Pine Knob, or Mountain, and beyond it, in the
distance, is Lost Mountain. All these present a sharp conical
appearance, distinct ftom any of the hills that abound in that
section. These three Mountains form a triangle, covering per-
fectly the town of Marietta, and the railroad, back to the Chat-
tahoochie. Signal stations w^ere on their summits, and their
sides were covered with batteries, and alive with men, busy in
felling trees digging pits, and preparing for the grand struggle
impending.
The line of the enemy was found to be twelve miles long.
General McPherson w^as ordered to move toward Marietta, his
right on the railroad ; General Thomas, on Kenesaw and Pine
Mountains, and General Schofield, off towards Lost Mountain,
wdth cavalry to the right and left of the line.
On the 11th of June, dispositions were made to break the
enemy' s line between Kenesaw and Pine Mountain. General
Hooker was on the right and front, General Howard on the
left and front, and General Palmer between it and the railroad.
During a sharp cannonading on the 14th, the rebel General Polk
was killed by a fragment of a shell, and on the 15th, Pine
Mountain was found evacuated by the enemy. Generals Thomas
23
354 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and Scliofield advanced and found him again strongly in-
trenclied along the line of rugged hills connecting Kenesaw
and Lost Mountain. General McPherson, also advanced his
line on the left. On the 17th, arrangements for an assault were
made, but in the night the enemy abandoned Lost Mountain
and their line of intreuchments connecting it with Kenesaw.
Closing up on the enemy's works round Kenesaw, he was found
strongly posted, and intrenched, with Kenesaw as his salient,
his right covering Marietta, his left behind ISTose's Creek cover-
ing the railroad back to the Chattahoochie. It must be remem-
bered that this mountain was the last important and strong
position to the north of the Chattahoochie. Driven from this
point, the way to that important Confederate military depot,
Atlanta, was open to the invincible army of Sherman.
During ail these operations about Kenesaw, the weather was
very bad, rain falling almost continuously for three weeks, ren-
dering the roads impassable for a general movement. Work,
however, progressed daily closer and closer to the intrenched
foe. On the 22d of June, as General Hooker had advanced his
line, with Schofield on his right, the enemy, under General
Hood, suddenly sallied out and attacked. The blow fell mostly
on General Williams' division of Hooker's corps, and one of
General Schofield's brigades. The enemy was repulsed by a
terrible fire, from our lines, leaving his dead and wounded, and
many prisoners. Upon studying the ground. General Sherman
found that he had no alternative but to assault in turn or turn
his position. Orders were therefore issued on the 24th, and on
the 27th, two assaults were made, and both failed, costing many
valuable lives.
Failing in this manner of attack, the old plan of flank move-
ment was ordered, and on the night of the 2d of July, General
McPherson threw his whole army by the right flank, down
towards the Nickajack Creek, threatening Turner's Ferry across
the Chattahoochie. The next morning Kenesaw was abandoned
and occupied by the Federal skirmishers. General Thomas
moved along the railroad and turned south in pursuit, towards
the Chattahoochie, and General Sherman entered Marietta at
half past 8 o'clock, A. M. General Logan, of McPherson's
army, was ordered to occupy Marietta, while Generals McPherson
CROSSING THE CnATTATIOOCIIIE. 355
and Schofield were ordered to cross the Nickajack and at-
tack the enemy in flank and rear and to interrupt his crossing
of the Chattahoochie. The rebel General had, however, pro-
vided against this emergency. He had thrown np intrcnch-
ments across the road at Smyrna, five miles from Marietta, and
also had intrenched a strong tete de pont on the Chattahoochie,
where he was found by General Thomas, with his front protected
and his flanks behind the Il^ickajack and Rottenwood creeks.
On the 4th of July, the enemy's line at Smyrna was caj)-
tured, and a strong demonstration made along Nickajack Creek,
and about Turner's Ferry, to the right of Johnston's position
on the river. This movement compelled Johnston, that night,
to cross the main body of his forces to the left bank of the
river, leaving Hardee's corps on the right bank behind his in-
trenched position. General Sherman then moved up to the
Chattahoochie, and on the evening of the 5th, Thomas and
McPherson's troops occupied a line extending from above the
railroad bridge, to the mouth of Nickajack Creek, two or three
miles below. The enemy lay behind a line of unusual strength,
covering the railroad and pontoon bridges, and beyond the Chat-
tahoochie. An inspection of these works, satisfied General
Sherman, that from their great strength, they could only be
carried by crossing the Chattahoochie, which was a rapid and
deep stream, only passable by means of bridges, except at two
or three difficult fords. To accomplish this result. General
Schofield was sent from Smyrna to the mouth of Soap Creek,
eight miles northeast of General Sherman's position on the rail-
road, where he eftected a lodgment on the east bank of the
Chattahoochie, on high and commanding ground, with good
roads, leading to the eastward. He succeeded in laying a good
pontoon bridge, and a trestle bridge. At the same time, Gen-
eral Garrard's cavalry force moved up the river, seven miles
further north to Roswell, where he destroyed several woollen
factories, which had supplied the rebel armies with cloth, and
also secured the ford, holding it until General Newton's v.ivision
of the Fourth Corps arrived, which was superseded by General
Dodge's Sixteenth Corps, which in turn, was followed by Gen-
eral General McPherson's whole army. General Howard also
built a bridge at Power's Ferry, two miles south of Schofield's
356 - MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
position at Soap Creek. These demonstrations caused General
Johnston to again give the order for retreat on the night of the
9th of July. His heavy guns were removed to Atlanta, Gen-
eral Hardee's corps crossed to the left bank, and at daylight of
the 10th of July, the pontoons and railroad, and road bridges,
were in flames, the whole rebel army falling back towards At-
lanta, his left wing remaining in the neighborhood of Turner's
Ferry, in expectation of an attack.
Having accomplished his object, of driving the enemy across
the Chattahoochie, General Sherman determined to give his
troops a week's rest, while he brought forward his supplies.
Recalling McPherson, Dodge and Schofield to their former posi-
tion, detailing a sufficient force to secure the several positions
on the east bank of the river, and occupy the enemy's works,
the army rested until the 16th of July.
The enemy's works were found to be of great strength, cost-
ing many months of labor, and extending for five miles and a
half along the river, with almost impenetrable abattis in front.
General Sherman had thus accomplished the main object of
the campaign, and was in possession of both banks of the Chat-
tahoochie. Atlanta, the great entrepot of military supplies, lay
within eiglrt miles, with its magazines, stores, arsenals, work-
shops, foundries, etc., and its railroads which there diverge to
the four cardinal points. The next move was, therefore, the
capture of this important point.
Pending the efforts to drive Johnston across the Chattahoochie,
General Sherman had collected a force of 2,000 cavalry, which
was placed under the command of General Rosseau. As soon
as the enemy were driven from the position at the railroad bridge.
General Rosseau was ordered with his cavalry force, from Deca-
tur, Alabama, to push rapidly south, cross the Coosa, at the rail-
road bridge, and thence direct to Opelika. There was but a
single line of railroad connecting Alabama and Mississippi with
Georgia, which was from Montgomery to Opelika. General
Itosseau reached this single line of road twenty-five miles west
of Opelika, and broke it up nearly to that place, and also por-
tions of the branch road towards Columbus, and towards West
Point. He then returned, having performed the object of his
mission.
BATTLE OF PEACH TREE CREEK. 3o7
Having collected a sufficient quantity of stores at Allatoona,
Marietta, and Vining's Station, strengthened the railroad guards
and garrisons, and improved the pier hridges and roads leading
across the river, General Sherman ordered a general advance to
commence on the 17th. General Thomas crossed at Powers' and
Paise's Ferry bridges, and marched by Buckhead ; General Scho-
field marched by Cross Keys, and General McPherson, crossed
at Roswell, and reached the Augusta railroad, seven miles east
of Decatur, breaking up about four miles of the railroad. General
Schofield reached Decatur.
The Confederate authorities being dissatisfied with the manner
in which General Johnston had conducted the campaign,
appointed General Hood to the command of the Confederate
forces.
On the 20th, all the armies had closed in, converging towards
Atlanta. The army of the CumberLand occupied the right wing
and right centre; the army of the Ohio, under General Scho-
field, the left centre, and the Army of the Tennessee, the left.
Two divisions of General Howard's corps were sent to fill a gap
between General Thomas and General Schofield, leaving ITew-
ton's division to hold an important position on the Buckhead
road.
Discovering an inadequate force at jSTewton's position, the rebel
Gejieral Hood, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the 20th, sal-
lied from his works in force and fell, in line of battle, against the
position held b}' General ISTewton, which was the right centre on
the Buckhead road ; the blow was sudden and unexpected, but
General ITewton had hastily covered his front by a line of rail
piles, which enabled him to meet the attack. Geary and Wil-
liams' divisions, of Hooker's Corps, being next to ]!^ewi:on, on the
left, were involved in the attack. The enemy had massed his
main body in front of these three divisions and advanced with-
out skirmishers, and hoped, by one of those bold dashes charac-
teristic of General Hood, to retrieve, at one blow, the disasters of
the campaign. The whole corps of General Hooker participated.
The rebels attacked with great desperation, but after four hours
of incessant fighting he retired precipitately to his intrenchments,
leaving on the field six hundred dead, one thousand severely
wounded, and several regimental flags and prisoners. His total
358 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCOlNSIN.
loss was estimated at five thousand. Tlie National loss was about
one thousand nine hundred, of which the greater part fell on
General Hooker's corps. This is known as the battle of Peach
Tree Creek, and was participated in by the Twenty-fourth Wis-
consin, in ISTewton's division, and the Third, Twenty-second and
Twenty-sixth Regiments in Hooker's corps.
, On the 21st the enemy occupied an intrenched position on the
heights commanding the valley of Peach Tree Creek, his right
beyond the Augusta Railroad to the east, and his left towards
Turner's Ferry, at an average distance of four miles from At-
lanta. During the day a hill, known as Bald Hill, a few hundred
yards in advance of the extreme left of McPherson's army, which
had been strongly fortified by the enemy, was gallantly carried
by General Leggett's division of the Seventeenth Corps, with a
loss of seven hundred and fifty men. The rebel General Cle-
borue made four desperate attempts to regain the position, but
he was compelled to retire, leaving his dead and most of his
wounded on the slope of the hill. This hill commanded Atlanta
and the two principal roads leading north and south from the
city. In this contest the- Twelfth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth
Wisconsin Regiments distinguished themselves.
The line on Peach Tree Creek being found abandoned on the
morning of the 22d, General Sherman's forces swept over the
abandoned works of the enemy and closed in upon Atlanta, occu-
pying a line in the form of a quarter circle of about two miles
radius ; here in their front they found the enemy occupying, in
force, a line of finished redoubts covering all the roads leading
into* Atlanta. His Avorking parties were busy connecting these
redoubts with curtains, strengthened by rifle trenches, abatis and
cheveaux de frize.
The general advance of all the Federal armies contracted the
circle, and the Sixteenth Corps, General Dodge, being on the
right of McPherson's army, was thrown out of line by the Fif-
teenth Corps, General Logan, connecting on the right with
General Schofield, near the Howard House.
General Dodge was ordered by General McPherson to move
fi'om the right to the left of the Seventeenth Corps, and occupy
Bald Hill, captured the day before by General Leggett's division
of the Seventeenth Corps. This hill lay to the south and east of
BATTLE OF JULY TWBNTY-SECOND, BEFORE ATLANTA. 359
the railroad ; in order to reacli it General Dodge moved by a di-
agonal path or wagon road in the direction of Blair's left flank.
General McPherson after having explained to General Sherman
the disposition he had made of General Dodge's corps, which that
General readily acceded to, started to ride over to General
Dodge's column, then marching to take possession of the hill be-
fore described. Passing into a narrow road that led to the left
and rear of General G. A. Smith's division, which was the ex-
treme left of General Blair's corps, a sharp volley was heard, and
soon after the horse of General McPherson came out of the woods,
riderless and wounded in two places. It was afterwards ascer-
tained that he rode into the enemy's skirmish line, and when it
was too late he found himself within lifty feet of it. He was
called upon to surrender, but he only dashed his horse to the
right of the road and was almost instantly brought to the ground,
mortally wounded, by a volley from the skirmishers ; his body
was for a time in possession of the enemy, but was subsequently
recovered and brought into the Union lines, when it was sent
north by General Sherman for burial. On hearing of this disas-
ter General Sherman ordered General Logan to assume command
of the Army of the Tennessee.
It soon became evident to General Sherman that the plan of
the enemy's action was to throw a superior force on McPherson's
left flank, while he held the center and right with his forts in
front. General Sherman immediately ordered his center and
right to press forward and give full employment to all the enemy
in his lines, while General Schofield was to hold as large a force
in reserve as possible, awaiting developments.
The whole line was already engaged in battle. Hardee's corps
had sallied from Atlanta, and by a wide circuit to the east, had
struck General Blair's left wing, enveloping it, and his right had
swung round and hit Dodge's column, which was moving towards
the hill, in obedience to General McPherson's order. General
Blair's line was substantially along the old line of rebel trencher,
which were fashioned to fight on either side. A gap of half a
mile intervened between the head of General Dodge's column
and General Blair's line, through which the enemy had poured,
but General McPherson's last action was to order up a brigade
of the Fifteenth Corps to occupy the gap, which came in on the
360 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
double quick, and checked tke enemy. Hardee attacked in
flank, sweeping across the hill our men were fortifying, capturing
the working party, and bore down on Blair's left. General
G. A. Smith's division of the Seventeenth Corps was forced to
fight, first from one side of the old rifle pits, and then from the
other, Stewart's corps attacking in front directly from the main
works, while Hardee attacked the flank. General Smith grad-
ually withdrew regiment after regiment, so as to form a flaiik
to General Leggett's division, which held the apex of the hill,
this being the only part essential to General Sherman's plans.
General Dodge held in check the enemy's right, punishing him
severely. General G. A. Smith had gradually given up the ex-
tremity of his line, and formed a new one whose right connected
with General Leggett, and his left refused facing southeast. On
this ground, and in this order, the men fought well and desper-
ately, for nearly four hours, checking and repulsing all the
enemy's attacks. The execution on the enemy's ranks at the
angle was terrible, and great credit is due both Generals Leg-
gett and Giles A. Smith, and their men, for their hard and stub-
born fighting. The enemy made no further progress on that
flank, and by 4, P. M., had almost given up the attempt. The
Twelfth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth Wisconsin regiments, in
Leggett's division, took part in this atfair, on the left of the
Seventeenth Corps.
While this action was progressing, General Wheeler's cavalry
taking advantage of the absence of General Garrard's cavalry
force, made an attempt to capture the wagon trains at Decatur,
but Colonel Sprague, with three regiments of infantry, succeeded
in covering them, and sending them to the rear of Generals
Schofield and Thomas. To do this, some severe fighting was
done, in .which the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin, under Colonel
Montgomery, participated.
Between four and five in the afternoon, the enemy, by massing
his troops opposite a position in the Fifteenth Corps, which had
been weakened by sending a brigade to the extreme left, suc-
ceeded in making a break in the line of that corps, causing the
brigade to fall back in confusion, for four hundred yards, leav-
ing the enemy in possession of two batteries of much import-
ance to the Union forces, and separating the divisions of Generals
MOVEMENT BY THE RIGHT FLANK. 361
Wood and Harrow. General Sherman ordered the Fifteenth
Corps to regain its lost ground at any cost, which it did in gal-
lant style, assisted by several batteries from General Sehofield's
Corps. All the guns were retaken but two, which the enemy
had removed into his main works. "With this, terminated the
battle of the 22d of July, which proved to be the hardest in the
vicinity of Atlanta.
The Union loss in this battle, was 3,722 killed, wounded, and
missing. The loss of the enemy was computed at 8,000, of
which, 3,240 were killed.
In order to cut the several railroads radiating from Atlanta,
General Sherman sent out a large force of cavalry, under Gen-
erals Stoneman, Garrard, and McCook. In this expedition,
General Stoneman proceeded too far towards Macon, and was
captured with a part of his command, two-thirds of it escaping.
General Sherman attributes General Stoneman's misfortune to
disobedience of orders, in not concentrating with Garrard and
McCook, at Lovejoy's Station. General McCook burnt the de-
pot at Lovejoy's, and tore up some of the track, but was obliged
to leave by the overpowering force which the rebels brought
against him ; retiring to Newman, on the West Point Road,
where he was surrounded by a heavy force, through which, he cut
his way, losing 500 officers and men, and returned to Marietta.
On the 27th, the army of the Tennessee changed its position,
passing behind the rest of the army to Proctor's Creek, and south
to prolong the Union line due south, facing east. The object of
this movement was to work the Union forces around to the south,
in order to command the enemy's line of communications.
General Howard, on the 27th of Jul}^ assumed command of the
Army of the Tennessee, by authority of the President. At
Eastpoint, a few miles southwest of Atlanta, is the jnu'Ction of
the Macon and West Point Railroads. The object of this move-
ment by the right flank, was to control these roads below East
Point. The Sixteenth Corps took position on Proctor's Creek,
the left nearest the enemy, the Seventeenth came up next, on its
right, and the Fifteenth, on the right of the Seventeenth Corps,
giving it the position on the extreme right. The army was in
position by 10, A. M. of the 27th, and the men began throwing
up rails and logs, which, after a while, assumed the form of a
362 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
parapet. General Davis' division, of tlie Fourteenth Corps, was
ordered to the extreme right, in order to catch the attacking
force in the flank if the enemy should attempt the game of the 22d.
However, hefore General Davis could reach the designated
position, the enemy advanced against the Fifteenth Corps, by
the Bell's Ferry Eoad, hut they were met by such a terrible fire,
from behind the logs and piles of rails, that they at last, after
four hours fighting, disappeared, leaving over 600 dead on the
field, besides the wounded. General Howard ordered up a re-
serve of some of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps, to protect
his right flank. This was the last effort of the enemy to check
General Sherman's extensions by the flank. General Schofield's
corps, and General Palmer's corps, of General Thomas' army,
were moved from the left to the right', as far as Eastpoint.
About this time, General Hooker resigned the command of the
Twentieth Corps, and General Slocum was appointed to his
place, and General Palmer resigned the command of the Four-
teenth Corps, and General Jefferson C. Davis, was appointed his
successor. An unsuccessful attempt was made to get a foothold
on the West Point and Macon Railroads. In order to reach the
Macon road, and control the supplies for Atlanta, General
Sherman became convinced that he must move his whole army.
The army remained in this position till the 18th of August,
during which time General Sherman fired upon the city, with
his four and a half inch rifle guns, causing much destruction.
After the departure of the Seventeenth Corps from the extreme
left. General Wheeler's cavalry started on a raid northward, for
the purpose of destroying General Sherman's communications,
striking the railroad, and tearing up the track. This opportune
departure of Wheeler gave Sherman perfect control of his own
cavalry ; he accordingly sent Kilpatrick with 5,000 men, to de-
stray the West Point road, and Macon road. He succeeded in
damaging the former, but was prevented in his intentions on the
latter, at Jonesboro and Lovejoy's, by the superior force of the
eneni}'.
In order to enable General Sherman to move his whole army
against the enemy's communications, the Twentieth Corps, tem-
porarily under the command of General Williams, was ordered
to return to the intrenched position at Chattahoochie Bridge, to
BATTLE OF JONESBOEO. 363
whicli point the army commanders were ordered to send tlicir
surplus wagons and incumbrances of all kinds, and also the sick.
This being done, the movement began on the 25th of August.
The army was moved to the neighborhood of Fairborn, on the
West Point Eailroad, where twelve or thirteen miles of road
were destroyed. On the 29th of August, the army Avas again
put in motion, and marched from the West Point Railroad, to
the Macon Railroad, at Jonesboro, which was reached by the
Army of the Tennessee, on the night of the 30th of August.
In the morning, General Howard found himself in the presence
of the enemy. He deployed the Fifteenth Corps, and disposed
the Sixteenth and Seventeenth, on its flanks. The usual log and
rail parapet was thrown up, and the men were soon prepared
to act oftensively or defensively, as the case called for. During
the day, the enemy came out of his works at Jonesboro, and
attacked General Howard in his position just described. They
consisted of Lee's and Hardee's corps, and after two hours severe
fighting, withdrew, leaving 400 dead on the field, and having at
least, 2,500 wounded. During this time. General Schofield's
Corps was at Rough and Ready, passing up the road, breaking
it up as he went. General Stanley, was also breaking up the
road south of Schofield, and General Baird, of the Fourteenth
Corps, was still lower down, about four miles from Jonesboro.
Orders w^ere at once given for these troops to march to Jones-
boro, and were directed to reach that point on the 1st of September.
General Davis' Corps was on time, and he deployed his right in con-
nection with General Howard, and his left on the railroad. Gen-
erals Stanley and Schofield, with the Fourth and Twenty-third
corps, were coming down on the Rough and Ready road; but from
the unfavorable character of the roads these two corps did not
arrive to participate in the battle of Jonesboro. Blair's corps
was thrown in reserve, and sent to the right, below Jonesboro, to
act against that flank in connection with Kilpatrick's cavalry.
At 4, P. M., Davis' Fourteenth Corps made an assault on the
enemy's lines, across open fields, carrying them handsomely, and
taking prisoners nearly the whole of Gowan's brigade, including
its commander and two four gun batteries.
The next morning the enemy was gone, retreating south. A
general pursuit was begun, our troops overtaking him at
364 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Lovejoy's Station in a strongly intrenched position, with his
flanks well protected.
Rumors began to arrive that Atlanta had been abandoned dur-
ing the night of September 1st, and that Hood had blown up his
ammunition trains, which accounted for the explosions which
had been heard in the direction of Atlanta since 2 o'clock of
September 1st.
On the night of September 4th, a courier arrived from General
Slocum, stating that Atlanta had been evacuated ; that the enemy
had blown up some trains of cars, and retreated on the McDon-
ough road ; General Slocum had entered and taken possession
on the 2d of September. Deeming the end of the campaign
accomplished General Sherman, on the 7th of September, ordered
the return of the Army of the Cumberland, General Thomas, to
the vicinity of Atlanta; the Army of the Tennessee to East
Point, and General Schoiield to Decatur.
General Hood on abandoning Atlanta marched towards Mc-
Donough, whence, moving west, he joined the corps of Hardee
and Lee.
General Wheeler, with his cavalry, proceeded towards Chatta-
nooga, destroying the railroad in places, thence into East Ten
nessee, performing the same kindofvork; and in September
endeavored to interrupt communication between Nashville and
Chattajiooga, but was driven into Northern Alabama by Generals
Rosseau, Steadman, and Granger.
General Sherman on his return to Atlanta deemed it necessary
to appropriate the place exclusively for military purposes, and
orders were immediately issued for the departure of all civilians,
both male and female. A truce was entered into with General
Hood for the purpose of securing the removal of the inhabitants.
This work was accomplished by the 21st of September, soon
after which the truce ceased.
The occupation of Atlanta by General Sherman struck terror
into the hearts of the leaders of the Confederacy, and immediate
steps were taken by Jeif. Davis to arrest the progress of the Fed-
eral armies in Georgia. He accordingly visited that and the
other Gulf States, on a tour of inspection, during which he
delivered several speeches, the tone and character of which
elicited much remark among the Confederate press. The effect
BATTLE OF ALLATOONA. 365
of his visit to the army was the adoption of a plan, whereby the
President proposed to retrieve the past and drive the hated in-
vaders from Southern soil, — to harrass and destroy Sherman's
army as the Cossacks did that of Napoleon.
A campaign in the rear of Sherman was concluded upon, and
General Forrest with his cavalry was soon operating in Southern
Tennessee. General Hood was also on the march, crossing the
Chattahoochie 'on the 2d of October, and proceeding to Dallas,
where the several corps were to concentrate. On the 4th he cap-
tured the stations at Big Shanty and Ackworth,and destroyed the
railroad between the two places. He also sent a division to cap-
ture Allatoona, but was signally defeated by General Corse, al-
though three companies of the Eighteenth Wisconsin, who were
guarding a bridge about two miles from the depot, were taken
prisoners.
General Sherman took steps to follow up the defeated rebel
General, by sending General Corse to Rome with reinforcements,
who arrived in time at Allatoona and defended that place success-
fully. The previous week he had sent General Thomas with
troops to ISTashville. The bridges having been carried away by
a freshet, on the 4th of October pontoons were laid across the
Chattahoochie, and the armies of the Cumberland, Tennessee, and
Ohio crossed and took up their march towards Marietta, with
fifteen days' rations. The Twentieth Corps, General Slocum,
remained to garrison Atlanta.
Learning that the enemy had taken Big Shanty and Ackworth,
and threatened Allatoona, General Sherman signaled from Ken-
esaw Mountain, to General Corse at Rome, to reinforce the gar-
rison at Allatoona, and hold it until the main army should arrive.
Corse immediately sent nine hundred men on the cars before the
attack commenced. The enemy, under General French, num-
bered seven thousand men. The brave garrison refused to sur-
render, and the enemy assaulted the works with the greatest
vigor, but were as vigorously repulsed until they were com-
pelled to retire, beaten and disheartened, towards Dallas. The
enemy lost seven to eight hundred killed, wounded, and prison-
ers. The Eighteenth Wisconsin took a prominent part in this
battle, and three companies, in an isolated block house, were
taken prisoners by the enemy. General Hood proceeded to
366 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Resaca, and engaged in the destruction of the railroad towards
Dalton. On the 14th, General Sherman's main army encamped at
Resaca. Capturing the colored garrison at Dalton, the enemy
continued the destruction of the railroad as far as Tunnel Hill.
The near approach of the Union forces compelled him to retreat
to Lafayette, from thence to Alabama, by the way of Gaylesville
to Gadsden on the Coosa River, seventy-five miles from Lafay-
ette. General Sherman succeeded in capturing part of the
Twenty-fourth ISTorth Carolina Regiment at Ship's Gap.
At Gadsden, General Hood was superseded by General Beau-
regard, who took command of the Confederate Army on the 17th
of October, issuing an address to the Southern people in his usual
style of bombast.
General Sherman proceeded to Gaylesville, where he watched
the enemy's movements. The injuries to the railroad were only
temporary, and on the 28th cars were again running from Chat-
tanooga to Atlanta. On the 1st of November, General Hood
moved with his army to Warrington, on the Tennessee River.
Ko sooner had General Sherman ascertained that Hood had
started on his expedition into Tennessee than he moved his
whole army to Rome, and proceeded at once to perfect his plans
for a new campaign into the heart of the Confederacy. Consid-
ering his army unnecessarily large for the purpose, he sent the
Fourth and Twenty-third corps to reinforce General Thomas at
Il^ashville. The original plan of holding Atlanta as a secondary
base was abandoned, as the new expedition was to cut loose from
all bases and subsist on the enemy. The destruction of the city
and the railroads leading thereto became a necessity, as it was
not considered expedient to keep an army to guard the roads, or
the cit}' as a depot of supplies.
The first ten days of iTovember were occupied in sending north
the hospital inmates, and such supplies as there was time to re-
move. The vast supplies of provisions, forage, stores and ma^
chinery which had accumulated at Rome and Atlanta were sent
in safety to Chattanooga. On the 11th of November, the last
train left Atlanta for the North, and the army was supplied
with every man, and horse, and gun which it needed, and with
thirty days' rations in the wagons, was ready to move toward the
coast.
Sherman's grand ExrEDiTioN. 367
The five corps reserved for the expedition were concentrated
into four by assigning one division of the Sixteenth Coips to
the Fifteenth, and the other division to the Seventeenth Corps.
The expeditionary army consisted of the Fourteenth Corps,
General Jeff. C. Davis, the Fifteenth, General Logan, the Seven-
teenth, General Blair, and the Twentieth, General Slocuin, be-
sides four brigades of artillery, one for each corps, and two more
batteries and two divisions of cavalry. This army was divided
into two wings. The right commanded by Major General 0. 0.
Howard, consisting of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth corps, and
the left commanded by Major General Slocum, consisting of the
Fourteenth and Twentieth corps. In consequence of General
Slocum's appointment to the command of the left wing, General
A. S. "Williams took command of the Twentieth Corps.
The following Wisconsin regiments took part in this celebrated
expedition, assigned as follows: — In the Left Wing, Fourteenth
Corps, General Davis, the Twenty-first Regiment was located in
the First Brigade, Colonel Hobart, First Division, Brigadier
General Carliu ; in the Twentieth Corps, General Williams, the
Third Regiment, Colonel Hawley, was located in the Second
Brigade, Colonel Carman, Fir^t Division, Brigadier General
Jackson ; the Thirty-first Regiment, Colonel West, in the Third
Brigade, Colonel Robinson, in the same division ; the Twenty-
second Regiment, Colonel Bloodgood, was in the Second Brigade,
Colonel Dusten, Third Division, Brigadier General Ward ; the
Twenty-sixth Regiment, Colonel Winkler, was in the Third
Brigade, Colonel Ross, of the Third Division, Brigadier General
Ward.
In the Right Wing, under General Howard, and Seventeenth
Corps, General Blair, the Twelfth Regiment, Colonel J. K.
Proudfit, and the Sixteenth Regiment, Colonel Fairchild, was in
the First Brigade, Colonel Ewing, Third Division, General Leg-
gett; the Seventeenth Regiment, Colonel Malloy, was in the
Third Brigade of the same division ; the Twenty-fifth Regiment,
Lieutenant Colonel Rusk, was in the Second Brigade, of the First
Division, Major General Mower; the Thirty-second Regiment,
Colonel DeGroat, was in the Third Brigade, of the First Division,
General Mower. In the Fifteenth Corps, General Logan, was
368 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the Eighteenth Wisconsin, Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, in the
First Brigade, Third Division, Brigadier General J. E. Smith.
The Twelfth Wisconsin Battery was attached to the First Divis-
ion, in the Fifteenth Corps ; the Fifth Wisconsin Battery, Cap-
tain McKnight, was attached to the Third Division, ot the Four-
teenth Army Corps, in the Left Wing; and the Tenth Wisconsin
Battery, Captain Beehe, was attached to the First Brigade,
Colonel Murray, Third Division, Kilpatrick's cavalry corps.
Company E, of the Fourteenth Wisconsin, was attached to the
Seventeenth Corps, and acted as guard to the pontoon train
belonging to that corps.
A synopsis of the order of march will show the manner in
which the expedition was conducted. Ist. Organized the army
into two wings. 2d. The march was to be on four parallel roads,
if possible. 3d. No general train of supplies, — each corps to
have its ammunition and provisions distributed as follows : be-
hind each regiment one wagon and one ambulance; behind each
brigade, a due proportion of ammunition and provision wagons,
and ambulances. Li case of danger, these incumbrances were to
occupy the center of the column. 4th. The army to forage on
the country; each brigade to have a foraging party, who was to
gather corn or forage, meat, vegetables, corn meal, or whatever
is needed by the command ; to keep in the wagons ten days' pro-
visions and three days' forage ; soldiers forbidden to enter dwell-
ing houses, or commit trespass ; at halt or camp, had permission
to gather turnips, potatoes and vegetables, and drive in stock in
front of their camps. 5th. Corps commanders had power to
destroy mills, houses, cotton gins, etc.; if the army is unmolested
no destruction is to take place ; but, if molested by guerrillas or
bushwhackers, or inhabitants should burn bridges, obstruct roads,
etc., then corps commanders should retaliate. 6th. Cavalry to
appropriate horses, mules, wagons, etc., freely and without limit,
discriminating between the rich, who are hostile, and the poor,
who are usually neutral or friendly ; foraging parties to take
mules or horses to replace the jaded animals of their trains, or to
serve as pack mules ; foraging parties not to be abusive, and may
leave certifiicates, if the officer thinks proper, but no receipts ;
to leave with each family sufficient for its maintenance. 7th. Able
bodied negroes to betaken along, if supplies are sufficient. 8th. A
GRAND MAllCII BEGUN. 369
pioneer battalion of negroes, for each corps, was authorized to
follow the advance guard, to repair roads, and double them if
possible; army commanders were directed to give artillery and
wagons the road, and furnish them assistance at steep hills or
bad crossings. 9tli. Gives to each wing of the army a pontoon
train.
The troops were instructed, in a circular, to carry in haversacks
two days' rations of salt meat and hard bread, ten days coffee and
salt, and five days sugar ; sixty rounds ammunition on his per-
son ; to be careful of ammunition ; foraging forbidden by the
soldiers; pillaging, marauding, and acts of cruelty to be punished
severely ; brigade commanders to have a strong guard to arrest
stragglers.
Thus was this extraordinary expedition organized. The
several corps were concentrated at Atlanta, on the 14th of JSTo-
vember, having destroyed the several railroads on their march
thither. On the 15th, the city of Atlanta was set on fire and
destroyed, and on the 16th, the whole army marched eastward,
having cut loose from all its communications. "We can only give
an outline of the march of this remarkable expedition, sutficient
to show its general direction, and the position of the several
corps in the two wings, and the result.
On the 16th of jSTovembcr, the whole army marched eastward,
in four columns, the two under General Slocum, as the left wing
with which was General Sherman, following the railroad to
Augusta, while the right wing, under General Howard, moved
along the Macon and Augusta road. Each wing had cavalry
moving on its flanks.
General Howard's command, of which the Fifteenth Corps
formed the right wing, proceeded to Jonesboro, thence moved
east through McDonough and Jackson, to the Ocmulgee River,
which it crossed, and passing between Milledgeville and Clinton,
struck the Georgia Central Railroad at Gordon, twenty miles
cast of Macon. Apprehensive of an attack at Macon, the rebels
concentrated all their available troops there. To«still further
deceive the enemy, a force of cavalry was sent to East Macon,
to make a feint ; a collision occurred. In this affair, a rebel bat-
teiy was taken, but was abandoned by its captors. On striking
24
370 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the Georgia Railroad, tlie army proceeded to destroy the rail-
road track, which was done in a very thorough manner. While
this was in progress, the extreme right wing of the Fifteenth
Corps, under General Walcott, was attacked near Griswoldville,
where they had destroyed some of the principal buildings. Pro-
tected in front by a rail barricade, a rebel force of about five
thousand, approached from towards Macon, who advanced and
attempted to carry the Federal position by storm, but they re-
ceived such a fire from the Union troops behind their barricades,
that after six desperate assaults, they retired from the contest,
leaving three hundred dead on the field, and a total loss of
twenty-five hundred.
The left wing, under General Slocum, proceeded along the
Augusta Railroad, in two columns, the left or outer one being
the Twentieth Corps. General Sherman accompanied the Four-
teenth Corps in person. Having destroyed the railroad to Cov-
ington, the Fourteenth turned southward towards Milledgeville,
while the Twentieth Corps continued the work of destruction
to Madison, sixty-nine miles from Atlanta,. To create the im-
pression that the advance was to be on Augusta, a cavalry force
was sent to within seventy-five miles of that place. This caused
the enemy to concentrate a force there. From Madison, the
Twentieth Corps marched due south to Milledgeville, arriving
there on the 21st, and the Fourteenth Corps followed on the next
day, by way of Eatonton. At the time the expedition started
from Atlanta, the Georgia Legislature was in session at Milledge-
ville. On the 18th, hearing of the approach of General Howard
from the west, and General Slocum from the north, the honor-
able body were struck with panic and consternation, and with
Governor Brown, fled in haste to Augusta. Cn the 20th, a few
Federal scouts dashed into the town, which was at once
surrendered to them by the Mayor.
Only two or three regiments of Sherman's army were per-
mitted to enter the town, detailed to do provost guard duty, and
destroy the public buildings. The magazines, penitentiaiy, arse-
nals, depot Ibuildings, factories, and storehouses, with a large
quantity of cotton were destroyed, but the State Capitol, and
private buildings received no injury. During this time the right
FEINT ON AUGUSTA. 371
wing was progressing along the Georgia Railroad, destroying it
effectually.
The left wing crossed the river at Milledgeville, on the 24th,
and moved to Sanderville. The Fourteenth Corps here took the
left flank of the column, which position it retained during the
campaign. On the 27th and 28th, hoth wings were temporarily
encamped between Sanderville and Irwin's Cross Roads, a few
miles south of the railroad. General Sherman here transferred
his quarters from the left wing, to the Seventeenth Corps, in the
right wing.
General Kilpatrick, wnth his cavalry, on the 2oth, started from
Milledgeville to Waynesboro, seventy-five miles due east, for the
purpose of covering the passage of the main body across the
Ogeechee, and to make a feint on Augusta. One of the main
objects was to surprise Alillen, and liberate the Union soldiers in
prison there, but they had been a few days before removed to
other prisons in Southern Georgia. On the 28th, the Fourteenth
Corps crossed the Ogeechee, at Fenn's bridge. The Twentieth
Corps moved by the way of Davisboro. The right wing moved
south of the railroad, and Wheeler's cavalry fell back steadily
before them, seeking to delay their movements, and some sharp
skirmishing occurred on the 28th and 29th with the Federal
cavalry, near Louisville. Surmising that Augusta was Sherman's
point of attack, Wheeler turned off" tow\ards that place, to ob-
struct his advance. General Sherman was thus permitted to
cross the Ogeechee, unmolested, with the Seventeenth and Twen-
tieth corps, the Fifteenth Corps remaining on tlie west side of
the Ogeechee. In order to still further lead the rebels to believe
that Augusta was his objective point, General Sherman caused a
strong demonstration to be made in the direction of Waynes-
boro by the Fourteenth Corps, in connection with Kilpatrick's
cavalry. During the 1st, 2d and 3d of December, constant skir-
mishing took place between the Federal and rebel cavalry, the
latter being gradually pushed towards Waynesboro, where they
intrenched themselves, from which they were driven by the
cavalry. The three divisions of the Fourteenth Corps engaged
in this demonstration, with Kilpatrick's cavalry, united at Jack-
eonboro, twenty miles east of Millen. The Seventeenth and
Twentieth corps, advancing along the railroad, reached Millen
372 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
on the 2d of December. The whole army now pivoting on that
place, swung round from its eastern course, and moved in paral-
h^.l columns directly southward, all with the exception of the
Fifteenth marching down the Peninsula, between the Ogeechee
and Savannah rivers. • The Fifteenth moved in two columns, on the
west bank of the Ogeechee, a day's march in advance of the
main body. The Seventeenth Corps followed the railroad,
destroying it from Millen downward. General Sherman's feints
on Augusta had induced the rebels to concentrate a heavy force
there, too far in the rear to check his onward progress. He was,
therefore, unmolested until he neared the City of Savannah,
where he found a line of works stretching from river to river, to
delay his advance and for the purpose of preventing an attack on
the Savannah and Gulf Eailroad, which was the main road for
supplies to the city, a force had been sent across the Ogeechee to
oppose the progress of the Fifteenth Corps. This corps, how-
ever, had crossed near Eden, on the 7th, and on the next day,
General Corse's division was pushed forward, between the Little
and Big Ogeechee rivers, thirteen miles in advance of the main
column, to a canal connecting the Ogeechee with the Savannah
River. Bridging the canal, the division was soon intrenched in
a strong position on the south side. After a brief resistance, the
enemy abandoned his advanced lines, and took refuge within the
fortifications proper in Savannah. Other portions of the Fif-
teenth Corps went to the support of General Corse, and on the
9th, a detachment moved forward to the Savannah and Gulf
Railroad, destroyed the track for several miles, and captured a
train of eighteen cars, with many prisoners, thus cutting off che
communications between Savannah and the South.
AYliile this was being done by the extreme right wing, the
main body moved south, between the Ogeechee and Savannah.
Rain had set in, and the swampy regions near the coast became
impassable, except by bridging the streams and corduroying the
swamps. Inspired by their continued success, the troops pushed
forward in spite of these obstacles. On the 9th, the advance
had reached positions from three to eight miles from Savannah.
On the" 12th, the army was concentrated in a semi-circle, extend-
ing from the Savannah River to the Savannah and Gulf Railroad.
The line was about ten miles long, the extreme left, held by the
SURRENDER OF SAVANNAH. 373
Twentieth Corps, being about tliree miles from the city, and the
extreme right of the Fifteenth Corps was eleven miles distant.
Next to the Twentieth Corps was the Fourteenth Corps, and on
its right the Seventeenth. Everywhere they encountered a strong
line of earthworks, having guns in position, and held apparently
by a large force. These works were flanked by a series of
impassable swamps.
On the 9th, a dispatch was sent by scouts through the lines,
by General Howard, which reached General Foster, giving the
firi^t intelligence of General Sherman's army since it left Atlanta.
General Sherman determined to open communication with the
fleet through Ossibaw Sound, and therefore took measures to
reduce Fort McAllister, which commands that body of water.
On the 12th of December, the attack was made by General
Hazen's division of the Fifteenth Corps. The assault barely
occupied twenty minutes, the storming column never wavering
an instant. As soon as the Fort was taken, General Sherman
went on board the steam tug Dandelion, and wrote his first dis-
patch to the Secretary of War, announcing his successful arrival
near Savannah. Next day he met General Foster and Admiral
Dahlgreen, and made arrangements for a combined movement
of the army and fleet, iu the reduction of Savannah. A num-
ber of transports passed up the river, and several tons of mail
matter was distributed among the soldiers. The investment of
the city being complete, on the 16th of December, General Sher-
man sent in a formal demand of its surrender, which General
Hardee refused. General Sherman immediately caused his
heavy guns to be placed in position. Seeing the extent of his
danger. General Hardee proceeded to destroy the navy yard and
Government property, while the formidable iron clads, Georgia
and Savannah, opened fire on the Federal left, supported by sev-
eral batteries. Under cover of this fire, the garrison was trans-
ported during the night of the 20th, by steamboats, rowboats
and rafts, to Union Causeway, and next morning the troops
were well on their way to Charleston.
General Sherman entered the city in the morning and received
its formal surrender from the city authorities, and soon after sent
the following dispatch to President Lincoln :
37 i: MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Savannah, Ga., December 22, 1864.
JJia Excellency, President Lincoln :
I beg to present you, as a Christmas gift, the City of Savannah, with one hundred and
fifty heavy guns, and plenty of ammunition, and also about twenty-five tliousand bales
of cotton.
W. T. SHERMAN, Majcn- General.
The winter campaign tlirougli Georgia, ended with the capture
of Savannah, just five weeks after the Union army left Atlanta.
The first part of this extraordinary military movement had
been successful. It was soon to enter upon another campaign,
which was destined to prove a final one, ending with the total
destruction of the rebellion.
General Geary was appointed the military commander of
Savannah, the people of which city, evinced a great deal of
rare common sense in quietly accepting the sudden change in
their afifairs, and submitting to a return to the protection of the
old flag.
During the period of General Sherman's march to Savannah,
General Hood was tempted to move into Tennessee, and in
cooperation with General Breckenridge, make an attempt to
capture ISTashville. On the 21st of ISTovember, he moved his
army north from the Tennessee River, and on the 23d, took pas-
session of Pulaski, and on the 26th, occupied Columbia. The
Federal force, under Thomas, continued to fall back towards
Nashville. On the 30th, the enemy appeared before Franklin,
where General Schofield prepared to make a stand. Hood
divided his forces, one column was to attack Franklin in front,
while the other moved down Harpeth River to get into the Fed-
eral's rear. Hood made an attack on Schofield on the 30th, but
that General managed to hold his own until dusk, and then
ordered a retreat, continuing which all night, at daylight he
reached a point seven miles south of Nashville, where General
A. J. Smith's corps, the Sixteenth, was posted. The Confederate
flanking column, after crossing the Harpeth River, attacked a
Federal cavalry brigade, compelling it to retreat ; this force
reached General Smith's position about the same time as General
Schofield. The enemy followed up so close and heavy that Gen-
eral Smith was obliged to abandon his position and fall back to
the outer line of the intrenchments, three miles from Nashville.
Great consternation prevailed at Nashville ; business was sus-
pended ; the citizens and Government laborers were put under
BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 375
arms. General Thomas' army formed in line of battle three
miles south of the city, the enemy advancing to within two miles
of Thomas's line.
Hood now attempted to destroy Thomas' communications with
Louisville, by cutting the railroad and blockading the Cumber-
land River, thus compelling Thomas to evacuate Nashville ; he
also moved back to the Overton Hills, thereby cutting off" Thomas
from Rosseau, at Murfreesboro, and also cut off Bridgeport and
Chattanooga. Reinforcements rapidly arrived to General Thomas,
and he determined to attack Hood in his position. On the 15th
of December a feint was made on Hood's right and a real attack
on his left, which drove him from the river to Franklin pike,
eight miles. A thousand prisoners and two trains of wagons,
including Chalmer's headquarters train, and sixteen pieces of
artillery were captured. During the night Hood contracted his
lines back to the Brentwood hills. The battle was renewed m
the morning. Steadmau was on the extreme left, Wood connect-
ing with his right, Garrard's division of A. J. Smith's corps,
joined with Wood's right, then McArthur, then Colonel Moore
connecting with Schofield's left; General Cox formed Schofield's
rig-ht, and Couch his left. "Wilson's cavalry, on Schofield's right,
was ordered, if possible, to turn the enemy's flank and cut off his
retreat. Commencing at 10 A. M., in the afternoon the action
became close and obstinate. About dusk the enemy began to
give way, and a rout soon followed. They were pursued until
dark, through the gaps of the hills and along the Franklin pike,
and some four thousand prisoners were captured. The entire
loss of the enemy was 13,189 in prisoners, including several gen-
erals and nearly one thousand officers of lower grades, and sev-
enty-two pieces of artillery. Two thousand deserters were also
received. The Federal loss was 10,000 in killed, wounded and
missing. General Hood retired with his remaining force into
Alabama. In this battle the Eighth, Fourteenth, and Thirty-third
Wisconsin were in A. J. Smith's corps ; and the Twenty-fourth
Wisconsin also participated in the battle.
This ended the principal military operations in the central divis-
ion, embracing Kentucky, Tennessee, and Northern Georgia and
Alabama, as the battle of Nashville was the last action of any
magnitude which took place in 1864.
876 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The most prominent military movement in the Central Divis-
ion, in 1865, was General Wilson's cavalry raid. He left Chick-
asaw, Ala., on the 22d of March, encountering Forrest's rebel
cavalry at Ebenezer Church, near Plantersville, Ala., defeating
him and taking two hundred prisoners. Next, he captured Tus-
caloosa, and destroyed a large amount of rebel government prop-
erty. Selma was captured on the 2d of April, with 2,700 prison-
ers, and a large number of cannon; rolling mills, foundry,
arsenal, powder works, magazines and railroad cars were
destroyed. Montgomery w^as surrendered to General Wilson,
where a large amount ot property was destroyed. Columbus,
Geo., was taken by assault, capturing 1,200 prisoners, 53 guns,
100,000 bales of cotton, and immense quantities of ordnance,
quartermaster and commissary stores. Several important public
buildings were destroyed. West Point was stormed and taken
by Colonel La Grange's brigade ; Macon was taken without oppo-
sition ; here General Wilson received official information of the
armistice between Generals Sherman and Johnston, after M^hich
no further important movements took place, except the capture
of Jeff. Davis, the fugitive Confederate President, by a detach-
ment of Michigan cavalry, who succeeded in securing the prize,
after Lieutenant Colonel Harndon and the First Wisconsin
cavalry had driven him to cover, and was about to capture him.
As General Sherman had changed his field of operations to the
Atlantic coast, and his subsequent movements were made in con-
junction with those of General Grant, we have incorporated our
narrative of the contination of his march, from Savannah, with
the military operations of the First Division.
OHAPTEPv X.
GENERAL MILITARY OPERATIONS— WESTERN DIVISION.
Wisconsin Organizations IN Western Division — Battle of Fred-
ERiCKTON — Pea Ridge — New Madrid — Island No. 10 — Siiiloh —
Siege of Corinth — Battle of Iuka — Corinth — Bayou Cache —
Prairie Grove — New Orleans Captured — Vicksburg Bombarded
in 1862 — Sherman's Attempt — Arkansas Post — Grant's March
on Vicksburg — Port Gibson — Jackson — Champion Hills — Black
River — Investment of Vicksburg — Surrender — Jackson —
Yazoo River — Teche Expedition — Port Hudson Surrenders —
Little Rock Captured — Second Teche Expedition — Carrion
Crow Bayou — Texas Expedition — Honey Springs — Battle op
Helena — Meridian Expedition — Red River Expedition — Fort
de Russey — Sabine Cross Roads — Pleasant Hill — Cane River
— Alexandria — General Bailey's Dam — Jenkins' Ferry —
Price's Raid in Missouri — Fort Morgan — Siege and Capture
of Mobile.
THE following "Wisconsin organizations served in the "Western
Division during the war, viz., Eighth, Ninth, Eleventh, Fonr-
teenth. Twentieth, Twenty-third, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth,
Twenty-ninth, Thirty-third, Thirty-fourth, Thirty-fifth, Thirty-
ninth, Fortieth, Forty-first, Forty-second, Forty-eighth, Forty-
ninth, Fiftieth, Fifty-first, Fifty-second and Fifty -third Infantiy,
Second, Third and Fourth Cavalry, " Milwaukee Cavalry,' the
First, Seventh, Ninth and Thirteenth Light Batteries, and Battery
D, Heavy Artillery. The following were originally assigned to
the Western Division, but were transferred to the Central Divi-
sion, viz.. Twelfth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth,
Twenty-fifth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second Infantry, the First
Cavalry, and Batteries Nos. 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12.
378 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
St. Louis was at an early period of tlie war selected by tlie
General Government as the headquarters of military affairs in the
Mississippi valley.
The action of the State Executive of Missouri in response to
the call of President Lincoln for 75,000 troops, indicated very
strongly his secession sympathies, which subsequently prompted
him to go over to the rebel cause.
Captain Nathaniel Lyon was, at the time of the outbreak of
the rebellion, in command of the United States Arsenal at St.
Louis. By his energy and coolness the State of Missouri was
prevented from going bodily into the Southern Confederacy.
The police commissioners were secessionists, and openly opposed
the National Government, The Governor had authorized the
formation of camps in the State, the principal one being Camp
Jackson, near St. Louis. He was known to be a secessionist at heart,
and this movement was considered an evidence of hostility to
the Government. Captain Lyon organized a force of " Home
Guards," principally from the German population of St. Louis,
under Colonels Blair and Sigel, planted his guns, and compelled
the surrender of Camp Jackson, by General Frost. All the in-
terior arrangements of this camp indicated the secession sympa-
thies of those who were congregated there for organization ;
many of the men being known to advocate the interest of the
secessionists, and wearing the distinguishing dress and badge of
the army of the Southern Confederacy. Arms were also found
which had been furnished from the stores of the Baton Rouge
Arsenal, then in the hands of the rebels.
General Harney soon after arrived, and assumed command, and
Captain Lyon was appointed General of Missouri Volunteers.
He commenced active duty by breaking up a Confederate force
at Potosi, and seizing war material intended for Camp Jackson.
General Lyon was placed in command of the department on
the removal of General Harney. Governor Jackson and General
Price waited on him, and insisted that no United States troops
should march through or quarter in Missouri, although Confed-
erate troops had been permitted to do so. Lyon replied that
United States troops should pass anj^where in the United States,
and he would oppose every attack, and crush every effort to
BATTLE OF FKEDERICKTOWN. . 879
molest til em. ITpon this Governor Jackson withdrew from St.
Louis and prepared for war.
General Lyon immediately took the field and issued a procla-
mation to the citizens of Missouri. He advanced towards Jeffer-
son City with a small force, and Governor Jackson and General
Price retired with their secession forces to Booneville, where
Lyon attacked and routed them on the 17th of June, all their
tents, aniniunition and supplies falling into his hands. Entering
Boonvillc, ho issued a proclamation, stating that he should en-
deavor, with the force at his command, to maintain the authority
of the National Government at all hazards.
In the latter part of Judc, General Fremont was ordered to
take command of the Western Department.
General Lyon continued his operations against the Confeder-
ates under Price and Jackson, and on the 10th of August, fought
the battle of Wilson's Creek, near Springfield, where he lost his
life, being killed by a rifle ball while leading an Iowa regiment
that had lost its colonel.
On the 26th of July, General Fremont arrived at St. Louis, to
take command of the Western Department, and commenced
military operations with great vigor. Troops were sent into St.
Louis from adjoining States, and were encamped there or sent
into the interior. The emancipation ideas of General Fremont,
and the alleged extravagance of his military expenditures, was
made an excuse for his removal, and the command devolved on
General Hunter.
General H. W. Halleck took command of the Western
Department on the 18th of ISTovember.
No military movements, in which Wisconsin regiments took
part, were made in Missouri in 1861, except in the battle at
Frederiektown, on the 21st of October, where the Confederates,
under General JeiF. Thompson and Colonel Lowe, were attacked
by a Federal force, under command of Colonel J. B. Plummer,
of the Eleventh Missouri. The fight continued two hours and
a-half, when the Confederates were routed along their whole line,
and compelled to fly, leaving one hundred and seventy killed on
the field of bnttle, Colonel Lowe being among the number. The
Eighth Wisconsin, during this engagement, was attached to the
380 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
command of Colonel Carlin, and was left in tlie town of Frede-
ricktown to guard tlie rear of the Union forces. It joined in the
pursuit for twenty-two miles, but not finding the enemy, the
command returned to Fredericktown.
The Eighth and Eleventh Regiments were the only Wisconsin
organizations in Missouri in 1861, except the company of
" Milwaukee Cavalry."
The plan of the campaign for 1862, in the Western Depart-
ment, was a military and naval expedition to proceed from St.
Louis and Cairo, down the Mississippi River. For this purpose
the gunboats were originally constructed. They were found of
sufficient light draft to navigate the Cumberland and Tennessee
rivers. The expedition down the Mississippi was suspended to
admit of the reduction of Forts Henry and Donelson, which
was accomplished early in February, and the enemy was com-
pelled to fall back along his whole line. Nashville soon after
was in possession of the National forces, and Columbus, on the
Mississippi, was evacuated, the enemy moving his military sup-
plies down the river, and making a stand at Island No. 10. This
was the situation in Western Kentucky and Tennessee in the
latter part of February. General Ilalleck was in command of
the department, with headquarters at St. Louis. The army in
the field was under the command of General Grant.
At the beginning of 1862, Wisconsin had but two regiments
in the field in this department, the Eighth and Eleventh, both
of which camped during the winter near Sulphur Springs, in the
neighborhood of St. Louis, A company of cavalry had been
sent from Wisconsin in the fall of 1861, under Captain Yon
Deutsch, which had been incorporated into a Missouri regiment
of cavalry, and was on duty in the State of Missouri.
The Ninth, Twelfth and Thirteenth regiments were sent in
January to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The Fourteenth, Fif-
teenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth and Eighteenth Infantry, First,
Second and Third Cavalry, and Batteries No. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10
were sent to St. Louis in March, and the Twelfth Battery in
Aprih These were distributed as follows: — The Fourteenth,
Sixteenth and Eighteenth Infantry were sent with the expedition
of General Grant to Pittsburg Landing late in March, the Fif-
teenth was sent to garrison Bird's Point, opposite Cairo, on the
ISLAND NUMBER TEN. 381
Missouri side ; the Seventeentli remained in St. Louis till after
tlie battle of Sliiloh, when it was also sent to Pittsburg Landing.
The First Cavalry was sent to Cape Girardeau, the Second
Cavalry to Springfield, Mo., the Third Cavalry to Fort Leaven-
worth. The Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Batteries were sent to
General Pope's command at New Madrid and Island ISTo. 10.
The Eighth and Ninth P)atteries were sent to Fort Leavenworth,
the Tenth and Twelfth to Corinth, Miss.
The battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., was fought by General Curtis
on the 6th and 7th of March. Wisconsin had one company in
this battle, the " Milwaukee Cavalry," under Captain Lehman.
On the 14th of March, a formidable expedition moved from
Cairo, down the Mississippi River, consisting of gunboats and
mortar boats. Its object was to cooperate with General Pope iu
the reduction of the rebel works at Island No. 10 and New
Madrid. Two transports accompanied the expedition, on which
w^ere conveyed the Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry and six com-
panies of the Fifteenth "Wisconsin, Colonel Heg. The remaining
companies joined the regiment the last of March.
Island No. 10 is situated in a bend of the Mississippi River, a
few miles from New Madrid. The bombardment of Island No.
10 commenced on the 16th of March, and continued until the 7tli
of April. A canal was cut across a bend of the river, four miles,
by which boats could be placed below the enemy's position.
In February, General Pope marched with an army of forty
thousand men, and arrived at New Madrid on the 3d of March,
and found the place defended by five regiments of infantry and
several companies of artillery. Two earthworks, one mounting
fourteen and the other seven guns, connected by lines of intrench-
ments, were found, and six gunboats carrying from four to eight
heavj^ guns each were anchored along the shore, between the
upper and lower earthworks. The river was very high, and the
guns of the boats ranged directly over the bank, thus command-
ing the approaches to the town for miles with guns of heavy
calibre.
His first step was to occupy Point Pleasant, twelve miles below
New Madrid. The Eighth Wisconsin, Colonel Murphy, was
stationed near Point Pleasant, in the command of General Plum-
mer. The men composing the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Batteries
382 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
were employed in the working of heavy guns in battery on
the bank of the river during the attack on New Madrid.
These guns were received from Cairo on the 12th, and were
placed within eight hundred yards of the main rebel works.
Opening fire on the 13th, the enemy replied from land and
water. Several of the gunboats were disabled, and three of the
heavy guns dismounted on the main work. Convinced that he
could not hold the town, the Confederate commander evacuated
the place during the night, in a storm, and crossed over to the
Kentucky shore, leaving nearly everything behind — twenty-
three pieces of artillery, magazines, fixed ammunition, and a
large amount of general army supplies, including horses, mules,
wagons, etc., sufficient for an army of ten thousand men.
Possessing these works, General Pope commanded the river
so as to cut off" all communication with Island No. 10. In order
to cut oif the retreat of the rebels from Island No. 10, it was
necessary that General Pope's army should cross the river into
Tennessee. To do this, the canal was cut as above stated, and
the boats were drawn through by hand. The gunboats Caron-
delet and Pittsburg succeeded in running by the rebel batteries,
and assisted in the crossing of General Pope's forces. As soon
as that was accomplished, the enemy evacuated the island and
the batteries on the Kentucky shore. The Confederate force was
driven back by General Pope until they reached the swamps,
when they were forced to surrender. About 5000 prisoners were
taken, and an immense amount of commissary stores, etc., and also
eleven earth works, with seventy heavy cannon, from 32 to 100
pounders. The works possessed great strength, and exhibited
the highest degree of engineering skill. The canal was cut
through about four miles, under the superintendence of Colonel
Bissel, by an engineer regiment. The Eighth Wisconsin crossed
the river with General Pope's forces, and the Fifteenth Regiment
was left as guard on Island No. 10, Colonel Heg having been
appointed to command the post.
The gunboats and mortar boats, under Commodore Foote, con-
tinued down the river, capturing the rebel forts on the way, de-
feating the rebel fleet near Memphis, and taking possession of
that city. Wisconsin had no troops engaged in this movement.
BATTLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING. 383
An expedition up the Tennessee river, under General G rant, was
fitted out, consisting of fifty-seven steamers and two gunl)oats to
transport and convey the troops. It consisted of five divisions,
each composed of infantry, cavalry and artillery. The first divis-
ion was under command of General W. T. Sherman, second,
under General Ilurlbut, third, under General McClernand, fourth,
under General Lew Wallace, and fifth under Colonel Launian.
The transports began to arrive at Savannah on the lltli of
March. The Tyler and Lexington gunboats were sent up the
river to Eastport, forty miles above Savannah, to reconnoitre.
The enemy were found constructing fortifications, and in consid-
erable force. The rebels were concentrating in and around Co-
rinth, Miss., which was a great railroad junction and crossing.
The K'atioual army landed from the transports at Savannah, and
advanced seven miles to Pittsburg Landing. Corinth, where the
rebel force was concentrated, was eighteen miles from Pittsburg
Landing. General Grant's forces lay two or three miles out on
the road to Corinth ; the advance line was composed of Generals
Sherman's, Prentiss' and McClernand's divisions ; between them
and the Landing were the divisions of Generals Hurlbut and
Wallace ; General Prentiss' division occupied the advance posi
tion on the Corinth road. But little preparation had been made
for any defence in case of attack, although the position was an
exposed one.
The information that Buell was marching to join General Grant,
determined the rebels to attack before he should arrive. Beau-
regard accordingly advanced early in the morning of the 6th of
April, driving in the pickets of General Prentiss, which were com-
posed, in part, of three or four companies of the Sixteenth Wis-
consin, which regiment, with the Eighteenth Wisconsin, was
brigaded in General Prentiss' division. The onslaught of the
rebels was so overwhelming that they appeared in Prentiss' camps
as soon as the pickets. General Prentiss fell back, with his forces
fighting from position to position, till finally the rebels succeeded
in nearly surrounding him, when, considering further resistance
useless, he surrendered with about two thousand of his men,
among them nearly two hundred of the Eighteenth Wisconsin,
whose colonel and major were amongst the killed. The Six-
teenth also suflered very severely, although it fought through the
384 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
first day and part of the next. The full details of the battle of
Shiloh are interesting, but we confine our narrative to the portion
where our Wisconsin regiments were engaged.
The Fourteenth Wisconsin, Colonel Wood, was at Savannah
during the fight on Sunday, but came up during the night, and
were temporarily placed in the brigade of Colonel Smith, of
Kentucky. They fought splendidly during the second day of
the fight. General Buell's forces arrived at the Landing on the
evening of the 6th, and took a prominent part in the battle of
the next day, in which the enemy was completely routed and
driven into his intrenchments at Corinth.
General Halleck arrived a few days after the battle, to take
command of the army. The state of the roads delayed for some
days any movement of importance. General Pope arrived at
Pittsburg Landing on tlie 22d of April, with 25,000 troops. Gen-
eral Grant 's army formed the right wing. General Buell's the
centre, and General Pope's the left wing. On the 8th of May,
General Halleck' s army of 108,000 men were within eight miles
of Corinth.
General Paine was sent to Farmington with his division, on
the 3d of May, and encountered a force of 4,500 Confederates,
who were attacked and defeated, with a loss of 30 killed, and
200 prisoners. The Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and the Fifth
Wisconsin Battery, took part in this battle.
Corinth was invested by General Halleck's forces, who ad-
vanced very slowly, so that it was the 30th of May, before the
advanced guard was able to occupy it. The enemy had evacu-
ated the position after removing all his troops, and an immense
amount of stores. In the siege of Corinth, the Eighth, Six-
teenth, Seventeenth, and Eighteenth Wisconsin regiments, and
the Fifth and Sixth batteries took part. The retreating rebels
were pursued by a portion of General Pope's command, as far as
Baldwin and Guntown, where the pursuit terminated on the
10th of June. General Halleck was called to Washing'ton to
act as General in Chief, and General Pope to the command of
the Army of Virginia, near Washington, in the month of July,
and General Grant was appointed to the command of the
Department of West Tennessee.
BATTLE OF CORINTH. 385
The rebels made no furtlicr demonstration in tliat section until
September,\vhen tliej^ advanced on Tuscumbia,wliicli was occupied
by the Second Brigade, of General Stanley's division, command-
ed by Colonel Murphy of the Eighth Wisconsin. On their
advance, Colonel Murphy evacuated the place, and retired thii-ty
miles to luka. Here Colonel Murphy was attacked on the 12th, and
compelled to evacuate the place on the 14th, retiring to Farmington.
The battle of luka was fought on the 19th of September, b}^
General Hamilton, and Generals Price and Van Dorn were com-
pletely routed. The Eighth Wisconsin, and Twelfth Wisconsin
Battery were present at this battle.
The next movement of the rebels was on Corinth. Immedi-
ately after the battle of luka, the rebel Generals Price and Van
Dorn, perfected their arrangements for an assault on Corinth,
and on the 3d of October, they made a simultaneous attack on
the whole Federal line. General Kosecrans was in command
at Corinth, and had for several days, been occupied in making
preparations to receive the rebels. The old rebel fortifications
were made use of in some particulars. The rebels came on in
a wedge like form at an impetuous charge. They extended to
the right and left, and approached, covering the whole ground.
In the meantime the Federal batteries were sweeping their ranks
with a terrible fire. Without stopping, the ranks closed up
and the mass moved on, insensible to fear and the terrible fire,
until they reached Rosecrans' headquarters. A portion of General
Davies' division falling back in disorder. Fort Richardson was in
danger of falling into their hands, when the Fifty-sixth Illinois,
rising from cover in a ravine, fired a deadly volley, and with a
shout, made a charge, which the foe in their front could not
withstand, and they accordingly fled. On the left General Van
Dorn made the attack, which was bloody and desperate. He
was finally repulsed. General Hamilton, of Wisconsin, com-
manded on the right of the Union army. By his skill, and the
judicious management of his troops. General Hamilton was in-
strumental in defeating the rebels, and driving tljem from their
position in the town, which they had succeeded in reaching dur-
ing the first day's fight, by the discomfiture of Davies' troops in
the centre. His troops on the second day, fought gallantly,
defeating the rebels at all points.
25
386 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Ill this battle, the Eighth, Fourteenth, Sixteenth, Seven-
teenth, and Eighteenth Wisconsin infantry regiments, and the
Sixth, Tenth and Twelfth batteries were engaged.
The Confederates retreated by the Chewalla road, crossing the
Tnscumbia River at Pocahontas. They sent a force to Hatchie
Bridge, to protect it. Generals Ord and Hurlbut moved down
and encountered this detachment and defeated it, capturing a
large number of prisoners and twelve guns.
On the 4th of ISTovember, General Grant's forces advanced
from Jackson and Bolivar, to LaGrange, three miles east of
Grand Junction, the rebels rallying at Cold "Water and Holly
Springs. On the 28th, General Hamilton's corps moved in the
direction of Holly Springs, and entered it on the 29th. Gen-
eral Grant's forces soon after encamped at Lumpkin's Mills,
seven miles north of the Tallahatchie River. The Confederate
force had retired to that stream. Fortifications were erected,
but through fear of being attacked in the rear by General Curtis,
General Van Born, on the 1st of Becember, abandoned the
position, and retired further south. On the 4th, General Grant's
headquarters were at Oxford, and the main body at Abbeville.
The rebels fell back towards Grenada. An expedition from
Helena, under General A. P. Hovey, moved from that place on the
2Tth of IsTovember, to operate on the Tallahatchie. In this
movement a portion of the Second Wisconsin cavalry was en-
gaged under Colonel AYashburn, defeating a cavalry force near
Oakland, killing five, and wounding several, and taking fifty
prisoners.
An attack was made by Van Born in General Grant's rear,
to cut off his supplies. On the 20th of Becember, a cavalry
force surprised Holly Springs, thirty miles north of Grant's head-
quarters, and took the garrison prisoners. The immense stores
for Grant's army were destroj'ed besides a large quantity of cot-
ton. For surrendering this post. Colonel Murphy of the Eighth
Wisconsin, who was in command at the time, was cashiered.
Similar attacks were made along the line of the railroad from
Columbus to Corinth, in order to cut off Grant's supplies. As a
consequence, General Grant fell back to Holly Springs.
Tbe object of General Grant in making a southward movement
at this time, was to reach Jackson in the rear of Vicksburg,
BATTLE OF BAYOU CACHE. 387
while General Sherman shonld descend the Mississippi to attack
Yickshurg. Forces were collecting at Cairo and Memphis at the
close of the year, for the expedition down the river under Gen-
eral Sherman. General Grant, however, was obliged to abandon
the idea of getting in the rear of Vicksburg by the route he at
first contemplated, because of the severance of his communica-
tions, and the destruction of his supplies at Holly Springs, on
the 20th of December. A division of his troops, however,
were sent to General Sherman frc^m Ilolty Springs.
In March, of 1862, an expedition left the south part of the
State of Missouri under General Steele, to march south into
Arkansas, to make a conjunction with General Curtis, who was
to march from the northwest corner of the State to Helena. In
this expedition under General Steele, the Eleventh was attached
to the brigade of Colonel Ilovey. Marching by way of Black
River to Batesville and Jacksonport, on White River, and pass-
ing Augusta, the Eleventh Regiment participated in a severe
fight with the rebels near Bayou Cache, losing four killed, and
twenty wounded. The expedition succeeded in reaching Helena
on the 11th of July, having passed through an unhealthy country
difficult to traverse, and subsisting much of the time on half
rations.
A "Great Southwestern Expedition" was projected to start
from Leavenworth, Kansas, under the command of General Jim
Lane. In this expedition, the Ninth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth
"Wisconsin Infantry, and the Eighth Battery were engaged.
They marched to Fort Scott, where they remained a short time,
and returned to Kansas on the abandonment of the expedition.
The ■N'inth Regiment was afterwards attached to the " Indian
Expedition," and was subsequently posted in Missouri, where it
performed important services during the year 1862. The Twelfth
and Thirteenth Wisconsin, were transferred to Tennessee in the
summer of 1862. The Third Cavalry was placed on duty in
Kansas, and was attached to the " Army of the Frontier," under
General Blunt.
The Twentieth Wisconsin was sent to Missouri in August, of
1862, and joined General Herron's brigade in the Army of the
Frontier, and did splendid service at the Battle of Prairie Grove,
in Arkansas, on the 6th of December, as also did the ISTinth
388 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
"Wisconsin, and a portion of the Second and Third Wisconsin
cavahy.
In September, 1861, an expedition was projected to take pos-
session of Ship Island, as a point in the gulf of Mexico, f6r the
concentration of a force, ultimately designed to cooperate with
the fleet under Commodore Farragut, for the capture? of New
Orleans. General Butler was authorized to enlist troops for this
expedition soon after his return from the expedition to Hatteras
Inlet. After much delay, the first troops were embarked at Bos-
ton, on the 19th of November, on transports, arriving at Ship
Island on the 3d of December.
Additional troops were sent from- time to time, during the
winter, until a force was accumulated sufficient to begin the
campaign against New Orleans. Among these troops was the
Fourth Wisconsin Regiment which embarked from Newport
News, on the 6th of March, 1862, and arrived at Ship Island on
the 12th.
In February, Captain Farragut arrived at Ship Island, com-
missioned to the command of the blockading squadron of the
Gulf, and was specially charged with the reduction of the forts
below New Orleans, in conjunction with General Butler, who
had been appointed to the command of the Department of the
Gulf. A fleet of bomb vessels under command of D. D. Porter,
was placed under his control, with which his fleet were to
cooperate, sailing up the Mississippi River, reducing the defences
which the rebels might have erected to dispute the passage, and
appearing before New Orleans, to take possession of it under the
guns of his fleet, and to keep possession of it until the troops
should arrive. AVithout entering into the particulars of the
expedition, we here state that forts St. Philip and Jackson, were
passed by the fleet, and New Orleans taken possession of on
the 25th of April. The Forts surrendered on the 29th. Gen-
eral Butler was placed in command, and held possession,
and the fleet proceeded up the river to Baton Rouge and
Natchez. The advance of the fleet reached Vicksburg on
the 18th of May, and demanded its surrender, whicli was
received with a defiant refusal. Troops arrived under the com-
mand of General Williams, among whom were the Fourth Wis-
consin Regiment, Colonel Paine. After a week's bombardment.
FIRST ATTACK ON VICKSBURG. 389
tins expedition was abandoned, and the fleet and transports
moved down tlie river to Baton Rouge. On the 16th of June,
the fleet, mortar boats and troops again ascended the river to
Vicksburg, and a second bombardment was commenced gn the
26th of June.
The main part of the fleet succeeded in passing by the batteries
at Vicksburg and got above the city. The hxnd force was found
to be insuthcient to cooperate in the attack. An expedition
went up the Yazoo River, consisting of the gunboats Carondelet
and Tyler, and the ram Queen of tlie West, strengthened by
sharpshooters from the army. At the mouth of the river the
rebel ram Arkansas was encountered, and a fierce fight ensued.
A shell from the enemy fell on board the Tyler, and exploded
killing Captain Lynn, of Compan}^ I, Fourth Wisconsin, and
five others belonging to the regiment, they having been detached
in a squad of twenty to act as sharpshooters on the gunboat.
The attack on Vicksburg was finally abandoned on account of
the low water which impeded the operations of the heavy draft
vessels of the fleet.
General Williams commenced a canal across the " Cutoff"," but
finally abandoned the project. The fleet returned to ISTew Orleans
and the Fourth Regiment remained at Baton Rouge where it
took part in the battle with the forces of Breckenridge, on the
5th of August. On the evacuation of the place on the 21st of
August, the regiment returned to the vicinity of 'New Orleans,
remaining there until December, when it moved with General
Banks' army, and again took possession of Baton Rouge.
The most important operation in 1863, in the Western Depart-
ment, was the capture of Vicksburg by the forces of General
Grant, on the 4th of July. This event was really the turning
point in the fortunes of the Confederacy, We have before
stated that the original project of General Grant was to march
to Jackson, Mississippi in the rear of Vicksburg, while General
Sherman attacked the place from the Mississippi River. The
disaster at Holly Springs, by which all the supplies of his army
fell into the Jiands of the enemy, frustrated this plan and com-
pelled him to fall back to secure his communications. This left
the Confederate General Pemberton to concentrate his forces at
A'icksburg to resist General Sherman. The difficulties surrounding
390 MILITARY HISTOBT OF WISCONSIN.
the army of General Grant, in West Tennessee, growing out
of the rainy season, the destruction of the raih'oads, and the
impossibility of making an advance on that line, without adequate
supplies in the rear, induced General Grant to withdraw his
forces for the purpose of joining General Sherman in his attack
on Vickshurg. A division of his army was sent to General
Sherman in December.
General Sherman commenced his movement on Yicksburg on
the 20th of December, 1862. Embarking with one division, he
dropped down to Friar's Point, below Helena, the place of ren-
dezvous, where he was joined by Admiral Porter in his flagship,
with two gunboats to act as convoy. The main body of the naval
force was at the mouth of the Yazoo Kiver. Troops from
Helena also arrived. Embarking next day, the expedition ar-
rived at the mouth of the Yazoo River, twelve miles above
Vicksburg. Moving up the Yazoo, the troops were landed at
different points from the mouth of Old River to Johnson's Farm.
It was the design of General Sherman to attack Yicksburg in the
rear. The bluffs on which Vicksburg is built extend from a
little below the city in a northerly direction to the Yazoo River
terminating in Haines' Bluff, about twelve miles above the
town. They were fortified their whole length. A short distance
above where the troops landed, the Chickasaw Bayou puts out
from the river at nearly right angles until it approaches the
bluffs, where it turns and follows their base until it empties into
the Mississippi, just above Vicksburg. The bottom land of the
Yazoo is covered with a dense growth of cypress, interspersed
with heavy undergrowth, though much of it is quite clear. The
force of General Sherman consisted of four divisions under
Generals Morgan, M. L. Smith, A. J. Smith, and Steele. To the
division of General Morgan, the First "Wisconsin Battery, Cap-
tain Foster, was attached and took part in the expedition. The
Twenty-third Wisconsin was also present in the line of battle.
The enemy's works were attacked by a portion of the force
under General Blair. The unexpected strength of the position
of the enemy, and the failure of General Grant to attack in the
rear, while Sherman moved in front, disconcerted the whole plau
as originally made. The causes of General Grant's failure we have
before stated. The force of General Sherman was considered
BATTLE OF ARKANSAS POST. 391
sufficient to assault the rebel works on the crest, but it was
thought that they could not hold it. General Sherman therefore,
withdrew his forces, and on the 2d of January, 1863, embarked,
and moved down to the mouth of the Yazoo, where General
McClernand had arrived with forces from Cairo.
A new department had been created called the " Department
of the Mississippi," and General McClernand appointed to its
command. General Sherman relinquished his command of the
right wing of the " Army of the Tennessee," as his army had
before been known, and General McClernand assumed command
of the " Army of the Mississippi," which was composed of the
two army corps of Generals Sherman and Morgan.
An expedition had been planned by General Sherman, with
the cooperation of the gunboats, against Arkansas Post, or Fort
Hindman. General McClernand, Sherman's successor, approved
of the enterprise. On the 9th of January, three ironclads, with
the light draft gunboats, moved up the White River, followed by
a fleet of transports. Among the forces engaged in this expedi-
tion, was the Twenty-third Wisconsin, Colonel Guppy, and the
First Wisconsin Battery. Ascending aboat fifteen miles, the
fleet passed through the " Cut-ofl:'," which unites the waters of the
White with Arkansas River, about eight miles in length. Near
the junction with the Arkansas, is the fort known as " Arkansas
Post," or Fort Hindman.
The troops were under the command of General McClernand,
who informed the fleet that the army was ready to move at noon,
on the 11th of January, and a joint attack was made. The gun-
boats approached the fort, which opened upon them. The fire
was returned by the fleet, with the assistance of the field batte-
ries, among which the right section of the First Wisconsin Bat-
tery, under Lieutenant Webster, did splendid service. While
this cannonading was proceeding, the fort was invested by the
land forces and a severe engagement ensued. The Twenty-third
Wisconsin was in the engagement, behaving admirably, and re-
ceiving the thanks of their division and brigade commanders.
The fight continued until 4, P. M., when the rebels raised a
white flag. A rush was made to occupy the fort and the
surrender was complete.
392 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Soon after the capture of Arkansas Post, an expedition of liglit
draft steamers, under tlie command of General Gorman, was
sent up the White River over a hundred miles, capturing the
towns of Des Arc and Duvall's Bluffs. Des Arc was a small
town about fifty miles northeast of Little Rock. Duvall's Bluff",
a little below, on White River, was the station of a Confederate
camp, protected by earthworks. St. Charles, another town on the
river, between Arkansas Post and Duvall's Bluff", was captured,
and the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin, Colonel Lewis, was left -in
charge of the post, while the expedition proceeded to Duvall's
Bluff", in which the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, Colonel Gill, took
part.
General ]McClernand returned with a portion of his troops to
Napoleon, where he was met, on the 18th of January, by General
Grant, and future movements were arranged in consultations
wuth General Sherman and others. General McClernand imme-
diately ordered a concentration of his forces at Young's Point,
which is about nine miles above Vicksburg, on the western side
of the Mississippi River, and nearly opposite the mouth of the
Yazoo.
The army of General Grant, which had been concentrated at
Memphis, was transported to Young's Point on the 20th of
January, General Grant arriving on the 2d of February, and
assuming command. The Army of the Tennessee had reached
Young's Point, except General Logan's division and the troops
occupying the posts in West Tennessee.
On investigation, General Grant arrived at the conclusion that
Vicksburg could only be turned from the south side, and accord-
ingly ordered work to commence on the canal begun by General
Williams the year before, at the first attempt to capture the city.
The high water prevented the final completion of this project,
and it was ultimately abandoned.
Soon after commencing this work, General Grant caused a
canal to be cut from the Mississippi into Lake Providence, on
the west side of the river, with the idea that a practicable route
by Bayou Baxter and Bayou Macon, to the Tensas, Wachita and
Rod rivers, might be established, which would enable him to
cooperate with General Banks. Another channel was cut from
the Mississippi, on the east side, into the Coldwater River, by
YAZOO PASS EXPEDITION. 393
the Yazoo Pass. From the Coklwater, he expected to get into
the Tallahatchie, from thence into the Yazoo River, where the
enemy had a number of transports and also gunboats building.
These he proposed to destroy, by sending an expedition in light
gunboats and transports.
This " Yazoo Pass Expedition," as it is known in history, was
to be composed of McPherson's Se^^enteenth Army Corps and a
division each from the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Army Corps. A
sufficient number of light draft boats could not be found, and
the expedition was reduced to one division only from the Thir-
teenth Army Corps, commanded by Brigadier General Poss, and
two Missouri regiments as sharpshooters. In this expedition,
the Twenty-eighth and Twenty-ninth Wisconsin regiments of
infantr}^ and Twelfth Wisconsin battery were engaged. The
expedition penetrated to the Coklwater, from thence to Fort Pem-
berton, with no great difficulty in the navigation. Fort Pember-
ton extends from the Tallahatchie to the Yazoo river. The sur-
rounding grounds were overflowed, and no movement of the
troops could take place. The gunboats were unable to silence
the guns of Fort Pemberton, and after several hours trial, they
withdrew. General Quimby, after this, took command, and the
expedition finally withdrew, without effecting its object, and the
forces operating in that direction were ordered to concentrate at
Miliken's Bend. While the above expedition was in progress,
another expedition, under Admiral Porter, attempted to reach
Fort Pemberton, up the Yazoo River to Cypress Bayou, thence
to Steele's Bayou, through Cypress Lake to Little Black Fork,
thence into Deer Creek. This expedition failed for the want of
sufficient knowledge of what would be required to open the
route. With this expedition. General Sherman was sent with
one division of troops. This is known as the " Steele's Bayou
Expedition."
The plan of transporting the troops past the batteries of Vicks-
burg, by means of the canal across the Bend having been
defeated, and it being de?med impossible for the transports to
run the batteries by the river. General Grant endeavored to find
some other means of transit through the bayous between Miliken's
Bend and Carthage. Men were set to work, and three di-cdge
boats were used, so that the work progressed rapidly. One
394 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
small steamer and several barges were taken througli tlie channel
tlius opened, but the river, about the middle of April, began to
fall, and the roads becoming passable between Miliken's Bend
and ISTew Carthage, made it impracticable and unnecessary to
open water communication between these points. As soon as
General Grant determined to open water communication with
New Carthage, he concluded to occupy that place, it being the
first point below Vicksburg which could be reached by land.
The Thirteenth Army Corps, under General McClernand, was
accordingly ordered to take up its line of march on the 29th day
of March, for New Carthage, to be followed by the Fifteenth
and Seventeenth Army Corps, moving no faster than supplies
and ammunition could be transported to them. The roads,
though level, were exceedingly bad, and the movement was, there-
fore, necessarily slow. Arriving within two miles of New Carth-
age, it was found that the levee of Bayou Yidal was broken up in
several places, and that New Carthage was an island. Boats
could not be had in sufficient numbers to cross the bayou, and a
new route, therefore, had to be found. A further march of
twelve miles was made around the bayou, to Perkins' Plantation,
making a distance of thirty-five miles from Miliken's Bend, to
reach water communication on the opposite side. Over this
distance, with bad roads, ordnance stores and provisions had to
be hauled in wagons, with which to commence the campaign on
the opposite side of the river.
As these movements were being made by land, three trans-
ports were run past the batteries. They were struck by the rebel
shots, but two of them passed through safely, the other was set
on fire by a rebel shell and burnt. Six more transports were
runpastthe batteries, five of them successfully, although somewhat
damaged, the other was sunk by a rebel shot. These boats were
manned by volimteers from the army. Twelve barges, loaded
with forage and rations, were sent down, attached to these six
transports, one-half of which got through in a condition fit to be
used.
The route of travel had to be extended to Hard Times, which
by the circuitous route, it was necessary to take, increased the
distance to seventy miles. The Thirteenth Army Corps being
through to the Mississippi, as much of it as could be, was
BATTLE OF PORT GIBSON. 395
embarked on the transports and barges, and moved down to tbe
front of Grand Gulf, on tbe 29tb of April, The gunboats were
to silence tlie guns of the enemy, and the troops were to land
under cover of the gunboats, and carry the place by storm.
The navy made tbe attack at 8 o'clock, A. M., and kept it up
for more than five hours, in the most gallant manner. It became
evident to General Grant, who witnessed the contest from a tug
boat, that the fortifications were too strong to be taken from the
water side, he therefore, determined again to run the enemy's
batteries, and turn his position by landing at Bruinsburg or
Rodney, still further below. Orders were given for the troops
to debark at Hard Times, in Louisiana, and march across to the
point immediately below Grand Gulf, An attack was again
made by the gunboats, and all the transports run by, receiving
but two or three shots in the passage, and these without injury.
General Grant had learned from a negro, that a good road
existed from Bruinsburg to Port Gibson, he accordingly deter-
ined to land there. The Thirteentb Corps was ferried across to
Bruinsburg next day, the gunboats and transports being uSed
for that purpose. As soon as landed, being furnished with three
days' rations, they started for Port Gibson, General Grant deem-
ing it of vast importance that the highlands should be reached
without resistance. The Seventeenth Corps followed as rapidly
as possible.
The Eleventh "Wisconsin, Colonel Harris, Twenty-third Wis-
consin, Colonel Guppy, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, Colonel Gill,
were brigaded in the Thirteenth Army Corps. Tbe Eleventh
and Twenty-ninth, took part in the battle at Port Gibson; the
division in which the Twenty-third was brigaded, was held in
reserve until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The Twenty-ninth was
highly complimented for its gallantry in this its first engagement.
The First Wisconsin Battery was also engaged at Port Gibson.
The Sixth and Twelfth Wisconsin Batteries were also attached
to the Thirteenth Corps. The Fourteenth, Seventeenth and
Eigbteenth Wisconsin Infantry were attached to the Seventeenth
Corps, General McPherson.
About 2 o'clock, on the 1st of May, the advance of the enemy
was met eight miles from Bruinsburg, on the road to Port Gib-
son, and was forced to fall back. The enemy had taken possession
396 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of the forks of the road leading to Port Gibson. The nature
of the ground was such that a small force could retard the pro-
gress of a much larger one for many hours. The divisions of
Hovey, Carr, and Smith, succeeded in driving the enemy from
position to position, back towards Port Gibson steadily all day,
Osterhaus on the left, was unable to force the enemy back, until
reinforced by General Smith's brigade of Logan's division of the
Seventeenth Army Corps, when a position was obtained which
soon drove the enemy from that part of the field.
Sleeping on their arms during the night, it was found the next
morning, that the enemy had retreated across Bayou Pierre, on
the Grand Gulf road, and a brigade of Logan's division was sent
to divert his attention, while a bridge was being built across the
Bayou. Tliis being completed, McPherson's corps marched
eight miles to the north fork of the Bayou, that stream being
also bridged, the Seventeenth Army Corps passed over, the next
morning. On the 3d the enemy were pursued to Hawkinson's
Ferry, with sligl\t skirmishing all day, in which many prisoners
were taken.
General Grant being notified of the evacuation of Grand Gulf,
with a cavalry escort of twenty men, returned to that place and
made it his base of supplies.
In order to divert the attention of the enemy from General
Grant's movements near Grand Gulf, General Sherman, with
his Fifteenth Corps, was ordered to make a demonstration on
Haines' Blufi:', north of Vicksburg. This was done, and the
rebels were kept well employed on that side of the city, La the
Fifteenth Corps, the Eighth Wisconsin was located.
General Grant's intentions was to collect all his forces at
Grand Gulf, and accumulate an ample supply of provisions and
ordnance stores before moving, and to detach an army corps
to cooperate with General Banks, and unite in the reduction
of Port Hudson, which being accomplished, that Genex'al would
be able to join him with 12,000 men. He however, had leax'ned
that the enemy were expecting troops from other States to con-
gregate at Jackson, under the command of Beauregard, which
would not permit of the delay necessary to the capture of Port
Hudson. General Grant therefore determined to move forward
at once. Waiting at Hawkinson's Ferry for wagons, supplies,
BATTLE OF JACKSON. 397
and General Sherman's corps to join him, demonstrations were
made so as to deceive the enemy as to the route which lie
intended to pursue. The Fifteenth Corps joined General Grant
on the 7th of May.
On the 7tli of May, McPherson's corps began the advance,
keeping the road nearest Bhack River to Rocky^ Springs, McClern-
and's corps keeping the Ridge Road from Willow Springs, and
Sherman following with his corps divided on the two roads. The
ferries were closely guarded. The destination of McClernand's
and Sherman's corps was a point on the railroad from Yicksburg
to Jackson, between Edwai'ds' Station and Bolton, McPherson
was to move by way of Utica to Raymond, and from there to
Jackson, destroying the railroad, telegraph, and public stores.
McPherson met the enemy near Raymond, and after several
hours hard fighting, drove him with heavy loss in killed, wounded
and prisoners. The Twelfth Wisconsin Battery was in this fight
at Raymond.
The enemy retreated towards Jackson, where it was reported
that reinforcements,were daily arriving, and that General John-
ston was to take command. General Grant, therefore, deter-
mined to capture Jackson, and destroy the force there, and thus
prevent reinforcements reaching General Pemberton, who was
cooped up in Yicksburg. He accordingly changed his orders to
Sherman and McClernand, and their army corps were put en
route for that place. The latter named General moved to a
point near Raymond, while Sherman and McPherson proceeded
with their forces to attack Jackson. On the 14th of May, after
marching fourteen miles, they came in contact with the enemy
near that place, about 12 o'clock, M.
McClernand occupied Clinton with one division, Mississippi
Springs with another, Raymond with a third, and his Fourth
Division, and Blair's division of Sherman's corps, with a wagon
train in the rear, were near I^ew Auburn, while McArthur, with
one brigade of his division of McPherson's corps, was moving
towards Raymond on the Utica road. These forces were to be
held as supports in case the resistance at Jackson should prove
obstinate.
The enemy marched out about two and a -half miles, and
engaged McPherson's corps. The strength of the enemy was
398 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
soon ascertained by Sherman's sconts, and skirmishers drove
the enemy to their rifle pits just outside the city. Two divisions
of McPherson's corps engaged the main force of the enemy.
The discovery of their weakness by General Sherman induced
the enemy to retreat from that part of the line in his front. On
entering the city, it was found that the main body of the enemy
had retreated north, after a heavy engagement of two hours with
McPherson's corps, in which they were badly beaten, and were
pursued until night. The Eighth and Eighteenth "Wisconsin
Infantry and Sixth Wisconsin Battery were engaged in the attack
on Jackson.
During the evening, a bearer of dispatches from Johnston to
Pemberton was captured, on whom was found an order from
Johnston to the latter general, instructing him peremptorily to
march out from Vicksburg and attack the rear of General Grant's
forces. General Grant immediately ordered Generals McCler-
nand and Blair, of Sherman's corps, to face their troops towards
Bolton, with a view to reaching Edwards' Station, marching on
different roads converging near Bolton. McPherson was ordered
to retrace his steps early on the morning of the 15th, on the
Clinton road. Sherman was left at Jackson to finish the destruc-
tion of everything valuable to the enemy. The Eighth Regiment
acted as provost guard. Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson being
appointed Provost Marshal.
On the 15th, General McClernand was ordered to move his
corps early next morning towards Edwards' Station, with a view
to feel the enemy, but not to bring on an engagement, unless he
was confident he could defeat them. Blair was also ordered to
move with him.
From information received from prisoners, it was ascertained
that Pemberton's force amounted to 25,000 men. General Grant
also ascertained the position of the enemy, and his intention to
attack the rear of his army. General Sherman's whole force at
Jackson was sent for, to move with all possible speed until he
came up with the main force at Bolton. His advance division
was in motion in one hour from the time of receiving the dis-
patch. Blair was instructed to push forward with his division in
the direction of Edwards' Station with all possible dispatch.
BATTLE OF CHAMPION HILLS. 399
McPherson was ordered forward at 5.40, A. M., to join McCler-
nand. At the crossing of the Jackson and Vicksburg Raih-oad
with the road from Raymond to Bolton, McPherson, with his
pioneers, were engaged in rebuilding a bridge, when General
Grant overtook him, and finding the road blocked with Hovey's
division train, peremptorily ordered all quartermasters and
wagonmasters to draw their teams to one side and make room
for the passage of troops. This done, McPherson's corps resum-
ed their march. At the front, Hovey's division of the Thirteenth
Army Corps was at a halt, with his skirmishers and the enemy's
pickets near each other. Hovey was bringing his troops into
line ready for battle when General Grant appeared on the ground,
and took a surve}" of affairs. The enemy had taken up a very
strong position on a narrow ridge, his left resting on a height
where the road makes a sharp turn to the left approaching
Vicksburg. The top of the ridge and the precipitous hillside to
the left of the road were covered b}?^ a dense forest and under-
growth. To the right of the road the timber extended a short
distance down the hill and it then opened into cultivated fields on
a gentle slope and into a valley extending for a considerable dis-
tance. On the road and in the wooded ravine and on the hillside,
Hovey's division was disposed for the attack. McPherson's two
divisions — all of his corps with him on the march from Miliken's
Bend, until Ransom's brigade arrived that day, after the battle —
were thrown to the right of the road.
McClernand was advancing with four divisions, but was yet
some two and a-half miles to the left of Hovey's division. The
commanding general sent couriers to hurry him up. The battle,
however, began in earnest about 11 o'clock, and was fought alone
by Hovey's division for some time, but the enemy being found
too strong for him. General Grant sent two brigades of Crocker's
division of McPherson's corps to his aid. Logan's division was
also aiding Hovey in the attack, and getting to the enemy's rear,
compelled him to retreat, after a terrible contest of several hours,
with a heavy loss of killed, wounded and prisoners, and a number
of pieces of artillery.
Carr and Osterhaus, of McClernand's corps, did not arrive in
time to participate in the battle, but took part in pursuit of the
enemy to Black River.
400 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
In tlie battle of Champion Hills, or Baker's Creek, on the IPtli
of May, the Eleventh Wisconsin was in the reserve in Carr'a
division ; the Fourteenth and Seventeenth v^ere with Eansora's
brigade, but did not arrive until the fight was over; the Eigh-
teenth, Twenty-third and Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry par-
ticipated actively in the fight, as did also the Sixth and Twelfth
Wisconsin Batteries ; the First Battery was also present.
The battle of Champion Hills, or Baker's Creek, was fought
mainly by Hovey's division of McClernand's corps, and Logan's
and Quimby's divisions, (the latter commanded by Brigadier
General M. M. Crocker,) of McPherson's corps. After the
engagement, orders were sent to General Sherman to march with
his corps towards Bridgeport,which lies a short distance directly
north of Edwards' Depot, and General Blair was ordered to join
him at that place.
At daylight, on the 17th, the pursuit was renewed with
McClernand's corps in advance. The enemy was found strongly
posted on both sides of Black River. On the west side of the
river, the blufifs extended to the water's edge. On the east side
is an open cultivated bottom of near one mile in width, nearly
surrounded by a bayou, and a bend of the river. Across this bend
the rebels haci constructed rifle pits, so that the bayou served par-
tiall}^ as a ditch on the left. Carr's division occupied the right in
investing this place, and Lawler's brigade the right of his division.
To Lawler's brigade the Eleventh Wisconsin was attached.
Burbridge's brigade, in which the Twenty-third Wisconsin was
also located, was present at this fight of Black River Bridge.
After some skirmishing, the works were assaulted and carried,
the Eleventh Wisconsin leading the charge, and capturing several
hundred prisoners. The enemy on the weSf bank burnt the
railroad bridge, thus cutting off" the retreat of the forces on the
east bank.
Sherman, at Bridgeport above, had the only pontoon train in
the expedition, and crossed the river on the 18th, and was ready
to march to Walnut Hills. McClernand and McPherson built
floating bridges during the night, on which they crossed the next
day. Sherman marched by the Bridgeport and Vicksburg road,
turning to the right when within about three and a half miles of
Vicksburg, to get possession of Walnut Hills and the Yazoo
INVESTMENT OF VICKSBURG. 401
river. This was sncccssfully accomplislicd before the night of
the 18th. McPherson crossed the river above the Jackson road
and came into the same road with Sherman, but to his rear. Ko
arrived after nightfall with his advance to where Sherman turned
to the right. McClernand moved by the Jackson and Vicksburg
road to Mount Albans, and then turned to the left to get into,
the Baldwin's Ferry road. By this disposition, the three army
corps covered all the ground their strength would admit of, and
by morning of the 19th, the investment of Yicksburg was made
as complete as could be by the forces at General Grant's
command.
Continuous skirmishing took place on the day of the invest-
ment, and General Grant was not without hope of carrying the
works. Relying upon the demoralization of the enemy in conse-
quence of repeated defeats outside of Vicksburg, General Grant
ordered a general assault at 2 o'clock in the afternoon of the 19th
of May. The Fifteenth Corps of General Sherman, having
attained a good position the previous day, were enabled to make
a vigorous assault. The Thirteenth and Seventeenth corps suc-
ceeded no further than to gain advanced positions covered from
the fire of the enemy.
The two succeeding days were spent by General Grant, in
perfecting communications with his supj^lies, his troops having
so far subsisted for twenty days, on five days' rations. They
suffered the most from want of bread to accompany the other
rations. His arrangements for drawing supplies being complete,
General Grant determined on making another effort to carry
Vicksburg by assault. His reasons were, that he believed it
could be successfully accomplished — that Johnston had been
heavily reinforced and more troops were daily reaching him —
that in a short time he would make an attack in the rear of the
small force investing the city, and thus relieve the besieged gar-
rison— that possession of Vicksburg at that time would have
enabled him, (General Grant,) to turn upon Johnston and drive
him from the State, and thus secure control of the west half of
the State of Mississippi. Besides these considerations, the troops
themselves were impatient to possess Vicksbui'g. Accordingly
orders were issued for a general assault on the whole line, to
commence at 10, A. M., the next day, (the 22d of May.)
26
402 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The corps commanders set their time with General Grant's,
and at the hour designated, the three army corps then in front
of the works commenced the assault. The result of this move-
ment is well known. The assault was gallantly made along the
whole line, but the enemy's position was too strong both natur-
ally and artificially to be taken in that way. At every point
assaulted, and at all of them at the same time, the enemy was
able to show all the forces his works could cover. The assault
failed with a heavy loss of killed and wounded on our side, but
without weakening the confidence of the troops in their ability
to ultimately succeed. This was manifested in the alacrity with
which they commenced work in the trenches.
Only in one instance were the works of the enemy entered.
About a dozen men of the Twenty-first Iowa Regiment in
McClernand's corps, succeeded in the attempt. Kone of these
returned, except the Sergeant, named Grifi&th. The work entered,
from its position, was of no advantage to General Grant, unless
others to the right and left had been carried.
General Grant determined upon a regular siege, and his troops
entered heartily into the work, progressing rapidly with the
several necessary siege works, so that on the 3d of July, every
thing was nearly ready for the final assault.
On the afternoon of the 3d of July, propositions for a surren-
der were made by General Pemberton, and on the next day the
city and garrison of Vicksburg capitulated, and the Union troops
entered the city. The rebel flag floating on the Court House
Mas torn down by Lieutenant Colonel Strong of the Twelfth
"Wisconsin, and the stars and stripes run up in its place.
In the investment and siege of Vicksburg, the Eighth, Elev-
enth, Twelfth, Fourteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Twentieth,
Twenty-third, Twenty-ninth, and Thirty-third Wisconsin regi-
ments, and the First, Sixth, and Twelfth Wisconsin batteries
took part.
Reinforcements arrived during the siege, which were present at
the capitulation of the place. Lauman's division arrived during
the siege, and was posted on the left of the Thirteenth Corps.
To this division the Twelfth and Thirty-third Wisconsin were
attached. In June, General Herron's division arrived from
Missouri, and took position to the left of Lauman's division,
WISCONSIN REGIMENTS AT VICKSBURG. 403
being the extreme left of the besieging forces. In this division
the Twentieth Wisconsin was brigaded.
Smith and Kimball's divisions of the Sixteenth Army Corps
arrived and were assigned to the command of Major General
C. C. "Washburne, who was ordered to occupy a position at
Haines' Bluff. To these were added, on the 14th of June, two
divisions of the JSTinth Army Corps from General Burnside,
under command of General Parke. During the siege of Vicks-
burg, the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh Wisconsin infantry,
and two squadrons of the Second Cavalry were doing duty at
Snyder's Bluff, about four miles south of Haines' Bluff, six or
eight miles north of the city. These places had been strongly
fortified. General Grant fearing an attack on that end of his
lines by General Johnston. The increase of Grant's forces en-
abled him to make the investment complete, and left him a large
reserve to watch the movements of Johnston.
During the siege, Johnston crossed Big Black Eiver with a
portion of his army, and evidently intended an attack on Gen-
eral Grant's forces. General Sherman was immediately put in
command of such forces as could be spared, and ordered to
watch the motions of Johnston. Johnston did not attack, but
General Grant determined to move against him as soon as Vicks-
burg was in his possession. He therefore informed General
Sherman that he should make a final assault on the 6th of July,
and instructed him to be prepared to march against Johnston at
short notice. The city was surrendered on the 4th of July, of
which General Sherman was immediately informed. He put his
force in motion at once to attack Johnston, who had fallen back
to Jackson. This force consisted of the Thirteenth and Fifteenth
corps, and General Parke's division of the Ninth Corps.
With this force General Sherman crossed the Big Black River,
on the 6th of July. Skirmishing commenced at Clinton, a few
miles west of Jackson. The enemy's pickets were driven in,
and Sherman's troops soon closed around the city of Jackson,
BO that on the 13th of July, the place was completely invested,
and the Union forces had possession of all the roads leading into
the city on the west side of Pearl River. Detachments had been
Bent to the north and south of the city to destroy the railroads.
The only line in possession of the enemy was that leading east
404 MILITARY HISTORY 0^ WISCONSIN.
from Jackson. This the enemy availed himself of on the night
of the 16th, when he evacuated the place, which was entered on
the next day by General Sherman's forces. The Eleventh,
Twelfth, Twenty-third, Twenty-ninth, Thirty-third Wisconsin
infantry, and the First Wisconsin Battery, and the Second
"Wisconsin cavalry were engaged in this second battle at Jackson.
The surrender of Port Hudson immediately followed the fall of
Vicksburg, taking place on the 8th of July. The Fourth
Wisconsin took an active part in the operations at Port Hudson.
These two important points gained, the opening of the Missis-
sippi River was accomplished, and it was not again closed. The
I Southern Confederacy was thus cut in two, and the scheme of
the secessionists was fast tending to a downfall.
Soon after the surrender of Yicksburg, the report came that the
enemy was fortifying Yazoo City, and concentrating troops there
for the purpose of gathering supplies for his army. Accordingly,
General Grant ordered General Herron with his division, which
was under orders to proceed to Port Hudson and reinforce Gen-
eral Banks, to proceed in the transports, convoyed by three gun-
boats of Admiral Porter's fleet, to Yazoo City, and cooperate
with the naval force in the capture of the enemy's works. Sail-
ino- on the 12th, he arrived at Haines' Bluff in the after-
noon, and took on board a small detachment of the Second Wis-
consin Cavalry, under Lieutenant Myers, and arrived at Yazoo
City next day at noon. The gunboats went up to the city and
engaged the batteries, and ascertaining their strength, returned
to where General Herron was disembarking his troops. The
squad of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry was landed three miles
below, and ordered to proceed to the rear of the city, and prevent
the enemy, if possible, from removing any of the boats reported
to be there, and also obtain information as to his strength and
position. Three regiments were landed, one of which was the
Twentieth Wisconsin, and ordered forward directly on the
enemy's works. A bridge across a bayou had to be repaired,
which hindered the march. On getting to the other side and
reaching the earthworks, they were found deserted, the enemy
having fled. The Twentieth Wisconsin went in pursuit for ten
miles, taking many prisoners and some arms, besides compelling
the enemy to abandon some of his wagons.
BOMBArvD:\IENT OF TORT HUDSON. 40r>
General Herron, with Lis transports and the gnnlxKits, pro-
ceeded up to the city, going on board the DeKalb ironclad in
advance of them. When opposite the city, the DeKalb was
blown up by a rebel torpedo, sinking her in fifteen feet water.
No one was hurt. The boats were sent up the river by the enemy
but were so closely pursued by the cavalry sent out, that they
were compelled to leave five of them, four others escaped. The
cavalry captured one small side wheel steamer. General Herron
received orders to cross the country to Jackson, in aid of the
forces under General Sherman, then investing the place, and had
reached Canton, when he was informed of the surrender, when
he retraced his march to Yazoo city, and from thence returned to
Vicksburg on the 21st.
After the capture of Vicksburg, the Wisconsin regiments
engaged in the siege, were transferred to other fields of service.
The Eleventh, Twenty-third, and Twenty-ninth, and First Wis-
consin Battery, were sent with the Thirteenth Army Corps to
reinforce General Banks. The Twelfth, Fourteenth, Seventeenth,
and Thirty-third, were sent to Natchez. The Eighteenth, with
the Fifteenth Army Corps went to Tennessee. The Twentieth
went to New Orleans with Herron's division, and was attached
to' the Texas Expedition on the Rio Grande. The Twenty
seventh was sent to Steele's department, at Little Rock. The
Sixth and Twelfth batteries accompanied Sherman's Fifteenth
Corps, to Tennessee.
The operations of the army of General Banks belong to the
military division comprising the Valley of the Mississippi. Gen-
eral Banks succeeded General Butler in the command of the
"Department of the Gulf" in November, 1862. He had gath-
ered a military force, of about ten thousand men, which ac-
companied him to New Orleans. The leading object of Banks'
expedition was to strengthen the military in Louisiana, and to
cooperate in opening the Mississippi. After the reduction of
Port Hudson and Vicksburg, an expedition to Texas was to be
undertaken.
In March, 1863, General Banks concentrated his forces at
Baton Rouge, numbering nearly twenty-five thousand men. A
demonstration was made by the naval forces under Admiral
Farragut, on Port Hudson. Some of the fleet succeeded in running
406 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the batteries and getting above Port Hudson. During this
part of the programme, the steam frigate Mississippi was set on
fire by the enemy's guns, and totally destroyed. The land force
under General Grover, marched out of Baton Rouge, with a view
to cooperate with the fleet, but it was found impracticable as the
lands adjoining the river had been flooded by the cutting of the
levees by the rebels.
An expedition was now planned to operate in the Teche
country, west of New Orleans. The Teche River commences
near Opelousas, and flows southeast for two hundred miles.
During high water, it is navigable nearly its whole length. On
its banks flourish the finest sugar plantations in the State.
The region comprised the parishes or counties of Terrebone,
Lafourche, Assumption, St. Mary, and St. Martin. General
Banks' object was the reclamation of this rich country, which
had furnished a large amount of supplies to the enemy, and
M^hich sustained a dense slave population. The advance of the
expedition was under Generals Weitzel and Emory, who drove
the enemy before them towards his fortifications near .Bisland.
Another force under General Grover, coming up in their rear,
compelled the enemy to take flight, after destroying the Queen of
the West and Diana gunboats, which they had captured from
the [Rational forces a short time before, and several transports.
General Grover had a flght with the enemy near Bayou Vermil-
lion, and drove them from their position. On the 20th of April,
General Banks occupied Opelousas. From Opelousas he pro-
ceeded to Alexandria, on Red River, which place had been cap-
tured by the fleet of Admiral Porter. In this expedition, the
Fourth Wisconsin was engaged ; Colonel Paine having been put
in command of a brigade in Emory's division, of which the
Fourth formed a part, the regiment was under the command of
Colonel Bean.
Returning from the Red River, General Banks, concentrated
his forces at Shrevesport, after the investment of Yicksburg, for
an advance on Port Hudson. About the middle of May, all the
available force near the river was transferred to Baton Rouge,
twenty-two miles below Port Hudson, to assist in the reduction
of that place. This part of Banks' army was under Generals Augur
/jQAAMb
BRIG- GEN - U. S . VO L "S
SURKENDER OF PORT HUDSON. 407
and T. "W. Sherman. General Banks, with the forces at Shrcres-
port, landed on the cast bank of the Mississippi, at Bayou Sara,
five miles above Port Hudson, while the forces of Augur and
Sherman advanced from below Port Hudson, and formed a junc-
tion on the 22d of May. On the 25th, the enemy was compelled to
abandon their first line of works. On the morning of the 27th,
a general assault was made upon the enemy's works. In this
assault, two regiments of colored troops were engaged, the first
use made of the " JSTative American of African descent," in this
w^ar, and whose conduct on this occasion, established the negro,
as a " fighting character." The Fourth Regiment was engaged
in the several attacks on Port Hudson, establishing a high char
acter for courage and endurance. In one of these assaults, Gen-
.cral Halbert E. Paine, was seriously wounded, resulting in the
loss of the injured limb. The attacks on Port Hudson continued.
A bombardment by the fleet had been made a week previous to
the assault. Failing in his attacks of the 27th of May, and June
14th, General Banks determined to invest the place with a series
of regular approaches. While engaged in this, news came of the
capture of Vicksburg. The rebel commander deeming further
resistance useless after that capitulation, surrendered Port
Hudson to General Banks, on the 8th of July.
Soon after the fall of Vicksburg, it became the interest
of the government to possess itself of the State of Arkansas,
many of its people giving assurances of a desire to return to the
old Union. Accordingly an expedition was fitted out at Helena,
and placed under command of General F. J. Steele. This force
consisted of about 12,000 men, including Davidson's cavalry
division.
General Steele commenced his march, and crossed the White
River, at Clarendon, on the 17th of August, 1863. Leaving his
sick, about one thousand in number, at Duvall's Bluff", on White
River, he proceeded to Brownsville, where his whole force was
concentrated. On the 7th of September, he reached the Ark-
ansas River, wdiere dividing his force, which had been reduced to
about seven thousand men, he marched a column on each side
of the river towards the capital of the State. His approach
caused great panic in Little Rock. General Davidson's cavahy
dashed into the city and took possession, capturing many
408 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Confederate officers before tliej could make arraiigemeuts to fly.
General Steele crossed the Arkansas in a skiff, and appointed
General Davidson military commander. The combined opera-
tions of General Steele on the capital, of General Blunt on Fort
Scott, and of General Stevenson on the southern borders of
the State, compelled the rebel General Holmes, to retreat and
take refuge in Texas. In this expedition of General Steele,
the Twenty - seventh and Twenty- eighth Wisconsin regiments
participated.
During the struggle for the possession of Port Hudson, the
rebels had regained control of the region which had been con-
quered during the " Teche Expedition," in April. General
Banks, in September, 1863, sent out an expedition to take pos-
session of the mouth of Sabine River, Texas. This proved un-'
successful, and the troops employed returned to Brashier city,
from whence they were sent in the direction of Opelousas in the
Teche country. Marching by the way of Franklin, Centreville,
and Vermillion Bayou, the enemy was encountered at Bayou
Borbeaux, and driven back, the expedition reaching Opelousas on
the 21st of October. A detachment was advanced to Barre's
Landing, nine miles east of Opelousas, where it encamped.
Here further advance was abandoned, and the return march
commenced on the 1st of November. Sixteen miles from Barre's
Landing, an attack was made on General Burbridge's brigade
of the Fourth Division, and a severe fight took place. The forces
of the expedition consisted originally of the First Division of
the Thirteenth Army Corps, General Lawler, the Third Division,
General McGinnis, and one brigade of the Fourth Division, and
a portion of the Nineteenth Army Corps, all under Major Gen-
eral Franklin, as commander of the expedition. Major General
"Washburn was in command of the detachment of the Thirteenth
Army Corps, subordinate to General Franklin. The battle took
place on or near Carrion Crow Bayou. The First Division of
the Thirteenth Army Corps, had returned to New Iberia on the
27th of October. In this Division the Eleventh Wisconsin was
brigaded, and consequently was not present at the fight. On the
1st of November, the Nineteenth Corps, under General Franklin,
moved to Carrion Crow Bayou, and on the following day, to
Vermillionville, leaving the Third Division of the Thirteenth
BATTLE OF CARRION-CROW BAYOU. 409
Corps, and Biirbridge's brigade of tlic Fourth Division, to hold
the position at Carrion Crow Bayou. Brigadier General Bur-
bridge, with his brigade of about 1,200 men, and Colonel Fonda,
with about 500 mounted infantry, and a section of Nim's battery
was stationed on the north side of Muddy Bayou, and General
McGinnis, with the Third Division, about three thousand strong,
and a battery was at Carrion Crow Bayou, ab^ut three miles in
the rear of General Burbridge. The forces of the rebels were
concentrated, five or six thousand strong, and thrown upon the
forces of General Burbridge, who was unable to withstand such
an onslaught, and he was compelled to fall back. On first hear-
ing the cannonade, General Washburn ordered forward the Third
Division on the double quick, meeting General Burbridge on the
retreat. Opening on the pursuing foe, with shot and shell, they
were soon compelled to retreat in turn. The loss of General
Burbridge was 26 killed, 124 wounded, and 566 missing, most of
them taken prisoners. In this fight, the Twenty-third Wisconsin
was conspicuously engaged, charging boldly upon the enemy, and
although many of them fell or were taken prisoners, they suc-
ceeded in staying the advance of the enemy a sufficient length
of time to enable the balance of the brigade to retreat. The
Twenty-ninth Wisconsin was in the Third Division, under Gen-
eral ISIcGinnis, but was not actively engaged in the battle. The
expedition soon after returned to N'ew Iberia, and subsequently
to Brashier City.
On the 27th of October, 1863, General Banks despatched an
expedition consisting of about twenty vessels, convoyed by gun-
boats, to the mouth of the Rio Grande, in Texas, and on the 5th
of November, took possession of Brownsville. In the progress
of this campaign in Texas, other forces were sent to reinforce
General Banks, among them a portion of the Thirteenth Army
Corps, in which was included the Eleventh, Twentieth, Twenty-
third and Twenty-ninth Wisconsin regiments.
In April, 1863, General Price, with General Marmaduke,
planned an invasion of southeastern Missouri, having in view the
capture of Cape Girardeau, on the Mississippi River. Ten
thousand men, under the last named General, left Little Rock,
Arkansas, about the middle of April, crossing the State line on
the 20th, and reached Fredericktown, Mo., on the 22d. From
410 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
this place they marclied upon Cape Girardeau, on the 25th. The
garrison consisted of 1,700 men, mostly militia, under the com-
mand of General John McNeil. The rebels were repulsed in their
first attack, after which they demanded a surrender of the
garrison which was refused. Fighting was again resumed,
and another demand for surrender was made with a threat to
burn the town in case of refusal. Again McNeil refused, and
after five hours hard fighting, in which the rebels suffered
severely, Marmaduke retreated southward. He was pursued, but
succeeded in escaping into Arkansas on the 2d of May. His loss
was 60 killed, and 300 wounded. Among the garrison which
defended the place, was the greater part of the First Wisconsin
cavalry, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel LaGrange.
July 15th, General Blunt crossed the Arkansas River, near
Hone}' Springs, in the Indian Territory, west of Kansas, and on
the 16th attacked a large force of rebels under General CoOper,
which he completely routed. The rebels had one hundred and
fifty killed, which were left by them on the field, and four hun-
dred wounded and seventy-seven prisoners. In this fight, a por-
tion of the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, under Captain Stout, was
engaged. In many of the subsequent movements of General
Blunt, the Third Cavalry was engaged in detachments, the main
portion of the regiment being under the command of Lieutenant
Colonel Calkins. In the battles at Cane Hill, at Prairie Grove,
in 1862, and Cabin Creek, Honey Springs, and Baxter's Sj^rings,
portions of this regiment were engaged ; and subsequently at
Little Rock and in the pursuit of Shelby, in August, 1864, and
at the capture of Fort Smith.
About the time of the fall of Yicksburg, Price and Marmaduke
make an attack on Helena with an army of about fifteen thousand
men. The Union force consisted of about four thousand men,
under the command of General Frederick Salomon. "With this
handful of men, General Salomon made such preparations that
the confederates were foiled in every attack. They fought
desperately, charging repeatedly and with large masses upon the
defenses of the town, but everywhere they met with the same
terrible resistance from the forces of General Salomon, aided by
the gunboat Tyler with its heavy guns. Failing in all their
attempts, they retired, having lost one thousand killed and
Sherman's meridian expedition. 411
wounded, and more than eleven hundred prisoners. The
Twenty-eighth Wisconsin was at Helena and took part in the
fight.
The first expedition in the "Western Department, in 1864, was
that of General Sherman, in Fehruary. His ohject was to pene-
trate the State of Mississippi as far as Meridian, to the east of
Jackson, and destroy the railroads at that point. The force
necessary to accomplish the design of the expedition left the
City of Vickshurg on the 3d of February, in light marching
order, with rations for some days. They were met by the enemy
at Big Black River, when skirmishing ensued. Near Baker's
Creek, a severe skirmish took place, in which the Twelfth Wis-
consin drove the enemy across the bridge and held the position
against the heavy force of the enemy until relieved. The rebel
force was two thousand cavalry, under General Whitworth. At
Canton there was a force of about five thousand men, under Gen-
eral Loriug, and at Meridian General Polk had ten thousand
more. The enemy apprehended a movement on Mobile, and
General Maury, commanding in that city, requested that all
non-combatants should leave the place.
General Sherman's whole force consisted of the Seventeenth
Corps, under General McPherson, and the Sixteenth Corps,
under General Hurlbut, comprising about thirty thousand men,
with sixty pieces of light artillery. Reaching Jackson, he
pressed forward to Meridian. The enemy preceded him destroy-
ing all provisions and leaving the country a desert. He passed
through Brandon and Morton, reaching Meridian, the rebel
force under General Polk, falling back across the Tombigbee.
A complete demolition of the railroads was determined on, and
the Corps of General Hurlbut was entrusted with the destruction
of the roads east and north ; and the Corps of McPherson, with
the south and west roads. General Sherman, in his report, says
that the destruction was very complete. After accomplishing his
purpose, and his supplies getting short, he ordered a return to
Vickshurg, by the way of Canton, which place was reached
on the 26th of February. In this expedition, the Eighth,
Twelfth, Twenty-fifth, Thirty-second, and Thirty-third Wisconsin
regiments took part.
412 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
A cavalry force from Memphis, under General W. S. Smith,
which was ordered to join General Sherman at Meridian, did not
make its 'appearance. He was met hy a heavy rebel force under
Generals Lee, Forrest, and Chalmers, who prevented his intended
advance, and compelled him to return to Memphis, which place
he reached on the 25th of February.
The results of this combined movement of Sherman and
Smith, was the. destruction of one hundred and fifty miles of
railroad, sixty-seven bridges, seven hundred trestles, twenty loco-
motives, twenty-eight cars, several thousand bales of cotton,
several steam-mills, and over two million bushels of corn. Some
prisoners were captured and upwards of eight thousand negroes
and refugees came in with the various columns.
The rebels apprehending an attack on Mobile, General John-
ston, who was in command of the forces confronting General
Grant, near Chattanooga, sent two divisions to reinforce General
Polk, but which were subsequently recalled by General Johnston.
Early in the year, a concentration of forces at l^ew Orleans
was commenced. After General Sherman's return from Meri-
dian, a portion of his forces moved to join General Banks, while
the division of General A. J. Smith remained at Vicksburg to
cooperate. The purpose of General Banks was to open the
region of Western Louisiana to trade, and scatter or destroy the
forces of the enemy. This is famtliary known as the " Red River
Expedition." It was to be made by the joint force of the army
and navy, and it was only during the months of March and April
that the Red River had sufficient water to be navigable by the
largest gunboats and transports.
Early in March, General Franklin moved from 'New Orleans,
with the forces of General Banks, proceeding by railroad to
Brashier City, thence along the Bayou Teche to Opelousas. In
the meantime the most formidable fleet ever seen in western
waters, was collected at the mouth of Red River, under Rear
Admiral Porter. It consisted of twenty powerful armed steamers,
of all classes, from the lightest to the heaviest draft. On the
10th of March, 10,000 troops under General A. J. Smith, em-
barked in twenty transports at Vicksburg, and proceeded to join
the fleet. This force consisted of the First and Third divisions
of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and the First and Fourth divisions
CAPTURE OF FORT DE RITSSEY. 413
of the Seventeentli Army Corps. It was to unite with the force
of General Banks, to which was subsequently to be added, the
force under General Steele, from Arkansas.
Joining the fleet at the mouth of Eed River, the next day they
all proceeded up the Old Eed River into the Atchafalaya, and
reached Shreveport. Hearing nothing from General Banks,
General Smith sent a brigade under General Mower, to Yellow
Bayou, to reconnoitre. No enemy was found, they having re-
tired. It was decided to march a column overland to Fort de
Russey, a distance of thirty miles, to which it was supposed the
enemy had retreated. Starting in the morning vnth General
Mower's brigade in the advance, they encountered the enemy's
cavalry, five miles out, which continued to annoy them till Fort
de Russey was approached in the afternoon. These were two
distinct earthworks connected by a covered way; that facing the
road, mounted four guns ; that which commanded the river, was
a casemated battery of three guns. Only two guns were in posi-
tion on it. On each side were batteries of two guns, making in
all, eight siege guns and two field pieces. As the troops ap-
proached, they were opened on with shrapnel and shell, which
continued two hours. Two batteries were brought to bear and a
charge made, when the garrison surrendered. The Federal loss
was four killed, and thirty wounded. The rebels had five killed,
and four wounded. Twenty-four officers, and two hundred
men, were taken. The Eighth, Fourteenth, and Thirty-third
Wisconsin regiments were engaged in this aftair.
After destroying the works, the fleet and transports proceeded
up the river and arrived at Alexandria, on the 16th. The enemy
retired before the advance, destroying two steamboats and con-
siderable cotton. Four thousand bales were saved by the fleet,
and large quantities were brought in by the negroes. On the
19th, General Banks was reported to be at Opelousas, and on the
20th, General Lee, attached to Banks' command, with a cavalry
force, reached Alexandria.
General Smith's forces moved forward and captured ISTatchi-
toches, on the 21st of March. On the 26th, Smith's advance
pushed still further up the river to Shreveport, which was the
destination of the expedition. General Banks' column reached
Natchitoches on the 4th of April. On the 6th, the army moved
414 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
from ITatcliitGclies for Shreveport, the infantry marching seven-
teen miles, and the cavalry four miles further. On the next day
General Lee's cavalry pushed forward to a position two miles
from Pleasant Hill. Here Lee met the enemy's cavalry, and
heavy skirmishing ensued for two hours and a half, when the
rchel cavalry fell back upon the Confederate infantry and artil-
lery at Bayou du Paul. In the morning General Landrum's
brigade of the Fourth Division of the Thirteenth Corps joined
General Lee, and the advance was made until 2 o'clock, driving
the enemy before them for seven miles.
The main force of the enemy occupied a strong position in the
vicinity of Sabine Cross Roads, near Mansfield. General Ran-
som now appeared with the remaining brigades of the Fourth
Division, making a force of 2,600 men. The Nineteenth Corps,
under General Franklin, were in camp nine miles in the rear,
and General Smith, with half of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth
Corps, was nearly twenty miles in the rear. The Federal artil-
lery consisted of the Chicago Mercantile Battery, the First Ind-
iana Battery, Nim's Massachusetts Battery, and Battery G, Fifth
regulars. Landrum's brigade occupied the right and centre with
all but one battery. Ransom on the left with Nim's battery, sup-
ported by Dudley's cavalry brigade, while Colonel Robinson's
cavalry protected the train, and Colonel Lucas operated on the
right. General Banks arrived and immediately dispatched
couriers to hurry up Franklin with his Corps.
Heavy skirmishing commenced, and the Federal skirmishers
were soon driven in, the enemy advancing in force, when the
engagement became general. The overwhelming numbers which
the enemy possessed enabled him to mass his forces and in suc-
cession, to drive back the right and left, and then the centre,
capturing four guns of Mm's battery, and the Chicago, and First
Indiana batteries. The Federal forces continued to fall back
until they reached a point where the wagons blocked the road when
a panic occurred. General Franklin had arrived on the field
with his staff in advance of his division. For three and a half
miles the enemy pursued, when his advance was checked by
General Emery's division. This ended the battle for the day.
The loss of General Banks was twenty guns, and two thousand
BATTLE OF PLEASANT HILL. 415
killed, wounded, and missing, out of a force of eight tliousand.
This is known as the battle of Mansfield or Sabine Cross Roads.
During tlie night. General Banks withdrew to Pleasant Hill,
where it was understood that General Smitli liad camped. The
enemy did not discover the retreat in time to interrupt it. He
however, advanced rapidly with his main force, and was met by
the division of General Emory, drawn up across the Shreveport
road, a short distance from Pleasant Hill. In General Emory's
rear, just behind the crest of the hill, General Smith's division,
under the command of General Mower, was drawn up in two
lines of battle, about fifty yards apart, with artillery, in rear of
General Emory's division. Behind these lines of battle the
Thirteenth Corps was posted as a reserve.
About 5, P. M., the enemy appeared in line of battle, on the
field at the edge of the woods, and the battle began by the Fed-
eral batteries opening upon him with case and shell as he ad-
vanced at double quick. The contest soon became fierce on both
sides, when General Emory, pressed by overwhelming numbers,
fell back up the hill to the Sixteenth Corps. The enemy rushed
forward, and were met by General Mower, with a discharge from
all his guns, which was followed by an immediate charge of the
infantry, by which the enemy were driven rapidly back to the
woods, where they broke in confusion. Night put an end to
the contest. Some of the guns, captured the day before, were
recovered by the Federal forces. Five hundred prisoners were
also taken. Early in the morning, leaving the dead unburied and
the muskets thrown away on the field, the army commenced its
march back to Grand Ecore, thirty-five miles from Pleasant Hill,
to obtain rest and rations. The losses thus far, were twenty
pieces of artillery, three thousand men, one hundred and thirty
wagons, twelve hundred horses and mules, including many that
died of disease.
The gunboats and transports advanced up the river as far as
Springfield Landing, beyond where the battle had been fought,
when news was received of a reverse to the army, and an order
for General Smith's division, which was on board, to return to
Grand Ecore with the transports. The fleet turned back, but was
constantly annoyed by the enemy on the banks of the river. The
continued low water, and the difficulty of keeping up a line of
416 ■ MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
supplies, caused the army to fall back to Alexandria. March
commenced on the 21st of April, by starting the wagon train,
with a suitable guard. At two o'clock next morning, the army
silently evacuated the position. General Smith's division forming
the rear guard. Soon after daylight the enemy discovered the
retreat, and commenced the pursuit with a small force, who
acted as skirmishers. Marching thirty miles, the army biv-
ouacked for the night, and moved to the crossing of Cane
River, six miles, in the morning. Here the enemy appeared, in
a strong position, to oppose their passage. A flank movement
turned the enemy's position, from which he was driven, and the
crossing secured. The enemy continued the pursuit till Alexandria
was reached, on the 27th.
Although originally contemplating the permanent occupation
of the country. General Banks was compelled to change his
purpose, from the fact that the season was so far advanced that
military operations could not be carried on with success.
At this point, another great difficulty appeared to jeopardize
the expedition. Alexandria is situated at a series of rapids in the
Red River. The river had fallen so rapidly, since the passage up
the river of the gunboats and transports, th'at they could not pass
these falls, and no alternative was left Admiral Porter, but to
destroy his boats, and return to the Mississippi by land. In his
report. Admiral Porter says: " The water had fallen so low that
I had no hope or expectation of getting the vessels out this season,
and as the army had made arrangements to evacuate the country,
I saw nothing before me but the destruction of the best part of the
Mississippi squadron."
It was left for a Wisconsin man to get the gallant Admiral out
of a difficulty which appalled all the West Point engineers in the
army. We are proud to say that the plain, practical sense of a
Wisconsin man, planned the undertaking, and the willing hearts
and strong arms of Wisconsin soldiers, aided in carrying out the
project to a successful issue. Military science, and West Point
learning, stood looking on, with sneering doubts of the success
of the undertaking.
Lieutenant Colonel Bailey, Acting Engineer of the Mneteenth
Army Corps, proposed building a series of dams across the rocks
at the falls, and raise the water high enough to let the vessels pass
GENERAL BAILEY's RED RIVER DAM. 417
over. The proposition looked like madness, and the best
engineers ridiculed it; but Colonel Bailey was sanguine of success,
and promised to finish it in ten days, as forage and rations were
getting short, and the army could not remain longer than that
time. General Banks placed at Colonel Bailey's disposal, all the
' men required, about 3000, and two or three hundred wagons.
The neighboring steam mills were torn down for material, and
two or three regiments of men were set to work felling trees.
Teams were actively engaged in all directions, hauling brick, and
stone quarries opened, flatboats were built to conve}- stone from
above, and every man worked with the utmost vigor. Amid all
this, however, there was a general want of faith in the undertaking.
The falls were about a mile in length, filled with rugged rocks,
over which, it seemed impossible to make a channel.
The work consisted of a tree dam, running out from the left
bank of the river, made of the bodies of very large trees, brush,
brick and stone, cross tied with heavy timbers, and strengthened
in every possible manner. Extending about three hundred feet
into the river, fonr coal barges, filled with brick, were sunk at
the end of it. Cribs, filled with stone, were built out from the
right bank, to meet the barges. This work was all accomplished,
although a current of nine miles an hour was running, whicli
threatened its destruction. When nearly completed, the pressure
of water was so great that it carried away two of the stone barges,
which swung in below the dam. Admiral Porter immediately
mounted a horse, and rode above and ordered the Lexington,
gunboat, to pass the upper falls, if possible, and immediately
attempt to go through the dam, thinking he might be able to
save the four vessels below.
The Lexington succeeded in getting over the falls just in time,
as the \rater was rapidly falling as she was passing over. She
steered directly for the dam, through which the water was rush-
ing so furiously that certain destruction seemed awaiting her.
Thousands of beating hearts were anxiously watching the result,
and a breathless silence pervaded the lookers on as she entered
the gap, with a full head of steam on, pitched down the roaring-
torrent, rolling fearfully, hanging a moment on the rocks, and
was then swept into deep water by the current, rounding safely
to under the bank
27
418 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
It was a success. Then tliirty thousand voices rose in one
deafening clieer, and every countenance brightened with joy.
Four of the smaller gunboats were thus run through the dam.
Encouraged by this success, Colonel Bailey and his brave helpers
set to work to repair the damage done to the dam. For eight
days these brave fellows had been working up to their necks in
the water, or in the broiling sun, felling trees and wheeling brick
and stone, and still they Avere undaunted, and reconnncnced their
labors.
The force of the water and the current being too great to con-
struct a continuous dam of six hundred feet across the river in
so short a time. Colonel Bailey left an opening of fifty-iive feet
in the dam, and built a series of wing dams on the upper falls.
This was accomplished in three days, and on the 11th and 12th
of May, the rest of the boats were got over the falls and through
the dam, much to the satisfaction of all concerned. By 3 o'clock,
A.M., on the 12th, the vessels were coaled, ammunition replaced
and all steamed down the river, with the convoy of transports
in company. A rise in the Mississippi fortunately backed the
water up Red River as far as Alexandria, one hundred and fifty
miles distant, enabling the gallant Porter to pass with his gun-
boats and transports over all the bars and obstructions below
that point.
Admiral Porter speaks in the highest terms of the labors of
Colonel Baile}', who was promoted to a Brigadier General.
Alexandria was evacuated on the 13th. By some means, fire
was set to some of the buildings, which consumed a large part
of the town. The fleet proceeded down the river ten miles, and
laid up for the night. The advance of the army was overtaken
the next day, and on the 16th, both began to arrive at Semmes-
port. The Atchafalaya was crossed by the army the next day
on a bridge made by lashing twenty-two steamboats side b}' side
and laying plank across their bows, forming a solid bridge across
the stream, over which the teams, wagons and cavalry were
passing till the 20th.
During the retreat from Grand Ecore, the eneni}^ endeavored
to impede the progress of the army, and severe skirmishing
occurred at Cioutierville, near Cane River, Bayou La Moore,
near Alexandria, Marksville, Mansarura, Calhoun's Plantation
BATTLE OF JENKINS' FERKY. 419
and at Semmesport. In all these atfliirs, tlie Wisconsin
regiments did tlieir share of fighting-.
Reaching the Mississippi, the forces of General Banks re-
turned to the vicinity of New Orleans, among them tlie
Twenty-third and Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, and General Smith's
corps returned to Yickshurg.
The auxiliary forces of General Steele had advanced as far as
Camden, Ark., one hundred and ten miles from Little Hock, when
he encountered a strong cavalry division under Marmaduke. Gen-
eral Steele executed a flank movement on this force, and drove
them from their fortified position, returning from the pursuit to
Camden. Here news of the failure of General Banks' expedition
was received. As it was the plan for him to act in concert with
General Banks, he deemed it necessary to fall back, as the enemy
were concentrating upon him the force with which they had
beaten Banks. The trains sent for supplies were cut off, and Gen-
eral Steele determined to evacuate Camden. Before dayliglit, on
the 27th, his army had crossed on a pontoon bridge, and placed
the Washita Elver between them and the enemy. Pushing forward
over bad roads, on the 28th, they camped at Princeton Crossing,
and on the next evening, at Saline Crossing, Jenkins' Ferry.
During the night, the enemy came up in the rear. The extent
or character of the enemy's force could not be ascertained, the
heavy rain and darkness preventing it. Dispositions were, how-
ever, made by General Steele, to resist a large force. The rain
and darkness prevented the crossing of the Saline during the
night, although the pontoon bridge had been laid, and a few
troops had passed over. The remainder of the command Ayas
encamped in the bottom lands of the river. General Salomon's
division was encamped about two miles from the river, and the
line which he was to hold in the morning, was protected on the
left, by_ the Saline, and swampy bottom lands, and on the right,
by a bayou skirting the base of the uplands. Rain poured in
torrents in the morning. Soon after daylight, skirmishing com-
menced, which soon grew into a general engagement. The
enemy had brought against General Steele, all the forces in
southwestern Arkansas, as well as some from Louisiana, under
Generals Kirby Smith, Price, Walker, Churchill, and others.
Under General Steele, the commands of Generals Salomon,
420 MILITARY HISTOIIY OF WISCONSIN.
Thayer, Rice, Engleman, and Benton, were engaged. The battle
continued seven hours, and resulted in the repulse of the enemy,
with a loss to General Steele of seven hundred in killed and
wounded, although several stands of colors were captured, and
three pieces of artillery. The enemy also suffered severely in
killed and wounded. So badly were they defeated, that a safe
retreat was not only secured by General Steele, but that part
of the State of Arkansas was relieved for some time froni the
presence of the enemy. General Steele returned to Little Rock
on the 2d of May.
In this expedition, the Ninth and Twenty-seventh "Wisconsin
regiments behaved with conspicuous gallantry.
In September, 1864, General Price moved across the Arkansas
River with two divisions of cavalry, and three batteries of artil-
lery, intent upon another invasion of Missouri. He joined Gen-
eral Shelby at Batesville, on White River, sixty miles from the
Missouri line, and was prepared to advance with 15,000 or 20,000
veterans. The Union force in Missouri, was only about 6,500
mounted men, scattered over the whole State, with partially org-
anized new regiments, and dismounted men, engaged in guarding
depots, bridges, and protecting the property of citizens from the
depredations of guerillas. Knowing through his numerous spies
that the City of St. Louis was particularly weak in the way of
military forces. General Price made his first move into southeast
Missouri. General A. J. Smith being at Cairo, with 4,500 men,
was immediately ordered to Missouri. General Price attacked
General Ewing at Pilot Knob, who made a gallant defence, and
accomplished a safe retreat. The detention at Pilot Knob
enabled the enrolled militia and citizens of St. Louis to prepare
for its defence. A half dozen Illinois Hundred Day Regiments,
opportunely arriving, remained to assist in protecting the place.
After threatening the city. Price started for the State Capital.
Here he was met by Generals McN'eil and Sanborn, who with all
the available cavalry they could raise, by forced marches, reached
the State Capital before Price, and combining with Generals
Brown and Fisk, saved the city. General Pleasanton congre-
gated a cavalry force of four thousand strong, which was soon
joined by a force of fifteen hundred men, who had followed
Price from Arkansas. By this force, Price was kept near the
CAPTURE OF MOBILE. 421
Missouri River. His general, Fagan, was routed at Independence.
Passing into Kansas, he was pursued across the Big Bhie, and
attacked and driven he3^ond Little Santa Fe. At Marias des
Cjgnes, he was overtaken, skirmishing ensued, and he was driven
from the field, with loss of horses and mules, etc. Falling
back to Little Osage Crossing, thej were again attacked, and
eight pieces of artillery, and nearly one thousand prisoners taken
including Generals Marmaduke and Cabell. He was finally
routed at JSTewtonia, and fled into Arkansas, A force under
General Mower was congregated on White River, at the com
mencement of Price's invasion. It was immediately put in pur-
suit, following on his track and arriving at Cape Girardeau.
It afterwards proceeded to St. Louis, and took part in the pursuit
of Price through Missouri into Kansas, The Eighth, Fourteenth,
and Thirty-third Wisconsin took part in this expedition.
A naval expedition, under Commodore Farragut, made an
attack on the forts below JNIobile, in the summer of 18(34, in
combination with a laud force under General Granger. In this
expedition the Twentieth and Twenty-third Wisconsin took part.
The operations of 1865, in the Mississippi Valley, were not of
extraordinary character, except the siege and capture of Mobile.
The surrender of Lee's army showed to the rebels the hopeless-
ness of their cause, and inducements to continue the contest
were not great. The several strongholds remaining after Lee's
surrender were, therefore, soon in possession of the National
forces, among others, the City of Mobile. This place had been
invested for some time by the combined army and navy, and on
the 2d of April, a simultaneous attack by land and water was
commenced on the outer defenses, which consisted of the formid-
able forts Blakely and Spanish Fort, The hatter was captured
on the 9th by General A, J. Smith's forces and the surrender of
Fort Blakeley followed soon after to the forces under General
Steele, after a general assault. On the 10th, the city surrendered
to a portion of the forces of General A. J. Smith. In these
results, the navy is entitled to its share of honor. The surrender
of Mobile was the last important movement of the war in the
Mississippi Valley, if we except the final surrender of the rebel
forces in Texas.
422 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Wisconsin soldiers bore a conspicuous part in tlie capture of
Mobile. Tlie following regiments were present, and participated
in the several actions: — The Eighth, Eleventh, Fourteenth,
Twentieth, Twenty - third. Twenty - seventh. Twenty - eighth.
Twenty-ninth, Thirty-third and Thirty-fifth Infantry, and the
Fourth Cavalry.
We thus close our sketches of the general military operations
in the different sections of the rebellious States, which we have
based principally upon the official reports of the several command-
ing generals. Where we have been unable to find such reports,
we have endeavored to procure our data from authentic sources.
Many minor actions in which Wisconsin soldiers took part may
not be noticed in these sketches, but will be treated of in their
proper places in the history of the regiments. It is possible that
we may have accidentally omitted to name all the Wisconsin
organizations engaged in the several actions which we have
endeavored to describe, but due credit will be given them in the
regimental history.
These sketches are merely intended to give the reader an idea
of the location of Wisconsin regiments in the general military
operations of the rebellion. A full description of the battles
would occupy too much space, and would require almost a full
history of the war.
CHAPTEE XI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FIRST INFANTRY, (THREE MONTHS.)
Kegimental Roster — Ordered to Chambersburg — Hagerstown —
Skirmish at Falling Waters — March to Martixsburg — Bunker
Hill — Charlestown — Upper Potomac — Mustered out — Regi-
ment Reorganized — Regimental Roster — Skirmish on Granny
White's Pike — Rogersville — Battle of Perryville — Jefferson
Pike — Stone River — Hoover's Gap — Chicamauga — Resaca —
Dallas — Kenesaw Mountain — Atlanta — Jonesboro — Return
to Wisconsin — 3Iuster out — Statistics.
THE First Regiment, for three mouths' service, was organized
at Camp Scott, Milwaukee, in April, 1861, mustered into the
United States service, and left the State for Ilarrisburg, Penn.,
June 9, 1861. The following was the regimental roster :
Colonel— JOHN C. STARKWEATHER.
Lieutenant Co?oneZ — Charles L. Harris; iVa/or — David H. Lane; Adjutant— A. R.
Chapin ; Quartermaster — D. W. Keyes; Surgeon — B.F.White; First Assistant Surgeon^
Lccius J. Dixon ; Second Assistant Surgeon — James Crugom.
Co. Captains.
A — George B. Bingham,
B— Henry A. MitcheU,
o— O. B. Twogood,
D — Pius Dreher,
E— George E. Bryant,
F— WiUiam M. Clark,
G — Donald C. McVean,
H — William George,
I — James B. McGall,
K— Lucius Fairchlld.
First Lieutenants.
Charles Dudley,
Edward D. Luxton,
James C. Adams,
J. C. G. Hartest,
William H. Plunkett,
E. B. Northrup,
William H. Pettit,
Philip Horwitz,
Thomas McEweu,
Dewitt C. Poole.
Second Lieutenants.
George F. Williams,
Henry L. Bruyeres,
Salmon G. Tyler,
Adam Breigenheimer,
William H. JNIiller,
N. AV. Smith,
Levi Howland,
Chi'istian Saruow,
Henry Decker,
James K. Proudflt.
Arriving at Allatoona, on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad,
Colonel Starkweather found a dispatch ordering him to report
with his regiment to General Patterson, at Chambersburg, at
which place he arrived on the 12th of June, where his regiment
went into Camp McClure, and remained until the 16th when
424 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
they moved to Hagerstown, Md. Here the regiment was
attached to the brigade of Colonel Abercrombie.
The rebel General Johnston had posted a force opposite Wil-
liamsburg, to watch the movements of General Patterson, with
orders to retire on his approach, without making an attempt to
bring on an engagement.
On the 2d of July, General Patterson, with his force, crossed
the river, the First Wisconsin being in the advance of the infiintr}^
Throwing out skirmishers, the regiment advanced, preceded by
McMullen's rangers, and followed b}^ the Eleventh Pennsylvania
and a section of artillery. Marching a few^ miles towards Martins-
burg, the enemy under Colonel Jackson was encountered posted
across the road at Porterlield's farm, with four pieces of artillery.
The six right companies of the First Wisconsin were deployed
to the right and left of the road as skirmishers, supported by the
other four companies on the road. The skirmishers, assisted by
the fire of the artillery, turned the enemy's right, and routed
them from the woods. The rest of the regiment was then de-
ployed as skirmishers, and joined in the pursuit of the enemy,
who was followed for about two miles, when Patterson's forces
halted and encamped.
This affair possessed importance at the time, from the fact that
it was the first engagement of Wisconsin troops with the rebels.
The first Wisconsin soldier killed in the rebellion was George
Drake, of Company A, of Milwaukee. The first man wounded
was Color Bearer Fred. Huchting, of Company E, of Madison.
Sergeant W. M. Graham, of Company B, was wounded in three
places, and died of his injuries. William Mathews, F. Plummer
and Henry Young, of Company G, were also wounded. Sol.
Wise, of Company K, was taken prisoner. The first shot fired
at the rebels was made by Philo Jones, of Company K, as we
are informed by General Proudfit.
The regiment and its gallant Colonel were highly compli-
mented by Major General Patterson and Colonel Abercrombie
for the bravery and coolness displayed in this their first action
with the enemy.
The short period of service of this regiment did not afibrd
active duty in the field sufiicient to build up much of a history,
the skirmish at Falling Waters, so called, being the only action
FIRST INFANTRY REORGANIZED. 425
ill wliicli it was engaged. Our sketch, therefore, is necessarily
brief.
On the 3d of July, General Patterson's forces moved to Mar-
tinsburg, where they remained until the 15th, engaged in getting
forward supplies. "While here, the regiment was presented with
a flag by the ladies of Martinsburg. On the 15th, Patterson
moved his forces towards Bunker Hill. Here the regiment was
placed in line of battle until the 17th, when the whole force
marched towards Winchester, in expectation of a battle, but
when about five miles from that place, they were ordered to file
to the left, and about 11 o'clock at night, found themselves at
Charlestown, 22 miles east of Winchester. General Patterson
abandoned the attempt to hold Johnston in check, as ordered
by General Scott, and thus the rebels were enabled to reinforce
Beauregard on the battle-field of Bull Run. Remaining at
Charlestown till the 21st, the march was resumed, and the regi-
ment proceeded to Harper's Ferry, where orders were received
by Colonel Starkweather to proceed to the Monocacy River, for
the purpose of guarding the canal ai.\d fords in that vicinity.
Here nothing of importance occurred, until the 12th of August,
when orders were received from General Banks for the regiment
to proceed to Wisconsin for muster out, its term of service hav-
ing expired. Proceeding to Wisconsin, the regiment arrived at
Milwaukee, and was mustered out on the 21st of August.
Although not engaged in an}^ action of very great importance,
the three months of discipline and experience in the field of this
regiment was productive of much good, in aflrarding Governor
Randall an opportunity to avail himself of the services of many
of its members in officering the new regiments afterwards
organized.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 810. Losses — deaths,
3; desertions, 5; transfers, 7; discharged, 76; mustered out, 719.
FIRST INFANTRY— (REORGANIZED.)
On the return of the First Regiment to Wisconsin, it was
reorganized, and its muster into the United States service com-
pleted on the 9th of October, 1861, and was ordered to proceed
426 MILITARY HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
to Louisville, and report to General W. T. Sherman. The
following was the regimental roster :
COLONKL— JOHN C. STARKWE.\THER.
Lieutenant Cblotiel—DAViT) H. Lajje ; Jl/ajo?-— George B. Bingham ; Adjutant— ^e^ry
L. Franklin; Qwartej-fnosier — Harry Bingham; Surgeon— Iajcivs J. Dixon; First
Assistant SMri/eon— James Crugom ; Second Assistant Surgeon — Daniel B. Devendorff ;
Chaplain— James McNamara.
Co. Captains. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutenants.
A— ^ohn C. Goodrich, Simeon Babcoek, W. W. Watkius,
B — H. A. Mitcliell, Jolin Cosgrove, James White,
C — E-ohert Hill, William E. Gibbons, Hiram A. Sheldon,
D — Henry A. Starr, William S. Mitchell, Charles H. Messenger,
E— Donald 0. McVean, George E. Scott, Richard T. Hambrook,
F — M. M. Samuels, William J. Vincent, Junius A. Bartlett,
G— Edward Bloodgood, William H. Wilson, Charles J. Robinson,
H— Eugene Carey, Gilbert E. Bingham, >John C. McMullen,
I — Orin Rogers, Abner O. Heald, Jerome F. Brooks,
K— Thomas H. Green. William S. Burrows. Roswell M. Sawyer.
Leaving Camp Scott, Milwaukee, on the 28th of October, the
regiment arrived at Jeffersonville, Ind., opposite Louisville, on
the 30th, and w^ent into camp two miles below the former place.
Kemaining there until the 14th of November, they crossed to
Louisville, embarked on the steamer Baltic, and landed at West
Point, at the mouth of Salt River, moving thence on the 3d of
December to Camp Negley, south of Elizabethtown, Ky., where
the regiment was assigned to the Seventh Brigade, General
Negley, in General McCook's division. After rebuilding the
railroad bridge at Bacon Creek, the regiment moved to Camp
"Wood, near !Nolin8ville, on Green River, and remained there
until the 14th of February, 1862, when it marched with the divi-
sion for Nashville, arriving opposite that place, at Edgefield, on
the 2d of March. Here Colonel Starkweather was appointed
Provost Marshal. Two companies were retained for provost
guard duty, and the rest of the regiment crossed the river and
went into camp three miles south of Nashville, at Camp Andy
Johnson.
On the 8th, while on picket on a road known as " Granny
White's Pike," Company B, consisting of thirty men, under
Lieutenant White, was attacked by about two hundi-ed rebels.
The company rallied and gallantl}' opposed the enemy, at the
same time retiring before their superior numbers, leaving three
of their number wounded on the field. After Company B had
left the field, Company C, which was stationed in the vicinity,
SKIRMISH NEAR NASHVILLE. 427
came up to support them, and, holding the enemy in check,
brought off the wounded — Willett Green! ey, Ileniy F. Smith
and John Fitzgerald. The two first died of their wounds, being
the first Union soldiers killed in Tennessee. On returning to
their first position, Company C found their knapsacks and
blankets burnt by the enemy.
The regiment marched to Columbia, on the 2d of April, where
Captain Green, of Company K, was appointed Provost Marshal,
with his company as Provost Guard. On the 5th of April, Col-
onel Starkweather was appointed to the command of a brigade,
to which the First "Wisconsin was assigned. He moved with the
brigade to Bigley Creek, Tenn., where he remained till the 3d
of May, engaged in keeping open the communications. On the
10th, the brigade marched with Negley's division, to Eogersville,
Ala,, arriving there on the 13th. An attempt by the enemy to cut
off" the trains, was frustrated by Starkweather's command. Leav-
ing Rogersville on the 14th, they made a forced march to Baiil-
bridge Ferry, on the Tennessee Eiver. The rebel cavalry had
recently landed on the opposite shore, and a squad of the First
Wisconsin crossed, under the fire of the brigade battery, and
brought over the ferry boats, which were destroyed. The com-
mand moved to Florence on the 16th, but the next day was ordered
to return to Columbia, which it did, and went into camp, five miles
south of that place on the 20th, having marched ninety-five miles
in three and a-half days. Moving to Calioka Station on the 25th,
Companies A, B, G, and K, of the First, under command of Major
Bingham, were sent with an expedition to Chattanooga, and
arrived there on the 8th of June. These companies rejoined the
regiment at Stevenson, Ala., it having arrived there on the 25th.
The companies under Major Bingham, had marched 270 miles,
over a very rough country, and many days were on half rations.
From June 29th, to August 18tli, the regiment was stationed,
fii'st at Battle Creek, and subsequently at Mooresville, Ala., near
Huntsville. General Bragg commenced his march into Ken-
tucky, and on the 19th of August, Colonel Starkweather, under
orders, embarked the First Wisconsin on the cars for Nashville,
arriving there, crossing the river and encamping at Edgefield, on
the 20th.
428 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Here the Twenty-eighth Brigade was organized, and placed
under the command of Colonel Starkweather, to which the First
Wisconsin was assigned. Here also, Lieutenant Colonel Lane
resigned, and Major Bingham was commissioned as Lieutenant
Colonel, and Captain H. A. Mitchell, as Major. The brigade
was placed in Rousseau's division of McCook's corps. With the
rest of Buell's forces, the regiment marched to Louisville,
where it arrived on the 28th of September. At Louisville, the
Twenty-first Wisconsin, Colonel Sweet, was added to Colonel
Starkweather's brigade.
Taking part in the general movement against Bragg, the reg-
iment left Louisville on the 1st of October, and with the brigade,
encamped near ISIackville on the evening of the 7th. In the
morning, march was resumed, and Colonel Starkweather, with
his brigade, proceeded twelve miles, to near Perryville, where
the enemy was found in force. Immediately forming his com-
mand on the extreme left of the forces of General Rousseau, Col-
onel Starkweather was soon engaged with the enemy. Jackson's
division was a short distance in his front, and received the first
onset of the rebels, who succeeded in breaking Jackson's lines,
and forcing his men to retire through and over the Twentj^-first
Wisconsin, which had been stationed about one hundred yards
in advance of Starkweather's main line at the foot of the hill.
Generals Jackson and Terrill, were both killed, and their demor-
alized forces passed to the rear through the lines of General
Starkweather. The First Wisconsin held the extreme left of
the line. Starkweather's troops closed up, and as the eneni}'
approached, they were met b}'^ a spirited fire from the Twenty-
first Wisconsin, stationed in the advance. Colonel Sweet was
soon severely wounded, and Major Schumacher was killed, leav-
ing the regiment without a field ofiicer to execute the orders
of Colonel Starkweather. The enemy pouring in on their flanks,
they were compelled to retire, which occasioned some confusion
in their ranks.
The First Wisconsin was immediately advanced to the front,
supported by an oblique fire from the Seventy-ninth Pennsyl-
vania, and with the assistance of artillery, the position was held,
until the artillery horses were killed, or became unmanageable.
The regiments of the brigade were ordered to hold the ground
BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE. 429
while tlie gnns could be withdrawn. This was done, and the
guns were placed in a safer position, and again opened fire.
About this time a dash Avas made by a portion of the First Wis-
consin, and the flag of the First Tennessee was captured, private
Eice, of Company H, seizing it and bearing it in triumph into
the ranks of the First "Wisconsin. The fire of the Twenty-fourth
Illinois, and Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania, held the enemy in
check while the First Wisconsin took by hand, every remaining
gun and caisson from the field. By this time the firing had ceased,
the enemy were routed, and the brigade returned to the support
of its new position. This is known as the battle of Perryville,
or CViplin Hills.
Generals McCook and Rousseau highly complimented the com-
mand of Colonel Starkweather, and the former accorded to it the
honor and glory of having saved the left of the army.
The flag of the First was riddled with balls, and the flagstaff
severed in two places. The color sergeant was wounded badly,
and all the color guard were killed or wounded but three. Pri-
vate James S. Durham, of Company F, seized the colors after
the color bearer fell, and gallantly bore them through the
engagement.
For the service rendered in withdrawing the guns, the reo;i-
ment received the thanks of the Battery, and subsequently a full
compliment of colors and guidons, were presented to it by Indi-
ana troops, as a recognition of the bravery displayed in rescuing
the guns of an Indiana Battery.
The casualties in the First Regiment were reported as follows :
KiiiiiED OR Died of Wotjnds. — Company A — Sergeant William Wilson, Jr., Corporals
John Noonan and Michael Cunneen, Privates James Johnson, Edward Lapointo, Fred-
erickMortens, Junius A. Smith, D. P. Buzzell and Louis S. A. La True. Compain/ i? — Ser-
geant Charles G. Lyons. Company C— Corporals A. J.McIvisson and J. M. Hunt, Privates
Daniel Hill, Edward Sutton, Charles Fields, Julius Luck and John Weinborn. Com-
pany D~ Sergeant William M. Brown, Privates William E. Wickselberg, Oliver Joice,
David Young and Charles Stephens. Company E — Sergeants Sidney A. Langworthy
and D. C. Spencer, Privates William Radtke, Francis W. Herrick, William Trumlile, Wil-
liam Harmon, Orlando Wicks, Sampson Mellor and E. H. Stakin. Company F—
Sergeants Isaac N. Nichols and Hale Cowles, Corporals Richard IjOvell, Albert Pollard
and George W. Wing, Privates M. L. Davis, Richard Maloney, Joseph B. Peabody, Henry
Kaylor, John Ellis, Shannon Sweasy and Newton Webster. Company O — Corporal
Charles A. McKenzie, Privates A. B. Dent, T. W. Fogg, Frederick La Mark, James G.
Minor, John Phalon, Benjamin Ruby, Cliarles Clement and Nathaniel N. Anderson.
Company i/— Privates William H. Carver, Newell Upham, J. Nichols, Cliarles Durkee
and H. Hammers. Company I— Corporixl William H. Swan, Privates .Joseph Diet.sch,
Richard Lacox, F. Clay Ogle, James E. Clark, C. W. Brown and Samuel E. Root. Company
430 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
^—Privates "VVm. W. Lowo, Moses J. Coffeen, William M. Foster, William McArthur,
Robert JJames, Americus P. Smith, John Wiley, F. N. Baker, Michael Rourke, Joseph B.
Wood and Henry Dreien.
Wounded. — Company A — Sergeant Edwin Ferguson, Corporal William Farrow,
Privates Patrick Cardiff, Morell Bailey, Bernard Cook, Henry Sturtevant, Michael
Swartz, Austin W. Snell, Ct. S. Porter, Peter Greely and George Budd. Company B —
Sergeant Clias. Miller, Privates B. La Roche, Mathew Hansent and Isaac Knight. Com-
pany C— Sergeant James Crenshaw, Corporals Miles Trowbridge and Luther Crane,
Privates Daniel Whalen, Robert Black, Henry Coleman, Clark McFee, William Wilson,
C'onrad Slever, Fred. Wufers, Charles Sutton, .John Schofleld, George Bradshaw, William
R. Lawrence and Aug. Heinsbreter. Company D — Orderly Sergeant S. M. Sweetzer,
Privates Gab. Cornish, Rudolph Wechselberg, Frank Wertz, Paul Mayer, John Mayer,
Charles Waldron, Henry Filkins and A. D. Clark. Company E— Lieutenant R. S.
Hambrook, Corporal C. C. McVean, Privates Perry H. Duvall, D. B. Moore, John O'Brien,
E. E. Stoken, Charles Williams, Charles Scribner, John McLaine, Charles Chappie, Jas.
Harkinson, Louis I). Deamer, Charles Foote, Henry Winsor, W. H. Staats, John Scho-
field, James Irving and James Briggs. Convpany F — Lieutenant P. V. Wise, Sergeant
Simon Lillie, Corporal John Dolin, Privates F. A. Peabody, Ebenezer Moore, John
Lapham, Leonard Wilbur, Hugh McCurry, Elias Hunter, John Lenfest, N. J. Beeler,
Edward Warrendorf and James Fowler. Company G — First Lieutenant E. P. Watkins,
Sergeant Louis Brummer, Corporal Edward Oliver, Privates Hamilton A Brown, James
O. Brintnall, Albert L. Cook, John Corey, Lucius E. Knowles and George W. Reed,
Company //—Sergeants R. M. Dawley and Edward McDonald, Corporal Walter Glea-
son. Privates William Lake, John Phelan, Henry Mutink, Seward Nelles, Frank Locke,
M. De Master, C. De Smidt, Ignace Flute, W. R. Groome, Albert F. Waugh and Edwin
C. Rounsville. Company J— Sergeant Herrick A. Forbes, Corporal William Row,
Privates Salathiel Nichols and Frank Putnam. Com,pany K — Captain T. H. Green,
Sergeant G. E. Wood, Corporal G. H. Clark, Privates C. W. Ackley, H. H. Drury, L. B.
Everdell, W. M. Foster, U. Groat, B. K. Longstreet and C. A. Smith.
Killed and died of wounds, 73 ; wounded, 140 ; commissioned officers, 4 wounded.
The First, with the rest of the Brigade, pursued Bragg as far as
Crab Orchard, where the chase was given up. Returning, the
command marched by the way of Lebanon and Bowling Green,
to Mitehelville, on the Nashville Railroad, and engaged in guard
and provost duty until the 7th of December, when it marched to
camp Andy Johnson, near JSTashville.
General Rosecrans had been appointed to succeed General
Buell, and had reorganized the army into the Fourteenth Army
Corps, the right wing under General McCook, the center under
General Thomas, and the left under General Crittenden. In
General Thomas' command, the division of General Rousseau was
placed.
Participating in the movement of General Rosecrans towards
Murfreesboro, Colonel Starkweather's brigade was detached to
guard supply trains. On the 30th of December, the train was
attacked by Wheeler's cavalry, which succeeded in dividing it,
and burning several wagons, but were soon repulsed, with a loss
of 83, killed, wounded and prisoners. Next day, about 5 o'clock,
P. M., the brigade reported to General Rousseau, on the battle
BATTLE or STONE RIVER. 431'
field of Stone River. The day had been occupied in severe fiirht-
ing. During the three subsequent days, Rousseau's division was
held as a reserve, and in conseqnence, the brigade did not sufi'er
much in killed or wounded, being engaged in supporting batter-
ies, skirmishing with the enemy, and making rifle pits. As many
of the commissary wagons had been destroyed by the enemy, the
troops snfiered from want of rations, many of them having noth-
iue; to eat but raw corn. The horse of Lieutenant Starkweather
was killed by a cannon ball on the 1st of January, and being in
good condition, was cut up, and partaken of by many of the
soldiers. The weather was severely cold and rainy, and the
ground muddy. The shot of the enemy often compelled the
troops to lie on the ground in the mud. The casualties in the
Regiment during the whole time, including the skirmish with
Wheeler's cavalry, as reported by Surgeon Dixon, was seven
wounded, as follows :
CbmjmnT/ A — Corporal Andrew Bunteen. Company B — Baptiste de Mara. Conqiany
E — Captain D. C. McVean. Company F — L. W. Peterson. Company I — Sergeant
Waldo Tibbitts, died, and Henry Arnold. Company A'— Corporal T. H. Farr.
After the battle, the Regiment went into camp near ^Murfrees-
boro, and was employed in the usual routine of picket, fatigue,
forage and drill duties.
Three corps were organized in the army on the 9th of January,
1863; the Fourteenth, General Thomas — Twentieth, General
McCook — Twenty-first, General Crittenden. Rousseau's division
was numbered the First, in the Fourteenth Corps, and Stark-
weather's brigade numbered Third, in the division, but was
changed to Second, on the 28th of April.
Colonel Starkweather, in January, returned the flag of the
First to Governor Salomon. It was presented to the Regiment
by Governor Randall, in 1861, and now stands in its place in the
State Capitol, a proud monument of the brave deeds performed
under its shadow.
On the 24th of June, the First Wisconsin, with the brigade
aaid division, took part in Rosecrans' movement against General
Bragg, driving his troops from Hoover's Gap, turning his position
at Tullahoma, and following his fleeing forces to the foot of the
Cumberland Mountains, permitting him to retire to Chattanooga,
432 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
while tlie victorious armj of Eosecrans, congregated aro-;ncl
Cowan's Station, on the iSTashville and Chattanooga Eaih^oad,
where a halt was made, in order to establish railroad communi-
cations, and prepare for a further demonstration.
On the 17tli of July, Colonel Starkweather was appointed
Brigadier General, and was mustered out of service as Colonel
of the First Wisconsin, still retaining his command of the Second
Brigade.
The next move of General Rosecrans against the enemy, com-
menced on the 2d of September, when the Fourteenth Corps, to
which General Starkweather's brigade belonged, began its march
across the Tennessee River, and over the mountains, into the
vicinity of Trenton, Georgia, where it arrived on the 10th, and
camped near Stevens' Gap.
On the next day. Starkweather's brigade, with the division,
was ordered forward to the support of General Negley's division,
about five miles in advance, near Dug Gap. Skirmishing as they
advanced, the brigade attained a position between IsTegley's troops
and the enemy, under a severe fire. This position they gallantly
held, resisting the repeated efforts of the enemy to dislodge them,
until 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when a retrograde movement
commenced, and the brigade was ordered to cover the retreat.
This duty was admirably performed. General Starkweather suc-
ceeding in resisting all attempts of the enemy to break his lines,
or drive in his skirmishers, and successfully covering the retreat
of General Negley's force, and securing the safety of his own
command, with only the loss of two killed, one of them, however,
Lieutenant Robert J. Nickles, was a serious loss to General
Starkweather, being a member of his staif, and highly esteemed
by him'.
The brigade bivouacked in line of battle, near Stevens' Gap,
where they remained until the 17th, when the division moved to
Owen's Gap, and next day to Crawfish Springs, and on the 19th
took position on the battle field of Chicamauga.
We have described the battle of Chicamauga, in our chapter
on general military operations, and shown the movements of
General Baird's division, during the two days of battle. The
First Wisconsin, with the brigade, went to the relief of Colonel
Croxton, of Brannan's division, who was out of ammunition, and
BATTLE OF CIIICAMAUGA. 433
took position in fi-out, where they were attacked by an over-
whelming force of the enemy, who approached on the right flank,
and compelled a change in the position of the brigade. Here tlie
enemy struck the line on the right and front, with such over-
whelming force, as to compel the command to retire to a ridge
directly in the rear, leaving part of their artillery. The enemy
was attacked in the rear and flank, and driven from the field, and
the missing gnns were recovered. The brigade closed np on the
First and Third brigades, ofBaird's division, to the support of
General Johnson's division. Being ordered to the support of the
first line in front, whose ammunition was failing, the movement
of the brigades of the division in the darkness, became confused.
The darkness was intense, and, by mistake, one of the brigades
opened fire upon Starkweather's brigade, from the rear and flank,
which occasioned a portion of Johnson's force to fire into their
right, mistaking them for the enemy, while the enemy's fire met
them in front. The brigade was therefore compelled to retire,
in order to reform, which was done, and it bivouacked in an open
field, near General Johnson's train.
On the morning of the 20th, the command moved to a ridge,
ar.d took position, forming two lines, and throwing up barricades
of trees in front of each line, with artillery in the centre and on
the left, and covered on the right by an Iowa battery. Skirmish-
ers were kept in front of these barricades, returning to the attack
as often as they were driven back. This position was held by
the brigade nearly all day, until peremptory orders were received
to fall back as well as possible. In doing so, the second line
retired first. Just as this was discovered by the first line, the
enemy charged in front with the bayonet, supported by his bat-
tel les, which occasioned the first line to give way, and a portion
only rallied at a point where General Willich's command rested,
about sunset. From there the command moved to Chattanooga.
On nearingthe town, the oj-der was countermanded, and a position
was reassigned the brigade at the front, where it remained until
the 22d, when, with the balance of the division, it was ordered
to cover the retreat of the army to Chattanooga, going into
bivouack near that place.
The casualties in the regiment, in the battles of Bug Gap
and Chicamauga, as reported officially, are as follows :
28
434 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Killed ok Died of Wounds. — Conipanj/ J5— Color Sergeant John Shawvan, Pi-ivate
Julius Ehlers. Company C— Lieutenant. Robert I. Nickles, Corporal William Wilson,
Privates Nathan Crawford, John Anderson, Charles Fabien, Henry Palmer, George
Palmerston and Peter Addison. Company Z> — Captain W. S. Mitchell, Corporal Rudolph
Wechselburg, Privates Samuel EHiott and David T. Guthrie. Company ^—Privates
John Spencer, Ed. Seaton, George Herman and Herman Stoddard. Company F —
Sergeant S. F. Buell, Private Hiram Bennett. Company 0 — Y\v%t Lieutenant Charles
A. Searles, Sergeant Hiram P. Miller, Corporal Delbert H. Lee,Private Abram H. Lewis.
Company H — Second Lieutenant Jarius Richardson, Corporal John Breed. Company I
— Captain Abner O. Heald, Privates Austin D. Littlefleld, Henry I. H. Mentink and
August Heints. Company K— Privates Willard Arnold, Frank M. Ruth, Ed. B. Darling
and George I. Russell— 34.
'Wovs'D^T). — Company A — Sergeant G. H. Buckstaflf, Privates Peter Greely, Thomas
McMuUen, Ed. D. Fuller and Charles Maguire. Company B — Sergeant Henry Martin,
Private John Fitzgerald. Company C— Privates .lames Wilson, Eugene Scherer, Henry
Burns, Cliarles Sutton, Ernest Timme and Ferdinand Vonderbeck. Company D — Cor-
poi-al Benjamin Prevo, Privates William Taylor, Thomas Bray, Charles Waldron, Robert
Trumble, Darius Stanley, Will Packard, W. H. Wicker and Charles Keltner. Company
^—Captain Donald C. McVean, Second Lieutenant Benjamin F. Teets, Sergeants Chas.
Chappel, R. W. York and Darwin B. Moore, Corporal Charles C. Kimble, Privates John
M. Eastman, George Beebe and O. A. Osgood, in five places. Company i?'— Second Lieu-
tenant S. W. Button, Corporals George W. Freeman, James Smith, Charles A. Houston
and Patrick H. Van Mater, Privates Thomas O'Connor, James Gilroy, John Cowley,
George W. Casson, William W. Hutchinson, George W. Babcock, M. B. Cowles, Jacob
Brandt, Leonard Wilber and Duncan McKenzie. Company G — Sergeants Z. T. Pierce
and A. S. Gardner, Privates William Jaques, L. E. Knowles, Nicholas Zemmer, Henry P.
Christman, L. Jameson, George W. Lawton and Henry .Sneider. Company £■— Sergeants
H. E. Wood and W. B. Lyman, died. Corporals W. H. Richardson and Ed. E. Rouns-
ville. Privates Jacob Komlis, Reuben Farver, Charles E. Peirce, Henry Wedderford,
Matthew Demaster, Henry Hartman and William H. Wilder. Company I — Second
Lieutenant Sjdvester Colwell, Sergeant Arthur Tibbetts, Corporal William Rowe,
Privates Clark Arnold, Wiltse Brown, Horace Tibbetts, William Rogers, Stephen V.
Preston and Cliarles Peek. Company A'— Captain Thomas M. Green, Corporal John
J. Orvis, Privates Henry E. Berut and George Stewart— 79.
Seventy-six were missing, mostly taken prisoners. The number of officers killed was
one-seventh of all killed and wounded in the Fourteenth Army Corps.
General Starkweather was wounded in the leg by a piece of
shell, but remained in command of the brigade until the arniy
retired into Chattanooga.
In the movement on Mission Ridge, on the 25th of N'ovember,
the brigade was held as a reserve, and joined in the pursuit of
the flying enemy, as far as Stevens' Gap, when they returned to
Chattanooga. Late in 1863, about 400 drafted men were as-
signed to the regiment, and about 70 recruits joined it early in
1864, but these did not increase the aggregate of the regiment
sufficiently to warrant the muster of a Colonel, and consequently
it remained under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bingham,
although he was commissioned as Colonel.
On the 13th of January, General Starkweather was ordered to
"Washington on Court Martial duty, and all his connection with the
BATTLE NEAR DALLAS. 435
First Wisconsin ceased, Tlie regiment accompanied the Four-
teenth Corps, in Februar}-, 1864, in the feint on Dalton, to
favor General Sherman's Meridian Expedition, and subsequently
encamped at Grayville, Ga., until the 2d of May.
In the reorganization of the army in 1864, the First Regiment,
under the command of Lieut, Col, Bingham, retained its position
in the Third Brigada, FirstDivision, Brigadier Gen. l^.W. Johnson,
Fourteenth Army Corps, and moved to Ringgold, Ga., where
the Fourteenth Corps was concentrating preparatory to the
commencement of the celebrated Atlanta campaign.
On the 7th of May, the march commenced, and the division
occupied a position in the vicinity of Dalton, exposed to the oc-
casional fire of the enemy, until the 12th, when the Fourteenth
Corps marched to Resaca by Snake Creek Gap, and took position
in the intrenchments before that place. On the 14th, the brig-
ade advanced to charge the enemy's works in two lines, but
being unsupported, were unable to carry the position. The
First being in the second line, suffered a loss only of five
wounded. The enemy evacuated Resaca on the night of the
15th, and were soon followed by the Union forces. The First,
with the brigade, followed in the pursuit, and confi'onted the
enemy at Pumpkin Vine Creek, near Dallas, on the 27th, and on
the next day advanced, driving in the rebel skirmishers. On the
30th, an attack was made by a part of Hood's corps, on their
position, which was repulsed after a severe engagement, the First
losing four killed, and twenty-eight wounded.
The casualties in the First, from May 7th, to June 1st, as
reported by Lieutenant Colonel Bingham, were as follows :
Ki-LJjED.— CbmpanyA — John Anderson. Cbmpanj/ Z)—B. Gardner, Company O — A.
Johnson, Gust. Leenin and W. S. Brooks,
Wounded. — Company C— J. L. Briggs, J. Spitzer, C. Morris and H. Freeman. Company
D—J. Hupp. Company E—S. D. Browning, A. Keyes, H. Greenwood, died, and 1'.
Harland. Company G — J. C. Malion, died, A. Bergman died, J. Bremer, R. J. Tedder,
C. Hancocli, J. Kunliff, A. Selus, J. Humphrey, died, Gid. Burlce, died, and Lieutenant
George W. Lawton. Company i7— E. Tuclier, E. McDonald, A. Humphrey a^^ H. E.
Wood. OwjpariT/ J— J. Onk and L. Springer. Cbmpanj/ if— G. Ryan and Q. W. Gibson.
From the 1st of June, till the 17th, the regiment, with the
brigade, occupied several positions near Ackworth, for the most
of the time, in line of battle. On the 17th, they took part in a
severe skirmish of the picket lines near Big Shanty, and next
day drove the enemy's skirmishers to the main line, taking many
436 MILITARY HISTORY OF -VyiSCONSIN.
prisoners. The enemy retreated and the army moved forward
in front of their new position, near Kenesaw Mountain. Here
they remained until the 3d of July, under the most terrific fire
of artillery and sharpshooters, (Changing positions frequently,
but were not engaged in any of the charging columns, wMch
have rendered this position famous for bloody warfare.
The casualties in the regiment from June 1st, to July 4th,
reported by Lieutenant Colonel Bingham, w#e :
Killed. — Cbmpany C— Aug. Tewes. Company i:— First lieutenant C. C. McVean.
Company H — A. Peter.
Wounded. — Owipan.y C— William H.Douglas and E. Vanderback. Company E—E.
Gary and F. Delmer. Company H—M. Nellis and E. Cliappell. Company I — C. French.
Company K — H, Reiser and H. Flanagan.
The Fourteenth Corps moved in pursuit of the enemy, towards
the Chattahoochie, on the 5th of July, and on the 11th, the brig-
ade was ordered to push the enemy across the river, which was
accomplished without loss, they retiring from the north bank,
crossing and setting fire to the bridges. On the 16th, march
was resumed, and the brigade crossed the Chattahoochie, at
Saskes' Ferry, and advancing, drove the enemy across Peach
Tree Creek, on the 18th. In the battle of Peach Tree Creek,
on the 20th, the attack on our lines did not quite reach the
brigade. The First was compelled to lie on the crest of a ridge
in very unpleasant proximity to the flying shot and shell.
In the investment of Atlanta, the regiment was employed in
fatigue and skirmish duty, until the 26th of August, when they
left the trenches and took part in the movement to the west and
south of Atlanta.
In this grand movement on the enemy's communications, the
First Wisconsin, accompanied the Fourteenth Corps, of General
Palmer, and took part in the destruction of the railroad. Hav-
ing completed this work, they marched, on the 30th of August,
towards Jonesboro, which they reached on the 1st of September.
The Fourteenth Corps took position on the left of the army of
the Tennessee, and joined in the assault upon the enemy in his
works, which were carried after about two hours hard fighting.
The First Wisconsin, which had been engaged in destroying the
railroad, came up and rejoined the brigade, taking position in the
second line. A portion of the first line having failed to advance,
BATTLE OF JONESBORO. 437
the First "Wisconsin, led by Major Green, rapidly went forward
under a severe fire, and drove the enemy from the brigade
front, and held the position until dark, the enemy retiring to
Lovejoy's Station. They rem-ained in line of battle till the 6th,
when the army started on its return to Atlanta, the brigade acting
as rear guard. The enemy was kept at a respectful distance,
and the brigade went into camp near Atlanta, on the 8th of
September. •
The casualties for the month of August, are reported as
follows, by Lieutenant Colonel Bingham :
Killed. — Company C— S. Wolcott. Company O — W. Dauntz,
Wounded. — Company A — M. Schwartz. Company B — John White, J. W. Cook, N. King
and F. Carter. Company C—C- Clarke, W. McFee, J. Evans and M. Goea. Company D — J.
Strong, J. A. J. Hupp, died, J. M. Clark,W.Wright and D L. Green. Company E—O Osmand-
son, died August 11th, and W. Adams. Company G — A. Barden and S. Sanborn. Chm-
pany H— Captain John C. McMullen, J. A. Welch, F. Tesch, C. French, J. B. Bowen, M.
Shufeldt, J. F. Fitch, H. McLane and H. Krumdick. Company ^—Sergeant Geo. Wood.
In the monthly reports, we find that Lyman Loomis, of Com
pany E, died of wounds on the 10th of July; E. Reed, of Com-
pany K, died of wounds on the 22d of July, and John Clille, Jr.,
of Compan}' G, died of wounds on the 5th of September.
On the 1st of September, an order w-as issued by the War
Department, for the transfer of all recruits and veterans to the
Twenty-first Wisconsin.
On the 16th of September, orders were received from the War
Department, assigning the First Wisconsin to the Fourth Divi
eion of the Twentieth Corps. The transfer of the veterans,
drafted men, and recruits, having been completed on the 21st of
September, the First Wisconsin left Atlanta, and moved by way
of Bridgeport and Stevenson, to Nashville, where they went into
camp. The term of service of the regiment having expired,
they left Nashville on the 6th of October, and arrived on the 8th,
at Milwaukee, where they met an enthusiastic reception on the
part of the citizens. The necessary muster out rolls were made
and the muster out of the last company effected on the 21st of
October.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 945; gain by recruits
in 1863, 75 ; in 1864, QQ ; gain by draft in 1863, 407 ; veteran
reenlistments, 15; total, 1508. Losses — deaths, 219; missing, 10;
desertions, 57; transfers, 47; discharged, 298; mustered out, 877.
OHAPTEE XII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— SECOND INI'ANTRY.
Regimental Roster — First Battle of Bull Run — King's Brigade
— Roster of the Sixth Regiment — Roster of the Seventh Regi-
ment— Organization of the "Iron Brigade" — Operations near
Fredericksburg — Beverley Ford — Battle of Gainesville —
Second Bull Run — South Mountain — Antietam — Fredericks-
burg— Fitzhugh's Crossing — Chancellorville — Gettysburg —
Veteran Re-enlistments — Battles of the Wilderness — Spott-
SYLVANiA — North Anna — Cold Harbor — Second Regiment Re-
turns Home — Mustered out — Statistics — Independent Bat-
talion— Subsequent Brigade History — Assault on Petersburg
— Battle at Weldon Railroad — Hatcher's Run — Dabney's
Mills — Five Forks — Capture of Lee's Army — March to
Washington — Grand Review — Sent to Louisville — Return
to Wisconsin — Mustered out — Iron Brigade Dissolved —
Statistics.
THE Second Regiment was organized at Camp Randall, Madi-
son, in May, 1861, — was mustered into tlie United States
service on the lltli of June, and left tlie State for "Washington on
tlie 20tli. The folio wiug was the roster of the regiment :
Colonel — S. PARK COON.
lAeiUenant Cfolonel~HENB.Y P. Peck; ilfojor— Duncan McDonald; Af^tani—'E. M.
Hunter; Quartermaster— 3 atsies D. Ruggles; Surgeon — James. M. Lkwis; JFirst As-
sistant Surgeon— Thomas D. Russell ; Secmid Assistant Surgeon— 'P. S. Akndt ; Cfiaplain
—J. C. Richmond.
Co. Captains.
A— George H. Stevens,
B — Wilson Col well,
C — David McKee,
D— George B.Ely,
E— Gabriel Bouek,
F— William E. Strong,
G — John Mansfield,
H— J. F. Randolph,
I— Thomas S. Allen,
K— A. J. Langworthy.
First Ldeutanants.
Edward H. Mann,
Frank Hatch,
C. K. Dean,
A. B. McLean,
John Hancock,
A. O. Doolittle,
A. S. Hill,
A. A. Meredith,
William W. Lafleische,
Caleb Hunt.
Second Lieutenants,
William W. Jones,
Robert Hughes,
William Booth,
Dana D. Dodge,
H. B. Jackson,
William L. Parsons,
Samuel K. Vaughn,
Nat. Rollins,
Thomas W. Bishop,
William A. Hopkins.
FIRST BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 439
On reaching Harrisbiirg, Pa., arms were furnished to the regi-
ment, and it passed through Baltimore , arriving at Wasliington on
the 25th, and proceeded to camp on Meridian Hill, in the northern
6uburl)s of the city. Here Lieut. C. K. Dean, of Company C, was
appointed Adjutant, in place of E. M. Hunter. They remained
at Meridian Hill until the 2d of July, when they crossed the
Potomac into Virginia, going into camp two miles west of Fort
Corcoran. Here they were assigned to the brigade of Colonel
W. T. Sherman, which was attached to General Tyler's division,
of the army of Virginia, under General McDowell, who was
organizing a force to operate against the rebels at Manassas.
The regiment was engaged in the usual camp duties, and brig-
ade drill, until the 16th of July, when they shouldered arms, slung
their blankets, haversacks, with three days' rations, and canteens,
and accompanying the brigade and division of General Tyler,
marched to Centerville, by the way of Vienna and Germantown,
where they arrived on the 18th, and bivouacked about a mile
west of the town, on the Warrenton Pike. A reconnoissance was
made by General Tyler, to Blackburn's Ford, on Bull Run, in
which the rebels hotly contested his advance. During the skir-
mish. Colonel Sherman's brigade marched to the field on the
double quick, formed line of battle, and lay down to avoid the
flying shot and shell. A shot from the enemy struck into Com-
pany B, and mortally wounded Myron Gardner, and seriously
injured F. S. Hildreth and G. AYeucel, all of that company.
Gardner died next day, and was buried at Centerville.
Returning to their camp, the regiment lay in bivouack until
the night of the 20th, when they were ordered to prepare two
days' rations, and march in the morning. At 2 o'clock, the reg-
iment was aroused, without the drum, formed, and marched with
the column of General Tyler, to the neighborhood of the Stone
Bridge, on the Warrenton Pike, to take part in the first battle
of Bull Run.
Schencks' and Sherman's brigades, of Tyler's division, were
deployed on each side of the road, facing the Stone Bridge.
Around this position, the civilians, teamsters and stragglers had
congregated, to witness the battle. It was here that the stampede
began in the afternoon, which has made the battle of Bull Run
famous.
440 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The battle had been in progress a short time, and Hunter had
driven the rebels to the south of the Warrenton Pike, when,
about 11 o'clock, Colonel Sherman's brigade crossed the Run,
above the Stone Bridge, and joined the forces on the plain beyond.
At the point where they assembled, the high ridge extended
round towards the south, forming a basin about a mile in diam-
eter, with an outlet to the northeast, towards Bull Run. The
brigade of Colonel Sherman occupied the high ground on the
west, while the rebels w^ere posted on the hill to the east, on the
opposite side of the basin, on which they had a strong battery,
supported by a heavy body of infantry. The regiment advanced
down the hill on the west side, into agulley, or ravine, and thence
to the foot of the hill on which the enemy's battery was placed.
Here they sheltered themselves for a short time in a guUey, which
had been worn at the side of the road. At length a line was
formed, and a simultaneous rush was made up the bank and over
a fence, which they found there. The regiment advanced so
near the battery that they were not affected by the artillery, and
commenced pouring in a murderous fire. The rebels displayed
a Union flag, and a cry went up that they were firing into their
friends, which occasioned a slacking of the fire of the regiment.
They were soon undeceived, however, by pome of their officers,
when they again began their deadly work. The position occupied
by the enemy was alive with men, and a stream of fire poured from
their whole line. The boys of the Second Wisconsin stood this
fire for some minutes, returning it steadily, and with terrible
effect, when they fell back a short distance, firing all the time.
Rallying again, they rushed back towards the rebels, and poured
three or four rounds into them. About this time, the regiments
in the rear fired a volley into the Second, which occasioned its
retreat to the road. The regiments had been sent up, one at a
time, not near enough to render each other any assistance, and
still so near as to be in each other's way.. After its retreat to the
road, the Second became mixed with other regiments. An
attempt was made to rally the men on the hill from whence they
had started to attack the battery. It was partially successful, and
the men thus gathered were marched, by order of Major McDon-
ald, towards the Stone Bridge, which they found obstructed by
broken down artillery. Here the men broke ranks to wade the
CASUALTIES AT BULL RUN. 441
stream above and below the bridge, on which the rebels had
opened with artillery. The confusion commenced here shortly
after. The rebel cavalry made a dash at the colors, but a rally
was made, and the temporary color bearer, Robert Stevenson,
of Company C, succeeded in placing a fence between him and the
enemy, which prevented their capture. Dr. Lewis was taken
prisoner at the hospital, near the battle ground, while in the
discharge of his duties. He made the best defence he could, but
was overpowered. The majority of the regiment was collected
together at Centreville, and after securing some coffee and a little
rest, they started towards their old camp, Captain McKee having
been chosen commander, while the rear was brought up by
Captain T. S. Allen. They reached Camp Peck next morning,
wet, hungry, and very much exhausted.
The men of the Second Wisconsin fought with the bravery and
coolness of veterans, and when ordered back, supposed it was to
take a better position. They were the last to leave the field, and
did not know they were retreating.
'No official report of the casualties in the Second "Wisconsin, at
the first battle of Bull Run, was ever published. We have,
therefore, copied from the "Regimental Descriptive Book," on
file in the Adjutant General's office, and also from the monthly
reports, the names of the killed, wounded and prisoners, in the
action of the 21st of July, 1861 :
KiLLKD. — Owipawy -4 — Corporal John M. Carhart, Private Edgar Stafford. Company
jB_David M. Knox. Company C— Thomas D.Cox. Company X) — Jason Brown, Charles E.
Brown and Hugh D. Perry. Company J5— John Barton. Company ii^— Henry E. Benson,
Charles Filer and Marion F. Humes. Company C?— Henry R. Coffin , John Noonan, Wil-
liam H. Williams and John Chrystie. Company A'— Theodore F. Baldwin, William H.
Hyde, Jacob F. Oatman and Charles E. Tucker.
Wounded.— Cbwpanj/ ^ — Privates, George E. Maynard, James W. Marden, Austin H.
Lord, David Jones,* Winfleld S. Leach and Luther M. Preston. Company £ — First Lieu-
tenant Frank Hatch, Charles C. Bushee, William Brown, John Donovan,* in five places,
Norman F. Eldridge, John M. Hawkins,* Samuel P. Jackson,* Anton Knoblauch,* died
at Richmond, Va., Charles Knox, George G. Symes and Gottheff Wenzell. Company C—
Second Lieutenant William Booth,* Corporal J. L. Hyde, Privates Daniel Burton, Andrew
J. Curtiss,* Daniel Eldred, Belknap Fuqua, died at Richmond, Va., Richard Graves,
Cliarles A. Garvin, three places, Alson Parody, William Reed, Robert J. Simpson, Albert
W. Speas, David Strong,* Orlando Waldorf,* Albert Waldorf, Wieland Wiebel,* died in
prison, July 31st, and John St. John. Company Z)— Corporal Isaac Sackett, Privates Cain
Billings, John S. Bell,* George Griffln, Frederick H. Main,* John Mclntyre, John Pranga,
Henry Sllliman,* Joslyn Southard* and Oramel Wilcox. Company £— Sergeant Joseph
W. Roberts, Corporal Walker S. Rouse, Privates Reuben Ash, Charles Graves,* .Vugustus
E. Clarke. John Encking,* Lottridge Firman, died at Richmond, Va., Stephen Graham,*
William Holland, Richard Lester,* Jonas Leach, Harvey M. Daniels, Sebastian Osterdog,
* Wounded and taken prisoners.
442 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Sylvester D. Pitcher,* Prosper Stimson,* Louis Schinty and N. H. Whittemore. Oompavy
i?'— James W. Anderson,* JohnH. Anderson,* Tliomas Crosby, William Fuller, Henry B.
Ginty, Charles Jewett, Frederick N. Lacj%* Tlaonias Malcomson and William H.Upham.*
Company G— First Lieutenant Alexander S. Hill, Charles C. Dow, Eusebius S. Best,* R.
Batson, Augustus R. Clement, Daniel F. Crane,* John House,* Peter C. Irwin,* G. H.
Irwin, Horace Nealy, Munroe L. Philips and J. A. Wiser. Company H — Captain J. F.
Randolpli, First Lieutenant A. A. Meredith, Privates Henry N. Allyn, George A. Beck,*
Francis M. Britton, Samuel M. Bond, Theodore D. Bahn, Thomas Canning, Thomas Mur-
phj", Peter IMorrison, Elisha Reed,* Henry Storm and John M. Hook. Company I— Francis
Casey, Richard Chappell, George Harris, Christian Kestler,* Philip Lawrence, William
A. Owens,* and Emilie Peterson. Company K— Captain A. J. Langworthy, Sergeant A. B.
Gaskill,* Corporal C. Le Rae, Privates S. H. Hagadorn,* F. B. Whitney, O. G. Evenson,*
J. Hobbeck,* W. H Mardin,* J. A. aiclntosli,* J. Ross,* James Taylor.*
Taken PKISONERS.—.'^Yf'ifOi?^cer — Surgeon James M. Lewis. Cbmpanj/ ^—Sergeant
Frank Dexter, Privates Erl C. Marsh, Robert Welch, Nathan Heath and Henry C. Parker.
Company £— Corporal R. W. Burns, Privates Joseph Frame and George F. Marshall,
Company C— Thomas S. Brookins, Fritz Reckler and Henry Rhode. Co^npany D — Corporal
John Hamilton, died at Richmond, Va., Privates John A. Jones, W. J. McRea and Hugh
Murray. Company i?— Alvin N. Bugbee, Lester J. Perry, Horace Stroud, William B. Taylor,
Henry C. Weed and Frederick A. Zahn. Company i^— Antle Henry. Company G— George
W. Briffett and Daniel O'Brien. Company H— Cyrus D. Holdridge and Edwin L. Reed,
died at Richmond, Va. Company i"— Frederick Breme, George W. Dilley, James Gregory
and Walter P. Smith. Company ^—Robert W. McKinnon.
From these records it appears that 19 were killed ; 6 commis-
sioned officers and 108 enlisted men wounded, 38 of whom were
taken prisoners, and several died of their wounds, in the rebel
prisons, and 31 were taken prisoners.
On the 22d of July, most of the regiment had returned to their
old camp, and next day moved to Fort Corcoran, which they
w^ere ordered to defend. President Lincoln, Secretary Seward,
and Governor Kandall visited them, praising the regiment for the
bravery and endurance they displayed in the fight, and promising
a reform in their regimental organization. Soon after, Colonel
Coon and Lieutenant Colonel Peck, resigned, and Major Mc-
Donald was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and Lieutenant Edgar
O'Connor, of the regular army, Colonel. Lieutenant Colonel
McDonald resigned, and Captain Lucius Fairchild, of the First
"Wisconsin, was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain T. S.
Allen, Major. The Second was transferred to General King's
brigade, and joined it at Meridian Hill, on the 25th of August.
With other regiments of the brigade, the Second was sent over
the river, into Virginia, at Chain Bridge, early in September,
where it was employed in building fortifications, and in the per-
formance of outpost and picket duty, until about the first of
October, when it rejoined the brigade at Camp Lyon, at the east
end of Chain Bridge. The next day, the Seventh Regiment joined
* Wounded and taken prisoners.
THE IROX BRIGADE OF THE WEST. 443
the brigade, making its organization complete, being now com-
posed of the Second, Sixtb and Seventh Wisconsin, and the
Nineteenth Indiana.
The brigade, during the war, became famous as the " Iron
Brigade of the West," its history being interwoven with all the
actions of the Army of the Potomac, except the Peninsular Cam-
paign. We therefore merge the history of the three Wisconsin
regiments with that of the brigade.
"THE mOIT BRIGADE OF THE WEST."
Early in the war, General Pufus King, of Wisconsin, a gradu-
ate of West Point, tendered his services to the government, and
was appointed Brigadier General, with authority to form a brig-
ade, composed of regiments from Wisconsin. In this he only
partially succeeded, as the Fifth Wisconsin was transferred to
another brigade, against his wishes, and the wishes of a majority
of the field and line oificers and men of that gallant regiment.
He, however, succeeded in permanently attaching the Second,
Sixth and Seventh, to the brigade.
The Sixth Wisconsin was organized at Camp Randall, Madison,
in July, 1861, mustered into the United States service on the
16th, and left the state for Washington on the 28th. The
following was the roster of the regiment :
Colonel — LYSANDER CUTLER.
Lieutenant Ckilonel—S. P. Atwood; Major— '&. F. Sweet; Adjutant — ¥ kxsk A.. TlAa-
KELL; Quartermaster — I. 'ii.MA&o^\ iSi(r(/eo« — C. B. Chapman ; F irst Assistant Surgeon^-
A. W. Pkeston; Second Assistant Surgeon— A. P. Andrews; Chaplain — Kev. N. A.
Staples. .
Co. Ciptains. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutenants.
A — A. G. Malloy, D. K. Noyes, F. C. Thomas,
B — D. J. Dill, J. F. Marsh, Henry Serrill,
C —A. S. Hooe, p. W. Pluminer, J. W. Plumnier,
D— J. O'Rourke, John Nichols, P. H. McCauley,
E — E. 8. Bragg, E. A. Brown, J. H. Marston,
F — William H. Lindwurm, Fred. Schumacher, Werner Von Baclieli,
G— M. A. Northrup, G. L. Montague, W. W. Allen,
H— J. F. Hauser, J. D. Lewi.s, J. A. Tester,
I — Leonard Johnson, F. A. Haskell, A T. Johnson,
K— R. R. Dawes. J. A. Kellogg. John Crane.
The regiment arrived at Washington on the 7th of August, and
was immediately assigned to King's brigade, and went into camp
444 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIIir.
on Meridian Hill, where it remained until the 8d of September,
when it marched, with the brigade, to Chain Bridge, and was
emplo^^ed in picket and guard duty, at Camp Lyon, until it was
joined by the Second Wisconsin, the ISTineteenth Indiana, and
the Seventh Wisconsin, about the Ist of October.
The Seventh Regiment was organized in August, 1861 ; was
mustered into the United States service by companies, and left,
the state, for Washington, on the 21st of September. The
following was the roster of the regiment :
Colonel — JOSEPH VANDOR.
lAeutenant Colonel— W. W. Robinson; iV/ajor— Charles A. Hamilton; Adjutant—
Charles W. Cook; Quartermaster— H^hhy P. Clinton; Surgeon — Henry Palmer;
First Assistant Surgeon — D. Cooper Ayers; Second Assistant Surgeon — Ernst Crabier;
CAoptam— Rev. S. L. Brown.
Co., Captains. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutenants.
A — George Bill, Hollon Richardson, M. B. Misner,
B — J. H.Huntington, S. L. Batcheldor, H.P.Clinton,
C — Samuel Nasmith, A. R. BushneU, E.A.Andrews,
D— E.F.Giles, C. W. Cook, A. T. Reed,
E— W. D. Walker, W. F. Bailey, W. B. Manning,
F — John B. Callis, Samuel Woodhouse, Henry F. Young,
G — Samuel Stevens, Homer Drake, Samuel Kramer,
H— Mark Finnioum, C. M. H. Meyer, Robert Palmer,
I— George H. Mather, A.S.Rogers, J. N. P. Bird,
K— Alexander Gordon. F. W. Oakley. David Sherrill.
The Seventh reached Washington on the 26th of September,
and joined King's brigade, at Camp Lyon, on the 2d of October.
The brigade having been assigned to the division of General
McDowell, marched, on the 5th of October, from Camp Lyon, by
way of the Georgetown Acqueduct, and went into camp at Fort
Tillinghast, near the Arlington House. Here they remained
during the winter, engaged in various camp duties, and taking
their turn at outpost duty, until the 10th of March, 1862, when
they took part in the advance on Manassas, encamping near
Fairfax Court House. Here General King was placed in com-
mand of General McDowell's division, and Colonel Cutler, of the
Sixth Wisconsin, assumed command of the brigade. Manassas
being evacuated, McClellan's army marched to Alexandria, the
brigade returning to Camp Tillinghast, on the 16th, moving thence
on the 18th, to Fairfax Seminary, near Alexandria. On the 5th
of April, the division of General King marched, by the way of
the Alexandria and Orange Railroad, to Falmouth, opposite
Fredericksburg, on the Rappahannock. Here they engaged in
SKIRMISH AT BEVERLY FORD. 445
building and guarding railroad bridges and blockhouses. General
Gibbon took command of the brigade. In May, General King's
division encamped on the Bowling Green road, being intended as
the advance of the reinforcements designed for General AlcClellan,
but they were recalled, and required to accompany General
Shields' forces, in the attempt to cut off Jackson's retreat from
the pursuit of General Banks. A railroad accident prevented
their taking cars, and they marched to Haymarket, where they
remained a few days, when they returned to Falmouth.
In the explosion of the gunboat Mound City, on White River,
Ark., on the 13th of June, 1862, being struck by a shot from the
enemy, George Abrams, Giles Carpenter, James Dougherty
and Elmer Torrence, of Company E, and William Stael, of
Company B, Second Wisconsin, were killed.
In July, an expedition was sent out by General King, under com-
mand ofGeneral Gibbon, to Orange Court House which ascertained
that the enemy was approaching in great force, to attack General
Pope, who had been placed in command of the army of Virginia.
The Second Wisconsin formed part of this expedition. On the
5th of August, another expedition was sent out, under the same
General, to destroy the Virginia Central Railroad. The Sixth
Wisconsin, and a small force of cavalry and artillery, were
detached, and placed under command of Colonel Cutler, of the
Sixth, which marched, by way of Spottsylvania Court House, to
Frederick's Hall Station, where they destroyed two miles of the
track, the depot, and other buildings, and returned, meeting, at
the Spottsylvania Court House, the rest of General Gibbon's
command, who had a skirmish with the enemy's cavalry, driving
them before them. The Second and Seventh were with General
Gibbon. The Second lost 17 men captured, who had been dis-
abled by the severity of the march. On this expedition, the
troops suffered severely from the excessive heat of the weather.
King's division marched to Culpepper Court House, arriving on
the 11th, camping near the recent battle ground of Cedar Moun-
tain. The brigade took part in the celebrated retreat ofGeneral
Pope, taking position at Beverly Ford, after crossing the Rappa-
hannock, and for three days, skirmished with the enemy, losing
Adjutant Dean, of the Second, who was taken prisoner, and the
foUowino; men were wounded :
446 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
SECOND REGIMENT.— Cbn!prt»?2/ ^—Privates Philo D. Payson and Alonzo P. Nettle-
ton. Company C— Private Charles Manning. Company £— Private Harvey McBanlels.
Company F~ Sergeant Isaac Martin, Private Thomas Malcomson.
SEVENTH REGIMENT.— CbWJiJfwj/ A'— Lieutenant Oakley, ai-m amputated; Private
Kramer.
The brigade moved to Sulphur Springs, where, on the 26th,
they had another severe skirmish, the Second having one man
wounded, of Company A, named Solomon Cuddeback. They
then moved to Buckland Mills, and on the 28th, were marching
on the Warrenton Turnpike, near Gainesville, when they met
the enemy, and fought the battle of Gainesville.
This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, and was fought
by the " Iron Brigade " alone, only receiving aid after the heaviest
of the fighting was over. The battle day of the 28th of August,
is a bloody one in the calendar of many a Wisconsin homestead.
While marching towards Centreville, a battery of the enemy
opened on the brigade, when the Second Regiment was ordered
to face to the left, and march obliquely to the rear, and take the
battery in flank. As they rose on an intervening hill, a severe
fire was opened on them by the rebel infantry, on their right
flank. The left wing was advanced to bring the regiment facing
the enemy, when the fire was returned, and for fifteen minutes, a
tremendous storm of shot was kept up by the contending forces,
a brigade of rebels being engaged by the Second Wisconsin.
The Second held its ground during this time, when the Nine-
teenth Indiana came up on its left. The enemy were reinforced,
and the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin went into line, and the
whole brigade continued the fight, till darkness put an end to the
contest. General Gibbon in vain sent for aid, oniy two regiments
making their appearance near the close of the action. At least
four of General Jackson's best brigades composed the rebel force,
among them, the famous " Stonewall Brigade," which claimed
that it never before was compelled to fall back. The fearful list
of casualties, proved the desperate nature ofthe contest. Colonel
O'Connor sat on his horse amid the shower of bullets, encourag-
ing his men, when he was wounded. He kept on his horse until
again wounded, in the groin, when he was carried from the field,
and died. Major Allen, ofthe Second, was twice wounded, but
did not leave the field. Captain Randolph, of Company H, was
killed instantly. Colonel Cutler, of the Sixth, was severely
BATTLE OF GAINESVILLE. 447
wounded in tlie tliigli. Colonel Robinson, of the Seventh, was
Avonnded in the leg. Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton through both
thighs, and Mn,ior Bill was wounded in the head, thus depriving
the Seventh Regiment of its field officers, leaving Captain Callis
in command. Captain Brayton, of Company B, was killed. The
brigade remained on the field, removing the wounded, till about
midnight, when they were ordered to retreat to Manassas Junc-
tion. Wisconsin may well be proud of the heroes of Gainesville.
All the regiments performed their duty admirabl}'', and fought
without flinching, and every man was a hero. Here the brigade
acquired its designation of the " Iron Brigade of the West."
The following list of those killed, or who died of wounds re-
ceived at the battle of Gainesville, is copied from the records in
the Adjutant General's office, and the list of wounded is as
officially reported :
SECOND REGIMEXT.— Killed or Died of Wounds.— i^VW Q^cer— Colonel Edgar
O'Connor. Company A —Privates Silas Bennett, Tlio's Downs, Wni. Luhn, Peter Jlori-ow
and John W. Sharpe. Company B—'PriyaXQa Edwin O. Brewster and Edward Potter.
Cwnpany C— Second Lieutenant Edward P. Kellogg, Sergeant Frank Neaville, Corporals
Micli'l Cook and David Gudger, Privates Joseph Brown, Rob't S. Pettinger, John Schmidt,
New-ton Wilcox, Martin J. Barnhersel, Geo. B. Hyde, John St. John, Albert Waldorf and
R. H. McKenzie. Company D — Corporal Ja's Peacock, Private Joseph Traniblie. Company
^—Corporal James C. Bartlett, Privates William Dillon, William G. Davis, Joseph W.
Smith, Benjamin Whitney, Edwin Cooper, L. Firman and Wells Stever. Company F —
• Corporals George P. Lincoln, Adam Small, Elrick B. Stickney and William Price, Pri-
vates Frank D. Cole, Hans P. Christie, Joseph M. Mann, Nathaniel Meigs, Samuel Seaman
and Peter Weber. Company G — Sergeant John G. Kent, Corporals Owen W. ^avis and
Gustav Leclair, Privates Charles Bloom, William Dean, Edwin Jackson, John Lester,
Randall McDonald, George W. Mack, Andre\v F. Pardee, Walter L. Plumstcau, Monroe
L. Phillips, Orson Parker, John P. Schildgen, Guy Sherwood, James A. Snyder and
Trevyllian J. Slatey. Company i?— Capt. J. F. Randolph, Corp. Jas. Young, Privates Wui.
Catlin, Benj. F. Cliilcote, Wm. E. Moore, Theodore L. Sutphen, James Watkins, Albert
Weatherbee, Charles H. Brayton, Thomas Beaver, Charles F. Bacon, James M. Eskew
and Edward L. Edmunds. Company I — Corporal Henry P. Curry, Privates Isaac Kay
and John F. Treaga. Company K— Privates LTlricli Blasser, John Blum, Thomas Dutland,
John Korupp, Fred Lvisinger, Rudolph Mendlick, Anton Munster, Conrad Plott, John
Roth, John Senn, Peter Zeimert and Adolph Zenia — 85.
Wounded.— JP)'c(d Oi^c«' — INIajor T. S. Allen, neck and wrist ; Sergeant Major Williara
S. Winegar. Company A — Qox\iOXi\\ Joseph L. Minor, Privates Fred L. Phillips, John
Cavanagh, William Kuhl, Hugh Lewis and Archibald D. Bennett. O/mpany B — Oscar
W. Bradford, William B. Williams, James C. Leach, James W. Sloan, F. J. Phelps, Has-
ben Coftin, Ludwig Lochman and Richard Fahey. Company C— Captain George W.
Gibson, Sergeant Samuel Booth, Corporals Frank H. Liscum, Albert Parody and James
Hughes, Privates Philo B. Wright, William Snodgrass, Francis Buckmaster, John Bower,
Jaseph Bock, George W. Nevins, William M. Foster, Samuel Peyton, John Coonce, A. J.
Curtis, Walter Hyde, Fred Pettigrove. G. W. Fritz, Daniel Eldred, Fred Chase, John
Doyle, Lewis Reidler, William B. Reed, .John Cahill, J. C. Dillon, John W. Raines, A. W.
Spears, Alpheus Currant and J. H. Branson. Company £> — Sergeant William P. Warren,
Corporal John McLochlin, Privates Alvin Z. Eager, L. F. Turner, AlaTi.son Alexander,
David Tramblie, John Mclntyre, Andrew Bean, John A. Jones, Albert B. Heath, Edward
Killeler, Chauneey Callender, Aad Peterson and Thomas H. Knell. Compaui/ £— Captain
448 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCOlsrSIN.
Lj-man H. Smith, Lieutenant Melvin R. Baldwin, (acting Adjutant) Sergeant Walker
S. Rouse, Corporal William C. Bryant, Privates Edward L. Billings, Nicholas Coslow,
John Banderob, Sebastian Osterday, AVilliam Tillark, Robert Stover, Julius E. Lull,
Abraham White and Phillip Smith. Company i^— Sergeants Martin Rodman, Francis
L. Graham and Samuel Manderson, Corporals John Yates and Lyman C. Ewin, Privates
Charles B. Hurll)ut Joseph Hughes, Charles Jewett, Sheldon E. Judson, Cornelius North,
Henry Bowles, Henry Wornington, Douglas C. Smitli and Thomas Weldon. Company O
— Sergeant Henry G. Clark, Privates, Charles C. Dow, G. W. Blanchard, S. H. Morrison,
C. P. Austin, R. Batson, John Chapman, William Church, Thomas P. Cowing, James H.
Grace, F. D. Helms, George Hill, Lyman Jordan, J. Loomis, Warren Ncihols, Warren L.
Pratt, Edward Rice, John Rowell, Jolm Stone, Miles Sweeney, Homer Sweetman and
Peter C. Irvine. Cmnjyany H — Sergeant Paul Hal verson, Corporals W. A. Stearns, and
T. Krutzen, Privates William Black, A. S. Baker, R. G. Brown, J. Cook, Thomas Daily,
J. Everitt, S. Foss, Jerry Grover, L. O. Iverson, C. W. Moore, A. McCollum, James Plackett,
A. F. Stancliff, George W. Stone, W. T. Turner, J. Thompson, J. T. Vauhausen, J. White,
J. G. Wall and Corporal E. R. Heath. Company I— Lieutenant Alonzo Bell, Sergeants
James Gregory and William Mursur, Corporal Samuel Coker, Privates Luke Averj',
William F. Benney, Otis Evans, J. G. Goldthorpe, James B. Prideaux and Benjamin F.
Saterlee. Company A'— Lieutenant C. G. Esslinger, Sergeants August Wandery and
Adam Saler, Corporals John Pott, John Willand, Jacob Jletsler and Rudolph Stoll, Pri-
vates Martin Ambruster, Joseph Helms, Jacob Jenny, Sebastian Imburg, Jul^ius Kruger,
John C. Kubrey, Christian Sempke, Charles Loeper, Jolm Pashke, Matliias Rathenberger,
Anton Sclimidt, John Schmidt, John Senn, Fred. SturfTand Dutland Thorn — 162.
SIXTH REGIMENT.— Killed or Died of Wotjnd.s.— Compa7iy iJ- Private Robert A.
Fulton. Omnpany C— Private Lyman W. Sheldon. Company i>— Private Ferdinand
Eversoll. Company E— Privates John Sha>' and M. A. Garfield. Company G — Sergeant
Jabez A. Hyatt, Privates William Bedford, Mattliew Haley and Collins Mann. Company
i"- Privates Henry Didiot, Cliarles Burnham, Franklin Ellsworth and Geo. Robbins.
Company /i"— Private William Patterson — 14.
SEVENTH REGIMENT.— Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company A — Yirst Sergeant
Morris Shealian, Corporal Richard Phillips, Privates J. M. Bai-tholomew, Jas. Clelland,
Albion F. Douglas, C. E. Mills, Seraphin Riopel, W. Hiuton and U. F. Laskey. Company
£ — Captain George H. Bray ton. Privates Sanford Frost and Julian Lewis Company C —
Private J. S. Eastman. Company Z> — First Sergeant Philo C. Blackman, Privates Wil- ,
liam H. Emery, Joseph Evans, Lucius C. Farnham, Orange S. Little, James M. Treat,
Edward Crane and A. D. Coon. Company £— Sergeant Herbert J. Crandall, Privates
Lemon migaboom, J. J. Rose and G. B. Eddy. Company F— Corporals Edward S. Mc-
donald and William N. Miles, Privates Harry Kentner, Herbert Roberts, Lewis W.
Stevens, Newton McPhail and John Leppla. Company G — Sergeant J. H. Campbell,
Private Ray W. Coffin. Company //—Privates Luther Schmee, Lucius Eastman and
Martin Moore. Company /—Privates Thornton Curry, Joseph Hurd and William D.
Williams. Company K— Corporal Martin L. Cochrane, Privates Josiah H. Beard, Charles
P. Norton, Nathan Sebing, Cliester R. Garner and E. H. Oviatt — 46.
On the 29tli, the brigade was present on the battle field of Bull
Eim, engaged as support to a battery. The Second and Seventh
Regiments were consolidated, temporarily, the Second into four,
and the Seventh into six companies, under command of Lieuten-
ant Colonel Fairchild. The brigade took part in the battle of
August 30th, and on the retreat of the army, was directed, by
General Kearney, to act as rear guard, which they did, the whole
army passing by them, and the Iron Brigade covering the retreat,
the Second being the last to cross the Stone Bridge. Retiring
with the rest of the army, the brigade went into camp at Upton's
Hill, near Washington, on the 2d of September.
SECOND BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 449
The killed and wounded of the 28th and 30th of August,
were :
SECOND REGIMENT.— Wounded.— Cbwparjj/ ^ — Lieutenant Henry B. Converse,
Privates Thomas Green and Jolm D. McDonald, Ompanj/ ^-CorporallsaacR.Higgins,
Privates D. F. Chapman and Charles Knoll — 6.
SIXTH REGIMENT.— Killed or Died of Wovsvs.—Oompany C— Privates Henrj' E.
Pettit, S. S. Vesper and Frank Young. Cbwipan?/ Z)— Private Hugh M. Dunning. Com-
pany i^— First Sergeant Chas. Lampe, Privates August Thermier and August Wellliausen.
Comj>any J— Private Rodolph Fine. Company K—VrvvaXe Levi S. Gardner — 9.
Wounded. — Field Officer —Colonel Ij. Cutler. Cbmpa??;)/ ^ — Sergeant John Stark, Cor-
porals Peter Stackhouse and Philip Hofer, Privates Harvey Cloy, William H. Livesley,
William Kline and Philip Niepert. Company i?— Corporal Joseph Faehs, Privates John
T. Kayzar, Henry Smyzer, George Cassaday, David T. Jones and James ISIcEwin. 0)?n-
JJOH^ C— Corporal J. W. Hubbard, Privates W. H. Pease, Thomas Budworth, A. Boyd,
Charles White, A. Wethrow, L. P. Harvey, M. Prothen, W. Russell, H. O. Qriatt, L. R. W.
Falkner, W. Gilmore and E.W. Ellis. Company Z>— Capt. J. F. Marsh, Corp. Levi S. Carpen-
t«r. Privates L. Fowler, J. H. Riley, D. Simmons, J. Fowler, J.C.Clark, John Toppitt
and Moses Decker. Company E— Lieutenant Jerome B. Johnson, Corjioral Frederick
Baldwin, Privates John H. Cole, W. K. Fish, A. Gifford, George Johnson, B. Kribbs,
James F. Lawrence, William Rowe, Amos Letter, J. S. Berry, John Weyman, R. J.
Campbell, J. Deiner, William Dillon, R. Hasbrouk and A. Dennis. Company i^— Sergeant
Oscar Greaty, Privates Jacob Bersch, Jacob Beynes, August Willhausen, Julius Vetter,
Frederick Simmerding and Leander Comstock. Co^npany G — Corporal L. S. Medburj%
Privates Charles Guinitz, William H. Kinsey, Thomas O. Maley, Andrew Allen and
Moses Odell. Company H — Sergeant John A. Crosen, Corporal Jacob Wirth, Private
Leonard Obricht. Company I — Sergeant E. F. Fearn, Corporal R. Warham, Privates
Alexander Lowrie, E. C Burdick, J. B. Hill, E. Lind, F. Page, J. L. Somerliy, C. C.Wyman,
Caleb Wright, S. G. Waller, Gilbert Allen, Hugh McClure, G. Ruby, George Sutton and
Lewis Broughton. Company K — Lieutenant John Ticknor, Privates Daniel D. Alton,
William W. Garland, Erastus Emmons, John R. Towle, W. J. Ranney, H. W. Trumble
and John St. Clair— 9.3.
SEVENTH REGIMENT.— Killed or Died of 'Wovstis,.— Company C— Private Thos.
B. Sutton. Company F — Private Herbert Roberts. Company G — Private Peter liiver.
Company H — Privates William G. Munroe and William G. M. Scott — 5.
Wounded. — Field Officers — Colonel W. W. Robinson, Lieutenant Colonel Charles A.
Hamilton, Major George Bill. Compaiiy A — Corporal Conrad Gunkle, Alfred Miller
and William J. Townley, Privates Harvej^ P. Ball, Isaac Clapp, M. Case, Pliny Ellis,
Patrick Feeney, John Georgeson, Thomas H. Grist, Cyrus Henton, Herbert Lull, I.saac
Mead, James Morrison, John Pollock, Abner A. Stitson, Thomas Strangeway and Benja-
min F. Riddle. Co7npany B — TjieutennnfM. C. Hobart, Sergeant William H. Morgan,
Corporal John McMahan, James B. Brown, A. O. Butler, Isaac Cooper, Julius Englesey,
John Furguson, Frank Graham, John Hughes, A. O. Hurlburt and Joseph Thomas.
Company C— Corporals William P. Darley and Freeman Quimby, Privates Herman Rad-
kil and John C. Bold. Company Z)— Sergeants E. A. Ester, O.H. Pratt and A. J. Compton,
Corporals J. H. Best and F. Thomas, Privates Thomas Campbell, J. Kenbarger, E. Sim-
mons, E. Marsh, J. Bullock, R. King, P. Thompson, M. H. Haynes, J. C. Burns, E. A. Reed,
J. D. Marble, J. Thomas A. S. Eager, William S. Sylvester and G. Wells. Company E—
Captain W. D. Walker, Sergeants Thomas Eubanks, Gideon Worden and H. Gibson,
Corporal Henry Gildersleeve, Privates Henry E. Holcomb, A. M. Hubbard, F. G. Cannon,
W. H. H. Wheelock and A. Wheelei-. Company i^— Captain John B. Callis, First Sergeant
A. R. McCartney, Corporals C. Giles Parker, William A. Smith and Francis A. Boynton,
Privates C. B. Bishop, George Eustis, Perry Gilbert, William H. Miles, John Marl ow,
Julius B. Nickerson, Danford Rector, William R. Ray and Lyman Carrier. Comimny G —
Privates Moses Purrier, Robert J. Verrinder, Charles G. Cleland, Archilaus Grey, Jere-
miah R. Ryan, Douglas Danwoodie, George McCartney and George Allen. Comiianji H—
Corporals Nathaniel Johnson, John Monteith and Jasper Randolph, Privates Robert
J. C'utts, John Dillon, Francis Kearney, John B. Murphy, Alonzo Springer,
George M. Steele, Albert M. Steele, John Schultz, Joshua Thompson, Silas
Streeter, Benjamin Rice, Laman Russell and Samuel K. Potts. Owiyani/ 2— Captain
29
450 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
George H. Walther, Lieutenant J. N. P. Bird, Orderly Sergeant Byron S. Williams, Ser-
geant Byron Cole, Corporal George Williams, Privates Chancey Hursh, Jara.es Jones,
Webster Maxon, James Rozell, George Robinson, Lewis H. Welding, Norman G. Whit-
ney, Amos Ware, Stephen Wilkins, William Mitchell and Francis E. Whitcomb. Com-
pany K— Privates Edward Cartney, Miehael O- Daniels, Jared H. Knapp, John A. Liv-
ingston, William J. Rader, Franklin Simmons, Robert Tibbetts, F. Lewis Rnben, Charles
W. Woodman, Daniel S. Wilkinson. Michael Errickson, Noble Blackington, Caivin
Miller and Stone Severson — 135.
The total loss, in tlie battle of Gainesville, in the Second, Sixth
and Seventh, was 588. The missing were mostly taken prisoners,
and were paroled shortly after the battle.
On the 30th of August, Lieutenant Colonel Fairchild was pro-
moted to Colonel, Major T. S. Allen, Lieutenant Colonel, and
Captain George H. Stevens, Major of the Second.
After the battle of the 30th of August, General Lee marched
by way of Leesburg, and crossed the Potomac, into Maryland.
In order to repel this invasion. General McClellan was placed in
command of the forces around Washington, which he immedi-
ately reorganized for the Maryland campaign. King's division,
in which the Iron Brigade remained, was attached to General
Hooker's corps, in the right wing, under General Burn side.
General Hatch was placed in command of the division. General
King being relieved, prior to the battle of South Mountain.
Accompanying the rest of the army, the brigade took part in
pursuit of the enemy, who was found in position on South Moun-
tain, at Turner's Gap. The ISTational Road passes through the
Gap, from Frederick to Hagerstown. Here the rebels were posted
on the crest of the mountain, on the right and left, and held the
Gap. General Reno proceeded to attack the enemy on the left,
and General Hooker to carry the position on the right, while the
Iron Brigade was ordered to attack the enemy in the Gap. The
crests, on the right and left, were successfully carried.
The Second Wisconsin was under the command of Colonel
Fairchild, the Sixth under command of Lieutenant Colonel Bragg,
and the Seventh under Captain Callis.
Late in the afternoon, the brigade advanced up the road, the
Seventh Wisconsin and Nineteenth Indiana in the advance, on
the right and left, preceded by two companies of skirmishers,
from the Second and Sixth, under Captain Colwell, of Company
B, of the Second, and followed by the Second and Sixth, in double
column, and a section of the battery, under Lieutenant Stewart.
BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 451
The skirmishers were soon engaged, supported by the Seventh,
and Nineteenth Indiana. The battery moved forward and open-
ed on the rebels, who were in position at the top of the gorge.
The brigade advanced, and found the enemy posted in the woods,
and behind stone walls, and drovo him before them until he wus
reinforced. In order to protect the right flank, Lieutenant Colo-
nel Bragg entered the woods on the right, and deployed his regi-
ment to the right of the Seventh. The Nineteenth Indiana,
supported by the Second, deployed, and swung round parallel to
the turnpike, and took the enemy in flank, getting a raking fire upon
him, as he lay behind the stone walls. The fight continued till
long after dark. With ammunition nearly exhausted, that in the
boxes of the fallen being used, the brigade held its ground, and
late in the night was relieved, except the Sixth, which occupied
the battle field all night. General Gibbion spoke highly of the
action of the officers and men. Captain Colwell, of Company B,
Second Wisconsin, in command of the skirmishers, was killed by
a musket ball, while bravely leading his men in the thickest of
the fight.
The list of killed, and those who died of wounds received at
the battle of South Mountain, September 14th, 1862, is copied
from the Adjutant General's record. The list of wounded is as
officially reported :
SECOND REGIMENT.— KiLLEB or Died of Wounds.— Cbmpanj/ 5— Captain Wilson
Colwell. Company D — Privates Andrew Bean, Miles D. Bressler, Stewart Martin and
Asahel Gage. Owpajfi/^- Privates Wellington Bridge and George Nutter. Company
O — Private Theodore Fletcher. Company H — Private Charles Eriekson. Company I —
Private George Gilbert. Company K— Private John Oswaid — 11.
Wounded.— Cbmpan^/ ^ —Sergeant James A. Chapel, Private II. B. Robertson. Comr-
pany B — Private J. Markle. Company J)— Privates John M. Ehle, B. W. Bebee, Charles
H. Cheeney and John M. Kellogg. Company E—Vriysites Charles Montgomery and
George M. Hasbrouck. Company F — Captain W. F. Parsons. Company G — J. Trycross.
Company J/— Private F. M. Renter. Company I — Corporal W. A. Nelson, Privates A. T.
Endlong, E. F. Knowlton and George M. Williams. Company K — William Remington,
John Mislin and John Marker — 19.
SIXTH REGIMENT.— Killed ok Died of Wounds.— Company ^ —Corporal Richard
Atridge, Privates Jacob E. Langhart, George C. Miles, John C. Whitman and William
Kline. Company J5 — Privates Leonard Brown and Allen B. WiLsou. Company D —
Corporal Richard Montgomery, Privates Frank Arnold and Avery M. Perkins. Cbw»-
pany G — Dewitt C. Burbank. Company I — Privates William I^awrence and John
Harding. Company K — Privates George E. Chamberlain and Reuben Huntley — 15.
Wounded.— Ch»!p«r)?/yl— Sergeants J. C. Miller and J. I.Weirsch, Privates T. Anderson,
S. Butterfield, J. Bucker, W. S. Durbin. C. W. Farrington, A. Fowler, D. L. Odell, G. F
Rice and J. Whitley. Company 5 — First Lieutenant A. C. Ellis,CorporalsH. Smyzerand
J. Winne, Privates H. Anderson, A. i^riar, J. Heath, A. D. Keeler, A. Olsen, Charles Pot-
ter, J. Sanderson and William H. Pulver. Company C— Sergeant E. A. Whaley, Corporals
452 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
George Fairchild andR. Corcoran. Company Z) — Sergeants Gallagher and Kerr, Corpo-
ral Dunn, Privates H. B. Mcintosh, F. Clark, Frank McKenzie, F. P. Costigan, C. F.
Myers, F. A. Sebenthall, Theo. Huntington and Richd.Hanrahan. Company E — Corporal
T. Hall, Privates D. W. Baldwin, R. E. Campbell. J. Flood, J. Grisben, R. Hasbrook, A.
Leffler, N. L. Rowe, P. Steenis and R. Woodland. Company F — Privates T. Zevertel, M.
Kleinchrod, H. Kellner, H. Steininetz and T. Heinrich. Company G — Private J.-O'Leary.
Company H — Private Thomas Blake. Company 7— Corporal C. Green, Privates M. Rich-
ardson, G. Ruby, L. Steadman, C. Bohn and H. McClure. Company K — Corporal Wilcox,
Privates Crawford, Holmes, Thompson, Simms, Sullivan, Cornish and Revels — 67.
SEVENTH REGIMENT — Killed or Died of Wounds. — Cb?«pan2/ ^ — Sergeant
Lewis Bascom, Privates Michael Burke and Hiram Pierce. Company B — Corporal Charles
E. Plummer, Privates E. R. Hancock and Rufus Cole. Company C— Privates Wallace
Holmes and W. B. Newcomb. Company D — Private B. P. Ordway. Company F — Privates
Henry O. Kaump, John L. Marks, George F. Halbert, J. A. Simkins, George W. Cooley
and James Clark. Company G — Private Thomas J. Lynn. Company H — Privates Ben-
jamin Burton and John B. Matthews. Owipany iT— Privates Frederick J. Garner and
William S. Wilson— 20.
WovT^DKH.— Company A — Corporal Philander Phinney, Privates John Agan, Henry
Byron, John Grant, E. J. Hurd and John Knutson. Cor)\pany £ — Sergeant Z. B. Russell,
George L. Brown, James E. Brown, John J. Blowers, Chase Cummings, E. B. Dye, J. O.
Hilliker, A. Hughes, Thomas Hand, William R. Ingalls, J. D. MeMullen, W. L. Newell,
Truman Newell, Lewis Priest, Wesley Richardson, David Snow, Charles Walker and
Edwin Wlieeler. Company C— Corporals W. P. Durley, John Altyer, J. L. Rewey and
William Beasley, Privates D. C. Ashmore, D. H. Bryant, William Brestell, Malcolm Ray,
W. W Davis, W. Neal, H. H. Edwards, J. Rihl, F. Jones, E. Parker, J. C. Palmer, Madison
Ray, Theodore W. Smelker and George Wells. Company D— Corporal A. C. Croft, Privates
J. G. Bentley, J. E. Wright and R. Thompson. Conjpany E — Corporal A. C. Webster,
Privates John Casey, Daniel Casey, W. H. Root, Joseph Edwards and Henry Gathers.
Company F—lAeuien.a.nt John W. McKenzie, Corporals P. J. Schlosser and William A.
Smith, Privates George Atkinson, Henry Black, Jacob A. Drew, Milo Dexter, George A.
Henderson, Fletcher S. Kidd, Alexander Lewis, R. B. Pierce and Thomas Price. Company
G — Sergeant John Crocker, Corporals Edgar Tenan, John Hannah and William Arm-
strong, Privates Clinton Egglestone, Hugh Evans, William Creasy, Henry Felix, James
Ingraham, Isaac Beadle, William Richards, Daniel Wilcox, Michael Shorten, Martin
Leure and Daniel McAuliffe. Company iif— Sergeant William L. Jacobs, Corporal James
H. Brunemer, Privates John Andrews, Isaac Coates, Henry Freudner, Joseph Heather-
cock, Stanbury Hitchcock, S. K. Potts, Luman Russell, John Todd, Fred. Theis, Newton
B. Wood, Nicholas Heler and John Steers. Company I — Corporal Henry Thorngate, Pri-
vates Lewis Brown, George O. Stratton and Charles W. Smith. Company K — Second
Lieutenant S. B. Morse, Sergeant Henry Harbough, Corporal John M. Hoyt, Privates
John F. Foss, James A. Snyder, Stone Severson, William Beardsley and George
Coville — 105.
The enemy evacuated his position on South Mountain during
the night, and on the 15th, McClellan's army started in pursuit,
coming up with him on the 16th, and finding him posted in a
strong position, on Antietam creek, near the village of Sharpsburg.
The forces of General McClellan were placed in front of the
enemy's position, on the afternoon of the 16th, the First Corps,
of General Hooker, upon the extreme right. The Second "Wis-
consin was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Allen,
Colonel Fairchild being sick; the Sixth under Lieutenant Colonel
Bragg, and the Seventh under Captain Callis. On the morning
of the 17th of September, the Iron ^rigade was detached from
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 453
the division, and sent up the Sharpsburg turnpike, into a piece
of woods, on the right of the road. The brigade advanced along
the turnpike until it reached an open space, when the Sixth was
deployed, and advanced to a cornfield in front, the Second deploy-
ing on its left, and a section of artillery being placed in the rear,
firing over the heads of the men. The Second and Sixth pushed
gallantly forward, supported by the Seventh, and Nineteenth
Indiana. The enemy attempted to outflank the Second and
Sixth, but the movement was frustrated by sending forward a
section of Stewart's battery, and deploying the Seventh, and the
Nineteenth Indiana to the right of the line, into the woods. The
whole line was soon engaged. The enemy, being heavily rein-
forced, made a dash at the battery. They were successfully
repulsed by heavy discharges of canister from the guns, the fire
of the few remaining men of the Second and Sixth Wisconsin,
and the flank fire poured in by the Seventh, and the Nineteenth
Indiana, which had been brought round to sweep the front of the
battery. In this severe contest, Lieutenant Colonel Bragg, of
the Sixth, and Lieutenant Colonel Allen, of the Second, were
both wounded and taken from the field, the former returning to
the regiment after his wound was dressed. Finding the guns
almost deprived of support, and of cannoneers to work them,
Gecsral Gibbon ordered them to fall back, followed soon after by
the infantry, much reduced in numbers, and short of ammunition.
A participant in the battle describes the fighting as much more
severe than at Gainesville, on the 28th of August. In all his
battles he had not seen the like. The battle of Gainesville was
bad enough, but Antietam seemed most horrible. After Lieu-
tenant Colonel Allen was wounded, Captain Ely took command
of the Second, and conducted it oft' the field, scarcely fifty men
being loft of the command. The Second w^ent into action with
150 men, and lost 91.
In the early part of the action, a shell fell into the ranks of the
Sixth, killing or wounding thirteen men and officers, among them.
Captain D. K. Noyes, of Company A. Captain E. A. Brown, of
Company E, was killed in the action.
Private Robert Stevenson, of Company C, Second Wisconsin,
who carried oflf the regimental flag, on the first Bull Run battle
field, and bore it on the 29th and 30th of August, 1862, on the
454 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
same bloody field, sprang from his bed in the field hospital at
Antietam, when he heard the skirmishing on the morning of the
17th, and pushed on alone to find his regiment. It was under
fire — he reported himself to his Captain, saying: — " Captain, I
am with you to the last;" and took the colors, which he held
till he was shot down, pierced with seven bullets. Corporal IIol-
loway was mortally wounded at the same time. When found,
after the battle, their bodies were lying with their heads resting
on their knapsacks.
The list of killed, and those who died of wounds received at
the battle of Antietam, September 17th, 1862, are from the
records, and the list of wounded is as officially reported :
SECOND REGIMENT.— Killed OR Died OF WoxjNDS.—Cbmponj/ ^—Privates Gus-
tavus A. Hoi'n, Alexander Ogden, Marcus Pardee and Austin H. Lord. Company B —
Privates Ignatius Andres, Ferdinand Reibe, Uriel P. Olin, Hammon McHardy and
Klaus Rokama. Cmnpany C— Privates George W. HoUoway, Henry B. Neaville, Robert
J. Simpson, R. S. Stevenson, Harrison R. McKenzie and George Beasley. Company E —
Privates Timothy Connor, Vincent Flanegan, Loclilin L. Mcintosh and Osman B. Taplin.
Company F — Corporal John Yates, commanding company, and Private John E. Hinton.
Company G'— Privates Van R. Bentley and Gustav Easterman. Company IT— Corporal
Thomas Knudson, Privates Henry Storm, Henry L. Allyn, Fred Heise and Arthur T.
Hamilton. Company I — Second Lieutenant O. W. Sanford — 29
Wounded. — Field Officer — Lieutenant Colonel T. S. Allen, Company A — Lieutenant
William W. Jones, Privates Thomas Green, Samuel Cook and Henry Bennett. Company
B — Corporal William H. Harris, Privates William Johnson, G. HoUenbeck, Cliarles D.
Clark, F. Martin and Richard Fahy. Company C — Captain George W. Gibson, Privates
H. Barbour, George Booth, Mathias Baker, J. C. Dillon, T. B. Day, Richard Graves, Fred
Pettigrove, George W. Wilson and Joseph Schelling. Compariy D — Captain George B.
Ely, Privates J. G. Burdick, C. E. Marsh and Clark R. Thomas. Company E — Sergeant
Elwin B. Wing, Privates Luke English, Henry C.Adams, Henry Hirth, Abraham White,
Hiram L. Cusick and John Holland. Company F — Privates Thomas Kelly and Henry
Wormington. Company G — Lieutenant Alex. S. Hill, Privates E. H. Dorsey, M.
Alford, Henry Rensimer, Jos. Twycross, George Follansby and C. Reynolds. Company
i?— Corporal W. A. Stearns, Privates R. E. Davison, E. F. Brown, Ed. Loine, Ole Strand
and J. W. Doty. Company J— Privates H. P. Coates, J. F. Johnson, N. Geib, C. Schlosser
and S. Whitehead. Cmnpany JK"— Privates William Pleyer, Fred Barlow and Charles
Nelson — .55.
SIXTH REGIMENT.— Killed or Died of Wovi^ds.— Company ^ — Corporal John
Alexander, Privates William P. Blake, William H. Copeland, James O. Keyes, Sylvester
Fort and William Kline. Company £ — Corporal David Z. Y'oung, Privates Volney A.
Cole, William J. Casporas, Frederick Gluth, Martin McCawdron, Nicholas Sutter and
A. D. Keeler. Cbmpa?!)/ Z>— Privates Francis Geary, Warren Gallup and John Eager.
Company E—Capt. Edwin F. Brown. Company F— Capt.Werner Von Bachelli, First Lieut.
Wm. F. Bode, Corp. G. Islip, and Private Chas. Klokow. Company G— Corps. J. H. Cowan
and J. M. Moore, Privates F. Green, Hiram Whittaker, Rudolph O. Wright, Smith Young
and John W. Frodine. Cb)jipon7/i7— Privates William Bailey, Joseph Koffler, Leonard
Nettleton, and Peter Webber. Company I — Privates George W. Atwood, George Douglas
and William Fox. Cmnpany JT- Privates Charles A. Abbott, Daniel Cummings and
William Harrison — 38.
Wounded.— Field Officer — Lieutenant Colonel Edward S. Bragg. Company A — Captain
D. K. Noyes, Corporal R. H. Avery, Privates E. D. Calkins, L. D. Finton, F. Fletcher, R.
Jones, S. W. Keys, C. Loit, N. Moore, J. Pearson, A. H. Young and F. M. Crandall. Conv-
pany J5— Captain Rollin P. Converse, First Sergeant P. H. Collins, Sergeant M. V. Smitli,
CASUALTIES AT ANTIETAM. 455
Corporal J. S. Cayzar, Privates J. ShuUz, J. Shaw, Thomas Mclntyre, F. Hare, A. Hess, O.
Olson, A. W. Meyers, L. Ludluff, F. Hall and A. Saunders. Company C — Color Sergeant
J. N Chest uut,Pri vat es William Nicholson and E. P. Hewitt. Company D — Sergeant M.
Keogh, Corporal.s R. Sherman, R. Pierce, J. Larmey and E. May, Privates J. Miner, W.
Davidson, F. Hanrahan, L. O'Neil, N. Hubbard, J. McDonald, D. Spear and P. Boswine.
Company E — Lieutenant J. P. Marston, First Sergeant J. Parkhurst, Sergeants N. Malloy
and A. Deacon, Privates N. A. Gafney, S. P. Green, George Eggleston, A. Vanduzen, J.
Fay, C. McKinnon, A. Strong, William Darling and F. A. Delegliye. Crmpany F — Ser-
geant F. Bartels, Corporals W. Langncr and E. Bertram, Privates L. Goctsh, C. Holm, L.
Ulrick, P. Bean, F. Iverson, J. Peters and A. Sliott. Company G — Corporals J. Lane and
J. Davis, Privates D. F. Lumbard, J. Miller, A. Riker, J. Conner, M. Ball, Tliomas Smith,
H. Brady, J. McMahan and B. Parkerson. Company H — Sergeant H. O. Merchant, Cor-
poral Thomas Hobb.s, Privates James Fry, A. Schurlitz, diaries Downey, H. Ecker, J.
Swan, John Mang, F. Martin, J. Kasser and T. Lewis. Comipany I — Corporals J. Wil-
liams and C. O. Jones, Privates N. Burchel, W. T. Barcus, C. Carnes, L. Davis, L. Hart, C.
Lind, D. W. Nutting and H. M. Richardson. Company Jf— Lieutenant John Ticknor,
Corporal E. L. Andrev^^s, Privates A. Tarbox, J. Bavney, T. Flynn, T. Hills, James Scovill
and 8. O. Wood— 106.
I SEVENTH REGIMENT.— KII.LED or Died of Wounds.— Ownpanj/ ^—Privates J. D.
Sawyer and Hiram Pierce. Company B — Privates Eli Bronson and Edwin Wheeler.
Company C — Private Albert Stout. Company E — Corporal Gustavus Sargent, Privates
James Pettingill and W. F. Worcester. Company F— Privates Wesley Craig, Louis Kuntz,
George F. Halbert and James A. Simkins. Company &' — Privates David Creavey, John
Topping and Daniel Wilcox. Company H — Sergeant Samuel Monteith. Company K —
Private George Sedgwick — 17.
Wounded.- Co»i/>««j/ ^4 — Sergeants M. C. Bartholomew and Samuel Bachman, Pri-
vates B. Carter, F. J. Fowles and H. T. Turner. Company B — Private Azel Stoddard.
Company C — Privates A. Erb, J. Howard, H.Rewy and W. T. McKinney. Ccmtpany D —
Corporal F. W. DearVjorn, Privates Levi Walker, Johnson Lee and B. F. Nobles. Company
E — Privates James Briggs, Edwin Sager and_ William Jennett. Company i?'— Private
John Runnion. Company G — Corporal John Packer, Privates Milton Charles and Wil-
liam Grover. Company H — Private William Salmon. Company K — Corporal John H.
Fenton, Privates George Carney and John A. Livingston— 25.
The battle of Antietam has always been considered one of the
bloodiest of the war. For the bravery and endurance shown by
the Iron Brigade at this battle, General McClellan pronounced
them equal to the best troops in the world ! This was a great
compliment from one who had seen the best armies of Europe.
After the battle, the Iron Brigade, on the 18th, moved across
the battle field, and camped near the Potomac, and engaged in
burying the enemy's dead, which had been left on the field. The
Twenty-fourth Michigan Regiment, was added to the Iron Brig-
ade on the 10th of October. On the 20th they began their return
to the Rappahannock, and after various halts, reached Warrentou
on the 6th of N^ovember, where Colonel Cutler assumed com-
mand of the brigade. General Gibbon having been assigned to
the command of a division. On the 22d they proceeded to
Brooks' Station, near Fredericksburg, where General Meredith
was assigned to the command.
456 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The brigade took part in the battle of Fredericksburg, Decem-
ber 12-15. Crossing the Rappahannock on the 12th of Decem-
ber, with Franklin's grand division, in the First Division, under
G-eneral Doubleday, they occupied a very important position, on
the extreme left, during the battle, but did not become engaged
with the enemy's infantry, except a little skirmishing with the
supports of a battery, and also a brush with a portion of Stewart's
cavalry. A change of position during the battle, exposed the
brigade to a heavy artillery fire, but their range was inaccurate,
and the loss of the brigade was very light. In the monthly
reports of the Second Regiment, Corporal Arthur Rangott, of
Company F, is reported killed. Ten were wounded, but names
were not given. In the Sixth, no report of casualties. In the
Seventh, Nathan H. Norton, of Company K, is reported killed ; no
report of wounded.
On the 15th, they recrossed the river, and on the 20th, reached
Belle Plain, on the Potomac, 12 miles from Falmouth, where they
went into winter quarters.
They were called out in January, 1863, to take part in the " Mud
Campaign," and returned from that fruitless expedition, having
marched forty miles. About this time Major Bill resigned, and
Captain J. B. Callis was promoted Major of the Seventh. In
February, the Second and Sixth Wisconsin proceeded on a for-
aging expedition, to the lower Potomac, in which they were very
successful. In March, a similar expedition, consisting of the
Second Wisconsin, proceeded to Westmoreland County, Virginia,
and returned with a variety of supplies. These expeditions were
under command of Colonel Fairchild.
Some changes occurred in the field officers of the " Iron
Brigade" during the winter. In the Second, Lieutenant Colonel
Allen had been promoted to the Fifth Regiment, and Major
Greorge H. Stevens was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and Cap-
tain Mansfield, Major. In the Sixth, Colonel Cutler had been
promotedto Brigadier Gleneral, and Lieutenant Colonel Bragg was
appointed Colonel, Major Dawes Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain
Hauser, Major. In the Seventh Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel
Hamilton resigned, and Major Callis was made Lieutenant
Colonel, and Captain Finnicum, Major
"■^■^TB.tK- EuBRxnso Co. ChKAGO-
B R I G. GEM. U. S. VC L.
ENC-RA/ED EXPRESSLY FOR CLARKE & CO. PUBLISHERS.
GALLANT CHARGE AT FITZHUGH'S CROSSING. 457
General Hooker was placed iu command of the army of the Poto-
mac, and the campaign of 1863 was begun on the 28th of April.
Breaking camp on that day, the brigade proceeded to Fitzhugh's
Crossing, below Fredericksburg. It was now attached to
the First Division, General Wadsworth, of the First Army Corps,
General Reynolds. On the 29th, the division moved down to the
river, at the Crossing, with a pontoon train, to lay a bridge
across the river at that point. As the engineers approached the
river, the enemy's pickets, on the opposite bank, opened a sharp
fire of musketry, driving our pontoneers and sharpshooters back
from the river. About sunrise, an attempt was made to shell
them from their rifle pits, but it proved ineffectual. The " Iron
Brigade " was thereupon organized into a storming party, to cross
the river in pontoon boats, and drive them out at the point of
the bayonet. Unslinging their knapsacks, the Sixth Wisconsin
took the advance, followed by the Twenty-fourth Michigan.
They reached the river with pontoon boats, launched them, filled
them with men, and poled them over as rapidly as possible, under
a galling fire of the enemy, followed by the balance of the brig-
ade, and charged immediately upon the intrenchments at the top
of the bank. In less than twenty minutes the struggle was over,
and the brigade was in possession of the enemy's works, with
nearly two hundred prisoners. Twenty-nine of the enemy were
killed in the fight, and the balance retired across the plain, to a
safe position, in the intrenchments on the heights beyond.
For their gallantry in leading this desperate charge across the
river. Colonel Bragg and the Sixth Regiment received special
mention in a complimentary order from General Wadsworth,
thanking them, and the Twenty-fourth Michigan, for the heroic
manner in which they crossed the river and seized the heights,
and also. General Meredith, and the rest of the "Iron Brigade,"
for the promptness with which they followed, in the daring
enterprise.
The list of casualties in this daring exploit, as shown by the
records and the official list of wounded, are as follows :
SIXTH REGIMENT. — Killed ok Died of Wounds. — Owjpan^/ C— Private Jonathan
Poweii. Company 7— Corporal Gabriel A. Ruby and Private Charles N. Conklin. Com-
pany A'— H. W. Trumbull — 4.
Wounded. — Company A — Private Thomas Whlttey. Company J5— Private Charles H.
Bui bank. Company C— Captain Thomas Plummer, Corporal William Day, and Private
458 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Charles Adams. Company Z) — Private P. J. Shields. Company ^—Privates Ransom
Law and O. N. Strong. Company i^— Private J. Schilke. Company 6? — Private Theodore
Moreau. Company J— Private J. L. Stedman. Company A'— Private L. B. Hill — 12.
SEVENTH REGIMENT. — Killed or Died of Wov^ns. — Company C— Second Lieu-
tenant W. O. Topping. Company i^— Private William Ross. Company JT— Captain
Alexander J. Gordon, and Priva^ Nathan H. Norton — 4.
Wounded. — i?'ie?d Q^cer— Major Finnicum. Cbwjpanj/ ^ — Lieutenant W. W. Ryan,
Sergeant Conrad Gunkle. Compan^/JS— Corporal Spencer Bronson. Owipanj/i^— Private
Benjamin Hay den — 5.
In the montlily reports of tlie Second, we find the names of
Oscar B. Bradford, of Company B, and William H. Snodgrass,
of Company C, reported as wounded atFitzhugh Crossing, April
29th. On the 3d of May, Sergeant J. M. Patch, and Henry C.
Parker, are reported as wounded.
A large number of prisoners were taken by the brigade, after
they had crossed. Intrenching their position, the division
remained until the 2d of May, there being, during the time, an
almost continual artillery duel between the Union batteries, on
one side of the river, and the rebel batteries, on the opposite
heights. The division was ordered to recross the river, to rein-
force General Hooker. This was to be done in daylight, under
the o-uns of the enemy, which commanded the position, and the
passage of the river was safely accomplished, the Iron Brigade
bringing up the rear. Five companies of the Seventh were left
to support the pickets, in retiring.
The corps of General Reynolds marched to United States Ford,
again crossed the river on the same day, and arrived near the
Chancellorville battle field, at 5 o'clock, Sunday morning. May
3d. Here the corps remained, inactive, until Wednesday, not
taking part in the battle. On that day, the 6th, General Hook-
er's army returned across the river, and the First Division acted
as rear guard. The brigade returned to Fitzhugh's Crossing, and
went into camp.
Early in June, the Seventh Wisconsin, and Companies A and
I, of the Second Wisconsin, under the command of Colonel Rob-
inson, took part in a cavalry reconnoissance, towards Culpepper
Court House. The infantry were under command of General
Russell, of the Sixth Corps. Reaching Brandy Station, the Union
cavalry, under Generals Pleasonton and Gregg, were attacked
by an overwhelming force of the enemy's cavalry. The infantry
supports took an active part in the battle, chiefly as skirmishers,
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, JULY FIRST. 459
and did very effective service. They crossed to the north side
of the Rappahannock, and moved to Bealeton Station, where they
rejoined the hrigade, while on its march towards Pennsylvania,
to intercept General Lee, on his second great raid into the
northern states. Marching one hundred and sixty miles, through
Virginia and Maryland, they found themselves in the neighbor-
hood of the rebel general, who was then congregating his forces
at Gettysburg, Penn., a few miles from their encampment. On this
march, the troops suffered much from the dusty roads, and hot
weather. The streams and springs had dried up, and they suffered
severely for the w^ant of water.
For a description of the battle of Gettysburg, w^e refer the
reader to the chapter under the head of general military opera-
tions; here we shall confine ourselves to the domgs ot the " Iron
Brigade." The division of General Wadsw^orth which so heroic-
ally fought on the 1st day of July, was composed of the First,
(or Iron Brigade,) under General Meredith, and Second Brigade,
under General Cutler, of "Wisconsin. All the descriptions of this
great battle, accord to the division of Wadsworth, the honor of
having done the heaviest fighting.
General Reynolds' corps was ordered to move to Gettysburg,
on the 1st of July, the division of General "Wadsworth being in
advance. Firing was heard when within a mile of the town, the
rebels having attacked Buford's cavalry. They were about
eighty rods ahead, the cavalry and light artillery contesting
the advance of the rebels, who were endeavoring to gain a
high eminence commanding the road by which Reynolds was
approaching.
At this time, Wadsworth's division moved on and entered a
field a short distance to the left of the Gettysburg Seminary, the
Iron Brigade in the advance, in the following order : the Second
and Seventh Wisconsin, Nineteenth Indiana, Twenty-fourth
Michigan, and Sixth Wisconsin. An order was given to double
quick in line, loading and fixing bayonets as they went. As they
came to the brow of the hill, the Second Wisconsin, under Col-
onel Fairchild, discovered in their front, a body of the enemy
who were advancing rapidly to a very advantageous position.
These immediately opened fire, and gave the regiment a tre-
mendous volley, which cut down thirty per cent, of their numbers.
460 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Lieutenant Col. Stevens, of the Second, fell soon after the regi-
ment got under fire, mortally wounded, and Colonel Fairchild
received a ball in the left arm, which compelled him to leave the
field. The brigade pushed forward, driving the enemy before
them, who soon broke and fled, and the division held the posi-
tion. During this part of the engagement the Second Regiment
captured the rebel General Archer, and one hundred and fifty
prisoners. The division soon after fell back across Marsh Creek
and took position, near which General Reynolds was soon after
killed. Here the First Division, General Wadsworth, formed in
line of battle, Robinson's division on the right, and Doubleday's
on the left. The Sixth Regiment, in the early part of the day,
had been detached as a reserve to the line of the division, and
was not with the brigade until late in the afternoon. The enemy
attacked the position of the First Corps early in the afternoon,
having been heavily reinforced, and came on in overwhelming
numbers, determined to crush the inconsiderable force, which
was now commanded by General Doubleday, he having succeeded
General Reynolds. The two brigades of Wadsworth's division
fought for nearly two hours, until the rebels were seen flowing
around both flanks, when they were ordered to retire ; this they
did in good style, contesting every inch of ground till they
reached the battery, where they again stood and fought as long
as they had any ammunition. They then fell back through
the town to Cemetery Hill, leaving their dead and wounded ;
not however, until they were nearly surrounded, and there was
danger of capture. The brigade reached the hill and took posi-
tion near the point of the ridge, where they threw up breatworks.
General Meredith had been wounded, and the brigade was com-
manded by Colonel Robinson of the Seventh. Major Mansfield
had succeeded to the command of the Second, and was also
wounded in the afternoon, and the command of the Second
Regiment devolved on Captain G. H. Otis, of Company I. Lieu-
tenant Colonel Callis, of the Seventh Regiment, was also severely
wounded.
The Sixth, on being detached, moved to the support of the
right of the division. "While doing so, the enemy succeeded
in turning that flank, and were pressing rapidly in pursuit of the
broken line. Advancing at a double quick, the Sixth reached a
BRAVERY OF WISCONSIN TROOPS. 461
fence about forty rods from the enemy, and opened tire, which
checked the rebels, and caused them to take refuge in a raih-oad
cut, from which they commenced a murderous fire on the regi-
ment. Two New York Regiments formed on the left of the
Sixth, and they charged together on the rebel position, under a
terrible fire. When they reached the railroad cut, the rebel reg-
iment threw down their arms and surrendered, their command-
ing officer giving up his sword to Lieutenant Colonel Dawes,
who commanded the Sixth Regiment, Colonel Bragg being
absent under medical treatment. The colors were captured by
Corporal Asbury Waller, of Company I, of the Sixth, by rushing
into the midst of the rebels and snatching their flag from the
color bearer, and bearing it oft*, though severely wounded.
Waller was afterwards taken prisoner, but he preserved the rebel
flag between his blankets. In this charge the regiment lost 160
men killed and wounded. Reorganizing his shattered regiment,
Lieutenant Colonel Dawes moved forward to the support of a
battery in his front, which position he held until the enemy had
pressed back the lines on the two flanks, when he fell back to the
support of the brigade battery. During the day, the Sixth Reg-
iment saved the New York One Hundred and Forty- seventh
volunteers from capture, by charging down upon the enemy who
was pursuing it, and in conjunction with the Fourteenth Brook-
lyn, drove the rebels from the field. The regiment was ordered
to retire to Cemetery Hill, where it reported to Colonel Robinson,
commanding the Iron Brigade.
The Seventh Wisconsin bore its share in the battle with char-
acteristic gallantry, and suffered severely. During the action,
Captain Hollon Richardson, who was acting on General Mere-
dith's staff", seized the colors of a Pennsylvania regiment, and
attempted to rally them back into the fight, but it was in vain,
and although he made a conspicuous mark by this action, he
retired unharmed.
The Second Brigade, General Cutler, opened the battle a few
moments before the Iron Brigade, and suffered severely, the
General havino three horses shot under him.
In the battles of the 2d and 3d, the Iron Brigade did not be-
come engaged with the enemy's infantry, but supported a battery
462 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and were exposed to the heavy artillery fire from the enemy
on those two days.
The list of the killed and died of wounds at the battle of Get-
tysburg, is from the Adjutant General's record, and the wounded
are from the official list:
SECOND REGIMENT.— Killed oit Died of Wovntis — Field 0#cer — Lieutenant
Colonel George H. Stevens. Sergeant Major George H. Legate. Company A —Corporals
Fred A. Nichols and Jolm McDonald, Privates Jos. W. Marden and Chas. Brandstetter.
Company iJ — Privates Oscar M. Bi-adford, Micliael Bremen, George Fox and Silas Castor.
Company C— Corporal David Gudger, Privates Daniel Burton, Otto W. Ludwig, William
A. Ewing, James Gow and Spencer M. Train. Company Z>— Corporal Philander Wilcox,
Privates Geo. Batchelder and John W. Scott. Company E— Sergt. Walker S. Rouse, Corp.
George Carwardine, Privates Samuel F. Hackett and Lawson Ward. Company IP — Ser-
geant Henry Warnington, Privates John B. Liedy and John F. Christie. Company O —
Privates Judah T. Loomer, Patrick Maloney and Hanford C. Tupper. Company H—
Second Lieutenant William S. Winegar, Corporal Edward Heath, Privates Jonas R.
Bryan, Joseph W. Doty, Henry R. McColluni and Francis M. Britton. Company 7— Cor-
poral Joseph O. Williams, Privates Luke Avery, Moritz Hesse, David W. Mafflt and
James C. Perrine. Company A'— Sergeant Frederick Geiser, Corporals John Paschke and
Ernst Schuchart, and Private William Rampten — 44.
Wounded.— i^ieW and Sta#— Colonel Lucius Fairchild, Major John Mansfield, Adju-
tant G. M. Woodward. Company A — Second. Lieutenant Alured Lark, Sergeants A. D.
Bennett, George Hills and Albert T. Morgan, Corporals W. H. Thomas and Henry M.
Hunting, Privates L. M. Preston, Louis P. Norton, Fred Martin, Rufus W. Clark,
John Mason, R. J. Lester, H. Heath, Charles Haynes, A. A. Nickerson, Robert Mason,
Chester C. Thomas and John Mason. Company B — ^er^eemt C. W. Forrest, Corporals C.
C. Busbee, E. Markle and James Woodward, Privates L. M. Baker, R. J. K. P. Bradford,
George H. Easterbrooks, G. F. Marshall, Robert Scott, Cyrus Van Cott and E. D. Weeks.
Cbwipcm^/ C— Second Lieutenant Levi Schowalter, Sergeant Philo B. Wright, Corporals
G. W. Pritz ard William P. Crosby, Privates C. M. Brooks, Alpheus Currant, Jefferson
Dillon, William Prawly, J. W. Hyde, Valorous P. Kinney, Samuel Sprague, A. Parody,
Charles Garvin and Charles Hilger. Company Z)— Captain E. P. Perry, E'irst Lieutenant
William A. Jamison, Second Lieutenant A. F. Lee, Privates Andrew Douglass, Edwin
Atkinson, Samuel Creek, Samuel Eliot, Oliver Friddle, A. B. Heath, Fred Kustil, H. J.
Langhoff, Hugh Murray and L. L. Turner. Company £— Sergeant J. H. Waite, Corporals
Luke English, William H. Boyd, C. Montgomery and John Bandroft, Privates John
Burch, Sebastian Osterday, Gilman Chudiner, Fred A. Zahn, Henry Heith and John
Sexton. Compcwj/ jF'— Captain W. L. Parsons, Sergeants Charles A. Ives and Charles
Jewett, Corporal Cornelius North, Privates A. B. Adams, Thomas W. Cliff, Thomas Kelly,
Thomas Lyons, Thomas Malcomson and Henry Powles. Company G— Sergeant S. H.
Morrison and G. W. Blanchard, Corporals R. P. Batson and William H. Church, Privates
W. S. Pratt, C. E. Riley, S. P. Nichols, George Stalker, Daniel O 'Brien, M. M. Mahon,
George Hill, Homer S. Westman and Howell Pixley. Company JB"- Sergeants S. M.
Bond, J. D. Bohn, O. A. Strand and T. H. B. Kelly, Privates, Edward Loomis, Allen S.
Boker, Edward Bub, W. L. Block, Henry Chilcote, J. G. Charlton, Thomas Daily, Virgil
Helms, Frederick Lythron, George M. Morlett, E. R. Reed, G. M. Stone, John Smith, J.
A. Thomson, E. S. Williams and Frank Wilkins. Company I— Corporals Thomas H.
Rowland, John M. Furze and Michael Walsh, Privates Otis Evans, R. L. Gundry,W.
Grant, Christian Klein, J. F. Johnson, W. M. Loof borow, Charles Milch, W. A. Owens,
Joseph Weber, Alexander C. Perry, W. P. Smith and Charles Doring. Company K—
Captain John R. Spoerri, Sergeant August Wandery, Corporals Alexander Clark and
John Wieland, Privates Jacob Witting, Martin Armbuester, Christian Semke, Frederick
Barber, Fritz Brand and Fridolin Luchsinger— 138. •
SIXTH REGIMENT. — Killed OR Died of Wounds. — Cbmpan^/ ^ — Privates R. M.
Jones, William Pierson and Uriah Palmer. Cbmpan,v-B — Corporals William E.Evans
and James Kelley, Privates Henry Anderson and William Faust. Company C— Second
Lieutenant Orrin M. Chapman, Privates William B. Armstrong and Richard Marston.
CASUALTIES AT GETTYSBURG. 463
Company Z)— Sergeant William Gallup, Corporal Daniel Simmons, Privates Owen
Cliarlesworth, Charles Sprague, Francis Liebcntluil and Michael Ilayden. Omipany E—
Privates Frank King, Edward Seaman and J. W. Durant. Cumpany /<'— I'rivates Chas.
Harre and Philip Spengler. Cc/tnpany G — Sergeant William H. H. Burns, Corporal Chas.
Mead, Privates Richard Gamble and Patrick Manning. Company //—Corporal John
Mang, Privates James P'ry, Nicholas Martin, Ernst Sheircnbocken and George W.
Eggleston. Compa?iy I— First Sergeant Andrew Miller, Privates S. M. Boughlon, John
Hailand, George W. Sutter, Richard Gray and Levi Stedman. CmnjKiny K—Capi&in
John Ticknor, Sergeant Albert E. Tarbox Corporal Abraham Fletcher, Private James
Scoville — 40.
Wounded.— Cbw/)a»jj/^ — Lieutenant Howard F. Pruyn, Sergeant Peter Stackhouse,
Corporals Dayton Hedges and Allison P'owler, Private John Hedges. ComjKtny B — Ser-
geant Marug, Privates Jos. Fachs, C. E. BuUard, J. F. Kelly, T. J. Hall, J. R. W. Harvey,
C. A. Keeler and James McEwen. Company C— Lieutenant L. G. Harris, Sergeant J.
Lemmon, Corporal J. Sykes, Privates W. Day, F. Young, S. W. Faulkner, A. P. Sprague,
C. Green, L. Holford, A. Muller, H. Oviatt, C. Okey, W. Russell and A. Turk. Company
Z)— Sergeant James H. McHenry, Corporal Theodore Huntington, Privates George Hall,
John Hanlon, Lorenzo Preston and Dugald Spear. Company /;— Acting Lieutenant
Mangan, Corporals Dillon and Delaglize, Private Eiman. Coinpany /'—Privates Casper
Gehrmiller, August Sehott, Albert Hochthausen, Philip Schard and Christ. Christian.
Company G — Privates Royal Atwood, Fred. J. Tuttle, Thomas Smith and Alonzo Clark.
Company H— First Lieutenant John Beely, Second Lieutenant H. B. Merchant, Sergeant
William Evans, Privates Thomas H. Polleys, Bernhard McGinty, Theodore Lewis, Geo.
Augustine, Bath. Keller, Louis Miller, Roger Bingham, John O. Johnson, John Jiuson,
Henry Kolhepp and John Herdick. Company I— Corporal S. Goodwin, Privates J. B.
Hill, C. O. Jones, E. Lind, William Sweet, G Shriver, G. Thurbur and 8. Walles. Com-
pany K— Lieutenant William W. Remington, Sergeant Van Wie, Privates James Sul-
livan, Silas W. Temple, Charles A. Crawford, Peter A. Everson, William D. Hancock,
Wallace B. Hancock, Lorenzo Pratt, Eugene P. Rose, William Revels, Hugh Taltey
and Chauncey Wilcox — 81. »
SEVENTH REGIMENT.— Kii.i.ed ok Died of Wotjnds.— Company A — Corps. Mar-
cellus Chase and Isaac H. Moad, Private Thomas McAlvey. Cowyw/ij/ ^ — Sergeant M.
C. Monroe, Privates Benjamin F. Graham, William B. Myers and G. H. H. Hawes. Com-
pany C— Sergeant George W. Lain, Private William Hull. Company /> — Coiporal Frank
M. Bull, Privates Jonathan Renberger and Levi A. Walker. Company /;— Sergeant
Robert W. Hubbard, Privates Silas W. Pease, Charles L. Baldwin, August Ghering and
John B. Straight. Company i'— Privates Phillip Bennett and T. H. B. Darnell. Company
G — Privates Ziba S. Burns, Peter M. Olsen, George W. Partridge and S. B. Wardwell.
Cortipany //—Privates John F. Mitchner and John M. Steers. Company K~Vvi\&tes
Jared H. Knapp, Calvin Miller, George Simons, Julius F. Tower, William H. Barnum,
AVilliam D. McKinney and Philemas Kinman — 32.
Wounded. — /'icZd Q^«er— Lieutenant Colonel Callis, severely. Company ^—Lieu-
tenant James Johnson, Sergeant T. J. Buchanan, Corporals Jonathan Walrod, W. J.
Cummings and James Morrison, Privates Heniy Barney, H. R. Lull, John Stadler,
and Gabriel Truckey. Compiany .B — Captain M. C. Hobart, Lieutenant C. Wicks, Pri-
vates H. Newell, A. Stoddard and Henry Sickles. Company C— Corporal William Beaz-
ley, Privates Isaac McCoUister, Lewis Winans, J. W. Euloe, August Erb, John C. Bolds,
William Neal, William Carlyle, A. J. Smith, Malcom Roy, E. Parker, W. W. Davis and
James Armstrong. Company /(—Captain A. W. Bean, First Lieutenant A. J. Compton,
Second Lieutenant R. L. Estis, Sergeants Alexander Ivey and J. J. Hibbard, Corporals
Walter Pierce, J. C. Morgan, Philip H. Walker, Charles E. Kelly and James Murphy,
Privates W. Sylvester and Francis Fayant. Company E— Captain L. E. Pond, Lieuten-
ant Henry Gibson, Sergeant N. B. Prentice, Corporal Elijah Mills, Privates George J.
Dewey, John C. Casey, W. L. Holcomb, William Jump, C. A. Oshborn, E. R. Parks and
E. A. Warring. Company F— Second Lieutenant A. A. Kidd, Corporals William R. Ray,
John J. Schloesser, John Blackbourn and John Bronson, Privates Thomas Garvey,
Isaac Raymer, Danford Rector and Judson N. Carrier. Company (7 — Sergeant George
Lytle, Corporals William Richards and Alexander McAsky, Privates Patten F. Babcoek,
Stephen Durkee, George Crocker, Frederick D. Best, Isaiah Altonburg and James C.
Ingraham. Omipany/r— Privates Nicholas Heber. William A. Clark, Joseph J. Clark,
464 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
John McLimans, John Shultz and William Fulke. Company I — Private "W. GreenfleW.
Cbmpany K — Second Lieutenant John W. Bruce, Color Sergeant Daniel McDermott,
Privates Daniel Moriarty and Edward M. Hopkins — 80.
Fifty-three men were missing, many of whom were taken pris-
oners, among them, Captain Eobert Hughes, and Lieutenant
Dennis B. Dailey, of Company B ; Captain Baldwin and First
Lieutenant Reuben Ash, of Company E ; Captain ISTat. Rollins,
of Company H, and Second Lieutenant "William Noble, of
Company L Captain Rollins was kept a prisoner nearly to the
close of the war.
The regiment numbered 302 officers and men, when it went
into action.
On the 5th of July, Major Mansfield was appointed Lieutenant
Colonel, and Captain W. L. Parsons Major of the Second.
The brigade, on the 6th, started with the division in pursuit of
the enemy across the Potomac, and arrived at Warrenton, on the
25th. Thence they moved to Beverly Ford and Rappahannock
Station, and reached Pony Mountain on the 16th of September,
where the brigade was presented on the 17th, the anniversary of
the battle of Antictam, with a beautiful flag, by the citizens of
Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan. It was a gala day, and a
splendid dinner sent on from Washington was served. They
afterwards moved to Morton's Ford, where tbey remained until
they -^A^ere called upon to take part with the rest of the army in
the retrogade movement of General* Meade towards the defenses
of Washington, in October, General Lee attempting to get be-
tween that General and his base of supplies. The Iron Brigade
proceeded as far as Centreville. The rebel General being foiled
in his designs, fell back towards the Rapidan, leaving a cavalry
force in his rear, which made an attack on Kilpatrick's division
of cavalry, near Buckland Mills, and drove them in on the in-
fantry pickets of the First Corps. Line of battle was formed,
and the enemy checked, not, however, until they had captured
thirty men of the Seventh "Wisconsin. The brigade again moved
on the 19tli, towards Thoroughfare Gap, and after several stop-
pages, camped at Bristow Station, where they remained until
the 5th of November. "While in this position, a detail was sent
out to Gainesville, by Brigadier General Cutler, to bury the
remains of the men of the brigade killed there in August, 1862.
BATTLES OF THE WILDERNESS. 465
"With the balance of the army, they moved to Brandy Station,
where they remained until the 26th of ]Sroveml)er, when they
took part in the operations at Mine Run, in the Wilderness. In
this expedition, but little was accomplished. The Sixth Wiscon-
sin, under Colonel Bragg, was successful in preventing the break-
ing up of a train belonging to the Fifth Corps. The expedition
was abandoned and the army returned to Kelly's Tord and went
into winter quarters.
In December, two hundred and eleven of the Seventh, reen-
listed as veterans, and two hundred and twenty-seven of the
Sixth Regiment also. This was sufficient to constitute those two
regiments as veteran regiments, and they accordingly remustered
into the service as veterans, and in January, the non veterans
were temporarily attached to other organizations, and the regi-
ments returned to Wisconsin on veteran furlough. Forty of the
Second also rernlisted and came home on veteran furlough.
During their absence, the Second Wisconsin, and the non-
veterans of the brigade, took part in a reconnoissance to Raccoon
Ford, on the Rapidan, burning the village.
The absent veterans were- all returned by the first of March.
From that time till the opening of the campaign of 1864, the
brigade was engaged in daily drill, and in the reorganization of
army, was assigned to position as the First Brigade, Brigadier
General Cutler, Fourth Division, General Wadsworth, Fifth
Army Corps, General Warren.
Colonel Fairchild suffered amputation of the left arm and he
therefore resigned on the 20th of October, 1863. There not
being a sufficient number of men in the Second, Lieutenant
Colonel . Mansfield was not mustered as Colonel, although
appointed.
The Iron Brigade broke camp at Culpepper Court House, at
midnight on the 3d of May, 1864, and commenced the Wilder-
ness Campaign, reaching Old Wilderness Tavern at dusk on the
4th. On the morning of the 5th, the division moved forward in
a westerly direction, in front of the Tavern, entered the woods,
and soon encountered the enemy in position. The division was
immediately formed for attack, and the Second Wisconsin became
the rear of the brigade, in the reserve. Ordered to advance, the
30
466 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
command went through the heavy growth of pine and under-
brush, and gallantly attacked the enemy, with momentary
success, driving in his first and second lines, when, he being rein-
forced, they were compelled to retire before superior numbers.
The Second Wisconsin then moved to the right of the brigade,
and thence to the front. In doing so, it encouatered a terrific
fire from the enemy, which it returned with spirit, but its supports
were seen to be retiring, and it was found to be imperatively
necessary to withdraw. Great difficulty was experienced in
getting out of the woods, and in consequence, many prisoners
were taken. The Wisconsin regiments in the brigade, suffered
severely in this day's fight. In the attack on the enemy's first
line, the colors of the Forty-eighth Virginia were captured by
Corporal George A. Smith, of Company H, Seventh Regiment
The division fell back to its original position, where it reformed,
and about dark, moved to the support of the Second Corps, which
was warmly engaged on the left, and advanced to within a short
distance of the rebel lines, and lay on their arms during the night.
The battle was resumed at daylight, on the 6th, in which the
division participated in the grand charge upon the rebels in front,
forcing the enemy back until he was reinforced with artillery,
which compelled the whole attacking force to fall back in turn.
The Seventh Wisconsin was the only regiment that succeeded in
holding, for a short time, the enemy's first line of breastworks.
Two other fruitless attempts were made to advance the lines, and
the enemy massed his forces and made a determined assault,
but, after severe slaughter, was repulsed. In the last assault
upon the enemy, General Wadsworth, the division commander,
was killed, when General Cutler took command of the division,
Colonel Robinson assuming command of the brigade, and Lieu-
tenant Colonel Finnicum took charge of the Seventh Regiment.
Lieutenant Colonel Mansfiela and Major Parsons, of the Second
Wisconsin, were taken prisoners, and the command of the regi-
ment devolved on Captain G. H. Otis, senior captain. On the
same day. Colonel Bragg, of the Sixth, was placed in command
of the Third Brigade.
A change of position was effected on the Tth, the army moving
during the night, in the direction of Spottsylvania Court House,
the brigade reaching Laurel Hill about 8 o'clock, on the morning
BATTLE OF LAUREL HILL. 407
of the 8th, having marched fifteen miles. Forming line of battle
in the edge of the woods, under the enemy's artillery fire, the
brigade advanced to the assault of his intrcnchments. The ene-
my's position being found very strong, they were compelled to
fall back a short distance, when they again rallied, advanced, and
took a position within three hundred yards of the rebel works,
where they successfully resisted several attempts to dislodge them,
being under a constant fire for several hours. On the 9th, the
enemy established a body of sharpshooters within fifty yards of
our breastworks, but they were driven out by a company of the
Seventh Regiment. On the 10th, the brigade again advanced to
charge the enemy's works in front, the Seventh being on the left.
The troops to the left of the brigade being repulsed, they were
obliged to return to their breastworks, which they did in good
order, the Seventh throwing out a line of skirmishers. The 11th
of May was occupied in shelling and skirmishing. On this day,
the Second Wisconsin was detached from the brigade, and
detailed as Provost Guard of the Fourth Division, Fifth Army
Corps. The Second had become reduced below the number of
one hundred men present for duty, and their field ofiicers were
in the hands of the enemy. Its connection with the Iron Brigade
was thereby severed. On the 12th, another unsuccessful attempt
■ was made on the enemy's works, in which the brigade took part.
Hancock's corps had made a successful dash, and taken the
works, and a rebel division, with their ofiicers. The enemy
determined to recover the works, and made desperate effbrts
during the day. The Fifth Corps was sent to Hancock's assist-
ance. A portion of the brigade, on its arrival, relieved some of
Hancock's troops, who occupied the enemy's first line of intrench-
ments, gained in the attack of the morning, while the enemy held
the second line. A constant fire was kept up here by our men
during the whole afternoon and night, to prevent the enemy from
obtaining possession of and using some of his artillery, which
lay between the lines. The Seventh "Wisconsin was the first
regiment to relieve Hancock's corps, and were relieved by the
Sixth Wisconsin and Twenty-fourth Michigan. During the night
the division returned to its former position, except the brigade,
which rejoined the division in the morning, and remained quiet
until the evening of the 13th, when the whole corps joined in the
46S MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
movement to the left, crossing the river Po, twice on the march,
and arriving within about a mile and a half of Spottsylvania Court
House, about daylight on the 14th, when thej' went into position
behind works, on the right of the road. Here they remained,
with occasional artillery duels and lively skirmishes, until the 2l8t.
On the 21st, with the division, the brigade vacated its position,
and marched in a southeasterly direction, and came to a halt at
a position five miles from Guinness' Station, on the Bowling
Green road. Here they bivouacked for the night, with breast-
works thrown up in front, as Ewell's corps was in close proximity.
On the 22d, they followed in the tracks of the retreating enemy
as far as Wolfs Church, where they bivouacked for the night,
and arrived, in the afternoon of the 23d, atthe]N"orth Anna River,
to the left of Jericho Ford. Our cavalry was skirmishing with
the enemy on the banks of the river, and the brigade was sent to
assist them. They were soon relieved, and rejoined the division,
and led the way to Jericho Ford, crossing the river at that point, in
the afternoon, moving forward about a mile from the river, where
line of battle was formed, the Sixth on the left of the brigade,
with the Seventh next on the right. Before the line was com-
pleted, the enemy attacked vigorously, and forced the brigade
back about half a mile, when they were reinforced by two bat-
teries of artillery, and rallying, after about two hours severe
fighting, drove the rebels from the field in disorder. Their
conduct elicited the praise of their superior officers. They re-
mained on the field during the 24th, and on the next day moved to
the left, on the left of the Sixth Corps, where they engaged in
skirmish and guard duty until the evening of the 26th, when they
recrossed the river on a temporary bridge, covered over with sand
to deaden the sound, and reached Magnolia Church, where rations
were issued to the troops. The march was continued to Mango-
hick, where the brigade arrived on the evening of the 27th, and
bivouacked for the night. On the 28th, they marched to and
crossed the Pamunkey river, near jt^ewcastle, climbed the hills
and took position thereon, and threw up breastworks. On the
29th they went forward to the support of Griffin's division, which
hiid been attacked by the enemy, who was successfully repulsed.
After this, the brigade moved to the right of the division, threw
up slight breastworks, and bivouacked. On the next day they
CASUALTIES. 469
moved two miles to the front, and threw up earthworks, under a
heavy fire. On the 1st of June, the brigade moved still further
to the front, and took an intrenched position in the woods, near
Bethesda Church, their lines being but a short distance from those
of the enemy. Here the division remained, exposed to occasional
fire of artillery and musketry, until the 5th, when it moved to
the left, to Cold Harbor, and on the 7th, to the Chickahominy,
and the brigade was stationed near the north bank of that river,
at a point about a mile from the crossing of the Richmond and
"West Point railroad, where it was employed in picket duty.
The list of killed and those who died from wounds in the
battles of the Wilderness, from May 5th" to June 10th, is compiled
from the records in the Adjutant General's Office. The wounded
are as reported in the official lists :
SECOND REGIMENT. — Killed or Died of W oxtsds.— Company ^—Captain Alured
Larke, First Sergeant Archibald D. Bennett, Private Robert Welcli. Company i?— Cup-
tain Robert Hughes. Company F — Privates Douglas C. Smitli and James Rogan. Com-
pany I— First Lieutenant William Noble. Company K— Captain John R. Spoerri, Priv-
ates Charles Milch and Herman Huppe — 10.
Wounded. —J^icW Officers — Lieutenant Colonel Mansfield and Major William. L. Par-
sons, both taken prisoners. Company A — Corporals Lewis P. Norton and Richard J.
Lester, Privates Milo C. Bennett, Robert Branton, Fred. L. Phillips, William H. Thomas*
and Peter Dorn.* Company B — Sergeant Robert W. Burns, Corporal Jacob Markle, Priv-
ates George W. Courrier, Thomas B. Rand, Edward D. Weeks and William B. Williams.
Company C — Captain G. W. Gibson,Sergeant George W. Fritz,* Corporal W. Snodgvass,
Privates James Snodgrass, J. W. Hyde, Andrew J. Adams, Frederick Wion, Mathias
Baker, W. Frawley, John Doyle, William Lean, Lewis Bidler* and H. Hoi'locker.* Conv-
pany D— Lieutenant William A. Jameson, Corporal Cliarles H. Cheney,* Privates Lutlier
M. Hayes, A. Z Eager, O. A. Triddle, Samuel Elliott, Fernando C. Eldred,* Alexander
Spencer* and Eri C. Marsh.* Company £— Lieutenant H. B. Harshaw, Privates Phillip
Smith, Edward Moscrip, Frnncis Doyle and Oilman Clendenin. Company F — Sergeant
William J. Bradshaw, Coi'poral Lorenzo D. Coombs. Company G — Privates Henry
Williams, G. A. Lupient, Dudley Bracey, Michael Kane, Charles Allen, Cliarles P.
Austin and Melvin W. Hartman. Company i^— Sergeant T. S. Peck, Corporal W. L.
Black, Privates Ole Strand, P'rancis Cole, James H. Smith and James E. Northrup.*
Cojnjmiry /—Privates Otis E. Evans, Frederick Holts, Walter P. Smith, G. W. Williams,
Michael Kentner, Samuel R. \\Tiitehead, Michael Walsh* and Ellis C. Taylor.* Company
K — Sergeant Peter Sclineider. Corporal Henry Powles, Privates Jacob Hoesly, Rudolf
Zentner, Robert jSfason, William Mugler, Tridolin Klaisi and Henry M. White— 73.
SIXTH REGIMENT.- Killed or Died of Wounds. — i^fWrf O^ccr— Major Philip W.
Plummer. Company A — First Lientenant Howard L. Pruyne, Corporal L. D. Furton,
Privates John Hedges and Charles Kellogg. Company B — Captain RoUin B. Converse,
Privates George C. Barrett, James Richardson, Melchior StreifT, Albin C.Smith, John
Thompson and Thomas W. Alverson. Company C—Pt-ivates William Fisher, William
Hickok and Alexander Toolev. Company D — Private George W. Mellor. Company E —
Sergeant John H. Burns, Corporal John P. Hart, Private Robert J. Campliell. Omipany
i^— First Lieutenant Oscar G*-atz, Sergeant Fred Hagenon, Private Christian Bundy
Company G — First Ijieutenart James L. Converse, I'rivate John L. Schneider. Company
ff— First Sergeant Nicholas Snyder, Privates Thomas Blake, John Moy, Fred. Smith,
Paul Malletcr, Samuel Taylor and Dennis Kelly. Company J— Corporal William H.
* Wounded and missing.
470 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Nichols, Privates Leroy S. Benedict, William R. Games, C F. Dibble, John P. Johnson,
Reuben Thompson, William M. Collins, Dewit C. Fenton, Richard Gray, Peter S. Markle,
Clark Smith and Caleb C. Wright. Company if— Private Aaron L. Yates — 44.
Wounded. — Company A — Second Lieutenant Howard J. Huntington, Sergeant Wm.
Sayre, Privates James Whitty, Cyrus Macy, Jarvis R. Hall, Walter S. Devlin, Ebenezer
Dawley, Frank Graham, William Palmer, B. Pointon, Archy Long and A. F. F. Jenson.
Cfe7npan^£— Sergeants M.V.Smith and Henry Smiser, Corporals L. J. Loudluff and
Frank Howe, Privates Richard Fielding, Albion Cummings, L. C. Hale and Lloyd
Colby. Cmnpany C — Sergeant N S. Bull, Corporal James Sykes, Privates A. R. Sprague,
Frederick Ammon, Christian Ammon, Peter Adrian, Charles H. Clay, Peter George, B.
B. Morris, Alexander Turk, Charles N. Totnian, W. Wallin, Ambrose M. Young, Jesse
Adams, Julius Wieman, Lester Martin and Stanley Vanderwalker. Company D — Cap-
tain Thomas Kerr, Privates Moses Decker, Peter Boswine, Charles A. Dathe, Thomas
Fitzgerald and Larry O'Neil. Company E—'^eY^e&nt N. H. Patten, Pi-ivates George D.
Egglestone, John Weymer, W. Smith, Alfred Root, William H. Rowe and Edwin C
Jones. Company F — Sergeant August Gehbe, Privates Henry Brekerer, George Fink,
Andrew Job, John Landerman, Philip Schardt, Joseph Schmidtz, Peter Roland, Philip
Stanmitz, Joseph Huderf and Jacob Mueller. Company G — Second Lieutenant John
Timmons, Sergeant Russel Harris, Corporals James Avery and Allen Ricker, Privates
Barnard Christer, John Kilmartin, Peter Sweeney and James W. Webb. Company H —
First Lieutenant John Beebe, Corporals Lsaac Gillespie, Charles Harding and August
Scherlitz, Privates John Keller, John Jenson, John Herdig, John Borsch and Henry
Welman. Company I— Sergeant W. H. Hockabout, Corporals J. S. Driggs, William S.
Gushing and Ichabod B. Hill, Privates Gilbert L. Allen, Nathan Birchell, Hiram M.
Richardson, Isaac W. Roberts, John C. Barry, Harman Cole, John C. Moody, Edward
Willard, John C. Campbell, Abraham Searles, David Lind, John W. White and John D.
Oliver. Company K — Captain W. N. Remington, Sergeant Andrew Gallop, Corporals
James L. Barney and Thomas Ellsworth, Privates Amasa A. Davis, James H. Rhodes,
Joel W. Ranney, John Kennedy, Thomas Flynn. George Downing, Samuel Longyear,
E. Cupernell, J. W. Knapp and William Garland — 110.
SEVENTH REGIMENT.— Killed ok Died of Wounds— Cbwpany^— First Lieu-
tenant James Holmes, Sergeants L. Porter and Holmes, Privates Joseph BrownWil-
liam Collins, Sabart Johnson, William Kurst, Jacob Kalb, Alonzo LaBarr, John Moore,
Peter Rafferty, James W. Sanderson, Henry M. Buck and G. W. Evans. Company B —
Sergeant Theron Helm, Corporals Oscar E. Hurlbut, Wesley Richardson and Peter A.
Batteau, Privates Claarles Kippen, James C. Maxfleld, Louis Provost and Silas Hatfleld.
Company C — Captain Jefferson Newman, Sergeant George Mitchell, Privates, James
Armstrong, William Carpenter, S. D. Hurst, Ezekiel Parker and David H. Bryant. Cbm-
par!2/ Z) — Sergeant John M. Crocker, Corporal Lewis S. Isham, Privates George Parish,
John Thomas, H. C. Buckman, William H. Cook and M. M. Starkweather. Company E —
Sergeants John C. Mussey, Gideon H. Morden and E. W. Sharp, Corporals George J.
Dewey and George A. Orvis, Privates Daniel E. Casey, Joseph Ewbanks, Frank A. Guptill,
Charles H. Marsh, Charles W. Smith, W. H. H. Wheelock, James M. Smith, Mllford W.
Bradshaw, George Figger and Charles S. Lackay. Coimpany F— Privates Peter Francis,
Uenry S. Sprague and George Cormick. Company G — First Lieutenant Burns Newman,
Sergeant George Lytle, Corporal Martin McAuleff, Privates William Johnson, Joseph
Razor, Michael Shorten, Frank Shaw, John Suigoy, Archelaus R. Gray and Moses Ben-
nett. Company H — Corporals Timothy Kelleher, Robert J. Cutts, Edward Carver and
George A. Smith, Privates James Andrews, Stansbury Hitchcock, Hiram Kerney, Fred
Murden, John Wright, Thomas Adams and James Fulks. Company I — Second Lieuten-
ant William W. Walrath, Corporals Benjamin Updike, Privates J. E. Casey, Luther
Govey, William D. Dawes, Richard Fleming, George Moore, Edward Ramsay, Louis
Shrolls, Cyrus Wyman, W. W. Waterman, John White and Thomas B. Crandall. Com-
pany A'— Privates Edward Ramay, George F. Watson, Alonzo Lombard, Daniel Moriarty
and David Noack —92.
Wounded.— i^ieid and iSfo^— Lieutenant Colonel Mark Finnicum, Adjutant Samuel
H. Phillips, Sergeant Major Russell L. Moore. Company/ ^4 — Captain James Johnson,
Second Lieutenant Ole Grassly, Sergeant Thomas J. T. Buchanon, Corporals Albert
O'Connor, Thomas Strangeway, Louis Mishlaer and Herbert Lull, Privates John H.
Brown Charles K. Brown, J. D. Sharp, Rudolph Schvranenberg, Samuel Bachman, John
SECOND REGIMENT RETURNS HOME. 471
Bascom, Marcus M. Burke, Orson C. Bell, Batles Barth, W. Coughlon, Q. \V. Donaldson,
C. Elthorp, John Gllmore, T. H. Grist, L. Haskins, W. Hamilton, August Kerst, Jacob
More, A. H. C. O'Connor, O. J. Pool, G. D. Phiney, J. M. King, David Storm, H. C. Turner
and Joseph Walker. Coynpajiiy B — Captaiu M. C. Hobart, Lieutenant Charles E. Weeks,
Sergeant CliarlesC. Spalding, Corporals Spencer Brownson, Charles Walker and W. B. In-
galls, Privates John J. BloM'ess, John Bissell, Albert Butler, James Cunningliam, Julius
Englikee, John Hilton, A. Hoyses, Daniel Jennings, John Pulver, Warren Thomas
and Thomas Hand. Company C— Second Lieutenant J. H. Holcomb, Sergeant H. Rowey,
Corporal J. S. Stout, Privates D. Augustine, Colistus G. Bell, J. C. Bold, Henrj' Curtis,
John Gilham, William Haney, James Hudson, James H. Jones, Frederick Miller, John
W. Robinson, Irvin C. Smelker, W. T. Tallada, Jacob Rice, W. J. Wynand, W. J. Wood
and William Eustis. Company D— Corporals James Murphy and H. G. Klienfelter, Pri-
vates C. C Bean, J. C. Burns, W. S. Bell, George Cole, S. Crane, F. Fayaut, D. Freeman,
A. Morse, S. Cobb, George Cocher, E. Simmons and A. Stillwell. Company i?— Corporals
Charles A. Osborn, Almon C. Jonson and Silas Carman, Privates Dennis Burley, George
J. Bolles, Alonzo B. Bordwell, Alonzo Blackman, Charles Johnson, L. B. March, W. J.
Mills, S. W. Peters, E. R. Parks, M. A. Ransom, John Tanner, A. R. Thur.ston, Henry
Thalacker, John Wliorton and N. H. West. Comimny F — Captain H. F. Young, First
Lieutenant William E. Sloat, Lieutenant A. A. Kidd, Corporals W. R. Ray, J. C. Reamer
and N. Bradberry, Privates George Atkinson, J. C. Bradley, Andrew Bishop, C. B. Bishop,
Bruce Brian, Harvey Bonham, Thomas Blunt, Webster Cook, C. F. Chipman, Jame«
Endicott, James Evans, John Folk, PeiTy Gilbert, B. F. Hayden, A. M. Hutchinson, Theo.
Kinney, M. McHugh, J. Rice, H. Rupke, J. S. Taylor, L. Taylor, A. C. Morse, A. Conhor,
Thomas Riley, C. Alexander and Richard Fourra. Company G — First Sergeant John
Crocker and John Harvey, Coi-porals W. Richards and Marcus Grover, Simon Corley,
Thomas Hart, Hugh Evans, Benson Peck, Michael Divine, George Crocker, George
McCartney, Jolin Packer, Charles Razer, Isaiah Altenberg, George Metwaus and Silas
Ward. Company H— Privates Curtis Chandler, John Bowden, F. M. Dillon, Chancey
Hitchcock, John Shultis, Mark Smith, John R. Arms, James Bishop and John McCubbin.
Company I — Second Lieutenant W. Walrath, Privates G. W. Mclntire, A.W. Dawes, J
F. Dawes, L. M. Van Norman, F. R. Bragg, Ezekiel Lindsay, L. M. Nash, H. C. Perkins,
Lyman Kelly, Patrick Rooney, G. M. M. Bowen, J. W. Maxson and John E. Borden.
Company K— Captain G. S. Hoy t, First Lieutenant A. B. Rood, First Sergeant J. M. Hoy t.
Privates D. F. Bennett, W. Ellis, W. Hughs, EU Mattoon, Peter Miller, Ruel Lombard,
W. Woulbridge and James McAbe — 184.
On the 10th of June, Brigadier General E. S. Bragg was placed
in command of the Iron Brigade.
Up to the 11th, the Second Wisconsin had continued on duty
as Provost Guard of the division. Its term of service having
expired, the non-veterans of the regiment started, at 4 o'clock,
A. M., of the 11th, for the White House Landing, and embarking
on board a steamer the next day, proceeded to Washington City,
and from thence by rail, to Madison, Wisconsin, where they
arrived on the 18th. They were received by the citizens, and a
splendid collation served in the park, which, together with the
hearty welcome everywhere extended to the heroes of the glorious
" Old Second," must have satisfied the brave fellows that the
services which had just closed, were fully appreciated l)y the
citizens of Madison, and of the State generally. The last company
was mustered out on the 2d of July. Thus this pioneer three
years' regiment closed its honorable and brilliant service, and,
472 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
■with the gallant Sixth and Seventh, veteran regiments, estahlished
a reputation, equal to the best troops in the world.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,051 ; gain by recruits
in 1863, 57, in 1864, 80; veteran reenlistments, 78; total, 1,266.
Losses during the service — deaths, 256, missing 11, desertions
51, transfers 134, discharged 466, mustered out 348.
Independent Battalion. — The veterans of the Second, and
also recruits whose term had not expired, were organized into an
independent battalion, consisting of two companies, on the 11th
of June, 1864, and placed under command of Captain D. B.
Dailey, of Company B.
Captain Bailey having been appointed Provost Marshal, the
battalion was assigned to duty as Provost Guard of the Fourth
Division, Fifth Army Corps, and Lieutenant A. T. Morgan
assumed command of the battalion. With the division, they
crossed the Chickahominy, and accompanied it to Wilcox's Land-
ing, on the James River, crossing that stream on the 16th, and
marched in the advance upon Petersburg, and took part, on the
18th, in the battle before that place, with the loss of Henry M.
White and Hans Ruthgen, of Company B, mortally wounded.
Samuel Elliott was wounded on the Slst of June, while on guard
duty. They remained on provost duty at division headquarters until
the 17th of August, when they accompanied the corps to Yellow
House, on the Weldon Railroad, and took part in the battle of the
next day, losing one man wounded, Chas. F. Davis, of Company A.
On the 19th they were again engaged, and Lieutenant Morgan being
severely wounded, the command devolved on Lieutenant ISTaegeli.
On the 20th and 2l8t, they were engaged, and assisted in repuls-
ing the enemy, with the loss of four wounded. Corporal Sebas-
tian Karbach, and privates Edward E. Moore and Henry Rohde.
Captain Dailey was also severely wounded, and sent to General
Hospital on the 24th of August. The Fourth division was broken
up, and the battalion was transferred to the First Brigade, Third
Division, General Crawford, Fifth Army Corps, and was assigned
to guard duty, near Yellow House, on the Weldon Railroad, until
THE SEVENTH AT PETERSBURG. 473
October 27111, when tliey accompanied the hrigade, and partici-
pated, on that and the following day, in the engagement at Hatch-
er's Run, sustaining a loss of one killed and four wounded.
Harry Gorum, Company A, killed, and Corporal Charles C.
Jenks, Philip Lehman, and Fred. Lucheinger, of Company A,
and John Mueslin, of Company B, wounded. They returned to
Yellow House, and resumed picket and guard duty in the trenches,
and on the 30th of ;N"ovember, the battalion was transferred to
the Sixth Wisconsin, with whose subsequent history, this remnant
of the old Second became identified.
Continuing our narrative of the Iron Brigade, on the 12th of
June, they crossed the Chickahominy, marched to the James
River, crossed at Wilcox's Landing, and proceeded to the vicinity
of Petersburg, erecting breastworks in front of the enemy on the
17th of June, the Sixth Wisconsin being on the left of the brig-
ade, constitating the left flank of the Army of the Potomac.
Skirmishing through the da}^, on the 18th they moved against the
enemy's fortifications, on the west side of the Norfolk and Peters-
burg Railroad, about two miles from Petersburg, the Sixth on
the left, and the Seventh on the right of the brigade. Li the
afternoon they advanced across an open field, against the heavy
works of the enemy, through a galling and terrific fire of mus-
ketry and artillery. Reaching within one hundred yards of the
enemy's works, a halt was made, in consequence of the faltering
of the lines on their left. During this movement, the Seventh
was left without any connecting line on its left, that line having
found protection in a ravine. The ground was held in this posi-
tion for an hour and a half, during which they suffered terribly
from the infantry and artillery fire of the enemy. The regiment
was somewhat sheltered by the slope of the ground in front. The
Union batteries were firing over their heads, in order to prevent
the rebels from advancing from their works, and having to aim
low, many of their shells struck in close proximity to the regi-
ment. Having a few shovels in the regiment, earthworks, on the
left flank, were commenced, the men aiding the shovelcrs with
their bayonets and tin plates. At this time, Major Richardson
474 MILITAET HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
ran tlie gauntlet of fire, and reported the condition of the regi-
ment at brigade headquarters. No succor could come to their
relief unless a general assault was made. Before they could
finish their works, the rebels formed a line at right angles witli
their left flank, and advanced to within seventy-five yards. At
the same time, a heavy skirmish line was marching by the right
flank, at right angles from the right of the rebel line, on their
left, and directly in their rear, and covered by a hill. Part of the
regiment opened fire on the rebel line on the left, and part faced
by the rear rank, and delivered their fire on the rebel skirmish
line. Fighting them thus as long ^s there was a chance of hold-
ing the position, they were compelled to fall back to the right and
rear, through a more deadly fire than that through which they
had advanced, returning to near the position from which they
had moved in the morning. Lieutenant Colonel Finnicum spoke
in glowing terms of the conduct of Major Richardson, and the
officers of the line, and also, the unflinching bravery and
determination of the whole regiment.
The casualties in the Seventh Regiment were as follows :
Killed or Died of Wovsds.— Staff Officer — Adjt. Samuel H. Philips. Company A —
Corp. Albert T. McCalvey, Privates Cornelius Hack, Joseph N. Charles, Jos. Carrow and
George W. Evans. Company B — Sergeant John H. Miller. Company C— Privates George
Will and William Howard. Comjxmy D — Coi'poral James Murphy. Company F — Ser-
geant C. Giles Parker, Corporal John D. Runion, Privates Martin Calvert and William
B. Pauley. Company O — Corporal Lyman Carpenter, Private Andrew J. Wilkinson.
Company H — Second Lieutenant Thomas Tanner, Corporal George Page, Privates Jam.es
Bishop. Company JE"— Private Orson M. Baldwin — 21.
WoTTNDED. — Field Office! — Major Hollon Richardson. Company A — Privates Alexan-
der Cross, Lewis Fleshbine, Patrick Fitzgerald and Gabriel Truckey. Company B —
Privates Thomas C. George, Dennis Riley and Charles Frailey. Co?>ipani/ C— Sergeant
W. Beasley, Privates James Hedges, John Cavenaugh and R.M.Nixon. Company D^
Private Fred W. Isham. Company E — Captain Levi Pond, Private I. Hoard. Company
F — Privates F. A. Boynton, George Eustice, Thomas Blunt, Henry P. Green, Albert C.
Morse, Isaac R. Miles, Joseph Storehouse and Orrin Weymouth. Company G — Corporal
Marcus D. Grover, Privates Samuel A. Stainbrook and John B. La Prairie. Company H—
First Lieut. Charles Fulks, Privates Jas. Chapman, Livingston Wagers and Silas Streeter.
Company I— Sergt. Byron S. Cole, Corp. Bradley M. Barnes, Henry Borst and John Riley.
Company K— Sergeants Daniel McDermitt and Michael McNorman, Privates James A.
Linder and Watson W. Bowers — 37.
"We have gathered from the official reports, the following list
of the killed and wounded in the Sixth Wisconsin, from June
11th to July 1st, 1864 :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cbmpanj/^ — Privates William J. Kitner, Jesse Pear-
son, Asbury Bates and Levi Pearson. Company C — Privates Fred Amman and A. C.
Boyd. Company D — Corporal Dugald Spear. Company E — Private Alfred Root. Com,-
partj/ .F— Sergeant Milo Sage, Private Henry Schlater. Company S"- Privates John
BATTLE AT WELDON RAILROAD. 475
Fuchs and Thomas A. Polleys. Company I— Sergeant Chester A. Green, Privates Chris-
tian Hopp, Joseph A. Johnson and Charles Cuppernall. Company K — Privates Wallace
B. Hancock and Linus W'estcott — 17.
Wounded.— Company A — First Lieutenant E. M. Rogers, Second Lieutenant H. J.
Huntington, Privates Aug. Klein and William Palmer. Company/ i? — Privates Henry
Matson, William Douglass, John Wiles and James A. Smith. Company C — Privates
George Fairfield, Jacob Simons, James Sykes, R. W. Abby, George Smith, William Day,
Adam Raw and S. P. Rittenhouse. Company D — Privates John R. Lanning and John
Hamlin. Covipany E — Private N. K. Malloy. Company F — Privates Gustav Rorsch,
Leo Gortsch, Anders Job, John Kepel, Fred Kleinhaus and Moriton Schlurster. C(ymr-
f>a>iy G — Privates L.A.Kent, Benjamin F. Clark and James Haines. Company H —
Private George Sutter. Company JT— Privates Edward Simons and A. R. Thompson— 3L
The whole force which made the advance on the 18th, was
compelled to fall back, and in the evening and night, works were
constructed within five hundred yards of the enemy's line.
On the 5th of July, Lieutenant Colonel Dawes was promoted as
Colonel of the Sixth.
From this time until the 30th of Jul}^, the division and brigade
were constantly engaged in the duties of the siege. On the 30th
of July, the Fifth Corps, with the rest of the army, took part in
the operations connected with the explosion of the mine. The
brigade was in the front works when the mine exploded, and,
pursuant to orders, opened fire as the fort went up, which was
continued during the greater part of the day. Flavius J. Dawes, of
Company I, Seventh, was reported as killed, and Adjutant E. A.
Campbell as wounded. Jacob Deiner, of Company E. Sixth
Regiment, was killed.
On the 3d of August, Lieutenant Colonel Fiunicum was pro-
moted as Colonel, and Major Hollon Richardson as Lieutenant
Colonel of the Seventh.
Remaining in the front line on the left of Petersburg until the
18th of August, they marched to the Yellow House, near Ream's
Station, on the Weldon Railroad, accompanying the movement
of the First Division of the Fifth Corps, which had obtained pos-
session of the railroad at that point. General Mahone attacked
the Union forces next day. In this aflkiir the brigade was de-
ployed as skirmishers, the line extending from the right of the
line of battle of the Fifth Corps, to the left of the Second Corps,
the Seventh occupying the extreme right of the skirmish line.
The enemy succeeded in breaking through the skirmish line, on
the left of the line of the Seventh, and rushed through a gap
between two divisions. A desperate fight ensued, during which,
476 JITLITAIIY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the Sevenili caj-.ucd twenty-six prisoners, without sustaining
any loss. On the 20th, the Seventh rejoined the brigade on the
west side of tlie raib^oad, where breastworks were thrown up.
On the morning of tlie 21st, they were attacked by the enemy in
great force. The assault was gallantly repulsed with great
slaughter, the Seventh capturing the battle flag of the Sixteeiith
Mississippi, with all its field officers.
The casualties reported in the monthly reports, in the Sixth,
were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company i? — Captain William '\|r. Hutchins, Private
Charles H. Frances. Company E — Captain Charles P. Hyatt. Company G — Second
Lieutenant John Timmuns, Sergeant Major Cuyler Babcock. Company J— Private Thos.
White. Company K— Corporal William J. Revels — 7.
We find no official list of the wounded.
From this time, the brigade remained engaged in the duties of
the siege, until the 27th of October, when they marched, with
Crawford's Third. Division of the Fifth Army Corps, to which
they had been transferred, in General Grant's movement to the
extreme left, at Hatcher's liun, and took part in the engagement
at that point. Returning to the neighborhood of the Y'ellow
House, on the Weldon Railroad, the Brigade was occupied in
the duties of the siege during thefalland winter, the Fifth Corps, ^
under General Warren, making a raid on the Weldon Railroad,
at Jarrett's Station, and destroying several miles of the track,
early in December, after which, the Third Division returned to
a position in the trenches at Petersburg, about sixteen miles west
of City Point, near the Military Railroad, under the command of
Brigadier General E. S. Bragg. Lieutenant Colonel Kellogg, on
the 10th of December, was promoted as Colonel of the Sixth.
Lieutenant Colonel Richardson, of the Seventh, was appointed
on the^ 29th, but was not mustered as Colonel.
On the 6th of February, the brigade broke camp, and took part
in the engagement near Dabney's Mill, on Hatcher's Run. Li this
affiiir, the Third Division, of General Crawford, of the Fifth
Corps, took the advance, and bore the brunt of the fight, on the
6th and 7th of February. Our Wisconsin regiments fought with
their accustomed gallantry, and their loss was very severe, 'i'he
loss of the division was 37 officers, and 1,143 men, an aggregate
of 1,180, out of about 4,000, who went into action.
BATTLE AT DABNEY'S MILL. 477
The loss of the Seventh Regiment, in the b;ittlc at Dahney'a
Mill, on the 6th and 7th of February, 1866, as reported by
Lieutenant Colonel llichardson, is as follows :
Killed OR Died OF WotTNns.— Owprrny C— Private Alvah E. Daggett. Company E—
Sergeant Charles A. Osborne. Company .H"— Private John Wanyac-k. Company I—
Corporal Francis E. Whitcomb — A.
Wounded.— Cwnpo/jyvl — Privates August Karst, James Clark and Chancey N. El-
thorp. Cb??ipa7)2/ C— Privates Washington R. Glum. Cb??iiJan^ iJ — Privates Charles C.
Bean, William Kestner and Andrew Morse. Company E— Captain W. II. Gildersleeve.
Company J?'— Corporal George Atkinson. Company G— Captain Walter B. Peek, Sergeant
Marcus G. Grover, Corporal Benson Peck, Piivates George Grover and Julian W. Hard-
kee. Company JS"— First Lieutenant T. C Alexander, Privates Thomas Howard and E. L.
Biley. Company J— Privates Joseph Habicon and Louis Llpman — 19.
From the monthly reports of the Sixth Regiment, we find the
following list of killed, at the fight at Dabuey's Mill, on the 6th
and 7th of February, 1865 :
Killed or Died of Wounds. — Company A — Sergeant Alison Fowler, Privates
Henry Bodecker and Henry Stultz. Company B — Privates Adolphus Mallony and Wil-
liam Goggins. Company C — Private Joseph McCoy. Company D — Captain J. R. Lam-
mey, Corporal Moses Odell, Privates Fred Hansberg and Morris J. Powers. Company E —
Privates Evans J. Jones and David Rouch. Company F — Private Jacob Hoag. Comr-
pfj«^ (t — Private William Mogler. Co7)ijpa??2/ i7— Corporal John Doyle. Company I—
Privates Caleb C. Ellis and Marcus D. Carter. Company jST— First Lieutenant Israel W
Hendricks — 18.
Henry Stultze, of Company A, and James Joervis, of Com-
pany D, are reported to have died in Baltimore, in the month of
February, 1865, and James H. Thompson, of Company K, at
City Point, February 13th. James P. "Williams, of Company K,
died of wounds, at Baltimore, March 9th, 1865.
Returning to camp near the Military Railroad, they remained
until ordered, in the middle of February, to proceed to Baltimore.
On arriving at City Point, the order, so far as it related to the
Sixth and Seventh regiments, was countermanded, and the two
regiments were ordered to return to their old camp, when by
order of General Crawford, they were recognized as the " First
Provisional Brigade," and placed under the command of Col-
onel Kellogg, of the Sixth, Lieutenant Colonel Kerr assuming
command of the regiment. March 5th, the Ninety-first I^ew
Fork Heavy Artillery were added, making the brigade about
3,000 men. Here they remained until the opening of the final
campaign, which resulted in the capture of General Lee.
478 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the morning of the 29th of March, 1865, the brigade broke
camp near the Military Raih'oad, and moved to near the Boyds-
town Plankroad. Here line of battle was formed, the Sixth and
Seventh Wisconsin forming the first line in rear of the Second
Brigade. The enemy being driven from his position, the brigade
was ordered to a point near the road, the Seventh "Wisconsin,
under Lieut. Col. Richardson, being placed on the road, and the
balance of the brigade, about eighty rods to the rear in line of
battle, where they remained during the night, and next day ad-
vanced to the road and threw up breastworks. On the 31st, the
brigade moved from their breastworks, in a northwesterly direc-
tion, across Gravelly Run, where it was massed in column of reg-
iments for a short time, when they were ordered to deploy into
line of battle to the right of the Second Brigade. Before this
movement was accomplished, only the Sixth and Seventh Wis-
consin being in line, Colonel Kellogg in command of the brigade,
was ordered to arrest the men from the front line who were fall-
ing back in confusion. This could not be done, as the flying
troops broke through his line, and threw it into confusion. The
Sixth and Seventh were ordered to close their intervals, form
into line of battle, and open fire on the enemy, which was done,
and continued until the enemy had turned. both flanks, and were
firing on the flanks and rear. The Seventh Wisconsin changed
front so as to meet the fire on their flank, but the enemy appear-
ing in strong force in the rear, the brigade retired across Gravelly
Run in as good order as possible, being somewhat broken up by
being compelled to fight their way back. The Sixth and Sev-
enth were formed on the front line next to the creek near the
bridge, where they remained during the rest of the engagement.
The brigade was reformed in the rear of their first position and
ordered to lie down, and were afterwards moved forward on the
battle-field and encamped.
The Fifth Corps had been ordered to report to General Sheri-
dan at Dinwiddle Court House. On the Ist of April, the brigade
moved in line of battle in a westerly direction to the vicinity of
the Gravelly Run Church. In the afternoon the Seventh Reg-
iment occupied the advance line on the left of the brigade, with
the Sixth Wisconsin on the right. Companies B and E, of the
Seventh, were deployed as skirmishers, covering the brigade
BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS. 479
front. Advancing in line of battle, the enemy's advance was
driven througli the woods back upon their intrenchments at Five
Forks. General Sheridan ordered Colonel liiehardson to move
over the enemy's works, which the gallant Colonel obeyed,
wheeling to the right and charging the enemy through the open
field, driving them through the woods, following their retreating
columns, and again charging them through a second open field.
Night coming on the brigade fell back two miles, and went
into position behind the breastworks, captured from the enemy.
This was the part taken by the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin,
in the famous battle of Five Forks.
On the 2d, the brigade advancing to the South Side Railroad,
found the position abandoned by the enemy. This was about
thirteen miles from Petersburg. Continuing to advance rapidly
in a westerly direction, the enemy were found intrenched on the
Burkesville road. The brigade was deployed to the right of the
road, in two lines, and the Seventh, under Colonel Richardson,
was deployed as skirmishers, with orders to cover the entire front
of the line of battle. The enemy, after dark, opened fire on their
lines, which was replied to, and the command advanced and
halted within a few rods of their breastworks, where they lay on
their arms all night. During the night the enemy abandoned
his works. Pursuit was made, but they were not overtaken, and
the brigade went into bivouack. On the morning of the 4th,
pursuit was resumed, and Jettersville Station, on the Danville
Railroad, was reached in the afternoon, which was found occu-
pied by Greneral Sheridan's cavalry, and the enemy in strong
force just beyond. Here the brigade formed in line of battle, the
men weary and footsore, having travelled all day and labored
all night throwing up breastworks. Here they rested, waiting
for an attack, until the 6th, when the enemy was found to have
again taken flight. Following him during the 6th and 7th, on
the west side of the Appomattox, they reached High Raih-oad
Bridge, where they found the enemy had crossed and set the
bridge on fire. On the 8th, a long and tiresome forced march
was made by the brigade, being much impeded by the wagon
trains of the Twenty-fourth Corps. They camped in line of
battle that night. On the 9th, pursuit was again resumed, and
480 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the gallant Iron Brigade had the proud satisfaction of assist-
ing in the capture of the famous army of General Lee, at
Aj)pommatox Court House.
Colonel Kellogg, in his report, speaks highly of the several
regimental commanders, and several of the line officers of the
Wisconsin regiments, complimenting them for their bravery
during the various actions in which the brigade was engaged
He also makes special miention for deeds of courage and abilit}'
of Sergeants Chancey Winsor, and Isaac Fort, of Company
A, Sixth Wisconsin ; Corporal James Moody and Sergeant
Patrick, Company H, Sixth Wisconsin ; First Sergeant Lew^is
Ladloff and Corporal Ole Torgerson, of Company B, Corporal
John H. Jordan and Richard Corcoran, of Company C, Sergeant
Henry Jerret, and Sergeant Gilford Smith, of Company E, and
Corporal James Barry, of Company I, all of the Sixth Regiment,
and also of Color Sergeant George W. Davis, of Company C,
Seventh Regiment, for gallant conduct in bearing the colors
through the thickest of the fight; Sergeant Major William
Booth, Sergeant John Harrison, of Company E, and Sergeant
Hugh Evans, of Company G, Seventh; Sergeant Albert O'Con-
nor, Company A, and Sergeant William H, Sickle, Company
B, Seventh, and also his two Orderlies, William Holliday, of
Company K, and Henry A Hackett, Company H, of the Sixth
Wisconsin.
In the short campaign, from March 29th to April 9th, the
casualties in the Sixth and Seventh regiments were as follows :
SIXTH REGIMENT.— Killed or Died of Wovst>s.— Ctompany ^—Privates Fred.
Bunzel, Fi-ed. Baur and Ignatius Winkler. Company S — Private Wm. Gilberson. Com-
pany D— Privates John Schnidcr, Gottfried Winch, Joachim Kh^benow and ^Marshall
Leavitt. Company G — Privates Eugene W. Cole, Volney M.Corey and John Mason.
Cowipanj/ i/— Privates Edward W. Butler, Avando Saltz and Amaldus Zwarink. Com-
pany K~ Privates Anthony Trembyn and John Scott— 16.
SEVENTH REGIMENT.— Killed or Died of Wovshs.— Company yl— Private Pat.
Cline. Cowjpanj/lf- Sergeant John H. Miller. Cbwjpan^ C— Private John Lamek. Cb/n-
panj/ X> — Privates Godfrey Ortley and George Taylor. Co7?ifi«n^ JS— First Lieutenant
Augustus M. Hubbard, Private Edwin H. Flagg. Ompa?!^ i^— Sergeant Isaac Ream,
Corporal Thomas Blunt, Privates Frank Geneva and Joseph Wilkinson. Company O —
First Sergeant William Richards, Privates Arna O. Moe, Mitchell Devine. Omipany H—
Pi'ivate Jacob Johnson. Covipany I— CoY\)or sii Charles Ferrill. Company K — Privates
Nathan S. Allen and William Bloom — 18.
Wounded.— Company A — Sergeant Thomas Strangeway, Corporal Horace A. Ellis, Pri-
vates Chancey N. Elthorp, Edward Kitts, Asbury Kellogg, James H. Rice, John Studler
and Charles Shunk. Company B— Corporals Theodore Boucher, Albert Butler, Privates
Samuel Hankney and John Krose. Company C— Corporal John W. Robinson, Privates
Nehemiah Leech and Arch. Van AJleu. C(/)npuny D~SevgeB.ni& John C. Morgan and
IRON BRIGADE DISBANDED. 481
W. H. Walker, Corporals F. W. Isliam and James Murphy, Privates Nathan E. Munser,
Henry Shelter and Alonzo Hyatt. Componi/ E— Corpornl John Happin, Privates Albert
C. Simpson, Hiram W. Soper, Henry »j. Thalacker, l^ewis Rowe, Mons. Thompson and
Patrick Gleason. Ccmipany i^— Lieutenant Jesse M. Roberts, Sergeant Nathan Brad-
bury, Corporal Thomas W. Reilley, Private Simon Heinrick. Company &' — Lieutenant
Onisamie Rondeau, Corporal Frederick Sliultz, Privates George Metways, Ezra Shaler,
Isaac Bakker, Henry Baach and John Sahin. Company JT— Corporals William Costley
and Lewis H. Thomas, Privates Edwin Angelo, John R. Ames, Charles Sawyer and D. A.
McLinn. Cow(jpa»!^ J— Privates Joseph Bullis, John E.Wilson and Julius O. Terrill.
Company ^—Privates N. D. Bennett, Frank Stowell and Samuel Agan —52.
After the surrender of the rebel forces under General Lee,
the brigade, on the 11th of April, moved to Black and White's
Station on the Petersburg and Lynchburg Railroad, and went
into camp.
Here they remained until the Corps commanders were ordered
to march their respective commands to Washington, arriving
there and participating in the grand review on the 23d of May,
and going into camp until the 17th of June, when they left
Washington to report to Major General Logan, at Louisville,
Ky., where they arrived on the 22d of June. Here they were
organized into " the Provisional Division " of General Morrow,
the Seventh Regiment in the First Brigade, and the Sixth in the
Second Brigade, the latter being placed under the command of
Colonel Kellogg, of the Sixth, who at the master out of General
Morrow, was assigned to the command of the Division.
The Seventh was mustered out and started for Wisconsin on
the 2d of July, arriving on the 5th, at Madison, where it was
received by the State authorities, and was coon after paid off,
and the regiment disbanded.
The Sixth was mustered out on the 14th, and arrived at Madi-
son, on the 16th, and were publicly received, paid, and the regi-
ment disbanded. Colonel Kellogg, the last brigade commander,
issued a final order dissolving the organization of the "Iron
Brigade," and the gallant corps which had become the pride of
our State, ceased to exist. Its history forms one of the brightest
pages in our national records.
Colonel Kellogg, of the Sixth, was subsequently brevetted
Brigadier General, and Lieutenant Colonel Richardson, of the
Seventh, was brevetted Colonel, and subsequently Brigadier
General, for gallant and meritorious services in the final opera-
itions of the Army of the Potomac, particularly at the battle of
[Five Forks.
31
482 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Megimental Statistics. — Sixth Regiment — Original strength, 1,108 ;
gain by recruits in 1863, 58 ; in 1864, 171 ; in 1865, 18 ; gain by
substitutes, 79 ; gain by draft, in 1864, 411 ; in 1865, 61 ; veteran
•reenlistments, 237; total, 2,143. Losses by death, 322; miss-
ing, 7; by desertions, 79; transfer, 75; discharged, 513; mustered
out, 1,147.
Seventh Regiment. — Original strength, 1,029; gain by recruits
in 1863, 74; in 1864, 343; in 1865, 12; gain by substitutes, 189 ;
gain by draft, 67; veteran reenlistments, 218; total, 1,932.
Losses by death, 385 ; missing, 12; by desertion, 44 ; by transfer,
106 ; discharged, 473 ; mustered out, 912.
OHAPTEE XIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRD INFANTRY.
Eegimental Roster — Skirmish at Bolivar — Occupation of Fred-
erick— Pursuit OF Jackson — Fight at Buckton Station — Re-
treat OP General Banks — Battle op Cedar Mountain — Antie-
TAM — ChANCELLORVILLE — FiGHT AT BeVERLEY FoRD — GETTYSBURG
— Sent to New York — Transferred to Army of the Cumberland
— Veterans Re-enlist — Veteran Third on Furlough — Battle
OP Resaca — Dallas — Pine Knob — Kenesaw — Atlanta — March
TO Savannah — March to Goldsboro — Battle of Averysboro —
Bentonville — Surrender op Johnston's Army — Homeward
Bound — Return to Wisconsin — Muster out — Regimental
Statistics.
THE Third Infantry Regiment of Wisconsin was organized at
Camp Hamilton, Fond du Lac, in June, 1861, and mustered
into the United States service on the 29th of that month, with
the following officers :
Colonel — CHARLES S. HAMILTON.
Lieutenant Colonel — TuoM AS H. Rttger; Major — Bertine Pinckkey; Adj^itant —
Louis H. D.Crane; Qj<ar<ermas<er— Skidmoke E. Lefferts; Surgeon— Hoii A. Ray-
mond; First Assistant Sfur ff eon— Horace O. Crane; Second Assistant Surgeon — J. B. G.
Baxter; C/iaptoin — Rev. William L. Mather.
Cto. Captains.
A— Darius S. Gibbs,
B — J. W.Scott,
C — Martin Flood,
D— Andrew Clark,
E — Gustavus Hammer,
F — G. W. Limbocker,
G— E.L.Hubbard,
H— George J. Whitman,
I — Howard Vandergriff,
K— William Hawley.
First Lieiitennnts.
Henry Bertram,
W. S. Moscrip,
Moses O'Brien,
Seth Griffith,
Nahum Daniels,
E. J. Bentley,
A. J. Cady,
G. W. Stevenson,
John E. Ross,
Theodore J. Widvey.
Second Lieutenants.
Louis H. D. Crane,
B. W. Clark,
George W. Rollins,
Edward S. Case,
Lyndon Martin,
E. J. Meeker,
J. P. Shepard,
James G. Knight,
Ralph Van Brunt,
Warham Parks.
The regiment left the State on the 12th of July for Hagers-
town, Md., thence they proceeded to Harper's Ferry, and from
484 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
there to Darnestown, Md., on the 20th of August. Colonel
Hamilton having been appointed Brigadier General, Lieutenant
Colonel Ruger was appointed Colonel, August 10th, Major
Pinckney, Lieutenant Colonel, and Adjutant Crane, Major. On
the 12th of September, they were sent to Frederick, Md., to
capture the " bogus " legislature about to convene there, for the
purpose of passing an ordinance to carry the State out of the
Union. This was satisfactorily accomplished, and the regiment
remained here until spring, with the exception of about a
month, when they were on guard at Muddy Branch, on the
Potomac. Colonel Ruger was appointed Provost Marshal, and
the regiment provost guard at Frederick. Three companies. A,
C and H, having been sent out to seize a quantity of corn
stored at Harper's Ferry, were attacked on the 16th of
October, at Bolivar, near the Ferry, by a force of the enemy,
consisting of infantry, cavalry and artillery, about sixteen
hundred in number. Our troops succeeded in repulsing the
rebels, and after severe fighting, routed them, capturing a
thirty -two pounder. In this skirmish, the Wisconsin boys
did most of the fighting. Henry Clement and Franklin
L. Tuttle, of Company A, were killed, and Henry Raymond
and Stewart Mosier, of Company C ; George Buxton, Comp-
any I, and Edgar Ross, Company C, died of wounds, the
latter a prisoner; George J. Gay, William H. Foster and Thos.
Hayden, Company C, were wounded.
In the spring, the regiment was attached to the Second Brigade,
Williams' division, of General Banks' army corps, and joined in
the march up the Shenandoah Valley, occupying Charleston, and
entering Winchester on the 12th of March. On the 22d, the
regiment, except Company A, took part in the advance of Gene-
ral Williams' division towards Manassas, but was recalled by Gene-
ral Banks soon after the battle of Winchester, and joined in the
pursuit of the enemy up the Valley. Company A, having been
left at Winchester on provost guard duty, had one man wounded
during the battle. A, S. Tracey.
On the 23d of May, Company G, Captain Hubbard, and an
Indiana company, which had been stationed to guard a bridge at
Buckton Station, on the Strasburg and Manassas Railroad, were
attacked by a regiment of rebel cavalry, which they repulsed,
RETREAT TO THE POTOMAC. 485
and held in check till the Third arrived in the evening, losing
A. A. Edwards, killed, and G. W. Dodge and C. B. Vandoozer
wounded, the latter mortally, and several prisoners.
The regiment joined the brigade at Strasburg next da}-, and
took part in the retreat down the valley. When near Winches-
ter, they gallantly assisted in holding the eneuiy in check till the
trains had passed, i*etiring through the place, subject to the fire
of the enemy and of the inhabitants of the town. The retreat
continued to Martinsburg, where the rebels were checked, and
the pursuit ended. The retreat continued to the Potomac, which
was crossed on the 6th, the Third bringing up the rear. The
report shows. that the regiment lost in this retreat :
Killed. — Con^pany E— Pi-ivate Charlee Matte.. Company H— Private Henry L- Brush.
Company /^Private August Ruter, Company K— Private Andrew Johnson — 4.
WorNPEp. — Company B — Private Asahel W. Morley. Company C— Sergeant Seth
Rajnioud, Private Andrew Warner. Company E — Privates Fx'ed Pankow, John Can-
non, James Parrott and James D Brannon. Company O — Privates Gilbert Ferris, Ed-
ward Hamilton, Caleb C. Briggs and Thomas Reed, Compojij/ if — Privates Ole Larson
and J. H. Sawdey, Company I— Private Thomas Harper — 14.
Several of the regiment were taken prisoners, and spent some
time in rebel dungeons, among them Captain Hammer, of
Company E, who was captured near Winchester.
On the 1st of June, Major Crane was appointed Lieutenant
Colonel in place of Lieutenant Colonel Pinckney, promoted to
Colonel of the Twentieth Regiment, and Captain J. W. Scott
appointed Major, July 1. On the 10th, the army of General
Banks left Williamsport, and returned up the valley, camping
near Front Royal on the 18th. From thence, on the 6th of
July, they moved to Little Washington, and on the 5tli of
August, proceeded to Culpepper Court Plouse, and took part in
the battle of Cedar Mountain. On the morning of the 9th, the
Third Brigade, General Gordon, in General Williams' division,
was ordered to the front to the assistance of General Crawford,
of the First Brigade, who had been attacked. Six companies
from the right of the regiment w^ere ordered forward as skir-
mishers, while the rest of the brigade was held in reserve.
Crawford's brigade moved forward through a wood, in front of
the enemy's position, whose batteries were masked in the woods
beyond. The six companies, under Colonel Ruger, formed on
the right of Crawford's brigade. Before these movements could
486 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
•
be perfected, a terrible musketry fire, at sbort range, was opened
upon them. The enemy was in two lines of battle, the rear line
on higher ground, pouring in a double stream of fire upon the
ranks of the brigade and regiment. At this time, General
Crawford ordered a charge on the enemy's battery. N^otwith-
standing it was felt to be madness to obey the order, Crawford's
brigade and the six companies advanced boldly. The Third
went forward to a little knoll, where it was particularly exposed
to a direct fire from the two lines of battle and an enfilading fire
on the right. A perfect sheet of fiame and torrent of lead
poured into the ranks of the little band. Their right being
turned, it was folly to attempt to make the charge, and the six
companies of the Third fell back. Crawford's brigade pushed
forward a little further, where it was soon cut to pieces by the
terrible fire, and forced to retire. At this time, Gordon's brigade
went forward at a double quick. The six companies rejoined
the remaining companies of the regiment, and went forward
with the brigade, and again engaged the enemy, under the same
fierce fire which they had first met. The fire was returned with
spirit, and the ground held firmly for a short time, when the
rebels, in great force, burst upon the flank, compelling the brigade
to retire to its first position, where they were relieved after dark.
Lieutenant Colonel Crane fell dead from his horse at the first fire.
Major Scott was shot through the shoulder. Captain Haw ley in
the ankle, and Captain O'Brien in the leg. O'Brien, binding
his handkerchief over his wound, rushed again into the fight, and
was mortally wounded, lying two days on the field before he
could be recovered, and died at Culpepper. Lieutenant Widvey,
of Company K, was taken prisoner while leading the other
companies of the regiment into action.
The following casualties in the Third Regiment we find
in the records of the Adjutant General's of&ce :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— i^t'eid Q^cer — Lieutenant Colonel L. H. D. Crane.
Company J5— Privates David BuchterJtircher, Fred Eddy, Abram Fen ton, James C. Lar-
rimore and George I.Maxwell. Company C — Corporal David Rorke, Privates Anson
W. Lovelace, Fred Rager and Isaac W. Winans. Company D — Corporal Curtis Jacobs,
Private Wesley J. Butts. Company F— Privates Eaton W. Butler, Andrew Craig and
Frank Darling. Company iy— Private William Mason. Company I — Captain Moses
O'Brien, Privates Nicholas Wallace, W. I. Leech and M. Sweet. Company K — Privates
William H. Hubbell, Peter Janson, Edwin E. Polley, John Q. Lyman, Charles S. Curtis,
Charles C. Brown and Thomas Elliott — 27
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 487
WOVNBED.— Field Offlcer — Major John W. Scott. Sergeant Major C. L. Bering, Com-
pany A — Sergeant Abner Wood, Privates Jeft'. Fidler, Arnold Mann, John Zalins, Sid.
J. Thompson and Isaac; Godfrey. Cmnpany B — Privates George ]Jryan, Natlian 8. Smith,
J. Truax, Jes.se P. Dean, Levi P. Wliitconib and Claarles F. Roblee. Omipany C— Sergeant
James Collins, Corporal Junot Wilcox, Privates E. S. Winans, Andrew Werner and
George Gans. Company D — OvAexlj Sergeant L. B. Balcome, Corporals C. H. Lind.sey
and Clinton W. Page, Privates Charles E. Alderman, Hiram Allen, Jerry Close, Job
Clark, De Witt Clark, Ralph P. Uevan, Thomas Dayton, Francis Morton, Denslow
McAuley, Amos Ilutledge and Nelson Vawlin. Company E — Sergeant A. Titus. Com-
pany F — Corporals Atlas A. Budd and Clay A. Fisher, Privates James Holmes, S. H.
Marvin, James Kelly, George Kalb, John W. Wian, Jonas Classor, Nelson Povi'ell and
Darius P. David. Company H — Sergeants William M. Snow and F. E. Orton, Corporal
David Potter, Privates Henry Mason, J. Anderson and R. T. Blair. Company I— Corpo-
ral R. H. Williams, Privates Alf. Million, D. McDaniels, William Shook and J. W. Leslie.
Company K — Captain William Hawley, Corporals John Lyman, and R. W. Jones, Pri-
vates J. E. Anderson, Andrew Mathias, James Bean, Asa Colby, A. T. Towley, A. Thomas
and A. Tiede — 65.
Banks' corps accompanied the retreat of General Pope, but,
though frequently under fire, the regiment took no part in the
Bull Run battles, and suffered little loss, reaching Alexandria
on the 2d of September.
In the organization of the army by General McClellan, for
resisting the advance of General Lee into Maryland, General
Banks' troops were transferred to the Twelfth Corps, and took
part in the battle of Antietam. Leaving Alexandria on the 4th
of September, General Williams' division, in which the regiment
was located, in Gordon's brigade, reached the vicinity of the
enemy on the night of the 16th, and took position on the left of
General Hooker, who occupied the extreme right of the lines.
The fight next morning was opened by Hooker's corps. The
division of General Williams was ordered forward to their sup-
port. The regiment, with Gordon's brigade, marched through
a piece of woods, and filed into a field in line of battle, and
advanced about fifty rods, to a rise of ground in front of the
enemy. At once they were met by a terrible fire, which they
could not return, by reason of the nature of the ground, and dis-
position of our troops. They stood a short time without firing a
gun, under the tremendous storm of grape and canister, the men
falling in heaps. Like heroes, they endured this terrific ordeal
without flinching. At length the order to fire was received,
which was obeyed, and followed up with great good will. Thus
the battle raged, the regiment standing firm and undaunted,
pouring in its deadly fire, until the enemy retired. When the
488 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
regiment ceased firing, it numbered less than fifty men. It
commenced the action with 345.
The following casualties we find officially reported :
Killed or Died of Wovmis.— Company A — First Sergeant Fred Glazer, Cori^oral
Daniel A. Tuttle, Private Nathan B. Nettleton. Company B — Sergeant Colburn Blake,
Privates William T. Mason and Fred Maglowskj^. Company C — Corporal George Grey,
Privates Seymour J. Sheffield and Isaac Thurlow. Company D — Privates Ferdinand
Last, J. L. Temple, John W. Gee and Edwin R. Snyder. Company E— Privates George E.
Brocket, Enfred Bergman and George Weber. Company F — Privates Thomas P. Duncan
and John Olson. Company G — Second Lieutenant Joseph P. Sheppard, Privates Richard
Allen and Henry C. Tait. Company H — Privates Joshua P. Johns, James F. McKnight
and William Wilcox. Company I — First Lieutenant Alexander Reed, Privates Demaa
V. Deming, William Thomas, Edward Ware, Alexander Wiley, Thomas A. White and
Chas. Wcseott. Com^Mny K— Corporals Jacob E. Condit and Ernst J. Johnson, Privates
John E. Glinsdahl and Miles J. Waterhouse — 3.5.
Wounded. — Cmnpany A — Privates A. Mann, John Bradley, E. Stablefoot, H. Wood,
O. Kettleson, C. Hagarman, Patrick Gorman, W. H. Barnes, G. W. W. Tanner, H.
Davids, J. Donovan, D. Strahne, H. Montany, C. RoUhagen, H. WoodrutT, H. Becker,
J. Godfrey and William March. Company B — Ca.\itA\n George Stevenson, Corporal J. G.
Savage, Privates J. R. Hollister, J. Wright, W. J. Robinson, S. W. Ransom, T. C. Rich-
mond, F. Meyers, D. Dibble, D. Hinman, E. Porath, J. Lewis, H. Deschamps, J. McMul-
len, J. H. Durfee, G. Tesch, G. Dowling, L. H. Robbing, G. Evans and A. Miracle,
Company C — First Lieutenant Warham Parks, Corporals William Foster and Charles F.
Diflendeffer, Privates William Brisbain, William Booth, J. L. Boyer, Albert A. Betts,
Ziba A. Cook, Thomas Conroy, Henry Fuller, John B. Frazer, John W. Green, Melvillo
Hopkins, William A. Kimberly, Jefferson Lovelace, Benj. Leonard, Frank Loveland,
Geo. H. Richardson, Reuben Webb, Eugene Whitter and Dwight Pierce. Company D —
Sergeant R. L. Oliver, Corporal C. W. Page, Privates J. W. Gee, E. R.Snyder, O. H. Linds-
ley, Samuel Becktell, Hiram Collins, William H. Cook, D. C. Clark, William Elmore, C.
H. Lee, W. H. Preston, John Spies, L. L. Wood, Joseph Wilkes, Samuel Smith, Silas
Ullum and Adam Zeigler. Cmnpany E—LAexiter\ajxi W. B. Dick, Sergeants E. L. Blauchard
and J.-L. Lussen, Corporals Augustus Jones and Charles Chop, Privates W. B. Kenyon,
Jacob Kollamer, Martin Gouch, Fred Fry, Philip Hinton, Aufred Bergaman, Chi'.
Bergaman, H. Krauser, Fred Reschke, G.Webber, Jn. Lawrech, Frank Kreger, Cs. Kreger,
George Hopt, Henry Glass and Joseph Ames. Company F — Sergeants S. Bartholomew
and W. A. Beebe, Corporals F. W. Bashford, A. Spooner and F. M. Castley, Privates J. G.
Harsberger, John Kolb, James Murphy, Richard Notten, George Hall, A. George, R.
Fulton, Leon Beauprey and William Holmes. Company O — Sergeant Frank Lee, Cor-
poi-al Chauncey Beebe, Privates Hiram Briggs, W. W. Blake, Jno. Griffin, Aug. McNeary,
Alexander McCoy, William Mason, W. T. Leonard, L. A. Fetterplace, Ira Prouty, Irving
Robins, Leonard Ransom, John R. Willard and Wm. Freeman. Company H— Captain
George W. Whitman, Lieutenant Chancey Field, Corporals William Cheney, J. Agnew
and Eton G. Beers, Privates J. P. Agnew, David Agnew, Albert Anderson, J. Arnold,
Thomas Benson, R. R. Cook, Joseph Early, John A. George, Wilber F. Houghawont,
Geo. Krohn, Henry Moyer, F. B. Persons, W. H. Watts, Sylvanus Fessenden and Allen
Pierce. Cbmpajiy 7— Privates George Hickman, F. M.Bryant, G. M. Fawcett, Jas. Hill,
R. W. Johnson, John Madison, M. Sullivan, H. Southwick, A. Thompson and C. Kemp-
thorn. Company ^-^Corporal R. W. Jones, Privates G. F. Daly, Benjamin Glazier, D. A.
Floom, Henry Peter and Henry A. Paulson — 163.
After the battle of Antietam, the regiment was engaged in
various duties on the upper Potomac, until December, when it
joined the army at Falmouth, and in January, 1863, encamped
at Stafford Court House, Colonel Ruger having been appointed
Brigadier General, Lieutenant Colonel Hawley was promoted to
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORVILLE. 489
the command of the regiment, in March, Major Scott was
appointed Lientenant Colonel, and Captain Flood, Major.
On the 27th of April, the regiment moved forward with the
division, to take part in the operations of General Hooker, at
Chancellorville, crossing the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford,
driving the enemy from that point, and taking position in line
of battle, in the woods near Chancellorville. On the 1st of May,
while on picket in front of the brigade, the regiment was attacker!
by the enemy in force, when it took position behind a fence,
which it retained during the day. Lieutenant Colonel Scott was
killed just before dark. In the afternoon of next day, Williams'
division was ordered to another part of the field. On attempting
to return, late in the day, the regiment found the ground in pos-
session of the enemy, who had captured all their blankets, knap-
sacks and camp equipage. Forming in line of battle, they
resisted the further advance of the enemy, and retained their
position. Early on the 3d, the enemy made a furious attack,
opening with a heavy fire of musketry, which was vigorously
returned, our troops advancing, and gaining a third of a mile of
hotly contested ground, the regiment keeping up a constant fire
until, their muskets becoming unserviceable, they were relieved
by the division of General "Whipple, and moved to the rear. On
the withdrawal of General Hooker's forces, the regiment was
with the rear guard in covering the retreat. Crossing at United
States Ford on the 6th, they returned to camp at Stafford Court
House.
The following casualties, in the battles from April 27th to May
6th, were officially reported :
K1LI.ED OB Died of Wovnus.— Field Officer— JjieutenaJit Colonel John W. Scott
Company ^ — Second Lieutenant Abner Wood, Corporal Henry Woodruff, Private Isaac
Fowles. Company B — Sergeant John B. Beeman, Private David L. Hinman. Company
C— Corporal William A. Kimberly, Private George Williamson. Company D — Privates
Oliver P. Neal and Dennis Washburn. Company E—CovY>ova\ Charles M.Raymond,
Private Frederick Frcy. Company G — Privates William H. Mason, John Shelby, Austin
A. Simonds and Ira Giddings. CbwipaJi^ /— Corporal John D. Kirkpatrick, Private
Michael Sullivan. Company K — Private Gabriel Kahrs — 19.
Wounded. — i?'ie?d Q^cer— Colonel William Hawley. Cbwipanj/ yl— Privates John D.
Goodrich, Henry Davids, Isaac H. Fowler, Warren P. Peterson, TolilTReynaldson, Elias
Shelby and Thomas Davis. Cbrnponj/ S — Corporal Frank Flanders, Pi-ivates America
C. Bobbins, Wallace Smith, John H. Durfee, August Pomrankie, John H. Crorman,
John Kinsler, Simon S. Simpson and Cyrus Dibble. Company C— Sergeant Dwlght
Pierce, Corporals Dudley Jennings and William Brisbane, Privates Levi J. Bryant,
Isaiah Blunt, Jno. Grace, Jacob Warner, Emory S. Winans and Jno. S. Waldo. Company
D — Corporals RollinR.Hotchkiss and Gilbert Schow, Privates Robert M. Cane Henry
490 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Holvenstat, William H. Parsons, Jacob H. Schneider, John "Westfall and Richard Close.
Cbrnpany E—Sergea.nt John L. Leuschen, Corporal Alvin P. Reynolds, Privates Ira P.
Reynolds, Christian Bergamon, Henry W. Close, Herman G. Leuschen and Joseph H.
Arms. Company i^— Sergeant Orlando Thomas, Corporal Robert Medley, Privates Henry
Parker, Nelson Powell, William Holmes, George Kalb and John Childers. Con^imny G—
Privates William T. Leonard, Leonard Ransom, Oren J. G. Longstaff, Benjamin P.
Roby, Ira Giddings and Peter Scritsmire. Owyjanj/JT— Sergeants John Klesen and
John Agnew, Corporal Henry Beckwith, Privates Lee McMurtry, William N. Thomas,
Martin Jacobs and Ever Rood. Company/ J— Sergeants Richard H.Williams and John
F. Lane, Corporal William A. Leech, Privates Henry T). Baldv^in, Edward Glines, Edw
South wick, Martin Washington, Charles Kort and Moses Sweet. Company ^—Privates
Henry BoUam, Newton Chamberlin and Cadar Powell — 74.
The Tliird was detaclied, June 6tli, to accompany a cavalry
expedition up the Rappahannock. Colonel Hawley was ill, and
the regiment was under command of Lieutenant Colonel Flood,
who had been appointed after the death of Lieutenant Colonel
Scott. By forced marches they reached Beverly Ford on the
9th, and as skirmishers and sharpshooters, contributed much to
the victory gained by our troops. Lieutenant Colonel Flood,
with about 150 men, deployed in front of the cavalry, into which
the rebels were pouring a murderous fire, and soon put the
enemy to flight. Meanwhile, a detachment of the regiment,
under Captain Stevenson, was ordered to dislodge a force of the
rebels, concealed behind a stone fence. This they did gallantly,
getting on their flank, and pouring in a series of enfilading
volleys, before they could recover from their astonishment.
The killed and wounded in this engagement, were as follows :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company J— Private David Collander. Company E—
Private Ernst Bergman — 2.
Wounded. — Company B — Sergeant Geo. W. Parker, Private Griffith Evans. Company
C— Privates James Golden, Henry Fuller and Valentine Clarno. Company D — TriYate
William Bardon. Company JE—Frivates James Barrett, George Hewins, Wm. Steffens
and Joseph Gwin. Company J— Privates George N. Fawcett, Giles L. Harrison and John
Madison. Company K — Private John W. Dunn — 14.
On the promotion of Major Flood as Lieutenant Colonel,
Captain Hubbard, of Company B, was appointed Major.
The regiment rejoined the Twelfth Corps at Fairfax Court
House, on the 16th, and took part in the advance to meet the
enemy in Pennsylvania, reaching Gettysburg on the evening of
the 1st day of July, and, with the division, took position on the
right of the First Corps, and to the rear of our general line of
battle. During the 2d, they were employed in skirmishing, and
throwing up breastworks along the bank of Rock Creek, making
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 491
their position one of the strongest, until evening, when the divis-
ion was sent to the aid of the Third Corps, on the left of the line
of battle, which had been fighting the enemy in great force during
the day. At night, returning to their original position on the
right, they found General Swell's corps of rebels occupying a por-
tion of it. Forming a line outside their works, they bivouacked
for the night. At daybreak, they commenced a battle to regain
their old camp. The regiment was placed in a favorable posi-
tion, so that they were protected by the rocky ledges and tempo-
rary breastworks, and therefore suffered but little loss. After
ten hours steady fighting, the enemy were driven from their
works, which the division took possession of. The Twelfth Corps
took no part in the battle on the left, although exposed to the
overshot of the tremendous artillery fire of the enemy, on the 3d.
The loss of the regiment at Gettysburg, was two killed — Thomas
Barton and William Wagner, of Company F, — and eleven
wounded.
Following in pursuit of the enemy, they left Gettysburg on the
5th of July, and marched to Sandy Hook, on the Potomac, thence,
by way of White Plains and Warrenton, to Kelly's Ford, on the
Rappahannock, where they encamped on the 1st of August, and
on the 16th, embarked for New York, to aid in enforcing the
draft in that city. On the 8th of September, they returned to
Alexandria, and on the 20th, reached Bealton Station.
The Twelfth Corps havmg been transferred to the army of the
Cumberland, the Third left Bealton Station on the 27th, and
proceeded, by the way of Columbus, Ohio, to Stevenson, Ala.,
where they arrived on the 3d of October. They were employed
in railroad guard duty, at various points in Tennessee, until the
21st of December, when, a sufficient number of the regiment
having reenlisted as veterans, under general orders from the War
Department, the Veteran Third, on the 25th, left for Wisconsin,
on veteran furlough.
On the discharge of Major Hubbard, in November, Capt. George
W. Stevenson was appointed Major, and on the discharge of
Lieutenant Colonel Flood, in December, he was further promoted
to Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Warham Parks, appointed
Major.
492 MTLITABY HISTOKY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 9th of February, 1864, the regiment was again in Ten-
nessee, and on the 13th, encamped at Fayetteville, engaged in
guard duty. During the winter they were joined by recruits,
increasing their number to five hundred and seventy-five. When
the army of the Cumberland was reorganized, in April, the
Eleventh and Twelfth corps were consolidated, forming the Twen-
tieth, in which the Third was placed in the Second Brigade of
the First Division, under command of General Ruger, their
former Colonel. The regiment joined its brigade in Georgia,
May 8th, and on the 13th, took position in front of the enemy's
works at Resaca, and the next day supported the Fourth Corps,
engaged in skirmishing, but sustaining no loss. On the 15th,* it
participated in the battle of Resaca. Skirmishers were thrown
out, and Colonel Hawley directed slight breastworks to be
erected before the most exposed portions of his line. Be-
fore they were made defensible, the rebels charged in strong
force, drove in the skirmishers, and advanced within one hundi*ed
and fifty yards of the Third. Our men reserved their fire till the
rebels were within easy range, and then opened so hotly that they
soon wavered and retired in disorder, our men following them
up, and taking about forty prisoners,
The casualties in this action, were reported as follows :
Killed or Died of Wounds. ~ Sta^ O^er— Chaplain, Bev, John M. Springer,
Cbwpar)2/^— Private Abner Gould. Company F—Bergesint FranclB M- Costly. Company
J— Private Giles S. Harrison. Company JK-^ Corporals Asa Colby and Caleb Ellison,
Privates Wm. Winter.W. Watkins, William Baxter and William G. Trow --10.
Wounded,— Company A —Private Henry Davids, Company O— Corporal Abner Webb,
Privates John Kohls, David Woods, Andrew Warner and Jacob M- Case. Company D^
Private John Vestfound, Cotftpan^/ JS?-- Joseph Dilger, Company G =- Private Peujamiu
Bherry. Company J— Corporals George B. Bennett and Cyrus E. Dering, Privates
Hiram H. Southwick, W. H. Smith, W, H, Danks and Daniel McDonald, Company K-—
Sergeant Abner Hubbell, Privates Decatur Thompson, James W, Bennett and Peter I,
Peterson — 19,
The rebels retired during the night, and on the 16th, our troops
moved forward upon the line of their retreat, and on the 25th,
after a long march, found them, strongly intrenched, at the
crossing of the Marietta, Dallas and Ackworth roads. Here the
brigade formed in line of battle, the Third in the centre, its left
resting on the Marietta road, A severe struggle ensued, in which
the officers and men of the Third displayed a heroism never
excelled by any troops, though half were new recruits, who had
never been under fire until the battle of Resaca.
BATTLE AT PINE KNOB. 493
The casualties in the action near Dallas, Ga., May 25th, 1864,
as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company A — Trivates Leslie A. Brown, Lyman Cook,
Jefferson Fidler, David S. Narlcong, Charles H. Poor and Thos. J. Soper. Company R —
Private William Warren. CmnjMny C—Vri\-&te John Becker. Company D — Vrw ate
Fred Pankow. Company if— Captain J. W. Hunter. Company G' — Privates Chester
Howland, Francis H. Martin and Henry E. Martin. Company jy —Privates Ole Ander-
son, John H. Gear and Saml. D. Michey. Company J— Privates Sylvester Fry and John
Patten. Coynpany K— Sergeant Frank C. Johnson — 18.
Wounded. — Field Office)' — Colonel William Hawley. Company A — Sergeant George
W. Brainard, Corporal Charles T. Lord, Privates August Clopping, Robert Hart, Perry
Hart, Washington Harvey, Sidney N. Lund, Matthias Mentsel, Charles Perkins, August
Quast, James T. Terry and William Tibbets. CoTJipa?!^/ 5 — Captain W. M. Snow, Fir.st
Lieutenant Wilson S. Buck, Sergeant Hiram S. Baker, Corporal A. C. Robins, Privates
Edward Horan, Patrick Gagen, Walter B. Barnes, Edward McFarland, Ole Thompson,
Hilliard Deschamp, William Swartz, Henry A. Gardner, Thomas F. Peace, H. D. Hills
and William Brandt. Company C— Sergeant W. H. Foster, Corporal Robert W. McFar-
land, Privates Thomas Conroy, Josephus C. Bridge, Daniel Aucherbaugh, Jackson Sand,
Joseph Land and Artist McBride. Coinpany D — Cor-poraX W. W. Carne, Privates George
Neal, Hezekiah L. Kilby, Samuel Converse, John Wright, J. B. Norton and Charles E.
Alderman. Company E— Captain Julian W. Hinckley, Sergeants David Clark and Wm.
Wolfe, Corporals Alvin P. Reynolds, James Panett and Charles Hasse, Private.s Henry
Eilers, Nicholas Holthusen, John Hook, Peter Ichternack, Thomas Nelson, Wm. Steffln,
Ludwig Wirth, James Dodd and Mangus Krouse. Company T*'— Sergeant Samuel Bar-
tholomew, Privates Wm. Holmes and Philander Tucker. Company G — Sergeants John
F. Hubbard, William W. Freeman and Stephen Liemance, Corporals Andrew Jagei--
son, John B. Gerris, Alexander McCoy, Benjamin F. Roby and Olas C. Olson, Privates
John Cowles, Edward D. Hamilton, Amund L. Newgard, Luther A. Phetteplace, Peter
Waltch and Van R. WlUard. Company jFT— Sergeant John Agnew, Corporal William
Cherry, Privates Alden B. Jacobs, Martin Jacobs, Clarence S. Sawtell, James Driver,
Homei W. Osborne and James Buckley. Company /—Sergeant Richard H. Williams,
Coporal George Rucherman, Privates Arthur Brinie and Moses Sweet. Company K—
Privates Jabez Williams, John E. Anderson and Barrett Stillwell — 92.
The Third remained in position near the battle field, till June
Ist, when the division moved a few miles to the left, where it
remained three days, when, being ordered still further to the left,
they moved on, the Third in the advance, skirmishing some, and
losing one man wounded on the 6th. On the 11th, they moved
one mile further, near Pine Knob, and on the 15th, advancing,
found the rebels in force, and strongly intrenched. Our troops
took position here, and threw up intrenchments. The Third had
seven men wounded here. The rebels left during the night, and
on the 21st the regiment was ordered to advance to the Powder
Spring road, but had only proceeded a mile and a half, when they
encountered the enemy, and sharp skirmishing followed. Colonel
Hawley found the opposing force so strong, that he fell back and
sent for reinforcements, on receiving which, he advanced again,
and drove the enemy from his position, which he held till the
494 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
corps came up, next day. In this affair the Third lost one killed
and seven wounded.
Retaining this position until the 3d of July, the enemy having
abandoned Kenesaw Mountain, the division followed his retreat
to the Chattahoochie River.
The casualties, from May 26th to July 17th, were officially
reported, as follows :
KILI.ED OR Died of WotrNDS. — At Lost Mountain, June n.— Cbmpan^/ JB"— Private
William H. Watts. Cmnpany K— Private Steplien Plum. At Kenesaw Mountain, June
21.— Company /—Private Jolin F. Dudley —3.
Wo UNDED. — Company A — Private Hubbard Hart. Company C— Privates Wm, Clarno
and George Bowdon. Company Z) — Sergeant William Smith, Corporal Joseph Wilks,
Privates Wm. Cook, Anson G. Sears, William H. Bridelman and Frederick Slitzberger.
Company E— Corporal Edward Parrot. Company G — Bergeemts William W. Freeman
and C. S. Beebe, Private L. B. Nichols. Company /—Sergeant E. P. Hewitt, Privates
Garrett Butler and Richard Williams — 16.
On the 17th, following the line of retreat of the rebels, they
crossed the Chattahoochie River, and on the 20th, reached Peach
Tree Creek, where they took position on the right of the brigade,
behind unfinished breastworks, which were completed and
strengthened. They were not engaged in the battle of that day,
but had two men killed by random shots, and five wounded :
Killed or Died oFWotmDS.— Cbnipawj/Z)— Privates Cornelius Cornell and Andrew
Oliver — 2.
WotTKDED.— Cbmpanj/ C— Private Isaiah Blunt. Cbmpanj/ Z) —Private L. Clintsman.
Cbwipan^//'- Private Daniel Snider. Cbmpanj/ /f- Private Russell Fulp. Ck/inpany I—
Private James L. Rooney — 5.
On the 22d, the regiment advanced, with the army, two miles,
and took position in front, and in sight of Atlanta, where it re-
mained, under fire, till August 25th, when, with the brigade and
division, it fell back to the railroad bridge over the Chattahoo-
chie, and constructed earthworks, which they occupied till the
28th, when Colonel Hawley was ordered, with a small force, con-
sisting of five companies of the Third Wisconsin, and one company
of the One Hundred and Seventh New York, to make a reconnoi^-
sance toward Atlanta, which was efifected. The enemy evacuated
Atlanta during the night of September 1st, and our forces marched
through the city and encamped near the Augusta railroad on the 2d.
The casualties in the regiment during the investment of Atlanta,
were:
Killed or Died op Wounds.— Company A — Sergeant Zadock Putney. Company F—
Private George Sennett, July 2. Company JT- Captain Thomas E. Orton, July 25,
Sergeant Robert W. Jones, August 10—4,
MARCH TO SAVANNAH. 495
WoTTifDED.— Company A — Corporal Iluliliard Hart. Company B — Privates L. W. Janios,
Marcus Lawrence and W. D. J. Smith. Company C — Private Geo. O. Duroll. Company
D — Privates George W. Norton, L. Fairbanks and Alexander Bassett. Omipuny E~ Pri-
vate B. F. Wood. Cl3«)p«?i2//''— Lieut. E. L. Blaneliard, July, Corporal Geo. II. Meissner.
Company O — Private Christ. Nelson. Compatiy II — Private John Hanson. Cmnpany K —
First Lieutenant John M. Schweres — 17.
Magnus Kraus and William Steffer, of Company E, and Jolan
Hubbard, of Company G, died of wounds at Kingston.
The regiment remained near Atlanta until November ISth,
when it accompanied the Twentieth Corps, in its march under
General Sherman, towards Savannah. After assisting in the
destruction of the railroad near Atlanta, the regiment began its
march, proceeding without any occurrence of historical import-
ance, till it arrived at Milledgeville, the capital of Georgia, which
Colonel Hawley was ordered to occupy with his regiment, and
the One Hundred and Seventh New York, which he did until
the 24th. From this time until the 30th, the regiment was
occupied in destroying railroad track, bridges, etc., while on the
march. On the 9th of December, the enemy was encountered,
and a skirmish ensued, in which Captain Buck, of Company B,
was wounded. On the 10th of December, the enemy's works
in front of Savannah were reached, and the brigade took posi-
tion in line of battle, about three-fourths of a mile from the outer
line of works. On the 12th, the Third crossed to Argyle Island,
in the Savannah river, with orders to secure the rice and other
public stores, and to make a reconnoissance to the South Carolina
shore. Here the regiment succeeded in capturing the rebel
armed tender Resolute, with its entire crew. A large quantity
of stores were captured on the island. On the 15th, five com-
panies crossed to the South Carolina shore, driving the enemy
before them, penetrating inland two miles, where the enemy
was met in strong force, and the five companies withdrew to the
island — returning to the South Carolina shore on the 19th,
skirmishing with the enemy on the 20th, recrossing with the
brigade to the island on the 2l8t, and next day crossed to the
Georgia shore, where it went into camp. The casualties during
the march to Savannah,were two killed. Corporal Richard Norton,
Company F, and John Furlong, Company C, and one officer,
and three men wounded.
4:96 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The regiment, under Lieutenant Colonel Stevenson, witli the
brigade, under command of Colonel Hawley, left Savannah on
the 17th of January, in continuation of the march towards
Goldsboro. The march was without any historical interest until
the 29th of January, when the regiment, in advance of the divi-
sion, entered Robertsville, South Carolina, encountering the
enemy about a mile from the village. Two companies went
forward as skirmishers, and the firing soon became sharp, but
the enemy were sent flying through the town. The regiment
had three wounded. March was resumed on the 2d of Februaiy,
which was continued, the regiment engaged in guarding trains
and destroying railroad track, passing Columbia, and proceeding
to Winnsboro, and on the 5th of March, camped at a place,
eleven miles from Chesterfield, where the regiment was inspected
and found to be in rough condition, clothing in shreds, and
shoes worn out. From thence they proceeded to Cheraw, S. C,
building corduroy road, and guarding trains, and reached Fay-
etteville, l!^. C, on the 11th of March, and on the 15. . and 16th,
when nea'r Bluff" Church, the regiment, with the brigade, marched
to the support of the cavalry division, forming line of battle to
attack the enemy, who was found strongly posted. The skirmish-
ers became hotly engaged and held the position several hours,
until relieved. The casualties of the regiment were twenty-seven
killed and wounded. During the remainder of the day, the reg-
iment was held in reserve without further casualties, and was
relieved at dark, by a brigade from the Fourteenth Army Corps.
On the 18th and 19th, the brigade marched, and arrived near
the Fourteenth Army Corps, who were then engaged with the
enemy. After some changes of position, the regiment occupied
with the brigade a position on the left of the Fourteenth Army
Corps, facing the west. Breastworks were soon completed, and
the brigade remained without anything worthy of note occurring
until the 22d, when the enemy having retreated, march was
resumed, and on the 24th, the brigade, with the rest of the
army, went into camp near Goldsboro. These aflfairs are known
as the battles of Averysboro and Bentonville.
Lieutenant Colonel Stevenson, reports the following casualties
in the regiment, from January 17th to April 6th, 1865 ;
Western Engraving Co.ChicaOO
COL. SIDNEY /v.BEAN.
KNGRAyEDEiPEJr.SaL,Y rOR ClAUKE A. CC PUBlJf.ii Kl-P
PROCEED TO SHIP ISLAND. 499
They reached Harrisburg on the evening of the next day. Here
Colonel Paine heard of the disaster at Bull Run on the 21st of
July. Borrowing smooth-bore muskets for his regiment, he
proceeded to Baltimore, where he arrived on the 23d, and was
pupplied with efficient arms. The Fourth was detailed to guard
the railroads near Baltimore, in which duty it was engaged until
the 4th of November, when Colonel Paine, with the Fourth and
a battery and small cavalry force, embarked on an expedition to
the eastern shore of Virginia, where they remained, encountering
some severe marching through the mud and flooded roads, under
the command of General Lockwood, until the 9th of December,
when Colonel Paine returned to Baltimore with his force. On
the 19th of February, the regiment proceeded to Fortress Mon-
roe, thence to Newport News, where it went into camp, awaiting
the movement of General Butler's expedition to Ship Island,
which they had been ordered to join. . On the 5th of March, they
embarked on a transport, passed under the fire of the rebel
battery of Sewall's Point, and proceeded to Ship Island, under
the command of General "Williams, where they arrived on the
13th, having suiFered severely from the confinement on ship
board, by which disease was engendered, and several deaths
occurred. They landed on the western end of the island, near
the neck, and encamped. Ship Island is a desert strip of sand
lying in the vicinity of Mississippi Sound, on the north shore
of the Gulf of Mexico. Here was gathered the fleet of Captain
Farragut, the mortar boats of Captain Porter, and the army
of General Butler. This force was designed to operate against
New Orleans. Here the Fourth was brigaded in the Second
Brigade, General "Williams commanding. They succeeded in
embarking on the 15th of April, on the sail-vessel Great Repub-
lic, and were towed to the Southwest Pass, near which they
remained, within hearing of the bombardment of the rebel
Forts St. Phillip and Jackson, until the 26th, when the Great
Republic proceeded, in tow of a steamer, to the rear of Fort St.
Phillip. Farragut's fleet had passed the forts on the 23d, and
proceeded up the river to New Orleans. On the 28th, Companies
E and G, of the Fourth, with part of the Twentj^-first Indiana,
under Major Boardman, were sent ashore to cut ofi" the retreat
of the rebels. After rowing and dragging their boats ten or
500 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
twelve miles, in which Major Boardman took his turn at pulling
the oar, they succeeded in effecting a landing, when the rebels,
finding themselves surrounded, surrendered the forts on the 29th.
The rest of the regiment returned on the Great Republic to the
Southwest Pass, where they were transferred, except Companies
I and K, to the smaller transport Diana, and again started up the
river, passing the captured forts, and stopping at Quarantine to
take on the two companies which had been sent out under Major
Boardman, and next day, joining the forces of General Butler,
proceeded to the City of New Orleans, and took formal posses-
sion. Companies I and K soon rejoined the regiment, which
remained at quarters in the Custom House until the 8th of May,
when six companies started with an expedition up the river, under
General Williams, landing and reaching Fourier Station, on the
Jackson Railroad, where they destroyed the track and bridges.
Continuing on, they reached Baton Rouge on the 12th, and took
possession of the place. On the 19th, they proceeded to Vicks-
burg, skirmished with the enemy at Warrenton, where Sergeant
Major Chittenden and Private E. R. Perry, of Company A, were
wounded, being the first casualties of the regiment. Remained
at Vicksburg one week, when the fleet sailed down the river,
abandoning the expedition. In passing Grand Gulf, the trans-
port was fired on, when the gunboat convoying it shelled the town,
and a party, under Major Boardman, went ashore to capture the
batteiy, but was unsuccessful, and the regiment returned to Baton
Rouge, where it remained till the 17th of June. Colonel Paine
was here placed under arrest by General Williams for declining
to obey an order for the return of fugitive slaves, when found in
the camp.
They took part in the second expedition to Yicksburg, June
17th, and, landing at Grand Gulf, Colonel Paine engaged the
enemy, destroyed their camps, and burnt the town, by order of
General Butler. Landing on the point opposite Vicksburg, the
Fourth remained during the bombardment by Captain Farragut,
engaged in fatigue duty and " foraging for contrabands " to be
employed in digging Butler's famous canal or " cut-off."
This expedition was also destined to be a failure. On the 14th
of July, the gunboat Tyler encountered the rebel ram Arkansas,
in the Yazoo River. During the combat, a shell from the ram
BATTLE OF BATON ROUGE. 501
exploded on the Tyler, killing six men of the Fourth "Wisconsin,
who had oeen detached with others to act as sharpshooters on
the Tyler, viz. . — Captain Lynn, Company I ; E. H. Randall, Com-
pany C ; C. W. Shaffer, Company D ; Da\'id Bertram, Company
E ; Joel Palmer, Company G ; and L. Goodrich, Company H.
Six others were wounded, viz. : — Lewis Castle, Company A;
ChaHes R. Van Norman, Company F ; William D. Kent, Com-
pany G ; William J. Price, Compan}^ H ; Anson Ayers, Company
I; and John Doyle, Company K.
The exj^edition was abandoned on the 24th of July, and the
troops returned to Baton Rouge, where they were attacked, on
the 5th of August, by the rebel General Breckenridge, who was
signally defeated. The Fourth Wisconsin being in reserve, suf-
fered no loss, although the battle was a very severe one. Gene-
ral Williams was killed, and Colonel Paine was released from
arrest, and placed in command of the post. He was ordered by
General Butler, to remove the State Library and statue of
Washington, in the State Capitol, and burn the town, and return
to ISTew Orleans with his troops. The order was complied with,
except the destruction of the town, and the troops reached Car-
rolton, eight miles above New Orleans, on the 22d of August,
where they remained engaged in repairing the fortifications, and
in garrison duty. On the 8th of September, the Fourth formed
part of an expedition which attacked six hundred guerillas near
Bonne Carre Point, routed them, killing 8, wounding as many
more, and taking thirty prisoners, and 250 horses. On the 19th
of December, the Fourth, with the exception of Company G,
under Major Boardman, again moved up the river, and took posi-
tion at Baton Rouge. Company G, was detached for heavy
artillery duty, and did not rejoin the Fourth until the 22d of
July, 1863. The regiment was assigned to a brigade under Col-
onel Paine, in General Emory's division, and in February,
1863, moved to Bayou Plaquemine, on the west side of the
river, where an important reconnoissance of the enemy's position
was accomplished by Major Boardman.
Colonel Paine having been commissioned as Brigadier General,
on the 17th of March, Lieutenant Colonel Bean was appointed
Colonel of the Fourth, Major Boardman, was appointed Lieu-
tenant Colonel, and Captain Bailey, Major. The brigade
502 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
returned to Baton Rouge on the 6th of March, and on the 13th,
took part in the first demonstration of General Banks * on Port
Hudson. They marched to a point near the place where they
witnessed the bombardment by Captain Farragut, and the
destruction of the United States steamer Mississippi, after
which the expedition was ordered to return to Baton Rouge.
On the 3d of April, General Paine's brigade left Baton Rouge to
take part in the Teche Expedition, proceeding by way of New
Orleans, Algiers, and by railroad to Berwick Bay, which they
crossed on the 9th, and camped near Berwick City. On the
11th, the march commenced, and the enemy's fortifications were
reached just beyond Pattersonville, at Bisland's plantation,- on
Bayou Teche. "Wetzel's and Paine's brigades were in advance
in two lines of battle, the latter forming the second line, when
the enemy opened fire with artillery in the afternoon, which was
replied to. The Fourth was on the right of Paine's brigade, and
companies B and E, were thrown out as skirmishers. The
whole force was on the south side of the Teche, a deep nar-
row bayou, navigable for large steamers. After the artillery
duel, the Fourth was posted for the night, at a sugar house,
near the Bayou. Colonel Bean posted five companies two hund-
red yards in advance, and placed forty picked marksmen on the
banks of the bayou, to look out for the rebel gunboat Diana,
and to silence her guns. During the night the advance line
was attacked by the enemy's cavalry, who were repulsed. Com-
pany B, under Captain Carter, keeping a largely superior force
at bay, and yielding on no part of his line. In the morning,
the cavalry again attacked the skirmishers under Captain Moore,
of Company E, but were driven back by the heroic bravery of
the Captain and his command. The ground in front of the
enemy was crossed by deep plantation ditches, nearly parallel
with the line of works. These ditches formed admirable cover
for the infantry supports of the artillery. The Fourth took
position two hundred yards in advance of the army in these
ditches, the front covered by their skirmishers. The battle
opened by an artillery fire from the works, the gunboat Diana,
the light artillery, and a battery on the other side of the bayou.
This was replied to until about noon, when the enemy's fire
ceased. In the afternoon, Gooding's brigade was sent across
BATTLE OF BISLAND. 503
the bay Oil, and the contest raged with great vigor. The Fourth
Wisconsin in the ditches, were eftectually protected, although a
tremendous fire had swept over them. Generals Paine and
Wetzel, had formed a plan to charge on the works in the after-
noon, with their brigades, but it was prevented by orders from
General Banks. At night the regiment threw out pickets, with
the expectation of a renewal of the battle in the morning.
During the night, however, it was ascertained that the enemy
had abandoned the works, which we.'-e entered soon after daylight
by the Fourth, followed by xhe rest of Paine's brigade.
We find no ofiicial report of the casualties in this battle at
Bisland, and give the list of killed and wounded, as found in the
monthly reports :
Killed.— Company C— Corporal J. W. Guck. Company D — Privates John Row, John
Kerr, Michael Brown and Peter Beaumont. Company JE—J. E, DaSey. - Company H
— Albert Dodge.
WotTNDED. — Company A — E. Goodrich. Company C — A. C. Patten. Company D —
Corporal L. E, Hatch. Company ^— William Heifreehand. Company K—G. Jensen and
Joseph Earhart.
The enemy were pursued, and the army reached Opelousas
on the 20th, where the Fourth was ordered to forage for horses
and equipments, and mount themselves, which was done, and
they went in pursuit of a battalion of Texas cavalry.
The regiment was temporarily transferred to General Dwight's
brigade, and proceeded to Alexandria, where, on a scouting ex-
cursion, they captured l3ick Taylor's rear guard, on the 10th
of May. The regiment also acted as rear guard to the army on
its march to the Mississippi. On the 26th, they arrived at Port
Hudson, put aside their horses, and joined their old brigade.
Company C, being detailed as body guard to General Banks.
On the 27th of May, eight companies of the Fourth took part
in the first assault on Port Hudson. The Fourth was in General
Paine's brigade in rear of the brigade of General Dwight. The
latter soon obhqued from General Paine's front which placed
the Fourth Wisconsin in the advance, led by Colonel Bean.
The rebels had filled the intervening ground with obstructions
and availed themselves of thickets, trees, fallen timber, ridges and
ravines, and also of rifle pits and breastworks of earth and logs,
by means of which, they were enabled to pour in a terrible fire,
retreating rapidly from point to point, occasionally using their
504 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
light artillery. The regiment pushed forward rapidly over hills,
logs, and fallen trees, and through brush, ravines and tree tops,
until they drove the enemy into their works, capturing many
prisoners. They reached a ridge within two hundred yards of
their works. The assault had failed in other parts of the line,
and the enemy was able to concentrate his fire on General
Paine's brigade. In fifteen minutes from the time of occupying
the ridge, our artillery was answering the guns in the enemy's
works. This position was retained till the surrender. On gain-
ing this ridge, the Fourth Wisconsin men soon silenced every
gun of the enemy which was within range. From this time
till the 14th of June, there was by day and night, a constant
fire of artillery and sharpshooters. On the 29th of May, Colonel
Bean was instantly killed by a sharpshooter.
The casualties in the regiment, from May 27th to June 2d,
were ofla.cially reported as follows :
Killed. — Meld Officer — Colonel Sidney A. Bean. Ctnnpany B — Sergeant John Shearer.
Company E— L. M. Kinney. Company F— Sergeants William Parks and E. C. Farnum,
Corporal J. S. Luce, Private A. C. Butters. Company G — Lieutenant Edward A. Clapp.
Oympany H— Corporal J. L. Carpenter, Privates E. D. Minnick, V. Lymon and Wiiliam
Perrigo. Company I — John Grenzon. Company K — Corporal Frank Rohr, Privates
H. O. Watrous and James Butcher — 16.
Wounded. — Company A — Lieutenant N. H. Chittenden. Company B — First Ser-
geant George Clark, Privates D. Maunska, Isaac Loper. Samuel Anderson, H. Tryon, S.
Ostrom, J. Eaton and W. Martin. Company Z) — Captain E. R. Herron, Second Lieu-
tenant G. C. Pierce, Sergeant R. S. Chase, Corporals A. Boynton and I. N. Earl, Privates
S. C. Grinnols, J. F. Chapel, W. F. Fee, C. S. Pickard, Eli Norton and William Sanger.
Company £— Sergeant E. Donaldson, Charles Fordice, William Sweet and S. A. Watson.
Onnpany i*"— Captain N. F. Craigue, Privates William H.Campbell, died, William H.
Storms, F. H. Bunth, E. C. Buttles, George P. Crandell and L. Waffle. Company H—
Sergeants William Haskell and O'Hare, Corporal A. Caflfers, Privates A. J. Tourtilott,
died, J. Bowers, William Ebbs, O. Benoit, J. Lukins, A. Miller and C. Marr. Company I
— Sergeant L. Boring, Corporals J. F. Perry, E. P. McLane, M. W. Brist and J. Chandler,
Privates J. C. Miller, L. Van Aerman, J. Greenman, William Pangburn, J. Beckwith
and T. S. Galley. Company K— First Sergeant Hurlbut, Private H. M. Dake — 5i.
The death of Colonel Bean, was deeply felt in the regiment,
and also among his numerous friends and acquaintances in Wis-
consin. He was a man of ability and character, and was highly
respected by those who knew him.
On the 1st of June, the regiment was relieved from duty at the
front, and took part in Colonel Grierson's cavalry expedition to
Clinton, where our forces were repulsed with severe loss.
The casualties in the Fourth Wisconsin, wore ofiicialljr
reported as follows :
ASSAULT ON PORT HUDSON. 505
KiT.i,ED. — Company H — Corporal Rufus Andrews — 1.
Wounded.— Onipa?!^ A — Corporal Fish. Ccnnpany E — Milan Ray, died. Company
i?'— First Lieutenant D. B. Maxon, died, Private C. Boestler. Cbmpany if— Sergeant
Marsh. Company I— Captain L. R. Blake, died, Corporal Bailey, Private Moses Tucker.
Cmnpany A'— Sergeant Goodell — 9.
For meritorious service, Major Joseph Bailey was promoted as
Colonel of the regiment, by General Banks. The Governor, how-
ever, had appointed Lieutenant Colonel Boardman as Colonel.
There being a conflict in this arrangement, the Governor com-
missioned Major Bailey as Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain
Webster P. Moore as ^fajor. These commissions were all to
rank from June 3d. The muster of Lieutenant Colonel Bailey
as Colonel, by order of General Banks, being declared illegal by
the "War Department, the matter was thus disposed of.
On the 14th of June, another assault on the enemy's works at
Port Hudson was made. General Paine's division occupied the
centre. The Fourth Wisconsin and Eighth New Hampshire were
placed in the advance as skirmishers. They were to be followed
by three Massachusetts regiments, with hand grenades to throw
into the enemy's works, and bags of cotton to fill the ditch, to
enable the infantry to charge up to the enemy's works. The as-
sault was covered by a heavy artillery fire. The skirmishers
dashed up to the rebel works, on the double quick, the enemy
all the time pouring in a terrible fire. Men were falling at
every step, but those unhurt passed gallantly on, until they
reached the breastworks, and attempted to scale them, some
went over, either dead or prisoners ; most fell under the works,
killed or wounded. The few that were left, sought protection
behind stumps and swells of ground. The supports, seeing the
fate of the skirmishers, refused to go forward. While urging on
these men to the support of those in advance, General Paine was
struck by a rifle bullet, in the leg, just after daylight, and fell
among a large number of dead and wounded, about fifteen rods
from the enemy's works. The slight ridges of the field, which
had formerly been cultivated, protected him from the fire of the
enemy, which broke out with great fury whenever the intolerable
heat compelled him to move. Efforts were made to rescue him,
but the rebel fire prevented it. A private of the One Hundred
and Thirty-third New York, named Patrick Cohen, tossed him a
canteen of water, taken from a dead soldier, which General Paine
506 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISQONSIN.
thinks saved his life. At night he was removed, and subsequently
was sent to the Hotel Dieu, in New Orleans, where his leg was
amputated. During this assault, the regiment was under the
command of Major W. P. Moore, Lieutenant Colonel Boardman
being absent, sick, and Colonel Bailey was on duty on General
Banks' staff".
The following casualties at the assault on the 14th of June,
were officially reported as follows :
Killed or Died of Wounds. — Staff Officer — Adjutant G. W. Wintermeyer. Omn-
pany A — Sergeants Moses Ranney and Clark Kenyon, Corporal Thomas Duffey, Priv-
ates William Ludman, Henry A. Terry and Ashibee Patterson. Company B — Privates
Ephraim B. Cornell, Daniel P. Brundage, Nathan R. Brown, Dennis Croly, Chester A.
Piper and Dewitt C. Strong. Company Z)— Privates J. W. Baldwin, Horace Dike, Frank
Dawes, Frank Ferris, William B. Stellick and E. O. White. Company ^—Private J. B.
B. Knowlton. Company i*'— Sergeants William H. Haskell and Daniel O'Leary, Privates
William Lee, William Tabor and J. P. Tupper. Company H— Privates Cornelius Honli-
han, F. Mollett, James Newman and F. L. Otto. Company J— Sergeant J. P. Mattison,
Privates Nicholas Deal, Leonard Goodenough and Thomas Gailly. Cbmpa?i^ A'— Cor-
porals A. J. Dunlap and John J. Sweet, Privates Luke Gill, P. W. Acker, E. J. Harrington,
Charles McGee and William W. Miller — 39.
Wounded.— Company A — Corporals G. Finch and Thomas Gill, Privates James Car-
dee, A. J. Chamberlain, William H. Dake, Moses Duncomb, Orlando M. Griggs and R. T.
Moody. Company B — Captain George W. Carter, Sergeant Henry O. Gleason, Privates
C. W. Kimball, Julius C. Thompson, Elbert H. Masters, Hiram W. Wheeler and Joseph
Bailey. Company D — Privates W. Manes, C. D. Tarbox, A. C. Ketchum, G. V. Han-
cock, C. W. Osborn and P. J, Parker. Company £— First Sergeant Lewis Jones,
Corporal Andrew Neitzert, Privates Leroy Jones and J. B. Barrett. Co7npany F— Ser-
geant W. W. Winter, Corporal C. D. Utter, Privates G. Blanchard, John Brittain,
John H. Bush, W. Burton, R. R. Cronk, C. C. Coffey, S. W. Dodge, M. Fitzgerald, J. S.
Gibbs, J. S. Perkins, Levi Smith, N. W. White, A. E. Wilson, J. N. Mead, A. Jeiome and
George P. Parker. Company J?— Sergeant Bradley, Corporals George W. Coomb.? and
William Young, Privates J. Marshall, T. L. France, J. Murphy, Jacob Stahl, W. Kelly.
J. Lentens, F. Miner, Carl Rutter, C. Meurn, C. Farrell, John Hoffman and Spencer C,
Bills. Company I— Corporals George L. Bailey and John L. Chandler, Charles L. Liesen-
bee, H. O. Bobbins, Daniel A. Seely, A. B. Smith, J. Vankirk and William Roberts.
Company K— Sergeant G. A. Johnsoh, Privates L. Ferguson, Charles McCarthy and C.
Zimmerman — 70.
Missing.— Company A — First Sergeant Hiram S. Nyce, Sergeant S. L. Smith, Privates
Jehiel Creiger, Austin Kittleson, Nels Nelson and Daniel A. Proctor. Company B —
Corporal E. D. Henry, Privates Charles Henry, A. H. Root, Chester A. Piper, John
Russell, C. Jenkins, W. Martins, G. T. Pygall, J. E. Smith, K. Nelson, George Wilcox,
C. B. Delan and John Knelin. Company i)— Corporal I. N. Earl. Cmnpany £— Cor-
porals S. Frissell, George Sanborn, Privates A. Woodward, John Zeh and T. N. Wright
Cmnpany H— N. Alexander and J. McDonald. Company I— Lieutenant Daniel G. Jewett,
Corporal F. N. Thomas, Private Milan Graham. Company A'— Private H. S. Eldredge— 31.
The regiment went into action with 220 men.
Many of the missing were captured inside the fort, having
jumped over the works, under the idea that they were to be fol-
lowed by their supports. Many of those captured succeeded in
escaping before the capitulation. Corporal Isaac Earl, of Com-
pany D, before escaping, informed himself very thoroughly,
ORGANIZED AS CAVALRY. 507
of the whole plan of the enemy's works, and when he reported at
headquarters, gave much valuable information to the command-
ing General. Corporal Earl, for conspicuous gallantry during
the siege, was promoted on the spot, as Second Lieutenant
of Company A. Sergeant Knowles, of Company G, who was
orderly on General T. "W. Sherman's staff, was promoted to
Second Lieutenant, for gallant conduct in rescuing his fallen
General, on the 27th of May.
After the assault of the 14th of June, the Fourth remained in
the vicinity of Port Hudson, while General Banks was endeavor-
ing to perfect a plan for the capture of the place. The succeess
of General Grant in the capture of Vicksburg, compelled the
surrender of Port Hudson, on the 8th of July. The Fourth Wis-
sconsin returned to its old camping ground, on the 25th of July,
where it remained for some time. Here the fragments of the
shattered regiment were gathered, and it was found to number
five hundred and seventy-four men.
By special orders of the War Department, the Fourth Kegi-
ment, on the 1st of September, 1863, was changed to a cavalry
regiment, and thereafter, was known as the Fourth Wisconsin
Cavalry. We shall leave the balance of the history of the Fourth,
to be completed under the head of cavalry organizations.
OHAPTEE XT.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FIFTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Winter near Washington — Embark on
Peninsula Campaign — Battle of Lee's Mills — Williamsburg —
Golden's Farm — Change of Base — Rear Guard at White Oak
Swamp Bridge — Malvern Hill — Return to Alexandria —
Battle at Crampton's Gap — Antietam — Fredericksburg —
Marye's Heights — Salem Church — Gettysburg — On Duty in
New York — Rappahannock Station — Mine Run — Battles of
the Wilderness — Spottsylvania — North Anna — Cold Harbor
— Petersburg — Ream's Station — Veterans Return Home —
Defense of Washington — Independent Battalion — Battle of
Snicker's Gap — Charlestown — Cedar Creek — Regiment Reor-
ganized— Roster — Joins Sheridan at Cedar Creek — Return
to Petersburg — Battle at Dabney's Mills — Capture of the
Enemy's Works at Petersbuug — Battle of Sailor's Creek —
Lee's Surrender — March to Washington — Return to Wis-
consin — Muster out.
THIS regiment was organized at Camp Randall, Madison, and
was mustered into the United States service on the 13th of
July, 1861, and left the State July 26th for Washington. The
following was the roster of the regiment :
Colonel — am ASA COBB.
Lieutenant Colonel— H. W. Emery ; Jl/fyoi-— Charles H. Larrabee ; A(^iiiant—TSEO-
DORE S. West; Quartermaster — John G. Clark; Surgeon— A. L. Castleman; Mrst As-
sistant Surgeon— George D. Wilbur; SecondAssistayUSurgeon— CE. Crane; Chaplain—
Rev. Robert Langley.
Co. Captains. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutenants.
A— Temple Clark, Horace Walker, Peter Sherflus,
B — E. C. Hibbard, J.B.Oliver, Robert Ross,
C— William Behrens, J. C. Schrceling, Hans Bcebel,
D— Theodore B. Catlin, D. E. Tilden, T. R. StaflTord,
E— H. M. Wheeler, H. R. Clum, James Mills,
F — Irving M. Bean, Enoch Totten, A.S.Bennett,
G— William A. Bugh, L. G. Strong, H. K. W. Ayers,
H— R. C. Hawkins, George D. Lybrand, Jeremiah J. Turner,
I— Richard H. Emerson, William Berry, George S. Davis,
K— Wmiam Evans. C. A. Bayard. Theodore S. West.
EMBARK FOR THE PENINSULA. 509
They arrived at "Washington on the 8th of August, and were
assigned to the brigade of General King, and went into camp on
Meridian Hill.
"With the brigade, the regiment, on the 3d of September,
marched to Chain Bridge, where the Second and Fifth "Wiscon-
sin, and Nineteenth Indiana, crossed to the Virginia side, and
were placed temporarily under command of General Smith, and
were employed in the construction of fortifications, outpost duty,
and the usual camp duties. During the month, the regiment
was transferred from King's brigade, to that of General "W. S.
Hancock, in General Smith's division, and went into winter quar-
ters at " Camp Griifin," near Lewinsville, where it remained,
engaged in picket and outpost duty, until the 10th of March, 1862,
when the brigade and division took part in the advance of
McClellan against Manassas, proceeding as far as Fairfax Court
House, and on the news of the evacuation of the rebel position,
marched to Alexandria, and embarked in the famous Peninsula
campaign of General McClellan, being part of the Fourth Army
Corps, under General Keyes. They disembarked at Hampton,
opposite Fortress Monroe, and on the 27th, the brigade made a
reconnoissance in force, and drove the enemy, and camped within
their lines. On the 4th of April, they advanced to Young's
Mills, driving the rebels before them, and on the 6th, Company
F, Captain Bean, had a brush with the enemy, routed him, and
had one man wounded — private Vreeland.
The command advanced opposite the enemy's fortifications, on
Warwick River, near Lee's Mills, which was the centre of the
enemy's line of works. An attack was made on a strong fort of
the rebels, near Lee's Mills, on the 16th, in which the Fifth took
no part, but afterwards took position in the rear of a battery,
which had been posted opposite the fort. On the 24th, Charles
L. Fourt, of Company K, was wounded while on picket, and on
the 30th, Burton Millard, Commissary Sergeant, was mortally'
wounded, and died the same day.
On the 3d of May, the rebels evacuated their works around
Yorktown, and retreated towards "Williamsburg. "With the rest
of the army, the Fifth marched, on the 4th, in pursuit of the
enemy. The roads were almost impassable, from the swampy
510 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
character of the ground. At night, they bivouacked near Whitta-
ker's plantation, three miles from Williamsburg. Next day, a
eiffht o'clock. General Hooker commenced the battle of Williams
burg, on the left. At 10 o'clock. General Hancock's brigade was
sent to the right, to make an attack on the enemy's left. With
the Fifth Wisconsin in the advance, the brigade reached Queen's
Creek, and found, on the opposite side, an earthwork. The Fifth
Wisconsin was ordered to cross, and occupy the work, which was
done. A second earth work about 800 yards from the first,
was also found to be abandoned. These works proved to be
within range of three similar works, which were filled with the
enemy's infantry and sharpshooters, who opened a galling fire on
the skirmishers thrown out by Colonel Cobb, which consisted of
Companies A, E, and G, under command of Captain Bugh.
Pursuant to orders. Colonel Cobb advanced four hundred yards
from the main line, and sent forward Companies D and K, as
support for his skirmish line, under Lieutenant Colonel Emery.
The battery took position near some farm buildings, and opened
on the enemy's works, and Colonel Cobb, with the other five
companies, acted as support, being covered by a slight elevation,
his men lying down to avoid the enemy's shots. About half past
four o'clock, the enemy opened fire on his skirmish line, and soon
advanced, the skirmishers slowly retiring. The battery immedi-
ately limbered up, and passed to the rear. The skirmishers
checked the cavalry advance, and Colonel Cobb formed line of
battle with his five companies, and opened fire on the advancing
infantry. Here receiving an order to " fall back fighting," Col-
onel Cobb gradually withdrew from the shelter of the buildings,
and became fully exposed to the enemy's fire. The skirmishers,
under Lieutenant Colonel Emery, rejoined the regiment, and the
whole fell back slowly and deliberately, fighting all the while,
with as much coolness as if on ordinary duty. Having joined
the main line of the brigade. General Hancock gave the order to
fire and charge, which was followed by such a volley and rush,
that the enemy were checked, and fled from the field in the wild-
est confusion, leaving one of their battle flags. For the coolness
and bravery displayed. Colonel Cobb and the regiment were
complimented by their superior officers, and on the 7th, General
McClellan addressed the regiment as follows :
STATISTICS OF THE REGIMENT. 497
KrLiiED OR Died of Wovi^DS. — Company A — Private John Dunn. Company I —
Privates Charles H. Dibble and Christian Huns. Company K—Pri\a.te Alonzo N
Graves — 4.
Wounded. — Company A — Private Charles Hart. Company S — Privates James A.
Ailing, James Thomas, Lucian Zander and James Brantner. Company C— Privates
Merrit Wiltsy and James Blunt. Company D— First Sergeant Geo. "W. Norton, Privates
Leonard Hebner, Eugene Corrett, Patrick H. Spillane, Edwin C. Williams and Charles
Wilson. Company i^— Privates August Ilazine, Nicholas Holheusen and John Lyman.
Company i*^— Corporal William H. Holmes, Private Theodore P. Barnhart. Company G —
Private William Townsend. Cmnpany H—'PvivAies Ole C. Hanson, Willard Allen and
Peter Boule. Company I — Sergeant George W. Bennett, Corporal William White.
Company ^—Privates Ole Gulreth, Albert Gillett and Jesse Longfield — 26.
Moving with the rest of the army in pursuit of the rebels,
under Johnston, the regiment reached Raleigh, where it re-
mained until the 27th, being present at the surrender of the
rebel army. On that day it moved on its homeward march,
passing through Richmond, and reaching Alexandria on the 16th
of May. It participated in the grand review of Sherman's army
at the National Capitol, and camped a few miles from Wash-
ington, from whence that portion of the Third, whose term of
service expired before the Ist of October, was sent to Madison,
and mustered out. The balance of the regiment, to which was
added several hundred members of other regiments, whose
terms did not expire with their respective organizations, was
sent to Louisville, Ky. Here they remained until the 21st of
July, when they moved by rail to Madison, arriving on Sunday
evening, July 23d. Here they were mustered out of service, and
paid oft'.
For meritorious services during the war, Colonel Hawley was
brevetted Brigadier General, and Lieutenant Colonel Stevenson,
as Colonel.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 979; gain bj recruits
in 1863, 70; in 1864, 284; in 1865, 7; by substitutes, 290; by
draft in 1864, 179 ; in 1865, 110 ; veteran reenlistments, 237 ;
total, 2,156. Losses, deaths, 240; missing, 7; desertions, 51;
transfers, 98 ; discharged, 945 ; mustered out, 810.
32
CHAPTEE XI T.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FOURTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Regiment Arrives at Baltimore -Expedi-
tion TO THE Eastern Shore — Newport News — Shii Island —
Capture op New Orleans — Baton Rouge — First j^ttack on
ViCKSBURG — Burning of Grand GtUlf — Second Aitack on
ViCKSBURG — GrUNBOAT TyLER — BaTTLE OP BaTON RoUGE TeXAS
Rangers Captured — Bombardment of Port Hudson — Firsv Teche
Expedition — Battle at Bisland — Port Hudson — Assault of
May 27th and June 14th — Surrender of Port Hudson — CHAnoED
to Cavalry Regiment.
THE Fourth Regiment was organized at Camp Utley, Racme,
in June, 1861, mustered into the United States service on the
9th of July, and left the State July 15th, for Baltimore, M^^
The following was the roster of the regiment :
Colonel— H ALBERT E. PAINE,
lAeutenarU Colonel— ^m^^Y A. Bka.n; Jlfcyor— Frederick A. Boardman; AdfiUani
IiOUis D. Aldrich; Surgeon— A. H. Van Ostrand; First Assistant Surgeon— 3omx
Page; Second Assistant Surgeon — SamveIj W. Wilson ; C?iuplain—A. C. Barky.
Cb. Captains.
A— Charles E. Curtice,
B — Oscar H. La Grange,
C —Edmund B. Gray,
D — Joseph Bailey,
E— .Webster P. Moore,
F — Daniel C. Roundy,
G — Daniel M. White,
H — Joseph F. Loy,
I — John W. Lynn,
K— Harrison C. Hobart,
First Lieutenants.
Frank L. Kiser,
Henry W. Ross,
Pascal Pauli,
Walter S. Payne,
Seth B. Tubbs,
George H. Brown,
Isaac H. Wing,
Erastus J. Peck,
Levi R. Blake,
James Robinson.
Second Lieutenants,
Philo A. Castle,
George W. Carter,
James R. Cole,
Edwin R. Herron,
H. B. Lightluzer,
Harris Durkee,
James Keefe,
Otto M. Block,
Ansel A. West,
Joseph B. Reynolds.
The regiment proceeded by the way of Elmira, N". Y. On
arriving at Corning, the railroad officials refused to run the train
to Elmira, when Colonel Paine seized a locomotive, and took the
cars through to that place with engineers from the regiment
BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG. 511
" My lads, I have come to thank you for the bravery and dis-
cipline which yoii displaj'ed the other day. On that day, you
won laurels of which you may well be proud — not only you, but
the army, the State and the country to which you belong.
Through you we won the day, and 'Williamsburg' shall be
inscribed upon your banner. I cannot thank you too much, and
I am sure the reputation your gallantry has already achieved,
will always be maintained."
Captain Bugh, of Company G, was dangerously wounded in
the thigh, and lay on the field till the enemy were driven back.
His wound disabled him for further military service.
The rebel force engaged was Ewell's crack brigade, of which
the Fifth North Carolina was nearly annihilated.
The following casualties were officially reported :
Killed or Died of Wotjj^ds.— Company ^ — Corporal Jacob Cothems, Privates
David VVoodcocli and David C. Eddy. Company B — Private JamesW. Allen. Company
C— Corporal Philip Ziegler, Private Adolph A. Sherwin. Company £— First Sergeant
Hartwell C. Hern. Compaiiy F — Private Charles J. Cole and Lucius Hall. Company H —
Privates Henry M. Johnson, Edwin Austin, Henry E. Walker and George W. Moore.
Company I — Corporal W. A. Read, Private Thomas H. "W^leelock — 15.
W^ouNDED.— Company u4 — Lieutenant Horace Walker, Privates Goetlib C. Hennan and
Joseph Allen. Company i? — Color Sergeant G. W. Madison, Privates James Conlon,
George W. Adams, Marshall W. Patton, George H. Cooper, William H. Decker, T. B.
Riddle, James Voung, L. Taj^lor and Malcolm McNie. Company C — Sergeant Charles
Baumbach, Privates Charles Harting, John Michael and Joseph Trubner. Company
D — Privates Brainard Worthington, Peter Anderson and Benjamin Farringer. Com
pjany J5— Sergeant A. W. Hathaway, Corporals R. W. Walker and George Thorngate,
Privates Thomas H. Richardson, Rodway S. Johnson, Bush B. Webster, W. C. Stevens,
S. F. Smith and Jesse Anson. Company i^— Corporal Willard Ward, Privates Samuel
Gower, George A. Smith, Gustus F. Heath, Thomas Parkinson and Luke Chaplain.
Company G — Captain W. A. Bugh, Privates T. C. Rj'an, A. Dawes, George W. Baldwin
G. M. Chamberlain, Stewart J. Fay and James R. Strong. Cmnpany H — Captain R. C.
Hawkins, Sergeant Q. Laws, Privates J. D Jones, William Sandmyer, Jonathan Spry
and William Smith. Company I — Sergeant Butler Talmadge, Privates John J.Daniels,
Dwight Haywood, John Simons, Dallas Casey, William Dolan, Edward R. Shoemaker,
George Whiteman, James Wait and Benjamin Ellis. CompanyK — Corporal John Nuhm.
Private A. B. Moore — 60.
The rebels evacuated Williamsburg on the night of the 5th of
May. Smith's division marched to Cumberland Landing on the
9th, and was assigned to Franklin's Sixth Corps, and marched
to the Chickahominy and encamped on the 24th of May, near
Gaines' Mill, where the regiment was engaged, till June 26th,
in building roads, bridges, &c. On that day. Porter was driven
back by the enemy, and on the evening of the 27th, the pickets
of the Fifth Wisconsin were driven in. Hancock's brigade held
a strong position, very annoying to the enemy, and this was an
512 ' MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
attempt to drive him from it. The brigade soon formed line of
battle, just below the crest of a hill, on which they lay down, and
when the enemy appeared on the hill, they poured in a stagger-
ing fire, at the same time that the artillery opened. The fight
lasted about an hour, when the rebels were routed. This is
known as the battle of Golden's Farm.
The casualties in the Fifth as ofiicially reported, were :
WoTTNDED.— Company A —Captain Horace Walker, Sergeant Morris Mullens, Privates
William Turpin, James Anderson and John Thoreau. Company D — Privates Lewis
Coty and James Watson. Cbmpanj/ J5— Corporals Reese Walker and Daniel O. Ripley.
Company G — Corporal R. S. Vanorman. Company i?— Privates Henry J. Lawton and
William McPheeters. Company J— Private Henry A. Sanders. Company JT— Captain
Evans, mortally.
The next day, McClellan began his famous " change of base,"
in which Smith's division formed the rear guard of the grand
army, being under fire at Savage Station, and the Fifth Wiscon-
sin, with Hancock's brigade, were among the last to cross White
Oak Swamp bridge, where five of Company F, were taken pris-
oners. The brigade was also under fire at the battle of Malvern
Hill, but suffered no loss, and went into camp near Harrison's
Landing, where it remained until the final evacuation of the Pen-
insula, on the 16th of August. Arriving at Alexandria on the 29th,
Franklin's corps marched toward Manassas, but did not reach
General Pope in time to aft'ord any assistance, and returned to
Alexandria, where it remained until the 6th of September.
Major Larrabee resigned on the 25th of July, and Captain
Behrens was appointed Major.
In the movement to check the progress of General Lee in Mary-
land, the regiment was in the reserve when Slocum's division
drove the enemy from Crampton's Gap, on the 14th. They were
present at the battle of Antietam, Franklin's corps reinforcing
Generals Hooker and Sumner. Smith's division being in support
of artillery, the regiment lay on the ground nearly all day, under
the terrible fire of the enemy, with little loss. Colonel Cobb was
in command of the brigade. After a fruitless attempt to intercept
Stewart's cavalry, on his celebrated raid around McClellan's army,
they rejoined the army at Falmouth, and on the 12th, 13th, 14th
and 15th of December, participated in the battle of Fredericksburg,
though not much exposed. Here Corporal H. Pigg, of Company
B, and Corporal Amos W. Miller and John Duncan, of Company
''^STEPfj E!^-s!iAV::,v C:. CHr/^
JJREVLT bJ-
i.ALUIN.
THE "light division." 613
H, were wounded, and William Lyon, of Company J), was mor-
tally wounded. The regiment went into winter quarters at
"Wliite Oak Church, near Belle Plain. Colonel Cobb being
elected to Congress, resigned his position, and Lieutenant Colonel
T. S. Allen, of the Second, was appointed Colonel of the Fifth.
On the death of Lieutenant Colonel Emery in October, Captain ^
T. B. Catlin, of Company D, was appointed Lieutenant Colonel.
Major Behrens resigned on the 26th of December, and Captain
H. M. Wheeler was appointed Major. Colonel Allen reported
for duty on the 26th of January, Lieutenant Colonel Catlin having
command of the regiment in the meantime.
The " Light Division " was organized from the Sixth Corps,
in February, 1863, by General Pratt, including the Fifth Regi-
ment, which was intended to march, and be ready to undertake
reconnoissances and movements which required great activity,
unincumbered by the usual impedimenta. This " Light Division "
remained in camp at Belle Plain until April 28th, when it moved
to the Rappahannock, crossed on pontoons, and took position
before the enemy, below Fredericksburg, and on the 2d of May,
while skirmishing, lost First Lieutenant John McMurtry, of
Company 11, who was mortally wounded by rebel sharpshooters.
Moving up to the city, the Sixth Corps took position in front of
the enemy's fortifications on the heights.
On the 3d of May, the "Light Division" was ordered to
storm the enemy's position on Marye's Heights, where, in Decem-
ber, General Burnside lost 5,000 men in a similar attempt, which
had given the place the name of " the Slaughter Pen." The
" Light Division," commanded by Colonel Burnham, of the Sixth
Maine, moved to obey the orders. The right wing of the Fifth,
Comj)anies A, B, F, II and I were to lead the storming party,
under Colonel Allen. The Sixth Maine and Thirty-first New
York were placed in the rear of the right wing of the Fifth, and
the left wing of the Fifth in rear of the Thirty-first. The plan
of the charge and arrangement of the troops was made by Colo-
nel Allen. The enemy's works consisted of a battery in front on
the heights above, with a battery on the left, and two other bat-
teries on the right, which could pour a terrible cross fire into the
attacking force. In front of the right wing was a gentle slope,
on ascending which, the force became fully exposed to the fii-e
33
•514 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of the enemy, and at about 450 yards in front of tlieir starting
point was a stone wall or fence forming one side of a cross road,
behind which the enemy had placed a regiment or two of sharp-
Bnooters. Beyond the wall, the hill rose very steep, on top of
which was the battery and rifle-pits which the Light Division
were ordered to take. Two regiments were to advance up a
road to the right, in order to draw the fire of the enemy while
the charge was being made.
Forming in line, as arranged, the right wing of the Fifth lay
for three hours, protected by the slope of the ground, before
orders were received to charge. The men were rather serious,
for they felt it to be an almost hopeless task, where so many had
failed before. Colonel Allen, to change the current of feeling,
addressed his men, saying — "Boys! You see those heights!
You have got to take them ! You think you cannot do it ; but
you can! You will do it! "When the order 'Forward' is given,
you will start at double quick — you will not fire a gun — you
will not stop until you get the order to halt ! You will never get that
order!'' At last came the command " Forward," and every man
advanced with undaunted bravery up that sheltering slope and
into the deadly fire which met them when about one hundred
yards from the stone wall or fence. Then it came with terrible
fury and effect from musketry behind the wall and rifle-pits
above, in front, and from batteries on all the crests of the hills,
from rifles in houses and rifle-pits on the right flank. Shot, shell
and cannister tore through the ranks of the gallant storming
party, but without stopping to return a shot, the band of heroes
rushed on, surmounted the stone wall, where they bayoneted
some of the foe, and scattering the others like chaflf, clambered
up the steep pitch and into the enemy's works at the top, and
were soon in possession of the famousWashington Battery of New
Orleans, whose commander surrendered his sword to Colonel
Allen, at the same time complimenting him for his daring and
the bravery of his men. The column which was to charge the
batteries on the right, failed to reach them, and the Light Divi-
sion proceeded to secure them, capturing in all nine guns, several
hundred prisoners, and many small arms. The battery on the
left was taken by a Vermont brigade. The casualties in the
Fifth were three commissioned officers and forty-one enlisted
STORMING OF MARYE's HEIGHTS. 615
men killed or mortally wounded, and eight commissioned
officers and eighty-four enlisted men wounded, and twenty-three
missing, out of a force of about four hundred men.
The killed and wounded, as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company A —Privates Thomas Olcott, Frederick Sals-
man, Francis Harlich, James Bride, Abraliam Riley, Albert Sommer, Aubert Boissarl,
Samuel H. Whaling, Henry Stick and Robert Bride. Comxiany i?— Sergeant Charles J.
Kavanaugh, Coporal Dodge Prevo, Privates William M. Kelly, George W. Adams, Thos.
McKittrick, John Smith, John J. Parkinson and James McLaughlin. Cmnpany j;— Pri-
vates Royal R. Pitts and John D. Valentine. Company F — Corporal Volney B. Gee, Pri-
vate William Ackert. Company O — Captain Lewis G. Strong, Privates Robert Irving,
William Smith and George E.Raymond. Cb??!|:>«»j,(/ //— Captain J, J. Turner, Second
Lieutenant A. H. Robinson, First Sergeant E. C. Hungerford, Sergeant William F.
Hoyt, Privates Byron Tripp and John Frowley. Cojnpan^/ 7— Sergeant William Norton,
Corporals George R. Bennett and Austin T. Rains, Privates Andrew P. Barstead, Bid-
well Pedley, Elijah B. Shoemaker, Edward R. Shoemaker, Aaron Vasey, William T.
White and Geoi-ge B Thomas. Company K — Privates August Pelengo and Andrew
McRae — 44.
Wounded. — Field Officer — Major H. M. Wheeler. Company ^ — First Lieutenant
Horace Walker, Second Lieutenant A. B. Gibson, Sergeant Maurice Mullens, Corporals
William Turpin, J. K. Lycom, Albert Burbick and Francis Stirn, Privates William C.
Crocker. Samuel E. Dexter, Gotlab Herman, Lewis Lacount, Ole Nelson, Peter Perrauld,
Michael Pelcher and Joseph Cox. Company B — Sergeants Oscar H. Pierce, Henry Pigg
and Washington I. Carver, Corporals Rollin R. Wheeler, James Young and Lean<ler L.
Hatch, Privates M. M. Bailey, William Byrne, William George, Jeremiah Merrils, Mal-
colm McNie, Joseph McDonald, Edward O'Brien, John L. Parkinson, Jeremiah Shelden
and J. S. Parker. Comj)any C— Captain C. W. Kempf, First Lieutenant L. F. Muller,
Second Lieutenant C H. Meyer, Privates Joseph Bob, Dietrick Dierolf, Franz Kurtzner,
Joseph Lesaulmier, Joseph Thiefault, Christon Rudarer and Hugo Richter. Company D
— Corporals E. Charnock, C. P. Jones, Holland Smith and L. A. Hovey. Omipany E—
First Lieutenant Asa W. Hathaway, Sergeant James Huggins, Corporals W. W. Wiggins,
H. S. Ames and C. T. Hackard, Privates R. D. Coon and George Pederson, Oimpany F —
Sergeant F. L. Ladue, Corporal George Klock, Privates John Ross and A. J. Smith.
Company O — Sergeant Robert Berry, Corporals James F. Elliott, Reuben H. Shumway,
Charles Knudson and Henry V. Strong. Company II— Cor\)oriiis, A. Y. Robb and W. B.
Walker, Privates A. C. Bell, John Douglas, Marti n Morrison, D. W. McCarty, T. J Shan-
non, John Berland and John McGregor. Company I — Second Lieutenant Richard
Carter, Privates Edward F. Flynn, John Anderson, T. J. Keys, Charles Bartlett, Alfred
Kelley, William Duriff, Thomas Adkins, Abraham Adkins, George Thomas, A. P. Brown,
J. Henry Osborn, John Simons, Peter Sable, John Thompson and James Wait. Company
K— Corporal J. B. Kendall, Privates John H. Bolton, Francis Lee, Frederick Britenather
and Frederick Messner — 92.
The list of killed and wounded in this assault on Marye's Hill,
which has justly been considered as one of the most gallant acts
of the war, shows the desperate character of the enterprise. The
brave men who lost their lives in this attempt, where thousands
failed but a few months before, are worthy of a monument endur-
ing as the granite hills, and those who suffered and languished
from wounds received in the undertaking are entitled to our
warmest sympathies, and, with those who came off unscathed,
516
MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
will receive the grateful homage of the present and future gen-
erations for the gallantry and devotion which they there
displayed in the effort to conquer and wipe out the rebellion.
We here insert a diagram of the battle-field, drawn by an
officer who was present at the assault, and visited the spot after
the close of the war, for the purpose of getting a correct view of
the situation :
I
STONE W/ILL
SV WIS. SK/R
1 1 1 1 1 n I M M I I I I ' M I I I I I I I
j/ss i\/. /. erf NiE.
I I I =
ik
"Without rest or refreshments, or going back to care for the
killed and wounded, the " Light Division " were ordered to
march with the Sixth Corps at once, to Chancellorville. During
the evening the enemy retook possession of the Heights so
dearly won, and followed up the Sixth Corps, which, at Salem
Church, had Lee's army in their front, and Jackson and Long-
street on their flank and rear. The enemy's fire slackened
against Hooker, during the 3d and 4th, his attention being de-
voted to Sedgwick's Sixth Corps, who were fighting three times
their number. No relief came, and nothing was left but to
cross the river. In order to do this the 5th Wisconsin and Sixty-
first Pennsylvania, under Colonel Allen, moved to the right and
went to the assistance of Brooks' and Howe's divisions, who were
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 517
figliting to open a way to Banks' Ford. They succeeded, the
Fifth losing several men in a few minutes. Arriving at the Ford,
the Fifth was detailed as rear guard, and the Sixth Corps crossed
in safety, on the 5th. The Light Division returned to their old
camp, and were soon after broken up ; the Fifth Wisconsin, and
Sixth Maine, being assigned to the Third brigade under Brigadier
General David A. Bussell, First Division, Sixth Army Corps.
The casualties on the 4th of May, as officially reported were :
Wounded.— Company A — Corporal A. Burbridge. Company B — Private James Young.
Owipcrny C— Corporal Peter Spies, Private Adam Muhlenbein. Ooni2}any F—Hergeant
Henry B. Lowe, missing, Corpoi-als Charles O. Brown, Richard M. Welsh and Private
James Bogue. Company G — Corporal Oscar H. Beal. Company H — Jarrett Spencer.
Company J— Corporal William Dolan, Privates Charles Clapp and Samuei Dyer,
missing. Company K — Private Robert Philips — 14.
Missing.— CbttipaHj/ B — William H. McFarland. Company D — Frank Brown. Com-
pany F — Leonard Sherman, Ferdinand Kussner, Russel Brown, AJfred Lugan and J.W
E wing — 7.
It having been ascertained that General Lee was moving to-
wards Pennsylvania, the Sixth Corps was again put in motion,
and marched rapidly through Virginia, reaching Gettysburg,
Pa., on the 2d day of July, having marched all the previous
night. Here they were placed as a reserve in the rear of the
left of General Meade's line of battle, where they remained
without becoming actually engaged, although exposed to the
artillery fire on the 3d. The Fifth sustained no loss. The Sixth
Corps went in pursuit of the enemy, and skirmished with his
rear guard, but he escaped, and the regiment proceeded with
the army to Warrenton, and a few days after, was ordered
to I^ew York City to aid the United States Provost Marshal in
executing the draft, quartering at Governor's Island, and per-
forming duty in the city four days, and was afterwards stationed
in detached companies at Albany, and other places up the river.
Reuniting at Governor's Island, on the 17th of October, they
arrived at Fairfax Station on the 20th, and rejoined the Third
Brigade, First Division, Sixth Corps.
On the 7th of November, they took a prominent part in the
charge on the enemy's works at Rappahannock Station. When
General Lee returned from the pursuit of Meade, in October, he
left a strong outpost at Rappahannock Station and Kelly's Ford.
On the morning of the 7th, the Sixth Corps marched to Rappahan-
nock Station, and on examination of the enemy's works, General
618 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Russell remarked that lio " had two regiments iu his b/igade
that could take those works !" He received permission to make
the attempt. At once ordering up the Fifth Wisconsin and
Sixth Maine, he deployed the whole of the latter regiment as
skirmishers at short intervals, and ordered the Fifth to support
the line closely, and take the works in front. They advanced at
double quick, with orders to rely entirelj^ on the bayonet until
the works were reached. With a yell. they rushed forward,
over smooth rolling ground, and then across a low flat in front
of the works, covered with stumps and crossed by deep ravines
and ditches filled with water. Onward they went, while the
rebel shell, canister, and musketry, cut through their ranks.
When the Fifth arrived at the works, it was about dark, and
very difficult to distinguish between friend and foe. Our men
fired their pieces and crossed bayonets. The right of the line
was driven back, but soon regained the lost ground. Getting
possession of the centre redoubt, our men turned their fire to-
wai^ds the flanks, which cleared the way for the whole line to
take possession. The first man in the redoubt was Sergeant
Goodwin, of Company A, who with assistance, turned a gun
upon the enemy, and when he was about firing, was sliot through
the heart. Just as the men were going over into the centre
redoubt, and taking possession. Colonel Allen was struck by a
bullet which shattered his left hand so badly as to render him
unfit for duty. The day was won, but at a severe loss to the
regiment. Major Wheeler was mortally wounded, and Captains
Walker and Ordway, were killed. The enemy attempted to
escape by a pontoon bridge above, but they were met by such a
concentrated fire on the bridge, that they were glad to surrender.
Eight regiments were captured, with their colors and arms, and
seven pieces of artillery.
The casualties at Rappahannock Station, on the 7th of
November, as officially reported, were :
KiiiLED. — Cmnpany A — Captain Horace Walker, Sergeant Joseph Goodwin and Pri-
vate Joseph Barth. Company JB — Marcus Bailey. Company D — Captain James Ordway.
Cmnpany E — John B. Russell. Company G — James Bates and Kearn Cantwell. Company
I — Isaac Johnson. Cmnpany K — Corporal John Green and Private William Phillips — 12.
WouKDED. — Field and Staff — Colonel Thomas S. Allen, Major Horace M. Wheeler, died
of wounds. Cmnpany A — James H. Leonard, A. J. Burbridge, Fred Merrier and John
Schwaker. Cmnpany B — Yvc&X, Lieutenant Calvin T. Hutchinson and Private W. B. White.
Company C — Anton Zihtel and Henry Deuster. Company D — John D. Buckley, John
Gustaveson and George Burr. Company E— ia,ines McDaniels, J. B. Newkirk, T. B.
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 519
Weed, W. O. Stuck, died, RoRwcll Beaoh, died, and Georgo Montgomery. 0>mj->nvy F —
Willard B. Ward, "William F'oley, W. W. Harrington and John Hattery, died. Compan\y
i/— Charles W. llkkox and James Austin. Cvmpany J— Adelbert Norton and Elliott
Shadfelt. Company K — First Lieutenant Henry C. Farwell, John H. Seewy, John
Malcom, Edmund Ange and Harvey S. Root — 32. Died of wounds — 4.
On tlie deatli of Major Wheeler, Cuptuiu Enoch Totten, of
Company F, was appointed Major.
The enemy were pursued as far as Brandy Station, wliere the
regiment went into camp until the 24th of J^ovember, when
they took part in the fruitless expedition to Mine Run, being in
the engagement at Locust Grove, when they had two men
wounded, (names not reported,) and returned to winter quarters
at Brandy Station, and engaged in camp and drill duty, and in a
few reconnoissances and short expeditions, until the opening of
the campaign of 1864.
During the winter, 204 veterans reenlisted. This was not a
sufficient number to make the Fifth a veteran regiment. The
reenlisted veterans came home on furlough, returning in time for
the spring campaign.
On the 4th of May, the regiment left camp, under the command
of Lieutenant Colonel Catlin, Colonel Allen being on detached
duty at Washington, and took part in the celebrated Wilderness
campaign. They crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford, man^hed
eighteen miles and bivouacked. The correspondence in regard
to the operations of the Fifth Regiment in the battles of the Wil-
derness, is very meagre, and we avail ourselves of the report of
the Adjutant General, as affording the best information of its
movements. They followed the movements of the Sixth Corps,
which are described in the chapter on general military operations.
On the morning of the 5th, with the brigade and division, the
regiment moved forward into line of battle. The right wing was
deployed as skirmishers, under Major Totten, to the right of the
line, and the engagement soon became general. A heavy force
of the rebels forced back a portion of the line on the left of the
regiment. In doing so, the rebel flank was exposed, which was
taken advantage of by Companies L) and G, under command of
Captains White and Hilton, who attacked and captured the entir*^
Twenty-fifth Virginia Regiment, with its colors. The right,
under Major Totten, was heavily engaged in skirmishing all day,
while the left wing fought in the brigade line, the whole regiment
520 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. ,^
losing heavily. The fight was continued next day, with a loss of
thirty-eight in killed and wounded. At one time during the
night, the enemy turned the right flank of the Sixth Corps, and
was forcing back a portion of the Third Brigade, when the Fifth
regiment, under Major Totten, came to the rescue, and in a gal-
lant manner, checked the rebels, and held the position, until the
division came up. On the 7th, a new line of battle was formed,
to the left, about four miles from Chancellorville, and awaited the
encTny, who did not attack. On the 8th, they advanced to Spottsyl-
vania Court House, and fought in rifle pits all the afternoon, and
also all day on the 9th. On the 10th, they were engaged on the
skirmish line and in the rifle pits until near night, when they
charged, and took a rebel battery and rifle pits, but were unsup-
ported by the rear line, and compelled to fall back under a flank
fire, the regiment losing heavily. On the 11th, the regiment was
under command of Captain Kempf, of Company C, Lieutenant
Colonel Catlin being off duty, on account of disability, and Major
Totten being wounded, who had been in command of the
regiment since the 6th of May.
Accompanying the movements of the Sixth Corps, the regi-
ment took an active part in the operations of the campaign. After
leaving the vicinity of Spottsylvania, they engaged in destroying
the Virginia Central Railroad, with occasional skirmishing as
they advanced, and arrived at Cold Harbor about the 1st of June,
somewhat exhausted from the hardships of the campaign, and
suflfering for clothing and other supplies. This did not deter
them from joining in a charge on the enemy's works at Cold
Harbor, and capturing the intrenchments, with a number of
prisoners. They remained at this place, constantly exposed to
the enemy's fire, until the 12th, when, with the rest of the Sixth
Corps, they marched to and crossed the James River, and took
their position in the trenches before Petersburg. In the charge
of the 22d, they participated, capturing a portion of the enemy's
works, and on the 29th, moved to Reams' Station, on the Wel-
den Railroad, ten miles south of Petersburg, where they were
occupied in fatigue and picket duty, until the 11th of July.
The casualties for the months of May and June, as officially
reported, were :
-■ CASUALTIES IN MAT AND JUNE. 5*21
Killed or Died of AVounds. — Sergt. Major James R. Strong. Chmpnnz/ yl —Private
Michael Pelcha. Cynnpany 5 — Sergeant Henry H. Moshcr, Private Hugh Ilubhanl.
Companj C— First Lieutenant Lewis V. Muller, Sergeant Jacob Wlssnian, Privates
Henry Meyer and Lewis Bilg. Omipauy J>— Captain Samuel White, Sergeants S. W.
Honey and Chas. Verbeek, Privates Paul Pumville. Harry White, li. Thielke, W. Foster
Louis Coty and Charles Ketsenger. Company E—ViYni Lieut. Edwin P. Mills, Sergeant
R. W. Walker, Privates S. C. Glover, Edward Morgan, John Pierson, John Coley, George
Peterson, John Lehn and P. G. Raymond. Company i-'— Sergeant William Wright,
Privates Chauncey Frost and P'red Klussuer. Co?«paHj/ G — Captain George E. Hilton,
Sergeant R. S. Van Norman, Corporal J. R. Williams, Privates Marshal Wright, O. P.
Hinson, Henry Smoley, Todd Grimm and Newell D. Jordon. Company J— Sergeant
Adelbert Norton, Privates John C. C. Day, Milton Haj's, James M. Brewster, Benjamin
Harvey and Wm. Gray. Company K—Hecond Lieutenant Henpy H. Stout, Corporal
James Miller, Privates Frederick Noelte, Thomas Robinson and John Cra.sley — 48.
Wounded.— i^iVW O^ce?-— Major Enoch Totten. Cowipan,;/ ^-1 —Lieutenant A. B. Gib-
son, Sergt. Jule Enert, Corporal Julius Jackson, Privates Levi Croissant, Guido Linder-
maa, Gottlieb Hermann, John Stable, John Valentine, Anthony Cadwell, Jeremiah
Bomysa, Jacob Meistness, George Holbrook, Joseph Cox, William Davidson and Chas.
Weidner. Co??!pa?!ir £ — Lieutenant L. Rossiter, Sergeants Spencer G. Wait, and James
Young, Corporal L. L. Hatch, Privates Wm. Decker, Henry Pigg, Myron Perrig, Wm.
George, De Witt C. Smith, Cliarles H. Allen, Samuel Harshman, Isaac Haggerty, J. S.
Hebberligg, Henry Johnson, D. W. Howie August Brocker, Edwin O'Brien and Wm.
Byron. Company C— Privates William Gutchmacher, Joseph Nick, Charles Dehring,
>Iatthew Wahl, August Aherndt, Peter Speiz, William Boldt, William Schumacher,
Henry Deuster, F. Kestuer and Gustave Blech. Company Z» — Lieutenant A. Turnbull,
Sergeants Lewis A. Bacon, Kirby and H. H. Hickox, Privates James Powers, Isaac
Sloaver, S. E. Miller, James Innenly, Conrad Groller, Shalon W. Ellis, A. P. Howe,
George Hall, Peter Lindquest, John Evans, James Mclnley, Elijah White, Benjamin
Farringer, Cliaries Rolian and A. B. Evans. Company E — Sergeants Charles O. Harring-
ton and James McDonald, Corporals Ira Newkirk, Chas. Packard and William Wiggins,
Privates Whitney Tibbetts, H. S. Ames, W. H. Stewart, Henry Carran, N. Baker, W.
Magden, E. C. Small, Joseph P. Lincoln, R. D. Coonan, Leslie Anderson, William Story,
Willard Hastings, Charles Valentine, Charles C. Ames and John Huggins. Company F —
Sergeant Cameron J. Wait, Corporal William Hall, J. R. Botsford, J. Ross, J. Taylor,
Edward Heath, W. McNorton, C. McFarland, S. E. Orvis, Daniel C. Corbett, John Blun-
dell, George Joyval, Henry Angle, Henry Vrecland and Henry Hudson. Company O-
Sergeants Charles Moore and P. H. Soper, Corporal Foss Elliott, Privates John Orr, J.
M. Chamberlain, Don A. Kendall, D. J. Spencer, Alexander Carlieman, J. H. Wait,
B. F. Congden, Frank Merry and C. P. Taplin. Cb?«panj/ ^—Captain George Bissell,
Sergeant John Seanlon, Corporal George McPheters, Priva^^es Adam C. Bell, F.
Moody, G. L. Smith, Abel Spohn, Joseph Harken, J. Rosewarm, Daniel McCart, John
Borland, William Fazel and Wm. Smith. Company /—Sergeant William Dolan, Cor-
porals S. McConnell and A. Adkins, Privates Charles Halsted, John Anderson,
Oscar Johnson, S. S. Bell, A. Bovee, C. Pfeifer, John Calk, James Wait and Thomas C.
Garrity. Company A'— Sergeants Thomas Blair and L. Beauman, Corporal C. Rossing,
Privates Thomas Kearnan, John H. Harris, David Hurley, Ole Olson, Henry Deary and
Geo. Ream — 144.
The Fifth accompanied the movement of the Sixth Corps to
"Washington, to assist iu the defence of that city, arriving on the
12th, on which day, the three years term of the non-veterans having
expired, they volunteered for the defence of the Capitol. The
danger having passed, they left Washington on the 16th, for
Wisconsin, and arrived at Madison on the 22d, where they
received a hearty welcome from the State authorities, and were
finally mustered out on the 3d of August. Thus ended the
service of the original Fifth Regiment.
522 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The reenlisted veterans aucT recruits were organized into an
" Independent Battalion," of three companies, under command
of Captain Charles W. Kempf, of Company A. Company B, was
commanded by Captain Jacob H. Cook, and Company C, by Cap-
tain M. L. Butterfield. On the 13th of July, they moved with the
Sixth Corps, to the Shenandoah Valley, in pursuit of the enemy,
participated in the engagement at Snicker's Gap, on the 18th —
returned to "Washington — on the 26th, proceeded to Harper's
Feny, and joining in the movements of the Sixth Corps, partici-
pated in the action at Charleston, having one man wounded.
Remained in Charleston, performing picket and guard duty, until
the 19th of September, when they moved forward, and took
part in the battle of Cedar Creek, losing four killed and
eleven wounded, and afterwards, with the brigade, went to
Winchester, in the performance of garrison duty.
The casualties in September and October, as reported, were :
'Kiz.TL.ED.— Company ^ — Privates Henry Poehl and Dupassey Kent. Company B —
Privates Elias H. Nichols and Alfred T. Potter. Company C — Private John Weimsin — 5.
FIFTH INFANTRY— (REORGANIZED.)
On the muster out of service of the " Old Fifth," Governor
Lewis authorized its reorganization, and recommissioned Colonel
Allen as the colonel. Under his supervision, seven companies
were rapidly recruited, organized and mustered into the United
States service, and left the State on the 2d of October, to join
the battalion at Winchester. The following is the roster of
the reorganized regiment :
Colonel — THOMAS S. ALLEN,
Lieutenant Cbtonei— James M. Bull; Jtfa/or— Charles W. Kempf; Adjutant— Wm. B
Sturges; Qi/a?-<ermcwte7- — Alexander Samuels; /SMJ-jreon — George D.Wilbur; Fir^
Assistant Surgeon — Ambrose Jones; Second Assistant jSitr^reon.— William W. Allen;
Chaplain— Rev. B. C. Hammond.
Co. Captains. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutcitants.
A— John B. Doughty, Charles Mayer, Henry Curran,
B — Charles D. Moore, Theodore Marcoi, Benjamin Smitii,
C —Miles L. Butterfleld, Henry H. Linnell, Evan R. Jones,
D — John W. Van Myers, James La Count, Jolin S. Cooper,
E — Charles R. Nevitt, John McCabe, Percy B. Smith,
F —William Bremmer, John JoUey, Calvin D. Richmond,
G — Henry L. Walker, Ransom D. Squires, Charles J. Bracken,
H— Charles T. Wyman, Harmon S. Kribb, H. L. Farr,
I — Thomas Flint, Lars E. Johnson, Nelson E. Allen,
K— S.A.Hall. Lewis A. Day.. Allied T. Fleetwood.
REGIMENT REORGANIZED. 523
The seven companies arrived at Washington, received arms,
and were sent to Alexandria, where they remained, doing pro-
vost guard duty, until the 20th of October, when they pro-
ceeded by way of Martinsburg and Winchester to Cedar Creek,
where they joined the battalion and the forces under General
Sheridan, and remain at that place until the 1st of December,
Colonel Allen being put in command of the brigade. With
the Sixth Corps, they rejoined the forces of General Grant in
the trenches before Petersburg on the 4th of December, where
they remained until the 5th of February, 1865, when they
took part in the extension of the lines at Dabney's Mills, ou
Hatcher's Run, sutFering little loss in that engagement, being
held in the reserve. Riley C. Tryoii, Company G, anB. Charles
Berringer, Company C, were wounded.
On the 25th of March, 1865, the regiment participated in the
general skirmish along the whole line, and succeeded in driv-
ing in the rebel outpost then in front. Here Sergeant William
Hall, Company C, was killed, and Corporal James D. Splain,
Company G, Edward Martin, John Morrison and H. S. Otis,
Company D, and Charles 0. Foot, Company, K, wounded.
Edward Martin is reported as having died of his wounds.
In the charge on the enemy's works at Petersburg, April
2d, the Fifth Wisconsin and Thirty-seventh ^fessachussetts, led
by Colonel Allen, were in the extreme front, supported by two
lines in the rear. At 4, A. M., the signal for the charge was
given, and the colors of the Fifth were the first planted ou
the enemy's works, that regiment being the first to enter the
captured works of Petersburg. Colonel Allen led a portion
of the regiment two miles through the abandoned lines of the
enemy to the South Side^Railroad. By 8, A. M., the troops
were reassembled, marched six miles to the left inside of the
late rebel works, capturing many prisoners, then back to the
right, where the regiment was engaged in skirmishing till
night. The losses as ofiicially reported were:
Killed.— company ^ — Captain John B. Doughty. Company ^—Privates WlUiam H.
Arnet and Ira Gilman. Omipany F— Privates H. Lysner and Albert A. Beggs. Company
G— Private Hiram BiUington. Company JET— Private AUen Graham. Company I—
Private Frank Gilbert — 8.
Wounded.— Company A — Ueut. Charles H. >Iayer, died, Privates Ferdinand Werhie,
August Ahrendt and Benjamin Mitchell. Company JS— Lieutenant Benjamin Smith,
d24 military history of Wisconsin.
Sergeant P. "W. Lord, died ; Private L. Bishop. Company C— Lieutenant E. R. Jones, Ser-
geant Tlios. Larlvin, Privates Hirman Brown, died, and Fred Mercier. Compamj 7:) — Ser-
geant J. G. Troy, Corporal Wm. L. Moffatt, died. Privates P. H. Blodgett, Herbert Ward and
Calvin Blood. Co^npany E—^eY^eunt Thomas E. Chubbuck, Corporal Gilbert S. Main,
Privates A. C. Phelps, Stephen Meridam, George H. Hutzell, John H. Park, George
Knowles, M. Meutsh, Daniel S. Edson, William H. Hoskins, J. M. P^uibanlv, Gnstavus
Hirscl and George W. Barton. Cow^^ax?/ i^— Captain William Bremer, Sergeant Ed. A.
Allen Privates Jos. Echman, died; Elias Marlatt, died, Jas. Bower, Peter Reuthcr, E. L.
Aber died ; A. Dorman, S. M. Manly, A. D. Cory and Wm. M. Phelps, died. Company O —
Lieutenant R. D. Squires, Sergeant Samuel T. Daggett, Privates Thomas Roach, N. J.
Barker, R. C. Barker, Wm. Flynn, died, F. A. Bovee and E. Running. Company II— Coi--
poral H. P. Cady, Privates A. W. Baswell, Luther Shooner, August Leoney, F'. W. Beshel
and John Rehome. Cbrnpa«?/ J— Corporals George West and William Smith, Privates
John Bragg, died ; James Dunn, Thomas Underwood, Theophilus George, B. Tally, ,Iohn
Lemuel, Henry Tipp, E. M. Fessenden, George Vanderblooin, James Witlie and Spencer
Hurlbut. Company K — Sergeant John S. Barger, Seymour Beaman, Joseph Leistz, D.
R. Babcock and Fred Ringling — 71. Died of wounds, 9.
The loss of the regiment "was about one-tenth of that suffered
by the whole corps, consisting of fifty regiments.
On the afternoon of April 3d, they joined in the pursuit of
Lee, marching with great rapidity by day and night. The Sixth
Corps encountered General Ewell's forces at " Little Sailors'
Creek," on the 7th. The lines were hurriedly formed, and they
pushed forward at a double quick, the regiment marching with
unbroken line through a swamp waist deep, under the lire of the
enemy's musketry. They moved to the brow of a hill, where
the enemy was discovered but a few paces distant, admirably
posted, and fightijig with the energy of despair. The regiment
was in an extremely hazardous position, being subjected to a
severe flank and cross fire. Colonel Allen rode in advance of
the line as calmly as though danger was unknown. Company
G, Captain Henry Curran, and Company C, Lieutenant Evan li.
Jones, were deployed as skirmishers. Lieutenant General Ewell
and staff, surrendered to six men of the skirmishers, under com-
mand of Sergeant Cameron, Company A, who was promoted
Lieutenant on the field, for his gallantry. The action of the
regiment elicited high encomiums from the corps, division, and
brigade commanders.
The following were the casualties in the action of April 7th, as
officially reported :
KiLLEB.— Company A — Private Gustave LoefQer. Company B — Private John Rierdon.
Cbmpanj/ C— Color Corporal Alexander Johnson and Corporal John L. Heberlies. Com-
pany Z) — Sergeant John Purdy, Privates John Gallagher and Lysander M. Muzzy.
Cbmpanj/ jE7— Privates Allen K. Augur, George Mills and J. D. Gurney. Company F-~
Corporal George L. Welty, Privates C. Truax and George Truax. Company O — Privates
James Conl in and Stephen Smith. Company H— Private Edmu nd Bigford — 16.
RETURN TO WISCONSIN. 525
"WouNBED.— Company A — Color Corporal August Franz, Sergeant William TI. T^andott,
Privates Christian Erickson, Duncan McJjenan, Cliarles Slietlnet, Robert Miller and C.
Spinner. Company B— Corporals William Meade and Johnson, Privates Geort?e II. Rees,
J. H. Keyes and P. Wells. Company C— Privates Cornelius M. Bonnell and Ephraira.
Purdy. Comiiany D — Privates George Ross, George BufTan, died, James Tooney, Francis
Goodness, Freedom Cromwell, John Banker, John Nelson, William ConnifT, Lyman
Smith and Milo Wells. Company E— Corporal E. W. Mellon, Privates Theodore Bandow,
John Polar, Abram Casslar, Thomas Leet and W. Lansing. Company F — Captain Wil-
liam Bremer, Privates C. 11. Gee, Orson Foucher, Fred Gross, Andrew McFadden, August
Gessel, Reuben Stock, John Hanson, Theodore Lzeskleba, Andrew Rowe, O. Gesse and
F. Ott. Company C? — Corporal John W. Curran, Privates Samuel Vasnow, Lewis A.
Nelson, Edward Tierney, Smith Owen, John W. StafTord, Adelbert E. Lane, Thomas
Marshall, Torger Peterson, L. W. Stoner, Alexander Hamilton, Charles C. Vanalstine,
died ; John Stetzner, John Stichner and Simon Anderson. Company .Kf— Sergeant
Charles E. Woodridge, Privates Peter Peterson and John L. Nelson. Company /—Pri-
vates Henry Goodman, Daniel Smith, Jacob Peterson and T. Czeskleba. Company K —
Color Corporal John O. Hoisington, Corporal George C. Lefever, Privates J. R. Whitney,
H. D. Warden, Nelson Gillett, Nicholas Hammond, Albertus Hoffman, J. W. Wiggins,
D. P. Howell, J. D. Crapser, M. Ware, Cordon Wyman, M. H. Parcel, died, L. Parsons and
C. O. Foote — 79. Died of wounds, 3.
The pursuit was continued until the 9th, when Lee surrend-
ered. On the 10th, the regiment commenced its return, and
reached Burke's Station on the evening of the 13th, encamped
till the 23d, and marched to Danville, arriving there on the 27th,
left Danville, May 3d, by rail, arrived at Wilson's Station, May
4th, and May 18th, marched for Eichmond, which they reached
on the 20th. On the 24th, left Richmond, for Washington,
where they arrived on the 2d of June, after a long and tedious
march. Left Washington, June 16th, and arrived at Madison,
June 20th, and were soon after mustered out, thus closing the
record of the " Fighting Fifth."
Colonel Allen was brevetted Brigadier General for gallant and
meritorious services during the war.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,058. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 210, in 1864, 684, in 1865, 25 ; by substitutes, 50 ; by
draft in 1865,25; by veteran reenlistments, 204; total, 2,256.
Losses — deaths, 285; missing, 4; desertion, 105; transferred, 33 ;
discharged, 405; mustered out, 1,424.
OHAPTEE XYI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Arrives at St. Louis — Battle of Frederic-
town — New Madrid and Island No. 10 — Farmington — Siege
of Corinth — Battle of Iuka — Corinth — Service in West Ten-
nessee— Move to Vicksburg — Battle of Jackson — Siege of
ViCKSBURG — Expedition to Canton — Meridian Expedition —
Red River Expedition — Rear Guard of Banks' Army — Battle
op Lake Chicot — Veterans Return Home — Return to Memphis
— Move to White River — Join in Pursuit of General Price —
Reinforce General Thomas — Battle of Nashville — Return to
Vicksburg — New Orleans — Battles before Mobile — Mustered
out of Service — Statistics.
THE Eighth Regiment was organized at Camp Randall, Madi-
son, and its muster into the United States service completed
on the 13th of September, 1861, and on the 12th of October, it
left the State for St. Louis. The following was the regimental
roster :
Colonel — ROBERT C. MURPHY.
Lieutetiant Colonel — Q. W. Robbins; Major — J. W. Jefferson; Adjutant— IE. T.
Sprague; Quartermaster — F.Ij. Billings; Surgeon — S. P. Thornhill; First AssMarU
fifwrflreon — William HoBBiNS ; Second Assistant Surgeon — 3, E. Mubta; C?wi3toin— Rev.
P. McKinlay.
(Jo. Captains.
A — J. B. Redfleld,
B — D. B. Conger,
C —John E. Perkins,
D— W.J. Dawes,
E — W.C.Young,
F — J. II. Greene,
G— William B. Brittan,
H— Stephen Estee,
I — M.M.Baker,
K— W.P.Lyon.
First Lieutenants.
M. Patchin,
John A. Smith,
Victor Wolf,
B. S. WilUams,
James M. Gilbert,
Z. Beach,
Charles P. King,
L. Munsill,
A. D. Hickok,
A. E. SiXLlth.
Second lAeutenants.
R. J. Baker,
Emerson Webster,
Seth Pierce,
H. Williams,
M. H. Helms,
James Berry,
Richard D. Beemish.
P. B. Willoughby,
Henry M. Lathrop,
James O. Bartlett.
NEW MADRID AND ISLAND NUMBER TEN. 527
Arriving at St. Louis on the 14tli of October, the regiment
was soon after sent to Pilot Knob, on the Iron Mountain Rail-
road. On the 20th, the regiment marched with other forces
under Colonel Carlin, to Fredericktown, twenty-two miles,
where a rebel force under Jeff Thompson, was encountered and
totally routed, and pursued to Greenville. The Eighth was
stationed in the town to guard the baggage, and was not actively
engaged. Returning to Pilot Knob after the pursuit, they en-
gaged in railroad guard duty, taking part in an expedition to the
St. Francis River in IS'ovember. On the 25th, they moved to
Sulphur Sjirings, where they were engaged in railroad guard duty
until the 25tli of January-, 1862, when the regiment proceeded to
Cairo, and was employed in guard and garrison duty until the
4th of March, when it moved along the line of the Cairo and
Fulton Railroad, and joined the forces of General Pope, near
New Madrid, being assigned to duty at Point Pleasant, nine
miles below, in the Fifth Division, under the command of General
Plummer. Here they were on duty in rifle pits on the river
bank, to prevent the landing of the rebel gunboats. On the 7th
of April, with General Plummer's command, the regiment
marched to ISTew Madrid, and crossed the river to the Kentucky
shore, to assist in the pursuit of the flying rebels after the
evacuation of Island No. 10, returning to New Madrid on the 9th.
General Pope's command embarked on steamers to go down the
river to Memphis, but on reaching the vicinity of Fort Pillow,
the orders wer6 countermanded, and the transports turned about
and steamed up the river to Cairo, thence they proceeded up the
Tennessee River and joined General Ilalleck's forces in front of
Corinth, camping at Hamburg on the 22d of April, and moving
on the 1st of May, to near Farmington. Here the regiment was
placed in the Second Brigade, General Plummer, Second Divi-
sion, General Stanley, in General Pope's "Army of the Missis-
sippi." A reconnoissance in the direction of Corinth was made
on the 8th, by the divisions of Generals Paine and Stanley. On
the 9th, Major Jefferson, with a detachment, was on duty at the
outpost, a mile and a half in advance of the lines, when he was
attacked, and after holding the enemy's skirmishers in check for
some time, was obliged to fall back to the brigade. The object
of the reconnoissance being effected, the forces returned, leaving
528 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the brigade of General Plummer to bring up tlie rear. The
rebels opened with artillery with considerable effect. The brig-
ade was ordered to the top of the hill, where the rebels were
found within range, and a brisk fire being opened upon them,
the enemy fell Back. The brigade then retired to a piece of
timber, where they were again annoyed by the enemy's artillery.
The ground was held here by the Eighth Regiment until the
rest of the brigade retired, and the rebels began turning their
right flank, when the Eighth also fell back in good order, bring-
ing up the rear of our retreating forces. For the gallantry thus
displayed, the regiment received the commendation of theii
superior officers in general orders. The casualties in the battle
of Farmington, were :
Killed or Died of Wovsds.— Company C— Captain John E. Perkins. Company D~
Private Osgood D. Leonard. Company F— Corp. Jolin A. Wliite. Company G — Second
Lieutenant Richard D. Beamish. Company 7— Private Zebulon Jolmson— 5.
Wounded.— Cbniparti/ ^ — Pi'ivates John Green and George W. Quimby. Company Q
—Privates William Buckley, and J. D. McCauley. Company X> — Corporal August
Ludkie. Company 7'— Sergeant Bedford Bush, Privates Blake W. Griffin and Henry W
Allen. Company G — Corporal Alva Wood, Privates James Rogers, Ever Olson, Jamea
Kendall, George W. Trude and Samuel B. Cox— 14.
The regiment was under command of Lieutenant Colonel
Robbins, and Major Jefferson, both of whom, with all the offi-
cers and men, displayed the greatest coolness and bravery in this
their first battle with the rebels. The loss of Captain Perkins
and Lieatenant Beamish, was greatly lamented.
They remained at Farmington until the 28th, when they
marched to the front, about three-fourths of a mile from the
enemy's works at Corinth, and with the brigade, lay down in a
ravine which run nearly parallel with the enemy's works. Here
they lay until 3, P. M., while the artillery from both sides played
over their heads. At that hour a rebel infantry force advanced
to turn their right, and capture our batteries. The battery in
front of the Eighth withdrew except one gun. Seeing this, the
enemy rushed for it, but just as they were about to lay hands on
it, the Eighth moved to the brow of the hill and poured such
tremendous volleys into their ranks, as to check their advance,
and after some very sharp fighting, the rebels were forced to re-
tire to the woods in disorder. By their promptness and energy,
the Eighth saved the right flank from being turned, and the
BATTLE OF lUKA. 529
brigade from being routed. Thia was the last stand made by
the rebels before Corinth, they evacuating their works on the
night of the 29th.
The casualties in the skirmish before Corinth, were :
Killed — Ormpanp I— Private Paul Erickson. Company K— Private Ralph Coon— 2.
Wounded.— CowpOTj^ D— Private H. W. Harkman. Company G— Private Paul Harvey
Company J— Private John Flynn, Company JT- Privates Charles A. Noyes and Alfred
S. Henderson — 5.
The brigade joined in the pursuit of the enemy as fur as Boon
ville, capturing a large quantity of stores. On the 12th of June,
they marched to " Camp Clear Creek," nine miles south of Dan-
ville, where they remained in summer quarters until the 18th of
August, engaged in guard and fatigue duty, and in acquiring
thorough brigade and battalion drill. Colonel Murphy was in
command of the brigade. On that day they moved to Tuscum-
bia, Ala., arriving on the 22d. Here Colonel Murphy was put
in command of the post. Major Jefferson was appointed Provost
Marshal, and the Eighth employed as Provost Guard.
Colonel Murphy left Tuscumbia, with his brigade, on the 8th
of September, and proceeded towards luka, reaching that place
on the 12th, and found it deserted by the Union forces. Three
of his regiments, and his artillery were ordered forward to Buriis-
ville, leaving him the Eighth, and about 400 Minnesota men and
2 or 300 Illinois cavalry. This force was attacked next day, by
the advance of General Price's army. Finding himself out-
numbered, Colonel Murphy withdrew with his command, and
marched to Farmington. Reaching that place, a larger force was
sent forward towards luka under Colonel Mower, and the
Eighth returned with them. Colonel Mower went within two
miles of the town, and found it occupied by General Price in
force, he therefore returned to Burnsville. For abandoning luka,
Colonel Murphy was placed under arrest.
The divisions of Generals Hamilton and Stanley, moved from
Clear Creek to Jacinto, for the purpose of making an attack on
Price at luka, from the southeast. At Jacinto, the Eighth Reg-
iment joined the brigade in Stanley's division, and marched with
it, and was present at the battle of luka, on the 19tli, but being
placed on the left, and in the reserve, were not actively engaged,
though they had five men wounded. The brigade joined in the
34
530 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
pursuit of the enemy as far as Aberdeen, when theyreturned to
Corintli, through Jacinto to Rienzi and Kossuth, and arrived at
Corinth on the afternoon of the 3d of October, while the battle
at that place was at its height. The rebels had succeeded in driv-
ing back our troops from the outer breastworks, and a new line
was formed about a mile and a half from Corinth. The Second
Brigade of Stanley's division went to the support of General
Davies. The rebels advanced from the old breastworks and at-
tacked the whole line, massing their troops against Davies, and
after a fierce and bloody contest, compelling him to retire. Stan-
ley's Second Brigade, consisting of the Eighth "Wisconsin, Elev-
enth Missouri, Twenty-sixth and Forty-seventh Illinois regiments
now moved to the front, taking the position abandoned by our
retreating troops, and for a time, checked the enemy's advance.
For more than an hour the brigade held the enemy at bay and
under a most terrific fire, fought with the utmost gallantry.
They subsequently fell back to within about a quarter of a mile
from the edge of the town, with the rest of our forces, where
they formed in positions to support the batteries of siege guns
and field pieces, planted behind the earthworks which had been
constructed by the Union troops. On the next day the Eighth
occupied a position in the centre, where it suffered no loss.
The casualties in the battle of Corinth, were :
Killed or Died of WouysTis.— Company A.— Trivate Thomas Torstenson. Company
B.— Corporal James M. Hogan, Private William Stagg. Company C— Privates J J. Miles
O. R. Curtis, Newell Hanscom and C. Mead. Company D — Private John Wilson. Company
jp.— Sergeant John Peniek, Privates Clarkson Blaekledge, Monroe Silver and William
Storey. Company F — Corporal John Shell, Private John Peters. Comx)any H.— Vri-
vate A. W Illingsworth. Company il— Privates Barney Trainer, Levi Holbrook, Ole
Ixjrson, John W. Thorp and Ever Oleson— 21.
Wounded.— J^/eid Queers.— Lieutenant Colonel Robbins and Major J. W. JelTerson.
Cbrnpnn^^.— Privates Preston Hay ward, Arthur J. Putnam and D. M. Gano. Company
jB— Sergeant Daniel O'Neil, Corporal A. Underbill, Privates Fayette Bunce, William
Gary and F. Lester. Comjmny C— Sergeant Christian Shelkopf, Privates J. F. Hill, Adolpli
Stallman, George W. Riley, A. B. Terry, Elijah H. Paine, A. P. Thurston, Horel Swansou
and Gabriel Gethardt. Company £>.— Captain William J. Dawes, Privates Francis Gale,
Peter Pace, Cliarles Smith, Fred Jaster, Daniel Morris, August Partz and Joseph Palmer
Owipffn.?/^;— Privates Samuel O. Edwards, Edwin Schafer, John Burr, Jacob Braider
George Barwood and Michael Hogan. Company G— Corporals William Brown and J.
Phillips, Privates H. Hines, George Stickney, John Stevenson, Julius Love, Julius Truirx-
bley, David Harvey, Joseph Kane and William McNair. Company H — Captain Stephen
Estee, Privates Philip Gould, P. H. White, Nelson Heal, L. Roberts and S. Cluckton.
Cbnipnrij/ J— Privates George W. Glover, John B. Wright, Charles Brown, Edward Cro-
nan, William Hewitt, Nelson Quiggle, Frank J. Case and Thomas J. McMahon. Company
K— Lieutenant Fellows, Privates Sidney Wentworth, Dennis Murphy, Ole Anderson,
Joseph Herns, Henry Collins, William H. Geary and Andrew E. Evans— 69.
BATTLE OF JACKSON. 531
The enemy were pursued forty miles, when the regiment re-
turned to Corinth and engaged in guard duty and building forti-
fications. On the 2d of November, they moved to Grand Junc-
tion, and took part in the southward movement of General
Grant's forces in his first attempt to reach the rear of Vicksburg,
in December, 1862, to cooperate with Sherman's movement down
the Mississippi, being employed at Davis' Mills, Lumpkin's Mills,
at Waterford, Abbeville, Oxford, Tallahatchie, Holly Springs,
and LaGrange, in performing guard duty, buikling bridges,
provost guard duty, and kindred service.
The surrender of Holly Springs, on the 20th of December,
with its immense stores for Grant's army, defeated that enter-
prise. For this surrender Colonel Murphy, who was in command
of the post of Holly Springs, was dismissed the service in Feb-
ruary, and Lieutenant Colonel Robbins was appointed Colonel,
Major Jeflferson Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Britton Major,
of the Eighth.
The regiment moved in January, from LaGrange by way of
Corinth to Germantown, Tenn., where they were employed in
building fortifications, and guard duty, until March 11th, when
they marched to Memphis, and joined the forces intended by
General Grant to operate against Vicksburg, which were being
concentrated near Helena. On the 29th, they proceeded down
the river to Young's Point, near Vicksburg, where they engaged
in fatigue duty, digging canal and building roads. The regiment
was in Mower's brigade of Tuttle's division, of Sherman's Fif-
teenth Army Corps. With the Fifteenth Corps the brigade left
Young's Point, on the 2d of May, mjirched to Hard Times Land-
ing, crossed to Grand Gulf, and proceeded towards Raymond,
Miss., driving the enemy before them into Jackson, where in
conjunction with General jVIcPherson's Seventeenth Corps, they
assaulted the enemy's works, carried them, and took possession
of the Capital of Mississippi on the 14th. Lieutenant Colonel
Jefferson was made Provost Marshal, and the Eighth acted as
Provost guard, and was detailed to destroy Confederate stores.
They left Jackson on the 16th, and moved to Walnut Hills, form-
ing on the extreme right of the investing force around Vicks-
burg. Here on the 22d, they took part in the celebrated assault
on the enemy's works. General Mower's brigade moved up a
532 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
ravine, marcliing by the flank in four ranks. The ravine was
soon so filled with fallen men that the brigade could not get
through. Foar companies of the Eighth turned to the right
under cover of a hill, and got close under the enemy's works.
The fight was kept up till dark, when the brigade withdrew to
their former position, and was highly complimented for their
gallantry.
The following casualties were reported :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company ^ —Sergeant Orson Bnmpus. Company D~
Private Seth C. Haskell. Company i^— Second Lieutenant Willard D. Chapman.
Company H — Captain Stephen Estee — 4.
Wounded.— Owipanj/ ^—Privates George E. Leonard and Thomas T.Carroll. Com-
pany C — Private Daniel Wyman. Company J) — Private Jonathan E. Hawley. Company
E — Sergeant Morrison Sayles, Privates John W. Smith and Patrick Welsh. Company F
— Corporal George Bobbins, Private George Sterling. Company O — Private Arthur
Cooley. Company B"— Sergeant Sherman Ellsworth, Private Joseph Lewis. Company I
Privates Paul Olson, Abraham Pruett and Robins Bassett — 15.
On the 25th, the brigade joined an expedition against General
Johnston at Mechanicsburg, and after capturing a large number
of cattle and mules, and destroying a large quantity of corn and
cotton, they returned to Haines' Bluff, and thence proceeded up
the Yazoo River to Satartia, and from thence again marched to
Mechanicsburg, meeting a force of cavalry and infantry, which
they defeated and drove through that place. The Eighth was
the only regiment engaged, and lost two men wounded. Re-
turning to Ilaines' Bluff, they subsequently moved to Young's
Point, and camped, and on the 14th of June, marched to Rich-
mond, La., where they routed the enemy and took possession of
the town, capturing thirty prisoners and having six men wounded,
returning to their former position at Young's Point on the 16th
of June. They remained here on duty opposite the city while
the seige of Vicksburg was progressing, until the 12th of July,
engaged in severe and dangerous duty, acting as sharpshootei's,
and being exposed to the fire of the enemy's great guns in the
city. They were expected to prevent the escape of the enemy
across the river. Occasionally they would receive a shelling
from the rebels, but they were not to be driven from their
post. The position was very unhealthy, and the regiment suf-
fered greatly from sickness. On the 12th of July, they moved
to Vicksbirg, and subsequently went into Camp Sherman, on
Bear Creek, remaining there till the 26th of September, engaged
MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 533
in guard and fatigue duty. On that day, the brigade moved to
Black River Bridge, and went into camp, and remained until the
13th of October.
Colonel Bobbins resigned on the 1st of September, and the
regiment remained under the command of Lieutenant Colonel
Jetferson.
On the 13th of October, the brigade joined in a reconnoissance
in force, under General McPherson, towards Canton, Miss., re-
turning to camp at Black River Bridge on the 19th, where they
remained until the 7th of November, when they proceeded to
Vicksburg, thence to Memphis, and from there to La Grange,
Tenn., and camped. At this point and Saulsbury, nine miles
distant, the regiment was stationed untilJanuary, engaged in the
performance of guard duty and skirmishing with the enemy,
together with expeditions towards Pocahontas, against the forces
of the rebel Forrest.
On the 27th of January, 1864, they proceeded to Vicksburg,
by the way of Memphis, and encamped near Black River Bridge
on the 3d of February. They participated in Sherman's famous
Meridian Expedition, marching as far as Canton, Miss., and
returning to Black River Bridge, thence to Vicksburg, on the
5th of March.
The number of veteran reenlistments were sufficient to make
the Eighth a veteran organization, and the men expected to be
sent from Vicksburg on veteran furlough, but in compliance
with the especial request of General Sherman, the regiment con-
sented to remain and take part in General A. J. Smith's pro-
jected expedition up the Red River, to cooperate with General
Banks. We have given a general account of the Red River
Expedition in a preceding chapter, and shall only give here an
outline of the operations of the Eighth in that campaign. The
regiment was in the Second Brigade, First Division, under Gen-
eral Mower. Leaving Vicksburg March 10th, they passed down
the Mississippi and up the Red River to Simmsport, and landed.
The brigade advanced and charged upon the rebels at Fort
Scurry, four miles from Simmsport, capturing several prisoners
and some military stores. Continuing up Red River, the expe-
dition attacked and captured Fort de Russy, after a short resist-
ance. Here they were joined by the fleet, when they proceeded
534 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
to Alexandria. Awaiting the arrival of General Banks' army,
the Eighth, with four other regiments, under General Mower,
proceeded twenty-five miles to Henderson Hill, where they found
the rebels posted with artillery. A detour of fifteen miles was
made in order to attack the enemy in the rear. Reaching the
position about midnight. General Mower succeeded in capturing
the whole rebel force, 350 strong, with 4 guns and 400 horses
and other munitions of war. This was done in the vicinity of
the rebel General Taylor's force of 12,000 men. Returning to
Alexandria, Smith's army marched up Red River to Point Cotile,
where they waited for Banks' army, and on the 3d of April, em-
barked on the transports, and proceeded up to Grand Ecore, 80
miles above, expecting to find the enemy there in strong force.
The rebels, however, retired without much show of resistance.
On the 8th, Smith's army reached Pleasant Hill. On that day,
General Banks' army had engaged the enemy at Mansfield, or
Sabine Cross Roads, 16 miles in advance of General Smith, and
been driven back in disorder to Pleasant Hill. The next day,
General Smith's army, with a part of Banks' force, received the
attack of the enemy, and after four hours hard fighting, drove
him from the field. The Eighth was stationed to prevent a flank
movement, but was double quicked to the front, and joined in
the pursuit. After the battle, a retreat was made by order of
General Banks to Grand Ecore, and thence to Alexandria. At
Natchitoches, the Eighth held a bridge against the enemy and
assisted in repelling an attack on the rear. At Clouterville, the
Eighth was attacked by the enemy with artillery and musketry,
and after a stubborn contest, against superior numbers, the rebels
were driven back in confusion. Here Captain Josiah B. Redfield,
of Company A, Isaac JST. Groves, of Company F, Thomas Bowels
and Conrad Palm, of Company G, were wounded. The retreat
continued day and night, and Alexandria was reached on the
26th, the troops being much exhausted fi-om marching and short
rations.
General Smith's army was sent up Bayou Rapids to keep the
enemy in check, while Colonel Bailey was engaged in the work
of getting Porter's fleet over the rapids at Alexandria, by means
of the dam. On the 4th of May, the Eighth was deployed as
skirmishers, covering the army front, and drove the enemy three
RED RIVER EXPEDITION. 535
miles Here, James C. Edgar, of Company I, was wounded
severely. As the army approached Bayou La Moore, the enemy
annoyed them by an almost continuous artillery and musketry
fire. On the 13th, the retreat was resumed, and the Eighth was
sent to hold a bridge in the rear, over which Smith's army was
to pass. They moved next day with the rest of the army, skir-
mishing with the enemy, and reached Fort de Russey on the
evening of the 15th. At Marksville, the advance engaged with
the enemy in front. Smith's army deployed to the right, and
moved to Mansurara, where the enemy was found in position.
The brigade advanced across an open prairie, receiving the
artillery fire of the enemy, but continued until within range of
his musketry, when a charge was made upon his guns. Hur-
riedly limbering up, the enemy succeeded in carrying off his
artillery, leaving his dead and wounded on the field. The Eighth
had eight men severely wounded :
Company i? — Corporal James Stoddard, Private Timothy B. Rogers. Compaytp D —
Private August Baetz. Company E — Lieutenant Jacob Lefler, Sergeant Edward Cassidy,
Corporal Deuzil Holmes, Private Charles C. Miles. Company A'— Corporal William
Geery — 8.
Twenty-five others were slightly wounded, whose names were
not reported.
On the 17th, at Calhan's plantation and Bayou de Glaize, the
regiment was engaged in repulsing the enemy. Here, Captain
Charles P. King, of Company G, was severely wounded. On
the 18th, General Banks' army being nearly across the Atcahfiiy-
laya. General Smith put a part of his force in motion to the rear,
and attacked the enemy, who was in pursuit, and after a short
and terrible conflict, repulsed and drove them three miles. The
Eighth was in the advance, and covered the movement. In this
fight. Lieutenant James T. McClure, of Company E, was mortally
wounded, dying next day, and Avery Robinson, of Company D,
was wounded, and subsequently died. The next day. Smith's
army crossed, and proceeded to the mouth of lied River, em-
barked, and reached Vicksburg on the 24th, and went into camp.
The rebels having attempted to blockade the Mississippi at
Columbia, Ark., on the 6tli of June, General Smith sent forward
General Mower's division of 1500 infantry and a battery. The
enemy were found strongly posted between two bayous, which
536 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN".
covered his flanks, while he had a good supply of artillery posted
in the narrow passage between the two bayous. After a severe
contest, the enemy were driven from their position, and pursued
several miles. This is known as the battle of Lake Chicot. In
this affair, the regiment suffered the following casualties :
Killed. — Company B — Corporal John W. MiUer, Private John Esterlitz. Company F
— Private Cornelius A. Marston — 3.
Wounded.— Cbmpan^/ ^ — Private Orlando M. Whitman. Company 5 — Sergeant
Henry A. Daily, Privates Davis Gorman and Charles Corbitt. Company Z) — Sergeants
George M. Ross and Corydon Boughton, Privates Daniel Baker, Sykes P. Armitage,
James Richards, Henry C. Chamberlain and Albert F. Tatum. Company F— Corporal
Francis Wagner, Private Frank Brady. Company 6r — Sergeant Daniel H. Slawson.
Ccmvpany I— Privates William Brown and Abram Pruett — 16 .
Marching to Columbia, Ark., the command proceeded up the
river to Memphis, and went into camp. Here the veterans were
allowed to proceed to Wisconsin on thirty days' furlough, leaving
the non-veterans under command of Captain Williams. These
were moved to La Grange, employed as railroad guard, and in
July, took part in General A. J. Smith's expedition into Missis-
sippi, and participated in the engagements near Tupelo, in which
Ole Severson, of Company H, was killed. They returned to
Memphis after a march of two hundred and sixty miles. Here,
they were rejoined by the regiment from veteran furlough.
The Eighth marched from Memphis on the 2d of August with
the forces of General A. J. Smith into Mississippi, returning on
the 29th. In this expedition, W. J. Baker, of Company A, and
U. A. Tewksbury, of Company C, were killed. On the 2d of
September, they proceeded by the way of White River to Duval's
Bluff, thence to Brownsville, and on the 17th, marched with the
forces under General Mower in pursuit of the rebel General
Price, who was making a raid into Missouri. After marching
three hundred and fifty miles, they reached Cape Girardeau,
below St. Louis, arriving there about the Ist of October.
Leaving Cape Girardeau on the 5th of October, the forces of
General Mower proceeded up the Mississippi to St. Louis, where
the regiment was newly clothed and equipped. Reembarking on
transports, they reached Jefferson City, on the Missouri River, on
the 15th, whence they moved by rail to Lamoine Bridge. Here
they were assigned a position in the expeditionary army against
General Price, who was making his way into southwestern Mis-
souri, through Kansas. The expedition reached Little Santa Fe,
BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 537
Kansas, when information being received of the defeat and dis-
persion of Price's forces, and that General's escape into Arkansas,
orders were given for a return, which was accomplislied by
inarching and transportation by rail and steamer, so that they
reached Benton Barracks on the 15th of ISTovember, Kesting a
few days, and refitting for another expedition, on the 23d of No-
vember, they left Benton Barracks, and proceeded, with the forces
of General A. J, Smith, np the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers, to
reinforce General Thomas, at JSTashville, which place was threat-
ened by the rebel General Hood. Landing at Nashville on the
30th, they proceeded and took position in the defensive works
south of the city, and on the 15th and 16th of December, took
part in the battle of Nashville. Here the Eighth, under Lieuten-
ant Colonel Britton, made four distinct charges on the enemy's
works — in the final one, driving the enemy in a perfect rout,
from their last line of defences. In this charge the regiment
captured a six gun battery, about 400 prisoners, and two stands
of colors. Companies B and D, acting as flankers, surrounded
and captured 200 prisoners.
The following is a list of the killed and wounded in both days'
battles :
Killed.— Cbnipan^ i? — Private David Hull. Company Z> — Private.s Henry C. Cham-
berlain and Cliauncy F. Payne. Company i^— Private .Joseph Henry. Company G—
First Lieutenant W. H. Sargent. Company i7— Corporal Michael Mansur. Company I—
Privates W. H. Audree and James Mellon. Chinpany K— Privates Nels Jenson and
Edward Mason— 10.
Wounded. — Field Officer — Lieutenant Colonel W. B. Britton. Sergeant Major August
G. Weisart. Company A — Private Truman Rich. Company B — First Sergeant Charles
P. Stewart, Privates James Toothacker and George A. Johnson. Company /> — Captain
Benjamin S. Williams, Corporals Jacob C. Noteman and Joseph S. Palmer, Privates
John A. Carlisle, Charles Butcher, William G. Hall, Frederick P. Sipher and John Van
Fleet. Company E— Privates George Braider, Enoch Robins, Charles F. Baum, Jacob
Braider, James Anderson, Charles Hebbe and George Barrows. Company F— First Lieu-
tenant John W. Greenmati, Private Benjamin F. Greenman. Company H — Sergeant
George Van Norman, Private* George Pooler, Jacob Rutherford, John Jones, John F.
Roy, William Pooler, William Foy, Sanford Cluton and Ole Anderson. Company I—
Captain Duncan A. Kennedy, Sergeant .lames B. Aney, Privates Andrew Branrlhnrt,
Henry J. Beckwith, Casper Fopper, Olo Frederickson, Jerome Goodnough, David Lang-
ston, Orlow Robinson, John Sullivan, Franklin M. Sacia, Ransom Sage, Jacob Sampson,
Joseph Stewart and Albert Van Toon. Company A'— First Lieutenant T. A. Fellows,
Sergt. John Philips, Privates Thomas Tarre, Christ. Lind and Fldward Kartschok — 52.
After the defeat of the rebels, the regiment joined in the
pursuit, marching 150 miles, and finally encamping at Clifton,
Tennessee, on the 2d of January, and moved thence to East-
port, on the Tennessee River. Embarking on the 6th of
538 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
February, the regiment proceeded with Smith's Sixteenth Corps,
down the Tennessee to Cairo, thence down the Mississippi to
Kew Orleans, and went into camp five miles below the city.
Tlie Sixteenth corps of General Smith, moved in transports
on the 5th of March, to take part in the investment of the
defences of Mobile, landing at Dauphin Island, from whence
they moved, on the 20th, across Mobile Bay, and proceeded
up Fish River ten miles, and went into camp. On the 25th
they moved and took position in the lines before Spanish
Fort. Here they were constantly employed in fortifying, and
the performance of picket duty, until the evacuation of the
Fort, on the 9th of April, when they moved to a position
before Fort Blakely, and took part in the charge on that
place, with a small loss.
We find the following casualties reported as occurring at
Spanish Fort:
Killed.— Company £^— Private Thomas J. Gilbert Company (? — Private Cliarles T.
Kelly. Company D — Private George W. Richards, died of wounds.
After the surrender, the regiment marched 180 miles, to
Montgomery, Alabama, where they remained until the 10th
of May. On that day they marched by the way of Selma, and
took cars for Uniontown, on the Alabama and Mississippi River
Railroad. Here they went into camp, and remained until
orders were received for their muster out. This was done at
Demopolis, Alabama, on the 5th of September, and the regi-
ment reached Madison on the 13th, where they received their
pay, and were formally disbanded.
The Eighth was known as the "Eagle regiment," from the
fact that a live Eagle was carried through all its campaigns,
up to the return of the non-veterans, in 1864. This noble
bird was taken from the parent nest in Chippewa County, in this
State, by an Indian, who disposed of it to a gentleman of Eau
Claire County, from whom it was purchased by the members of
Captain Perkins' company — Eau Claire Eagles — by whom it
was presented to the regiment while organizing, in 1861. It is
needless to say that it was instantly adopted as the regimental
pet, and was christened " Old Abe ! " A perch was prepared, and
the royal bird was borne with the regiment on all its marches,
THE TET EAGLE, " OLD ABE." 539
and into every battle in whicli the gallant Eighth was engaged,
up to the muster out of the non veterans. Perched on his stand-
ard above the heads of the men, the bird has been more than
once the mark for rebel bullets, but luckily has escaped unharmed,
with the exception of the loss of a few feathers, shot away. He
returned with the non veterans in 1864, and was presented to the
State, and placed in charge of the Quartermaster's department,
and every care necessary is bestowed upon him. At the great
Chicago Fair, in 1865, "Old Abe" was exhibited and his photo-
graph disposed of, realizing the amount of about §16,000. lie
was also exhibited at the Milwaukee Fair, with profitable results.
We are told that the sum netted to these charitable objects was
about $20,000. He occasionally breaks from his fetters, and soars
into his native element, but he has become so far domesticated
that he is easily recovered. Occasionally the music of a band,
or the noise of a drum will reach his ear, when he will instantly
listen, and will respond with his characteristic scream, probably
recognizing the strain as one with which the battle field has made
his ear familiar. Old Abe has become celebrated in our military
annals, and liis history is inextricably interwoven with that of
the brave and gallant regiment wdio bore him triumphantly
through the field of strife.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 973. Gai n — by recruits
in 1863, 52, in 1864, 236, in 1865,62; by substitutes, 16 ; by drafl
in 1865, 3 ; by veteran reenlistments, 301 ; total, 1,643. Loss —
by death, 255 ; missing, 3 ; desertion, 60 ; transferred, 41 ;
discharged, 320 ; mustered out, 964.
CHAPTER XYII
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— NINTH INFANTRY.
Kegimental Roster — Move to Leavenworth, Kansas — March to
Fort Scott — Join the Indian Expedition — Battle of Newtonia
— Prairie Grove — Service in Missouri — Embark for Helena,
Ark. — Join General Steele's Army at Little Rock — March to
Camden — Battle of Elkins' Ferry — Jenkins' Ferry — Return
TO Little Rock — Non-veterans — Mustered out — Independent
Battalion — Expedition to the Saline River.
n^HIS regiment was organized at Camp Sigel, Milwaukee, and
J- was recruited among the German population of the State.
Enlisted men were forwarded to camp and then assigned to com-
panies, all of wbicli were mustered into the United States service
by tlie 26th of October. They remained at Camp Sigel until
January 22d, 1862, when they left the State to report at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas. The following was the regimental roster :
Colonel — FREDERICK SALOMON,
Lieutenant Colonel— A, George Wriesberg; JI/«jor— Henry Orff ; Adjutant— An-vajm
jACOBi; Qtwirtermow^er — William Finkler; ^wrc/con — Hermann Neumann; First
Assistant Surgeon — Lewis Lcehr; Second Assistant Surgeon — Hermann E. Hasse;
Chaplain— "Rev. John Bantly.
Co. Captains.
A— Frederick Aude,
B — Frederick Beclter,
C — George Eckhart,
D — Charles C. Buckenen,
E — Hermann Schleuter,
F — Martin Vcegel,
G — J. C. G. Harttest,
H— Gumal Hesse,
I — Peter Spehn,
K— Henry F.BeUtz.
First Lieutenants.
Anton Blocki,
August F. Dumke,
Jolin Arentson,
C. E. G. Horn,
Conrad Brunke,
A. P. Doerschlag,
William Meissner,
Fred. Molzner,
William Markhoff,
Edward Ruegger.
Second Lieutenants,
August Kruger,
Gisbert Guetzlce,
Charles Franz,
Jacob Bohn,
Erhard Weber,
John Gerber,
Adolph Miller,
Philip Kruer,
William Schulten,
otto Leissring.
Proceeding by way of Chicago, Quincy, and the Hannibal and
St. Joseph Railroad, they arrived at Weston, Missouri, on the
INDIAN EXPEDITION. 541
26th of January, and remained two days. They then marched
to Leavenworth City, where they were assigned to take part in
the " Southwestern Expedition," projected by General Jim Lane,
the troops for which were to concentrate at Fort Scott. The
regiment marched 160 miles, to Fort Scott, where it remained
till the 27th of May, when, the expedition having been abandoned,
it marched by way of Ilumbolt, Kansas, and Lidian Mission, to
Spring Eiver, and encamped until the 13th of June, when it
moved to the vicinity of Baxter's Springs. While stationed here,
frequent expeditions were sent out against the rebels, two of
whose camps, at Cowskin Prairie, were attacked and destroyed.
Here they were reinforced by two infantry regiments (Indian)
'and two cavalry regiments, with a battery of artillery, under
Colonel William Wier, the whole of which was destined for an
expedition into the Indian country. Colonel Wier being the
ranking officer, took command of the expedition ; Colonel Salo-
mon was assigned to the command of the First Brigade. The
expedition commenced its march to Fort Gibson on the 28th of
June. On the 3d of July, a force of rebel Indians was routed
and dispersed. Several skirmishes with other predatory bands
took place, resulting in success to the Union arms. The expedi-
tion arrived at Flat Rock Creek, lifteen miles from Fort Gibson,
on the 9th of July.
The intemperate habits of Colonel Wier, rendered him entirely
incompetent to command, and his orders entailed much needless
hardship on the troops. He marched them without supplies or
forage into the Indian country, leaving his communications in
possession of the enemy. In consequence of this, at the request
of the subordinate officers, Colonel Salomon arrested Colonel
Wier, and took command of the expedition, and ordered it to fidl
back to Quawpaw Reserve, 80 miles from Fort Scott. While
here, several skirmishes took place with the rebel Indians, under
Stand Waite. After a short stay here, the march was resumed,
and the command proceeded to Fort Scott, where it arrived on
the 11th of August. Colonel Wier preferred charges of mutiny
against Colonel Salomon and the officers who participated in the
council which supported him in his arrest of Colonel Wier.
Colonel Salomon was arrested, but on an examination of
542 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
tlie charges by General Blunt, that General immediately ordered
his release, and dismissed all proceedings against him.
Colonel Salomon having been commissioned Brigadier Gen-
eral, Colonel Charles E. Salomon was appointed Colonel of the
Ninth. Lieutenant Colonel OrfF having resigned, Major Jacobi
was promoted Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Herman Schleutet
Major.
An unsuccessful expedition into south western Missouri,
after the rebel forces of Shelby and Kains, was undertaken, the
regiment traveling three hundred and fifty miles, without meeting
the enemy.
The "Army of the Frontier" was reorganized under General
Blunt, and the IsTinth Eegiment was placed in the First Brigade,
under Brigadier General Salomon. Leaving Fort Scott, the
brigade marched to Sarcoxie, in Jasper County, Missouri, arriv-
ing there on the 22d of September. Here Colonel C. E. Salomon
joined the regiment. On the 29th of September, Lieutenant
Colonel Jacobi, with companies D, G, E and H, a section of
artillery, and a squad of cavalry, was sent to reconnoiter the ene-
my's position at Newtonia, fifteen miles from Sarcoxie. Driving
in their pickets, he found the enemy concealed behind a stone
fence. Not being aware of their numbers, the four companies
were ordered to charge upon their works. This was gallantly
done, when a tremendous fire was opened on them, and they
discovered that they were attacking a largely superior force.
Many fell at the first fire, and the detachment retired towards
where the artillery w^as stationed, pursued by the rebels. They
fell back coolly, returning the fire the best they could, until the
enemy turned their flanks, with the intention of surrounding
them, when they hastily retreated. The infantry were subse-
quently overtaken in the woods, and nearly all of them captured.
The casualties were twenty-eight killed, and one hundred and
Bixty-seven prisoners, fifty-one ol whom were wounded.
Killed.— Cowtponj/ D.— Corporals Casper Buck and Arthur Cruse, Privates Julius
Dobyansky, Gustavus Baumgarth, Max Kroscher, Jacob Kuntz, Christian Lambecht,
Herman Rodiger, Christian Baumgarth and Julius Kohn. Company jE".— Privates Carl
Ferdinand Friese, Henry Jaeger, Gustav Kuttyman, Joseph Mueller and P. Puddlewitz.
Cmnpany G.— Corporal Charles Lobensteiny, Privates Deitrick Asling, Simon Geizer,
August Manteufel, Charles Maas and Heinrich Wagner. Company H.— Privates Nicholas
Reikel, Richard Feltrappe, Daniel Hemnitz, Heinrich Latmuesser, Michael Zilensky,
Valentine Hook and Charles Horn— 28.
BATTLE OF NEWTONIA. 543
"We find no official list of the wounded.
The cannonade indicating a serious engagement, General Sal-
omon marched his command towards JSTewtonia, but failiug to
receive reinforcements, he returned to Sarcoxie, the IS^inth
marching nearly all night. On the 3d of October another advance
was made on I^ewtonia, which was evacuated by the rebels. The
wounded men of the regiment, captured on the 30th, were
recovered and sent to Sarcoxie. From this time till the 29th of
November, the regiment was engaged in marching to various
points in Arkansas, without coming to an engagement with the
enemy. On that day the First Brigade arrived at Eheas'Mills,
occupying and working them until the 7tli of December, when
the brigade joined the main force, under General Blunt, at Cane
Hill. Here it was found the enemy had gained the rear, and
was advancing on Rheas' Mills, when the Ninth was ordered back
to protect the trains. The rebel General Hindman was advanc-
ing with 30,000 men against General Blunt, who found he was
unable to meet him with his small force of 10,000 men, and had,
therefore, sent to General Herron, at Wilson's Creek, for aid.
By forced marches, that General came up with the enemy at
Prairie Grove, near Fayetteville, Ark., and engaged and de-
feated him on the 7th of December. General Blunt arrived on
the field during the fight, with a force of artillery and infantry,
and by his energ}', contributed materially to the victorious result.
The Ninth reached the ground the day after the battle. On the
10th of December, the Ninth returned to Rheas' Mills, and re-
sumed its former occupation of making flour and supplying bread.
A raid was made to Van Buren, Ark., the regiment marching
GO miles in two days, and returning to Rheas' Mills. From this
time till the 20th of February, the regiment was engaged in
marching to various points, performing a sort of patrol duty,
when they went into winter quarters at Stahl's Creek, 36 miles
west of Springfield, Mo. Here the paroled men, captured at
Newtonia, rejoined the regiment. AVith the exception of a short
time at Carrollton, Ark., the regiment was stationed at diff'erent
points in Missouri, engaged in guard duty, and on foraging par-
ties in the vicinity of Rolla and Springfield, until the 8th of July.
On that day they moved, by railroad, to St. Louis, where they
were engaged in guard duty until the 12th of September, 1863,
644 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
when they proceeded down the river to Helena, Ark., where
they remained until the 10th of October. They then marched to
Little Rock, and went into winter quarters, about the 1st of ITo-
vember. In January, 1864, two hundred and thirty members of
the regiment reenlisted, two companies of which, C and K,
returned to Wisconsin on furlough, early in February.
On its arrival at Little Rock, the Ninth was assigned to the
First Brigade, First Division, Seventh Army Corps, under Gen-
eral Steele. The winter was spent in the performance of fatigue
and guard duty, work on fortifications, and Company E was
detailed to serve as artillery.
General Steele being ordered to cooperate in the Red River
expedition, the Ninth participated in the movement, being
assigned to the First Brigade, Brigadier General Rice, Third
Division, Brigadier General Salomon. Leaving Little Rock on
the 23d of March, nothing of importance occurred until the Ist
of April. General Rice's brigade was placed in the rear, with
orders to guard the supply and pontoon trains, ^^lile thus
engaged, the rear guard M^as attacked near Gendry's Creek, by
General Shelby, but he was repulsed by the Twenty-ninth Iowa
and Fiftieth Indiana, and a section of Yogel's battery, (Company
E, Ninth Wisconsin.) A second attack, near the junction of the
Camden roads, was also repulsed. On the 3d, General Rice's
brigade camped at Elkins' Ford, of the Little Missouri, remain-
ing till the 6th, when the forces moved forward, and on the 10th,
Rice's brigade, on the left, was again engaged in a severe skir-
mish, driving the enemy from one position to another until dark,
and on the 11th, compelled him to abandon his works. On the
14th, Rice's brigade was sent forward to occupy a position, in
order to prevent the enemy from reaching Camden before our
forces, and camped near White Oak Creek, 18 miles from
Camden. On the 15th, Marmaduke's forces were encountered
near the junction of the Washington and Camden road, when a
spirited engagement ensued, in which the enemy was driven back,
and in the evening, the brigade of General Rice entered Cam-
den. From the 16th to the 23d, the Ninth was detailed to
guard the pontoon bridge across the Washita River.
News was received of the' failure of the Red River expedition,
and General Steele set about to return to Little Rock. The
BATTLE OF JENKINS' FERRY. 546
enemy had suoccedcd in getting into his rear, and capturing his
supply trains. Leaving Camden on the 2Gth, nothing of import-
ance occurred until the Saline Bottom was reached, on the 29th.
Here considerahle skirmishing occurred, which indicated that a
hattle would ensue before a crossing of the river could be effected.
General Salomon's division occupied the post of rearguard, to
protect the army in its crossing at Jenkins' Ferry.
The First Brigade, General Rice, was sent out to keep the
enemy in check. Finding the rebels in great force, the brigade
was heavily reinforced in the morning. General Kirby Smith
was in command of the rebel army, which was estimated at 20,000
men. In the morning. General Salomon's advance was 2| miles
from the river — two miles of train and artillery must cross before
he could withdraw. Under these circumstances, nothing was left
but to fight long enough for them to get across the river. To
add to the difficulties of the situation, the country was flooded.
At 5|, A. M., on the 30th, the skirmishing began. General
Rice's brigade were the first engaged. He was ordered to form
a new line nearer the river, which had scarcely been done before
the second line was attacked by the enemy. They endeavored to
deceive our troops by being partly dressed in national uniforms,
and also by driving before them a flock of sheep, to create the
impression that they were a returned foraging expedition. The
attempt to turn the right flank was unsuccessful, and the enemy
gave his attention to the left, which he succeeded in driving back
about 250 yards. Being reinforced, the enemy were driven back,
and General Rice advanced his line nearly 300 yards. The
enemy's artillery on our right, was efifectually checked by sharp
shooters. The second attack was met by the same obstinate
gallantry, and the enemy was driven back. Ammunition was
supplied to the troops, and preparations made for further attack.
tt soon came, and for nearly an hour an incessant fire of musketry
extended along the whole line. Early in the assault. General
Rice was severely wounded, and left the field. The command of
the brigade devolved on Colonel C. E. Salomon, of the Ninth,
who led it through the heaviest part of the action, and by his
presence and personal disregard of danger, encouraged his men
in the performance of their whole duty. General Salomon
35
546 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
speaks in enthusiastic terms of the conduct of his men. His
regiments were all engaged, and the rest of the army was across
the river, but " our men forgot that they were tired, forgot that
they were hungry, only remembered that they were ordered to
hold their ground." Firing ceased at 2 o'clock, and General
Salomon proceeded to withdraw his forces slowly and in good
order, collecting the dead and wounded, and bringing away as
many as possible. The crossing of the river was effected without
further molestation. A flag was taken from the enemy by wag-
oner John Welhaupt and private William Ohler, both of Company
B, of the Nintli Regiment, which was sent to (jovernor Lewis by
General Salomon, and is deposited with the other trophies in the
state capital.
The Ninth and Twenty-seventh Wisconsin regiments behaved
with conspicuous gallantry in the action.
The killed, and those who died of wounds, from March 23d to
May 3d, as gathered from the Adjutant General's record of
casualties, were :
Kjt/LED.— At Witherspoonville, April 2.— CSompany S — 'Privates Wm.Berger, F. Rlstow-
sky, Wenzel Wakershauson and Carl Keuhn. Company G — Privates August Zulildorff,
J. Stumpf, George Houblen, Stephen Andres, Micliael Wagner, Henry Vetter, Conrad
Vetter and Carl Blandike. At Camden road, April 15. — Company A — Private Joseph
Klohe. Company I — Private George Fisher. April Yl.— Company F — Private Jacob
Reuser. April ^.— Company i^— Private William Newhofl". At Jenkins' Ferry, April
•30. — Company A — Corporal Christian Kaiser, Private John Schilling. Company B —
Privates Anton Burkhardt and John Krumdlk. Company D — Privates John Lolir,
Andreas Sauter, Benjamin Anderson, Emanuel Bieneck, Fred Schleuke, Marzel Priesy-
ner and Fred Bodenstein. Compat^j E— Privates Joseph Drais, George Martin, Henry
Breitung and Herman Greuner. Company ©—Privates Moritz Becker, Henry Schmidt
and Henry Fentermacher. Con^pany H— Corporal John Becker, Privates August Shultz,
Ernst Haroth, Henry Duerkopf, Jacob Keuhn and John Fiugal. Company I— Privates
William Leifert, Charles Englebracht, Anton Weber, William Burgart and William
Baden. Company iT— Privates Dietrich Damman and George Legler — 47.
Wounded.— April 1,5.— Company H— Private Nicholas Oswiller. April 30.— Company A
— Privates Henry Meyer, John Mueller, David Duerrow, Michael Tiesach, Robert Frede-
rick and Fred Wendlorff. Company jS— Privates J. Fetzer, Jacob Thiele, Simon Wehr-
wein, William Kuck and Adolph Prebe. Company D — Privates Conrad Knowl, John
Buellesbach, Franz Hamm, Henry Sorg, Albert Weber, John Heitz, Erhard Areola, A.
Plattner, M. Sutter, Louis Kessler, Joseph Heck, Fred Schleuke and Emanuel Blemick.
Company £— Privates Marcus Alf, M. Borns, Franz Boiler and Peter Wackerham.
Ckmipany i^— Privates Franz Roessler and Fletcher Ensign. Company G— Captain
Charles Frantz, Privates Emanuel Boiler, Andreas Kern, Henry Bodenworth, Joseph
Steimer, Joseph Weithofer and Theodore Becker. Company jEf— Privates Peter Betler,
Henry Holtze, Joseph Weiler and Fred Keuhn, Company T— Privates Charles Winters,
Louis Kairns, Fred Kieszlich, John Amberg, Adolph Weber, Robert Augustin and
Adolph Hesse. Company iT— Sergeant Michael Meyer, Privates Jacob Zwiefel and
Gottleib Lenenberger— 52.
INDEPENDENT BATTALION. 647
Returning to Little Rook after the battle of Jenkins' Ferry,
the N"inth was principally engaged in the erection of a chain of
forts around the town.
Veteran companies C and K, were absent on furlough during
the Camden campaign. On their return, companies H and I, also
veterans, went home on furlough. On the 17th of November,
the non-veterans of the regiment, whose term of service had
expired, were mustered out, together with Colonel C. E. Salomon,
Major Schleuter, and such officers as were not required, and the
veterans and recruits were consolidated into an Independent
Battalion, of four companies, as veterans, under the command of
Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Jacobi. The non-veterans returned
to Milwaukee, where they were cordially received, and after being
23aid off, were disbanded. Colonel C. E. Salomon was brevetted
Brigadier General, for meritorious services during the war.
From this time till the close of the war, the operations of the
battalion consisted of an expedition to the Saline River, in
January, 1865, the regiment returning to Little Rock with the
loss of one man.
Li June, the command proceeded by transports to Camden, on
the "Washita River, 100 miles south of Little Rock, where they
remained until August, when they returned to Little Rock, over-
land, reoccupying their old quarters, and resuming guard duty in
the city. Lieutenant Colonel Jacobi was appointed Provost
Marshal, and Judge of the Provost Court for the department of
Arkansas, and the command of the Ninth devolved on Captain
Eckhart, of Company A.
Eegimental Statistics. — Original strength, 870. Gain — by recruits
in 1863, 52, in 1864, 236, in 1865, 62; by substitutes, 16; by
drafts, none; veteran reenlistments, 219 ; total, 1,422. Loss —
by death, 175; deserted, 25; transferred, 7; discharged, 191;
mustered out, 739.
The "Independent Battalion" remained on duty until
February, 1866, when they returned to "Wisconsin, and were
mustered out.
OHAPTEE XYIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Arrival in Kentucky — Move to Nashville
— Capture of Hunts ville — Railroad GtUArd Duty — Brilliant
Fight at Paint Rock Bridge — Death op Captain Moore — Rear
Guard at Stevenson — March to Louisville — Battle of Perry-
viLLE — Battle of Stone River — Hoover's G-ap — Cross the
Tennessee — Battle of Chicamauga — Severe Loss — Assault on
Mission Ridge — Battles from Dallas to Atlanta — On GtUArd
AT Marietta — Return Home — Mustered out — Statistics.
THIS regiment was organized at Camp Helton, Milwaukee,
and mustered into the United States service on the 14th of
October, 1861, and left the State on the 9th of November, for
Louisville, Ky. The roster of the regiment was as follows :
Colonel— ALFRED R. CHAPIN.
Lieutenant Colonel— SoSBXl A J.Gtjppy; ilsfajor— John G. McMynn; Adjutant— "Wuaa. am
A.Collins; Qttartermosier — Benton McConnell ; (Surgeon — Solon Marks; First As-
sistant (Swri/eon — Robert Mitchell; Second Assistant Surgeon — James T. Reeve;
Ouiplain — HeY. James L. Coffin.
do. Captains.
A— Henry O. Johnson,
B— Jacob W.Roby,
C — A. J. Richardson,
D— Orestes B. Twogood,
E — John H.Ely,
F — William H. Palmer,
G— William Moore,
H— Duncan McKercher,
I — C.T.Overton,
K— Edwin Hillyer.
First Lieutenants.
F. J. Harrington,
James C. Adams,
Frank W. Perry,
T. L. Kennan,
Robert Kohlsdorf,
Edward D. Lowry,
Loran B. Brewer,
Ingersoll George,
Harvey H. Fairchlld,
L. B. HiU.
Second Lieutenants.
Robert Harkness,
Samuel W. Herrick,
S. L. Hart,
George W. Marsh,
George M. West,
Armisted C. Brown,
Silas Wilcox,
Robert H. Spencer,
John Small.
Charles H. Ford.
The regiment arrived on the evening of the 10th, at Jefferson-
ville, Ind. Crossing the Ohio River to Louisville the next day,
they marched to Shephardsville, Ky., twenty miles south of Louis-
ville, where they were stationed and engaged in railroad guard
GALLANT FIGHT AT TAINT ROCK BRIDGE. 549
duty until the 5tli of December, when tliej joined Colonel Sill's
brigade at Elizabethtown, and were assigned to the Third Division,
General Mitchell. On the 11th of December, they went into
winter quarters at Bacon Creek, and engaged in picket and rail-
road guard duty, until the 10th of February, 1862, when camp
was moved to the south side of Green River, where General
Mitchell's command was congregated preparatory to marching
on the rebel stronghold at Bowling Green. On the 13th, the
march commenced, that place was entered on the 15th, and taken
possession of without a battle. Remaining a few days, General
Mitchell's division pushed on to Nashville, and found it occupied
by General IS^elson's forces, who had come up the Cumberland
River. They remained near ISTashville until the 18th of March,
when General Mitchell's force marched southward to Murfrees-
boro, b<ing ordered to seize and destroy the great military rail-
road ot the rebels from Memphis to Charleston. Here they
remain* d till the 5th of April, Colonel Chapin being Provost
Marsha:, and the regiment provost guard. On that day march
was re^'umed, the Tenth passing through Shelby ville and Fayette-
ville, thence to Huntsville, over almost impassable roads, arriv-
ing there on the 11th. Soon after reaching that place, Comj^anies
A, F, G, and K, volunteered and were sent to destroy a railroad
bridge near Chattanooga, eighty miles from Huntsville. The
work was accomplished and the enemy's railroad communications
were thus broken. The importance of this act, can be appre-
ciated when the reader is informed that Beauregard, who was
then at Corinth, had ordered 40,000 men to his assistance, who
were thus prevented from reaching him.
On the 27th of April, a band of rebels 250 or 300 strong, at-
tacked a guard of 25 men under Sergeant McKinson, of Co. H,
and Corp. William Nelson, of Co. I, at Paint Rock Bridge, sixteen
miles from Stevenson. The enemy advanced on the west end of the
bridge, about ten o'clock, and commenced firing upon the guard.
A simultaneous attack was made at the east end of tne bridge.
Their fire was returned by the little band of heroes. The bridge
was a covered one, and the rebels repeatedly made efforts to
charge into it but were met by such a withering fire, that they
fell back. In the first two rounds, the rebels wounded five of
the defenders of the bridge. The firing at the east end was not
550 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
severe, being more at random. After two hours hard fighting,
the enemy retreated. This was one of the smartest fights of the
war, and the little band of Spartans received special commenda-
tion from General Buell, for their bravery. Seven of the Tenth
were wounded :
Company A —Private Frank Yokish. Cormpany I> — Pi'ivates Edw. T. Best and Reuben
Howard. Company E — Private Augustus Belan. Company F — Privates John Singer and
Timothy Latham. Ocnnpany K— Private John Calhoun — 10.
On the 29th, the regiment took part in an attack on the rebels
at Bridgeport. The enemy were taken by surprise, and fled
without resistance, across the Tennessee. From this time the
Tenth Regiment was stationed along the railroad from Hunts-
ville, guarding bridges, watertanks and stations. On the 1st of
May, a detachment of convalescents under Lieutenant Fairchild,
were taken prisoners by the rebel guerilla Morgan, but were
soon paroled. About the Ist of June, eight companies of the
regiment went aboard the -cars bound for Stevenson. While
passing through a deep cut, the train was fired on, and several
were wounded. On the 4th of July, Captain William Moore, of
Company Gr, was brutally murdered by rebel bushwackers, after
he was taken prisoner. He was a brave and patriotic soldier,
and his loss was greatly lamented. The regiment remained en-
gaged in duty on the railroad, until the retrograde movement in
conjunction with Bragg's invasion of Kentucky, was commenced,
when the Tenth Regiment as rear guard, brought through the
last trains from Huntsville to Stevenson.
We find the following in the table of casualties prepared by
Adjutant General Gaylord :
Killed.— At Mud Creek, Ala., August 22.— Company I— Privates Thos. Denlan, G. W.
Hancock and Henry Reed. At Larkinsville, AXa.—Co^npany F— Private Theo. Helgus.
Died of Woxsst)S.— Company B — Private N. J. Cotton, June 28, 1862. Company E— Pri-
vate Henry White, August 22. Ccympany T— Private Richard White, August 23. Company
if— Private Halsey Miles, July 22, 1862.
Lieutenant Colonel Guppy being promoted to Colonel of the
Twenty-third, Major McMynn was appointed Lieutenant Colonel,
and Captain H. O. Johnson, Major, on the 25th of July.
At Stevenson, the rebels attempted to prevent the leaving of
the trains ; the Tenth Regiment bringing up the rear, secured
the final departure of the troops, and arrived at Nashville on the
BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE. 551
5tli of September. From I^ashville to Louisville, they proceeded
by forced marches, reaching the latter place on the 28th of Sep-
tember, having had a slight skirmish with the rebels at Cave
City-.
The Tenth Regiment was placed in the Ninth Brigade of Colonel
Harris, in General Rousseau's division, and took part in the battle
of Perryville, or Chaplin Hills, on the 8th of October. Starting
with the division from Louisville, they reached Maysville on the
evening of the 7th, and marched next morning to the vicinity of
Perryville, where the enemy was found in force on Chaplin Hills.
The Ninth Brigade, Colonel Harris, occupied a position to the
left of Colonel Lytle's brigade, and to the right of the brigade of
General Stark^'eather. About 11 o'clock Colonel Chapin was
ordered with the Tenth, to the support of Captain Simmons'
battery. The regiment took position in rear of the battery, shel-
tered by the crest of a ridge. Here they remained till about
three o'clock, up to which time the regiment had four wounded,
goon after the regiment advanced to the top of the ridge at a
double quick, where they discovered the enemy advancing several
lines deep, and driving in the skirmishers, who became confused
and ran through the ranks of the Tenth. Three hundred and
sixty enlisted men and sixteen officers were all of the Tenth who
were in the fight. A volley was poured into the advancing foe,
which sent them back over the hill and down the slope. Again
they rallied determined to take that battery at all hazards. From
this time the contest was terrible. The men fought nobly and
never thought of giving one inch of the ground, and held the
enemy in check until they were supported by the Thirty-eighth
Lidiana. Their ammunition was exhausted ; the contents of the
cartridge boxes of the wounded and dead were used ; still that
devoted baud held their ground, and for half an hour kept the
enemy at bay without a cartridge. They remained in this posi-
tion until ordered to withdraw to the next ridge, where they re-
plenished their cartridge boxes and held the position, the enemy
occupying the battle ground, from which they retreated during
the night. Our description is necessarily brief. The old flag fell
time and again as the color bearers were stricken down, and the
sixth color Corporal brought it ofl:' the field. Forty-one bullets
552 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
passed through it and two througli the staff. Major Henry O.
Johnson was among the killed.
The casualties, as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— -PieM Qfflcei — Major H. O. Johnson. Company A —Cor-
porals Wniiam J. Bell, Francis E. Manning and Stephen E. Merrick, Privates George W.
Hunt, Henry J. Conklin, Charles Snell, Daniel Adams and Peter Hein. Company B —
Privates Leonard B. Nuns, Leander Debar and Ira Bennett. Company C — Corporals
Park B. Elliott and Addison J. Ferris, Privates Thomas S. Loher, Andrew Robinson and
William H. Whicher. Company D — Sergeant Charles C. Forsyth, Corporal James Dick-
son, Privates Andrew H. Armater, Alphouso Jones and Alanson A. Bull. Company E —
Privates John C. Phillips, Joseph Coyer and Alexander Trimble. Company F" — Corporals
Philip L. Glover and Abner M. Dodge, Privates David E. Lumpkins, Mark C. Bowen,
William R. Eagers, Marcus L. Gleason, Franklin M. Shoemaker and Robert Jarrett.
CwHjjaw^/ Gr — Corporal Wm. M. Fish, Privates Ole Oleson, John Tiffany, Louis Nelson,
Abram Wood, Andrew J. Angler, William R. Campbell, John H. Court and Hiram
Hulett. Compa? ly H— Sergeant William P. Mitchell, Privates Joel Haywood, Henry
M. Hinman and Daniel O'Lary. Company K— Coi-porals Albert Gibbs and Charles A.
Watson— 48.
Wounded. — Company A — Corporals Amos Hitchcock and Walter Wood, Privates Wm.
H. Garrison, Jo.seph Tyler, Alf. Wenderlin and Thomas H. Morrison. Company B —
Privates Joseph Thierett, Edwin B. Speed, Fredk. Spencer, John Straw, John Burgess,
Hercules Juneau, Abira Chapin, Henry Mabro, Joseph Jacquet and Andrew Harmon.
Company C — Corporal James C. Adams, Privates John McKillip, died, Chas. V. Donald-
son, Theodore F. Snover, Simon R. Northain, Hiram A. Eldridge, Charles C. Bisley,
Julius Zuhlkee and Theodore Rubeck. Qympany D — Sergeant Gilbert Dowd, Privates
Hiram C. Luther, James L. Cummings, John Best, Charles Coleman, Lyman Burlison
and Lewis Shelby. Company E — First Lieutenant George M. West, Corporal Silas R.
Hemstreet, Privates Jesse Crowfoot, Alexander Baker, Alden H. Wright, Charles Loz-
wiskey, William Sharp, John Harrington, Henry Clark, Willis Lackey, Charles Stone,
Patrick O'Brien, James Ryan, Martin Shoemaker, John Satterly, Thomas S. Smith,
Hamilton B. Dutcher, James A. Paddock, Peter Anderson, Charles F. Arnold, Albert
Schmidt, William Bodwell, F. C. Hazelton, John Waterman, Zeria Francis, Albert F.
King, William Voly and David E. Lumly. Company F — Sergeant James Kilgore, Pri-
vates Benj. Bass, John Singer, Danl. Boyle, Jos. D. Costello, J. Manes Timothy Lathain,
D. B. Robinson, William Pierce and Byron B. Taft. Company G— Sergeant Joseph C.
Hussey, Corporals G. Hunter and Archibald Carnahan, Privates L. L. Dimmick, James
T. Brown, Edw. Burrows, Hiram Hulet, J. D. Hayden, Jacob Hummal, Charles Franz,
Rudolph S Himmel, M. W. Blin and V. Carlisle. Company i/— Corporals Hulberg Prince
and George W. Angel, Privates Miles Sanford, Dwight Thompson and George Ashley.
Company K— Corporal Ira Hough telling. Privates Charles Hatch, Delos Hasch and Wm.
Lathrop — 97.
Captain J. H. Ely was promoted as Major, vice H. O. Johnson
killed.
For their gallant conduct at Perryville, the Tenth Regiment
received the highest testimonials froxn their superior officers. In
the pursuit, the regiment accompanied the division of General
Rousseau to Crab Orchard, and moved with it from that place, by
way of Lebanon, Bowling Green, Edgefield Junction and Edge-
field, to Nashville, where they encamped four miles south of the
city until the 26th of December.
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 553
On that day, it took part in the movement of General Rous-
seau's division in General Rosecrans' advance against the enemy
near Murfreeshoro, Colonel Scribner being in command of the
brigade. On Wednesday morning, December 31st, Rousseau's
division became engaged with the enemy, who gave way, and
the division advanced to the right, exposed to a hot fire, until
they reached and occupied a rocky ridge covered with timber.
Here the regiment got into a terrible fire in front and on the
flank, but they sheltered themselves with the rocks and trees,
returned the fire and held their ground until ordered to retire,
to prevent being cut ofl:' from the rest of the army. The division
returned to the old position, which was held. During the rest
of the day, the division was not engaged with infantry, but were
exposed to the heavy artillery fire all along the lines, compelling
the men to lie close to the ground. Id this day's fight, the regi-
ment lost three killed and seventeen wounded. The giving way
of McCook's corps exposed the center, which compelled the falling
back of Rousseau's division, as described above. In all the fight-
ing after Wednesday, the Tenth Regiment did not have a man
killed or wounded. The division was shifted to other points
during the other three days of battle, but was not again engaged
in a close fight.
The casualties, as reported, were :
•
KilIjED or Died of Wounds.— Company A — Privates John H. Long and Dewitt Grif-
fin. Oompanp C— Private Rufus Cowles. Company D — Privates Irwin Claris and Michael
Conlon. Contpany O — Private Edward O'Flaherty. Company K — Private Andrew
Schow — 7.
Wounded. — Company A — VrrvaXe Thoma.s H. Morrison. Qw?i3a«2/JS — Captain J. W.
Roby. Company C—VvivaXeB Nelson Corrison, Martin L. Jenkins and Bela S. Bishop.
Company !> — Private George Dewing. Company jP— Private Reuben P. Crosby. Company
G — Privates Jaspar Wochter and George Lane. Company H — Privates Augustus H.
McKimpson and Joseph Maginnis. Company A'— Privates Washburn Blatehly and Wm.
L. Holdridge — 1.3. Missing, 6.
After the battle, the regiment went into camp near Murfreesboro,
where it remained until the month of June.
Colonel Chapin resigned in January, and Lieutenant Colonel
McMynn was promoted to Colonel.
In the reorganization of the army, the brigade was numbered
the First, under Colonel Scribner, in the First Division of the
Fourteenth Corps, under General Thomas.
554 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Colonel McMynn resigned on the 16tli of June. On tlie next
day, Major John II. El}' was promoted Lieutenant Colonel, and
Captain D. McKercher, Major, and under these officers, the reg-
iment joined in the advance of General Rosecrans' 'army, on the
24th of June, against General Bragg, at Tullahoma. The march
was begun on the 24th, hut the regiment was not seriously
engaged with the rebels on the route, and with the rest of Rose-
crans' army, they went into camp at Cowan Station, on the 14th
of July. On the 6th of August, they went into camp at Anderson,
where they remained until the 2d of September, when they com-
menced the march across the river and over the mountains, into
Georgia, and reached the neighborhood of Stevens' Gap on the
11th, where, in the afternoon, the regiment took part in the
movement to assist General ISTegley's division, near Dug Gap.
The brigade moved to the front, and companies A and K, of the
Tenth, were thrown forward as skirmishers, where they exchanged
shots with the enemy's skirmishers until about 3| o'clock, when,
finding the regiment and brigade had retired, they fell back and
rejoined the regimen^'^ and took position on a hill.
On the 19th, at the battle of Chicamauga, the regiment advanced
with the division, to near the left of the line and about 10
o'clock, moved forward in two lines of battle, about half a
mile, and drove the enemy before them, capturing several pris-
oners. Here the brigade found that the Second and Fourth
brigades were not supporting them. The men lay down near
the foot of a slope, while a section of artillery in their rear, fired
so closely over their heads as to prevent their rising. The rebels
advanced in strong force, and before the men could assemble on
the battalion, they poured in a heavy volley, wdiich the brigade
was unable to return. The rebels were soon turning both flanks.
Seeing this, the brigade gave way in confusion, but was rallied
about half a mile to the rear, and the lines were reformed, and
in the afternoon they returned to the front, but were not again
engaged that day, and fell back at night.
On the morning of the 20th, the division formed the extreme
left of the line, and the First Brigade was next to the Fourth
Brigade, on the extreme left, the Tenth being in the second line.
Log breastworks had been thrown up in front of the first line.
About 10 o'clock, the rebels turned the left flank, and drove back
CASUALTIES AT CHICAMAUGA. 555
the Fourth Brigade, on their left. The two brigades being rein-
forced, in turn drove the rebels back, after a couple of hours
sharp work, taking many prisoners. A second attack, while the
Tenth was in the first line, Avas easily repulsed. Soon after noon,
the Tenth moved to the left, and built a slight breastwork of
logs, &c.
About 4J oclock, P. M., the rebels commenced another attack
on the left of our lines, which lasted until dark. The Fourth
Brigade gave way, but rallied again. Just at dark, when it
became apparent that we could resist their attacks, the Fourth
Brigade got out of ammunition, and again broke ; the rest fol-
lowed and scattered over the field. Seeing no chance to rally,
the Tenth made for a point where they supposed our troops were
in position, but soon came upon the rebel line. Here they found
themselves nearly surrounded, and not knowing where our forces
lay, the regiment was obliged to surrender. It was then found
that with the exception of a small portion, the Federal forces had
been withdrawn two hours before, and that the case had been a
hopeless one from the beginning of the last attack. About all
of the regiment on the field were captured — twelve officers, and
one hundred and eleven men. Lieutenant Colonel Ely, com-
manding the regiment, was mortally wounded. Company G
was not in the engagement, having been detached to guard a
supply train.
On the morning of the 21st, the regiment numbered three
officers and twenty-six men. They moved to the front in the
afternoon, formed in line, and on the 22d, returned with the
brigade to Chattanooga. By its indomitable stubbornness and
bravery, the Tenth sustained the good name it achieved at Per-
ryville, and although it was obliged to surrender, not one particle
of censure can stain its bright escutcheon.
The casualties, as reported by Captain Roby, commanding the
regiment, were as follows :
Killed or Died of Woqnds.— i^eW Q^eer— Lieutenant ColonelJ. H. Ely. Company
4 — Private William Mattison. Cmnpany ^ — Sergeant H. G. Wright, Corporal Jolm H.
Jewett, Privates Henry M. Goodrich and Joseph Jigon. Company Z)— Privates R. Haw-
Kins, Elijah Hunt, H. C. Smith, Henry Morey, Joseph Rosebaugh and George W. Rouse.
Company ^—Corporal John Prater, Privates William H. Easton, S. Demming, E. M.
Daniels and William Bod well. Company ir'— Lieutenant Robert Rennie, Sergeant P. H.
Northey, Private Thomas M. Jewell. Company i7— Sergeant O. B. Chester, Corporals H.
H. Doane and T. Sanford, Privates S. Anderson and R. M. Bailey. Company 7r— Sergeant
Horace Prentice, Privates George Norton, H. E. Hough taliug and Ephraim Atkins— 28.
556 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
"Wounded.— Sergeant Major William C Darrow. Company ^—Corporals E. P.
Sterling and Robert Hall, Privates M. Melville and George Spurr. Com^iany B —
First Sergeant John A. Barney, Sergeants J. W. Tidynian and H. Juneau, Corporal AV.
Darrow, Privates John Burgess and A. Herrick. Company C — First Sergeant M. L. Jen-
kins, Corporals H. Plumer and Thomas Roback, Privates William Baker and F. Bauer.
Company D — Corporal George Clark, Private W. Thompson. Company E — Lieutenant
Robert Roach, Sergeant Karl Kreible, Privates William Sharp, O. F. Smith, James Ryan,
A. H. Wright, M. Shoemaker, O. R. Howe and Janies Paddock. Comp)any F— Corporal S.
Harklerood, Privates A. S. Tarcott, E. M. Donnell, J. E. Strong, J.,J. Crosby and B. P. Taft.
Company G?— Corporal Edward Count. Company B"— Privates J. Collins, Wm. Harding,
J. McGinnis and F. Sallender— 38.
The following, reported as missing, were taken prisoners, as
shown by a list sent home from rebel prison by Major McKercher :
Missing. — Field and Slaff — Major D. McKercher, Adjutant J. M. Goff. Company A —
Captain Harkness, Lieutenant Ellenwood, Sergeants J. S. J. Eaton and E. W. Carver,
Corporals J. Tyler and W. Woods, Privates W. H. Fountain, W. Dalton, P. Adams, W. H.
Coburn, R. M. Luce, P. Nicolas, F. V. Smith and W. Hay. Company S— Sergeant R. J.
Hull, Corporals J. A. Parrett and W. W. Darrow, Privates J. M. Sutton, F. D. Cowles, W.
H. Smith, R. Yoht, A. Burgess and N. Herrick. Company C— Lieutenant Burdick, died
in prison ; Sergeants J. L. Plummer, S. W. Ellenwood and S. C. Northan, Corporals W.
M. Robinson and W. E. Wheeler, Privates R. M. Freeman H. A. Eldridge, H. Bemis and
M.Hoffman, chmpany D — Captain Collins, Sergeants Ole Gilbert and John Gaffney,
Corporals E. P. Best, J. E. Webster and J. W. Doty, Privates P. E. Montier, J. M. P ::rke
and H. B. M. Williams. Company E — Sergeants W. W. Chapman, T. W. Harrison and
J. Fitzgerald, Corporal J. McGee, Privates G. Lanson, J. Lanson, W. Barden, W. C.Clarke,
J. Pardy, M. Pardy, F. L. Harrison and James Burke. Company if— Sergeant Bratnober,
Corporals P. Cahill and A. Gottwells, Privates H. Schlosser, J. J. Shoemaker, W. Pierce,
E. B. T.vler and R. LangstafT. Company i?— Captain Spencer, Lieutenant Makinson,
Sergeants J. Hulihane and E. Chapman, Coi-poral E. W. Spooner, Privates C. F. Adams,
J. E. Coles, P. Edmundson, R. Northcott, C. Nelson, H. O. Weaver and William Lenon.
Company I— Captain Perry, Lieutenants Fairchild and Butler, Sergeants W. Nelson, M.
Colligan, W. M. Bush and D. T. Parish, Corporals B. Bower, T. Curtis and C. Fish, Privates
, J. H. Trevis, H H. Winter, R. W. Randall, W. Richards, D. Eastman, J. Wall, William
Reines, H. Talbott, H. Shrigley and F. Grosch. Company K — Lieutenant Hinkley, Ser-
geants L. Olmsted and O. Gilbranson, Corporals D. F. Hough, E. C. Town and J. Kolhaner,
Privates G. F. Alverson, J. B. Allen, J. A. Bishop, W. C. Banker, M. Bentley, L. D. Patter-
son, W. Cort, H. Fuller, J. B. Gaylord, F. Howard, C. Hatch, J.C. Hitchcock, J. Ingraham,
C. Jacobson, T. L. Reynolds, H. Rockwell, L. Soper, B. V. Swan, J. Squier and T
Tallmadge— 121.
The remnant of the gallant regiment remained in camp at
Chattanooga, employed in guard duty and labor on the fortifica-
tions, until the famous assault on Mission Riclge, where it acted
as support to Loomis' battery, after which it returned to camp at
Chattanooga, and remained during the winter, taking part, in
February, in the feint on Dalton, Ga., with the Fourteenth Corps.
From thence it moved to Tyner Station, on the East Tennessee
and Georgia Railroad, where they were employed in railroad
guard duty until the 24th of May.
In the reorganization of the army in the spring of 1864, the
Tenth Regiment was in the First Brigade, General Carlin, of the
BATTLES NEAR ATLANTA. 557
First Division, General R. TV. Johnson, of the Fourteenth Army
Corps, General Palmer, and was under the command of Captain
Roby. Eighty-five recruits joined it in 1864, which, with Com-
pany G, and the remnant of the regiment left after the battle of
Chicamauga, still made a small command. They remained on
railroad guard duty until the 24th of May, when they rejoined
their brigade near Dallas, and from that time took part in the
battles of Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, and Peach Tree Creek.
The Twenty-first "Wisconsin was in the same brigade with
the Tenth. TVe have elsewhere given a sketch of the opera-
tions of that regiment, in this campaign, which may be said
to be nearly identical with those of the Tenth. We have tried
in vain to procure memoranda of the movements of the Tenth
in 1864, but parties appealed to have failed to respond.
After the evacuation of Kenesaw Mountain, on the 5th of Jul}-,
the Tenth and Twenty-first were sent forward to effect a recon-
noissance, on a road leading to the right from that on which the
main column was moving towards the Chattahoochie. Fifty men
of the Tenth were thrown out as skirmishers, and advanced on
the principal road to Atlanta. The rebel intrenchments were
discovered near the river, behind which the enemy was posted in
force. The detachment halted, and was joined by the division
in the afternoon. The Tenth accompanied the brigade across
the Chattahoochie, and on the 20th, at the battle of Peach Tree
Creek, together with the Twenty-first, charged upon the enemy,
who was forcing back an Illinois regiment, and compelled him
to retire in confusion, leaving his dead and wounded on the field.
"W"e append here a list of casualties, as reported by Captain
Roby, from May 24th, to July 10th, 1864 :
Killed.— May 27.— Company C— Private Philo Douglas. June 2.— Company B— Private
John C. Howell. June 30.— Privates John B. Saule and Janaes H. Pyiot. July 2.—
Company G^ — Private Lewis Anderson. July 5.— Corporal John G.Schermerhorn — 6.
Wounded.- May 27.— Company H—Friv ate Ole O.Storle. Company J— IMvate Chas.
McManus. June 2. — Company ^4 —Private William B. Sayles. Company G — Private
George Owens. June 19,.— Company ^4— Private Cornelius Bard. Cnnpany O-'Priva.te
Charles Pelt. Company K— Privates Michael Clark and John Barnes. June 21.— Company
^—Private Peter Inglehart. June 29.— Sergeant Lewis Wilson. July X— Company D —
Private Wallace Thompson— 11.
Shortly after the arrival of the army before Atlanta, the regi-
ment was detached from the brigade, and stationed as guard at
Marietta, Ga. Here they remained till the 3d of October, when
558 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
they were ordered to occupy the old rifle pits near Kenesaw
Mountain, and guard the road at that point from the depreda-
tions of General Hood, who was then marching north to destroy
Sherman's communications, after the fall of Atlanta. Here they
remained until the 16th of October, when the recruits and
reenlisted veterans were transferred, by order of the "War Depart-
ment, to the Twenty-first Regiment, and the remainder of the
Tenth started northward, passed through Nashville, and reached
Milwaukee on the 25th, where they were subsequently mustered
out of service.
Those who were taken prisoners at Chicamauga, remained in
rebel prisons for thirteen months, and many of them were not
exchanged till March, 1865, while not a few were destined to
become martyrs in the rebel prison pens at Salsbury, Millen
and Andersonville.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 916. Gain — by recruits
in 1863, 20, in 1864, 85 ; veteran reenhstments, 13 ; total, 1,034.
Loss — by death, 219; deserted, 21; transferred, 23 ; discharged,
316 ; mustered out, 455.
OHAPTEE XIX
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— ELEVENTH INFANlr*
Regimental Roster — At Sulphur Springs — Steele's Advanc*
INTO Arkansas — Battle of Bayou Cache — Helena, Ark. —
Return to Missouri — Join Grant's Forces near Vicksburg —
March Across the Peninsula — Battle near Port Gibson —
Champion Hills — Black River Bridge — Before Vicksburg —
Assault of the 22d of May — Second Battle at Jackson, Miss.
— Transferred to the Department of the Gulf — Berwick City
— Teche Expedition — Return — Embark for Texas — Return
TO Brashier City — Move to Mobile — Assault on Fort Blakeley
— "War Closed — On Duty at Mobile — Mustered Out — Return
Home — Statistics.
THE first company of the Eleventh Regiment was called into
Camp Randall, Madison, on the 23d of September, 1861,
and the organization and muster of the regiment was com-
pleted on the 18th of October, 1861. The roster of the regiment
was as follows :
Colonel — CHARLES L. HARRIS.
Lieutenant CbtoneJ— Charles A. Wood; 3i"cyor — Arthur Platt; y44;«tan^ — Daxiel
Lincoln; Qitartermaster — CnAm,KsG. Mayers; (Surg-eore— Henry P. Strong; J^rst As-
siitant Surgeon — Edward Everett ; Second Assistant Suraemi — C. C. Barnes ; Chaplain —
Rev. James B. Britton.
Co, Captains.
A— Daaiel E. Hough,
B — J. H.Hubbard,
C — Charles Perry,
D— J. S. Miller, -
E — L.H.Whittlesey,
F — Edward R. Chase,
G— W. F. Pelton,
H — Alexander Chrystie,
I — E. G.Whitter,
K— H. J. Lewis.
First Lietitennnis,
P. W. Jones,
E. S. Oakley,
James Lang,
W. Hill,
Abner Powell,
E. D. Stone,
E. D. Partridge,
Eli H. Mix,
Dewitt C Benham,
J. W. Hunt.
Second Lieutenants,
W. L. Freeman,
James M. Bull,
Oscar F. Mattice,
W. H. Dawson,
Sidney Shepherd,
B, E. Jaekson,
H. Blake,
Isaac J. Wright,
Jerome Chesebro,
R. P. House.
560 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 19tli of ITovember, the Eleventh left the State for St.
Louis, arriving there on the 21st, and next day proceeded to
Sulphur Springs, twenty-three miles below St. Louis, on the Iron
Mountain Railroad, where the regiment remained all winter,
stationed, in detachments, for fifty miles along the road, guarding
the bridges, and preserving the communications in southeast
Missouri. They were also employed in building block houses
near the bridges, for their protection. On the 12th of March,
the regiment moved to Pilot Knob, where it was assigned to the
division of General Steele, who was about marching to join the
forces of General Curtis, on White River. Leaving Pilot Knob,
the regiment marched on the 23d, for Reeves' Station, on Black
River, thirty miles north of the Arkansas line, where it joined
the army of General Steele, and was assigned to the Second
Brigade, commanded by Colonel C. E. Hovey. Troops, about 8,000
in number, were congregated at this point, under General Steele.
On the 19th of April, General Steele commenced his southward
march, by the way of Pitman's Ferry, Pocahontas, and Bird's
Point, striking White River at Jacksonport, on the 10th of May,
and moving thence to Batesville, on the 25th, where a junction
was formed with the army of General Curtis. During this
march, the means of transportation were limited, and the men
suffered much from scarcity of rations, and the animals from want
of forage. The country was so sparsely settled that it was im-
possible to obtain subsistence by foraging, and all the supplies
had to be transported from Pilot Knob. The country is des-
cribed as a wilderness abounding in cypress swamps, and cane
brakes, with a poisonous malaria infecting the atmosphere. The
» command suffered much from sickness and hardships on this
march. General Steele's division being the advance of General
Curtis' forces, left Batesville for Little Rock on the 23d of June,
marching by way of Jacksonport, at the junction of Black and
White rivers, intending to stop at Clarendon, on White River,
where they expected to find supplies, which were ordered to be
sent up White River to that point. After marching about fifteen
miles, blockades of timber, made by felling the trees in the road,
were encountered. These were soon cleared away by the pio-
neers. On the 30th of June, the regiment, while guarding a large
forage train, encountered the enemy's pickets, which they
BATTLE OF BAYOU CACHE. 561
dispersed, and also had a brush with a squad of cavah*y, and routed
them. Encountering "timber blockades" wherever the ground
was favorable to the designs of the rebels, and clearing them
away in much less time than it took to construct them, the
command arrived at Augusta, where the forces rested until the
6th of July, in the meantime celebrating the "Glorious Fourth"
to the best of their ability. On the 6th, General Steele's com-
mand left Augusta at eight o'clock, A. M., and passed over a low,
level country, to Bayou Cache, near Cache Elver, where another
formidable timber blockade was found. Soon after camping in
a dense canebrake, they were greeted by rebel shots from the
other side of the river. The enemy was easily silenced by a few
shells from the brigade battery. Working parties were sent
forward in the morning, to clear the blockade. Company D,
Captain Miller, Company I, Lieutenant Doane, Company H,
Captain Christie, and Company G, Captain Partridge, of the
Eleventh, with three companies of the Thirty-third Illinois, and
a mountain howitzer, all under command of Colonel Harris, vere
ordered to make a reconnoissance in advance of the pioneers, in
the direction of Peach Orchard Bluif. Company D was in ad-
vance, deployed as skirmishers. Reaching Hill's plr.ntadon,. the
skirmishers were fired on. The command confiscated a ready
cooked dinner, and also a couple of wagon loads of bacon and
molasses. Taking the road to Des Arc, Colone.^ Harris, with the
four companies of the Eleventh and the howit^^er. moved rapidly
forward. Proceeding half a mile, the enemy were enccmntered
near a turn in the road. They fired a volley at the skirmishers.
Companies D and I were immediately deployed on the right and
left of the road, with the howitzer on the extreme left. Compa-
nies H and G were in the road. The skirmishei*s were soon
engaged with the enemy, and it tvs^s ascertained that a heavy
rebel force was in front. Colon ei Harris and Adjutant Lincoln
were at tie front, in the hottesi of the fire. Companies H and I
were ordered forward at a double quick. An order for the
skirmishers to fall back on the battalion, was mistaken for aa
order to retreat. While Colonel Harris endeavored to rally
them, he was wounded in the arm and leg, but still sat on his
horse. The daring eourage' of their Colonel assured the retreat-
ing companies, and they rallied, and retreated in very good order,
36
562 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
fighting, and doiDg good execution upon tlie ranks of the rebels.
The enem}^ had his force on each side of the road, concealed in
the underbrush. The rebels made a dash to capture the howit-
zer, but Captain Partridge, who had it in charge, rallied his men
around the piece, and brought it off in safety., A short distance
to the rear, the battalion halted, where, with the detachment of
the Thirty-third Illinois, which had been brought up by Colonel
Ilovej^, it again formed across the road. Here the pursuing rebels
were met by a tremendous volley, which emptied many saddles,
and caused them to retreat. At this time, a detachment of the
First Indiana Cavalry came up, having heard the firing when
some miles off, and charged the rebels with such determination
and energy, that they broke and fled, and were pursued by oui
cavahy several miles, killing and wounding a large number of
them. The ground was held, and reinforcements arriving, the
force camped on the battle field. The enemy's force is variously
stated at from 1,500 to 2,500, under the command of Colonel
Albert "Rust. IsText day our forces buried over one hundred and
fifty dead rebels. Their wounded had been borne from the field.
They were armed with smooth bore rifles and shot guns, which
were not available against the superior arrns of the Union forces.
This is known as the battle of Bayou Cache.
This being their first fight, the soldiers and ofiScers of the
Eleventh are entitled to great credit for their coolness and
courage in facing S'lch overpowering numbers.
The casualties, as reported, were :
Kittled or Died of Wounds.- Company D — Orderly Sergeant Nathan Hoyt, Corporal
G.C.White, Private Joseph Brace. Compa??^^ G — Corporal Wm. M. Hayden. Omipany
/r— Orderly Sergeant A. A. C. Raco«, Corporal B. P. Benson, Private Wm. Powderly —7.
Wounded. — /^ieZri Oi^icer— Colonel C. L. Harris, In leg and arm. Company D— Corpo-
rals n. W. Thomas and G. N. Miekel, Privates C. McArthy, in three places, Andrev?-
Snider, D. Fogo, John Reesbeck, P. Acton and D. Burnett. Company G — Sergeant W. S.
McCreedy, Corporal Jerome Calkins, L. H Parks, C. B. Jacobs, S. W. Jones, I. S. Welsh
and Jacob Shedle. Company H— Captain A. Chrystie, Privates H. H. Laith, J. L. Levine,
O. B. Lyon, J. S. Dickinson, John Haney, E. D. Bidwell and Robt. Murray. Company I—
Lieutenant N. R. Doan, Sergeant H. H. Hopkin?, Corporal L. W. Medley, Privates Peter
Everson, G. F. Hamer, Amos Shepard, A. Nash, H. C. Harrington, S. Marvin, George
Gordon, O. Parmalee, S. C. Benjamin, W. W. Coon and James Bedient— 38.
Leaving the battlefield, the command moved by way of Bayou
de Vue, to Clarendon, thirty miles, bver burning sand, and sut-
fered greatly from a scarcity of water. Green, slimy water from
RETURN TO MISSOURI. 563
the bwamps, was the chief resource for slaking thirst, and hun-
dreds gave out, unable to march further. Arriving at Clarendon
,on the 10th, they found that the boats with supplies had returned
down the river. ITo alternative was left but to march sixty-five
miles farther, to Helena. Suffering from want of food, and the
hardships of marching through, a country sparsely settled, the
regiment, with the rest of Steele's division, arrived at Helena
on the 13th of July, very much exhausted. At Helena, the regi-
ment remained until it was rested, and somewhat recovered from
its recent long march. On the 26th, they moved with the Second
Brigade, to Oldtown, 24 miles from Helena, where they were
stationed, and detachments sent out to forage for supplies, and
confiscate rebel cotton. On the 30th, companies K, E, H, G and
B were sent eight miles below Oldtown, to forage for cotton in
Mississippi, had a skirmish with the enemy on the Ist of
August, and had one man wounded. They were reinforced by
Colonel Hovey, with some Illinois companies and a company of
cavalry, and companies C and I, of the Eleventh, and marched
five miles into the country, where the enemy were encountered,
protecting a cotton gin, and a skirmish ensued, in which The-
9philus Cross, of Company B, was mortally wounded, and
Corporal John Hunter and George Beaumont, both of Company
E, were wounded. The expedition returned to Oldtown with
over 400 bales of cotton. The regiment remained at Oldtown,
engaged in cotton and other foraging expeditions, until the 20th
of September, when the command, suftering much from sickness,
moved to Sugar Point, in a dry and healthy location. Here Col-
onel Harris and Major Piatt rejoined the regiment, having been
absent on furlough, Lieutenant Colonel Wood being left in
command.
Accompanying the return of General Curtis' forces to Missouri,
that General having been appointed to that department, the
Eleventh arrived at Sulphur Springs early in October, where it
remained until the 14th, when it moved to Pilot Knob, remained
there till the 5th of November, and then moved thirty miles, to
Patterson, where it went into camp. Here it was assigned to a
new brigade, which was placed under command of Colonel Harris,
and numbered the First Brigade, First Division, General Benton,
Army of Southeast Missouri. In the latter part of M" 3 f ember,
564 MTLTTARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
they moved sixteen miles, to Black River, and were, during the
winter, successively camped at Van Buren, West Plains, Middle-
brook, and Pilot Knoh, following the movements of the army of
Southeast Missouri, which was engaged in general patrol and
guard duty in the southeast part of the state.
March 11th, two divisions of the army of Southeast Missouri,
under General Carr, were ordered to join the forces of General
Grant, who was concentrating his troops near Helena, preliminary
to the attack on Yicksburg. Marching to St. Genevieve, the
Eleventh Regiment embarked with the rest of the brigade, and
proceeded to Memphis, thence to Helena, and on the 22d of
March, landed at Milliken's Bend, a few miles above Yicksburg,
where the First Division was assigned to the Thirteenth Army
Corps, General McClernand. The division was commanded by
Brigadier General Carr, and Colonel Harris was in command of
the Second Brigade, in which was located the Eleventh
Wisconsin.
Taking part with the Thirteenth Corps in its march across the
peninsula, opposite Yicksburg, the Eleventh landed at Bruins-
burg on the 30th of April, and immediately commenced the
march towards Port Gibson, with the SecondBrigade, which was
placed under the command of Colonel Stone, Colonel Harris
being sick, although he remained on the field and shared the
dangers. Moving cautiously forward over the rough roads, the
brigade advanced till about one o'clock in the morning, when the
enemy were found in force near Magnolia Church, about four
miles from Port Gibson. Owhig to the darkness, it was difficult
to see the enemy ; when found, however, an artillery fire was
opened, and kept up for about two hours, when, the moon disap-
pearing, operations were suspended, and the two armies rested
on their arms until half past six in the morning, when the enemy,
having selected a good position near the church, quietly awaited
the approach of the Union forces. The fight now began in ear-
nest, the enemy commencing the attack, supported by his artillery.
The Second Brigade was soon in line, and the brigade battery
replied to the enemy's fire. Other brigades were soon in action,
the Second occupying the center, and the fight became severe.
About ten o'clock, the enemy massed his force in front of the
brigade, and advanced, with the design of breaking the center,
BATTLE OF PORT GIBSON. 565
when Colonel Stone moved his brigade forward in two lines of
battle. Crossing a deep hollow, covered with brush on both
slopes, they advanced close to the enemy's lines, and opened lire
Avith such rapidity and precision, that the rebels soon broke and
fled.
Remaining but a few minutes on the field, the brigade moved
in pursuit, and about a mile from the recent battle field, the
enemy again opened fir© upon the Eleventh Regiment, which
was in the advance. The brigade was again in line, and the bat-
tery firing on the enemy. The rebel batteries opened upon the
brigade with great fury, and for half an hour it alone sustained a
terrific fire from the enemy's guns, when they were reinforced by
other brigades and batteries, and the battle again raged fiercely
all along the lines. The Second Brigade remained in front during
the entire engagement, and did not retire until the enemy had,
the second time, been driven from the field. Colonel Stonp,
commanding the brigade, spoke in glownng terms of the conduct
of his troops, specially complimenting Lieutenant Colonel Wood,
who commanded the Eleventh, Captain Whittlesey, of the Elev-
enth, who acted as his Assistant Adjutant General, and Lieuten-
ant R. E. Jackson, of the Eleventh, who acted as one of his aids.
General Carr also spoke highly of the brigade, and personally
complimented Colonel Harris, who, although too ill to command
the Second Brigade, was present, and shared in all its dangers.
The casualties in the Eleventh, as we find reported, were :
ICiL,i>ED OR Died of Wounds.— Company A — Private Frederick Stevens. Company C
— Private Edmund Wilcox. Company E— Private Reese G. Davis. Coiir/Kmy F— Private
Mr rk Brannan. Company H— Privates Festus W Hartson and G. W. Knisley — 6.
Wounded. — Company A — Privates Benjamin Fowler and Obadiah Rice. Company C
— Private H. 0. Leland. Company D — Privates Cyrus Butler and Pliilip Acton. Omipany
JS — Privates Thomas Smith and Samuel C. Kirkpatrick. Omipany F— Pri vates JSIicliael
Farley, Tliomas W. Hunt and Andrew Ripple. Company J?— Privates Stephen R. Rice,
Thomas Edwards and Horace Sheldon. Company /—Privates Merritt H. Day and
Samuel H. Parker— 15.
On the 2d of May, the enemy evacuated Grand Gulf, and the
Second Brigade was sent to that place, the Eleventh being em-
ployed as provost guard until the 5th, when the command marched
towards Jackson, arriving within five miles of that place, when
General Grant ordered a change in the direction of the march,
towards Edwards' Station, in order to prevent the forces of
.Pemberton, at Yicksburg, from attacking his rear. General
566 MILITARY HISTORY OF WIPrONSIN.
Lawler took command of the Second Brigade, and Colonel Harris
again took command of the Eleventh. The division of General
Carr was in the advance towards Vicksburg, and was present at
the battle of Champion Hills, but was in the reserve, the First
brigade only taking part in the battle. The Second Brigade
joined in the pursuit of the rebels, and was in the advance on the
enemy's fortifications at Black River Bridge. About 8 o'clock,
on the 17th, the enemy's pickets were driven in, and the Second
Brigade, which occupied the extreme right of the line, pressed
forward two miles, the Eleventh Wisconsin and Twenty-third
Iowa in front. Company A, Captain Hough, was in the advance
as skirmishers. These moved forward to a newly planted corn-
field, which lay each side of the road. On the opposite side of
this field, about half a mile off", were the enemy's breastworks,
extending along and behind a narrow bayou. The skirmishers
advanced into this field about 150 yards, and the line of battle was
formed near the fence. The skirmishers opened fire. The order
came to lie down, which was hardly executed before a volley of
bullets passed harmlessly over the heads of those in line of battle.
Several of the skirmishers were wounded, Captain Hough,, of
Company A, mortally. The Second Brigade moved forward to
the right, till they reached a bayou within 250 yards of the ene-
my's works. There being a bank along this bayou, the right of
the brigade passed around to within sixty yards of the enemy's
works, the left being under cover of the bank. It was deemed
impossible for troops to pass across that level cornfield, in the
face of the enemy's fortifications. An artillery fire was opened
and kept up for two hours, only skirmishers and sharpshooters
of the infantry being engaged. At length the infantry were
ordered to charge. They rush into the level field, while the
enemy's fire sweeps relentlessly through their ranks. Onward
they press, the dead and wounded strewing their pathway. The
rebels pour in a deadly musketry fire from their intrenchments,
which does not stay the advancing foe. When they arrive within
fifty 3^ards of the works, the rebels break and flee, and the next
moment their breastworks are in our possession. The Eleventh
Wisconsin was the first to leap into their works, and pursue the
flying rebels. Their retreat across the Black River Bridge was
cut off, some few swimming the river and escaping, but the rest
ASSAULT OF TWEiNTY-SECOJsD OF MAY. 567
were soon compelled to surrender. The Eleventh lieginient
alone took more than a thousand prisoners. The flag ofthe First
Missouri Lifantry was captured hy private Roswell Clark, of
Company F.
The casualties, as reported, were :
Killed ok Died of Wovnds.— C&mpany ^ — Captain D. E. Hough, First Lieutenant
William D. Freeman, died in 1864; Private Ransom Bowman — 3.
Wounded.— Cmnpany ^4— Private Peter Kelloch. Company O— Privates John Anderson
and William Folendorff. Company D — Sergeant James H. Robinson, Private William
Hill. Company i?"- Private Patrick Dolan. Company H— Captain Chrystie. Cmnpany I
—Private A. C. Hopkins —8.
Moving from Black River Bridge the next day, with the Thir-
teenth Army Corps, the Eleventh took its position in the trenches
before Vicksburg. The division was placed in support of two
siege pieces and two pieces of the First Wisconsin Battery, Cap-
tain Foster, which opened fire on the enemy's works on the 19th
of May.
In the celebrated assault on the 22d of May, the division of
General Carr, occupied the centre with Smith's division on the
right, and Osterhaus' on the left, with Ilovey's as a support.
Each regiment moved forward as far as possible, in battle line,
without exposing itself. Bayonets were fixed, the signal was
given and the regiments rushed forward at a run. Thick and
fast fell the iron and leaden rain from the enemy's works. Many
fell but still they pushed ou, and soon reached a deep gully
down which they descended, crossed through the canebrake in
the ravine, and mounted the steep slope on the opposite side, from
which the enemy had cleared the timber, thus affording no
protection from the terrible fire which swept the whole hillside.
This surmounted, a similar ravine was yet between them and the
enemy's works. Here the fire of the enemy swept the ground
from right to left. It was impossible to cross this second ravine
under such a storm of fire, and the regiment was ordered to lie
down, protecting itself by the slope ofthe ground. Here the
regiment remained till night, firing as they lay, when they with-
drew, carrying off' most of their wounded. Many of these, however
remained until the 25th, before they could be removed.
The following casualties were reported :
Killed or Died of Wounds — Owipanj/ ^—Privates Jonas Hazeltine, R. Enright
and Charles Reeves. Company B — Private Fred Londen. Company C — Lieutemmt H-
568 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
E. Smith, Private Charles Ingamells. Companj/ /)— Private Philip Acton. Cxmrpmiy IS
Sergeant W. R. Jones, Privates Grant Andrews, R. Scott, Isaac Newton, John Stevens
and John Scott. Company if— Sergeants William M. Davis and William S. Stearns, Pri-
vates John Butler and O. S. Mather. Company G — Captain John A. Peaslee, Lieutenant
James Law, Privates Festus Daily, Jacob A. Michael, J. Langenhart, David Kocheiv
Henry M. May, John Marquette and George W. Stroud. Company H — Sergeants Cliarles
Brunachler and H. H. Jacobus, Corporal James Hughbanks, Privates William M. Fay, W.
Kent and O. S. Robinson. Company I— Privates Ole Halverson and Isaac M. Walker.
Cmipany JK"— Sergeant W. B. Roblee, Privates Philip Robinson and J. Spurgeon— 38.
Wounded.— Company A — Sergeant Loren Walker, Privates J. Hillier, J. Sliaffer, N. S.
Hazeltines, M. Quinlin, M. Donahu* and Peter Bradshaw. Company 5— Sergeants H.J.
Lunneberg and Darwin Glidden, Corporals Daniel Cook, William Taylor and H. J.
Norton, Privates C. M. Eaton, J. Damon, J. M. Sandford, J. N. Glidden, E. R. Nichols, P.
O'Brien and C. F. Smith. Company C— Sergeant John Brink, Privates Henrj' Brink,
Nelson Hyer, Scott Case, Fred Bowman, Tabor Sherman and A. M. Tliayer. Company D
— Privates John Risenback and John M. Jaquisli. Com;pany ^—Sergeant T. W. Risk,
Corporals Nelson O'Connor and Charles J. Bracken, Private E. Cheeney. Comjmny F—
Privates G. W. Brown, George G. Mory, Martin Redding William Devine and William
Stackhouse. Cb??i^an^ G — Corporals Ed. Borwell, George W. Farwell and L.H. Parks,
Privates George Kolb, James Nary, Eleazer Moore, David Wingar, H. H. Woodcock and
George H. Baker. Company H—ljieuteneiiit Charles Allen, Sergeant J. E. Lyon, Privates
F. Bower, W. G. Hughbanks, J. H. Kerr, W. Gnoedig, J. F. Mason and J. B. Cowen.
Company I— Corpornl Hollis Stedman, Privates J. A. Hake, Henry Harrington, Scott
Harrington and Lester Shadduck. Company A'— Sergeants B. F. Lisk and Ed. Jones,
Corporals C. C. Nelson and J. W. Hughs, Privates Marcus Cramer, H. Holverson, H. E.
Harrington, W. Kruger, Fred. Gtotschaw and George Harmon — 69.
After the charge on the 22d of May, the Eleventh were con-
tinually on guard or fatigue duty, during the whole period of the
siege, and were obliged to occupy the trenches every night,_ and
enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in tents only twice in the whole
time. This round of duties was interrupted on the 2d of July,
and the regiment marched to Black River Bridge, to prevent a
rebel raid on the rear. The rebels recrossed the river, and the
regiment returned to the trenches, and the city was surrendered
next day.
The casualties during the siege, in the month of June, as
reported, were :
Kit-TjED or Dikd of WotTNDS.— Company ^-Private Oliver W. Phelps. Omipany G
— Private Thomas Tiernan. Company J— Private Harvey Weller— 3.
Wo-u-sv>-E.T>.— Company i)— Corporal Ben. Williams. Company 6? — Privates Charles
Bywaterand AlonzoStroud. fb?»po«j/T— Private Fred. Wendry. Cbmpowj/.K'- Privates
J. B. Flanagan and J. Burgess — 6.
The Eleventh, with Carr's division, took part in the marcli of
General Sherman on Jackson, after the eurreilder of Vicksburg.
On the 13th of July, the enemy was driven to his works, and on
the 17th, the city was entered^by our troops, the enemy evacu-
ating the place during the night, 'the division of General Carr
was employed two days in destroying about five miles of the track
TECIIE EXPEDITION. 569
of tLe Mobile and Mississippi Railroad.. They returned to
Vicksbnrg, and went into camp on the banks of the Mississippi,
with the Thirteenth Army Corps, on the 24th.
In the skirmishes on the 12th, the Eleventh lost :
Killed.— Cmnpany B — Corporal William Richardson, Private Christian F. Smith — 2
Wounded.— Cmnpany ^ — Private Walter Bedford — 1.
Lieutenant Colonel "Wood resigned on the 7th of June, and
Captain L. H. Whittlesey was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel.
Major Piatt resigned on the 9th of July, and Captain Jesse S.
Miller was commissioned as Major.
In the reorganization of the Thirteenth Army Corps, the
Eleventh was designated as the First Regiment, Second Brigade,
of the First Division, which was placed under the command of
Major General C. C. Washburne. The Thirteenth Corps was
transferred to the Department of the Gulf, and left Vicksburg
for New Orleans on the 13th of August, and was subsequently
ordered to Brashier City, a place ninety miles west of New
Orleans, on Berwick Bay, and the terminus of the Great Western
Railroad. Colonel Harris was again in command of the brigade.
Moving to Berwick, the Thirteenth Corps was employed until
the 3d of October, in preparations for the "second Teche exfpedi-
tion:" then leaving Berwick City, and marching to New Iberia,
there awaited the appearance of the Nineteenth Corps, under
General Franklin, which was to take part in the expedition.
Here the First and Second brigades were detached, and sent to
St. Martinsville, where the enemy's pickets were encountered.
They were driven in, and the Eleventh formed in line as skir-
mishers, covering the column, and entered and took possession
of the town. The command then marched to Bayou La Tortue,
where it- bivouacked, and next day moved to Vermillion Bayou.
Nothing occurred during the remainder of this expedition, of his-
torical importance. The brigade returned to Berwick City on
the 10th of November, having performed a toilsome march of
215 miles, over bad roads, through a difficult country, during
eold and stormy weather.
Taking part in General Banks' operations in Texas, the Elev-
eoith, with General Washburn's division, embarked on a steamer
at Algiers, and landed at Brazos Santiago, on the 23d. Compa-
nies A, C, E and G, were landed at Point Isabel, when a violent
570 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCOKfSIN.
storm arose, and the balance of the regiment was unable to land.
It proceeded to Mustang Island, and disembarked. Crossing
Aransas Pass, they bivouacked on St. Joseph Island, with orders
to reinforce General Washburn, at Fort Esparanza, fifty miles
distant. Here the men suffered much from want of shelter, and
the island afforded no fire wood. On the 28th, they commenced
their march through the deep sand, carrying five days' rations
and fifty rounds of ammunition. They reached Fort Esperanza
on the 2d of December, much exhausted by their severe march.
Being joined by the missing companies on the 7th, they marched
to Ducrow's Point, on Matagorda Peninsula, where they received
their camp equipage, and went into camj). On the 12th, they
proceeded to Indianola, and took possession of the place.
The regiment remained on duty in the vicinity of Matagorda
Bay, and Indianola, until the 11th of February, 1864, when,
upwards of three-fourths of their number having reenlisted, the
regiment was mustered as a veteran organization. The non-
veterans were temporarily transferred to the 23d Wisconsin, and
the regiment embarked for New Orleans, on their way to Wis-
consin, on veteran furlough. Reaching there on the 23d, they
were detained for want of transportation, until the 10th of March,
when they proceeded up the Mississippi River, reaching Madison
on the 21st, where they were welcomed by the State authorities, and
received a new set of colors. The men dispersed to their homes,
and on the 23d of April, reassembled at Camp Washburn, Mil-
w^aukee, and again left the State, reaching Memphis, Tenn., on
the 29tli, where they were detained by General Washburn, and
went into camp. Here they took part in General Sturgis' expe-
dition into Western Tennessee and northern Mississippi, also
participated in that General's skirmish with Forrest's cavalry, and
returned to Memphis on the abandonment of the ex^Jedition.
The regiment moved down the river to Carrolton, whence they
proceeded to Brashier City, where they arrived on the 19th of
May. Colonel Harris was placed in command of that important
post. The regiment remained at Brashier City until the 26th
of February, 1865. During its occupation of this position, for
nearly nine months, the Eleventh Regiment was employed in the
usual guard and outpost duty. Frequent expeditions were sent
out. up the adjacent streams and bayous, for the capture of rebel
CAPTURE OF FORT BLAKELEY. 571
boat^ or supplies intended for the rebel army, and for destroying
the enemy's communications. In June, seven companies of the
regiment went on an expedition up Bayou Teche, and encoun-
tered a body of the enemy's cavalry, which they put to flight,
and pursued to Pattersonville. Companies E and K, under
Captain Lewis, were successful in capturing a band of rebel cav-
alry, who were engaged in destroying the raih'oad and telegraph
lines. Companies A and G, under Major Miller, went up Ba^'ou
Long, and destroyed every description of craft which could be
made available for the transportation of rebel troops. Li July,
Company F, under Lieutenant McConnell, proceeded in a gun-
boat to Grand Lake, where they destroyed a number of flatboats,
which were being constructed by the rebels. Frequent recon-
noissances were made into the adjacent country. Major Miller
and Captain Wyraan proceeded with two detachments, on gun-
boats, to Grand Lake, and after eftecting a thorough reconnois-
saiice of the country, returned with a barge loaded with bales of
cotton.
On the 10th of August, Lieutenant Colonel Whittlesey was on
detached duty at N"ew Orleans, leaving the regiment under the
command of Major Miller.
The non-veterans of the Eleventh arrived at Madison on the 25th
of October, under command of Captain Lang, of Company C,
and were mustered out of service.
In January and February, the regiment was engaged in build-
ing the fortifications which had been projected at Brashier
City ; one hundred men being detailed for that purpose daily.
Cn the 26th of February, the Eleventh Regiment left Brashier
City for ISTew Orleans, where it was assigned to the Third Brig-
ade, Second Division, General Gerrard, of the Sixteenth Army
Corps, Avhich was destined to operate against the City of Mobile.
Colonel Harris was in command of the brigade, and Major Miller
commanded the regiment. On-tlie 9th of March, the Sixteenth
Corps embarked for Mobile, reaching Dauphin's Island on the
11th. Proceeding up Fish River, and thence towards Blakeley,
the regiment acted as guard to the train, while the main column
of the Sixteenth Army Corps joined in the investment of Spanish
Fort.
572 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 3d of April, the division marched from near SpanlA
Fort, to the support of General Steele at Blakeley, and took posi-
tion on the extreme left, thus completing the investment of the
place. The Eleventh was thrown forward as the support to a
skirmish line, with instructions to advance as close as possible to
the enemy's works, connecting with the brigade on the right,
then to intrench and hold the ground. This was accomplished,
the skirmish line occupying a ridge, in front of the enemy's
works, about 900 yards distant, closely supported by the Elev-
enth, and working all night throwing up rifle pits. On the 6th,
the Eleventh Wisconsin, and One Hundred and Seventy-
eighth New York, were ordered to throw forward a line of skir-
mishers still nearer to the enemy, and drive them into their
main works. This was done with slight loss, although the men
were exposed to a heavy fire of artillery and musketry. The
main line moved forward to the first line occupied by the skir-
mishers, and zig zags were commenced towards the second skir-
mish line. On the 7th, the Eleventh Wisconsin was relieved
except one company on the left, acting as sharpshooters.
On the 9th, the division was ordered to move on the enemy's
works in two lines. The Third Brigade occupied the centi'e, the
Eleventh Wisconsin, One Hundred and Seventy-eighth New
York, and the Fifty-eighth Illinois forming the first line and the
assaulting column. Just before 6 o'clock P. M., the signal was
sounded by Colonel Harris. Breaking from their concealment
the gallant regiments composing the assaulting column, rushed
for the rebel works. The Eleventh Wisconsin, under Major
Miller, was in the advance, and was the first to reach the parapet,
and fighting hand to hand, succeeded in breaking the rebel lines
and were the first to plant their flag upon the works of Blakeley.
The gallantry of this charge will be understood, when the reader
is informed that in order to reach the enemy's works, it was
necessary to climb over the falleii trees and obstructions which
the enemy had looked to for protection, exposed all the while to
a tremendous fire from the enemy.
Lieutenant Angus McDonald, of Company A, was highly
spoken of for his gallantry m a hand to hand fight in the ditch
before the enemy's works. He had nothing but his sword, but
MUSTERED OUT. 573
succeeded in felling several of his foes, when he was shot in the
thigh, and bayonetted in the shoulder.
The gallant conduct of the Eleventh Wisconsin, elicited the
highest encomiums from those who witnessed their daring and
bravery in this last struggle of the Confederates.
The casualties at Blakeley were reported as follows :
KiiiiiED OK Died of Wounds. — Cbwipanj/ ^ — Corporal Joel F. Wheeler, Private Wra.
Turk. Company B — Privates James McGowan, John M. Robinson, Amlrew Bowman
and F. Melemwig. Company C — Lieutenant Richard Cadwell, Sergeant P. Wilber, Cor-
porals G. B. Ingamills and George Albaugh, Privates Reuben Amey and Jolm W. Ken-
nedy. Company J57— Sergeant W. H. Phelps, Corporal Murphy Shea, Privates Alexander
Shannon and Daniel McPherson. 0)mpany F — Private Alfred Welsh. Com,pany G —
Privates Daniel McGee and Samuel Partlon. Company H— Private R. Bacon. Company
A'— Private John Giebel — 21.
Wounded. — Ompan^/ ^ — Lieutenant Angus McDonald, in two places, Corporal Mil-
ton Haney, died. Privates Peter C. Bradshaw, April 6th, Christian Berry, Wm. P. Huks
and James Tliompson. Company B — lAenienAnt William Charleton, Sergeant Charles
White, Private William Blachford. Company C— Sergeant C. A. Uuger, Privates James
Sharp, April 7th, and William Alexander. Company Z) — Sergeant John Gwin, Privates
W. Bennett, Lyman Sparling, William Gillingham, John Dary and T. H. C. Hull.
Company E — Corporal D. B. Moore, Private X. Richardson. Company F — Sergeant L. F.
Locke, Corporal William Driesbach, Privates Peter Alexander, Pierce Butler, William
Divine and James O'Harrow. Company O — Sergeant Jerome Calkins, Privates .Stephen
Calkins and Bamford Dodge. Company H — Sergeant Alexander Ferber, Corporal Henry
C. Blake, Privates B. Ferber, A. Farnsworth, J. Lee, C. H. Porter, G. Winders and F.
Emerson. Company K — Privates W. H. H. Rood, George E. Crandall and Joseph E.
Wright— 40.
After the capture of Blakeley, the regiment marched to Mont-
gomery, Ala., where it remained doing garrison duty until the
23d of July, when it returned to Mobile and was assigned to
provost guard duty till mustered out on the 5th of September,
when it embarked for home, reaching Madison on tlie 18th of
September, where they were welcomed at the depot by Governor
Lewis, but declined a public reception as they were much
fetigued and desired to reach home.
Colonel Harris was brevetted Brigadier General, before he
left Mobile, for meritorious services during the war.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,029. Gain — by
recruits in 1863, 72, in 1864, 263, in 1865^ 24 ; by substitutes, 62 ;
by draft in 1865, 147 ; veteran reenlistments, 363 ; total, 1,965.
Loss — by death, 348; deserted, 25; transferred, 9 ; discharged,
319 ; mustered out, 1,264.
CHAPTEE XX.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWELFTH INFANTRY,
Regimental Roster — Leavenworth City — March to Fort Scott
— To Fort Riley — Return to Leavenworth — Embark for West
Tennessee — Join Grant's Southward Movement — March to
Memphis — Expedition to Coldwater — Move to Vicksburg —
The Siege — Battle of Jackson— Natchez — Return to Vicks-
burg— Veteran Re-enlistments — The Meridian Expedition —
Skirmish at Baker's Creek — On Veteran Furlough — Joins
General Sherman in Georgia — Battle at Kenesaw Mountain —
Nickajack Creek — Bald Hill, July 21-22 — Battle of the 28th
of July — Siege of Atlanta — Jonesboro — Lovejoy Station —
Join Sherman's Grand March — Savannah — Pocotaligo— Orange-
burg— GoLDSBORo — Johnston's Surrender — March to Wash-
ington— Grand Review — Move to Louisville — Return to
Wisconsin — Disbanded — Statistics
THE Twelfth Regiment was organized in October, 1861, at
Camp Randall, Madison, and left the State on the 11th of
Januaiy, 1862, with orders to report at Weston, Missouri. The
following was the roster :
Colonel— GEORGE E. BRYANT.
Lieutenant Colonel — DeW ITT C.FooT.^; J/cyor— William E. Strong; Atyutant— J as.
K. Proudfit; Quartermaster- — Andrew Sexton ; Surgeon — TjotherCxky; First Assist-
ant (Sursreon— Elijah A. WooBWAED ; Sectmd Assistant iSMrflrcowr— A. F. St. S. Lindsfeldt ;
Chaplain — Rev. Lemuel B. Mason.
Co. Captains. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutenants,
A — Noriuan McLeod, Orrin T. Maxon, Francis Hoy t,
B — Giles Stevens, Benjamin F. Blackman, James W- Lusk,
C — diaries G. Lceber, Francis W^ilson, Michael Can twell,
D— J. Martin Price, Thomas Farmer, William J. Norton,
E— Abram Vanderpool, " John Gillespie, Lewis T. Linnell,
F — George C. Norton, Levi Odell, Henry Turtilott,
G — Daniel Howell, Cliarles M. Webb, W. Wallace Botkln,
H—Milo E. Palmer, Nathan A. C. Smith, Charles C. Lovitt,
I — H. L. Turner, Van S. Bennett, Jerome S. Tinker,
K— Daniel R. Sylvester. Almon N. Chandler. Isaac Walker,
SOUTHWESTERN EXPEDITION. 575
Proceeding by way of Chicago to Quincy, 111., and finding the
river impassable, and the railroad track to Palmyra destroyed,
Colonel Bryant marched his command to a point twenty-two miles
below Quincy, in order to cross the river, arriving opposite Han-
nibal, at 4, P. M. Spending the night in the best manner they
could, with the thermometer twenty degrees below zero, and
without tents and but little shelter, the regiment crossed on the
morning of the 15th to Hannibal, where they were furnished
with open freight cars, without any means of keeping warm, and
rode 236 miles to "Weston, where they arrived next day, having
suffered much from the severity of the weather, and tlie want of
rations, those which the}' carried being frozen. Pemaining at
"Weston until the 15th of February, they moved to Leavenworth
City, and went into camp. Here the regiment was assigned to
'form part of General Lane's " Southwest Expedition," the troops
for which were to concentrate at Fort Scott, The Twelfth took
up its line of march, and arrived there on the 7th of ^March,
where it remained until the 27th, \vhen, owing to difficulties
connected with the command of the expedition, the "War Depart-
ment abandoned the project, and the Twelfth and Thirteenth
Wisconsin regiments were ordered to march to Lawrence, Kans.,
thence, they proceeded to Fort Riley in "Western Kansas, where
they remained with the expectation of being sent to New Mexico.
This project was also abandoned and the regiment, with the
Thirteenth, returned to Leavenworth City on the 27th of May.
Here they received orders to embark for Tennessee.
"With the rest of General Mitchell's brigade, to which the
Twelfth had been assigned, they proceeded by steamers down the
Missouri to St. Louis, thence they continued their journey to
Columbus, Ky., where they landed on the 2d of June. Events
having transpired near Corinth, which rendered the presence of
more troops unnecessary, the destination of General Mitchell's
brigade was changed. The rebels, on their retreat from Colum-
bus, had destroyed the railroad. The Twelfth Regiment was set
to work to repair the road, rebuild bridges, and at the same time
send out scouting parties after guerillas. The road was put in
running oi'der and the regiment moved on the 9tli of June, to
Humbolt, Tenn., where a junction, was efiected with the forces
of General Halleck. Colonel Bryant assumed command of the
576 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
post. Here the regiment was employed until the 1st of October,
in railroad guard duty, and in scouting, and preventing the
depredations of the guerillas. Moving to Bolivar, on the 1st
of October, the regijnent was attached to the Third Brigade,
Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps. Here they were
ordered to reinforce General Ilurlbut, near Pocahontas — made
a forced march of thirty miles in ten hours, but were too late to
take part in the pursuit of the rebels to the Hatchie river, after
the battle of Corinth. Returning to Bolivar, they remained
until General Grant began his southward movement, having for
its ultimate object the capture of Yicksburg. His army was
to penetrate south from West Tennessee, to Canton and Jackson,
in Mississippi while General Sherman attacked the city from the
river side. The Twelfth camped at La Grange on the 4th,
of ITovember, and on the 8th, engaged in a reconnoissanc'e to-
wards Holly Springs. The enemy retreated without fighting and
the regiment returned to La Grange next day. With the general
advance of the army the Twelfth left La Grange on the 28th of
November, and proceeded to Lumpkin's Mills, Holly Springs,
and thence to Yocona Creek, and Springdale Station still further
south on the Mississippi Central Eailroad. On the 20th of De-
cember, Holly Springs was surprised by the enemy, and sur-
rendered, which compelled General Grant to retrace his steps. A
countermarch was ordered and the regiment returned and went
into camp at Lumpkin's Mills, where it engaged in railroad guard
duty.
Major Strong, who had held the position of Division Lispector
General, was on the 13th of December, promoted to the position
of Acting Inspector General of the Seventeenth Army Corps.
With the division, the regiment in January, 1863, marched first
to Holly Springs, thence by way of Moscow and Lafayette, to Col-
lierville, and in Eebruary, moved to near Neville Station on the
Memphis and Charleston Railroad, where they engaged in guard-
ing the railroad until the 14th of March, when the division
marched to Memphis. During much of this time, Colonel Bryant
was in command of the Third Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Poole
commanding the regiment.
On the 18th of April, Colonel Bryant was placed in command
of a force of infantry, cavalry, and a battery, to cooperate with a
BATTLE AT COLDWATER. 577
force under General Smith, from La Grange, against the rebel
General Chalmers, on the Coklwater River, to divert his attention
from the celebrated raid of Colonel Grierson, which that officer
undertook in. the Spring of 1863, penetrating through the centre
of Mississippi, and arriving at Baton Rouge, La. Colonel Bry-
ant encountered the rebels in strong force at the river, and drove
them from their position, and waited some time for the appear-
ance of General Smith's force to attack in the rear. General
Smith failed to appear, and Colonel Bryant returned towards
Memphis, where he was met by an additional force, and returned
to Hernando, and there waited for signals of attack by General
Smith. i!^ot hearing from that offiicer, he returned to Memphis
with his command. The Twelfth formed part of the expedition
but suffered no loss.
On the 11th of May, the Fourth Division of General Lauman
moved do^\Ti the river to take part in the operations against
Vicksburg. Disembarking at Sherman's Landing, they marched
across the peninsula, and embarked on a transport and landed at
Grand Gulf on the 18th. Here Colonel Bryant was placed in
command of the post, and the Brigade engaged in guard and
fatigue duty and labor on the fortifications, until the return of
Colonel Johnson, the Brigade commander, who assumed com-
mand, and the Twelfth was sent up the river to Warrenton and
took position with the division, on the extreme left of the forces
investing Vicksburg, and immediately engaged on duty in the
trenches, Avhich was continued until the capitulation. Here
James Wiley, of Company A, and James Simons, of Company
B, are reported as ha\'ing been killed.
Lieutenant Colonel Poole, resigned on the 3d of July, and
Adjutant Jas. K. Proudfit, was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel
on the 30th.
On the day after the surrender of the city, the division Avhich
was attached to the Thirteenth Army Corps, General Ord, joined
the force of General Sherman, intended for an attack on the
enemy at Jackson, They arrived before that place on the lOth,
and immediately took position, Colonel Bryant being in com-
mand of the Third Brigade. On the 12th, General Lauman
ordered the First Brigade to charge upon the enemy's works.
They were repulsed with terrible slaughter. For this unfortunate
37
578 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
mistake, General Lauman was relieved, and the division placed
under the command of General Crocker. Three companies of
the Twelfth were deployed to protect the flank of the assaulting
column, but suffered no loss. The rebels evacuated their works
on the 16th. Owing to the scarcity of rations and water, the
enemy were not pursued, and the division, with the regiment,
returned to Vicksburg.
On the 15th of August, the Third Brigade embarked for
Natchez, to rejoin the division at that place, and reached there
next day, and went into camp. The regiment remained at
I^atchez until the latter part of November, without anything
occurring of historical importance, except an expedition to
Harrisonburg, La., where they found an abandoned fort, when they
returned to Vicksburg, going into camp ten miles east of the
city. On the 4th of December, they again embarked for
Natchez on a fruitless expedition after Wirt Adams' cavalry,
from which they returned to Vicksburg on the 23d of January,
1864, and went into camp at Hebron, northeast of the city,
where the regiment was reorganized as a veteran regiment, 520
men having reenlisted.
The Twelfth took part in Sherman's Meridian Expedition in
February, 1864. Leaving camp at Hebron on the 3d of Febru-
ary, they crossed Black River, and on the 4th, found the rebels
in position at Bolton Station, who opened fire on the Second
Brigade. One wing of the Twelfth was ordered to support an
Illinois regiment, who were acting as skirmishers. As they ad-
vanced in Hne, the rebels opened with artillery. A shell ex-
ploded in the ranks of Company I, killing Eugene Baldwin and
W. H. Murray, wounding 0. Lind, J. W. Dean, John Thorp and
George Everett, the first mortally. One wing of the Twelfth
was deployed as skirmishers, and advanced through a piece of
timber full of ravines and knolls. On emerging from this wood,
the rebels withdrew with their artillery, pursued by the Twelfth
to another bridge on Baker's Creek. Here the other wing of the
regiment came up. Lieutenant Jones, of Company C, volun-
teered to cross the bridge and picket the road, which was done.
The planks which had been thrown from the bridge were
brought up and relaid by the rest of the regiment, notwith-
standing the severe fire of the enemy's skirmishers. Charging
MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 579
across the bridge, the Twelfth drove everything before it, and
held the bridge, in spite of the rebels, until relieved next
morning by the Third Division. For their gallantry on this
occasion, the regiment was highly complimented by their
division commander.
Proceeding through Jackson, which they assisted in destroy-
ing, they reached Brandon, where they destroyed the depots,
bridges, etc., and burnt most of the town. They continued on
to Decatur, where their foraging party was attacked, and Thos.
McDonald, of Coijipany D, and Lewis Murray, of Company I,
were wounded, and George W. Myers, of Company D, was
killed. Proceeding to Meridian, the division was sent twenty
miles south on the Mobile and Ohio Eailroad, where they cap-
tured the town of Enterprize, and destroyed it, with its depots,
machine shops, etc. Next day, February 17th, the brigade
marched eighteen miles further, to Quitman, where they de-
stroyed a long bridge, depots, etc., and most of the town,
returning to Meridian on the 19th, tearing up the railroad
track as they returned. General Sherman promulgated a com-
plimentary order, thanking the officers and men for the effect-
ive manner in Which they had carried out his orders. The
expedition returned to Vicksburg, leaving the country behind
them a ruin and desolation. "When near Canton, the regiment
had a skirmish with the rebels, and drove them about three
miles, without any loss. On the 4th of March, they reentered
their camp. On this trip, they marched 416 miles in 31 days.
The veterans of the regiment, on the 13th of March, left
for Wisconsin on veteran furlough, arriving at Madison on the
21st, where they were publicly received by the State authori-
ties and the members of the legislature, and on the 31st
dispersed to their homes on furlough.
In April, General Sherman promulgated an order for all
veteran regiments, belonging to the Armies of the Ohio, Cum-
berland and Tennessee, on furlough, to join him in Tennessee.
Accordingly, on the gathering of the regiment at Camp Ran-
dall, from veteran furlough, on the 30th of April, they pro-
ceeded to Cairo, where they were joined by the non- veterans
from camp near Vicksburg. Accompanying the forces of
General Gresham, the regiment proceeded up the Tennessee
580 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
River, and landed at Clifton, Tenn., on the 14tli, thence they
marched by Huntsville and Decatur, Ala., to Rome, Ga,, nearly
300 miles, and joined the "Army of the Tennessee" at Ack-
worth, Ga., on the 8th of June. Here they became identified
with the Atlanta campaign, under General Sherman.
On the 10th, the regiment, with the division, took its place
in the advance, and on the night of the 11th, arrived within
two miles of the enemy's position, at the base of Kenesaw
Mountain. Here they began to throw up intrenchments, work-
ing most of the night. The next two days thej lay in camp.
On the 14th, another line of breastworks were thrown up a
quarter of a mile nearer the enemy, on the crest of a hill, and
about 1000 yards from the enemy's rifle pits. On the 15th,
large masses of rebels were noticed in a piece of pine woods,
in front of the position, who kept up a galling fire. Gene-
ral Blair, expressing a desire to know the condition of things
behind this rebel cover, twenty-five men from each of six com-
panies of the Twelfth were detached, under Captain Maxon,
who volunteered to lead the desperate enterprise. Crossing
the open space at a double quick, they endeavored, in vain,
to penetrate the matted copse of briars, vines and young pines.
Captain Maxon at last found an opening, through which he
pressed with his command, and came upon the rifle pits of the
enemy filled with men. Crossing them, with part of his little
force, he opened an enfilading fire, which soon emptied the rifle
pits, the rebels fleeing for life to their reserves. For forty rods,
the pits were emptied by the little band of Captain Maxon, when
a rebel brigade made their appearance, and opened on the de-
tachment. Captain Maxon's men took shelter behind the cap-
tured rifle pits, and volley after volley was poured into them, and
the fire was gallantly returned. At length, the enemy charged
bayonets, when Captain Maxon ordered his men to fall back,
which they did in good order, halting as soon as they were clear
of the thicket, and preparing to dispute the ground, with the as-
sistance of the slvirmishers in the rifle pits. General McPherson,
and the division and brigade commanders, complimented Captain
Maxon and his little band for their indomitable bravery in thus
bearding the foe in his den, and driving a brigade out of their
AT NICKAJACK CREEK. 581
rifle pits, and holding the ground in face of all opposition for
twenty minutes with a force of only 150 men.
The casualties, as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of \yovsi)S.— Company S— Private Nathaniel Camp. Company F—
Frank Coverts — 2.
Wounded. — Company A —Private Josiah B. Rogers. Cmnpany £— Privates Harrison
O. Field, Albert E. Higbee and Albert J. Sprague. Cbwrpo-nj/ C— Privates Lewis Paul
Morgan D. Kinney, M. Maissort and E. Paul, missing. Company Z> — Private Moses .Scott.
Company E—'Pr\\Ates H. D. Vaughn and Silas B. Allen. Company F—Coi-poYixWvcd
Byers, Privates Edward Leak, Gabriel Cooli, Albert A. Lyon and Wm. Cusic. Company
G — Private Andrew Oleson. Company J7— Privates Leroy Mack and Joseph Smith.
Company I— Lieutenant Hoyt— 20.
During the balance of the month, the regiment was employed
in picket and fatigue duty, with fi-equent engagements with the
enemy. Taking part in the movement of the Seventeenth Corps
to the right of Kenesaw Mountain, on the 2d of July, the regi-
ment took position near the Chattahoochie, at the mouth of
Nickajack Creek. On the 5th, it charged with the division upon
the enemy's works, near the creek, and forced him to retire
across the stream to his main works. Fortifying the position
thus gained, they advanced the picket line to the bank of the
creek, and occupied the ground until the 8th, when they crossed
the stream, and established themselves in rifle pits on the oppo-
site bank. On the night of the 9th, the enemy abandoned his
position oh the north side of the Chattahoochie, crossing to the
south side and burning the bridges. A rebel deserter reported
the fact about 3 o'clock in the morning to Captain Maxon, who
was out on the skirmish line with his company, when he imme-
diately moved up and took possession of the largest work. Here
arms, accoutrements and a large amount of personal baggage
were gathered up. A line of skirmishers was soon pressing after
the flying foe, following them to the river and taking position
on the banks, they kept up a sharp fire all day. Several deserters
swam the river and came into our lines.
On the 12th, the regiment was transferred to the Third Divi-
sion, General Leggett, of the Seventeenth Corps, and on the 13th,
was assigned to the First Brigade, General Force. In this
brigade was the Sixteenth Wisconsin.
The casualties in the regiment, from June 15th to July lith,
are reported as follows :
582 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Killed or Died of Wovsds.— Cotnpany B —'Privsite Chas. Reinfraith, 27th June.
Company C— Private William King, 13th July. Company JS— Private Henry A. Flunow,
5th July. Company G— Corporal Ole Oleson, 8th July. Cmnpany Jf— Private H. H.
Beauleau, 13th July. Company J— Private Milton Sample, 1st July — 6.
Wounded.— Cbmpanj/^ — Corporal John T. Crippen, 10th July, Private Fredk. Gault,
18th June. 0>»>rpaw2/.B— Privates John Kivell, 5th July, Ralph Hoy t, 5th July, Hiram
Hawkins, 5th July, Henry Palmer, 25th June, Levi Seely, 10th July, and John Dugald,
10th. Company C— Corporal James Slater, 7th July. Cmnpany G — Sergeant N. F. Rath-
burn, 8th July, Privates Thomas C. Nelson, 19th June, and George H. Butler, 5th July.
Company H— Privates Henry Miller, 27th June, and David Sherman, 26th June. Company
K— Sei-geant Frank Filbrick, Private George H. Fuzard — 16.
Accompanying the movements of tlie army of the Tennessee
to the left, the Third Division, General Leggett, crossed the
Chattahoochie at Roswell, passing through Decatur on the morn-
ing of the 20th of July, and took up position near the extreme
left of the line, on the south side of the Augusta Railroad, about
eighty rods from the rebel intrenchments, where it halted
for the night, and threw up rifle pits in its front. In front of the
division was a cornfield, covering the side of a hill, on the summit
of which was a road, and the rebel earthworks, which were filled
with the choice troops of the confederacy, from Alabama and
Texas. Another cornfield stretched behind these works, beyond
which were other lines of works, covering those in front. This
proved to be the key of the enemy's position, and the rebels con-
sidered it impossible for the Union forces to take it. Both sides
spent the night in strengthening their position, to prevent surprise
and repel attack.
Early next morning, orders were received for the division to
charge the enemy's works, and hold Bald Hill, in its front. The
Twelfth and Sixteenth Wisconsin formed the advance of the
charging column, supported by the Twentieth, Thirtieth and
Thirty-first Illinois. At the word of command, the several regi-
ments rushed forward up the hill, crossing the cornfield, exposed
to the most terrible fire from the intrenchments, but the charging
column never wavered. Side by side the Twelfth and Sixteenth
rushed up to the rebel works and over them with a cheer, engag-
ing in a hand to hand fight, using bayonets and clubbing their
muskets, till the stubborn defenders were forced out of their
works in utter confusion, the brigade charging after them for
sixty rods, and strewing the ground with dead and wounded
rebels. The impetus of the charge carried them clear beyond
the enemy's works, until they became exposed to the scathing
BATTLE OF BALD HILL. 583
fire of the rebels from their other works in the vicinity. The
rebel troo.ps belonged to the celebrated Cleburn's division, which
was considered the crack fighting corps of the rebel army.
The command was recalled from following the rebels, and fell
back to the captured works, which were at once strengthened, so
as to repel any attempt the enemy might make to retake them.
A terrible cross fire, from three directions, was kept up by the
rebels, and several charges made to regain their lost ground.
The Twelfth, in fifteen minutes, out of less than 600 men engaged,
lost one hundred and thirty-four, killed or wounded, and captured
more small arms than it had men engaged, many of them loaded
and capped. Five color bearers were shot, and the two flag
staffs were shot ofl:".
Earthworks, for the further preservation of the captured posi-
tion, and the protection of the Union troops, were erected during
the afternoon and night of the 21st, at times, under a severe fire
of the enemy. The Sixteenth Corps, towards night, moved to a
position to protect the left flank of the Seventeenth Corps.
The casualties on the 21st, as ofl&cially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds— Oyinpany A — Privates H. Bowers, D. S. Dresser, W. H.
Hodges, T. W. Hope, Robert Triggs, J. A. Holinan and Julius O. Olson. Oomjmny B —
First Sergeant S. A. Miles, Privates Luther B. Cornwall, Jolin E. Wickersham, Amos
Ford and R. Hoyt. Company C— Sergeant E. P. Wood, Corporals J. Hinkle and Gilbert
Baker, died in rebel prison ; Privates John Hudson, Plympton Rawdon, Stanley Ralston
and Andrew Svenson. Cmnpany J) — Corporal Emery P. Smith, Privates Edwin E. Fris-
bie, William Hockman, Mathias Lampert, John Lampert, Wellington Stannard, Chris-
topher Smith, Nicholas Harris, David M. Waller, died at Andersonville ; Moses Whalen,
died at Andersonville. Company E— Corporal John Stoltze, Privat4?s Charles W. Fields,
W. Stowell and C. A. Boughton. Company F— Sergeant Isaac Libbey, Corporal F. Ben-
nett, Privates George Bruette, Edgar W. Hall, William Murray, David Thomas, Reuben
Haggett and David Plush. Company O — Private Benjamin B. Newton. Company H —
Privates Peter Askenatli, Henry A. Keeler and John Pung. Company J— Privates Thos.
Dean, Lafayett« Moon, Henry Muesner, A. W. West and H. H. Dupee. Cof)npany K —
Private H. K. Munn — 51.
Wounded.— ComjKiny ^ — Sergeant A. McKee, Privates J. Caniflf, M. Denham, J. Caru-
thers. M. E. Lyness, A. F. Ottman, Francis Barrett, A. Barrett, J. M. Collum, W. A.
Burnett, N. K. Hammer and A. N. Olin. Cmnpany 5 — First Sergeant J. Miles, Privates
J. Stuttleburg, L. L. Townsend, G. Feight, H. P. Ballard, Hiram Hawkins, S. G. Davis, J.
Dodge, J. Carstetter, C. Carnes, L. Seeley and W. F. Sanborn. Company C— Cajitain F.
Wilson, Privates J. Slater, P. Clemmens, M. Rawdon, M. Oleson, Ole Oleson, J. Laird, W,
B.Pine and Thomas ir. Goldsworthy. Company /)- Corporal G. R. Holt, Privates K.
Callahan, J. Holt, W. Ebert, P. B. Gibson, W. W. Myers, C. C. Smith, J. M. Wheeler, D. J.
Sullivan and B. F. Marsden. Company £— Captain J. Gillespie, Sergeants H. W.Stutson
and M. Griffin, Privates M. Clement, J. Camp, E. M. Terrell, W. L. Mosher, O. Wright, H.
W. Rood and J. Lawsha. Company i?'— Sergeants L. Turner and J. Pease, Privates D.
Brunette, W. P. Jones, D P. Nason, J. Dish, R. Arsens, J. Ward, B. B. Barker, A. F. Buck,
D. D. Richardson, C. Heidenworth, M. Oliver and W. Luck. Company G— Sergeant G. I^
Lang. Cb))ipn?!,!/ iT— Privates M. Jones, J. Cox. R. Roe, M. Jarvey, J. A. Jackson, D. J.
Hubbard, J. Dunlap, G. M. Dickenson and J.Warren. Co^npany /—Corp. D. B Summers,
584 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Privates H. A. Schaffer, J. B. Summers, A. McVey, G. Churchill, C. Dugann, S
Rakey and W. B. Pugh. Company A'— Privates A. J. Bolson, T. Torgenson and C
Carver — 87.
j^ext day the rebels moved round and occupied the position
from which the Third and Fourth divisions charged up the hill
the day before, and came on, yelling like demons, pouring in a
deadly fire, and determined to retake their lost works. Simul-
taneously with this movement on the rear, another column
advanced on the front of the captured works, thus placing our
Wisconsin boys and their comrades, under two fires. Here the
pluck of northwestern men showed them to be equal to any
emergency. . The attacking column in the rear were nearest the
works. Crossing to the opposite side of their breastworks, the
boys of Leggett's Third Division, received the column in the rear
so warmly that they fell back in confusion. By this time, the
column in front were within range. Recrossing their works,
Leggett's men poured another deadly fire into this fresh column,
as it approached. After repulsing them, the column in the rear
again advanced, and were met in the same manner as before, and
our men again recrossed their works to meet another attack in
front. Early in the fight, General Force was wounded, and
Colonel Bryant took command of the brigade, and Lieutenant
Colonel Proudfit assumed command of the regiment. The rebels
swarmed around the works, keeping up their unearthly yells, the
air was filled with smoke, and deadly missiles flew in every
conceiv^able direction.
Finding their efforts to retake their works were fruitless, the
rebels changed their tactics. They massed several regiments in
a column of attack, and marched down the line of works, cap-
turing battery after battery, and turning the guns on our flying
men, enfilading with grape and canister, the whole line, as they
advanced. On they came, seeming to gather numbers and com-
pactness as they advanced, to within a few rods of where Colouel
Bryant's brigade lay behind the works, awaiting them. They held
the angle of the works, the very crest of the hill, the key of the
whole line, the prize of the gallant charge of yesterday. The last
obstacle to the onward sweep of that concentrated mass of
human ferocity, was the mere handful of men which composed
that gallant First Brigade, lying behind those banks of earth.
BATTLE OF JULY TWENTY-SECOND. 585
This point gained, and the rebels would be able to control the
other works. On the hill, a line of fire springs from those breast-
works, another and another, and at every discharge, the front
ranks of that concentrated force go down in heaps. But they
were not idle; closing up, they advanced and delivered their fire,
charging and recharging, filling the ditches with their dead, some
dashing clear over the works, only to die inside-, and the rest
falling back before that terrible fire. While this fight was going
on, the Sixteenth Corps had moved up on the rebel flank, and
another force appeared in another part of the field, which com-
pelled the enemy to fall back, and relinquish future attempts to
retake the captured works. They had taken the small fort which
had been constructed on the summit of the hill, and during the
night they kept up a heavy enfilading fire on both lines, which
was vigorously returned. During the night, traverses, or short
flank breastworks were built between the companies on each line,
to protect them fi'om flank and cross fires, and every preparation
was made for maintaining their ground and holding the position.
The brigade changed front many times, fighting from both sides
of the same breastwork, and at times had to fight on two fronts
and one flank. During a portion of the time the Twelfth was
fighting, the two wings were back to back, with the enemy on
both fronts and on the flank, an da portion of the regiment fought,
all night, a squad of the enemy, who were under the works, but
who left about daylight. Colonel Bryant speaks in enthusiastic
terms of the action of his brigade throughout these two days of
battle.
Daylight revealed the fact that the rebels had fallen back to
their lines, giving up further attempt to retake their works.
The casualties on the 22d, were reported as follows :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company ^ —Sergeant Frank W. Henry, Privates E.
H. Hegerman and G. Ford. Company 2? — Corporal W. H. Richards, Privates G. W. BeU
and A. Dowden. 0>mi5anj/ G — Private Gerard Baiier. Cb^npaJiy^T— Privates Andrew J.
Watts and Caleb B. Clark — 9.
Wounded.— Company A — Private S. Huddlestone, \Company B — Captain G. Stevens,
Sergeant W. H. Inman, Privates J. W. Root, C. Games, L. Seeley, O. Morrill, E. A. Robin-
ecn, T. Featlierstone, E. Masson and E. Gorman. Company C— Privates S. Hocking and
H. Knndson. Company D — Captain J. M. Price. Company O — Privates J. Grignon, T. B.
McClaugliney and A. A. Johnson. Company if— Private M. Hogarty. Company K—
Private J. Milison — 19.
On the 23d, the dead of both sides were buried, under a flag
of truce, and on the 24th, fatigue parties were engaged in tearing
586 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
up and destroying the Augusta Eailroad, and on the night of the
25th, the movement from left to right was commenced, as we
have described in a previous chapter. In this movement, the
Fifteenth Corps, in the army of the Tennessee, occupied the
extreme right. Before it could close up on the Seventeenth
Corps, the rebels, under Stuart, Cleburn and Cheatham, in im-
mense force, fell upon their right, determined to turn it if possible.
Colonel Bryant received orders from General Howard to send
the two reserve regiments of his brigade to the support of the
Fifteenth Corps. The Twelfth "Wisconsin, under Lieutenant
Colonel Proudfit, and the Thirty-first Illinois, immediately started
on the double quick, the Twelfth in the advance, proceeding for
over a mile in the scorching sun. Forming quickly in a ravine
on the extreme right of the army, they charged up a hill, from
which our men had just been dislodged, and succeeded in routing
the enemy from it. Barricades were thrown up at once, formed
of rails, &c., other troops closed in on the right, and the attacks
of the enemy were continued until after sundown, when the rebels
returned to their interior lines.
The casualties on the 28th of July, were :
KiLiiED.— Company B— Private J. W. EUiott. Company JS7— Private D. A. Titus — 2.
WoxTNBED.— Ownpany ^—Privates E. Tubman and F. Van Warner. Company B —
Private L. Kelly. Cmnpany ^— Pi-ivate W. S. H. Cotton. Company i^— Private H. J.
Leonard. Conrpanj/ fi^— Private P. Peterson. Cbmpanj/ J— Private Jacob Burr. Company
^—Private G. W. Bigsbee — 8.
The regiment and its Lieutenant Colonel were highly compli-
mented by superior officers, for their promptness and activity in
moving to the place of need, and thus saving the right flank of
the army. The regiment intrenched itself on this line afterwards,
moving nearer to the enemy's defences twice, each time throwing
up heavy works, being under fire constantly, and remained there
during the siege of the city, until the 26th of August, when Gen-
eral Sherman made another movement to the west and south,
and on the 28th of August, struck the Montgomery Railroad,
about sixteen miles south of Atlanta, where they immediately
commenced the work of tearing up the track, continuing next
day, and on the 30th, pressed forward to the Macon Railroad.
On the 31st of August, Colonel Bryant was ordered, by his
division General, to report to General Logan, of the Fifteenth
BATTLE OF JONESBOEO. 587
Corps, with three regiments, the Twelfth and Sixteenth "Wiscon-
sin and Thirtj-first Illinois. Reporting to Brigadier General
Logan, Colonel Bryant was ordered to place the Thirty-first Bli-
nois to cover a gap in the line, fronting an orchard towards
Jonesboro, — the Twelfth and Sixteenth were moved to the left,
with an interval of two regiments of the Fifteenth Corps between
them, refusing their lines to protect the flank. "Works were
hastily thrown up, to cover themselves from the bullets and
shells of the enemy. The charge made by the enemy on the Slst
of August, at Jonesboro, extended along the front of the Thirty-
first Illinois, and seven companies of the Twelfth Wisconsin, and
was successfully resisted at all points. On the 1st of September,
the Twelfth changed from the left to the right of the army of the
Tennessee, and was under fire most of the time, repulsing the
enemy several times, without losing very heavily. On the 2d,
they pursued the enemy to Lovejoy, where he was found strongly
fortified. The Twelfth drove the rebel skirmishers from a wood-
ed hill, to the main force, when line of battle was formed, and
the position retained until the 5th, when they marched with the
army of the Tennessee, towards Atlanta, and encamped near
Eastpoint on the 8th of September.
The casualties, from Jiily 28th to September 10th, were :
Killed ok Died of Wounds.— Owipcwij/ A — Private Benjamin J. Humphrej*, August
lit li. Company B — Prirate M. B. Long, Aug. 31st. Company D — Private Henrj' Goldner,
August 12tli. Company F — Privates H. Bartels, September 3d, Octave Pleasure. Company
G — Private Jos. Robarg, August 12th. Company H—TTi\&let, C. Shadacker, September,
4th, and J. J. Guuen, September 2d. Company /—Private Benj. Foster, August 17th — 9.
Wounded.— Company A — Privates Alonzo Miller, August 31st, A. S. Beardsley, Sep-
tember 5th, and G. S. Miles, September 5th. Compaity B — Lieutenant C. G. Higbee,
August 20th, Privates J. Hornbeck, August 31st, and Albert Selden, August 20th. Cmn-
pany C— Privates Thomas Wilson, August 11th, and H. Jones, August 17th. Company D
— Private Byron Fairbanks, Aug. 26th. Cvinpany E—lAexxt. J. H. Thayer, August 14th,
Private AnsonWright, Sept. 3d. Company i^— Privates J. Alberg, Aug. 4th, W. E. Hurst,
Aug. 22d, E. R. Wilson, Sept. 2d, and J. Bundy, September 3d. Company G — Privates R.
Streeter, Aug. 31st, and N. P. Philips, Sept. 3d. Company H—&eT^6a.vi\, M. T. Brown,
Privates C. Peterson, August 12th, W. Clark, August 12th, J. Roe, Aug. 31st, M. Hagerty,
September 4th, and R. M. Wright, September 5th. Company J— Privates S. Mallett, Aug.
16th, Isaac Munger, August 18th, H. Strong, August 31st, G. Churchill, September 2d, and
B. P. Bon, September 2d. Company K— Privates H. Schofield, August 16th, J. Racks,
August 22d, O. T. Nash, August 23d, and G. H. Marston, September 2d — 30.
The regiment remained in camp at Eastpoint, until the 4th of
October, when it marched with the Seventeenth Army Corps in
search of Hood, who had passed the Chattahoochie, and was de-
stroying the railroad to Chattanooga. The pursuit was continued
until the 2l8t of October, when the division went into camp at
688 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Little River, Ala. Here orders were received that non-veterans
of the Army of- the Tennessee, whose term of service expired
before the 7th of November, should return to Chattanooga, and
be mustered out. Colonel Bryant, Captains Stevens and Bennett,
Lieutenant Blackman, and 83 men of the old Twelfth, responded
to this order.
Lieutenant James H. Thayer, of Company E, is reported as
having died of wounds at Marietta, on the 7th of October, and
John M. Holt, of Company D, on the 11th of October.
From camp on Little River, the Twelfth moved on the 29th of
October, to Marietta, by way of Van "Wert, arriving on the fifth
of November. Left there on the 13th, and arrived at Atlanta,
on the same day, and on the l5th, commenced the Grand March
to Savannah.
On the muster out of Colonel Bryant, Lieutenant Colonel
Proudfit was promoted to Colonel, Major "William E. Strong,
Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain John M. Price, Major.
The Twelfth Regiment accompanied the Seventeenth Corps,
which was in the right wing under General Howard. In the
march to Savannah, but little pertaining to the regiment occurred
differing from that of the other organizations. They performed
their share of guard, fatigue, and forage duty. They assisted in
destroying the railroads, that being one of Sherman's objects in
the march. At the Oconee, on the 26th of November, the
rebels made a slight resistance. They camped at Millen, on the
2d of December, having destroyed the railroad track, and Herndon
Station, and done a general foraging business over the interven-
ing country. They crossed the Ogeechee, on the 4th, and marched,
skirmished and fought, among the swamps and rice fields, until
they reached the neighborhood of Savannah on the 13th of De-
cember. Here Major Price was unfortunately shot on the 19th
of December, by a "Union soldier, as he was walking near the lines
between the pickets. With the rest of the army, they entered
Savannah on the 21st of December.
Leaving that city on the 4th of January, the regiment pro-
ceeded by water with the rest of the Seventeenth Corps, to Beau-
fort, S. C, and went into camp on the 13th. The regiment
marched out six or seven miles and engaged the enemy next day,
driving them back to their works near the Pocotaligo River,
pressing close up to the forts, whose guns opened with grape
THE GRAND MARCH. 589
and canister. Lieutenant Chandler, of Company K, was killed
by a rebel sharpshooter, and Alva S. Beardsley and Torbjon
Halverson, of Company A, were reported as wounded.
On the 20th the regiment moved to the Salkehatchie, where
they had a heavy skirmish with the enemy. They proceeded on
the march without anything of historical importance until the
11th of February, when the rebels made a stand at Orangeburg,
and engaged our troops. The Twelfth was ferried across the
Edisto Eiver, about a mile below the town, formed line of bat-
tle in a swamp, marched through it, where in many places it was
up to the mens' armpits, turned the enemy's works, charged
upon the rebels, and drove them out of the town. The large
garrison flag was captured by Private Warren, of Company H,
and the regimental colors soon took their place. The regiment
was appointed provost guard in the town, a considerable portion
of which was burned by fire set by the rebels. Proceeding on
their way they passed Cheraw, near which John Ducey, of
Company A, was mortally wounded, and at Fayetteville, James
Silbaugli, of Company I, was killed on the lltli of March. The
Twelfth was present in line at the battle of Bentonville, but was
not actively engaged, and arrived with the army at Goldsboro
on the 24th of March. They remained in camp recruiting their
strength and outfit, till the 10th of April, when they joined in
the advance towards Ealeigh in pursuit of General Johnston's
army. It is needless for us to reiterate the particulars of this
rebel general's surrender or the subsequent action of the heroes
of the " Grand March," further than to say that after the sur-
render, the Seventeenth Corps proceeded to Washington by way
of Richmond, and was present at the Grand Review at the
National • Capital, soon after which the regiment was ordered,
with other western organizations, to Louis\nlle, where it was
mustered out and came home about the 20th of July, 1865,
where it was disbanded and paid off.
For meritorious service during the war Colonel Proudfit was
brevetted Brigadier General.
Eegimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,045. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 84, in 1864*^ 314, in 1865, 22 ; by substitutes,
177; by draft in 1864, 24, in 1865,1; veteran recruits, 519;
total, 2,186. Loss — by death, 294; deserted, 26; transferred,
64 ; discharged, 336 ; mustered out, 1,466.
CHAPTER XXI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTEENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Leavenworth — March to Fort
Scott — To Fort Riley — Return to Leavenworth — Move to
West Tennessee — Stationed at Fort Henry — Fort Donelson
— At Stevenson, Ala. — Huntsville — G-uard Sherman's Com-
munications— Veteran Re-enlistments — Return to Huntsville
— Move to Knoxville — Return to Nashville — Move Down the
Mississippi— New Orleans — Texas — Muster out — Return Home
— Statistics.
THE Thirteenth was organized at Camp Tredway, Janesville,
mustered into the United States service on the 17th of Octo-
ber, 1861, and left the State on the 18th of January, 1862, to
report at Leavenworth, Kansas. The following was the regimental
roster :
Colonel — MAURICE MALONEY.
Lieutenant Cb?on€i— James F. Chapman; Jlfajor— Thomas O. Bigney; Adjutant— Wts..
Ruger; Qworterma^ier— PlattEyclesheimeb; /S^rs'eow— John Evans; First Assistant
Surgeon— EiiiSMX HoBTON ; Sec&nd Assistant Surgeon— Si^Oi^ L. Lord ; Cfutplain-'Rey.
H. C. TiLTON.
Co. Captains,
A — Edward Ruger,
B — Edwin E. Woodman,
C — August H. Kummel,
D — Edgar W.Blake,
E — Robert H. Hewitt,
F — Fenton F. Stevens,
G— Archibald N. Randall,
H— Joseph L. Pratt,
I — Julius W. Lauderdale,
K— Pliny Norcross.
First Lieutenants.
Lewis T. Nichols,
James L. Murray,
Daniel R. Lamorean,
Simon A. Couch,
Eugene F. Warren,
Samuel S. Hart,
Henry M. Baliss,
Charles N. Noyes,
Newton H. Kingman,
John H. Wemple.
Second Lieutenants.
Milton Bowerman,
George C. Brown,
John T. Fish,
Nathaniel D. Walters,
S. S. Rockwood,
Nicholas Crotzenberg,
Elmer W. Taylor,
Robert Glover,
Henry Carroll,
Alphonzo D. Burdick.
The regiment proceeded by way of Chicago, Quincy and the
Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, to "Weston, Mo., thence
marched to Leavenworth City, arriving on the 23d of January.
SENT TO KANSAS. 591
Remaining in camp until the 7th of February, they began their
march to Fort Scott, liaving been assigned to take part in Gene-
ral Lane's " Southwest Expedition." On the abandonment of the
expedition, with the Twelfth "Wisconsin, the Thirteenth was
ordered to march to Lawrence, Kansas, thence it was sent to
Fort Riley, for the purpose of joining an expedition to ISTew
Mexico. This, too, being abandoned, the regiments were order-
ed to return to Leavenworth, arriving on the 28th of May. In
a day or two, they went aboard transports, and landed on the 3d
of June at Columbus, Ky. Here they were placed on railroad
guard duty from Columbus to Corinth, on the Mobile and Ohio
Railroad. "Wliile stationed here. Companies D and G were de-
tached from the regiment, and sent respectively to Hickman and
to Smithland, Ky. The latter rejoined the regiment in November,
1862, and the former in August, 1863. The balance of the
regiment, in August, proceeded to Fort Henry.
On September 2d, they marched to Fort Donelson, and enter-
ed upon garrison duty at that post. Joining an expedition to
Clarksville on the 5th, the rebels were encountered near Rickett's
Hill, about 900 strong. After a short skirmish, they were routed,
and a large number of arms, horses and mules, and a large quan-
tity of army stores were captured. The Thirteenth returned to
Fort Donelson on the 8th, after a march of seventy miles. They
remained at this place until the last of October, in the meantime
engaging in frequent scouts through the surrounding country,
and exercising a general surveillance over the guerillas and
marauders in that neighborhood. In November, it joined the
forces of General Ra.isom, on the Tennessee River, and proceed-
ed on a fruitless expedition after the rebel Morgan to Ilopkins-
ville. The command, however, had a brush with the rebel
Woodward, at Garretsville, in which that leader left forty-six
killed and wounded on the field, besides a large number ot
horses, guns and equipments, and fourteen prisoners which were
captured. Returning to Fort Donelson on the 11th, they moved
the next day to Fort Ilenr}'^, and engaged in garrison duty at that -
post, having marched a distance of 160 miles. In the latter part
of December, an expedition, in which the Thirteenth took part,
went in pursuit of the rebel Forrest, who was then engaged in
a raid on General Grant's communications into West Tennessee,
592 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
but returned without coming in contact with that redoubtable
rebel chief. General Sullivan was more lucky, however, meeting
him at Parker's Cross Roads, defeating him, and driving his
command across the Tennessee River. Guarding supply steamers
between the Fort and Hamburg Landing occupied the attention
of the regiment until the 3d of February, when news was receiv-
ed that Fort Donelson was attacked. The regiment was imme-
diately en route to reinforce the garrison at that post. Driving
the enemy's skirmishers before them, they reached the Fort in
the evening, with a loss of one man wounded. The garrison,
assisted by the gunboats, had successfully repulsed the enemy.
The regiment remained at Fort Donelson during the summer,
engaged in scouting and garrison duty, making occasional
excursions after guerillas and other rebel depredators. Julius
II. Carpenter and Jacob B. Mereness, of Company C, were
murdered by guerillas near the Fort on the 22d of August.
On the Ist of August, Colonel Maloney was recalled to take
command of his company in the regular service, and Captain W.
P, Lyon, of the Eighth "Wisconsin, was commissioned as Colonel,
and soon after assumed command of the regiment.
On the 27th of August, they left Fort Donelson, marching by
way of Columbia, Tenn., and arriving at Stevenson, Ala., a
distance of 260 miles, on the 14th of September. Here Colonel
Lyon was placed in command of the post and the troops there
stationed. At this time, Stevenson was the depot of supplies for
the Army of the Cumberland, which had just entered on the
campaign which- resulted in the repulse at Chicamauga. After
that battle, and the troops had gathered under shelter of the
Union guns at Chattanooga, the enemy busied himself in cutting
off the supplies necessary to support the troops in that position.
This fact made Stevenson an important post — its capture would
have compelled the surrender of the brave remnant of Rosecrans'
army, or the falling back of the whole Union force towards
Murfreesboro. At that time, the Tennessee River was very low
and easily fordable at many points, and the garrison was very
small, with but little artillery. Fortunately, the attention of the
enemy was directed to other points, and no attack was made on
the depots at Stevenson. The Eleventh and Twelfth corps,
under General Hooker, arrived'from. the Potomac, and the safety
VETERANS ON FURLOUGH. 593
of the post was secured. Tbe rebel General Wheeler succeeded
ill destroying the communications with ISTasliville, so that tlie
supplies at Stevenson were entirely exliausted, and the army at
Cliattanooga were in imminent danger of starvation. This was
a very dark period in the history of the National conflict, wliicli
was not fully appreciated by the people at the time. Colonel
Lyon ard his command fully understood the responsibility of
their position, and felt that the safety of the whole army depended
upon their vigilance, energy and bravery.
The regiment joined the brigade to which it belonged, at
Nashville, in the latter part of October, and went into winter
quarters at Edgefield, where it was employed in picket and
guard duty until February, 1864, when, more than three-fourths
of the men having reenlisted, the regiment proceeded to Wisconsin
on veteran furlough.
Arriving at Janesville on the 18th, they were warmly wel-
comed, and hospitably entertained by the citizens of that city,
and the people of the surrounding country, who had assembled
to greet them. The regiment reassembled at Camp Utley, Racine,
on the expiration of the thirty days' furlough, and arrived at Nash-
ville on the Slst of March, encamping at Edgefield, the)' engaged
in garrison duty, and in guarding railroad trains from Louisville
to Chattanooga. Here they were assigned to the First Brigade,
Fourth Division, of the Twentieth Army Corps, and formed
part of the force designed to operate against Atlanta, but their
destination was changed, and the brigade was assigned the duty
of guarding the Tennessee River, between Stevenson and
Decatur. About the last of April, the Thirteenth moved to
Stevenson, where Colonel Lyon was placed in command of the
post. Companies II, K, E, C and B, were stationed along the
two railroads which crossed here, while the other companies were
doing post and garrison duty at Stevenson, and guarding Genera.
Sherman's supply trains to Dalton, Ga.
On the 4th of June, the regiment marched to Claysville, Ala.,
wliere the companies and detachments of companies were dis-
tributed along the bank of the Tennessee River, for forty miles,
picketting and patroling night and day, while the enemy were
engaged in similar duty on the opposite side. Earthworks, block-
houses, etc., were erected, and every precaution taken to prevent
38
594 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the enemy from crossing the river and interrupting Sherman's
communications. Frequent raids were made across the river,
capturing prisoners and seizing confederate stores, and several
severe skirmishes occurred with the rebel outposts and guerillas.
On the Irit of September, the regiment, with the exception of
Company C, which was left at Guuter's Landing, marched hastily
to Woodville, to prevent the destruction of the Memphis and
Charleston Railroad, between Huntsville and Stevenson, by
"Wheeler's cavalry, thence, on the 3d of September, they moved
by railroad to Huntsville, where Colonel Lyon was placed in
command of all troops and railroad defences, from Huntsville to
Stevenson, a distance of sixty miles, with orders to hold the rail-
road, and prevent its being broken, at all hazards. Lieutenant
Colonel Chapman was in command of the regiment. On the 14th,
the several companies were scattered along the road, with head-
quarters at Brownsboro. Work was immediately commenced,
strengthening the defences, erecting stockades at the bridges,
patrolling the road, and other duties, tending to insure the safety
of the trains. The regiment was absent a short time at Decatur,
during the month. On their return, they drove oif a detachment
of Forrest's cavalry, who were engaged in burning the railroad
track. During most of the summer, and into September, much
sickness prevailed in the regiment, and on the 1st of October,
leaving the convalescents to hold the positions along the railroad,
the balance of the regiment proceeded to Larkinsville, Ala., to
keep open communications with General Steadman's train of
reinforcements for Huntsville, Forrest having attacked that city,
lieturning to Brownsboro they moved to Huntsville, removing the
obstructions which Forrest's men had thrown into the railroad
cuts, and quartered in the court house. Forrest having retreated,
they returned next day to their positions on the ^railroad. On
the 24th, Captain Blake, commanding the able bodied men,
moved to Decatur, and assisted in the defence of that place, when
attacked by General Hood, having two men slightly wounded.
One hundred and sixty of the non-veterans, including the
Lieutenant Colonel and several officers, were mustered out on
the expiration of their term of service. Major Bigney was pro-
moted to Lieutenant Colonel on the 21st of N'ovember, but was
subsequently mustered out, on the expiration of his term of
MOVE TO EAST TENNESSEE. 595
service, and on the 6tli of January, 1865, Captain August Kum-
mel was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and on the 15th of
February, Captain Charles S. Noyes was appointed Major,
On the 23d of November, most of the able bodied men, under
Lieutenant Cobb, proceeded to ISTew Market, where they dis-
persed the Fourth Alabama cavalry, destroying their camps and
provisions, and killing and wounding thirteen.
On the 25th of November, General Hood crossed the Tennessee
River in force, and moved direct to Nashville. General Granger
was ordered to concentrate all the troops in northern Alal)ama,
at Stevenson, and fortify it. Li pursuance of this order, northern
Alabama was evacuated by the LTnion forces, and heavy trains
of government property were dispatched over the road to Steven-
son. "With the balance of General Granger's command, the
Thirteenth marched to Stevenson, where they were immediately
set to work constructing stockades and earthworks, to prevent
Hood's retreat, should he attempt to do so, or to enter East Ten-
nessee. Remaining here till Hood's defeat at the battle of
Nashville, the Thirteenth returned to Huntsville, and resumed
its duties on the railroad, repairing and rebuilding such of the
defences as had been destroyed by the rebels. On the 31st of
December, Company G, stationed at Paint Rock Bridge, was
suddenly assailed by about four hundred rebels, and Lieutenant
Wagoner and thirty-five men were captured, and two men were
severely wounded.
In February, 1865, Company C, and the remnant of Company
G, were stationed as picket and patrol at Gunter's Landing, on
the Tennessee River, where Lieutenant Loucks, of Company C,
with a few men, crossed the river, and in a skirmish with Pete
White Cotton's band of guerillas, captured several prisoners,
and in a personal encounter killed their infamous leader.
On the 20tli of March the regiment was assigned to the Second
Brigade, Brigadier General Beatty, Third Division, Major Gen-
eral T. J. "Wood, Fourth Army Corps, Major General Stanley,
and Colonel Lyon resumed command of the regiment. The de-
tachments were called in, and, under orders, they proceeded by
rail to Knoxville, in East Tennessee, on their way to Virginia ;
thence they marched by way of Newmarket and Bull's Gap to
Jonesboro, and remained encamped there until the 20th of April,
596 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
when they received news of Lee's surrender and President Lin-
coln's assassination. The corps being ordered back to IsTashville,
on the 20th the regiment left Jonesboro, and proceeded to that
city by the way of Chattanooga, arriving on the 22d, and went
into camp.
Here those men whose terms expired by the 5tli of October,
were discharged, and a considerable number of the Twenty-
Fourth Wisconsin was assigned to the Thirteenth to complete
their term of service.
On the 16th of June, with the rest of the division, the
Thirteenth proceeded by way of Johnsville and the Tennessee,
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, to New Orleans, and went into camp
at Chalmette. Li July the regiment embarked for Texas, and
arrived at Indianoia on the 14th. Proceeding with the brigade
to Green Lake, the regiment suffered severely from the long
march of twenty-four miles, the scarcity of water and other
hardships. They remained in this camp until the 11th of Sep-
tember, having suffered much fi'om sickness, produced by the
heat of the climate and the lack of a vegetable diet. Many
died here who had gone through the whole war without being
sick. On the 11th the brigade started on a march of 145 miles
to San Antonio. The heat at starting was excessive, towards
night a storm arose and the temperature changed ; the men suf-
fered severely from the chill, and many were lett next day in
hospital. Arriving within seven and a half miles of San An-
tonio, on the 24th of September, the brigade went into camp
and remained until orders came in November to muster out the
regiment. The papers were made out, and on the 24th the men
were mustered out and ordered to proceed to Madison to be
discharged from service.
Colonel Lyon's term of service having expired, he left the
regiment for "Wisconsin on the 10th of September, the command
of the regiment devolving on Major Noyes. On the 9th of Octo-
ber, 1865, commissions were issued to Lieutenant Colonel Kum-
mel, as Colonel, Major Noyes, as Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain
Cobb, as Major, but neither of them could be mustered into
service. Desiring to remain in Texas, Major Noyes resigned the
:;ommand to Captain Cobb, and on the 27th of November, the
regiment began its march to Indianoia, 160 miles, where they
RETURN HOME. 597
embarked on a steamer, reached New Orleans on the 13th of
December, steamed up the Mississippi, and reached Madison on
the 23d, and were discharged from the United States service on
the 26th day of December, 1865.
Though the Thirteenth has not been called to take part on the
field of battle, yet the duties which it has performed have been
just as important, for it is to the faithfulness of its sentinels, that
an army owes much that it achieves on the battle-field. With
its supplies cut off, its communications closed, an army is often
defeated. It is then that the faithfulness and vigilance of the
regiment, who guards the trains and keeps the enemy at a dis-
tance from the highways, by which supplies reach the arni}^ in an
enemy's country, begins to be appreciated. The Thirteenth held
many important positions, on which the success and welfare of
Sherman's whole army depended. Ceaseless vigilance and stern
fidelity characterized the operations of the regiment, and while
others may pride themselves upon achievements in the field, this
regiment may point with pride to its four years of service, as
being; one of the material elements in the success of the armies
of the Union, whose communications and flanks it was called
upoh to protect.
tegmental Staiistks. — Original strength, 970. Gain — by recruits
in 1863, 169, in 1864, 212, in 1865, 33 ; by substitutes, 33 ; by
draft in 1865, 72 ; by veteran reenlistments, 392 ; total, 1,931.
Loss — by death, 183; missing, 3 ; deserted, 71; ti-ansferred, 6 ;
discharged, 321 ; mustered out, 797.
OHAPTEE XXII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FOURTEENTH INFANTRY.
Kegimental Roster — Arrive at St. Louis — Move up Tennessee
River — Battle of Shiloh — Battle of Corinth — Joins Grant's
Southward Movement — March to Memphis — Move to Vicks-
BURG — To Lake Providence — Return to Vicksburg — Assault of
the 22d of May — The Siege — Move to Natchez — Re-enlistments
— Veteran Furlough — Red River Expedition — Worden's Bat-
talion— Battle of Tupelo — Expedition to Augusta, Ark. —
Pursuit op Price through Missouri — Battle of Nashville —
Return to Vicksburg — New Orleans — Investment of Mobile
— Attack on Spanish Fort — Mobile Captured — Mustered out
— Return Home — Disbanded — Statistics.
THE Fourteenth Eegiment was organized at Camp "Wood,
Fond du Lac, was mustered into the United States service
on the 30th of January, 1862, and left the State for St. Louis on
the 8th of March. The following was the regimental roster :
CoLONEi,— DAVID E. WOOD.
Lieutenajit Colonel— Isaac 'E.MKSsmoB.^; Major— Joun Hancock; Adjutani — BEinAu
E. Brower; Quartermaster— J ahiesT.Co's-kz.in; Surgeon-Wi'Li.iA'M. H. Walker; First
Assistant Surgeon— DvyiCAyi D. Cameron; Secmid Assistant Surgeon — DA\n) "La Count;
Chaplain — Rev. James B. Rogers.
Co. Captains.
A — Lyman M. Ward,
B — Asa Worden,
C —William W. Wilcox,
D — James W. Polleys,
E — George E. Waldo,
F —Joseph G. Lawton,
G— F. H. Magdeburg,
H— C. M. G. Mansfield,
I — Calvin R. Johnson,
K— James V. McCall,
First Lieutenants.
Charles L. Kimball,
John D. Post,
Colin Miller,
George Staly,
Levi W. Vaughn,
George W. Bowers,
James La Count,
Van Epps Young,
John Kittinger,
Ogden W. Fox.
Second Lieutenants.
John V. Frost,
F. G. Wilmot,
Absalom S. Smith,
David Law,
Don A. Shove,
Samuel Harrison,
Orrin R. Potter,
Milton K. Barnes,
Joseph Clancey,
M. W. Hurlbuit.
Leaving Fond du Lac and proceeding by way of Chicago, they
arrived at St. Louis on the 10th of March, and went into quar-
ters at Benton Barracks. Here they were assigned to the forces
BATTLE OF PITTSBUKG LANDING. 599
designed for operations up the Tennessee River, under General
Grant, and embarked on transports at St. Louis, on the 23d of
March, arrived at Savannah on the 28th, went into camp,
and were assigned to provost guard duty.
On Saturday afternoon, April 5th, the division of General
Nelson, being the advance of General Buell's reinforcements
to General Grant, arrived at Savannah. On the morning of the
6th, the booming of cannon and rattle of musketry, indicated that
the battle of Pittsburg Landing had begun. All day the troops
lay at Savannah, which was only nine miles below the Landing,
on the east side of the river. Li the afternoon, orders came for
all the reinforcements at Savannah to move rapidly, as our forces
were being driven back. General ISTelson, having waited in vain
for transports, started his division immediately on the double
quick, and crossed to the battle field, between five and six o'clock,
and posted his troops just above the Landing. The Fourteenth
was in line when orders came for it to move. They embarked
on one of the transports, but were detained, waiting for Critten-
den's division of Buell's forces, and did not arrive at the Landing
until 11 o'clock, P. M. Marching to the ground above the
Landing, the regiment formed in line of battle, and bivouacked
for the night, exposed to a heavy rain. At an early hour on the
morning of the 7th, they were ordered to the front, being
assigned to a provisional brigade, temporarily attached to General
Crittenden's division, which consisted of the Fourteenth "Wis-
consin, a Kentucky, and two Indiana regiments, and a section
of a Chicago battery, under the command of Colonel Smith, of
the Kentucky regiment. Forming in line of battle about two
miles south of the Landing, on the main road to Corinth, Gen-
eral Nelson's brigade was on their left, and General R. McCook's
on their right. The New Orleans battery, supported by the
Crescent City (rebel) brigade, was stationed on a ridge in their
front. The rebel battery opened on them with shot and shell.
The Fourteenth was ordered to lie down on the slope of the hill,
and consequently the enemy's missiles passed over their heads.
After enduring this fire for an hour and a half, the rebel infantry
made a charge upon their position, for the purpose of capturing
the Chicago battery. The Fourteenth rose and met them with
a deadly fire, driving them back some distance, but were in turn
600 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
forced back. The regiment rallied, licnvever, and were ordered
by Colonel Smith, to charge and take the battery. The ground
in front was a gradual descent for twenty rods, and covered with
a dense growth of underbrush and trees. At the bottom was a
small ravine; from the ravine, the ground rose at an angle of
some twenty degrees, and was almost a clear field, excepting a
few fallen trees, and also some standing timber. This elevation
continued for some thirty rods, and there, upon the highest point,
was stationed the rebel battery. The order to charge was given,
the ravine was crossed, and the regiment commenced the ascent
on the further slope, when Lieutenant Colonel Messmore, who
was in the advance, leading the charge, was dismounted by the
bursting of a shell, seriously injured, and compelled to leave
the field. Colonel Wood had ridden to the rear, to urge forward
the Kentucky regiment to the support of the Fourteenth, and
met with an accident, his horse falling on him, and injuring his
leg. Major Hancock was thus left in command of the regiment,
which he retained until it was leaving the field. The charge was
made upon the battery, the rebels were driven from it, many of
the horses were shot, others were cut loose, and one of the guns
was spiked by Lieutenant Staley of Company D, assisted by
Sergeant Blackett, of Company K, and others. The rebel in-
fantry were in heavy force in rear of the battery, and rained a
perfect storm of lead upon the regiment, which was compelled to
retire, the rest of the brigade failing to reinforce them. They
fell back to within sixty rods of their original line. From this
time till the close of the battle, the regiment was constantly
engaged, and made two other charges upon the battery, and
finally were successful in capturing and holding it. The gun
spiked by Lieutenant Staley was afterwards sent to Wisconsin as
a trophy. During the whole of the engagement, the Fourteenth
displayed such conspicuous gallantry, that they received the com-
mendation of those who witnessed their heroism. They fought
like veterans, and received the sobriquet of "Wisconsin Regu-
lars," for their soldierly conduct on the field. After remaining
until the rebels were retreating on all sides, the regiment retired
towards the Landing, when Colonel Wood again assumed com-
mand, having sufficiently recovered to do so. Arms were stacked,
the roll was called, and every man was present, or was accounted
CASUALTIES. 601
for as killed or wounded, except a few, who reported during the
night
In this battle, the Fourteenth established a character for
bravery and endurance, which it sustained throughout tlie war.
For over ten hours, they fought, without being relieved, until
there was no more fighting to do. Captain Waldo, of Company
E, was killed, while bravely leading his men to the charge.
Lieutenant Post, of Company B, was mortally wounded. Lieu-
tenant Smith, of Company C, was seriously wounded, but
retained command till night. Captain McCall, of Company K,
when the regiment left the field, was ordered to take a detach-
ment of the left wing of the regiment, and examine the ground,
and bring in the wounded, if to be found, rejoining the regiment
at the Landing. Captains "Ward and Policy s, and others, were
mentioned for their conspicuous gallantry.
The casualties, as ofiicially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wovi^ds.— Company A — First Lieutenant Jolin D. Post, Sergeant
Charles Dralte, Corporal Joseph King. Company B — Privates John Eastwood and Thos.
Morgan. Company C — Private James Alley. Company D — Privates John B. Glenn and
John Owens. Company E— Captain George B. Waldo, Private Ezra B. Austin. Company
i^— Private John D. Putnam. Cmnpany G — Vr\wa.tes, Lucius D. Barker, Eben Newton,
Samuel Bump and John Hosier. Company ^T— Privates Henry Peeler, Amos Crippen and
Daniel D. Hammond. Cbwipau^ J— Corporals F. A. CuUen and W. R. Lesherness, Pri- >,
vates Charles Bacon, Henry Ross, Harvey E. Frost, Gottlieb Schlinsoy and John J- , - £, \
Rockwood. Company £"— Privates Charles A. Brice and Horace D. Lyman — 20. C^JLa^^^ ,^—
Wounded.— Company ^ —Privates James B. Titus, E. G. Mauscraft and Adam gljdfll.tf ■ -^''^''^''"^
Cb?7ipanj/ 5— Privates Gottlieb Stanly, Ezra L. Whittaker and John Barker. Company
C— Lieutenant A. L. Smith, Sergeant William Dittey, Privates Alonzo B. Miller, Sol.
Statler, Nelson T. Hammond, James Statler, James K. Bishop, James E. Williamson
and George E. Stuntz. Cbwpan^ i»— Sergeant Gallagher, Corporals Guertin and Harris
Pi-ivates Alfred Collins, William R«ed and Louis Amiot. Comrpany £:— Privates Wm.
Baruth, Julius Wintermeyer, William Flinn, A. C. Tufts, Samuel Gokie, John Lovell,
Robert Lee and Willett C. Wheeler. Cfcmipa?!^/ i^— Sergeant Charles Vincent, Corpoi-al
Hudson J. Cronk, Privates Henry Wescott, Gregoi-y Milquet and James N. Howard.
Oympany G— Corporal Theodore Jorch, Bugler Henry Siegrist and John Keef. Company
iT— Corporal Henry Voss,;Pri vates Spencer A. Hamblin, Edward Oilman, Peter Cottrell,
David Carr, Geoi-ge B. Clark and Andrew Winegarden. Company /—Corporal G. S.
Travis, Privates S. D. Parker, William Stenesky, Charles Bacon, Henry Ross, George
Rutherford, G. W. Reeder, Joseph Wilson, Harrison Maxon, J. W. Rockwood, Elisha
Stockwell, N. M. Clapp and Henry Lincoln. Company if— Second Lieutenant M. H.
Hurlbert, Corporal Irwin Underwood, Privates Anthony Kornell, Hiram Filkins, Aug.
W. Kirby and Charles Lascher — 73.
Previous to the battle. Lieutenant Colonel Messmore had ten-
dered his resignation, but it was not accepted until the day of the
battle. He therefore went to the field with the regiment, where
he was disabled, as we have stated. Major Hancock was pro-
moted Lieutenant Colonel, to date from April 7th, and Captain
L, M. AYard was romoted Major, dating from April 18th.
602 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The regiment remained at Pittsburg Landing, Colonel "Wood
being appointed Provost Marshal, and the regiment acted as
provost guard. For four days they remained without tents, ex-
posed to almost continual rains, and without sufficient rations.
The fatigues of the battle, and these exposures, together with the
unhealthiness of the position, produced much sickness. The
health of Colonel Wood was seriously impaired, and he returned
to "Wisconsin, and died on the 17th of June, from fatigue and
disease contracted in the service. At his death. Lieutenant Col-
onel Hancock was promoted Colonel, Major Ward as Lieutenant
Colonel, and Captain Pollys, Major.
The regiment remained engaged in provost guard duty at the
Landing until the 23d of July, when it was relieved and moved
to Hamburg and engaged in the same kind of duty, that
place being made the chief depot of supplies for the troops
stationed at Corinth. Captain Vaughn, of Company E, was ap-
pointed Provost Marshal. They remained at Hamburg until the
23d of August, when they were ordered to Corinth and were
assigned to the Second Brigade, Colonel Oliver, Sixth Division,
under General Mc Arthur. The Fourteenth took part in several
reconnoitering expeditions to points in the vicinity of Corinth,
and on the 16th of September marched with the left wing of the
Army of the Tennessee, under General Oi'd, to the east side of
luka. The battle before that place was fought to the south of
the town, on the 19th, by the divisions of Generals Hamilton
and Stanley. Near this place two companies of the Fourteenth
had a small skirmish with the enemy. Price having evacuated
luka, and Van Doru threatening Corinth, General Ord's forces,
by a forced march of thirty miles, reached that place on the 21 st.
Here the regiment remained until the let of October, when it
marched with the Eighteenth Wisconsin to Chewalla to join the
Second Brigade at that point, and watch the enemy, who was
supposed to be approaching by that road. They went to within
two miles of Chewalla and formed in line of battle. On the
approach of the enemy next day the whole force fell back, skir-
mishing, the men sleeping on their arms that night within two
miles of the old breastworks at Corinth, Companies C and K as
skirmishers, bringing up the rear. About an hour and a half
after daylight of the 3d of October, the skirmishers of the
BATTLE OF CORINTH. 603
Second Brigade became engaged, but the enemy approacbing in
large force they were obliged to fall back, after obstinately con-
testing the ground. The Fourteenth, under Colonel Hancock,
was sent forward and drove back the enemy. Orders were then
received to fall back to the hill north of the railroad, and hold
that position at all hazards. At the foot of this hill, near the
old line of breastworks. Company E, Captain Vaughn, supported
by Captain Samuel Harrison, of Company F, were deployed as
skirmishers. When the battle became general the enemy made
their appearance before the old breastw^orks in great force, com-
pelling the two companies to retire behind the old works. Here
they gallantly fought the enemy until the rebels rushed from the
woods, over the intrenchments, when they fell back fighting,
losing their brave Captain Yaughn. Captain Harrison was
mortally wounded. The position on the hill was held by the
Fifteenth Michigan and Fourteenth "Wisconsin, from nine
o'clock till one in the afternoon, although suffering severe loss,
and until the troops on the right and left retired after being
flanked. The artillery was then ordered to the rear, and Colonel
Oliver retired in good order with his command, to near Battery
F, from whence they fell back into the town, and were placed
by General McArthur to the north of General Rosecrans' (quar-
ters, and remained until morning. From the above it will
be seen that the battle of Corinth was opened by the Second
Brigade, of McArthur's Division, preceded by skirmishing from
Chewalla to the outer works, on the 1st and 2d of October, and
on the 3d they held their position until they found themselves
flanked on both sides, and the enemy charging upon them in
column. It was madness to remain, and they were retired by
Colonel Oliver, as stated. The Fourteenth Wisconsin was
always steady, cool and vigorous, and was the one to rely upon
in any emergency. Though suffering more loss than any other
regiment in the command, they maintained their lines and de-
livered their fire with all the precision and coolness which could
have been maintained upon drill. Such was the encomium
passed upon the Fourteenth by the Brigade Commander, Colonel
Oliver.
On the morning of the 4th of October, the Brigade was
marched to the rear of the Seminary Building, formed columns
604 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of attack and took position in support of batteries, and held
them. The command was very much exhausted, having
been continually engaged since Thursday in marching and
skirmishinof.
The regiment and its officers were highly spoken of in the re-
ports of superior officers, and Colonel Hancock also makes special
mention of many of his line and non-commissioned officers,
among the latter were Sergeant 11. W. Durand, of Company A ;
Private Thomas Tompkins, of Company B ; Sergeant Joseph
Wells, of Company C ; Sergeant B. F. Goodwin and Private
Andrew Flagg, of Company E ; Sergeant E. A. Moore, of Com-
pany II ; Private Warren Foster, of Company I ; and Private
Charles F. Davis, of Company K; also Sergeant Major John M.
Reed, and Color Sergeant Dennis Murphy, who bravely clung
to his flag, though three times wounded. The color guard for
that day were volunteers — their names were Corporal Joseph
Doucett, of Company E ; James A. Thompson, of Company B,
(killed;) William Carrill, of Company F, (wounded;) Joseph
Meek, of Company I ; John IsToon, of Company G ; and Gilbert
Waldron, of Company C. The Colonel says they were all brave
and trustworthy fellows, and worthy of mention.
The casualties, as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wotj:sds.— Company S— Lieutenant Samuel A. Tinkliam, Cor-
poral E. Hill, Privates James A. Thompson and John P. BracUeston. Company C— Cor-
poral R. Putnam, Privates G. Clark and EUery Porter. Company Z)— Privates Thomas
Mason, J. E. Tucker and William Anderson. Company J57— Captain Levi W. Vaughn,
PriVates Morris Van Dooser and Freeling Westgate. Company F— Captain Samuel
Harrison, Private Samuel Morrison. Company G — Corporal Lucien K Potter, Privates
Hatsel Delano, Charles R. Batcheldor, Ladislaus Raab and Patrick Carney. Company
.H"— Privates Ithamar G. Eastwood and George Williams. Company T— Sergeant A. J.
Coville. Company ^—Corporals William Brown, Irvin Underwood and Fred. St. John,
Privates Rufus Billings, Robert Harper, Joseph Coverstine and R. L. Edson — 30.
Wounded.— ^ieZd 0#cer— Colonel John Hancock. Company ^—Lieutenant E. F.
Ferris, Private Aimer Cornish. Company B — Captain Asa Worden, Privates Washington
Hoyle, W. H. King, James Galbrath, Carlos M. Hardy and Thomas Tompkins. Company
C— Corporal J. Dean, Privates D. Maxon, William Anderson, J. Dewrose, L. Cady, T.
Fitzgerald, P. Gallagher, R. Hunter, G. Perkins and B. F. Smith. Company i>— Sergeant
S. L. Hunstable, Corporals E. B. Sherwin and W. A. Strosnider, Privates L. Amiot, S.
Mason, Patrick McGuire, W. B. Loggan, A. Lowell and L. Sprain. Company E— Corporal
Francis E. Engle, Private Warren P. Thayer. Company i?'— Lieutenant D. E. Ward,
Color bearer Dennis J. F. Murphy, Piivates John Dollar and Alex. Parsons. Company O
— Corporal C. G. Dreutzer, Privates Ira J. S. Holmes, James Cotrell and Daniel Tousey.
Company J— Private Joseph Meek. Company A''— Sergeant Azro G. Abbott, Privates
Manly J. Armon, Silas S. Cooper, Ellas H. Countryman, Haseltine Dunton, Charles F.
Davis, George Fuller and Henry F. Manlove— 48.
The regiment joined in the pursuit of the enemy to Ripley,
returning to Corinth on the 12th, where it remained until the 2d
SIEGE OF VICKSBURG. * 605
of ITovember, when it moved to Grand Junction, where General
Grant was concentrating the forces of West Tennessee, and on
the 27th, accompanied that general in his southward movement,
reaching Yocona, Miss., when the disaster at Holly Springs, on
the 20th of December, occurred. They then accompanied the
forces on their retreat from Mississippi to Moscow, on the Mem-
phis and Charleston Railroad, thence they moved to Memphis
on the 10th of January, and on the 17th, embarked for Vicks-
burg, where they landed and engaged in guard and fatigue duty.
Colonel Hancock, having become disabled by ill health,
resigned on the 23d of January, 1863, and was succeeded in the
command by Lieutenant Colonel Ward, who was appointed
Colonel, Major Polleys, Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Asa
Worden, Major.
On the 8th of February, they embarked on transports for
Lake Providence, seventy-five miles above Vicksburg, with the
other forces of General McArthur, arriving there on the 10th of
February. Here they remained until the 20th of April, engaged
in sundry reconnoissances, seizure of cotton, supplies, etc., when
they again proceeded down the river to Miliken's Bend, They
were now attached to Ransom's brigade of McArthur's division.
Marching across the Peninsula, camping twelve days at Smith's
plantation, they reached Grand Gulf on the 13th of May, and
immediately proceeded to join the Seventeenth Army Corps,
then near Raymond. They reached there while the battle of
Champion's Hill, on the 16th, was in progress, five miles to the
left. On the 17th, they were put in motion towards Vicksburg,
and reached Big Black River, where the battle had just been
fought, and assisted in the construction of two floating bridges,
and the next day marched to Vicksburg, and advanced to a posi-
tion ^^^.thin range of the enemy's guns in the lines of the Seven-
teenth Army Corps. In the assault on the enemy's works, on the
19th, they attained a position within eighty rods of the enemy's
lines. The next two days were spent in skirmishing, and con-
structing rifle pits. In the terrible charge of the 22d, the Four-
teenth took a conspicuous part, penetrating a considerable dis-
tance beyond any other regiment of the brigade, and attaining a
position in front of the enemy's fort, where no other regiment was
near them. Here they were obliged to seek cover until night
606 ' MILITARY HISTORY OF "WISCONSIN.
approached before tlaey could escape. In this charge, the Four-
teenth lost one hundred and seven in killed, wounded and
missing.
The list of killed and those who died of wounds, we copy fi'om
the Adjutant General's records, and the list of wounded we find
in the monthly reports. Many others were slightly wounded,
but were not reported :
Killed or Died of Wounds. — Company A — Sergeant Isaac Hendricks, Corporal
Nelson Krake, Privates Charles Abbey. John Somers and Jacob Wederman. Comjmny
^ — Privates Stephen Deland, Howard Harkness and John Otis. Company C— Fii-st
Lieutenant Colin Miller, Sergeant Joseph P. Wells and George S. Noyes. Compiany D —
Privates Alfred Collins and F. W. C. Koch. Company JE?— Privates Myron Dill and Geo.
A. Monroe. Company i^— First Sergeant J. C. McFarland, Privates Joseph Bergman,
John Munger and Henry Cady. Company G — Private Knud Tolafson. Company H —
Privates George M. Craig, August Steinmetzer, Peter Garrow and Daniel D. Hammon.
Company I — Privates Charles Rider and John B. Powers. Company K — Privates
Christian Bache and John Begood — 28.
Wounded. — Sergeant Major John M. Reed. Company A — Lieutenant Charles T. Wil-
liams, Sergeant George C. Denniston, Corporal George Van Hinklan, Privates Orlando
J. Ribble. Adam Slidell and Gideon F. Jones. Company B — Corporal John F. Beach,
■Trivates^Michael Haley, Albert A. Jeffers, Dennie Rossie and Thomas J. Pray.
Company C — Corporals G. T. Crafts and Benjamin F. Hoy, Privates Daniel Howe,
Charles M. Johnson, John McMahon and Benjamin Smith. Company D — Privates
William Dolan, Samuel H. Moody and Patrick O. Day, Company E — Second Lieu-
tenant Daniel Ramsdell, Privates Joseph Smith, John Barnard, Patrick Hogan,
Christian Hanigan, Thomas Lovelace, Henry Mikey, James Murphy, Charles McAllister
and Martin C. Tyler. Cvmpany F— Lieutenant Reuben Wheeler, Sergeant John P. Ryan,
Privates Charles Blathe, John Ralley, Tliomas Steele, John Sullivan, Tliomas Tariff,
William J.Wright, Henry Puday and John Hawley, Cmoipany C? — Private Joel T. Brew-
ster. Company H— Privates Edward Galligan, Adin Gibson and Henry Herte. Company
J— Privates Charles F. Bone, James Currens and Charles Stahl. Company K— Privates
Martin Alftman, Edward R. Abbott and Edmund Pettit — 50.
The Fourteenth remained engag-ed in the duties of the siege
until the surrender of the city on the 4th of July, when it was
assigned the position of honor on the right, and ordered by
General Ransom to take the advance in the triumphal entry of
our troops into the city, the general complimenting them with
the remark that " every man and officer of the Fourteenth was a
hero." On the 12th of July, the regiment embarked with the
rest of the brigade of General Ransom, and proceeded to IN'atchez,
of which place they took possession on the 14th. They remained
at ]!^atchez until the 9th of October, when, pursuant to orders,
they proceeded to Vicksburg, and encamped for the winter.
A " Board of Honor," of which General McPherson, of the
Seventeenth Army Corps was President, awarded medals of
honor to the following persons in the Fourteenth Regiment for
gallant services : — To Sergeant Asel Childs, of Company C,
RED RIVER EXPEDITION. 607
medal of silver, inscribed " Shiloh, Coriutli and Yieksbiirg ;" to
Sergeant Herman Runge, of Company D, medal of gold, in-
scribed " Sbiloh, Corinth and Vicksburg;" to Corporal Moses
Wynn, of Company H, medal of silver, inscribed " Sliiloh, Corinth
and Yicksburg;" to Corporal Adin Gibson, of Company II,
medal of gold, inscribed " Shiloh and Vicksburg.*
More than two-thirds of the regiment reenlisted on the 11th
of December, constituting it a veteran regiment, being the first
regiment to reenlist in the Army of the Tennessee. On the 3d of
January, 1864, they embarked for Wisconsin, on veteran furlough',
arrived at Madison on the 20th, and on the 26th, were paid,
and received furlough for thirty days.
The regiment was ordered to rendezvous at Camp "Wash-
burn, Milwaukee, but owing to the severe snow storms which
blocked the railroads and impeded the general travel in the
country, many of the men failed to report promptly on the
day their furloughs expired. A peremptory order to the Colo-
nel to rejoin the corps at Yicksburg compelled him to leave
the State with only a portion of his command. Major Asa
Worden remained in Milwaukee, with instructions to collect
and assume command of those who were behind, and follow
the regiment.
On the 6th of March, the regiment arrived at Yicksburg,
just in time to participate in the ill-fated Red River Expedi-
tion. The regiment was not in a fit condition to take the
field, but 2,500 men were to be made up from the Seventeenth
Army Corps, to be composed, as far as possible, of troops that
had not accompanied General Sherman on his Meridian Ex-
pedition, from which he had just returned. The Fourteenth
was, therefore, included in the quota of the Seventeenth Corps,
and was assigned to a Provisional Division, under the com-
mand of General Thomas Kilby Smith, and was known as the
" Red River Division." Colonel Ward was assigned to the
command of the Second Brigade, composed of the Fourteenth
Wisconsin, and the Ninety -fifth and Eighty -first Illinois
regiments.
Accompanymg the command of General A. J. Smith, the
expedition proceeded down the Mississippi and up Red River.
The Fourteenth was present at the capture of Fort do Russey
608 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
ou tlie 14tli of March, and tlie " Red River Division," to which
it belonged, remained and destroyed the works, rejoining the
command on the 17th. On the advance of General Banks,
above Alexandria, the Fourteenth accompanied the expedition
on its march to Bayou Cotile, and thence, by transports, to
Grand Ecore. Here the rest of General A. J. Smith's com-
mand debarked and marched for Shreveport, while General
Kilby Smith's " Red River Division," of the Seventeenth Army
Corps, was distributed as guards among the fleet of over thirty
transports, which, with the gunboats, proceeded up the river,
intending to reach Shreveport at the same time with the army
of General Banks. Reaching Loggy Bayou, sixty or seventy
miles below Shreveport, they found a large transport sunk
across the stream, which had to be removed before they could
proceed further. While engaged in this work, news came of the
defeat of the army at Mansfield, or Sabine Cross Roads, and an
order was also received to return immediately to Grand Ecore.
The return was immediately commenced, and from this time
until the fleet reached Grand Ecore, the vessels of the fleet were
continually harrassed by the fire of the enemy from both banks
of the river. On the 12th, the fleet was attacked by the enemy
in force at Pleasant Ilill Landing, under the command of General
Green, of Texas. A severe fight ensued, lasting an hour, in
which the enemy were repulsed, with great slaughter. General
Green being killed. The army proceeded from Grand Ecore to
Alexandria, halting till the dam could be built by Colonel Bailey,
to enable the gunboats to pass the rapids. They then continued
on. to Simmsport, skirmishing every day. The Fourteenth took
part in the engagements at Clouterville, Marksville and Yellow
Bayou, and in several minor skirmishes. With the rest of
General Smith's command, the Fourteenth proceeded to the
mouth of Red River, and thence up the Mississippi to Vicksburg,
where it arrived on the 22d.
That portion of the regiment which was left in Wisconsin
reached Vicksburg six days after the departure of the regiment in
the Red River Division. It moved up the river with the rest of
the Seventeenth Army Corps, and subsequently joined General
Sherman's Grand Army at Ackworth in the month of June, and
performed gallant service in the campaign against Atlanta. It
worden's battalion. 609
became known as "Worden's Battalion," and was composed of
Company E, and portions of each of the nine other companies
of the regiment. Company E accompanied Sherman's Grand
March to the Sea, as the guard of the pontoon train of the Seven-
teenth Corps. The fragments of companies rejoined their
regiment at iSTashville, in November, 1864.
"We have been unable to find any account of the operations of
this battalion during the Atlanta campaign, as no report has
been made to the Adjutant General.
We find a list of casualties during the campaign :
Killed or Died op Wounds.— Principal Musician Hiram F. Newland, October 31st,
1864, at Cave Springs, Ga. Company Z>— Privates William Devall and Charles Quimby,
at Lovejoy, September 3d, ISftl. At Atlanta.— Cwnpariy C— Private Arthur L. Turner,
August 13th. Q3»!pa7!j/£ — Private William D. Jones, July 21th. Owipanj/ i<'— Private
Simeon King, July 22d — 6.
The regiment moved to Memphis the latter part of May, and
in July, took part in the " Tupelo Expedition," under the com-
mand of General A. J. Smith. On the afternoon of the 13th of
July, while marching from Pontotoc, Miss., to Tupelo, the train
was attacked by a brigade of the enemy's cavalry. Colonel
Ward's brigade was marching on the flanks of the train as
guards, and the enemy was gallantly repulsed by the Fourteenth
and Thirty-third Wisconsin, leaving their killed and wounded
upon the field, and also a stand of colors which were found and
brought oflT tne field by Captain C. M. G. Mansfield, of Company
II. The Fourteenth also took part in the battle of Tupelo, on
the 14th, which resulted in the defeat of the rebel Generals For-
rest and S. D. Lee, and also engaged in a fight with the enemy
on the 15th.
The casualties were :
Wounded.— Company Z)— Lieutenant Timothy O'Brien. Company i^— Private Charles
Mitchell. Company G — Privates M. D. Emmons, Michael Clarey and Allen Sedgworth.
Company K— Private H. Dunton, mortally — 6. ^
Returning to Memphis, the regiment was ordered to St.
Charles, Ark., and thence on the 1st of September to Duval's
Bluff", on White River. From Duval's Bluff" a reconnoitering
expedition was sent to Augusta, under command of General
Graves, of the Fifteenth Michigan, composed of the Fourteenth
Wisconsin, three other infantry regiments, a section of artillery,
39
610 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and a squadron of cavalry. Embarked on transports, on the
second day out, the fleet was fired into by a large body of the
enemy in ambush, and several were killed and wounded, among
them Colonel Graves. The command devolving on Colonel
Ward, he landed his force twenty miles above, and marched
upon Augusta, meeting but slight resistance, the enemy flying
at his approach. The information having been obtained, the
force returned to Duval's Bluff, from whence the regiment
moved by rail to Brownsville, twenty-five miles from Little
Rock, on the 7th of September.
On the 17th, the regiment was temporarily attached to Major
General Mower's Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and
marched from Brownsville in pursuit of the rebel General Price,
^^ ho was then engaged in his last great raid into Missouri. The
Eighth, Thirty-third and Fourteenth AYisconsin were all engaged
in this expedition, and after a hard march of 340 miles, they
reached Cape Girardeau, in southeast Missouri, on the Missis-
sippi River, without coming up with the forces of General Price.
They immediately proceeded up the river to St. Louis, thence up
the Missouri to Jefferson City, then out on the Pacific Railroad
to Warrensburg. Here the brigade to which the Fourteenth was
attached, remained until news was received of the defeat of Price,
and the dispersion of his forces. About the middle of November,
they returned to St. Louis, and quartered at Benton Barracks.
On the 23d, they embarked on transports, and proceeded to
Nashville, Tenn., to reinforce General Thomas, who was then
preparing to resist the approach of the enemy under General
Hood. The battle of Franklin had been fought, and Hood was
stationing his forces for an attack on Thomas' lines. The Four-
teenth immediately set to work erecting temporary defences in
front of their position, which was on the extreme right of the
line. Major Worden had been mustered out, and Captain E. F.
Ferris had been promoted Major, and was in command of the
regiment. The brigade, under the command of Colonel L.
M. Ward, was ordered to the support of General McArthur's
division, which "s^as a mile and a half to the right, and in the ad-
vance. Before he could reach General McArthur, the assault
had been made and the works carried. On reporting to General
McArthur, Colonel Ward was ordered to occupy the captured
BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 611
works, to prevent a flank attack. The rebels being found in
force on Granny "White's Pike, Colonel Ward's brigade was
selected to dislodge them. The enemy vp-as found in two lines,
between the stone walls on either side of the pike, and was abun-
dantly able to repulse any assault on his front. The brigade
moved forward at a double quick, expecting to be warmly
received. A few scattering shots only were fired, when the most
of the enemy jumped over the walls in their rear, and scattered.
280 prisoners were captured, nearly all with their guns loaded
and capped. Bivouacking for the night, early next day the Six-
teenth Division moved to the extreme right, on the Franklin
Pike. Here the regiment remained all day without being
engaged, and next morning joined in the pursuit, reaching Clif-
ton, on the Tennessee, on the 3d of January, 1865, thence they
moved by transports to Eastport, Miss., where they arrived on
the 11th. On the 18th, an expedition to Corinth routed out the
rebel General Ross' brigade from that place, and returned to
Eastport on the 22d. Manley J. Arman, of Company K, is
reported as killed at Clifton, January 6th, 1865.
On the 8th of February, General Smith's division left Eastport
on transports, debarked at Vicksburg, remained a week, and then
]~roceeded to ISTew Orleans, where they arrived on the 22d of
February. The force of General Smith here received the
designation of the Sixteenth Army Corps.
Taking part in the operations against Mobile, they left Kew
Orleans on the 12th of March, and proceeded to Dauphin Island,
in Mobile Bay, and debarked eight miles up Fish River, on the
west side of the bay. On the 25th, the army, under General Cainby,
marched from Fish River, and on the 27th, invested Spanish
Fort, the division to which the Fourteenth belonged, having the
advance. From this time, the Fourteenth was constantly en-
gaged as skirmishers and sharpshooters, until the surrender of
SpanishFort, and the evacuation of Mobile, sustaining considerable
loss.
We find the following casualties at Spanish Fort, in the records
of the Adjutant General:
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cbwpan^ i?'— Private Henry Hill, April 8, 186.5. Company
G — Private Robert Owen, April 8, 1865. Cbmpajij/ A'— Privates William W. Lee and
Fred. B. Mattice, April 1, 1865 — 4.
Wounded.— Compatiy K— Privates J. L. Martin and J. Buckham — 2.
012 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 9tli of April, they marched to Blakeley, thence to Mont-
gomery, Ala., where they arrived and went into camp, west of the
city, on the 23d. On the 19th of July, the regiment was ordered into
the city, and Colonel Ward was placed in command of the post.
Lieutenant Colonel Ferris being in command of the regiment.
Here Company E, which had been with General Sherman's expe-
dition, rejoined the regiment on the 16th of July. On the 27th
of August, they moved to Mobile, and on the 9th of October,
were mustered out, by reason of their services being no longer
required. They returned to "Wisconsin, and were disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 910. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 60, in 1864, 439, in 1865, 41; by substitutes, 85;
by draft in 1864, 200, in 1865, 115; by veteran reenlistments,
272; total, 2,182. Loss — by death, 287; missing, 13; deserted,
97; transferred, 23; discharged, 407; mustered out, 1,355.
OHAPTEE XXIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FIFTEENTH INFANTRY.
Kegimental Roster — Arrive at St. Louis — Bird's Point — Island
No. 10 — Skirmish at Union City — Capture op Island No. 10 —
Move to West Tennessee — Transferred to Army op the Cum-
berland— Florence, Ala. — Move to Louisville — Battle op
Perryville — Knob Gap — Stone River — Death op Lieutenant
Colonel McKee — March on Tullahoma — Battle of Chicamauga
— Death of Colonel Heg — Battle op Mission Ridge — Move to
East Tennessee — Battle at Rocky Face Ridge — Resaca — Dallas
— Kenesaw Mountain — Atlanta — At Whitesides — Mustered
out — Statistics.
THE Fifteentli Regiment was recruited mostly from the Scan-
dinavian population of the State, and was organized at Camp
Randall, Madison, its muster into the United States service
completed on the 14th of February, 1862, and it left the State
for St. Louis on the 2d of March, with the following regimental
roster :
Lieutenant Colonel -
Colonel— HANS C. HEG.
; Major -
-Charles M. Reese; Adoutant — 'B.x^s
BoRCHSENius; Quartermaster — Ot.^ Heg; ^fMrgreon — Stephen O. Himoe ; First AssUtayU
Surgeon — S. J. Hansen ; Second AssisiarU Surgeon — G. F. Newell ; Chaplain — Rev. C. L.
Clausen.
Co. Captains.
A — Andrew Torkildsen,
B — Ole C. Johnson,
C —Frederick R. Berg,
D— Charles Campbell,
E — John Ingmundsen,
P — Charles Gustavesen,
Q— John A. Gordon,
H— Knud J. Sirae,
I — August Gasman,
K— Mons Grinager.J
First Lieutenants.
Emanuel Englested,
Joseph Mathieson,
Hans Hansen,
Albert Skofstadt,
William Tjentland,
Thomas Simonsen,
Henry Hauff,
Andrew A. Brown,
Reynard Cook,
Ole Peterson.
Second lAeutenants,
Oliver Thompson,
George Wilson,
John T. Rice,
Christian E. Tanberg,
John M. Johnson,
Svend Samuelsou,
William A. Montgomery
John L. Johnson,
Martin Russell,
Olaus Sol berg.
614 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Kiler K. Jones, Esq., of Quincy, 111., was commissioned Lieu-
tenant Colonel, and superintended the organization of tlie several
companies, until Colonel Heg was relieved of his official duties
as State Prison Commissioner. He continued Ms official con-
nection with the regiment until the Ist of March, when, from
some unfortunate misunderstanding, his commission as Lieuten-
ant Colonel was revoked, and the regiment left the State without
a Lieutenant Colonel. Captain David McKee, of the Second
"Wisconsin, was subsequently commissioned, and joined the
regiment at Island l^o. 10.
Passing through Chicago, the regiment was presented with a
beautiful flag, by the Scandinavian "Society Nora." The motto
on the flag was, "For God and our country." On one side was
the American colors, with gilt stars on a blue field. On the
reverse were the American and Norwegian arms, united ; the
Norwegian arms representing a lion with an axe, on a red field.
On the flag was inscribed, " Presented by the Society Nora, of
Chicago, to the Scandinavian Regiment, March 1, 1862." The
flag was presented by C. Ditrickson, Esq., accompanied with a
speech in the Norwegian language, which was appropriately
replied to by Colonel Heg. The regiment went immediately
aboard the cars, and reached St. Louis on the morning of the
4th, and were ordered by General Halleck to proceed to Bird's
Point, opposite the mouth of the Ohio, at Cairo. Here they
found comfortable barracks, and Colonel Heg assumed command
of the post, leaving Major Reese in command of the regiment.
Here they remained, engaged in guard duty in the intrenchments,
until the 14th of March, when, pursuant to orders. Colonel Heg
embarked his regiment, with the exception of companies C, D
and K, on the transport Silver Wave, and joined the expedition
of Commodore Foote against Island No. 10, near New Madrid,
forming, with the Twenty-seventh Illinois, the land forces which
accompanied that expedition, and arrived before the enemy's
works on the 15th, when the bombardment was immediately
commenced. Here the regiment remained for some time, inactive,
except the performance of a little picket duty, on a point of land
on the Missouri shore. At this time the surrounding country
was flooded, and but little dry ground could be found to encamp
on. This compelled the troops to remain on the tran orts
ISLAND NUMBER TEN. ' 615
where they suffered much from the cold, and the inadequate
means of cooking their rations.
On the 31st of Marcl], a portion of the regiment participated
in an attack on a rebel camp near Union City, to the east of the
town of Hickman, Ky. Proceeding up the river to Hickman,
they made a forced march to Union City, near which they sur-
prised the camp of a band of rebels, under the notorious Clay
King, completely routing them, and destroying their oamp and
its contents, and capturing about a hundred horses and mules,
and several wagons. Company G- captured a secesh battle flag,
which was sent to the Governor of Wisconsin as a trophy, with
another, w^hich was subsequently captured at Island ISTo. 10.
The regiment returned to New Madrid, where it remained till
Island jSTo. 10 was evacuated, on the night of the 7th of April,
w^hen it was sent to occupy the Kentucky shore, opposite the
Island, where the rebels had erected several batteries. They
took possession of the camps of the enemy, in which they found
a large amount of stores of all kinds. On the departure of the
forces of Commodore Foote and General Pope, the Fifteenth was
left to garrison the Island, and to gather up and protect the im-
mense stores of ordnance and other articles, which had been
captured. The situation was found to be quite unhealthy, and
the duty of the regiment w^as very severe and laborious. The
companies left at Bird's Point, joined the regiment at Island
JS'o. 10.
Pursuant to orders. Colonel Heg left companies G and I, to
garrison the post, under the command of Captain Gordon, of
Company G, and on the 12th of June, proceeded with the rest of
his force, to Union City, and reported to General Mitchell. After
a short stay here, they moved to Humboldt, thence to the neigh-
borhood of Corinth, where they were assigned to Rosecrans'
command, in General C. S. Hamilton's division, thence, on the
20th of July, they proceeded to Jacinto, where they were assigned
to Colonel Carlin's brigade, of General Jeff, C. Davis' division.
From Jacinto, they proceeded to luka, where they remained till
the 21st of August, wdien they marched with Davis' division, to
join the army of the Cumberland, reaching Florence, Ala., on
the 24th of August.
616 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
General Bragg had commenced his great raid into Kentucky,
and all of Buell's forces were en route to head off any attack
on Louisville. Davis' division arrived at Nashville on the 8th of
September. March was resumed on the 11th, and the regiment
and division entered Louisville on the 26th, tired, hungry, ragged
and footsore from their long march.
Here Davis' division was transferred from the army of the
Mississippi to the Third Corps, General Gilbert, army of the
Ohio. After a few days rest, the regiment, on the 1st of October,
marched with the division in pursuit of Bragg, proceeding
through Bardstown. The division was temporarily under the com-
mand of Brigadier General R. B. Mitchell, and was designates
as the l^inth Division of the Army of the Ohio, and the brigade
as the Thirty- first, under Colonel Carlin, consisting of the
Twenty-first and Thirty-eighth Illinois, One Hundred and First
Ohio, Fifteenth "Wisconsin, and Second Minnesota Battery.
Arriving within four miles of the enemy on the 7th, line of battle
was formed, and they slept on their arms. The battle commenced
on the following morning, but the brigade was not disturbed till
about 2, P. M., when it was ordered to advance to the support
of General Sheridan's division. They marched to the vicinity
of McCook's corps, on the left, where the battle was raging fear-
fully, then moved to the right, and formed in the woods. One
company of the Fifteenth was sent forward as skirmishers, who
soon engaged the enemy. The brigade advanced in line of battle,
exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery. The rebel
infantry fell back under the protection of their guns. Notwith-
standing the heavy fire, the Fifteenth Wisconsin and the
Twenty-first Illinois took advantage of the inequality of the
ground, and advanced steadily, driving the enemy, with his
artillery, before them, until they had reached a point within a,
quarter of a mile of the village, when they were ordered to halt,
and lay down behind a rise of ground. The enemy's artillery
again opened, which was replied to by the brigade battery.
Remaining about two hours, they were ordered to retire, which
was not done until thirteen wagons, filled with ammunition, were
captured by the brigade. It appears that the enemy's ammuni-
tion train might all have been captured, if the brigade had been
permitted to follow up the pursuit. Notwithstanding their
exposure, the Fifteenth escaped without having a man wounded.
m'kee's expedition after guerillas. 617
The division joined in the pursuit, and found the enemy's
wagon trains passing through Lancaster. It was drawn up in
line, and skirmishers sent forward, preparatory to an attack,
when peremptory orders were received from General Gilbert to
halt, and not bring on an engagement. Thus the enemy's trains
escaped, much to the chagrin and indignation of the troops. The
rebel force was only a train guard of five hundred men. The
pursuit was continued to Crab Orchard, where the Fifteenth was
employed as Provost Guard for a week, when the troops com-
menced the return march, proceeding by way of Danville and
New Market, to Bowling Green, where General Rosecrans was
reorganizing the army, and on the 4th of November proceeded
towards Nashville, to Edgefield Junction, where, after resting a
few days, the Fifteenth joined an expedition, commanded by
Lieutenant Colonel McKee, down the Cumberland River, towards
Clarksville, in quest of Woodward and Morgan's guerillas. The
expedition proceeded down the river about fifty miles, and was
gone five days, and succeeded in capturing about fifty prisoners,
and a large number of horses, mules and wagons. Several well
known resorts for guerillas were destroyed, and also a distillery,
whiskey and salt, together with a quantity of corn, tobacco, etc.
General Rosecrans, in a complimentary order, after stating the
results of the expedition, concludes : — " This handsome little
success shows what good infantry can do under an enterprising
leader, and reflects much credit upon all who were engaged in it."
In the reorganization of the army by General Rosecrans, Gen-
eral Davis' division was designated as the First, of the right wing
of the Fourteenth Army Corps. The brigade was designated as
the Second.
Companies G and I, left at Island No. 10, m October, 1862,
took part in a brilliant afiair, in which the enemy, under Colonel
Faulkner, with three hundred mounted men, dashed into their
camp before daylight. In the brisk little fight which ensued, the
two companies, under Captain Gordon, with a company of Illi-
nois cavalry, charged upon the rebels in the confusion occasioned
by the darkness, with such vigor, that they fled, pursued by the
cavalry, for fifteen miles. It resulted in the capture of the rebel
Colonel and his line officers, and ten men prisoners, seven killed
and nine wounded.
618 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Eeturning to Edgefield Junction, the regiment moved to
KashviJle, and remained in camp, engaged in occasional sldr-
misMng, or guarding forage trains, until the 26th of December,
when they marched in company with the forces of Genera]
Eosecrans, to take part in the battle of Murfreesboro.
Davis' division was in the right wing of the army, under Gen-
eral McCook, on the extreme right, and took position as the
advance division. About one o'clock, P. M., the enemy was
found in position near Kolinsville, drawn up in line of battle. A
battery opened on the advancing division, which proved very
annoying, and was only silenced by Carlin's brigade swinging
round to flank their position, when they limbered up and started
to the rear.
In front of Carlin's division, about a mile distant, was a deep
cut or gorge in the mountain, known as Knob Gap, through
which the JSTolinsville and Triune turnpike passes. This gap is
about 300 paces in width, closed in by steep bluff walls. Here
the rebels had placed eight pieces of artillery, with a large force
of dismounted cavalry in support. An order to Colonel Carlin,
directed that the battery be taken at any risk. It looked like a
hopeless job, but Colonel Carlin quietly turned to Lieutenant
Colonel McKee, of the Fifteenth, and ordered him to take com-
mand of the skirmishers, and advance rapidly. McKee knew
the danger of the undertaking, but immediately responded to
the order, and taking one company from each regiment of Carlin's
brigade, deployed them in front, and pushed rapidly forward
towards the gap, followed by the brigade. The rebel battery of
eight guns, opened with shell, and fired with fearful rapidity.
Steadily, that little band, under their indomitable leader, pushed
on amid the bursting shell, and other missiles, through cornfields
and woods, and up and down hill, to the very cannons' mouths.
The skirmishers are near enough, and open fire. The rebels
reply with canister. The brigade soon gets within range, and opens
fire along the whole line, and with a yell, make for the battery.
The men were so exhausted they could not get up a double
quick. Colonel Heg dashed forward on his horse, and the Fif-
teenth following with bayonets at a charge, drove the enemy,
who limbered up and retired, leaving one gun. Colonel Heg
rode forward on his horse, and with Lieutenant Colonel McKee,
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 619
took • possession of the piece, as a trophy for the Fifteenth
Wisconsin.
Bivouacking at the Gap, next day the command advanced two
miles, and camped, remaining till Monday, the 29th, when they
again moved towards Mnrfreesboro, and bivouacked, without
tires, the men resting on their arms.
On the morning of the 30th, line of battle was formed, and the
regiment advanced. Company E, Captain Ingmundson, was
sent forward as skirmishers, who reported to Lieut. Col. McKee, in
command of the skirmish line. The enemy was encountered by
the skirmish line, about 12 o'clock. About 2 o'clock, the Fif-
teenth was ordered to advance and occupy the position held by
the skirmishers, which was done, and Colonel Heg found that
Captain Ingmundson had been killed, and one of his men woun-
ded. Driving in the enemy's skirmishers, the regiment advanced
slowly, through a heavy cedar thicket, under a severe fire of
grape and shell. Colonel Heg found the enemy in heavy force
behind a rail fence, near the house of Mrs. "William Smith. His
regiment continued to advance, notwithstanding the heavy fire,
to within a hundred yards of the enemy's line, when another
battery, on his left and front, opened a cross fire of grape and
canister on his command. The reo-iment on the rig-ht of the
Fifteenth, being unable to stand the enemy's fire, began to retire,
when finding his flank thus exposed. Colonel Heg directed his
regiment to fall back slowly. This they did, facing twice to the
enemy, and delivering their fire, in going 200 yards, and taking
position behind a fence, about 300 yards in advance of the enemy,
which they held till after dark, taking off" their killed and
wounded. Their loss in this day's fight (the 30th) was six killed
and thirty-five wounded.
At 8 o'clock in the evening, the regiment was relieved by the
picket guard, under Lieutenant Colonel McKee, and retired
about 400 yards to the rear, where they rested on their arms,
without fires.
Early next morning, the regiment was in line of battle, with
fall ammunition boxes. A brisk firing was heard to the right.
It proved to be the attack of the rebels on Johnson's division,
which occupied the extreme right of the right wing, next to
which was Davis' division, in which the Fifteenth was brigaded
620 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Colonel Heg held the position occupied during the night, till the
battery on his right retired, when he fell back about 300 yards,
to its support. The battery again retired, to the vicinity of a
house, which was occupied as a Union hospitah The regiment
retired with it, and again acted as its support.
Being anxious to rejoin the brigade. Colonel Heg wheeled his
regiment to the right, and advanced in the direction where the
brigade was posted, with a view to assist in keeping the enemy
in check. He took position near a fence, in the rear of the
Thirty-eighth Illinois, which was then holding the enemy at bay.
During this time, the forces of Johnson were retiring before the
advancing enemy. The Thirty-eighth Illinois also retired, and
the Fifteenth opened fire on the enemy, who was then within
200 yards, advancing towards them in solid column. The posi-
tion was held until the appearance of a heavy force on the right
left no alternative but to retire or be taken prisoners. While
engaged at this point. Lieutenant Colonel McKee and several
others were killed, and several wounded. From this position,
Colonel Heg found great difficulty in extricating his command,
as he had to retire through an open field, with the enemy accu-
mulating a heavy force on his right flank, which was pouring in
a terrible fire. Joining the remains of Carlin's brigade, near the
hospital on the hill before mentioned, the command retired to
the Murfreesboro Pike, where the rest of the right wing had
congregated, between the railroad and pike. The regiment
again took position behind a fence when within 400 or 500 yards
of the pike, and opened fire, but the overpowering numbers of
the enemy, compelled them again to retire. Crossing the turn-
pike, the men were again rallied at the railroad track, where they
remained during the rest of the day. Here in the railroad cut,
which passed through a hill, Rosecrans massed his infantry, and
concentrated a large number of his guns. As the triumphant
rebels would rush up in pursuit of our retiring forces, these guns
would open, and the infantry would deploy from the railroad cut
and pour in a devastating fire, and their ranks would go down
like grass before the mower.
The command remained in this position dunng the 1st and 2d
of January, 1863, engaged in skirmishing with the enemy's pickets.
On the evening of the 2d, they moved across Stone River, where
"Westemx EiraHAvnJG Co.Chicaoo.
:^^
U: GOL. DAVID M^KEE,
XlfGEAVED EXPRiSSU- FOR CLftRKn » CO PUBL:SH£H
CASUALTIES. 621
tlie left wing, under General Crittenden, had been stationed, from
which it had been forced to retire, taking position on a high point of
land in front of the enemy, three-fourths of a mile from the river,
where they remained until the morning of the 4th, constantly
skirmishing with the enemy's pickets, in a drenching rain, with-
out fires or shelter, and with scanty rations. For five days
Colonel Heg's regiment fought or skirmished almost continually,
without a word of murmuring or dissatisfaction. In this engage-
ment, our Scandinavian soldiers displayed a courage and
endurance, second to no regiment on that bloody field.
Lieutenant Colonel McKee was killed instantly, by a shot in
the head. Captain Ingmundson was also killed. The loss of
these ofiicers was a sore calamity. Captains Wilson, Grinr.ger,
and Lieutenant Simonson, were wounded in the engagement on
the 30th, but remained with their companies, and brought them,
in good order, off the field. Captain Gustaveson was slightly
wounded in the foot.
The casualties, from December 30th to January 4th, 1863, were
reported, as follows :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— i^'eW Q^cer — Lieutenant Colonel David McKce.
Company A — Sergeant Ole Back, Privates Knute Peterson, Ole Larson and Henry Elli-
son. Qympany B — Corporal Torgrim Mikkleson, Private Lars J. Olson. Company C —
Privates Gunder E. Hanson, Mathias Mathiason, Knud Filkenson and B. C.Osmundson.
Company Z»— Privates Nils Nelson and Ole Lee. Company E—Ca^Xa,\T[i John Ingmundson,
Corporal Andrew Johnson, Private Christopher H. Lee. Company i*'— Privates Ole N.
Knutsen, Knud Iverson, Johan Flack and Torger Torgerson. Company H — Corporal
Anders L. Fosse, Privates Hans Gulbrandson, Lars O. Dokken and Knute Lai'son.
Company K— Sergeant Knud R. Olson, Private John Martinson — 25.
Wounded. — Company ^ — Sergeant Ormond ^Peterson, Corporal Hans Ingebretson,
Privates Gahn Annunson, Martin Jorgenson, Gabriel E. Somme, Jonas Thompson,
Halver Jorgenson and Lorenz Nelson. Company £— Privates Albert A. Nelson, Anflnd
Byverson, Syvert A. Anderson and Lewis Nelson. Company C— Corporal Samuel
Johnson, Piivates Lorenz Olson, Torbjon Hanson, O. C Bergenson, Peter Jorgenson,
Jacob Jordahl and Knudt Hanson. Ow»po«!/i>— Sergeant Iver A. Brandt, Privates Halvor
Olson and John Warp. Company ^—Second Lieutenant John N. Brown, Sergeant G.
Gunderson, Pi-ivates Asbjorn Sacariascn, Ole Milesteen, Jacob J. Lee, Iver Anderson, Ole
Lindboe, Anan Kjellesvig and William Burgerson. Company F — Captain Charles Gus-
tave.«(on. Lieutenant Thor Simonson, Sergeants Johan Oberg and Nils J. Gilbert, Corpo-
rals Gilbert Paulson and Andrew Thompson, Privates Sven B jorgenson, Ole S. Olson, Ole
Christenson, Thor Thorkleson, Charles O. Morbeck, Filing Ellingson and Albert Olson.
Company iZ"— Captain George Wilson, Corporal Thomas Thompson, Privates Nils J.
Eide, Peter Peterson, Thomas A. Lanvlg, Edlin P. Sime, Nils Emerson and Christian
L. Bolstad. Cbmpanj/ ^— Captain Mons Grinager, Corporal Knud Anunson, Privates
Anders Gulbranson, Tver Jacobson, Ole V. "W'lngard and T. K. Hundeley — 59. Missing,
31, mostly taken prisoners.
After the battle, with the rest of Rosecrans' army, the regi-
ment went into camp near Murfreesboro, where they suffered
622 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
severely for the want of warm and comfortable clotliing, provis-
ions and tents. The enemy had obstructed the railroads, and
supplies were with great diificulty got forward. The regiment
remained in camp south of Murfreesboro until the 23d of June,
except about two weeks in February, when the division was sent
to Franklin.
On the 1st of May, the regiment was transferred to the Third
Brigade, of which Colonel Heg had been placed in permanent
command, by General Rosecrans. Adjutant Henry Ilauff was
appointed Assistant Adjutant General, Captain Albert Skofstadt
Inspector, and Lieutenant 0. H. Dahl, Topographical Engineer.
The death of Lieu tenant Colonel McKee created a vacancy,
and Major Ole C. Johnson was appointed Lieutenant Colonel,
and Captain George "Wilson, Major. Colonel Heg being in com-
mand of the brigade, the command of the regiment devolved on
Lieutenant Colonel Johnson.
The Fifteenth, with Heg's brigade, accompanied the movement
of General Rosecrans' forces, against General Bragg, at Tulla-
homa, leaving the neighborhood of Murfreesboro on the 24th of
June, Heg's brigade being detailed as the rear guard of tl e
Twentieth Corps, under General McCook.
"We have before described this march of the army, and nothing
occurred of much historical importance, in which the Fifteenth
was engaged. After driving Bragg out of Tennessee, General
Davis' division went into camp at Winchester, Tenn., on the 3d
of July. On the 17th of August, the onward march was com-
menced, and the division crossed the Cumberland Mountains, to
Stevenson, Ala., where they remained until the 28th, when they
led the advance of Rosecrans' army against the enemy, in the
Chicamauga campaign. Proceeding by a circuitous route, the
brigade reacned the Tennessee River near Caperton's Ferr}^, in
the neighborhood of Bridgeport, where they constructed a pon-
toon bridge, and the Fifteenth Wisconsin was the first regiment
to cross into the enemy's country, south of the Tennessee River.
With the rest of McCook's corps, the division of General Davis
proceeded up Wills' Valley, to Winston's Gap, from whence it
was recalled, when Geneial Rosecrans concentrated his troops
prior to the battle of Chicamauga. General McCook's command
BATTLE OF CHIGAMAUGA. 623
joined General Thomas' forces on the 18th of September, the
night preceding the great battle of Chicamauga.
On the morning of the 19th of September, General Davis'
division was ordered to march at daylight, but it was 8 o'clock
before they got in motion. The engagement began on the
extreme left, about 10 o'clock, and the cannonading increased as
the day advanced. About noon they passed General Rosecrans'
headquarters, at the widow Glenn's house, and were soon after
sent forward at a double quick, and thrown into line of battle, to
fill a gap which existed in the lines at that place, and of which,
the rebels were attempting to take advantage, b}' throwing in a
force, and thus cut the army in twain. Ileg's brigade was formed
in two lines, the Thirty-fifth Illinois on the left, the Eighth Kan-
sas in the centre, and the Fifteenth Wisconsin on the right. The
Twenty-fifth Illinois was in the second line, as a reserve.
Advancing in this manner, the enemy's skirmishers were driven
m, and a heavy fire was received from his main line. The brig-
ade continued to advance, however, until the Eighth Kansas
began to waver and fall back. Being unsupported on the right,
and the regiment on the left thus faltering, compelled the Fif-
teenth also to fall back, which it did, fighting, carrying off moat
of its wounded. Here Captain Johnson, of Company A, was
killed. Being reinforced, they regained the lost ground. Colonel
Heg was conspicuously active, and labored with the utmost
bravery to make up by personal valor, what he lacked in num-
bers. The forces in this part of the field were, however,
compelled to yield to superior numbers, and fell back across an
open field. The regiment was stationed in reserve a few moments,
when the front line was driven back. The regiment was lying
dovni as the Thirty-fifth Illinois passed over them, intending to
form in the rear of the Fifteenth, but did not, and passed through
a column of reinforcements, which were just coming up. The
reinforcements, supposing the Thirty-fifth to be the last Union
regiment in their front, mistook the Fifteenth for a rebel regi-
ment, and opened fire, while the enemy began a heavy fire on
the other side. Being thus placed under the g-allino- fire of both
friend and foe, the regiment was compelled to break, and each
man looked out for himself. The regiment was no more together
that day as an organization, but the men attached themselves
621 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
temporarily to the commands they first encountered, and staid
with them till night. Another advance was made, and the lost
ground occupied until near sundown, when Lieutenant Colonel
Johnson proceeded to gather his scattered regiment. About this
time, Colonel Heg was wounded by a shot in the bowels, which
proved fatal next day. Captain Johnson, of Company A, and
Captain Ilauff, of Company E, were killed; Major Wilson and
Captain Gasman were severely wounded. Captain Hanson, of
Company C, mortally wounded, and Second Lieutenant C. S.
Tanberg, of Company D, was also wounded.
The remnant of the Fifteenth was aroused at 3 o'clock next
morning, and put in a commanding position near the Chatta-
nooga road, to the right and somewhat to the rear of the rest
of the army. About 10 o'clock the skirmishers became engaged
on the left, and the battle soon raged with great fury on that part
of the field. Sheridan's and Davis' divisions were soon ordered
forward to occupy the extreme right of the line. Davis' division
consisted of the Second Brigade, Colonel Carliu, and the Third,
(late Ileg's,) now commanded by Colonel Martin, of the Eighth
Kansas. Carlin's brigade occupied the front line, his left joining
General Wood's right, with the Third Brigade in his rear as a
support. We have elsewhere related the great blunder at Chic-
amauga, whereby General Wood's division was withdrawn, and
the divisions of Sheridan and Davis were allowed to be outflanked
and slaughtered. A recapitulation here is therefore unnecessary.
After General Wood's departure. Colonel Heg's brigade was
ordered to fill the gap, with about 600 fighting men. The Third
Brigade had hardly time to get into line, before the rebels
attacked them. Protected by a slight barricade of logs and rails,
they were warmly received, and repulsed with great slaughter.
A second charge was also bravely repulsed, soon after which, the
right and left flanks were turned, Sheridan's division not having
come up on the right of Carlin, and a large gap still existed in
the position vacated by General Wood. Holding out to the last,
in hopes reinforcements would come, the regiment, when almost
surrounded, broke, the last to leave their position, and many
were captured, among them. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson.
An effort was made to gather the scattered men near the Chat-
tanooga road, but it proved a failure, and the retreat was continued
CASUALTIES AT CIIICAMAUGA. 625
a mile soiith of the road, where a good position was obtained,
and here men were gathered from the division, and from most
of the regiments of the corps, who had got separated from their
commanc^s. The whole force was consolidated, and the position
held until 5 o'clock in the afternoon, when they were ordered
three or four miles further to the rear, where they encamped for
the night. Here the fragments of the regiment were gathered.
The day before, their aggregate was 176, it was now reduced to 75
The killed and wounded, as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— i^ieW Q^cer— Colonel Hans Heg. Company ^ — Cap-
tain J. M. Johnson, Second Lieutenant Oliver Thompson. Company B — Privates John
Jolmson and Guilder Olson. Company C— Captain Hans Hanson, Private John Simon I-
son. Coynpany D — Private Halvor Halvorson. Company ^—Captain Henry HaLifl".
Company iT— Private Knute Bjornson. Company K — Corporal Ole M. Dorviiass — 11.
Wounded.— T^teid O^eer — Major George Wilson, severely. Company ^—Sergeant
Amand Geterson, Privates Christian M. Johnson, Amund Olson and Hubbard Ham-
mock. CbJnpanj/ £ — Sergeant A. G. Urnses, Privates Nils Anderson, Osten Knudson,
Hans Lageson, Jacob Jacobson and Jolin Inglestad. Company C— Sergeants Christian
Hyer and John Lansworth, Corporal James Overson, Privates Peter Anderson, Torstuii
Hendrickson, Basmus Jensen, Hans C. Sorenson and Carl Sobjornson. Company D —
Second Lieutenant C. E. Tanberg, Sergeant Ole M. Beudlxen, Privates Tliomas Thompson
and Anders Amundson. Cbwpajij/ £^— Privates John H. Stokke, Anson Kjellevig and
Nils Hanson. Company F—&ergei\,nt Ole B. Johnson, Privates Ole W. Vigen and Tor-
keld Torgerson. Company H— Corporal Nels J. Eide, Privates Ole L. Hangnoes and Sam.
Bamson. Company 2— Captain August Gasman, at the time, commanding Company D.
Company K— Sergeants Ellend Erickson and Lars A. Larson, Privates Haagen Geterson,
Ole Olson and Ole Johnson— 37.
Forty-eight were missing, mostly taken prisoners.
All the field officers being disabled. Captain Grinager took
command of the regiment. Soon after breakfast, on the 2l8t,
companies G and I, which had been stationed at Island No. 10
since June 11th, 1862, joined the regiment. They numbered
eighty men — more than all the other companies put together.
Rail breastworks were thrown up, but the enemy made no attack,
and the brigade was ordered, at 10, P. M,, to proceed to Chatta-
nooga, where they arrived about daybreak, and commenced
throwing up breastworks. Here the regiment, with the whole
army, suflered severely for fuel, provisions and clothing, there
being only a single line of communications over the Cumberland
Mountains, to Stevenson, 180 miles, which was continually inter-
rupted by the rebel cavalry. Captain Gordon, of Company G,
joined the regiment on the 28th o^ September, and being senior
Captain, took command
40
626 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On tlie lltti of October, the army of the Cumberland was
reorganized, and the Fifteenth "Wisconsin was assigned to the
First Brigade, Brigadier General Willich, Third Division, Major
General Wood, of the Fourth Army Corps, Major General 0. O.
Howard, From the battle of Chicamauga up to this time, the
regiment had been kept constantly in the trenches, and suffered
terribly, but they were now ordered into camp, and were more
comfortably situated. About one hundred of the regiment were
detailed as guard to a provision train to Stevenson, the remainder,
on the 17th of October, being sent on duty to the north side of
the river, to build pontoons, etc. The whole regiment was
again together, with the brigade, on the 7th of November. The
Fifteenth was put on guard duty in Fort Wood, until the 23d
of November, when the whole army moved out of their works,
to attack the rebels on Mission Eido:e. On the 24th General
Hooker drove them from Lookout Mountain, and the army of
the Cumberland drove them from their front into their works,
near the foot of the Ridge. The Fifteenth Wisconsin and Thirty-
second Indiana did the skirmishing that day, and first occupied
Orchard Knob. At a given signal from Fort Wood, on the 25th,
the whole line advanced, drove the enemy from his works at the
foot of the Ridge, and with a yell and cheer, started up the
Ridge, drove the enemy, captured all his artillery, and a great
number of prisoners, the Fifteenth sufifering but a trifling loss,
having only 6 men wounded. On this day. Major George
Wilson returned and assumed command of the regiment.
Instead of being allowed a short time for rest, as they had a
right to expect, after the excessive and laborious service which
had been required of them, the Fifteenth was ordered, with the
brigade, to march on the 28th, to Knoxville, in East Tennessee,
which place was then besieged by General Longstreet. This
expedition was under the command of General Sherman. After
a fatiguing march of 110 miles, with scant rations, and the men
suffering for clothing and shoes, they reached Knoxville on the
7th of December. The service of the Fifteenth in this campaign
in East Tennessee, was one of great hardship, and was of a char-
acter which possesses little of historical importance, interesting
to the general reader. It was a constant marching over intoler-
able roads, from place to place, remaining only long enough for
i
BATTLE OF ROCKY FACE RIDGE. 627
the men to indulge in the hope that they would be allowed once
more to pitch their tents and enjoy a little rest, when orders
would be received to move to another point, where the same
scene would be reenacted. So disgusted and disheartened did
the men become, that only seven of the whole regiment finally
reenlisted as veterans, although at one time all but five had con-
sented to do so. There seemed to be an unnecessary amount of
hardship put upon this regiment in that campaign.
Ko engagement of importance occurred with the enemy in East
Tennessee, except one with Wheeler's cavaliy, at Charleston,
in which a detachment of convalescents of the Fifteenth took
part, and in which the enemy lost 10 killed and 167 wounded
and prisoners. After spending the winter in guard duty at
various points, and remaining but a few days at any one place,
they finally reached Strawberry Plains on the 9th of March, where
they were engaged in railroad guard duty, picket duty, and labor
on the fortifications, until the 7th of April, when they received
orders to join the army of the Cumberland, marching 108 miles,
and encamping on the 16th, at McDonald Station, on the East
Tennessee and Georgia Railroad, between Chattanooga and
Cleveland.
On the 3d day of May, 1864, the regiment, under command
of Major Geo. Wilson, moved with the brigade from McDonald
Station, Tenn., to Tunnel Hill, near Dalton, entering upon the
celebrated Atlanta Campaign, arriving and taking position at
the foot of Rocky Face Ridge on the 7th of May. On the 8th,
four companies of the Fifteenth advanced as skirmishers under
a heavy fire of the enemy strongly posted on the crest of the
Ridge. After a severe skirmish, the left carried the crest, and
the regiment ascended to the summit of the Ridge, and held it
until relieved by orders from General Newton. The enemy
occupied a portion of the Ridge in front of the right of the
regiment, which they held, it being impossible, from the nature
of the position, to carry it by assault. The regiment remained
on the northern slope of the Ridge, constantly skirmishing
with the enemy, until the afternoon of the 11th, when it
moved with the brigade to the left, to check a reported move-
ment of the enemy. Hans Christenson, of Company C, and
628 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Hans Senvig, of Company E, were reported as killed in the
attack on Rocky Face Ridge.
On the night of the 12th, the enemy evacuated the posi-
tion, and passed through Dalton southward to Resaca. Pursuit
was immediately made, and the brigade joined the army in
front of Resaca on the afternoon of the 13th. At 4, P. M.,
the regiment advanced to a position which was exposed to a
heavy enfilading fire from the artillery, but was partly covered
by the enemy's first line of works which had been taken bj
the Twenty-third Corps. Here they were hotly engaged for
about two hours, when, their ammunition being exhausted,
they were relieved for the night. Next morning, they moved
to the front line, and being partly covered by barricades,
they succeeded in silencing a two gun battery in their front,
and so commanded the enemy's works that they could not
show themselves with safety above them. A desperate charge
of the enemy in the afternoon was successfully repulsed, and
they were very badly punished. Next morning, the rebels had
disappeared, and their works were entered by the skirmishers
of the Fifteenth.
The casualties at Resaca were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Ccmipany B — Private Andrew Apperheim. Oonypanp
G — Private George Johnson. Company II— CoTTporal William Johnson. Company I—
Corporal Peter Haarstad and Private Loren Johnson — 5.
Wounded.— C>w>y>an2/ ^ —Private Knud Oleson. Company C— Corporal W. E. Wheeler
and Private Peter Stangeland. Company D — Private Martin Halvorson. Company E —
Private Simon Jorgenson. Compayiy F— Privates Ever Anderson and Michael Larson.
Cvinpany G — Privates Henry Tliompson and Rier Thorson. Company J— Private
Andrew Torgerson. Company K— Privates John Johnson and Ole Evenson — 12.
Joining in the pursuit, the regiment proceeded with the brig-
ade through Adairsville and Kingston, to the neighborhood of
Cassville. Here General Sherman determined to turn the
enemy's position at Allatoona Pass, it being considered impossi-
ble to carry it. Twenty days' rations were loaded into wagons,
and the army was put in motion for Dallas.
On the 25th, the Fourth Corps crossed Pumpkin Vine Creek,
in the vicinity of Dallas, and on the 26th, took a position and
intrenched themselves on a ridge within 250 yards of the enemy's
works, the skirmishers driving in the enemy. On the 27th, the
division was sent about four miles to the left for tte purpose of
BATTLE NEAR DALLAS. 629
developing the enemy, and arrived at a point which was sup-
posed to be the right flank of the rebel hnes. About 4 P. M.,
Hazen's brigade made an attack and was repulsed. The first
line of Willich's brigade went forward closely followed by the
second. The Fifteenth Wisconsin crossing a ravine, was enfi-
laded by the enemy's battery. Charging with a yell over the
Second Brigade, the regiment were so near the enemy's breasts
works that some of them were killed within ten feet of them.
It being impossible to dislodge them, the Fifteenth lay down
within fifteen yards of the works, and kept up an effectual
musketry fire. The position was held until 9, P. M., when the
regiment under orders fell back. In attempting to carry off the
wounded, the enemy charged and took several of the men pris-
oners, including most of the wounded. The regiment moved
about 300 yards to the right, on a ridge 200 yards from the ene-
ny's works and fortified themselves. This position was occu-
.oied, constantly skirmishing with the enemy, until he evacuated
'he position on the night of June 5th.
The casualties in this battle as reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wovyms.— Company 5 — Private Osten Knudson. Cmnpany E —
'■orgeant Ole Lovlg, Corporals Edward Holby and Gulbrand Locke, Privates Tver An-
*«rson,01e Erikson and Ole Erikson, 2d. Company G — Private Erick Larson. Company
i — Privates John Johnson and Lars Lutson — 10.
Wounded. — Company ^—Sergeant Ole K. Hanson and Private John Lungren.
Jompany i? — Sergeant Brown Siverson, Corporal Erick Larson, Privates Peter Peterson,
>ens Gilbeitson, Ole Knudson, Levert Leverson and Knud Eriokson. Company D —
•Jorporals John Hogan and Christian Helverson, Privates Halvor Olson, Jacob L. Jaeob-
(jon and Simon Peterson. Company E — Privates Mads Rossuni and Petri* Johnson.
Company F — Private Reiraert Baur. Company G — Lieutenant C. B. Nelson, Corporals
[ver O. Myher, Hans Larson and Hans Hanson, Privates John Bonum and Lewis An-
derson. Company H — Privates Andrew D. Gerder, Ole A. Hamarss, Ole L. Fosse, Ole
Halverson and Torbger Larson. Company J— Privates Nels Stonson, Amos Johnson,
John J. Ramack, Knud Oleson, Ole E. Troay and Peter Myhre. Company K — Privates
Gulbran Olson, Albert E. Rice, Cliarles Olson, Ole Christenson and Christ. Johnson — 39.
The regiment took up position near New Hope Church, from
which they moved on the 6th of June, to a position in front of
Pine Mountain, within 300 yards ol the enemy's works, where
they remained until the 14th, when they moved 200 yards to the
left and front, and formed on a ridge, within the enemy's works
200 yards in their front. On the 15th, the rebels had disappeared
from their front. From this time till the 3d of July, the regi-
ment with the brigade, were constantly occupied in advancing,
skirmishing, and driving the enemy from one line of works to
630 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
another, on Pine Mountain, Lost Mountain and Kenesaw, losing
up to the 3d of July, four men killed, as follows :
Killed — Company 5— Private Lewis Nelson. Company D — Private Daniel Peterson.
Company j&— First Lieutenant T. P. Sloan. Company i?'— Private Andrew Thojupson— 4.
The enemy evacuated Kenesaw Mountain on the 3d of July,
and the regiment accompanied the movements of the Fourth
Corps towards the Chattahoochie River, occupying a position on
the extreme left of the army. On the 12th, the coi'ps crossed
the river on a pontoon bridge, and next day the division pro-
ceeded down the river to Pace's Ferry, and drove the enemy
from that place to enable the Fourteenth Corps to cross. July
18th, the command advanced through Buckhorn, towards At-
lanta, and on the 19th, found the enemy strongly intrenched on
the south bank of Peach Tree Creek. The regiment did not
become engaged at this point. On the 21st, the division
marched in a southerly direction and passed through the first line
of the enemy's works, and found him in position about a mile
from the first line. Taking position within 200 yards of his
works, they intrenched themselves. On the 22d, they found that
the enemy had abandoned his position, and they moved forward
into his second line of works. Here they expected to enter
the city without further opposition, but the enemy were found
posted behind heavy forts and breastworks. The Fifteenth was
put in position within musket range of the city, fortified, and was
engaged in skirmishing with the enemy and in fatigue duty, until
the 25th of August, when they accompanied the movement of
the Fourth Corps to the right to cut off the enemy's communi-
cation to the west and south of Atlanta. Arriving at Jonesboro
on the 31st, they participated in the engagement of the 1st of
September, and joined in pursuit of the enemy to Lovejoy's Sta-
tion, having one man wounded. They returned to Atlanta and
went into camp four and a half miles south of the city, on the
9th of September. Here they remained engaged in the perform-
ance of picket duty, foraging, etc., up to the 30th of September,
when the regiment proceeded to Chattanooga, and engaged in
provost duty until the 18th of October, when they were ordered
to guard the railroad bridges between Chattanooga and White-
sides, with headquarters at the latter place, where they remained
until mustered out of service.
MUSTERED OUT. G31
"We find the following casualties reported as having occurred
after the battle at Kenesaw Mountain ;
Killed ok Died of Wounds.— At Chattanooga.— Cb»)panj/ B —Sergeant Brown
Syvertson, July 6th, and Corporal Erlck Larson. Cmnpany I — Sergeant Nels Steen-
fson, July iSth. Company J/— Private Ole Oleson. At Atlanta. — Cmnpanj/ G — Private
Christian Jjfickson, July 12th. Cmnpany H — Private G. Christenson. At Nashville. —
Company H — Private Wm. Johnson — 7.
Lieutenant Colonel Johnson succeeded in escaping from the
rebel prison and rejoined the regiment on the 24th of July, 1864,
and took command. Through the Atlanta campaign to that
time, Major Wilson was in command.
There being more than two months difference between the
muster of the first and last companies, the regiment was mus-
tered out by companies. Companies B, A and E, were mus-
tered out on the 1st of December, 1864, Company C, January
1st, 1865, G and F, January 14th, I and K, February 11th, D
and H, February 13th, 1865. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson
mustered out with the last Company.
The recruits and veterans of the regiment were transferred
to the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin, and subsequently to he
Thirteenth.
The several companies as they were mustered out, returned to
Wisconsin, were paid off and disbanded. Thus closes the his-
tory of one of the bravest and most efficient regiments that
Wisconsin has sent to the field.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 801. Gain — by recruits
m 1863, 20, in 1864, 76, in 1865, 1 ; substitutes, 1 ; by draft,
none; veterans, 7; total, 906. Loss — by death, 267; missing,
22 ; deserted, 46 ; transferred, 47 ; discharged, 204 ; mustered
out, 320.
OHAPTEE XXIY.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move up Tennessee River — Battle of Pitts
BURG Landing — Siege op Corinth — Battle op Corinth — Lake
Providence — Stationed at Redbone Church — New Companies
— Old Companies on Veteran Furlough — Move to Cairo — Join
Sherman's Army in Tennessee — At Ackworth — Brush Moun-
tain— Kenesaw — Cross the Chattahoochie — Battle at Bald
Hill — Atlanta — Jonesboro — Pursuit op Hood — Join in Sher-
man's Grand March — Savannah — Goldsboro — Surrender op
Johnston's Army — Return Home — Mustered out — Statistics.
^PHE Sixteenth Regiment was organized at Camp Randall,
-L Madison, and its muster into the United States service was
completed on the Slst day of January, 1862, and the regiment
left the State for St. Louis on the 13th of March. The following
was the regimental roster :
COLONEI-— benjamin ALLEN.
Lieulenmtt Cb^oneJ— Cassitjs Fairchild; J»/a?or— Thomas Reynolds; Adjutant— Geo.
M. Sabin; Qtiartermaster — So'B.'s E.Jones; /Swrgreon ;— George W. Eastman ; First As-
sistant Surgeon— 1b.a A. Torrey; Second Assistant Surgeon — Otto Maurer; Chaplain —
Rev. Lark S. Livermore.
Co. Captains.
A— Edward Saxe,
B — George H. Fox,
C— Horace D. Patch,
D— Oliver D. Pease,
E — William F. Dawes,
F — Harrison V. Train,
G — John R. Wheeler,
H— Henry G.Webb,
I —Sylvester W. Ostaorn,
K— George C. Williams.
First lAeutenants.
Oscar F. Silver,
Sidney B. TuUer,
John G. Daily,
Edwin B. Roys,
Charles White,
John Lymburn,
William H. Pond,
Henry M. Beecroft,
Charles H. Vail,
Richard P. Derickson.
Second Lieutenants.
George A. Spurr,
James O. Hazleton,
Pascal M. Hovey,
William A. Green,
William D. Niles,
Bertram E. Stevens,
Cyrus A. Allen,
John Lewis,
D. Gray Purman,
Daniel F. Vail.
They arrived at St. Louis on the morning of March 15th, and
were assigned as part of the forces of General Grant. On the
BATTLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING. 633
16th, they embarked on transports, and proceeded up the Ten-
nessee River, reported to General Grant at Savannah, and
disembarked on the 20th, at Pittsburg Landing, nine miles above
Savannah, where General Grant was concentrating his forces.
Here the regiment was assigned to the Sixth Division, General
Prentiss, which occupied the extreme left of General Grant's
army, being posted four miles out on the main road to Corinth,
and some distance in advance. The First Brigade, Colonel
Everett Peabody commanding, consisted of the Twenty -fifth
Missouri, Sixteenth Wisconsin, and Twelfth Michigan infantry.
The camp of the Sixteenth occupied a position in the extreme
front. Here they engaged in the usual camp duties and in drill-
ing until the evening of Saturday, April 5th, when Companies
A, Captain Saxe, B, Captain Fox, C, Captain Patch, and D,
Captain Pease, were ordered out on picket duty, with two com-
panies of the Missouri Twenty-first. They advanced a mile or
more to the right and front, where they were posted until about
five o'clock, A. M., when the rebels attacked the Missouri com-
panies, and drove them back. They were soon rallied by Colonel
Moore, of the Twenty-first Missouri, and Captain Saxe, with his
company, went to their assistance. Being soon joined by the
other companies of the Sixteenth, the force advanced up a slight
rise of ground, where they found the rebels concealed behind a
log fence, who opened on them with a volley directly in their
faces. Captain Saxe and Sergeant Williams, of Company A,
were instantly killed, and several were wounded. They soon
became engaged in a brisk skirmisn, but vere forced to fallback,
carrying off" their killed and wounded.
The division of General Prentiss was soon under arms ; the
Sixteenth forming in line of battle about forty rods in front of
their camp, in the edge of the timber, where they were joined by
the companies on picket, who were followed closely by the enemy,
advancing in three lines of battle, which were extended right
and left so as to envelope the wings of Prentiss' division. Fire
was opened along Prentiss' line, and the advance of the enemy
was checked, until the lines were broken on the right, when
Colonel Allen ordered the regiment to change front on the 10th
company, in order to face the enemy in his new position. The
order was executed with the greatest coolness and precision, in
634 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
an open field, and under a galling fire. The regiment fell back,
contesting every inch of ground, and formed in front of their
camp, under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Cassius
Fairchild, and again held the enemy in check. Here Colonel
Allen had two horses shot under him, and Lieutenant Colonel
Fairchild was Bcverely wounded in the thigh, which compelled
him to leave the field. The regiment again fell back, through
the camp, fighting, until they were relieved by another line.
About 11 o'clock, the regiment moved back for a fresh supply of
ammunition, which was obtained, and the command was reformed
about 2 o'clock, P. M., near a log house, on the road to the Land-
ing, and again went into action. Here Colonel Allen was
wounded by a shot in the left arm, about 3 o'clock. Major
Reynolds had been placed under arrest a day or two before, for
the infraction of some petty military order, and deprived of his
sw^ord. lie, however, went into the battle, and borrowed a
sword, and when the Colonel was obliged to leave the field, on
account of his wound, took command of the regiment, and moved
it to a position on the right, where it remained until dark. For
the gallantry displayed by the Major, his sword was returned to
him next day. On the 7th, the regiment under Major Reynolds,
occupied several different positions along the line, wherever the
exigencies of the occasion seemed to require it, but were not very
actively engaged. Although this was their first fight, the men of
the Sixteenth fought with the coolness of veterans, often changing
front under fire, and rallying, if thrown into confusion, and again
pouring in a deadly fire upoil the advancing foe. The field offi-
cers behaved with great gallantry, the Colonel and Lieutenant
Colonel encouraging their men by their coolness and delibera-
tion, until they left the field, when Major Reynolds and Adjutant
Sabin rallied the regiment, and brought it into the position it
occupied until dark.
The battle of Shiloh was one of the severest of the war, and
"Wisconsin soldiers fought as bravely there as they have done
elsewhere, although at that time they were without drill and
experience. The records of the Sixteenth and Eighteenth, show
that those two regiments nobly did their duty.
The Sixteenth was engaged from 5 o'clock in the morning
until 3 o'clock in the afternoon, without rations, and suffered
CASUALTIES. 635
greatly for want of food, the regiment having been called into
action before the men had been to breakfast. Colonel Allen was
on duty during the entire day, until he was wounded, about 3
o'clock.
Of the line officers, Captain Saxe was killed while on picket
duty, his Lieutenant, Cooley Smith, was mortally wounded,
Captain Oliver Pease, of Company D, was also mortally wounded
during the day, as was also Lieutenant Vail, of Company L All of
these officers fell while gallantly leading their men.
The list of killed, and those who died of wounds, we find in
the records of the Adjutant General; the list of wounded is as
was officially reported :
Killed ok Died of Wounds.— Company A — Captain Edward Saxe, First Lieutenant
Cooley Smitli, Sergeant J. K. Williams, Privates Cyrus P. Howe, George M. Camp, Joshua
Eldridge, W. P.Walbridge, J. Lurch and Jas. Pattison. Company B — Corporal T. H. Morris,
Privates E. S. Evanson, H. Powers and Joseph E. Quiner. Company C — Sergeant James
P. Wilson, Privates Henry Holton, Garrett O. Post, Theodore Foster and M. McMillan.
Company Z) — Captain Oliver D. Pease, Corporal William Taylor, Privates A. Harrington,
August Woolem, Harrison Fuller and Milo Fari'ington. Company J57— Sergeants John
Willis, Joseph S. Holcomb and Almon Webster, Corporal August Caldwell, Privates
Philo Perry, E. L. Rider, Henry L. Thomas and Michael Kennedy. Company F — Privates
Harrison E. Carey, Anthony Morse, John McNown, Franklin Pi-evy, Lyman Stilson,
Jonathan T. Bennett, Hiram Hugginsand Samuel Long. Company 6 — Corporals Noah
Barnum and James V. Walker, Privates William Archer, O. H. Browning, Levi R. Bel-
knap, Charles Francisco, Charles Thomas and Charles Mauck. Company H — Sergeants
Henry Babcock and Asa D. Thompson, Corporal George H. Rashaw, Privates Orville
Herrick, George H. Hoskins, Charles Hodge, George Lincoln, L. Raymond, Geo. Skeeles
and Richard Leigh. Cknnpany I — First Lieutenant Charles H. Vail, Sergeant Edwin T.
Winchester, Privates William S. Austin, A. Clifford, Joseph L. Hannegan, George Bur-
chill, H. C. Howard, John Solomon and William T. Wording. Company K — Sergeant E.
D. Bradford, Corporals E. J.Valentine and E. Cooper, Privates William A. Clark, J.
Hennesy, Thomas Manning, Stowell Tousley, William H. Tousley and John Murphy—'*'.
WoTTNDED. — Field Officers — Colonel Benjamin Allen and Lieutenant Colonel Cassius
Fairciiild. Company A — Corporal J. L. Veidal, Privates Reuben Billings, Peter Bird,
James O. Champlin, Luman Hall, John Michaels, John A. Smith, Newton Whitman, J.
H. Kellogg, George Cronk and Bordine Hawley. Company i?— First Sergeant E.G.
Wheeler, Privates J. Brobst, P. W. Cross, E. W. Ellis, J. Jargenson, H. Nancarron and H.
F. Haines. Company C— Captain H. D. Patch, Second Lieutenant E. M. Hovey, Corporals
A. H. Turner and F. Rix, Privates August Filkin, C. H. M. Gould, J. W. Hampton, Wm.
J. Kruskee, W. H. Stevens, F. Graham and Max Merts. Company D — Sergeant John S.
Bean, Privates Charles N. Visger, Michael Walrod, James E. Cook, Herman Gerrick,
Joseph Edwards, James M. Lyons, Dennis Dehmty, Josiah W. Fields, Burton R. Tousley,
Charles H. Tracy, William Hamilton and Daniel Kallahan. Company E — Corporal Rob-
ert D. Sparks, Privates Aaron Newcomb, Albert Gates, Oscar R. Brownson, Jesse Crouch,
Hosea Hagoboom, Henry Lininger, James McPheeters, Daniel Miltimore, Perry T.
Stivers, Fr?.ak Stowell, H. D. Ely, John R. Hammond and George Williamson. Comjjany
JP— Captain H. V. Train, Sergeant E. W. Persons, Corporals E. A. Devan, Stephen Bailey,
Jo.seph McMurtry and George Speed, Privates Wm. O. Bassett, Ebenezer Bowder, F. E.
Brink, George Birdsall, John Duckworth, L. Clafflin, Archibald McCall, John Mclntyre,
Samuel Monroe, Chas. Moore, Ole Nelson, Samuel Plummer, Edward Trumble, Charles
Ellsworth and Jonathan Ellsworth. Company C — Sergeants Michael E. O'Connell, An-
drew Chambers, Jantes Crawford, and John M. Jones, Corporals James Smith, Jackman
P. Long, and W. H. H. Beebe, Privates John J. Pearsons, Thos. McGillou, P. Francisco,
636 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Sanders Cochran, George Ritter, "William Smith, George Odell, John Tomlinson, A.
Loomis, James O. Hatch, J. B. Van Vleck, James A. Swan, Myron D. Bradway, Willard
W. Bartlett and S. L. Benjamin. Company H — Corporal John Lamb, Privates David
Dalrymple, Hezekiah White, David Collier, Levi S. Bennett, John Blair, Hirara Bell
John W. Haskins, Edgar Weed, William Loring, Robert Sanders, Frank E. Wicks, Chas.
Bump, Hiram Nichols, Leauder Roberts, George M. Porter, William H. Rice and Robert
R. Parks. Company J— Second Lieutenant D. Gray Purman, Sergeants W. H H, Town-
send and F. S. Houghawout, Corporals P. H. Dumphy, J. C. Long and W. Turck, Pri-
vates William Brewer, F. A. Cherry, C. S. French, Jacob Faucett, Michael Hanley, H. C.
Hall, George Long, G. W. Pease, M. J. Smith, Thomas Pendergrass and Lemuel Phelps.
Company JC— Captain G. C. Williams, Lieutenant D. F. Vail, Sergeant B. D. Bradford,
Corporals S. Trumbull and G. W. Hedding, Privates E. M. O'Neil, B. Walker, James
Keever, J. Clark, A. Collins, L. Nelson, S. Gunther and William Cooper — 149.
The regiment remained in the vicinity of Pittsburg Landing
until about the Ist of May, when it moved forward towards
Corinth and took part in the investment of that place. It was
in the First Brigade, of which General McArthur took command
on the 24th of May, in the Sixth Division. On the 29th, the
enemy evacuated Corinth, and the forces of General Halleck en-
tered and took possession. On the 6th of June, the regiment
went into camp a short distance south of the town, where it re-
mained stationed in the fortifications until the 17th of September,
when the division, forming part of the left wing of the Army of
the Tennessee, under General Ord, marched by a circuitous route
to cooperate with the forces of General Rosecrans in an attack
on the rebel General Price, who was then in force at luka. Gen-
eral Hamilton's division, however, encountered the rebel General
on the 19th, and after a hard day's fight, completely routed him
before the forces of General Ord could reach the town, which
they entered the day after the battle. Here rumors were preva-
lent that the rebels were advancing on Corinth, and the left wing
was immediately put in motion, and by a forced march, reached
that place next day.
General Price, after the battle of luka, by a rapid movement,
succeeded in forming a junction with General Van Dorn at Rip-
ley. With a large force, these two Generals advanced to the
attack on Corinth by the Chewalla road. The greater portion
of General Grant's army was at Bolivar, and the force at Corinth
was greatly inferior to that of the rebels. The Fourteenth and
Eighteenth Wisconsin, with Oliver's brigade, was sent out on the
1st of October, to near Chewalla. The enemy was found advan-
cing in force, and the brigade slowly retired to within four miles
of Corinth. Here it formed line of battle two miles in advance
BATTLE OF CORINTH. 637
of our works. On the night of the 2d, the Sixteenth, under
Major Reynolds, who was in command, (Colonel Allen being in
command of the brigade,) marched out to the same line. In the
morning. Companies B and C acting as skirmishers, engaged
the rebel skirmishers and drove them back. The enemy ad-
vanced in line of battle, and opened a heavy fire of artillery
which compelled the Union force to fall back to a position within
half a mile of the works. The regiments on the left, found it
impossible to stand against the overwhelming force which the
rebels displayed, and after holding the ground a short time, the
division of General Mc Arthur withdrew within the works, where
they remained until the enemy were turning the right flank,
when another line was formed still nearer the town. About five
o'clock in the afternoon still another retreat was ordered, and
the left wing fell back behind the new line of works, nearest the
town. Here the enemy ceased to molest them for the night. On
the next day, the Sixteenth, with the division, took a position
near the Seminary and aided in repulsing the several charges
made by the enemy, although not greatly exposed. After a ter-
rible contest all the morning, the rebels were repulsed at all
points, and at midnight, the division of General McArthur
started in pursuit. A part of the Sixteenth was kept in front as
skirmishers under Captain Hovey. The pursuit continued to
Ripley, where it was abandoned and the troops returned to Cor-
inth, having occupied a week in going to Ripley and returning.
The regiment was under command of Major Reynolds, assisted
by the able Adjutant of the regiment. Lieutenant Sabin, and
Captain Osborn, acting as Major.
The casualties in the Sixteenth, we find in the records of the
Adjutant General's office, and the list of wounded is as reported ;
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Compar!?/ 5— Private John Houser. Coynpany C—
Sergeant David Hewes and Privates Robert D. Roberts and George C. Swinger. Company
£7— Corporal George E.Sheldon and Private Ira Dimmick. Onnpany i?'— First Lieut.
Angus S. Nortlirop. Company J— Sergeant Edwin T. Winchester and Corporal William
Tipping. Company K— Sergeant E. D. Bradford — 10.
Wounded.— Cbmpn«v ^ — Captain John W. Cotanch, Sergeants James Biggart and
James O. Champlin. CbmpaHi^^ — Sergeant Joseph H. Mann, Corporal John B. Colby
and Private Amos Brown. Company C— Privates Byron C. Randall, Martin M. Eldrod,
Thomas O. Boss, W. J. Jones and Frank Melenz. Cotnpany Z) — Privates .Jacob Beck,
James Cook, mram B. Whitney and John Cook. Company J?- Sergeant William C.
Wliite, Corporal John B. Keys and Private Perry B. Proper. Company J'— Private Dan'l
M. Fine. Company G — Privates William Marks, Michael McGillon, Charles Richardson,
William Stewart and Frank Seigrist. Coynpany H— Private Solon M. Weston. Company
I— Corporal P. H. Demphy Company K— Corporal Louis De Condre — 27.
638 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
They remained in camp near Corintli until the 2d of ISTovem-
ber, when the division moved to Grand Junction, and encamped
on the 4th, within three miles of the place.
The regiment having become reduced by the casualties of bat-
tle and sickness, a field order was issued on the 3d of ISTovember,
for the consolidation of the regiment into five companies, viz :
A, C, E, G and I — Companies A and B, C and F, D and E, G
and K, and H and I, were consolidated together, and the Com-
pany officers of B, D, F, H and K, were discharged. Colonel
Allen returning to Wisconsin, the regiment was under the com-
mand of Major Reynolds, Lieutenant Colonel Fairchild still
being disabled from his wound.
On the 28th, the movement to the southward began, the divi-
sion taking part in the advance of the army of General Grant
until recalled by the disaster at Holly Springs. The command
then returned to Moscow, Tenn., where they engaged in rail-
road guard duty on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, until
the 10th of January, when the division of General Mc Arthur
moved to Memphis, and embarked for Vicksburg, where they
remained till the 9th of February. Then with the division, the
regiment was transferred to Lake Providence, seventy-five miles
above Vicksburg, on the Louisiana side, and took part in the
work of cutting a canal to the Lake, in compliance with General
Grant's design to open a new route below Vicksburg. Here the
regiment remained until about the 1st of August. During this
time, two or three skirmishes took place with the rebels, but the
regiment was chiefly engaged in provost and guard duty, Major
Reynolds acting as Provost Marshal. Colonel Allen returned to
the regiment in April, and Lieutenant Colonel Fairchild in May.
Colonel Allen resigned on the 17th of July.
About the 1st of August, the Sixteenth moved down the river
to Vicksburg, and pn the 28th of September, marched out to
Redbone Church, near Big Black River, twelve miles from
Vicksburg. Here Lieutenant Colonel Fairchild was placed in
command of the Sixteenth, and the Second "Wisconsin Cavalry,
under command of Major Eastman, and ordered to protect the
Union citizens and to prevent the guerillas from coming across
the Big Black, and to stop all travel to Vicksburg except such
persons as he should sei fit to allow to pass the lines. Frequent
JOIN SHERMAN'S ARMY IN GEORGIA. 639
Bkirmishes were had with detachments of Wirt Adams' rebel
cavahy. Here they remained until the 5th of February, 1864,
when they moved into the fortifications at Vicksburg, and acted
as part of the garrison. On the 4th of March, 1864, they were
joined by Companies F, II and K, which had been recruited in
Wisconsin for the regiment.
The old companies reenHsted, and on the 6th, left Vicksburg
for Wisconsin, on veteran furlough, arriving at Madison on the
16th, where they were publicly welcomed by the State authori-
ties, and the members of the Legislature. Dispersing to their
several homes, and after enjoying their thirty days of respite
from military matters, they rendezvoused at Camp Randall,
Madison, on the 18th of April, and reached Cairo on the 22d,
where the non- veterans and the new companies, together with a
new Company B, which had been recruited and sent from Wis-
consin, rejoined the regiment, making nine companies. While
at home on furlough. Lieutenant Colonel Fairchild returned to
Governor Lewis, the old colors received from Governor Harvey,
which had passed through the fiery ordeals of Shiloh and Cor-
inth, and other battles. They are now deposited with the battle
flags of other regiments in the State Capitol.
On the 17th of March, Lieutenant Colonel Fairchild was ap-
pointed Colonel, Major Reynolds, Lieutenant Colonel, and Cap-
tain William F. Dawes, Major. At Cairo, the regiment found
the Seventeenth Army Corps on its way to join General Sher-
man, and was assigned to the First Brigade, Third Division, with
which it left Cairo on the 4th of May, proceeding by transports
up the Tennessee River to Clifton, Tenn. Here .they were re-
joined by the remainder of the division under General Leggett.
Taking up their line of march to join Sherman's army then en-
route for Atlanta, they proceeded by way of Huntsville, War-
renton, Ala., and Rome, Ga., and reached Ackworth, near
which General Sherman's army was operating, on the 8th of
June, after a march of 320 miles.
Here they took their position in the left wing of the army of
the Tennessee, and on the 10th, began their advance southward,
the First Brigade being in the advance of the corps. The enemy
were first encountered on the 15th, in the vicinity of Kenesaw
Mountain. The Sixteenth relieved an Illinois regiment, when
640 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN
tliey became hotly engaged as skirmishers, and John Whipple,
of Company K, was mortally wounded. Continuing in the
trenches, constantly skirmishing, until the 19th, the division
moved forward and occupied Brush Mountain, and subsequently
took part in a reconnoissance to the left, and on the 28th, made a
demonstration on the enemy's right. It accompanied General
McPherson's movement to the right, on the 2d of July, which
turned the enemy's position onKenesaw, and compelled its evac-
uation. They accompanied a reconnoissance to the extreme
right, and ascertained the enemy's new position, when they
returned and encamped on the extreme right of the army, where
they remained till the 10th, when they moved to Sweetwater
Creek, and remained as guard until the 16th, and on the next
day, crossed the Chattahoochie, with the Seventeenth Corps, and
encamped three miles south of the river. On the 20th, they
passed through Decatur, and took position in line of battle on
the extreme left of the army. The Twelfth and Sixteenth Wis-
consin regiments were in the same brigade in the Third Division,
and on the 21st of July, were under the command of General
Force. With the Twelfth Wisconsin, the Sixteenth, on that day,
led the assaulting column, composed of the Third division, under
General Leggett, against the rebel works on Bald Hill. The
Third and Fourth divisions were engaged in this assault. The
march was across a cornfield on the side hill, and for a quarter of
a mile was exposed to the full force of the enemy's fire. The
Fourth Division failed to hold its position in the advancing col-
umn, and fell back, which enabled the rebels to pour in a cross
fire on the Third division. With fij^ed bayonets, the Third
Division, led by the Sixteenth and Twelfth Wisconsin, charged,
with a terrific yell, up the hill, and over and into the works,
driving the rebel troops out of and beyond the intrenchments.
In the history of the Twelfth, we have given a description of the
assault on Bald Hill, more in detail. A full description here of
the doings of the Sixteenth, would be nearly a repetition. On
the 22d, the Twelfth and Sixteenth were inseparably connected,
and in the bloody fight of that day the two regiments showed the
greatest valor and bravery. On the 21st, the enemy were driven
a considerable distance beyond the works, the ground being
strewn with their dead and wounded. Here it was that Captain
BATTLE OF BALD HILL. 641
Wlieeler, of Company G, was shot through hoth thighs. On the
return of the regiment to the captured works, Lieutenant Colonel
Reynolds was wounded in the thigh by a shot from a rel)el sharp-
shooter. Captain Hovey, of Company C, of Beaver Dam, was
mortally wounded.
After the battle of the 22d, the regiment was engaged until the
26th of July, in strengthening the works, and gradually advanc-
ing towards the enemy's defences. On that day, they took part
in the movement to the right, against the enemy's communica-
tions to the west and south of Atlanta, taking position in the
centre of the investing force. Here they were employed in siege
and fatigue duty until the 26th of August, when they accompa-
nied the movement of the army of the Tennessee, and struck the
railroad leading from the southwest into Atlanta, on the 28th,
and took part in destroying it from that point to Jonesboro,
where they arrived on the 30th, and assisted in repulsing the
attack of the next day. Moving forward to Lovejoy, they par-
ticipated in the skirmish near that place, where AValter Divan,
of Company K, was reported as killed, and Silas Lloyd, of Com-
pany E, as dying of wounds, September 15th. Returning with
the rest of Sherman's forces, they went into camp near Atlanta,
on the 9th.
The following is a list of the casualties in the Sixteenth regi-
ment, from June 9th to September 9th, 1864. The casualties
occurred on the 21st and 22d of July, except where otherwise
noted :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— awnpom/ yl —Sergeants Stephens McNeely and Chas.
Graves, Privates Andrew Cronk, Fred W. Wright, Reuben Wakeman, Joseph Charter and
Lloyd Walceman. Company £ — Corporal Peter Purdie, Privates Uriah Ensign, C
Edward Fuller, Orren Hastings, Andrew Priugle, James Bobbins and Adelbert Warren.
Company C— Captain Paschal Hovey, Privates William Adams, Joseph Duckworth,
Willard J. Harrington, July 7, and Theodore Foster. Company E— Sergeants Ira P. Sands
and Hiram L. Stone, Corporal Oren Hugaboom, Privates Ezra L. Chapman, Fred Gun-
lach, Hugh G. Luminson, Asa M. Stoddard, Michael Ryan and Frederick Wolf. Company
7?"- Privates Ebenezer Wright and Edmund Starr, at Anderson ville. Company G —
Privates W. W. Bartlett, Robert A. Coleman and Zachariah C. Riley. Cmnpaim iJ- Pri-
vates George E. Stilmau, Francis Welcome and Evan J. Morgan. Company I~ First
Sergeant Adrian T. Haroun, Sergt. Terrence O'Brien and Private Ole Iverson. Company
K— Privates John K. Glass, Julius C. Hurlburt and John Gleason — 38.
Woui^DED.-MeW 0^ce>- — Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Reynolds, severely in thigh.
Company A — Capt. James A. Biggert, Corporal Jerome Adams, Privates John Fratzkee,
Marion Perry, Charles H. Smith, Daniel E. Eldridge, Aug. 13, Thomas Pi-othero. Aug. 1
John Jones, Aug. 9, and Cortland Groman, Aug. 9. Company i? — Corporals Lester
Stevens and Charles Smith, Privates Philip Ryan, John Johnson. Eli Field, Hiram
Kezer and Blake L. De Land. Company C— First Sergeant D. Loyd Jones, Sergeant F. P
41
642 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Thompson, Corpoi-al Richard Powers, Privates James L. Rogers, July 4, Thomas G. Ross
ani Archibald Prlngle. Company E — Sergeant Curtis B. Stone, July 23, Privates Melvin
W.Burdiek, Edward J. Bonnell, John W. H. Craig, Engle Halverson, July 26, Henry
Rigger, Edward A. Salomon, Aug. 4, James W. Shanks, Aug. 5, Jos. Smith and Jno. Schal-
ler. Company F— Capt. Joseph Craig, Sergts J. R. "West and Vincent G. Willard, Aug. 12,
Corps. Daniel Porter and Dennis Kavanaugh, Privates Herman Wedder, Stephen Corey,
Stephen A. Carey, Francis E. Peck, Perry Dunning,Wm. O'Connor, John Hilton, Josiah
Hay den, Aug. 6, and Dudley Pray. Company G— Captain John R. Wheeler, Lieut. Thos.
W. M. Macaly, Aug. 6, Sergeant William Lake, Privates Patrick Keogh, James O. Hatch,
Aug. 4, and John G. Shaw, Aug. 13. Cmnpany H— Privates Peter Dewey, Edwin Prindle,
Alfred Bolton, Ever Nelson, Abraham G. Abbott, Ferdinand Hasler, Peli C. Stephenson,
July 2S, and William H. Fox, Aug. 5. Company I — Corporals Thomas H. Leslie, Jacob
Fawcitt and Charles Eekerson, Privates Lafayette Bishop, Charles O. Harris, Michael
O'Connor, William E. Tuthill, Nathan E. Underwood, Samuel Worrill, James H. Wil-
liamson, William H. Rice, Leander Roberts, Thomas Pendagrass, July 27, and John
Cooper, Aug. 13. Company Jt'— Lieutenant H. G. Cleveland, Privates John Trogner,
John Allright, Sumner Wiggins, Chas. Linsey, John W. Cline and Robt. McKnight— 72.
They remained near Atlanta until the 3d of October, when the
regiment, with the rest ot the Seventeenth Corps, marched back
towards Chattanooga, in pursuit of General Hood, who had
crossed the Chattahoochie, and was endeavoring to destroy
Sherman's communications. The forces of General Sherman
followed him to Allatoona, Resaca, and Fayette, and drove him
into Central Alabama. Martin l^iles, of Company C, is reported
as having died at Marietta, Ga., the 20th of October.
Returning from the pursuit, Sherman began his preparations
for the Savannah campaign. As his force returned towards
Atlanta, they totally destroyed the railroad from Tunnel Hill to
Atlanta, and on the 15th of November, destroyed, as far as possi-
ble, the city of Atlanta, and next day commenced the march to
Savannah. The Sixteenth accompanied the expedition, attached
to the First Brigade, Third Division, doing its share towards the
destruction of the railroads, and effecting the other objects of the
expedition. On the march, the Sixteenth was under the com-
mand of Major Dawes, until the 2l8t of December, when he
turned the command over to Captain Joseph Craig, of Company F.
Colonel Fairchild rejoined the army at Beaufort, S. C, and General
Force being in command of the division. Colonel Fairchild
assumed command of the brigade, which position he retained
until reaching Goldsboro, and the Sixteenth was commanded by
Captain Craig.
We have given the general history of this movement. Nothing
occurred in the operations of the Sixteenth on this march from
Atlanta to Savannah, or from Savannah to Goldsboro, which
would prove of interest to the general reader. The march was
fib'
MUSTERED OUT. 643
accomplished witliout casualty of any kind. Joining in pursuit
of Johnston's army, they marched from Goldsboro to Raleigh,
where that rebel general surrendered, on the 26th of April, 1865.
The march homeward was by the way of Richmond and
Washington City, where the regiment took part in the grand re-
view. From thence, on the 7th of June, they were ordered to move
to Louisville, Ky., reaching there on the 12th of June, and going
into camp, until the 12th of July, when they were mustered out,
and on the 14th, took cars for home, reaching Madison on the
evening of July 16th, where they were publicly received by the
State officers, and received permission to go home until arrange-
ments could be made to pay them off. This was done on the 19th
of August, and the regiment was disbanded.
Colonel Fairchild was brevetted Brigadier General, for
meritorious services during the war.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,066. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 70, in 1864, 54^7, in 1865, 12; by substitutes, 88 ; by
draft, in 1864, 155, in 1865, 19; veteran reenlistments, 243;
total, 2,200. Loss — by death, 363; missing, 46; deserted, 115;
transferred, 38 ; discharged, 386 ; mustered out, 1,252.
OHAPTEE XXY.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to St. Louis, — To Pittsburg Landing
— Siege op Corinth — Battle op Corinth — In West Tennessee
— Move to Vicksburg — Lake Providence — Return to Vicks-
BUR(j —Assault of May 19th — Siege op Vicksburg — Move to
Natchez — Fort Beauregard — Vicksburg — Veterans Return
Home on Furlough — Return to Cairo — Join Army op General
Sherman — Battle of Kenesaw Mountain — Bald Hill — Atlanta
— JoNESBORO — Pursuit op Hood — Sherman's Grand March —
Savannah — Goldsboro — Raleigh — Richmond — Washington —
Return Home — Muster out — Statistics.
THE Seventeenth Regiment was recruited principally from the
Irish population of the State. The regimental organization
was effected under the management of Colonel John L. Doran,
at Camp Randall, Madison. The muster into the United States
service was completed on the 15th of March, 1862, and the regiment
left the State on the 23d, for St. Louis, Mo. The following was
the roster of the regiment :
Ck)LONEX,— JOHN L. DORAN.
Lieutenant Colcynel — Ax) AM G. Malloy; Jifoyor — Thomas McMahon; Adjutant— 'Vfyi.
H. Plunkett; Quartermaster — John Gee; Surgeon — 'H.y.'S'ry 'M.cSlsi^'s^ an \ First Assistant
/Surgeon— Cm ATiT.^s D. DAVIS; Chaplain — 'Re\. Napoleon Migk*J77-t.
Co. Captains.
A— P. H. McCaulay,
B — Hugh McDermott,
C —Patrick O'Connor,
D— Donald D. Scott,
E — John McGowan,
F— Patrick Geraughty,
G — William Southward,
H — Charles Armstrong,
I— Alexander McDonald,
K— Welcome Hyde.
First Lieutenants.
John Crane,
Martin Schulte,
Samuel Rea,
James G. Kelley,
James McDermott Roe,
Charles E. Furlong,
William Beaupre,
Samuel R. Apker,
Julius G. Nordman,
RoUln H. Crane.
Second Lieutenants.
Patrick McGrath,
John McKenna,
Martin Curran,
John 0. Maass,
Peter Feagan,
Peter Smith,
Joseph G. Moreau,
Richard Rooney,
James E. Richards.
BATTLE OF CORINTH. 645
On their arrival at St. Louis, they were quartered at Benton
Barracks until tlie 10th of April, when they embarked and pro-
ceeded up the Tennessee River to Pittsburg Landing, where
they landed and encamped. Here they were assigned to the
Sixth Division, under command of General McKean, and moved
forward with the division early in May, and took part in the
investment of Corinth, the division being located near the cen-
tre of General Halleck's array. Colonel Doran was placed in
command of the First Brigade, which was composed of the Six-
teenth and Seventeenth Wisconsin, and two Missouri regi-
ments. On the 24th of May, the brigade was placed under the
command of General McArthur. During the time the regiment
was in front of Corinth, it suffered severely from sickness, not-
withstanding which, it was actively engaged in the duties of the
siege, and on picket duty until the evacuation of the place on
the 29th, when it advanced with the division and the army
took possession of the town. On the 6th of June, the division
went into Camp about a mile south of the town, where they
remained during the summer, engaged in the performance of
garrison duty in the fortifications and police duty. About the
1st of October, Company A, under Captain McCauley, while on
detached duty guarding the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, a few
miles north of Corinth, had a brisk skirmish with a regiment
of rebel cavalry who were destroying the track, and succeeded
in driving them off with the loss of thirteen killed and wounded,
and a number of horses and equipments, which were captured
by Company A.
In the memorable battle of Corinth, the Seventeenth took
part with the di\nsion of General McArthur. On the morning
of the 3d of October, the regiment was encamped on the Che-
walla road, along which the enemy was approaching driving in
the Union forces which had been sent out to watch his mo-
tions. The regiment was marched out on the Chewalla road
a short distance, when it was countermarched to a position south
of the Memphis Railroad, where it formed in line of battle with
the rest of General McArthur's division in the rear of Battery
F, about three miles from Corinth, on the left of the Union
line, which was under the command of General McKean. About
646 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
11 o'clock, the enemy pressed so hotly upon the forces of Gen-
eral Davies who was upon the right of General McKean,
that they were driven back, which made a gap in the lines of
which the enemy took advantage and gained the camps of the
Seventeenth "Wisconsin, and Twenty-first Missouri. A force
was sent forward which failed to drive back the enemy, when
the whole division went to their aid. The enemy endeavored
to outflank them. The Seventeenth occupied the right of the
line, and was ordered by the commanding officer, to charge upon
the enemy. This was handsomely done, the regiment advancing
rapidly, led by its field officers. A brigade of the rebels, con-
sisting of four Mississippi regiments, was charged upon and
driven out of the camps, and a considerable distance beyond,
when the enemy appearing in overwhelming numbers, the reg-
iment was ordered to fall back to the line of the division. The
gallant charge of the Seventeenth was highly complimented by
the commanding officers. The division fell back before the
superior numbers of the enemy until it attained a position behind
the interior works nearest Corinth. On the morning of the 4th,
the division was moved to another portion of the defences near
the Seminary, where it was engaged in support of the batteries
near that point. The enemy's main attack on the 4th, was on
the centre and right, consequently McKean's forces were not as
actively engaged as the day before. About 2 o'clock in the
afternoon the enemy was found to be retreating towards the
Ilatchee River. With the rest of McArthur's division, the
Seventeenth joined in the pursuit towards Ripley, after which
they returned to Corinth and encamped.
The casualties of the Seventeenth Wisconsin at the battle of
Corinth, were :
KiVLiET). — Company C— Private Anthony O'Brien. Oympany i>— Sergeant James
Dempsey and Private Terrence McElroy. Company J^— Private Timothy Scanlon.
Company H — Corporal George Winkel — 5.
Wounded.— Cbrnpan^/ ^ — Captain McDermot, Privates Hugh Greenwood, Thomas
Gaflfney, Otto Thomas, Edwin Sykes, Carl Gifltbrd and John Fahey. Company D — First
Sergeant William Mass. Company E — Private Andrew Holcomb. Company F — Sergt.
John Keenan, Corporal Peter Gallagher and Private Patrick Tiernan. Company H—
Privates Michael Kerin and Ansel J. Bugsby. Company I — Captain Nordman, Privates
James Connor and Henry Clawson. Cmnpany ^— First Sergeant David S. Bishop,
Corporal David Converse and Private Andrew Conley — 20.
In pursuance of the orders of General Grant for a concentra-
tion of his forces, preparatory to his southward movement, the
AT LAKE PROVIDENCE. 647
Seventeentli moved with the division on the 2d of November,
and reached Grand Junction on the 5th. Here Company A,
wliich had been on detached duty since July, rejoined the rejr-
iment. The regiment was transferred to the Second brigade,
commanded by Colonel Bouck. On the 25th, Colonel Dora)^
resigned, and Lieutenant Colonel Malloy was appointed Colonel,
Major McMahon Lieutenant Colonel and Adjutant Plunkett, Ma
jor. Marching on the 28th, under Colonel Malloy, the regiment
took part in the southward movement of the army of General
Grant, advancing to "Waterford, crossing the Tallahatchie and
reaching Abbeville, from whence, on the 18th of December, they
continued their route southward until news was received of the
capture of Holly Springs, and orders to countermarch. Return-
ing, they arrived at Holly Springs on the 21st. On the 22d,
under orders to proceed to Grand Junction, which was in danger
ot an attack, the regiment was immediately put in motion, leav-
mg Company F, which was out on picket duty, and reached
Grand Junction, forty miles distant, on the afternoon of the 23d.
In this vicinity they remained under arms expecting an attack,
until the 3d of January, when they rejoined the division at Mos-
cow, Tenn. On the lOtli, the whole command proceeded to
Memphis, arriving on the 13th, and on the 18th, embarking on
transports, moved down the Mississippi, lauding at Young's
Point, just above Vicksburg on the 25th, where they were
employed upon the celebrated canal by which General Grant
proposed to run the rebel batteries.
With General McArthur's division, on the 8th of February,
they moved up the river to Lake Providence. Here they weic
engaged in the work of cutting a canal from the river to the
lake, for the purpose, if possible, of opening a route by water,
which would enable General Grant to get his troops and sup-
plies below Vicksburg. The Seventeenth remained here until
the 20th of April, when it moved down the river to Milliken's
Bend.
On the 25th of April, Major Plunkett resigned, and Captain
Donald Scott was appointed Major.
With the forces then congregating below Vicksburg, the reg-
iment, which was now in Ransom's brigade, proceeded across
the Peninsula, to Carthage, near which they encamped until the
648 MILITjiRY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
lOth of May, on which day they resumed their onward move-
ment, crossing the Mississippi at Grand Gulf on the 12th, and
marched to join the forces of General McPherson, to whose corps
the}' were attached, and who was then in position before Jackson.
Keaching Raymond on the 16th, while the battle of Champion's
Hill was in progress, the brigade was hurried forward, but did
not arrive until the battle was over. Here the Seventeenth was
ordered to the support of a battery. The enemy retiring, they
were ordered forward in pursuit, and marched till midnight.
The pursuit was renewed on the morning of the 17th, and the
regiment reached the vicinity of Black River Bridge, soon after
the capture of the enemy's position. Here they assisted in cor
structing the floating bridges, over which they crossed on the
18th, and marched to within half a mile of the enemy's
fortifications in the rear of Vicksburg, and bivouacked in a
ravine.
On the 19th of May, the Seventeenth took part in the assault on
the enemy's works. At 10 o'clock, the regiment was formed,
eight deep, with companies H and E in front. The whole brig-
ade was to charge at a given signal, the Seventeenth being in
the advance, led by Lieutenant Colonel McMahon. Laying down
where they were partially screened from the enemy's fire, they
awaited the signal, which was at last given. Rising to their feet,
the regiment pressed forward, exposed to a murderous fire of
musketry and artillery. Working their way over fallen timber
and broken ground, they obtained a position in a ravine, within
seventy-five yards of the enemy's works, which they held for
about two hours. Owing to a misunderstanding in regard to the
signal, the rest of the brigade did not follow up in support, and
the regiment withdrew in good order. The Seventeenth, in this
charge, exhibited the greatest bravery, and although unsupported,
continued for two hours to occupy the position, under a severe
fire of shot and shell. In the assault of the 22d, the Seventeenth,
which had suffered severely in the charge of the 19th, was held
as a reserve for the brigade In the charge of the 22d, the
Xinety-fifth Illinois had the advance, followed by the Eleventh
and Seventy-second Illinois, and the Fourteenth and Seventeenth
Wisconsin. The brigade sprang forward at the signal, but had
hardly advanced twenty steps, when they were met by a terrible
ASSAULT OF MAY TWENTY-SECOND. 649
storm of grape and canister from the enemy's breastworks, which
checked the advance of the column. General Ransom rushed to
the head of the column, seized the colors of the Ninety-fifth, and
waving them, he shouted for the men to follow. The column
moved up and fought awhile across the breastworks, when,
being satisfied that they could not be stormed, General Ransom
ordered the Illinois regiments to fall back, one regiment at a
time, and in order, and slowly, or the first man who attempted to
run or go beyond the ravine, would be shot. " The Seventeenth
"Wisconsin will remain to cover the movement," was the order
of the brave general; an order highly complimentary to the
regiment designated.
The following are the casualties reported, in the Seventeenth
Regiment, in the several assaults at Vicksburg :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company A — Private John Storm. Company B —
Sergeant James Findlay, Privates Hiram Daniels, Hugli Dowry, Timiothy McGuire, Jas.
Scanlan and Otto Tlioinas. Company D — Private August Harris. Company E— Privates
Daniel McLean, Boardman Paddock and Henry Holcomb. Company i^— Private Oliver
Deveraux. Company H— Private John McMalion. Company K — Private P. Antoine — 14.
Wounded. — Company B — Second Lieutenant Martin Schulte, Corporal Henry Hoyt,
Privates John Fink, John Fogarty, John Hoy, Edmund Hanneburg and Ernest Marks.
Company C — Privates Joseph Gaffny, Thomas Mullaly, 22d, Frank Murray, Earth. Cole,
John Ryan and John Doughertj-. Company E—F'w&t Lieutenant James McDermot,
Privates Frank Luscombe, Timothy Toomey, Patrick McHugh, 22d, William H. Patten,
Daniel McCausland, William H. Starkey and Francis Clai-k. Company i^— Sergeant
Thomas McNary, Privates Patrick Sullivan and John Molony. Company O — Corporals
Closes L. Rousseau, John B. Nellis, Mattliew Pitts and Joseph Valquint, Privates Lewis
Rouse, Antoine LaConte, Eugene Regnier and Joseph Verheyden. Company H—Iaqw-
tenant Darius E. Palmer, Sergeant Thomas Hennan, Privates Andrew Byron, James
Mai-kee, Nicholas Stein, Frank McKenna and Michael Jarrett. Company I — Captain J.
G. Nordman, Lieutenant O. V. Austin, Privates Marcus W^eeks, Allen Slater, Nicholas
Miller and Michael Britton. Company. £"— Privates Thomas L. Ward, Ernest Marks,
Alvin Sigworth, John Kitson and Andrew Logan— 50.
After this last assault, General Grant determined on a regular
seige, and accordingly the investing forces were engaged in the
construction of regular approaches, and other operations of the
siege, until the enemy capitulated, on the 4th of July. On that
day, the brigade of General Ransom was the first to enter the
captured city, having earned the post of honor by the indomit-
able bravery and energy it had displayed during the siege, having
dug and fought its way so near the rebel works, that the
contending forces could almost cross bayonets from the trenches.
The brigade went into camp next day within the old line of
works, where they remained until the 12th, when they embarked
650 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and proceeded to I^atcliez, of which place General Ransom took
possession on the 14th. Here the regiment was employed in
picket and guard duty, and on the 24th of August, were
furnished with horses, and employed as mounted infantry.
On the 1st of September, Colonel Malloy, with 300 men of the
Seventeenth, moved out about thirty miles, to Trinity, in the
State of Louisiana. Here the rebels gave them a warm recep-
tion, but they were soon routed. It was necessary to procure
transportation across the Black River, which runs through the
town. Two men of Captain Gei-aughty's company, swam the
river, under a severe fire of the enemy, and brought back a small
boat, in which the command crossed. The enemy did not aban-
don his position till two companies had crossed. They were
pursued some distance. On the return of our forces, a rebel
steamer, loaded with commissary and quartermaster's stores, hove
insight. She was taken possession of and destroyed, with her
cargo, by Colonel Malloy's command.
Colonel Malloy next day fell back to the main body of the
brigade, at Cross Bayou. They were again sent forward, and
recrossed the Black River, and occupied Trinity. The main
force joining them next day, they were ordered forward eleven
miles, to the crossing of the Alexandria and Trinity roads.
Here they routed the enemy, whom they hotly pursued for
nine miles, capturing several prisoners, and having one man
killed and four wounded :
Killed.— Company G — Private Delos Dolil — 1.
Wounded.— Company/ ^ — Private L. B. CrandaU. Company ^—Privates Cornelius
Duggan and Edward Conklin. Company G — Private Tiiomas Tonglas — 4.
On the 4th, they made their appearance before Fort Beauregard,
a considerable earthwork, built for defending the approaches to
the town of Harrisonburg. The enemy fled at their appi-oach,
abandoning the Fort and its guns, though it was capable of making
an obstinate resistance. The Seventeenth immediately took
possession, capturing three brass six pounders, two thii'ty-two
pound siege guns, and a twenty-four pound howitzer, besides
caissons and ammunition. They also captured a large Confed-
erate flag. They subsequently destroyed a grist mill in the
vicinity, and a lot of Confederate cotton and commissary stores,
after which they rejoined the brigade, and returned to Natchez.
JOIN SHERMAN'S ARMY AT ACKWORTH. 651
The Seventeentli remained at Natchez, eno-ao-ed in scouting:
and skirmisliing occasionally with the enemy, until the last of
October, when they moved with the brigade to Vicksburg, where
they were occupied during the winter in camp and guard duty.
In the Seventeenth Corps a board was established to award
medals to those who by distinguished gallantry and services,
merited such reward, General McPherson presided over this
" Board of Honor." We find the following awards to members
of the Seventeenth : — Private Nicholas Kennedy, Company C,
medal of silver, inscribed " Corinth and Vicksburg;" Sergeant
Duff G. Brunson, Company F, medal of silver, inscribed " Siege
of Corinth and Vicksburg;" Corporal Thomas Healy, Company
K, medal of silver, inscribed " Siege of Corinth and Vicksburg ;"
Private John Kitson, Company C, medal of silver, inscribed
" Corinth and Vicksburg."
In January, 1864, seven-eighths of the regiment reenlisted,
which constituted it a veteran regiment. On the 8th of March,
they left Vicksburg, en route for Wisconsin, to take their veteran
furlough, and arrived at Madison on the 18th, where they were
welcomed by the State authorities and citizens. They dispersed
to their several homes, and reassembled at Camp Washburn,
Milwaukee, on the 20th of April. On the next day they proceeded
to Cairo, arriving on the 22d, where they found the Seventeenth
Corps, to which they were attached, and which was on its way to
join the forces of General Sherman, in the Atlanta campaign.
Here it was assigned to the Second Brigade, of General Ger-
sham's forces. Colonel Malloy was placed in command of the
brigade, Lieutenant Colonel McMahon being in command of the
regiment. They embarked for the Tennessee River on the 4th
of May, and reached Clifton, Tenn., thence marched to Hunts-
ville, Ala., where the Seventeenth Corps was reorganized, and
the Seventeenth was transferred to the Third Brigade, Third
Division, General Leggett. Colonel Malloy was placed in com-
mand of the brigade. On the 5th, they commenced their long
march to join the forces of General Sherman, who was then
advancing against Atlanta. Proceeding by way of Warrenton
and Rome, Ga., they reached Ackworth, near where General
Sherman's forces were in position, on the 8th of June.
652 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On tlie 10th of June, the regiment took position near Big
Shanty, in front of the enemy, the division occupying the extreme
left of the line. They were constantly occupied in heavy skir-
mishing until the 19th, when the division advanced, taking
position on Brush Mountain.
Up to this time, the casualties were :
Killed. — Company A — Private Victor Ambuster, June 11th. Ckympany I— Private Jno.
C. Williams, 13th — 2.
Wounded. — Company A — Private Patrick McMahon, June 12th. Company D — Private
John Murphy, 13th. Company K— Privates John Waucheon, 13th, and John Meshener,
14th. Company 5— Private John Breadenback, 15th. Company G — Private Peter
Senville, 18th — 6.
On the 22d, they took part in a demonstration on the enemy's
right, carrying two lines of rifle pits. After sustaining a heavy
fire from the enemy's artillery for over three hours, they returned
to the vicinity of Brush Mountain. "With the division they took
part in the operations against Kenesaw Mountain, where they
sustained the following casualties :
Killed.- June 25th.— Ompawj/iT-Privates Joseph Wappeno, 27th, Thos. McMahon— 2.
Wounded.— June 27th.— Company ^—Private William D. Davis. Company O— Pri-
vates Michael Leahy and John Davis. Company F— Private John Marony. Company Q
— Captain William Beaupre. Company H— Private James H. Colburn. Company I—
Privates William McDougal and Reuben Drake. Company £7— Privates William B.
Squires, Moses Corn and Joseph BeU— 11.
The Seventeenth accompanied the movement of McPherson's
corps, to the right of Kenesaw Mountain, on the 2d of July, in
the subsequent movements of the Third Division, prior to the
crossing of the Chattahoochie, on the 17th of July, sustaining the
following losses :
Killed.— July 1st.— Ccmipany ^—Private John Lawton— 1.
Wounded.— Company 7— First Lieutenant Thomas Riley, July 6th. Oompany F—
Corporal James Joyce, July 11th . Company K— Sergeant David Converse — 3.
Crossing the river with the Third Division on the 17th, the
regiment marched through Decatur, and on the 20th, occupied,
with the division, a position on the extreme left of the line, to
the south of the Augusta Railroad, in front of Bald Hill.
On the 21st of July, the Third Division, General Leggett, led by
the brigade of General Force, the Twelfth and Sixteenth Wis-
consin in the advance, charged up the hill upon the enemy's
works, and after a fierce struggle, drove the rebels out, and took
SIEGE OF ATLANTA. 653
possession of the hill. On the 22d the enemy attempted to retake
their captured Avorks, but after a hard struggle, the Third DiA-i-
sion succeeded in holding the ground, and with the aid of the
Sixteenth Corps, who attacked the enemy in the rear, finally
drove the rebels into their works. In this severe contest of the
21st and 22d of July, the Seventeenth "Wisconsin was actively
engaged.
The casualties, from the 17th to the 28th of July, were :
KTI-I.ED OR Died of Wounds.— 21st and 22d of July.— Company D— Privates Michael
Murphy and Charles Voss. Company I — Private Albert Otto. 28th. — Company A —
Private John Murphy — 4.
Wounded.— Company A — Privates John Smith and Frank Jackie. Company B — Pri-
vates Patrick Doyle, John Peterson and Jolin Lininger. Company D — Private Michael
Murphy. Company i^— Privates Joseph Donahue and Peter Delmer. Company H —
Corporal Henry Weaver, Private Frank McKenna. Company J— Private Christian
Pohl — 11.
The Seventeenth Regiment accompanied the movement of the
Seventeenth Corps to the right on the 26th of July, and con-
tinued in the duties of the siege, until the 26th of August, when
it took part in the operations of the Seventeenth Corps to the
south of Atlanta, being present at the battles of Jonesboro, and
Lovejoy Station, returning with the Seventeenth Corps and
camping near Atlanta, on the 9th of September.
On the 24th of August, Lieutenant Colonel McMahon was
discharged and Major Scott was appointed Lieutenant Colonel,
and Captain McCauley, Maior.
"We find the following casualties as having occurred in the
vicinity of Atlanta, recorded in the Adjutant General's oflice :
Killed or Died or Wounds.— Company B — Private David Atkinson. Company C—
Privates Cornelius Cronan, Alfred P. Sheffield and Ole Anderson. Company £— Cor-
poral Michael Sullivan. Company i*"— Sergeant Patrick McCormick. Company 0-~
Sergeant Orrin Jameson and Private John Reilly. Company /f— Privates John Griffin
and James F. Flanders. Cotnpany I— Private Nicholas Miller — 11.
With the rest of the Seventeenth Corps, the Seventeenth reo-i-
ment left East Point, where it had been encamped, and crossed
the Chattahoochie, in pursuit of the rebel General Hood. From
this pursuit they returned to Marietta, and encamped on the 4th
of November, where they remained until the 13th, when they
moved to Atlanta, and on the 16th, began the grand march for
Savannah. The Seventeenth, on the march, enlaced in the
usual duties imposed upon the different regiments, and nothing
654 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
particular occurred to vary the operations of the Seventeenth,
and its history is similar to most of the other regiments engaged.
With the Seventeenth Corps it left Savannah in January, and
camped near Beaufort, S. C, and joined in the march to Golds-
horo. We find Lester W. Drake, of Company I, recorded as
having died of wounds in South Carolina.
Colonel Malloy, was home on leave of absence when General
Sherman started for Savannah. He consequently reported him-
self to Major General Steadman, at Chattanooga, who was
appointed by General Sherman to the duty of taking charge of
such furloughed soldiers or officers of his army who might report
themselves after he had cut loose and started on his march.
These persons were to join their respective organizations on
hearing of his arrival on the seacost. The organization of these
detachments into a Provisional Division had been assiacned to
Brigadier General Charles Cruft. By him Colonel Malloy was
placed in command of all the available men in the camp of the
Seventeenth Corps Detachment, and ordered to occupy the block-
houses on the line of the Georgia State Railroad, and garrison
Tunnel Hill and Ringgold. In a short time Colonel Malloy had
a full brigade under his command. Hood was making prepara-
tions to attack Thomas at Nashville, and the forces of Colonel
Malloy, on the 30th of November, started from Chattanooga by
rail, reaching that city next day. Colonel Malloy's brigade occu-
pied several different positions during the period that Hood
threatened Nashville, and on the days of the battle were posted
to the right of Fort Negley, in the works. They were afterwards
sent to Decatur, Ala., and other points in the performance of
severe and arduous duty. These detachments of new recruits,
returning veterans and others, were ordered to rendezvous at
Stevenson, Ala., on the 13th of January, thence they moved to
Nashville, where the various commands were organized into
three brigades, all of which on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of Jan-
uary, 1865, embarked on steamers en route to join their com-
mands in Sherman's army, by way of the Cumberland and Ohio
Rivers. General Francis Meagher had command of the Pro-
visional Division. The troops on the boats suffered severely for
the want of fires, and their commissary arrangements were not
of the best. Colonel Malloy visited Wisconsin and joined his
Sherman's grand march. 655
brigade after their arrival at Beaufort, IsT. C. On reaching the
Ohio, they were compelled to take cars, the river not being nav-
igable, and proceeded by way of Pittsburg and tlie Pennsylvania
Central Railroad to Baltimore, thence to Annapolis, where they
took steamers and proceeded to Beaufort, IST. C, arriving there
on the 8th of February, 1865, from whence they moved by rail
to Newbern, on the 12th.
On their arrival at ISTewbern, General Meagher assumed com-
mand of the Provisional Division, and had the general manage-
ment of its affairs. Much dissatisfaction being produced, the
General was relieved from duty on the 2d of March, by General
Cox. The brigades composing the Provisional Division, were
attached to the divisions of Generals Carter and Palmer, in the
army under General Cox, and made their way towards Goldsboro
to cooperate with General Sherman. On their way they encoun-
tered the rebel General Hoke, and sundry skirmishes took place
which resulted in favor of the Union arms. Reaching Goldsboro
on the 21st of March, on the 23d, the forces of General Sher-
man made their appearance, when the Provisional Division was
broken up by that General's order, and the members sent to
their respective regiments. In this Provisional Division, about
1,000 Wisconsin men were incorporated, including the veterans
of the Eighteenth Regiment. Colonel Malloy and Lieutenant
Colonel Scott rejoined the Seventeenth Regiment, and accom-
panied it on the march to Raleigh, and after the surrender of
Johnston, proceeded to Richmond and Washington, where they
took part in the grand review of the troops of General Sherman
in May, and thence proceeded to Louisville for muster out.
They left that city on the 14th of July, and reached Madison
on the 17th where they were publicly received and paid off, and
the regiment disbanded.
For meritorious services during the war, Colonel Malloy was
brevetted Brigadier General.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 901. Gain — by recruits
in 1863, 77, in 1864, 298 hi 1865, 10 ; by substitutes, 136 ; by
draft in 1864, 213, in 1865, 2 ; veteran reenhstments, 287 ; total,
1,964. Loss — by death, 221; missing, 5; deserted, 157;
ti-ansferred, 32 ; discharged, 448; mustered out, 1,101.
OHAPTEE XXYI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Sent to Tennessee River — Battle of
Pittsburg Landing — Siege of Corinth — Battle of Corinth —
Lake Providence — Battle of Jackson — Champion Hills — Siege
of Vicksburq — Move to Chattanooga — Battle op Mission Ridge
— Battle op Allatoona — Veterans on Furlough — Non-veterans
IN Sherxman's March — Veterans in Provisional Division —
Proceed to GtOldsboro — Rejoin the Regiment — Review at
Washington — Return Home — Muster out — Statistics,
n^HE Eighteenth Regiment was organized at Camp Trowbridge,
-»- Milwaukee, under the supervision of Colonel James S. Alban,
early in the year 1862, and its muster into the United States
service was completed on the 15th of March. The regiment
left the State on the 30th, with orders to report at St. Louis.
The following was the regimental roster :
Colonel— JAMES S. ALBAN.
lAeuteruxnt Colonel— Bamviet,W. Beall; Jlifajor — J. W. Grain ; Adjutant — Gii,seb.tIj.
Park; Quartermaster — Jereniau J). Hogehs; (Swrf/eon— George F. Huntington ; Jfirst
Assistant /Swrg-eon — Erastus J. Buck; Second Assistctnt <S^r<7eon — Larkin G. Mead;
CAaptom — Rev. James Delany.
Co. Captains.
A— James P. Millard,
B — Charles H. Jackson,
C — Newton M. Layne,
D— George A. Fisk,
E— William Bremmer,
F — Joseph W. Roberts,
G — John H. Compton,
H— David H. Saxton,
I — William A. Coleman,
K— William J. Kershaw.
First Lieutenants.
Edward Colman,
Thomas A. Jackson,
John H. Graham,
D. W.C.Wilson,
George R. Walbridge,
George Stokes,
Frederick B. Case,
Sidney D. Woodworth,
Ira H. Ford,
Alexander Jackson.
Second lAetUenanta.
Thomas J. Potter,
Samuel B. Boynton,
Allen A. Burnett,
Peter Sloggy,
Luman H. Carpenter,
George A. Topliff,
James R. Scott,
Thomas H. Wallace,
Ogden A. Southmayd,
Phineas A. Bennett.
They arrived at St. Louis on the evening of the Slst, and next
day were ordered to proceed up the Tennessee River, to Pitts-
burg Landing. Arriving at the Landing about noon, of Saturday,
BATTLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING. 657
April 5tli, tliey were assigned to the command of General Pren-
tiss, which was then in the extreme advance, about four miles out
on the Corinth road. They reached the headquarters of General
Prentiss about dark. A Mw tents, some baggage, but no pro-
visions were brought up. Four days' rations had been served
out at St. Louis, of which a few hard crackers remained. The
men were thus without rations, and after putting up tents to
shelter themselves, they went supperless to bed. They were
without rations from noon of Saturday till after the close of the
fight on the 6th, except such as they received from the Illinois
regiment on their right. Soon after reaching camp, one hundred
men were detailed to go on picket duty, about a mile to the front,
under the command of Captain Fisk.
The division of General Prentiss consisted of the briscades of
Colonel Peabody and Colonel Miller, to the latter of which, the
Eighteenth was attached. Quiet reigned throughout the camps
until about six o'clock on Sunday mornmg, when a sharp tiring
of the pickets, on the right and front of Prentiss' division, was
heard. Captain Fisk, with his command, had returned but a
short time before, and reported no signs of the enemy. The
tiring soon became so heavy as to induce General Prentiss to send
forward the balance of the Twenty-tirst Missouri, in support of
the pickets of that regiment. It was subsequently ascertained
that the enemy had marched up during the night, to within two
miles of the Union lines. The usual precautions being neglected
by the commanding General, they were able to approach thus
close to our lines without being observed, no enemy being-
supposed to be within ten miles of the position.
General Prentiss' division was soon in line of battle, about
forty rods in advance of the camps. The Fifteenth Michigan
was assigned to the left of the line, but being without ammuni-
tion, they soon withdrew to the rear, leaving the Eighteenth
Regiment on the extreme left. The ground in front was broken
by ravines, which enabled the enemy to advance his main force
under cover.
The Twenty-first Missouri, with the pickets of the Sixteenth
Wisconsin, were soon driven into the lines, and almost simulta-
neously, the enemy appeared, marching in three lines of battle.
The men of the Eighteenth Wisconsin met their advance without
42
G58 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
flinching-, notwitlistandiug the disadvantage of being a raw regi-
ment, without adequate drill and discipline. Prentiss' division
opened fire along the whole line, hut the enemy, in overwhelming
numbers, pressed on, and by 8 o'cloclf^ succeeded in turning the
right flank of the division, and regiment after regiment, on the
right, fell back, in order to avoid certain capture. The
Eighteenth held its ground until the enemy, by means of a ravine
on its left, succeeded in turning that flank, and concentrated their
fire upon them, when they too, slowly retired. Here Acting
Adjutant Coleman fell, severely wounded, and was carried from
the field by Lieutenant Potter, of Company A.
The Eighteenth fell back, in good order, to a ravine, about
twenty rods to the rear. Here the regiment stopped, and poured
in a well directed fire on the enemy, who was then in the camp,
temporarily checking them. In crossing the ravine, the regi-
ment was exposed to a raking fire from the rebels on the flaiik
and front ; they therefore moved up the opposite hill, where they
joined the main line, and with it, fell back. From this time the
fighting became irregular. Availing themselves of the shelter of
trees, the loading and firing was independent of orders. As the
enemy pressed them in front, or got in on their flanks, the forces
of General Prentiss would retire. Parts of companies were de-
tached, and became mixed with other regiments. After fighting
in this desultory manner about seven hours, that portion of the
regiment which was together, was nearly surrounded by the
enemy, who approached in front and on both flanks, pouring in
a tremendous cross fire, in which Colonel Alban was shot through
the body, and Major Grain fell dead, with eight wounds on his
person. In the confusion caused by this heavy loss, and before
they could think of retreat, the enemy was among them, taking
prisoners, and firing almost in their faces. The fighting of the
regiment was over, and nothing was left but to escape being
captured. They broke in squads, and retreated as best they
could. The ofiicial reports show 174 men missing, the most of
whom were taken prisoners. The Colonel and Major were
killed. Lieutenant Colonel Beall and Acting Adjutant Coleman
were both severely wounded. Captain Compton, of Company G,
was killed, and Captain Millard, of Company A, Lieutenant
Jackson, of Company B', Captain Layne, of Company C, Captain
I
CASUALTIES. 659
Fisk andLicntonaiit D. W. C. Wilson, of Company D, Captain
Bremmer, of Company E, Lieutenant Stokes, of Company F,
Captain Saxton and Lieutenant Woodworth, of Company H, and
Lieutenants Ford and Southmayd, of Company I, were among
the prisoners taken by the enemy. These officers with the
enhstcd men taken, spent many weary months in rebel prisons,
and man}' of them died there.
On ^londay, about 250 of the Eighteenth were gathered by the
few remaining officers, and formed into a battalion, and acted as
support of a battery, with other regiments. Early in the morn-
ing, they advanced with Buell's forces, who drove the rebels
before them, and reached their old camp about four in the after-
noon. Here they remained, while the rest of the troops pushed
forward in pursuit of the enemy. Daring the evening, the
stragglers came in, so that there was nearly 500 men in camp.
The list of killed,' and those who died of wounds, we copy
from the Adjutant General's records. The list of wounded is as
officially published :
Kiiii/ED OK Died of Wovnds.— Field Officers— Colonel James S. Alban and Major
Josiah W. Grain. Company A — Corporal Marcenus Gurnee, Private Cephas A. Whit-
more. Company C — Privates William Kettle and M. W. Saxton. Company D — Private
George Hicks. Company E — Corporal John E. Fields, Private Ciifton G. Merrill.
Company F—'P\:i\aXefi Otis A. Colton, Robert N. McWilliams, H. W. Onderdonk and
Henry Jenkins. Company G — Captain John H. Compton, Private A. M. Coon. Company
H — Privates Edward B. Ballon, Joseph A. Garland, Solomon Mansfield and Charles P.
Walker. Company J— Sergeant Rensellaer Cronk, Corporal Thomas Lasky, Privates M
C. Cook, George W. Hillraan, John Lowth and Benjamin W. Shower — 2-5.
Wounded. — Field Oi?!cer — Lieutenant Colonel Beall. Lieutenant Edward Coleman,
acting Adjutant. Company ^ — Corporal C. C. Whitney, Privates D. C. Bailey, R. H.
Hart, Marshal Cofl3n, Lcander Depuy, Ludwig Holzer, J. Kocher, Alf. Losey, O. K. Xorris,
G. W. Sparkes and Adam Whiting. Company B — Privates E. Combs, W. H. Spencer and
F. M. Bailey. Company O— Privates H. Claiy, W. W. Dielhman, Samuel Fisk, John
Kirkpatrick, Hiram Moody, Patrick Mooney, Laughlin Quinn, Benjamin Rantz, J. J.
Swain, Samuel Sager and Augustus Singer. Company £) — Corporal John Williams, Pri-
vates Ephraim Crocker, Henry Beach, Hugh C. Wilson, Jacob Jewell, A. Stephenson, C.
N. Sprout, Byron Cary, John Gary, Charles Molla and Ezra Hockabout. Company E —
Lieutenant George R. Walbridge, Privates Albert Taylor, George W. Evans, \\'alter
Whittaker, Joseph Baker, S. R. Hayner, Geo. S. Martin, Jr. William H. Sherwin, Jolm
Harris, John Kinney, Isaac Levison, Reuben Edminster and Ed. L. Kent. Comjniny F —
Privates George Durr, Andrew Felton, Eli R. Devan, Joseph W. Lawpliun and D. M.
Wilson. Company G — Privates John Snyder, A. G. Loomis, Joseph Bullock and Jolm S.
Eaton. Company H— First Lieutenant S. D. Woodworth, Sergeant Albert Gates, Privates
John C. Horton, Eugene Gay, E. F. Chamberlain, Edwin Potts, Samuel Bixby, Thomas
Carey, B. W. Coats, F. Decelle, Gideon F. Devore, A. F. Dowd, G. W, Dowd and Zadock
Mallory. Company I — Privates Peter Mclntyre, Cornelius C. Devore, S. W. M. Smitli, E.
M. Haight,NV. Miller, Duncan ^McCloud, Peter Calahan, James Lcitch, Oliver Gunderson,
Albert Turck, Frank Everson, Alfred O. Eilson, Adrastus Cross and Ferdinand Benton
Company iiT— Privates Fernando Councilman, William P. Green and Wm, Lowe— 91.
660 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The Eighteeutli remained in camp for several days after the
battle, when it was visited by Governor Harvey, who imme-
diately appointed Captain Gabriel Bouck, of the Second Wis-
consin, as Colonel of the regiment. Captain Jackson, of Com-
pany B, being the senior Captain present, assumed command
until Colonel Bouck reported for duty on the 12th of May.
About the 1st of May, the Eighteenth moved forward towards
Corinth, with the division of General McKeau to which it had
been assigned, and took part in the operations before that place
which resulted in its evacuation by the enemy on the 29th of
May. The regiment suffered severely from sickness, so that the
command was very much reduced. On the 4th of June, they
marched about a mile south of Corinth and encamped with
the Sixth Division. Here they were engaged in picket and
garrison duty, and acquiring proficiency in drill under the able
superintendence of Colonel Bouck.
The Eighteenth was assigned to the Second Brigade, com-
manded by Colonel Oliver, and on the evening of the 18th of July,
proceeded with the brigade to Bolivar, Tenn., for the purpose of
reinforcing the forces at that point. Here they remained with-
out engaging the enemy until the 16th of August, when they
returned to Corinth and encamped, again engaging in picket
duty.
On the 17th of September, the regiment marched with
Mc Arthur's division to the vicinity of luka, with the forces un-
der General Ord, to cooperate with General Rosecrans in an
attack on General Price. General Hamilton met and defeated
the rebel General on the 19th, before General Ord could reach
the designated position. That General therefore immediately
ordered his troops to return to Corinth without encountering the
enemy in force.
On the 1st of October, the Eighteenth, with the Fourteenth
Wisconsin, was ordered to reinforce the Fifteenth Michigan,
stationed at Chewalla, to watch the enemy who was then advanc-
ing in force. In the morning it was ascertained that the rebels
were making a circuit which would cut off their retreat, Colonel
Oliver therefore ordered his force to fall back within four miles
)f Corinth. At night the Eighteenth was ordered to the left about
a mile to guard a bridge across the Tuscumbia. In the morning,
BATTLE OF CORINTH. 661
the enemy had possession of the Chewalla road, and orders were
received for Colonel Bouck to destroy the bridge and return to
camp near Corinth by the most feasible route. This was done,
and the regiment, by a bye road, reached the line of the de-
fenses, closely followed by the enemy. Rejoining the division,
they were soon after ordered to support a brigade about half a
mile in front which was said to be eno-ae-ed in holdins; the
rebels in check. In endeavoring to find this brigade, the regi-
ment came upon the advancing rebel line of battle, which opened
upon them with a full volley. This was replied to by the Eigh-
teenth, and the men ordered to lie down, but the enemy fired
low and mam^ of the regiment were hit. The enemy being
in great force, the regiment fell back, rejoining the brigade and
division which subsequently retired to the interior defenses,
where they remained in position during the night. In the morn-
ing the division was moved to a position upon the left, where an
attaclc was apprehended, but where but little fighting was done
on the second day. The rebels commenced their retreat from
Corinth soon after noon and pursuit was made by the Sixth
"Division and other forces, in which the Eighteenth took part.
After pursuing the enemy as far as Eipley, the troops returned
to Corinth.
The list of killed, and those who died of wounds, is taken from
:he Adjutant Gi-eneral's records, and the wounded are as officially
reported :
K1LI.ED OR Died of Wouvms.— Company B —Private John C.Bryant. Company D —
Private George Campbell. Cojwpan.v i^— Sergeant Charles W. Plum mer. Company I—
Privates Louis Anderson and Fred. Bennett — .5.
Wounded.— Company A — Vriyntes Edwd. J. Flynn, LudwigHoelzer and Juo. Sturgeon.
Company JS— Private Jolin Goflf. Company C— Privates Robert E. Graliam and William
Downie. Company D — Privates John Winters and George Esler. Company i^— Privates
Perry WoodruQ'and J.W.Yates. Coynpany O — Privates Louis Ryerson, Lucius Vaugiin
and William W. Pyne. Company J — Privates William N. Wright, Oliver Gunderson,
Hugh Carey, Ambrose O.sborn and Peter Mclntyre. Company ^—Privates Stephen
Staunt, Michael Lennon and Newman B. Danforth — 21.
Accompanying the forces of General Grant, which were
ordered to concentrate at Gi'and Junction, the Eighteenth, left
Corinth with three divisions of the left wing of the army under
Brigadier General Charles S. Hamilton, on the 2d of November.
They reached Grand Junction on the 5th, and remained until the
28th, when the southward movement was commenced. They
662 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
had proceeded as far as Yocona, forty-eiglit miles south of Holly
Springs, when the news of the destruction of Grant's supplies
at the latter place, compelled a retrogade movement, and the
Sixth Division of General McArthur, encamped at Moscow,
Tenn., where it engaged in railroad guard duty until the 10th
of January, 1863. At Moscow, the line officers who were cap-
tured at Pittshurg Landing, having been exchanged, rejoined the
regiment, and assumed command of their respective companies.
On the 10th of January, the Eighteenth, with the division of
General McArthur, marched to Memphis, where they embarked
on transports and proceeded to Young's Point, near Vicksburg,
arriving there on the 24th. Here the regiment engaged in fatigue
duty in repairing and building the levee, in order to protect the
troops below, and furnished occasional details to work on the
canal in front of Vicksburg. On the 9th of February, the Eigh-
teenth, with the Second Brigade of McArthur's division, com-
manded by General Ransom, proceeded to Lake Providence,
seventy miles up the river, and encamped on the banks of the
lake, about four miles from the town. Here they engaged in the
work of cutting the canal from the river to the lake, and clear-
ing the obstructions from Bayou Baxter, and remained till about
the 20th of April, when they moved down the river and en-
camped at Millikin's Bend, from whence they proceeded by way
of Richmond, Smith's Plantation and Perkins' Landing to Grand
Gulf, thence they marched to Raymond and reported to General
McPherson on the 13th of May, and joined in the attack on Jack-
son. The Eighteenth had been assigned to the First Brigade
commanded by Colonel Sanborn, in General Crocker's division
in the Seventeenth Army Corps. They formed in line of battle,
and with the division gallantly charged upon the enemy, and
after a severe contest, drove him from the field, leaving the city
in possession of our forces. Passing over the rebel works they
found them deserted.
The casualties as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cbrnprnij/ 5 — Private Benjamin S. Davis. Company
D— Private Ferdinand Getter. Company H—^er^etinX, James Talman. Company K—
Privates George E. Gray, O. H. Brocliwaj' and Jolm Kelly —6.
AVouNDED.— Cmnpany .S— Sergeant H. Farmer, Corporal J. R. Knapp, Privates George
S. P^oucks, M. I. Bussey, George W. Davis, Frederick Ties, William H. Deusen, George
W. Webb and Isaac W. Young. Company G? — Privates Peter Tenison and Michael
Farley. Company H— Privates Isaac Matoxen, William Hill, Daniel Leitch and Fred
Kidder. Company K— Private William Krisman — 16
I
• SIEGE OF VICKSBURG. 663
Early next morning they started for Vicksburg, and on the
16th, took part in the battle of Champion Hills. About uoou
the brigade formed into line on the right wing, changing posi-
tion several times, and repeatedly charging upon the enemy.
The Eighteenth was in the reserve and was not actively engaged
although exposed to a severe fire.
The casualties as officially reported, were :
Killed.— Companjj A — Private Herbert A. Howe — 1.
Wounded.— (SVoifQ^eer— Adjutant Edward Coleman. Company i?- -Lieutenant R. C.
Laird. Company C — Private Bent Marlii.sou. Company Z* — Private Nathan Hale.
Company E — Private Edward Ricliardson — 5.
The battle lasted for about three hours, and was severely con-
tested. About 3 o'clock P. M. the enemy commenced retreating,
followed by our troops in pursuit. With the rest of McPherson's
Seventeenth Corps, the Eighteenth Regiment crossed the Black
Elver on a floating bridge on the 18th, and proceeded to the rear
of Vicksburg, and took position with its division, in front of the
enemy's fortifications, about one and a half miles distant.
The Eighteenth did not take part in the assault on the 22d of
May, but acted as sharpshooters to hold a position in front of a
rebel fort and cover the advance of the assaulting column, by
silencing the enemy's guns, which was done very eftectually.
The casualties were :
Killed or Died of 'WO'U'xv>&.— Company A — Private Josepli Janna. Company B —
Private James M. Carpenter. Company D — Private L. L. Bigby. Company F—'Pri\i\ie
Fred. Hardwig. Company G — First Lieutenant William H. Alban and Private N. S.
Elderkin. Company H — Privates Wesley Green and Alviu Smith. Company K —
Private Jefferson H. Walker — 9.
Wounded. — Company Z) — Private A. W. Calkins. Company G — Private Charles Mont-
gomerj'. Company H — Privates Henry Cassel and William Smith. Company I — First
Sergeant S. C. Alban, Corporal William Jones and Private A. J. Sliepardson — 7.
On the 26th of May, the brigade took part in a reconnoissance
between the Black and Yazoo rivers, and after capturing a large
amount of property, destroying several mills, and otherwise ac-
complishing the object of the expedition, they returned to their
duties in the trenches before Vicksburg. Here they remained
chiefly engaged in skirmishing duty until the surrender of the
city on the 4th of July. They remained in the city engaged in
guard and provost duty most of the time, until the 11th of Sep-
tember, when they moved with the division which was now com-
manded by General Smith, to Helena, with a view to reinforce
General Steele.
664 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
General Sherman had received orders to reinforce General
Rosecrans at Chattanooga. His Corps, the Fifteenth, accordingly
left Vicksburg, and moved by transports to Memphis. The divi-
sion of General Mower, to which the Eighth Wisconsin was
attached, being on special duty when the Fifteenth Corps left
Vicksburg, General Sherman was permitted to exchange Mow-
er's division for that of General J. E. Smith, of the Seventeenth
Corps which was then at Helena, there being an urgent neces-
sity for haste in the reinforcing of General Rosecrans. Smith's
division was accordingly ordered to Memphis, from whence it
proceeded by rail to Corinth. General Sherman attempted to
make the railroads available for the transportation of his Corps,
but the case becoming so urgent, General Grant sent orders for
him to cut loose from the railroads and make a forced march to
Bridgeport. This was done, and his forces marching by the way
of Dixon, Florence, Fayetteville and "Winchester, reached Bridge-
port on the 15th of November, and Chattanooga on the 19th.
The regiment marched 250 miles on this expedition, pass-
ing through Northern Mississippi and Alabama and Southern
Tennessee.
With the Army of the Cumberland, with which the corps of
General Sherman was connected, the Eighteenth crossed the
Tennessee River on the 24th, and took part in the attack on Mis-
sion Ridge, and subsequently joined in the pursuit of the enemy
as far as Ringgold, Ga., returning to Chattanooga on the 28th.
On the 3d of December, they went to Bridgeport, and were em-
ployed in guard duty a few days, when they marched, on the 21st
of December, by way of Larkinsville and Woodville, to Hunts-
ville, Ala., where they were engaged in guard, outpost and
provost duty, until the 1st of May, 1864.
On the 4th of January, 1864, Colonel Bouck resigned. Lieu-
tenant Colonel Beall resigned on the 3d of August, 1863, but no
appointment was made to till the position, until the resignation
of Colonel Bouck, when Major Charles H. Jackson was ap-
pointed Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain J. P. Millard was
appointed Major. From the 1st of May till June 19th, the
regiment was engaged in guard duty at Whitesburg, Ala.
Leaving Whitesburg, the regiment was transferred to Alla-
toona, on the line of the Western and Atlantic railroad, ninety
BATTLE OF ALLATOONA. 665
miles south of Chattanooga, where it arrived on the 13th of
July. Companies F and I were ordered to guard a railroad
bridge, two miles south of the town, the other companies heing
occupied in camp and garrison duty in Allatoona, which duty
they performed until the 22d of August, when they marched to
Chattanooga, thence into Eastern Tennessee, in pursuit of the
rebel General Wheeler, who was on his raid against Sherman's
communications. Returning, they encamped at Cowan, Tenn.,
until the 19th of September, guarding the railroad at various
points, when they were ordered to rejoin their brigade at
Allatoona.
After the surrender of Atlanta, the rebel General Hood
attempted a raid on Sherman's railroad communications. Cross-
ing the Chattahoochie, he struck the Atlanta Railroad at Big
Shanty, and commenced its destruction. On reaching Resaca, he
sent back General French, with a large force, to attack Allatoona,
and capture the immense stores at that point. General Sherman
had signalled, from the station on Kenesaw Mountain, for Gen-
eral Corse, who was at Rome, to reinforce the garrison at Alla-
toona, and directed him to hold it at all hazards, until a force
could be sent to its relief. General Corse promptly responded,
with a brigade of infantry, on the 4th of October. Before day-
light, next morning, the pickets were driven in. The Eighteenth
Wisconsin was ordered under arms, and deployed as skirmishers.
Dajdight developed the batteries of the enemy, about 1,200 yards
south of the defences. An artillery duel immediately commenced,
and continued until about 10 o'clock, when the enemy's skir-
mishers made their appearance on the right and rear. A flag
was sent by the enemy, demanding the surrender of the place, to
prevent further efiusion of blood, which was promptly refused.
The rebels then advanced to the attack, charging repeatedly
upon the works, but were repelled in all their attempts. The
battle raged furiously, and it was with great difficulty that the
position was held. Some of the rebels reached the first line of
rifle pits, but the fire was so hot that they could neither advance
nor retreat, they therefore sheltered themselves as best they
could, until the fire slackened, when they crawled off and
retreated in all directions. Finding all their efforts to capture
the place unavailing, the enemy finally retired, leaving at least
1,500 of his killed and wounded on the field.
6*66 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The three companies, E, F and I, of the Eighteenth, stationed
in a blockhouse near the raih-oad bridge, two miles south, were
attacked in the morning, after declining to surrender. The gar-
rison numbered eighty men. This small force withstood the
attacks of the regiment of infantry which was left to reduce their
stronghold, and it was not until dark, and the heavy artillery had
been brought to bear on them, and their blockhouse was set on
fire, that the brave garrison consented to surrender. They were
under the command of Captain Mclntyre, of Company I.
On the reenlistment of the Eighteenth, at Huntsville, in the
winter and spring of 1864, it was found impossible to grant them
the stipulated furlough; they therefore remained on duty during
the summer and fall. At this battle, some forty-five of the
reenlisted veterans of companies E, F and I, were taken prisoners,
and instead of returning to their loved ones at home, were
doomed to languish, and many to die, in the loathsome prison
pens of the south.
We publish a list of the killed and wounded, and a list of those
taken prisoners, believing that their heroic self denial, and their
consequent sufierings as prisoners of war, entitle them to a place
upon the military records of the State.
The following is the official list of killed, wounded and
missing :
Killed or Died of Woxrsx)S.— Company C— Privates M. W. Sexton and John H.
Single. Company i*'— Private Cliarles E. Jolmson. Company J— Private Alexander
Boyce — 4.
Wounded.— Cowpo?!?/ ^ — Private Anthony Brown. Company i?— Privates Nelson
Fountain, Jasper N. Powell, William Loucks, John J. Ross, Elijah S. Frazier and David
Calkins. Company E— Privates Walter Whlttaker and Robert Richards. Company F~
Private Robert Tennant. Company JJ— Private Benjamin S. Frazier. Company K—
Sergeant E. A. Sanders — 11.
PRI.S0NEE.S.— Company E— Captain L. N. Carpenter, Sergeants S. H. Sawyer, George
Collier, William W. Campbell and Owen Clough, Corporal A. W. Bell, Privates S. O.
Bremmer, Charles Bremmer, Theophilns Bom-cier, Flavel Beadle, George W. Beers, Geo.
W. Craige, Samuel H. Currier, Edward Hugo, Byron P. Hough, Caleb Hill, Wm. Johnston,
Henry Johnson, Benjamin S. Jackson, Eola Lawson, Hubbard Moss, Increase Pickard,
Philip Marx, Edward Richardson, Adam I. Spawn and Philip Yates. Company F— Lieu-
tenant W. A. Pope, Sergeants J. P. Honiker, J. W. Samphire, A. J. Robins and A. B.
Osgood, Corporals Henry Todd, Benedict Wyman and Richard Trexall, Privates Alfred
J. Bailey, Benjamin E. Beckman, Sheldon Bradt, William Comstock, Henry Clark, Henry
M. Doty, Gilbert Fish, Ira Fishbeck, Matthias Haedt, Eugene Hammon, Frank Hyatt,
Robert Lowe, George Loper, Lorenzo Loper, Ware E. Laidlaw, Simeon Mosher, Homer K.
Nickols, Richard Noble, John Nathan, William H. Oharrow, Albert Pierce, John Silver-
thorn, AVilliam B. Powers, James Wolcott, James Yates and Edward E. Dickenson.
Company J— Captain Mclntyre, Lieutenant Oscar Todd, Sergeant James Mettler, Corpo-
ral Herbert Gilpin, Privates Ephraim Bi-own, John Cook, Stephen M. Grossman, John
Erickson, William H. Furguson, George Gor.such, George Kurth, Daniel E. Newton,
John C. Schwabaland, Evan K. Williams, George Page, Charles Slater, Orville D. Noble
and Jeremiah Mahouey — 78.
VETERANS PROCEED TO GOLDSBORO. 667
After the battle of Allatoona, the iiou-vetcrans and recruits
n'ere assigned to the ISTinety- third Illinois, and accompanied Gen-
eral Sherman on his march to Savannah and Goldsboro. Lewis
Jackson, of Company H, is reported killed at Fayetteville, iST. C.
The veterans were furloughed on the 28th of ISTovember. Keas-
sembling at Milwaukee on the 28th of December, they reached
^Nashville on the 11th of January.
On the commencement of his grand march, General Sherman
had directed that such of the members of the res-iments, in his
command, as were on furlough, and all recruits, should report to
General Steadman, at Chattanooga, and there be organized into a
Provisional Division, and be sent to their several organizations,
on the reception of the news of his arrival on the sea coast.
On the arrival of the veterans of the Eighteenth at Chatta-
nooga, on the 5th of January, they were assigned to the First
Brigade, First Provisional Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and
embarked at I^ashville, proceeding down the Cumberland and up
the Ohio, to Cincinnati, thence by rail to Pittsburg and Balti-
more, where they embarked on steamers on the 2d of February,
and arrived at Beaufort, N". C. On the 8th, they took cars to
NeAvbern, where they encamped till the last of March, when they
joined the forces of General Sherman, at Goldsboro, and rejoined
their comrades in the First Brigade, Third Division, Fifteenth
Army Corps. They accompanied the subsequent movements of
General Sherman to Paleigh, from whence, after the surrender
of Johnston, they moved with the Fifteenth Corps, by way of
Richmond, to "Washington, where they took part in the grand
review, after which they proceeded to Louisville, and were mus-
tered out on the 18th of July, and reached Madison on the 29th,
where they were publicly received, and disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 962. Gain — by recruits
in 1863, 61, in 1864, 103, in 1865,34; by substitutes, 28 ; by draft
in 1864, 200, in 1865, 71 ; by veteran reenlistments, 178 ; total,
1,673. Loss— by death, 220; missing, 78 ; deserted, 208;
transferred, 23 ; discharged, 265 ; mustered out, 843.
CHAPTEE XXTII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— NINETEENTH INFANTRY.
Kegimental Roster — Ordered to Fortress Monroe — Norfolk —
Suffolk — Yorktown — Newbern — Join Eighteenth Army Corps
— Before Petersburg — Fort Darling — Veterans on Furlough
— Battle of Fair Oaks — Enter Richmond — Mustered out —
Return Home — Statistics.
JN November, 1861, Colonel Horace T. Sanders, of- Racine,
received from the War Department authority to organize an
infantry regiment, to rendezvous at Eacine. He commenced
recruiting, but before his regiment was filled, a general order of
February 21st, 1862, abolished all " independent organizations,"
and the Nineteenth was placed on the footing of other volunteer
regiments. It therefore moved to Camp Randall, Madison, where
its organization and muster into the United States service was
completed by the 30th of April, and it left the State on the 2d of
June, 1862, with the following regimental roster :
Colonel — HORACE T. SANDERS.
Lieutenant Colonel— Cma'rIjES Whipple ; Jlfq;or— Alvin E. Bovay ; Ac^uiant—T.on.ENZO
VanSlyke; Qitartermaster — Henry K.White; Surgeon — Peter Winter; First Assist-
ant Surgeon— H. C. Makkham; Second Assistant Surgeon— Tsomas J. Linton; Chaplain—
Rev. Joseph H. Nichols.
Co. Captains.
A— Rollin M. Strong,
B — William H. Tucker,
C — John A. Chandler,
D— Samuel K.Vaughan,
E — Patrick Bennett,
F — Martin Scherff,
G— J. N. Stone,
H— Albert Grant,
I — Amos O. Rowley,
K— William W. Bates.
First Lieutenants.
Henry A. Tator,
Albert A. York,
Charles Case,
William H. Spain,
Charles D.Willard,
Wolf A. Rapps,
Henry W. Kingsbury,
John Wright,
Chipman A. Holley,
Henry Myers.
Second Lieutenants.
Alexander P. EUenwood,
Jonathan S. Patten,
Henry B. Nichols,
Edward O. Emerson,
S. Carey Tuckerman,
William Speigelberg,
otto Puhlraan,
Cromwell Laithe,
Levi Welden,
Harmon Wentworth.
The organization of the regiment was commenced at Racine,
but the "War Department having designated Camp Randall as a
MOVE TO SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA. 66^j
place of confinement for several hundred rebel prisoners captured
at Fort Donelson and Island No. 10, the Nineteenth being the
only military organization in the State, was transferred from Ra-
cine to Madison, and employed as guard over these prisoners.
This duty they continued to perform until the prisoners were sent
to Chicago in May. Leaving the State on the 2d of June, the
Nineteenth reported at Washington on the 5th, when Colonel
Sanders was ordered to move with his regiment, to Alexandria,
and from thence to Fortress Monroe, where they arrived on the
8th, and went into camp at Hampton, Va. On the 17th, eight
companies proceeded to Yorktown, on special service, from which
they returned to Fortress jSIonroe, where they found orders to
proceed immediately to Norfolk, and arrived there on the 29th
of June. Here Colonel Sanders was appointed Provost Judge,
and the Nineteenth was employed as Provost Guard, and as
patrol for the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth. They remained
at Norfolk until the 11th of April, 1863, when a detachment,
under Captain Sherff, marched out to the head of tide water on
the west branch of Elizabeth River, and built some fortifications
and about one and a half miles of rifle pits, working incessantly
until the 14th, when orders came for them to move to Suffolk,
which was then the extreme advance of the Union lines. The
regiment arrived there the next morning, and in the afternoon,
marched to Jericho Creek and encamped. About midnight four
companies were ordered out and marched seven miles where
they were put on picket and fatigue duty. Until the 21st, the
regiment was employed at different points in constructing rifle
pits, and corduroy roads, and other duties equally severe. For
much of the time the men were without shelter at night, after
working all day in the rain and mud. The men were kept in-
cessantly at work for two weeks, at the hardest kind of fatigue
duty, which, with the inclement weather, made sad havoc with
the health of the regiment. On the 26th of April, the regiment
was relieved from duty on the line of the river defenses and
returned to Suffolk.
They remained at Suffolk until the 17th of June, when they
marched to Norfolk, and next day embarked for Yorktown and
encamped near the fortifications. On the 25th, they proceeded
up the river to West Point, remained until the 8th of July, when
670 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
they returned to Yorktowr and engaged in garrison duty until
the middle of August. Tlien they moved to JSTewport !N"ew9,
where they remained until the 8th of October, when they em-
barked for ISTewbern, 'N. C, then in possession of our forces,
where they arrived on the 11th of October. Here the regiment
was assigned to outpost and picket dutj^, Company A, being
stationed at Evans' Mills, eight miles from IS'ewbern, a fortified
position consisting of an earthwork and blockhouse, with one
piece of artillery. Company B, was placed on duty two miles
from JSTewbern, with two pieces of artillery, and Company F,
at Havelock Station, twenty miles from Newbern with one piece
of artillery. The other companies were quartered in barracks
on the south side of the Trent River, half a mile from the town.
Lieutenant Colonel Strong was placed in command of the defenses
on that side of the river.
The enemy made an attack on ]!^ewbern about the 1st of Feb-
ruary, 1864. The assault on the defenses south of the Trent was
successfully repulsed by the portion of the jS'ineteenth Regiment
stationed there under Lieutenant Colonel Strong, assisted by a
battery of artillery, and Captain York's command at Briar Creek.
Company A, at Evans' Mills, was attacked by superior numbers,
bnt they held their position until reinforcements arrived when
the rebels abandoned the attack. The post at Havelock was
abandoned, it being outflanked by the enemy and Company F,
was ordered to garrison Fort Spinola, and on the 20th, Company
E, was ordered to Fort Gaston, on similar duty, remaining until
relieved by Company H, on the 28tli of March.
On the 19th of April, a detachment of six companies was sent
to reinforce the garrison at Plymouth, N. C, but that post was
surrendered before reinforcements could reach them and the
detachment returned on the 24th.
On the 26th of April, the regiment left Newbern, being ordered
to report at Yorktov^m, Va. Landing at that point on the 28th,
they were assigned to the Third Brigade, First Division, Eigh-
teenth Army Corps. Colonel Sanders was placed in command
of the brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Strong taking charge of the
regiment. Leaving Yorktown on the 4th of May, they proceeded
with the Eighteenth Army Corps, up the Jamefe River, and joined
the army of the James, commanded by General Butler, and on
ACTION NEAR FORT DARLING. 671
tlie 6th, inarched to Point of Rocks where they engaged in build-
ing fortifications until the 9th, when they took part in the move-
ment to Walthall Junction, where our forces obtained possession
of the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, and destroyed three
miles of the track, returning to camp next day.
On the 12th, taking part in the movement against Fort Dar-
ling, the right wing of the regiment. Companies A, C, D, E and
F, were sent forward as skirmishers, covering the Third Brigade,
where they remained all night. The left wing was engaged in
picket duty. The lines were advanced next morning, and the
right wing had six men wounded in a charge upon a position
occupied by rebel sharpshooters. During the night the right wing
occupied a position in the front line. A general advance was
made on the 14th, and the enemy's first line of works were suc-
cessfully carried the detachment having five men wounded. The
right wing was sent to occupy a road in the rear of Fort Jack-
son, where they were joined by the left wing of the regiment on
the 15th.
Taking advantage of a dense fog on the morning of the 16th
of May, the enemy massed his forces and made a furious assault
upon the right of our advance line. Burnham and Hickman's
brigades were compelled to 3'ield to the overwhelming numbers, '
but not until they had poured in a deadly and withering fire.
The right wing was broken and driven back. Colonel Sanders
in command of the centre took command of a regiment of his
brigade and attempted the support of Ash by 's battery on the
Pike. Every horse in the battery was soon killed, and the enemy
succeeded at last in capturing it. The balance of Sanders' brig-
ade retired to a strip of woods a half or three quarters of a mile
to the rear and formed a new line, with its right resting on the
Pike, near the Halfway House. This it did under a severe fire
from the enemy, and with the assistance of Burnham's brigade,
which had partially rallied, they succeeded in staying the ene-
my's progress on the right. This was done after a severe en-
gagement in which the Nineteenth lost four killed and thirty-two
wounded.
We find the killed reported on the Adjutant General's records
as follows :
672 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Killed. — Company C— Private Morrison Stevens. Company D — Corporals Sylvester
D. Richmond and Albert Waldorf. Company .E- Privates Amasa Coffin and Michael
McDermott. Company I — Private A. Shockley. Company K — Private John Mack — 7
We find a partial report of wounded in the monthly reports :
Wounded.— Company A — Privates J. H. Fosert, J. Fosert, C. Day, W W. Pitts, W. .T.
Reynolds, J. H. Stedle, J. Thorn and A. C. Tuttle. Company B — Privates J. Monroe, P.
Thompson and J. F. Underwood. Company C— Privates G. Johnson and J. Potter.
Company G — Private A. A. Brooks — 13.
In the evening they returned to the intrenched camp at Point
of Rocks, where Companies B, C and I were detached for duty
at General Butler's headquarters, the balance of the regiment
engaging in picket duty until the 17th of June, when they ac-
companied an expedition to the Richmond and Petersburg
Railroad, where they destroyed three miles of track.
On the 20th of June, the regiment was transferred to the Second
Brigade of the Second Division, and subsequently accompanied
the advance of General Grant's army upon Petersburg, occupy-
ing a position in the trenches before that place until the 30th,
when they acted as part of the support of the Mnth Corps in the
celebrated assault upon the enemy's works. Sylvester Searles, of
Company D, is reported as being killed on the 29th of June.
After this they engaged in siege and fatigue duty in the trenches
near New Market Race Course.
Sergeant Thomas Elliott is reported as having died of wounds
at Petersburg on the 11th of August.
On the 13th of August, the reenlisted men of the regiment,
250 in number, were relieved from duty at the front, and left for
Wisconsin, arriving at Madison on the 22d, where they received
a furlough for thirty days. Reassembling, they again left the
State on the 3d of October, for the front, and proceeded up
James River to Aiken's Landing, where they disembarked on
the 12th, and marched to Chapin's Farm where they were as-
signed to the Third Brigade, First Division Eighteenth Army
Corps, and resumed their duties in the lines fronting Richmond.
On the 27th of October, with the division and a large portion
of the Eighteenth Army Corps, the Nineteenth joined a recon-
noissance in force. Leaving camp at 5, A. M., with three days'
rations, they took a northerly course, through a portion of White
Oak Swamp and reached the old battle-field of Fair Oaks about
2 o'clock. The brigade in which the Nineteenth was located, was
BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS. 673
at once sent forward to charge a six gun fort, and in doing so,
had to pass over an open plain three-fourths of a mile in width
subject to a withering cross fire as well as a direct one from the
works they were charging. In crossing this open field or plain,
one half of the brigade fell. The advance succeeded in reaching
wilhin one hundred yards of the fort but could get no further
and as a protection, laid down in this position, and remained
some two hours, vainly expecting supports to come to their as-
sistance. About 5, P. M., the rebels charged out of their works
and captured nearly the whole of the regiment. It went into
the battle with 180 men and nine officers, and lost 136 men and
eight officers.
We find the following casualties in the records of the Adjutant
General's office :
Killed or Died of WorNDS. — Company A — Sergeant Ferris B. Palmer, Corporal
James Faller, Privates Alvah Roshbun and Daniel Sanborn, Jr. Cmnpany B—Yx\\;\X>i
Francisco D. Blanchard. Company C— Corporal Christopher Murray, Privates James
Steward, C. Stiles, J. Sheridan, Jr., W. Sliepard and A. Wrack. Cmnpany D — Privates
Bissell Sherman and Charles Allen. Cmnpany E — Captain Patrick Bennett, Sergeant
Michael Nolan, Privates Henry Sly, John Shattuck and James Van Wie. Company F —
Privates Peter Reichardt, Gottleib Steinke and Simon Schwalber. Company G — Privates
Dexter Green and Nicholas Schardt. Company H— First Lieutenant John Wright, Pri-
vates Jonathan Knowles and Andrew Cassell. Company J — Corporal Edward Ewing,
Private John McPlteeters — 28.
Wounded.— i^(>?d Officer — Lieutenant Colonel R. M. Strong, prisoner. Ormpany A —
Sergeant Eugene A. Dwinnell, Privates Richard Thorne and Henry Grote. Company B
— Private Charles Roseman. CW!pa??^V Z) — Lieutenant James G. Lowry, prisoner. Pri-
vates Chas. Sayles, Dennis Reordan and Martin Billinghousen. Company E — Corporal
Cliarles W. Jenks. CojJiponj/ i^— Lieutenant William Spiegelburg, Corporal John Mul-
diesee. Privates John Gross, Herman Nahring, Levi Owen and John Sharer. Company G
— Private Louis Gistraw. ComjMny iT— Sergeant Edward P. Adams. Company I—
Sergeant Henry R. Howard, Privates Henry Howard, Jr., Byron Ashley, Marcus
Sturdevant and Henry Schermerhorn — 23.
Prisoners.— Staff Q^ce?'— Adjutant Chipman A. Holly. Company F— Captain Martin
Scherff. Company K— Captain Haman Wentworth — 3.
Ninety-one enlisted men were reported as missing, of which
seventeen were killed or died of wounds, and most of the others
were taken prisoners.
After the Battle of Fair Oaks, the remnant of the regiment,
consisting of about eighty men, returned to camp at Chapin's
farm, where they were joined by the non-veterans of the regi-
ment, who had been for some time engaged in provost guard
duty at Norfolk. From this time until the 2d of April, 1865, the
regiment was engaged in picket duty on the lines in front of
Richmond.
43
674 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Ill the Adjutant General's records, we find that Fred Stein died
at Point Lookout, Md., October 5th, 1864, Ealph Rashburn, of
Company A, at Fortress Monroe, November 5th, and W S.
Moscroft, Fortress Monroe, without date.
On the consohdation of the Tenth and Eighteenth Corps, the
regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, Third Division of
the Twenty-fourth Army Corps commanded by Major General
Devens.
On the morning of the 3d of April, the Third Division was
ordered to assault the enemy's works in front of Richmond.
The advance commenced at daylight, the Nineteenth being the
third regiment in column, and entered the city of Richmond
about 8 o'clock A. M , Lieutenant Colonel Vaughan immediately
planted the colors of the regiment upon the City Hall, being the
first regimental colors raised in the city by the conquering forces
of the Union.
The regiment was immediately placed on provost duty in the
city and continued until the 28th of April, when it moved to
Fredericksburg, Va., where it was on duty until the 24th of
July, when it was ordered to Warrenton on provost duty, and
remained until the 4th of August. It was then sent to Richmond
where it was mustered out of service on the 9th, and on the same
day, was ordered to report to the Chief Mustering Oflicer at
Madison, Wis. The regiment arrived at Madison on the 15th,
and was paid and received final discharge on the 27th of August,
1865.
Col. Sanders was brevetted Brigadier General for meritorious
services.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 978. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 26, in 1864, 156, in 1865, 5 ; by substitutes, 54;
by draft, none ; veteran reenlistments, 270 ; total, 1,484. Loss —
by death, 136; deserted, 46; transferred, 152; discharged, 345 ;
mustered out, 805.
OHAPTEE XXYIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTIETH INFANTRY.
Kegimental Roster — Ordered to Missouri — March to Cross Hol-
lows— Battle of Prairie Grove — Expedition to Van Buren — ■
Move to Rolla — Siege of Vicksburg — Expedition to Yazoo
City — At Carrolton — Expedition to Texas — Proceed to Mata-
MORAS, Mexico — Return to New Orleans — Proceed to Mobile
— Capture of Fort Morgan — East Pascagoula — Capture
of Spanish Fort — Proceed to Galveston — Return Home-
Mustered OUT — Statistics.
'yilE Twentieth Eegiraent was recruited in tlie months of June
-■- and July, 1862, and sent forward in squads to Camp Randall,
Madison, where the regimental organization was perfected, under
the superintendence of Colonel Pinckney, and the muster into
the United States service was completed on the 23d of August,
and the regiment left the State, being ordered to St. Louis, on
the 30th of August. The following was the regimental roster :
Colonel— BERTINE PINCKNEY.
Lieutenant Colonel — Henry Bertram; Major — Henrt A. Starr; Adjutant — Henry
V. Morris; Quartermaster — John A. Douglas; Surgeon — Chandler B. Chapman;
First Assistant Surgeo7i— Emanuel Munk; Second Assistant S^j-geon — Mark A. Mosher;
CTKtp^am— Rev. W. H. Marble.
Oo. Captains.
A — Aug. H. Pettibone,
B — Byron \V. Telfair,
C — John McDermott,
D — Almerin Gillett,
E — John Weber,
F — Nelson Whitman,
G— Edward G. Miller,
H — Henry E. Strong,
I — William Harlocker,
K— Howard Vandagrift.
J<\rst Lieutenants.
William H. York,
Emory F. Stone,
Charles E. Stevens,
George W. Barter,
Frederick Kusel,
Albert H. Blake,
Albert J. Rockwell,
George W. Root,
Thomas Bentliff,
Nathan Cole.
Second Lieutenants.
James M. Bi-ackett,
Frederick A. Bird,
Jacob McLaughlin,
Charles B. Butler,
Charles A. Menges,
David W. Horton,
James Ferguson,
George W. Millei,
Albert P. Hall,
Samuel B. Jackson.
The regiment arrived at St. Louis on the Slst of August, and
was quartered at Benton Barracks until the 6th of September, on
676 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
which day, it moved bj rail to Rolla, the terminus of the Pacific
Railroad. Here they were assigued to General Herron's brigade,
and remained in camp until the 16th, when they marched to
Springfield, 135 miles, by way of Waynesville and Lebanon On
the 11th, the regiment, with the brigade, moved to Cassville,
arriving on the 14th. Here General Ilerron was placed in com-
mand of a division, and Colonel Finckney was assigned to the
command of the brigade, which left Lieutenant Colonel Bertram
in command of the regiment. From Cassville, the brigade pro-
ceeded, by forced marches, by way of Sugar Creek, Ark., to
Cross Hollows, in order to capture the rebel camp at that point.
The rebels abandoned the place on their approach, which was
occupied by the Union forces until the 4th ofiTovember, when
they left Cross Hollows and marched northward, to Wilson's
Creek, twelve miles south of Springfield, where they went into
camp.
Here a message was received from General Blunt, who was
then encamped at Cane Hill, near Fayetteville, Ark., 112 miles
distant, stating that the rebel General Hindman was advancing
against him, with a force reported to be 30,000 strong, and ask-
ing for reinforcements. Accordingly, General Herron soon put
his army in motion, leaving Camp Curtiss, eleven miles south of
Springfield, at 2, P. M., on the 3d of December, and reached
Fayetteville on the 6 th, about midnight. On the 7th they moved
out about five miles, when the First Arkansas Cavalry, in the
advance, fell into an ambush, and was driven back. Advancing
five miles further, the enemy was encountered. General Herron
had sent forward to General Blunt nearly all his cavalry, and
had left only six regiments of infantry, three batteries, and about
500 cavaliy, in all not more than 7,000 men. The enemy flanked
Blunt's position at Cane Hill, and proceeded to meet and attack
Herron, before he could join his forces with General Bkmt.
That General had drawn up his forces at Cane Hill, expecting
the attack at that point. The battle between Herron and Hind-
man began about 10 o'clock, A. M, The enemy had posted
himself upon a timber ridge, which skirted a prairie about half a
mile in width, about ten miles south of Fayetteville. His force
consisted of about 24,000 men, in four divisions, under Generals
Parsons, Marmaduke, Frost and Raines, and was well clothed
BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE. 677
and equipped, tlieir guns and ammunition being of English man-
ufacture, and were posted, with their artillery, twenty-two guns,
in close proximity to the farm buildings on the ridge.
Colonel Bertram was in command of the First Brigade, and
Major Starr was in charge of the regiment. The brigade battery
was placed in position, supported by the Twentieth Wisconsin,
and, with the rest of Herron's artillery, opened fire upon the
enemy, whose fire began to slacken in about thirty minutes.
Colonel Bertram now ordered the Twentieth Wisconsin to ad-
vance cautiously, which they did, about 500 yards, and lay down
under cover. The enemy threatening the left flank of his brigade,
Colonel Bertram ordered his three regiments to change front to
the left, which was done. At this time the enem}^ were endeav-
oring to get a battery in position in Colonel Bertram's front.
He immediately ordered the Twentieth Infantry to charge upon
it. Led by Major Starr, the regiment advanced in line of battle,
on the double quick, changing front so as to face the enemy; they
fired a couple of volleys, and made their way up the hill, through
the underbrush, which covered the slope and materially impeded
their progress Getting in front of the battery, they fired a volley,
and rushed over the fence and took possession of it. Color
Sergeant Teal planted the national colors over the pieces.
After taking the battery, the regiment advanced to the brow
of the hill, where they met a heavy force of the enemy, five or
six regiments being massed at that point. The right wing of the
Twentieth advanced to within thirty yards of the rebel line, when
the enemy opened on it a tremendous cross fire, which compelled
it to give way, and it was soon followed by the left wing. The
men were, however, rallied, and they again went to work, fight-
ing splendidly, but their efforts were unavailing. A heavy col-
umn of the enemy's infantry was seen advancing rapidly on the
right ; the Twentieth could not change front to oppose them, and
to avoid annihilation or capture, it was obliged to. retreat. The
action lasted about fifteen minutes, in which the regiment lost
very heavily.
The regiment fell back in good order, destroying what they
could of the battery which they had taken. They continued their
retreat across an open field to a fence, where they reformed, and
remained until the firing ceased for the day. Further attempts
678 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN,
were made to capture and hold the battery, by the Thirty-seventh
Illinois and Twenty-sixth Indiana, both regiments of Pea Kidge
fame, but with the same result.
The battle raged along the line during the day, the overpower-
ing numbers, and the position of the enemy, giving him every
advantage. Until 4 o' clock, the whole brunt of the battle was
sustained by Herron's force, of less than 7,000 men, who, after
their long march from Wilson's Creek, were footsore and weary,
notwithstanding which, when the enemy were discovered, they
went into the battle with a shout, forgetting their weariness and
exhaustion.
Hearing the opening cannonade in the morning. General Blunt
learned for the first time, that Herron was in his vicinity, and
immediately put a force of 5,000 men and twenty-four pieces o±
artillery in motion, to his aid. Arriving on the field at 4 o'clock,
he opened on the enemy's left, with his whole artillery. The
rebels attempted to capture his batteries, but he massed his guns
at one point, and loaded them with canister, and when the enemy
came within range, the discharge fairly swept away the advan-
cing force. The battle raged fiercely until dark. The enemy, by
means of a flag of truce, succeeded in getting his army so far
away by morning, that pursuit was useless.
The conduct of the Twentieth elicited the commendation .of all
who beheld the gallant charge they made upon the battery.
General Herron, in a letter to Governor Salomon, spoke in
enthusiastic terms of the conduct of the regiment.
The list of killed, and those who died of wounds, we have
copied from the Adjutant General's records, and the list of
wounded is as ofi&cially published :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company A ^ Color Sergeant Lindsey E. Teale, Ser-
geants Jas. Crawford and Joseph Frame, Privates Stephen L. Bowen, Peter Huntsinger,
J. D. Chandler, Xavier S. Pierzfall, John B. Parr, Frank Rice, William Riley, Robert E.
Taylor, John H. Weston, Robert L. Walshonce and James B. Posey. Company £— Ser-
geants Maurice E. Sexton and Samuel F. Curtis, Privates John Peters, Alexander Par-
land, William A. Yakeley, John Hineman, Samuel Marsh, Jas. R. Smith and Nathaniel
L. Standish. Company C— Captain John McDermott, Privates Norman B. Clark, Elias
Lowers and George W.Smith. Cmnpany Z) — Privates Jonathan Corlis, Dennis Calla-
ghan, John Jenkins, Henry S. Remington and Joseph W. Rice. Company E— Captain
John Weber, Privates August Berton, Gotfried Muster, John M. Ramsey, John Warm,
Julius Weigt, Julius Werlich, Louis Fisher, August Kluge, Ernest Schnasse and Frank
Schneider. Company F — Corporals Addison G. Hicks and Albert A. Cady, Privates Jas
Steward, Hans Shilburn, David Brown, Orris P. Cady, Abel Harper and James Lightner
Company Gr — Corporals Benjamin S. Doudna and John G. Nichols, Privates Willis iJukor
RAID ON VAN BUREN. G79
Preston S. Downing, Peter F. Enierick, George Johnson, Melvin E. Merrill, George M.
Rickerman and Charles Heering. Onmpani/ H — First Lieutenant G. W. Root, First
Sergeant Edmund Dawes, Corporal John P. Sargent, Privates Lorenzo Howard, Dexter
B. Shute, Anthony LaFountain and AVilliani H. Weller. Company I — First Lieutenant
Thomas Bintliff, Privates Cyrus W. Vesper and Steplien W. Peyton. Company A'— Cor-
porals Willard Jacobs, Franklin H. Washburn, Robert Jolmson and Jesse Blackburn,
Privates Terry O'Kelly, Charles I^eisinger, Dennis Sullivan, Robert Struthers, George
Truedell, Gardner B. Warden, William Duraprope and Charles Dol)bert— 82.
WoCKDED.— Company ^ —Second Lieutenant S. P. Jackson, Corporal S. Smith, Privates
E. AV. Blake, W. Brownlee, W. Heines, A. Huddleston, P. Dean, W. Morrison, G. Pettin-
gill, H. E. Thompson, H. Underwood, M. J. Paine, E. W. Hestleroth, G. B. Shatter, and
Jerry Brandon. Company £ — Lieutenant F. A. Bird, Privates C. M. Atwood, J. Davolt,
S. R. Ewing, H. Hineman, J. Holden, G. Hoffman, R. M. Jacks, E. Lewis, P. C. Pool, H.
Pine, M. Simpkins, C. M. Welton and J. Gray. Company C— Sergeant K. Smith, t.'orpo-
pals J. M. Reynolds and S. Livingston, Privates J. Ewing, S. Fitzgerald, J. Hammond, A.
Houghtaling, A. Norton, A. S. Richards and J. Watkins. Company D— Captain A.
Gillette, Lieutenant C. B. Butler, Sergeant E. E. Ellis, Corporals F. Swinger and S. Doane,
Privates F. E. Garner, J. Giesenheimer, C. Pagel, G. H. Phillips, C. G. Read, J. L. Rock-
well, S. D. Stevens, B. J. Thompson, D. Tool and H. C. Wood. Company E— Lieutenant
F. Kusel, Sergeant H. Sommers, Privates G. Janish, C. Rettig, H. Mueller, W. Tank, L.
Zanener, W. Bandle, H. Volkman, W. Hahn and W. Wodke. Cmnpany i^— Lieutenant
A. H. Blake, Sergeant W. E. Marshall, Corporal J. T. Paine, Privates S. Payne, J. Harris,
R. Russel, E. Holmes, J. Wagner and G. Lamb. Company G — Lieutenant J. Furguson,
Sergeants O. S. Phillips and W. Scott, Corporals T. Parr and D. S. Burbank, Privates A.
Hazlewood, D. Foley, INI. W. O'Kean, S. G.Lockwood, F.Larson and W.Brandt. Company
i7— Captain Henry C. Strong, Lieutenant G. W. Miller, Corporal E. M. Lull, Privates A.
Nass, F. Cruger, B. Smith, L. St. George and David Weber. Company J— Corporals John
Stack, E. A. Sprague, C. W. Snider and G. W. Day, Privates M. Bitney, G. C. Johnson, C
R. Saddleback, M. J. Whitesides, William Waddle, J. Woodhouse, A. M. Barnum, E.
Hulthcroft and B. Peasley. Company K— First Lieutenant N. Cole, Sergeant J. Black-
stone, Corporals F. Rinses, W. Nagues and J. M. Hunter, Privates M. Aaron, J. W. Ham-
ilton, H. Herbig, E. Hager, B. F. Hickman, M. H Judd, G. Otto, D. W. Plopper, J.Shaffer,
S. Smith, J. Sullivan and W. Wilcox —123.
After the battle, tliey remained in camp at Prairie Grove until
the 27th of December, when the regiment took part with the
Army of the Frontier in a forced march to Van Buren, onWhite
River, for the purpose of surprising and capturing the enemy's
supplies said to be arriving at that place. With six days' rations
they started at 4 o'clock, A. M., and marched all day and night,
only stopping at 5 o'clock next morning to boil some coffee.
They had travelled thirty miles over a road which was very
muddy, and rough and stony. General Blunt pushed on ahead
with his cavalry, met the enemy's cavalry ten miles from Van
Buren, boldly attacked them, put them to flight, and drove them
into and through the town, of which he took immediate pos-
session, capturing four steamboats loaded with sugar, molasses
and other stores for the rebel army. The infantry arrived dur-
ing the afternoon, and encamped in the outskirts of the town.
Entering the place in the evening, they were drawn up in line
of battle, but the enemy did not offer to attack. The Twentieth
680 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
suffered no loss, and returned to camp on the Slst, having
marched 120 miles in five days. The regiment subsequently
moved into Missouri, occupying a camp at Forsyth for some
time, after which it moved to several different points, until the
31st of March, when they camped at Lake Springs, near Rolla,
where they remained until the 3d of June. George W. Dowse,
of Company A, is reported as killed at Springfield. On the 3d,
they marched to Rolla, and, taking cars, proceeded to St. Louis,
where they embarked and proceeded down the Mississippi River
to Young's Point, and crossed the peninsula to Warrenton, below
Vicksburg, on the 12th, and on the 15th, marched with Herron's
DivisioE, and took position in the line of investment in the front
of Vicksburg, being the division on the extreme left of the in-
vesting forces. Here they remained till the capitulation of the
city, engaged in picket duty and labor on the intrenchments.
Colonel Bertram reports that on the 23d of June, Captain Gillett,
of Company D, with twelve men of Companies B and D, in the
night, succeeded in creeping up to within four rods of the enemy's
rifle pits, in front of the regiment, and surprising the men there
stationed, capturing thirteen and killing one. For this gallant
act. Captain Gillett was appointed Inspector General of General
Herron's command.
The casualties during the siege were two men wounded — Peter
Nimm, of Company H, and J. Champney, of Company C,'who
died in ht)spital.
The regiment encamped within the fortifications after the sur-
render, and on the 12th of July, General Herron's division was
ordered to reinforce General Banks, at Port Hudson. ISTews was
received of the surrender of that place, and the division was
ordered on an expedition up the Yazoo River, in connection
with the gunboats. Arriving near Yazoo City on the 13th,
Companies G and K were sent out as skirmishers on the right
bank of the river. On approaching the town, the enemy were
discovered to be leaving it. The brigade disembarked, and after
a circuitous march, entered the town. About midnight, the
Twentieth was ordered into line for the purpose of capturing a
rebel camp. They succeeded in capturing about sixty straggling
rebels. They also captured a rebel commissary of subsistence
and his assistants and family. Captain Miller was ordered to
EXPEDITION TO TEXAS. 681
take ten men and escort them to brigade headquarters, while the
regiment pushed on a mile or two further. When about a mile
from the town, Captain Miller discovered, a short distance in
front, a company of rebels drawn up in line. The captain looked
at his small force, and then at this rebel line of battle, and began
to think that tlie chances were against him in a fight with a force
five times his number. The rebel captain advanced, but instead
of demanding tbe surrender of Captain Miller and bis party, he
expressed a wish to surrender the force under his command.
His company stacked their arms, filed into tbe road, and they
marched into town. Tbey proved to be Germans, and belonged
to Wall's Texas Legion. The regiment remained at Yazoo City
until tlie 23d, during which time Captain Vandergrift acted as
Provost Marshal. The division then embarked, and returned to
Vicksburg, from whence they proceeded down the river to Port
Hudson, where they remained until the 28th of August, when
they moved by transports down the river to Carrolton, near New
Orleans, and encamped. From this point, on the 5th of Sep-
tember, they accompanied an expedition up the river to Morganza,
twenty-five miles above Port Hudson. The brigade landed next
morning, and penetrated into the interior as far as the Atchafalaya
Iliver, where the enemy was found strongly intrenched on the
opposite side of the river, which was not fordable, and it was
found impossible to build a bridge. The force, therefore, return-
ed and encamped at ^Morganza till the 11th of October, when they
returned to Carrolton. The Twentieth lost one man killed while
on picket — Corporal John Sargent, of Company H.
The object of this movement on the Atchafalaya was to make
a diversion in favor of General Franklin, who was moving on
Opelousas, by compelling General Dick Taylor to divide his
forces.
Here the division of General Herron was transferred to the
Thirteenth Army Corps and became the Second Division in that
Corps, and participated with it in the operations of General
Banks in Texas. Embarking on the steamer Thomas A. Scott,
the Twentieth left Carrolton and proceeded to the head of the
passes and waited for the rest of the fleet, which to the number
of twenty-seven, stood out to sea on the 27th of October, en-
countered a severe storm on the 29th, and arrived at Brazos
682 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
I
Santiago, on the 1st of November, and proceeded to the mouth
of the Rio Grande where an unsuccessful attempt to land was
made Thej returned and subsequently landed at Brazos Sant-
iago, and on the 9th, went into camp at Brownsville, on the
Rio Grande, opposite the Mexican town of Metamoras. Here
the regiment was employed in garrison, picket and fatigue duty,
at Fort Brown.
Matters were so unsettled and unsafe at Metamoras, that the
American Consul, Mr. Pierce, asked protection at the hands of
General Herron, the two belligerent parties on that side of the
river, being engaged in constant warfare to the imminent dan-
ger of peaceable citizens and non-combatants. General Herron
accordingly ordered Colonel Bertram with the Twentieth Wis-
consin, Ninety-fourth Illinois and Battery B, with forty rounds
of ammunition and one days' rations, to move across the river
into Mexico, with orders to protect the American Consul, not to
fire upon either party unless fired upon — and then to defend
themselves. The property in the custody of the Consul was re-
moved to the other side of the river, and Colonel Bertram re-
turned to Fort Brown on the 14th. Great credit was conceded
to Colonel Bertram for the admirable manner in which he man-
aged this affair. The regiment remained at Brownsville, Colo-
nel Bertram being in command of the fort until it was evacuated
by the Union forces, July 28th, 1864. They embarked on the
1st of August, and landed at Carrolton, above New Orleans, on
the 5th, and went into camp.
On the 7th of August, they again embarked and proceeding
Math the land forces attached to the expedition of Admiral Far-
ragut against the forts commanding the mouth of Mobile Harbor,
and landed on the 10th, at Mobile Point. The land forces con-
sisted of a portion of the Thirteenth Army Corps, under the
command of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Bailey, of the
Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry, and the brigade, the Third in Gen-
eral Herron's division, was commanded by Colonel Bertram.
The land forces immediately proceeded to the rear of Fort Mor-
gan, where they engaged in building works, digging rifle pits
and the other labors pertaining to the siege, besides the usual
picket and camp duties, and were constantly occupied until the
surrender of the fort on the 23d. Forts Powell and Gaines had
CAPTURE OF FORT MORGAN. 683
been captured or destroyed by the Navy. A general bombard-
ment from the land forces and a portion of the fleet on the 22d,
made the place so hot for the rebels, the shells having set lire to
the interior works, that on the 23d, at T, A. M., they hoisted a
white flag and surrendered. The Twentieth Wisconsin and
Thirty-fourth Iowa, at 2 o'clock P. M., received the garrison as
prisoners of war, and marched them on shipboard for New
Orleans. On the 8th of September, a detachment of the Twen-
tieth proceeded up the bay and destroyed some large salt works
capable of making 1,000 barrels per day, and brought down a
large amount of lumber for the building of commissary and
D[uartermaster depots.
Greneral Bailey immediately set to work repairing Fort Mor-
gan, and making it stronger than ever. The Twentieth was
camped at Navy Cove, four miles from Fort Morgan, engaged
during the month of October, in constructing a telegraph and
building a railroad to Fort Morgan, repairing wharves and
barges, and unloading supplies, besides picket and guard duty.
On the 15th of October, Colonel Bertram was appointed by Gen-
eral Granger, to the command of the district of South Alabama,
which devolved the command of the regiment on Lieutenant
Colonel Starr. The regiment remained at Navy Cove until the
14th of December, when Colonel Bertram, with his command,
proceeded in transports to Pascagoula, moved up the river a few
miles, and landed and marched to Franklin Creek, twelve miles
above Pascagoula. Here he seized a large amount of pine lum-
ber, cotton, and rosin. On the 18th, a reconnoitering party of
the enemy was driven off. On the 22d, the enemy was encount-
ered, about 3,000 strong, and after a short and sharp skirmish, «
was put to flight, and driven across Dayis' Creek. William
Eichel of Company E, was wounded. It being found impossible
to ship the captured lumber down the river in boats, the Twen-
tieth Wisconsin was detailed to raft it. This they did succeys-
fully, running their raft thirty miles through the enemy's ter-
ritory, securing thereby about 800,000 feel of excellent lumber,
besides a large quantity of cotton.
The Twentieth reached Griffin's Mills, with their raft of lum-
ber and cotton, on the 25th. Here they landed and seized addi-
tional lumber sufficient to make 1,500,000 feet. They remained
684 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
encamped at this place, and Williams' Mills, two miles below,
until the evacuation of East Pascagoula, on the 31st, when they
marched to that place and covered the embarkation of the troops
and proceeded to their old camp at Navj^ Cove, on Mobile Point,
where they engaged in picket, garrison, and heavy fatigue duty.
On the 8th of March, the regiment moved camp three miles east,
and from this time unti] the 26th of March, was moving in vari-
ous directions, bridging creeks and making corduroy roads, and
in other arduous duties, finally camping at Montrose, on Mobile
Bay. Taking part in the movements of General Canby, on the
26th, they marched out six miles on the Bay road and encamped
within two miles of Spanish Fort, one of the enemy's strongest
defenses around Mobile, and on the 27th, took position under a
galling fire on the extreme left of the line of investment, within
five hundred yards of the Fort.
At this time, the following casualties occurred :
WOTTNDED.— Cbmpanj/^— Private Edward Ross. Company B — Captain E. F. Stone,
mortaUy, and Private Tliomas Murray. Company J) — Privates Terence Grimes and
Wesley J. Hancock, mortaUy. Company E— Privates Peter Wetteslieim and Bernard
Peasely — 7. Two mortally.
On the 28th, the regiment was held in reserve, but Private
John H. Williams, of Company A, and Peter Laford, of Company
F, were mortally wounded.
On the Slst, Corporals Thomas S. Perry and John G. White,
of Company I, and Private Fred Voelker, of Company E, were
wounded, the last mortally.
The regiment remained in the lines before Spanish Fort until
the 9th of April, when it moved into the fortification, which
, had been abandoned by the enemy the night before, being the
first regiment to enter. Here they were stationed and employed
in collecting the stores, ammunition and artillery left by the
rebels, till the 21st of April, when they marched to Blakely
and camped, and on the 6th of May, moved down the river,
crossed the bay and camped within four miles of Mobile on the
Shell road. Mobile surrendered and was taken possession of by
the troops of General Granger, on the 12th of April, thus closing
the great rebellion in the valley of the Mississippi.
The Twentieth regiment remained near Mobile until the 22d
of June, when Companies A, B, D, F and G, under Captain
RETURN HOME. 685
Gillett, embarked at Mobile, and proceeded to Galveston, Texas,
arriving on the 25tli, and were joined by the other wing on the
28th. Here they were employed in garrison and guard duty
until July 14th, when they were mustered out. On the 17th,
the regiment embarked for home, the left wing under Colonel
Bertram, and the right wing under Captain Gillett, proceeded
to ISTew Orleans, thence up the Mississippi River to Cairo, and
from there by rail to Madison, where they arrived on the 30th
of July, and were paid off and disbanded on- the 9th of August.
Major Pettibone resigned on the 17th of June, and Captain
Almerin Gillett was appointed Major.
Col. Bertram wasbrevetted Brigadier General for meritorious
services during the war.
Begimental Statistics. — Original strength, 990. Gain — by recruits
in 1863, 12, in 1864, 120, in 1865, 6 ; by substitutes, 1 ; total,
1129. Loss — by death, 229; deserted, 41; transferred, 115;
discharged, 222 ; mustered out, 524.
OHAPTEE XXIX.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY.
Kegimental Roster — Move to Cincinnati — To Louisville — Battle
OF Perryville — Jefferson Pike — Stone River — Hoover's Gap
— Move into Georgia — Dug Gap — Battle of Chicamauga —
Resaca — Dallas — Kenesaw Mountain — Peach Tree Creek —
Atlanta — Jonesboro — Pursuit of Hood — Join the Grand
March op Sherman — Savannah — Bentonville — Goldsboro —
Raleigh — Review at Washington — Return Home — Muster
out — Statistics.
THE Twenty-first Regiment was organized at Oslikosh, and
was composed of companies enlisted in the Counties of Fond
du Lac, "Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupacca, Calumet and Mani-
towoc. Its organization was perfected under the superintendence
of Colonel Benjamin J. Sweet, and it was mustered into the
United States service on the 5th of September, 1862, with the
following roster :
.coLONEi.— benjamin j. sweet.
Zreit<en«n« CbfoneZ— Harrison C. Hob art; Major— Fred. Schttmacher; Adjutant —
Michael H. Fitch; Qi/ar/erwicwier— Henry C. Hamilton; /SMffireon — Samuel J. Caro-
LiN; Mrsi Assistant /SMrgreon— James T. Reeve; /Second Assistant Surgeon — SmisEY S.
Fuller; CAoptoin— Rev. Orson P. Clinton.
Cb. Captains.
A— Alexander White,
B — Charles N. Paine,
C — Alphonso S. Godfry,
D — John Jewett, Jr.,
E — Hiram M. Gibbs,
F — Edgar Conklin,
G — Milan H. Sessions,
H — George Bently,
I — Simeon B. Nelson,
K— Charles H. Walker.
First Lieutenants.
Nathan Levitt,
Hiram Russel,
William Wall,
Henry Turner,
Ferdinand Ostenfeldt,
Milton Ewen,
John C. Crawford,
Frederick L. Clark,
Abner B. Smith,
Wyman Murphy,
Second Lieutenants.
Hiram K. Edwards,
James H. Jenkins,
David W. Mitchell,
Fred. W. Borcherdt,
Rudolph J. Weisbrod,
Charles H. Morgan,
James M. Randal,
Timothy T. Strong,
Edward Delany,
Joseph La Count.
Harrison C. Hobart, Captain in the Fourth "Wisconsin Infantry,
had been commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, but being, at the
BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE. 687
time, on duty at Kew Orleans, did not join the regiment at the
time of its organization. The regiment left the State on the 11th
of September, 1862, for Cincinnati. Arriving there, they crossed
the river to Covington, where they received their arras, and were
immediately assigned to duty in the trenches, where they suffered
severely for the want of tents and camp equipage. From this
point they marched to the defence of Louisville, under Brigadier
General P. 11. Sheridan. Here the regiment first received their
tents, and became equipped for the field, and was assigned to the
Twenty-eighth Brigade, in the division commanded by Brigadier
General Rousseau, and marched, with the Army of the Ohio,
into the interior of Kentucky, and on the 8th of October, was
engaged in the battle of Perry ville. In this battle. Colonel Sweet
was in command. The regiment was placed, erroneouslj^, about
a hundred yards in front of the left of the main line, in a position
between the two armies, and in consequence, suffered from the
fire of both lines. From this position, the regiment was quickly
driven back to the rear of our line, with severe loss. Major
Frederick Schumacher, Captain Hiram Gibbs, Captain George
Bentley, and Second Lieutenant David W. Mitchell, of Company
C, were killed, and Colonel B. J. Sweet, First Lieutenant A. B.
Smith, Company I, and First Lieutenant F. Ostenfeldt, Company
E, were wounded, and Second Lieutenant C. H. Morgan,
Company F, was taken prisoner.
The casualties were reported as follows :
Kittled or Died of Wounds.— Field Officer — Major Frederick Shumacher. Company
^ — Sergeant Henry W. HubbeU, Corporal Aaron Sherwood, Privates John Dunn,
Edwin C. Wasliburne, James A. Bowles, Duncan McDonald, F. M. Craw, at Danville Va.
and Thomas Smith. Company B — Vri-vn,tes, Loren Dudley, Elisha B. Showark and Sid-
ney Raymond. Cto?«pamy C— Second Lieutenant David M. Mitchell, Sei-geant Henry D.
Britton, Corporal Wellington H. Millard, Privates Reuben W. Baldwin, George W.
Coulson, Nelson H. Ellsworth, William Owen, George W. Ralph, Tliomas Williams,
Alfred Bingham, Levi Lake and Thomas McCord. Company D — YrW{^iQ Richard Baker.
Company E— Captain Hiram M. Gibbs, Sergeants Daniel Thurston and Wm. Fowler,
Corporals Charles H. Jenson and Ellas L. Holt, Privates Henry Bandrof, John Flood,
Charles Keeder John W. Pufler, William Reader, Leander E. Wiggins, H. C. Johnson,
and Bendix Kuhl. Company i*'— Corporal Cornelius Tunison and Frederick Luckman.
Company G — Privates Myron Brighton, Amos D. Munger, Alvin S. Cartwright and Hans
C. Hanson. Company i/— Captain George Bentley, First Sergeant Edward T. Kirkland,
Privates John Fuzlelierg, George A. Hilts and John Johnson. Company 7— Sergeant
Cyrus Bradish, Jr., Corporal Josiah H. Dana, Privates Luman W. Clinton, William W.
Johnson, George Simpson, Christian Winniraan, Lemuel W. Webb and Henry S. Dunn.
CbmpawT/ JT— Corporal Warren Mosier, Privates Joseph Boden, George Campbell, John
Stallman, William Wright, Milo Willard, Manuel Loud and Jerome Pendleton — 65.
688 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
WornsTDED. — Field Officer — Colonel Benjamin J. Sweet. Company A — Sergeant L. F.
Davis, Corporal H. S. Lee, Privates Samuel Hottaling, John Defor, A. J. Pelton, M.
Lesselj'ng, Jos. Gri.ssey, O. Demsha, F. Demsha and J. Bushaw. Company B — Corporal
M. C. Thompson, Privates Henry Hoffman, Joseph D. Carpenter, Nelson Rice, Francis
Moon and Israel Welch. Company C— William C. Huhbard, Jacob B. Choate, H. T.
Farrow, Christopher Coffey, Louis Antoine, William Stoiiamer, Benjamin Kinsley,
Frederick Luck and John Lick. Compa7}y D — First Sergeant Charles L. Fay, Sergeant
Hamlin B. Williams, Corporal Richard Webb, Privates John Buholz, Charles W. Carr,
Governeur Davis, Miles Haskins, Theodore W. Morse, Joel Prince, Robert Logan and S.
W. Rexford. Company E — Lieutenant F. Ostenfeldt, Privates Christian Kruse, Peter
Glasshoff, Benjamin Jackson, Benjamin Barnard, Joseph Bart, Henry Shelley, Luther
O. Schooner, Thomas Winters, Isaac Acker, Almanzo Robinson and James Stone.
Oytnpany F — Privates Solomon Bradford, John Cater, Edgar Dick, Franklin Everett, Jno.
Gilchrist, Richard Palmer and James Yarnell. Company G — First Sergeant D. Jlan-
cliester. Sergeant J. C. Little, Corporal B. F. Hall, Privates E. Thomi^son, W. Chady, H.
Warsdale and Francis Conrad. Company H — Private J. A. Campbell. Company I — Lieu-
tenant Abner B. Smith, Privates Louis W. Bell, Jerome Pendleton, Joseph M. Stiles,
John Town, Barthold Schwander, Daniel J. Ryan, Fred. W. Zeim and Jacob Erb.
Company K — Corporals Charles W. Butler and Charles Whitcomb, Privates J. Johnson,
Daniel H. Davis, Peter S. Weaver, Thomas Atridge, George Jones and Thomas H.
Pierson— 80.
Colonel Sweet being disabled by a ball which he received after
the regiment had fallen back, did not again assume command.
Lieutenant Colonel Harrison C. Hobart, joined the regiment at
Lebanon, Ky. Having left their camp and garrison equipage at
Louisville, the men suffered severely from exposure. Leaving
Lebanon, October 29th, the regiment arrived at Bowling Green,
November 4th. Surgeon Carolin died at this place. On the
10th of November, they marched to Mitchelville, a station on
the railroad. Here the Twenty-first was engaged in guarding
the road and the supplies of the army. The men suffered greatly
from hardships, being exposed to severe weather without shelter.
Captain Jewett, of Company D, and several others, died at this
place. December 7th, the regiment marched toward Nashville
and went into camp five miles south of that city December 9th,
and remained there until the morning of December 26th, when
the army under Major General Rosecrans, moved upon the rebel
army then lying at Murfreesboro, Tenn. The Twenty-first then
belonged to the Third Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army
Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. On the 30th of Decem-
ber, the army met the enemy near Stone River, and the Third
Brigade, on the extreme left, was detached from the main line
to cover what is known as the Jefferson Pike. The brigade
train was attacked here on the morning of December 30th, by
Wheeler's rebel cavalry of thirty-five hundred men, while it was
moving on the road. The Twenty-first was nearest the point of
BATTLE OF CHICAMAUGA. G89
attack. It rapidly moved to tlie rear of the flying train, and
forming a line of battle near a blockhouse, fonght the enemy
until they were routed. The loss of the enemy in this engage-
ment was over eighty, killed and wounded. The next morning
the regiment moved to its position in the line of battle of the
Fourteenth Corps, and was actively engaged at the front through-
out the battle of Stone River. Brigadier General Rousseau, in
his report of this battle, mentioned the Twenty-first Regiment,
and its commander. Lieutenant Colonel II. C. Ilobart, for good
conduct. The loss in this engagement was not severe. Benja
min J). Tuney, Company D, died of wounds, and Lieutenant A.
B. Smith, of Company I, was wounded. On the 5th of January,
1863, our army entered Murfreesboro, and the Twenty-first vrent
into camp near that city. From January 5th, until June 24th,
the Twenty-first lay at ISIurfreesboro, foraging, drilling, fortify-
ing and skirmishing with the enemy. The regiment then moved
with the army upon the enemy who were encamped near Tulla-
homa. On the 26th of June, the Twenty-first was engaged in
driving the rebels from a strong position at Hoover's Gap, and
afterwards followed the retreating enemy to the Tennessee River.
September 1st, the Tennessee River was crossed at Bridgeport,
Ala. The Twenty-first was "s\ath the army in crossing the two
ranges of steep mountains below Chattanooga, and joined in the
march to Dug Gap, where the enemy was found in great force.
The Union forces were withdrawn from this dangerous position
Avith gi'eat difliculty, the Twenty-first forming the rear guard.
The rebel armj', reinforced by Longstreet, had assumed the
oftensive. On the 19th of September, the Third Brigade of the
First Division, to which the Twenty-first belonged, Avas moved
to a position near one of the gaps at Mission Ridge, and in front
of one of the fords of the Chicamauga. A large rebel force
commenced crossing this ford early in the morning. Early in
the day commenced the terrible battle of Chicamauga. The
Twenty-first, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Hobart,
with the rest of the Third Brigade, commanded by General
Starkweather, were moved into the line of battle, and during a
severe engagement in the forenoon, held its position until the
other regiments of the brigade were driven to the rear of them.
At this moment, the Fourth Indiana Battery was captured by
44
G90 MILITARY HISTORY OF "WISCONSIN.
the rebels, and was retaken immediately by a part of the Twen-
ty-first, and other troops. Heavy firing continued till late in the
evening, and the Twenty-first was under arms at the front until
12 o'clock at night. On the morning of the 20th, the regiment,
with its brigade, was early placed in line of battle ; it was a part
of the ever memorable line of the Fourteenth Corps under Ma-
jor General Thomas. The Division was commanded by Briga-
dier General Baird. At about 9 o'clock, A. M., the rebel forces
commenced a series of terrible charges, which were repeated
until the close of that eventful day. The First Division occupied
the extreme left of the line, the Twenty-first being on the right
of the Division, with a heavy battery in position at each flank.
That part of the line in which the Twenty-first was stationed,
never faltered during the day, although the trees on the line
were nearly all cut down by the fire of the enemy's batteries.
Near sundown. General Thomas ordered a retreat, the right wing
having been flanked by the enemy. The Twenty-first did not
receive the order, and held their line fighting until they saw the
other regiments suddenly moving to the rear. Lieutenant Col-
onel Hobart then ordered the regiment to fall back to the second
line of works, where, still fighting, they remained until nearly
surrounded by the enemy. The regiment then attempted to cut
its way to the rear, in which attempt Lieutenant Colonel Hobart,
with about seventy ofiicers and men, were captured. The flag
of the Twenty-first, the last of the Fourteenth Corps, and its
gallant Sergeant, remained in front until captured by the enemy.
We find the following casualties in the records of the Adjutant
General's office. The list of wounded is as officially published :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cbmpcmy 5 — Privates James PiUot and George O.
Worden. Company C — Private Edward Mann. Company F — Coi'poral Charles Edgerly
and Private Alfred Parsons. Company G — Privates Charles R. Cass, James Qano and
James Winkler. Company H — Sergeant Edward Thompson — 9.
Wounded.— Company A — First Lieutenant A. M. Adams, Corporal W. Mars, Privates
L. Richards and I. Washburn. Company B — First Lieutenant Hiram Russell. Company
C — Privates Benjamin Gould,William W. Smith, William Wrands and Michael Keenan,
Company D — Corporal McKendry Rawson, Privates Michael Hammond, Charles Buck
and J. Schrockey. Company E — Captain R. H. Weisbrod, Privates William Welch, Geo.
L. Baggs and E. Schooner. Company F — Privates Gerry Lewis and Andrew Barr.
Company G— Corporal H. S. Eldred, Privates J. W. Graves and A. C. Quimby. Company
^—Private Fred. Rhoer. Company J— Second Lieutenant Gus. Jaeger, Corporal F.
Pearse, Privates J. Robinson, S. D. Roberts, H. W. Kellogg and Wm. Williams. Company
JT— Privates Albert Wright, Asahel F. Hane and Homer L. Bacon— 34.
BATTLE OF RESACA. 691
After this battle, the regiment, with what remained of the
brigade, was retired to a line of defense near Mission Ridge,
and September 22d, it fell back to Chattanooga, where it re-
mained with the shattered remnant of Rosecrans' army in the
defense of that place. During the winter of 1863-4, it held the
outpost upon Lookout Mountain, and remained in this position
until the 2d of May, 1864. Colonel H. C Hobart having escaped
from Libby Prison, after more than four months' close confine-
ment, returned to the regiment at this place. The health and
discipline of the regiment was greatly improved at this post.
On the morning of the 2d of May, 1864, the regiment, 400
strong, in splendid condition, marched from the mountain to join
in the advance upon Atlanta. Here the Twenty-first was trans-
ferred to the First Brigade of the First Division, Fourteenth
Army Corps. The brigade was commanded by Brigadier Gen-
eraj Carlin. The campaign opened at Rocky Face Ridge, near
Dalton, on the 8th of May, where the enemy were strongly
posted. The Twenty-first were in the flank movement made
by General Sherman, through a gap called Snake Creek, which
caused the enemy to fall back to Resaca, On the 14th of May,
the First Brigade, with the Twenty-first in the front line, was
ordered to assault the enemy's works. This terrible and bloody
assault was made in the early part of the day, and although not
successful, the brigade held its position near the enemy's line
until after dark, the Twenty-first being the last regiment to
retire.
The list of killed and died of wounds is from the Adjutant
General's record. The list of wounded is as ofiicially published :
KiL,L,ED OB Died of Wounds. — Company A — Privates Harlow N. Hilton and Francis
McKennan. Oompany B — Privates Andw. Clauson and Monroe W. Jackman. Company
C— Private Tlioinas Mulaney. Company D — Private Lewis H. Sykes. Company F—
Privates Alfred E. Hobbs, Christopher Dougherty and Alonzo Smith. Company O —
Privates Thomas Ginty, Cliarles H. Raney and William Stanfleld. Company /—Private
Lewis N. Bell. Company A'— Privates Thomas Atridge, Gu.stav Keune, Thomas H.
Pearson, John Smith and Hollis Kellogg — 18.
Wounded. — Company i?— Corporal Leonard J. Miller. Company C — Privates John K.
Haywood and Walter W.Wright. Coiwpany D — CorporaXfi George I. Raw.son and Aug.
Perslee, and Private Andrew Jaokson. Company i^— Corporal Charles T. Susan, Privates
Louis Potter and Jacob Shidell. Company O — Lieutenant Alfred A. Harding, Sergeant
Alvah G. Dewey, Privates Daniel A. Barton, Harvey Boyden, William B. Constance
E. R. Haywood, Charles H. Noyes, Winchester Stratton, Scott Jamison and W. J. Miner.
Cbmpan,v Jif— Lieutenant A. L. Fargo, Privates A.J.Hyde, James Black, John Gary
and William R. Brown. Company I— Vri-vtiies Fred. Augustine, John W. Spear, Fred.
Tippins and James H. Bradish. Cwnpany if— Private Jeremiah Reardon— 31.
692 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The regiment continued in line of battle until the enemy re-
treated. On the 27tli of May, it went into position with the army
on Pumpkin Vine Creek, near Dallas, the enemy being in force
at this place. Here Companies A and E, gallantly drove the
rebel skirmishers from a commanding ridge, which the regiment
occupied and fortified. At this place the men were under fire
for more than six days without being relieved. The skirmishers
were constantly engaged. On the 30th of May, the enemy made
an unsuccessful attack upon this part of the line, and retired,
leaving their dead and wounded. General Carlin sent his
compliments to the regiment, thanking them for their fortitude
and gallantry.
The casualties at Dallas, were :
Killed.— Cbmpany^— Privates Wm. Peters and John Subra. Company I— Friy ate
John Robinson. Company A'— Private John Smitla — 4.
Wounded.— Company ^—Privates Martin P. V. Strong and Anthony De Marra.
Compavy B— Privates John Isqucliupit, Charles Miller and Daniel Moscrip. Company C
— Private G. F. Cleveland. Cb???pa«,?/ jB— Corporal William Welch, Privates Edmund
Phillips, Peter Schwarts, Louis Grotto, H. W. Barnett and Simon Shelley. Company F—
Privates John Gilchrist and Jerry Bigford. Cmnpany H— Privates John Kreish aud
Fred. Smith. Company I— Privates Orison Beals, William H. Henderson and Charles S.
O. Christenson — 19.
George Leurville, Company K, is reported as having died of
wounds on the 4th of June.
The enemy again falling back, were closely pursued by the
First Brigade, in line of battle. On the 17th of June, near Big
Shanty, the skirmish line of the Twenty-first became engaged
with the skirmish line of the enemy, and charging through a
stream waist deep, and up a steep embankment, drove from its
position, a North Carolina regiment, capturing thirteen prisoners.
The enemy again retiring, the regiment was moved into posi-
tion in front of the memorable Kenesaw Mountain. Here it
sustained for days the most terrible fire from the rebel batte-
ries, constantly shifting from left to right, Timothy Kennedy,
of Company F, and William H. Bates, Company G, are re-
ported as killed. General Sherman having again driven the
enemy from his position by a flank movement, July 4th, the
regiment deployed as skirmishers, followed the enemy a short
distance south of Marietta. At this time Lieutenant Colonel
Hobart was assigned to the command of three regiments of the
First Brigade, and Major M. H. Fitch took command of the
Twenty-first.
SIEGE OF ATLANTA 693
On the 5th of Jnly, the regiment, nncler command of Major
Fitch, was directed to find the forces under General ]\f cPherson.
Moving to the right, the regiment encountered the line of the
rebel army Notwithstanding the dangerous position, and the
severe skirmishing of the rebels, it held its place until relieved
by other forces. Amos 0. Van Duzen, of Company A, was re-
ported as killed On the 20th of July, it took part in the battle
of Peach Tree Creek. During this battle, a part of the fiont line
of the Fourteenth Corps being driven back, the position was
retaken by a gallant charge of the Tenth and Twenty-first Wis-
consin Regiments, under command of Lieutenant Colonel
Hobart, the enemy leaving their dead and wounded upon the
field.
In the siege of Atlanta, which followed the battle of Peach
Tree Creek, the Twenty-first was constantly engaged. On the
7th of August, it charged upon a line of skirmishers, posted in
extensive field works, took the works, and captured a rebel
Captain, and thirteen prisoners.
The following casualties are reported :
Killed OB Died OF Wounds.— Cbmpa?ii/ ^—Private Henry Fink. Cmyipany D —
Private Miles Haskiu.s. Company i^— Sergeant R. C- Killips, Private Jacob Petrie — 4.
WoFXDED.— 03»?!:/:»«7i!/ ^ — Private Edward Derusha. Company Z>— Captain Heni-y
Turner, Private John Dey. Company F— Privates Cliarles Gutermule and Wynn Ed-
wards. Company G — Sergeant George D. Ross, Private Goodman Aminson. Company
.ff— Privates John Page and John Chitterling. Company Jf— Sergeant John B. Fenno,
Privates Leonard Soapno and Charles W. Knapp — 13.
Charles II. Noyes, of Company G, is reported to have died of
wounds, August 13th.
After many days of severe skirmishing, the regiment joined in
the great movement to flank the enemy out of Atlanta. The
Twenty-first deployed as skirmishers, drove the rebel cavalry
about two miles along the railroad, which was completely de-
stroyed by the troops in the rear. After the battle of Jonesboro,
the enemy having evacuated Atlanta, the Twenty-first went into
camp at the latter place, on the 8th of September, just four
months from the opening of the campaign, having fought their
way for a distance of more than one hundred and thirty miles.
The loss of the regiment in this campaign, was one hundred and
twelve killed and wounded, and one hundred and ten disabled
by disease and fatigue, leaving only about one-third of the
arms-bearino; men to enter Atlanta.
694 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
In the pursuit after Hood, ttie regiment was under command
of Major Charles H. Walker. After this unsuccessful chase, it
went into camp at Kingston Ga. Here, the regiment having been
filled with recruits from the First and Tenth Wisconsin, Lieu-
tenant Colonel Hobart was mustered as Colonel, Major Fitch as
Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain C. H. "Walker as Major. Col
onel Hobart, by the order of the General commanding the First
Division, was assigned to the command of the First Brigade,
leaving the regiment in command of Lieutenant Colonel Fitch.
John F. Fitch, of Company K, is reported as having died of
wounds, on the 24th of October, 1864.
On the 12th of November, 1864, the Fourteenth Corps, under
command of Major General Jefi". C Davis, commenced the
famous "march to the sea," the Twenty-first being the only reg-
iment from Wisconsin in the corps, now of the Army of Georgia.
On the 4th of November, the army passed through Marietta,
leaving the beautiful town in flames, and on the 15th, entered
burning Atlanta. The regiment, well equipped and clothed, and
with haversacks filled for the last time from the stores of the
army, moved forward on that wild, bold and romantic march,
with no hospital, without a base, and with rations and forage
only for a few days. November 17th, the regiment reached the
Oconee River. Regular foraging parties were organized, to
obtain supplies for the men and animals. Noverdber 23d, the
Twenty-first entered Milledgeville, thus far meeting no enemy,
except occasional scouts of rebel cavalry. Much of the time was
employed in destroying railroads and bridges. December 6th,
the regiment reached the Savannah River, fifty miles fi-om Sa-
vannah. The rebel cavalry were brushed away as the army
dashed along the banks of this river. December 11th, the regi-
ment, in the pine forests a few miles from Savannah, heard the
guns of our navy, firing upon Fort Jackson. The Twenty-first
took an active part in the siege of Savannah, until its evacuation,
and December 21st, it entered the city, and went into camp. At
this place. Colonel H. C. Hobart, by the recommendation of
General Sherman, was commissioned Brigadier General by
Brevet, and by a special order of the War Department, assigned
to a command of that rank. January 20th, 1865, the Carolina
campaign commenced, General Hobart still commanding the
BATTLE OF BENTONVILLE. 695
same brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Fitcli being detailed to the
command of three regiments, Major Walker assumed command
of the regiment. The Twenty-first, crossing the Savannah River
with the Fourteenth Coi-ps, shared actively in the campaign
which " marked the earth with ruin." The regiment marched
with the column that passed north of Columbia, and after over-
coming almost insurmountable dilficulties, crossed the Catawba
River. The roads were almost impassable, and the men will
never forget the many miles of corduroy which they constructed.
March 4th, 1865, the Twenty-first entered North Carolina. At
this point the burning ceased. March 11th, the regiment
encamped at Fayetteville, on Cape Fear River. Leaving Fay-
etteville, it was in the advance brigade, which encountered the
enemy, in force, on the 19th of March, near Bentonville.
The advance of the enemy was gallantly driven back to their
main line, by three regiments of the brigade, immediately under
the command of General Hobart. In this sharp engagement,
which was the last of Sherman's battles, the Twenty-first took
an active part.
The following casualties were officially reported
Killed or Died of Wovs-ds.— ComjKtnp 2> — Private Herman Harz. Company E—
Private William Dillet. Company H— First Lieutenant Edward T. Midgeley, Private
Hans Salverson. Company A'— Private Noah A. McCorkle— 5.
Wounded.— Cb/npan?/ ^—Corporal William Mars, Privates Thomas Gaffney, James
E. King, Christian Meddlestadt and Peter Richster. Company C— Corporal Douglas E.
Sloan, Private William Branson. Company Z> — Private John Derby. Company E—
Privates Glaus Shivers, William Cowan and John S. Cunliff. Company i?'— Corporal L.
Sutliff, Privates William Nettleton and Robert Patton. Company G — Corporal Benjamin
F. Shipley, Private W. F. Wiesborn. Company H—VrixsiieH Fred. Bahr, Han-is Secklor,
Owen Kennedy, Moses W. Cleveland and Joshua Miller. Company I— Privates James
M. Clark, John Brady, Alfred A. Nugent and John Strong — 25.
The enemy having retired, the regiment marched to Goldsboro,
which place it entered March 23d, thus closing the memorable
campaign in the Carolinas.
April 10th, having been rested and refitted, the Twenty-first
joined in the campaign to Raleigh, and on the 13th, was in the
first brigade of infantry which entered the city, and the flag of
the Twenty-first was placed upon the Capitol, where it floated
until the First Brigade left the city. During the negotiations
between Sherman and Johnston, the Twenty-first formed the
extreme left of Sherman's army, being posted near Cape Fear
696 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
River. April 28tb, the war being announced as closed, the
Twenty-first, with its corps, commenced its march for home.
May 2dy it crossed the line of Virginia, and in six days after leav-
ing Raleigh, the regiment encamped on the banks of the James
River, at Richmond, marching at the rate of thirty-one miles per
day. May 11th, the regiment, in line with its corps, marched
through Richmond, for Washington, at which place it went into
camp, on the south side of the Potomac River.
In the grand review of the armies at Washington, the Twenty-
first was the last regiment but one, in the column of Sherman's
army. No regiment in the Fourteenth Corps commanded more
attention for its soldierly bearing and fine appearance. June
10th, it left Washington, by rail, for Milwaukee, passing through
Pittsburg, Cleveland and Grand Haven. On the 17th of Juno,
at Milwaukee, two years, nine months and twelve days after
being mustered into the service of the United States, the officers
and men were honorably discharged. Of nine hundred and sixty
men, who left the State in the regiment, only two hundred and
sixty returned with it.
Begimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,002. Gain- — by
recruits in 1863, 2, in 1864, 152, m 18G5, 15 ; total, 1,171. Loss
— by death, 288; deserted, 40; trpivfn^p.d, 1^9 ; discharged; 261;
mustered out, 483.
CHAPTER XXX
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Proceed to Cincinnati — On Duty in Ken-
tucky— Proceed to Nashville — Battle at Thompson's Station
— Brentwood Station — Regiment again Organized — At Mur-
FREESBORO BaTTLE OF ReSACA — DALLAS KeNESAW — ChATTA-
hoochie — Peach Tree Creek — Siege op Atlanta — First to
Enter the City — Accompany the Grand March — Savannah
— Bentonville — GoLDSBORO — Return Home — Muster out-
Statistics.
THE Twenty- second Regiment was recruited almost entirely
in the Counties of Rock, Racine, Green and Walworth,
and was organized at Camp Utley, Racine, under the super-
intendence of Colonel William L. Utley, who had been appointed
as Colonel, and was mustered into the United States service
on the 2d of September, 1862, and left the State on the 16th,
under orders to proceed to Cincinnati. The following was
the regimental roster ;
Colonel— WILLIAM L. UTLEY.
Lieutenant CtoZonei — Edward Bloodgood; i(/a/or — Edward D. Murray ; Adjutant —
WiLLiAH Bones; Quarlerinaster — Soji-^ E. Holmes; iSurf/eo?!— George W. Bicknell;
First Assistant Surgeon — Caleb S. Blanch ard; Second Assistant Surgeon — Jerome
Buksank ; Chaplain — Rev. Caleb D. Pillsbury.
Co. Captains.
A— George R. WiUiamson,
B — Thomas P. Northrup,
C —Charles W. Smith,
D — Alphonso G. Kellam,
E — Isaac Miles,
F — Owen Griffiths,
G — Jaines Bintliff,
H— Gustavus Goodrich,
I — Warren Hodgdon,
K— Lester Perkins.
First Lieutenants,
Francis Mead,
George H. Brown,
Darwin R. May,
Charles E. Dudley,
Calvin Reeves,
Nelson Darling,
Thomas H. Eaton,
Wallace H. Jennings,
Perry W. Tracy,
John Stewart,
Second LieiUenants.
George Bauman,
William H.' Calvert,
Isaac W. Kingman,
J. Oscar Conrick,
Gage Burgess,
Robert T. Pugh,
Fluette Annis,
Albert S. Cole,
Marshall W. Patton,
Ephraim H. Newman.
698 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The regiment arrived at Cincinnati on the 18tli of September,
that city being at that time under considerable excitement at the
prospect of an attack from General Kirby Smith. On the 22d,
they crossed the river and took position in the intrenchments
three miles south of Covington, to the left of Fort Mitchell,
where they remained until the 7th of October, when they marched
to Camp Smith on the Lexington Pike, where they joined Gene-
ral Burbriclge's brigade. The regiment continued to move every
few days, first to Camp Gilmore, thence to Eagle Creek, thence
to Georgetown, thence to Lexington, where they remained six
days, and on the 31st of October, were assigned to the First Brig-
ade, Colonel Coburn, First Division of the Army of Kentucky.
On the 13th of November, they reached Nicholasville, on the
Kentucky Central Railroad, where they were employed in provost
guard duty until the 12th of December, when they proceeded to
Danville, from which place they moved in various directions
through the surrounding country to meet and foil the movements
of the enemy.
The experiences of the Twenty-second in Kentucky, in 1862,
were of such a character as to elicit much attention and comment
at the time.
The order for the return of such fugitives from labor as came
into the camps was repugnant to the feelings and principles of
Colonel Utley and his men. In response to such a,n order. Col-
onel Utley utterly refused to be instrumental in returning a col-
ored man to the man claiming to be his master. In this he was
generally sustained by his regiment. At one time Colonel Utley
was indicted by a Kentucky court, and the Sheriff was ordered
to arrest him. The attempt was not made, however, and the
regiment was allowed to depart from Kentucky without any
disturbance.
Under these circumstances the regiment hailed with satisfac-
tion the order, which sent them to Louisville on their way up
the Cumberland River to ISTashville. Leaving Danville on the
26th of January, the Division to which the Twenty-second was
attached, arrived at Louisville on the 30th, where an attempt
was made to take a fugitive from the ranks of the regiment, but
was gallantly resisted by a member of the regiment. They
embarked on steamers and reached Nashville on the 7th of
February.
BATTLE AT THOMPSON'S STATION. 699
On tlie 21st, Coburn's brigade, in which the Twenty-second
was located, proceeded to Brentwood Station, nine miles from
I^Tashville, and engaged in railroad guard duty, when the brig-
ade was ordered to march to Franklin, ten miles distant, leav-
ing two companies from each infantry regiment to guard the
bridge. On the 3d of March, the brigade was ordered to make
a reconnoissance towards Spring Hill. The force under Colonel
Coburn, was four regiments of infantry, a battery of six guns,
and 500 cavalry. The enemy were encountered about four miles
out, their battery opening on the advancing force. Coburn's
battery was soon in position and silenced the enemy, who
abandoned the position and retired.
In the morning the brigade advanced, but the enemy studiously
avoided them until the command reached the vicinity of Thomp-
son's Station, where they were suddenly assailed by a fire from
the batteries of the enemy at three different points. The sup-
ports of the artillery lay concealed in the timber in the rear of
the guns.
Colonel Coburn, with the reaiiments on the right, charged
upon the enemy's guns, but was driven back. The Twenty-
second Wisconsin and Nineteenth Michigan, being the left wing
of the brigade, were attacked by the enemy, and the two other
regiments soon again engaged. By this time the force of tlie
enemy had been so developed as to show to Colonel Coburn that he
was out numbered. It is stated that he gave an order for the
Twenty-second Wisconsin to fall back and protect the train in the
rear. We have heard that Coburn declares he never gave such
order. Whatever the order was, only a portion of the Twenty-
second, under Lieutenant Colonel Bloodgood, moved to the rear,
the centre and left remaining with Colonel Utley, and advancing
against the enemy, fighting gallantly and desperately till the last,
their stalwart Colonel taking a musket and doing splendid ser
vice. The force of Colonel Coburn was at last compelled to sur
render, the enemy turning all his guns on them after having
surrounded the band of heroes. About 150 of the Twenty-
second Wisconsin, under Lieutenant Colonel Bloodgood, pro-
ceeded to the rear, and attempted to hold open the communi-
cations, but the enemy in overwhelming numbers, closed all
avenues of escape for those engaged with Colonel Coburn, and
700 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
with the artillery and cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Blooclgood
returned to camp.
Three hundred and sixty-three men went out with this expe-
dition, of which about one hundred and fifty escaped, and the
rest were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners, Colonel Utley and
eleven commissioned officers among them.
On the 8th of March, the remainder of the regiment, about
500 men under Lieutenant Colonel Bloodgood, were ordered to
Brentwood Station. On the 25th, while on the way to assist a
Union force two miles south, they were attacked by overpowering
numbers, and completely surrounded by the eneny under General
Forrest. After a short skirmish, Lieutenant Colonel Bloodgood,
finding that further resistance was useless, surrendered his whole
command. The ofiicers and men captured in these two engage-
ments, were sent to southern prisons. The enlisted men were
soon exchanged, and the officers who had been sent to Libby
Prison, Richmond, were exchanged on the 5th of May.
It has since been ascertained that the rebels had a force of
over 12,000 at Thompson's Station, who surrounded and captured
Coburn's forces.
The casualties in the afiair at Thompson's Station, which we
find reported, were :
KiLiiED OR Died ofWotjnds.— Kon-commissioned Staff— Sergeant Major James Hines.
Company B — Sergeant Alexander Anderson. Company G — Corporal Henry M. Fleck.
Company I — Privates Jacob Lund and George Rambault. Ctompanj/ ^— Corporal John
Debolt— 7.
Wounded.— Cbmpanj/ u4 — Privates Thomas Humphrey, Milton Horton and Charles
Chapman. Company B — Privates W. H. H. Meriott, A. W. Bullock, R. L. Adams and
R. W. Teaser. Company D — Private George W. Knilans. Company G — Lieutenant
C. A. Booth and Private Carrol Morgan. Company H— Privates Loren Hylstad and
Hans J. Peterson. Company K — Private John Chambers — 13. •
Sergeant J. D. Morgan, of Company F, died of wounds, March
25th, 1863.
After the release of the Twenty-second, a rendezvous was estab-
lished at St. Louis, where the regiment was reorganized, and
newly equipped, and on the 12th of June, returned to the field.
Proceeding to Nashville, arriving there on the 15th, they were
sent to Franklin, from whence, on the 3d of July, they proceeded
to Murfreesboro, and went into camp within the fortifications.
A detachment was sent in December, to the neighborhood of
Tullahoma, where George W. Jacobs, of Company D, and John
BATTLE OF RESACA. 701
"W". Drought, of Company H, are reported as killed. Here tliey
remained in tlie performance of provost and guard duty until
February, 1864, when they were attached to the Eleventh Corps,
and were subsequently transferred to the Twentieth, under Gen-
eral Hooker, being assigned to the Second Brigade, Colonel
Coburn, Third Division, General Butterfield.
Moving from Nashville in April, 18G4, camping for a short
time in Lookout Valley, the Second Brigade joined the Third
Division at Ringgold, where the troops composing the Twentieth
Corps were concentrating preparatory to the campaign against
Atlanta. On the 7th, they took position in front of Buzzard
Roost, near Dalton, from which they moved on the 11th, with
the Twentieth Corps, through Snake Creek Gap, where roads
had to be made for the passage of the troops, and arrived in front
of Resapa on the 13th, forming in line of battle and remaining
in reserve during the 13th and 14th, being spectators of the as-
sault on the enemy on that day, one or two men being wounded.
Here they threw up a strong lin^ of breastworks. On the 15th,
they moved to the extreme left of the enemy, in order to storm
his works situated on a commanding position in front of that
portion of General Hooker's line. General Hooker having deter
mined that to be the key of the enemy's position. The First Brig-
ade, General Ward, was to lead in the attack on the hill to the
right of the road, supported by the Second Brigade, General
Coburn, the Third Brigade, Colonel Wood, was to attack the
hill on the left. The Second took position in rear of the First
Brigade, threw off their knapsacks and lay down waiting for the
order to advance. The order came about 1 o'clock, P. M. Pass
ing over a brigade which lay sheltered under the brow of a hill,
the brigade pushed over the hill down the opposite side, and
across an open field, all the while exposed to a severe fire of
sharpshooters on the hill in front, while the artillery from the
hills around poured in canister, grape and shell. While cross-
ing this field, a disorganized regiment dashed through the regi-
ments of the brigade, occasioning disorder in all of them. Col-
onel TJtley and Lieutenant Colonel Bloodgood, soon had the
Twenty-second in order, and onward the brigade swept up the
hill, from which the sharpshooters were driven, into the works
beyond. The First Brigade wavered under the storm of lead
702 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and iron whicli ponred aronnd the devoted column. Not so with
Cobnrn's brave Second, exceeding his orders, which were to sup-
port Ward's Brigade, he dashed over and through that brigade,
and up the hillside to the enemy's four gun battery, where two
stands of colors of the brigade were planted. Silas Wright, of
Company B, of the Twenty-second, seized the color of the
One Hundred and Second Illinois, and planted it on the hill.
They were, however, unable to hold it, and subsequently returned
to the hill in their rear, which they occupied until ordered to
the rear and left, where it took part in an assault with Knipe's
brigade of the First Division. The chief fighting at Resaca on
the 15th, was done by the Twentieth Corps, in which the Third,
Twenty-second, and Twenty-sixth took an active and conspicuous
part. The Twenty-second lost heavily, many of the men being
killed inside the enemy's works. This was their first battle, and
they covered themselves with honor. Four color corporals were
wounded During the night the guns were taken possession of
and the enemy retreated from the place. After burying the dead
the Twentieth Corps started in pursuit of the enemy.
The list of killed and died of wounds is from the Adjutant
General's records. The list of wounded is as oflicially reported :
Killed or Died of Wovshs.— Company A — Trivates George W. Youst, Edward C.
Boss and George V. Dickinson. Company B — Corporal Theron Aliin. Company E~
Private Solomon R. King. Company F— Corporal Chris. L. Ord, Privates John B. Fore-
man, Sen., Richard G. Roberts and Ole Eriekson. Company G— Corporal Heman L.
Cunningham, Privates Timothy Gray and Michael Rima. Company H— Second Lieu-
tenant Daniel Flint, Corporals Fred. Nelson and Joseph D. H.Wright, Privates William
McCanless and Thomas Goodwin. Company I — Captain Marshall W. Patton. Company
fi'— Corporal Zachariah F. Davis, Privates Hazard Roby, Francis M. Hale, Levi S.
Woodling, Urias Churchill and Angus Helmer — 24.
Wounded. — Company A — Corporals Theodore Lane and James L. Gregory, Privates
William J. Emerson, Thomas OUa, Herbert Putnam, Peter C. Dufour, Peter W. Hilton
and Charles B. Braithwait. Company C— Corporal Berry F. Heuston, Privates Robert
S. Saulsbury.William E. Gleason, John M.Wilson and Anthony D. Rouse. Company D—
Sergeant James B. Scrafford, Privates William Brabason, Evan Edwards and Julius
Smith. Company ^—Privates Charles W. N. Baird, Thomas Linderwood, John P. Pfei-
fer, John B. Preston and Horace E. Warner. Company i?'— Corporal Henry Flint,
Privates Evan E. Ellis, Abel J. Lewis, Owen Owens and Jacob Schonkenberger. Company
G? — Corporal William N. Taft, Privates Claus Eriekson, Ole Eriekson, Abel Johnson,
Chauncey Ward and Henry Roberts. Company H— First Lieutenant James R. Bones,
First Sergeant Jens J. Peterson, Privates William Gerrits, Joseph Lewis, Frederick
Urban and Lowry Wescott. Company I— Privates William J. Barns, Edward Barry, H.
J. Rosencrans and William Pearl. Company JT— Sergeant Harrison Lovelace, Corporal
Warren Jones, Privates Thomas T. Miner, Ubner Mitchell, Henry S. Feather, Robert C.
Clauson, William H. Harrington and Schuyler D. Gould — 49,
Following up the enemy, on the 25th of May he was found in
position near Dallas, where the brigade formed line of battle in
BATTLE NEAR KENESAW MOUNTAIN. 703
front of his works. At first tliey were lield in reserve but
afterwards advanced to the front line.
The casualties at and near Dallas, as reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company C— Private Amos C. Fellows. Company D —
Corporal Thomas Kavaiiagh. Company ^—Privates Walter Smith and Martin Merson.
Cmnpany G — Private John C. Jackson. Company J— Private Ariel Bullis — 6.
Wounded.— Cb?jtpan2/ 5 — Captain George H. Brown, Sergeant James E. Ross, Cor-
poral Alfred Bond, Privates James F. Elliott and Napoleon B. Perry. Company O— Pri-
vate John S. Dayton. Company ^—Privates Martin McGill and Lewis N. Bowles.
Company P— Captain Robert F. Pugh and Corporal Edward Ellis. Company O — Ser-
geant Leopold Seltzer. Company I— VriYnie David B. Prints. Company A"— Private
Noreh Calurew — 13.
The position was fortified and held until the 1st of June, when
the brigade accompanied the movement of the Twentieth Corps
to the left, and took position in front of the enemy's lines at
Pine Knob and Lost Mountain. Here they took part in the oper-
ations of the corps. On the 15th, closing up on the enemy, who
had contracted his lines in a strong position on Kenesaw Moun-
tain. On the 16th, taking part in forcing the enemy from his
works near Golgotha Cliurch. On the 17th, they again advanced
to Nose's Creek, in front of the rebel intrenchments on Kenesaw
Mountain, fortified and held the position, till the 19th, when
they again moved forward four miles to a new position. On the
22d the lines were again advanced, and before they could get
their line fortified, the rebels made a furious charge but were
repulsed.
The casualties in the vicinity of Kenesaw Mountain, as reported,
were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cbwpa???/ ^—Private Charles B. Braithwaitc. Company
C — Privates Michael Burns and John F. llust. Company D — Private John R. Congden.
Cmnpany E— Corporal Jesse B. Harvey. Company F— Private Edw. J. Davis. Company
G — Private Nathaniel O. Gould. Company //—Sergeant James L. Reed. Company I—
Private Alexis W. Tallman. Company /f— Corporal John G. Cramer — 10.
Wounded.— Company A — Privates Henry Decker, Peter B. Cram and Edward Haskins.
Company C— Captain Darwin R. May, Sergeant Ela J. Cone, Corporals Almond D. Good-
win and Charles W. Scoville, Privates William L. Gibson, Lewis Rollan and Robert
Redford. Company D—VyvwqXqs Silas R. Rowler, Walter G. Hunt and West Robinson.
Company E — Corporal Cyrel A. Leake and Private John E. Davidson. ComiJany F —
Sergeant John Bowen, Privates Gilman M. Coombs, David Evans, EUery W. Gannett
and Cad walader Pugh. Company //— Corporal Barton H. Phelps. Company I— Corporal
Edward D. Webb and Private George Quinton — 23.
From this time till the 29th, the brigade remained in the front
engaged in skirmishing, and in the breastworks, when they were
relieved. On the night of the 2d of July, the rebels left their
704 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
works on Kenesaw Mountain. On the 3d, Colonel Utley hav-
ing resigned, took leave of the regiment, and returned to
Wisconsin, leaving Lieutenant Colonel Bloodgood in command.
During the day, the Third Division pushed forward after the
rebels. The Second Brigade was sent forward to reconnoitre
and came unexpectedly upon them in strong position. Opening
on the column with shell, the brigade threw up breastworks and
held them until relieved by the Fourteenth Corps. "With the
balance of Sherman's army, the Twentieth Corps rested until
the 17th of July, when it crossed the Chattahoochie, and moved
forward slowly until the 20th, when Hooker's corps moved for-
ward across Peach Tree Creek to occupy an unfortified gap be
tween the Fourth and Fourteenth Corps. The Third Division
joined the Fourth Corps on its right, the Second Brigade near its
left. The Twenty-second was detached as skirmishers. The let?
wing was deployed, advanced and soon came upon the enemy
and charged and took a line of rifle pits, and aided by the fire of
artillery, drove the enemy into the woods beyond, and imme
diately raised piles of rails for their protection. The rebels, in
augmented numbers, again advanced. The reserve of the Twenty-
second, except Company C, moved forward on a run, and seiz-
ing rails as they advanced, they were soon with the left wing
and behind their rail piles. The enemy advanced in triple lines
of battle. Firing with deliberation, the Twenty-second held the
position until the enemy were turning their flanks, when they re-
tired about fifteen rods to the bed of a dry creek. Here they
were joined by the brigade, which kept up a fire to the right,
front, and left, and finally by the severity of their fire compelled
the enemy to fall back when they charged in turn, driving them
before them, and taking many prisoners. In this gallant fight
the Twenty-second performed its duty nobly and covered itself
with honor. General Hooker praising it for the bravery which it
had thus signally displayed, and said that no regiment ever did
better, and commended Colonel Bloodgood for the persistance
in holding his line so long.
The casualties at Peach Tree Creek on the 20th, as reported,
were :
KiLi-ED OR Died of Wounds. — Oompany ^—Private Galac Anderson. Company B —
Private John Jacobson. Company Z) — Privates Wendell Fuhr, Thomas Morrison, Peter
SURRENDER OF ATLANTA. 706
VVeiskoffand James Griffin. Company/ ^—Corporal Albert Walker. Companj/ /^—Pri-
vate Theodore llauson. Compatu/ II— Privates James N. Ingersoll and Wm. Maudame.
Company J— Private Bennett Hanson — 11. . t
Wounded.— OOT»ipa»i2/ -4— Corporal Frank J. Gibson. Companj/ ^ — Sergeant M. L.
Fairservice, Corporal William F. Schoening, Privates Sumner Nelson, William C. Orr,
Thomas Court and Nelson Saulsbury. Company C— Corporals W. H. Briget and Rollins
Reed, and Private James Owens. Company Z) — Privates Henry C. Hunt, Geo. Kiiilands,
Edwin Goodwin and Jaeob Weisber. Cmnpany ^—Privates P. Thompson and I). Ter-
williger. Company i?'— Private W. R. Edwards. Company (? — Second Lieutenant
Stephen F. Ball, Sergeant John C. Denniston, Privates Edwin Gill, Martin Johnson and
Stciner Hanson. Company 77— Privates John Iverson, John Hollanas, Peter Yantz and
Carl Schultz. Company I— Privates Henry C. Hunt and Howard Bowas. Oompuny K—
Sergeant Wilfred E. Perriott, Corporals Joseph B. Hall and Sylvester McManus, Privates
Richard Shanahan and Harlow T. Boutan — 33.
On the 23d, the Third Division moved forward and took posi-
tion in front of the defences of Atlanta, and were thenceforward
occupied in siege and fatigue duty, throwing up defensive works
and making gradual advances upon the enemy's lines until the
25th of August, when General Sherman having determined to
cut loose from his communications and swing round to the west
and south of Atlanta, the Twentieth Corps was ordered to oc-
cupy the works at Turner's Ferry, near the railroad crossing of
the Cbattahoochie. Here the Twentieth Corps remained until
the 2d of September.
The casualties from the 20th of July, to September 1st, were :
Killed or Died of ^ovix'ds,.— Company A — Privates Clement L. Northway and Fred
Tessen. C(r/?ipow^ C— Private John L.Dayton. Company J?— First Sergeant Albert O.
Warner. Company i?'— Private Charles Lapp. Comjiany G — Private Farlin E. Watt — 6.
Wounded. — Company A — Private Henry Griere. Company B — Private Albert W.
Bullock. Ccnnpany i*'— Private Evan O. Owens. Company i?- Private Geo. Nelson — 4.
General Sherman's movement to the west and south to
Jonesboro, was successful in compelling General" Hood to
abandon Atlanta. On the evening of September 1st, he gatliered
together, cars and locomotives, many of the former loaded with
ammunition, near a large rolling mill, and set fire to them,
destro^'ing over two millions of dollars worth of property. He
then withdrew his army. On the morning of the 2d, Colonel
Coburn, with a force of about 900 men, were sent forward to
reconnoitre. Coming to the old works, he found them abandoned.
Penetrating further, he met a small force of the rebels, but as
soon as he had prepared for action, they hurriedly left. The Col-
onel then proceeded over the rebel works, and when at the out-
.sikirts of the city, was met by the Mayor, who surrendered
45
706 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the city to tlie Colonel and liis brave soldiers. The Twenty-
second and Twenty-sixth Wisconsin regiments were among the
first to enter the city and take possession.
The regiment remained encamped near Atlanta, the Twentieth
Corps having been left to guard the city, while the balance of
Sherman's army was away in pursuit of Hood. Foraging ex-
peditions to different points seem to have been the chief move-
ments of the regiment until they started on the march to Savan-
nah. Moving with the left wing under General Slocum, the
Twenty-second was employed as train guard most of the way to
Savannah. It entered the city with the rest of the army, after
having been a few days stationed as guard to rice mills near the
city. Leaving Savannah in continuation of their march, nothing
of special historical importance occurred until reaching the neigh-
borhood of Bentonville. On the 16th of March, the Third Divi-
sion advanced with two batteries of artillery and took part in the
attack on the rebels at that point, driving before them the South
Carolina Heavy Artillery Regiment, and an infantry regiment.
They also formed part of the line at Averysboro, on the 19th,
and assisted in di-iving the enemy from that point. The grand
march concluded at Goldsboro, where a few days' rest was given
most of the troops, when the march to Raleigh, was undertaken.
The subsequent history of the closing services of Sherman's
grand army has been given in the narrative of other regiments.
The Twenty-second Regiment had nothing which diflered from
the experience of other regiments. After the surrender of Gen-
eral Johnston, the Corps proceeded to Richmond, thence to
Washington, where it took part in the grand review, after w^hich
it lay in camp at "Washington until the 12th of June, when they
were mustered out and left for home, arriving at Milwaukee,
where they were paid off and disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,009. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1864, 139, in 1865, 4 ; by substitutes, 130 ; by draft in
1865, 223; total, 1,505. Loss— -by death, 226; deserted, 46;
transferred, 31 ; discharged, 196 ; mustered out, 1,006.
CHAPTEE XXXI
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY
Regimental Roster — Depart for Cincinnati — Service in Ken-
tucky— Move to Memphis — Sherman's Attack on VicKSBrRO —
Battle of Arkansas Post — March to Rear of Yicksburg —
Battle of Grand Gulf — Champion Hills — Black River Bridge
— Siege op Yicksburg — Transferred to Department of the
Gulf — Teche Expedition — Battle of Carrion Crow Bayou —
Return to Berwick City — Embark for Texas — Return to Ber-
wick City — Red River Expedition — Battle of Sabine Cross
Roads — Expedition to Mobile — Return to Morganzia — Expe-
dition TO Mobile — Capture of Spanish Fort and Blakely—
Mobile — Muster out — Return Home — Statistics.
THE Twenty-third Regiment, organized under the supervision
of Colonel Joshua J. Guppey, previously of the Tenth Wiscon-
sin, was mustered into service on the 30th of August, 1862, at
Camp Randall, Madison. They left Madison on the 15th of
September, under orders to report at Cincinnati, Ohio. The
following was the regimental roster :
Colonel — JOSHUA J. GUPPEY.
Lieutenant Cb?one? — Edward Jussen ; J/ojor— Charles H. Williams; Adjutant—
W'lLLiAM G. PIT3IAX ; Qxuirtermastef — Franklin Z. Hicks ; fSrn-r/eon — James Prextice
First Assistant Surgeon — John Grcening; Second Assistant Surgeon — James C. Axtell
Chaplain —Rev. Christ. E. Weirich.
Co. Captains,
A — William F.Vilas,
B — Charles M. Waring,
C— Edgar P. Hill,
D — Joseph E. Green,
E — James M. Bull,
F — Jacob A. Schliek,
G — James F. Hazelton,
H — E. Howard Irwin,
I — Anson R. Jones,
K— Nathan S. Frost.
First Lieutenants.
Sinclair W. Botkin,
John E. Duncan,
Oliver H. Sorenson,
Joshua W. Tolford,
John A. Bull,]
E. L. Walbridge,
Chester W. Tuttle,
D. Cyrus Holdridge,
John Starks,
Ephraim S. Fletcher
Second Lieutenants.
Alexander Atkinson,
Warren Grej',
John Shoemaker,
Frank A. Stoltze,
Henry Vilas,
Daniel C. Stanley,
William H. Dunham,
Robert Steele,
John M. Sumner,
John B. Malloy.
708 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Arriving at Cincinnati on tlie 17tli, they crossed the Ohio, and
joined the brigade of Brigadier General Green Clay Smith,
which then held the extreme left of our line, about five miles
above Newport, Ky.
The regiment, rapidly acquiring habits of drill and discipline,
remained in this position until the 8th of October, when they
accompanied the general forward movement of the line, from
Cincinnati southward, proceeding by the way of Falmouth and
Paris, to the vicinity of Lexington, whence, on the Slst, they
proceeded to Nicholasville, the terminus of the Kentucky Central
Railroad. While stationed at this place, the regiment, in addi
tion to the usual routine of guard duty, acquired great proficiency
in the manual of arms and battalion movements, for which they
were highly complimented by the commanding general. Leaving
Nicholasville on the 11th of ISTovember, after a march of eighty-
six miles, in excessively hot weather, over dry and dusty roads,
they arrived, on the afternoon of the 15th, at Louisville, where
they embarked on the 19th, and descending the Ohio and Mis-
sissippi rivers, landed, on the 27th, at Memphis, Tenn., where
they joined the force under command of Major General Sherman,
then preparing for an attack upon Vicksburg.
In the organization of these forces, the Twenty-third "Wisconsin
was assigned to the First Brigade, Brigadier General S. G.
Burbridge ; Tenth Division, Brigadier General A. J. Smith;
Thirteenth Army Corps, Major General John A. McClernand.
While at Memphis, Captain N'athan S. Frost, of Company K,
died of disease, in the oflicers' hospital.
General Sherman's army embarked at Memphis on the 21st
of December, en route for Yicksburg, JVIiss. The Twenty-third
reached Milliken's Bend on the 24th, and next day, with the First
Brigade, marched twenty-five miles into the interior of Louisiana,
and having destroyed the railroad buildings, several bridges on
the Shreveport Railroad, which they struck at Dallas, torn up the
track, and burned a large quantity of cotton, cotton gins and corn,
and severed the enemy's railroad communications with the
interior of Louisiana, returned, on the 26th, to Milliken's Bend,
having marched upwards of fifty miles within two days, without
sustaining any loss.
CAPTURE OF ARKAI',SAS POST. 709
Taking part in Sherman's expedition against tiie northern
defences of Yicksbnrg, on the 27th of December they reernburked,
and continued down the Mississippi to the Yazoo River, and
ascending the latter stream, disembarked in the evening, about
ten miles from its mouth, near Chickasaw Bayou. They imme-
diately formed in marching column, and moving to the southward,
took position in line of battle, three miles from the enemy's
fortifications. ISText morning the regiment moved forward, to
within a mile of the rebel works, and from this date, occupied
various positions in front of the enemy, sustaining no loss,
although constantly exposed to the fire of the batteries on the
hills in front. On the night of the 31st, they constructed rifle
pits within one hundred 3'ards of the rebel sharpshooters. Gen-
eral Sherman abandoned the attack on the 1st of January, 1863,
and his troops returned to Milliken's Bend, where he was
superseded in command, by General McClernand.
The Twenty-third took part in the attack on Arkansas Post,
on the Arkansas River. Disembarking on the morning of the
10th, within three miles of the Post, General McClernand pro-
ceeded to invest the place, which having been effected, the
engagement commenced at noon, on the following day. The
Twenty- third, while moving forward to obtain position, was
assailed by a very destructive enfilading fire from the enemy's
rifle pits and artillery, rendering necessary a change of front.
Having effected this movement with unbroken ranks. Company
B was deployed forward as skirmishers, followed soon afterwards
by companies G and K. These companies captured several
blockhouses, occupied by the enemy, forcing him back into his
works, while the balance of the regiment attacked and carried
the rifle pits from the front, and also, by accurate sharpshooting,
kept silent a number of pieces of artillery in the main fort. The
engagement had continued with great fury for about three hours
when the enemy, at the moment that the Twenty-third was formed
for a final charge upon the fort, raised the white flag, and
Arkansas Post, with its garrison, was unconditionally surrendered.
In this gallant affair, during which the conduct of the regiment
elicited the official compliments of the brigade and division com-
manders, the Twenty -third sustained a loss of six killed and
thirt}'-one wounded.
710 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The list of killed and those wlio died of wounds, we find on
the records of the Adjutant General's office. The list of wounded
is as officially reported :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Compawj/ ^ — Private Levi Vannatta. Company B—
Private George B. Ray. Company G — Private Mathias L. Johnson. Company K—
Privates Benjamin F. Lindley, Samuel McReady and Lewis Olson — 6.
Wounded. — Company A — Privates B. P. Benson, Peter Marxen and Edward Snyder.
Cvn^pany B — Corporals A. J. Palmer and W. Jarvis, Privates Peter King, Isaac Murray,
Jesse Mills, Asa McConnell, William Johnson, Benjamin Kanouse, Alvin DeWitt and
John Thompson. Con^pany C — Private Louis Hetrick. Company D — Sergeant B. A.
Taft. Company ^—Sergeant William Bird, Corporal Roche, Privates Edwd. Blaekman
and William Lain. Comp)any Gr — Sergeant E. E. East on, Corporal Cooper, Private
P. Olson. Company i/— Lieutenant D. C. Holdridge, Corporal T. Yule. Company
K — Sergeant Hilliard, Privates C. A. J. Damon, Andrew Baker, Fred. Beaver, N. B.
Aldrich, Charles Bender and Alex. Murray— 31.
On the 15th of January, the regiment again embarked, arriv-
ing on the 23d, at Young's Point, La., where they went into
camp on the following day. In this unhealthy location, the effects
of exposure to the malaria of the Yazoo swamp and at Fort
Hindman, developed themselves in an alarming increase of sick-
ness among the members of the regiment, the effective force of
which soon became very much reduced, several companies being
without commissioned officers fit for duty, and many companies
not having able bodied men sufficient to take- their regular turn
at guard duty. By the unremitting attention of the medical
officers of the regiment, assisted by the officers and men, and the
reception of sanitary supplies, the men improved in health so
that about the middle of February, the regiment could muster
250 men fit for duty.
From the 14th of February to the 8th of March, the regiment,
with the brigade, was engaged in several minor expeditions
against the enemy at Greenville, Miss., and at Cypress Bend,
Ark., where they had a severe fight, in which the Twenty-third
took a prominent part, and succeeded in capturing several pris-
oners and pieces of artillery On the 23d, they pursued a force
of the enemy's cavalry and artillery, in the vicinity of Greenville,
and captured four prisoners, with a quantity of horses, mules and
supplies, with which, on the 26th, they returned to camp at
Young's Point. On the 4th of March, the regiment was ordered
on a foraging expedition to Princeton, Miss., from which they
returned on the 8th, and reembarking next day, they ascended
the Mississippi twenty miles, to Milliken's Bend, where camp
BATTLE OF PORT GIBSON. 711
was established in a comparatively healthy location. After a
short time, the health of the men began to improve, and the reg-
iment, which, during the preceding four months had lost 150 men
by death, and 113 by discharge, left Milliken's Bend on the 14th
of April, with between four and five hundred men, fit for duty.
On the 25th of February, 1863, Major Charles H Williams
resigned, and Captain William F. A^ilas was appointed Major.
On the 23d oi March, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Jussen resigned,
and Major Vilas was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain
Edgar P. Hill, Major.
Accompanying the movement of the Thirteenth Army Corps
in its march to the rear of Vicksburg, they proceeded by way of
Holmes' plantation and Perkins' plantation, to Hard Times
Landing, below Grand Gulf. Here they crossed the Mississippi
on the 30th of April, to Bruinsburg, whence the division, at
midnight, commenced the march towards Vicksburg, reaching
the battle ground of Port Gibson early in the morning of the 1st
of May In this action, the Twenty-third was not directly
engaged, but acted as a reserve, and as support to a section of
the First Wisconsin Battery, and although under fire, sustained
no loss. At four in the afternoon, the division was ordered to
take the advance, relieving Brigadier General Hovey's division.
Tlie regiment, with the brigade, then moved forward with but
little opposition, and captured twenty prisoners. Early on the
morning of the 2d of May, the Tw^enty-third took the advance,
pushed forward with great rapidity, and was the first of our army
to enter the village of Port Gibson, where the regiment acted as
provost guard during the day. Edward Palzer, of Company D,
was wounded at Port Gibson.
After an unsuccessful eftbrt to find the enemy to the southeast
of Port Gibson, on the 3d, the brigade returned, and took posi-
tion at Bayou Pierre Bridge, remaining until the 7th. They
then moved forward, by Big Sandy, to Cayuga, and on the 12th,
made a detour to the Black River, under orders to hold in check
a large body of the enemy in that vicinity, and on the 15th, they
joined the movement on Raymond, two miles east of which, they
bivouacked for the night.
On the 16th of May, occurred the battle of Champion Hills,
nine miles from Raymond. Early in the morning, the Twenty-
third took the advance of the division, companies A, I) and H
712 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
moving in front, and acting as skirmishers. They soon came
upon the enemy's skirmish line, which they forced back upon
the main body, a distance of nearly two miles. The Seventeenth
Ohio Battery, supported by the Twenty-third, by a few well
directed shots, drove the enemy from his position in front. In
order to further develop the rebel force, companies B and E were
sent out, who encountered ihe enemy's skirmishers, and forced
them back a distance of a mile and a half. The enemy having'
changed his position, the regiment advanced on the new line, and
soon developed the enemy in force. The Seventeenth Ohio Bat-
tory was at once placed in position, supported by the eight
companies of the Twenty-third, and an artillery duel ensued,
resulting in the enemy again being driven from his position.
Having rested an hour, the division again advanced against the
enemy in front, who had occupied a very strong position on a
hill, defended by twelve pieces of artillery. The Twenty-third,
on reaching an open held, was ordered to charge the enemy's
line. Advancing, under a heavy fire, across the field, the regi-
ment succeeded in gaining a road which ran parallel with the
rebel position, and sheltered from the enemy's fire only by a
slight rise of ground. This position the regiment held until the
enemy retired from the field. The action of the regiment during
this engagement, is worthy of special notice, contributing as it
did, so much to the success of our arms. By the steadiness
promptness and courage of the division, the command of the
rebel General Loring, consisting of thirteen regiments, more
than double the force opposed to them, was cut off' from the
enemy's main body, and rendered useless. Aug. Herle, Com-
pany A, H. R. Bird, Company J), Esau Barnes, Company E, and
Andrew J. Kyle, Company K, were wounded at Champion Hills.
Early next morning, the regiment pushed forward to Black
River Bridge, where line of battle was promptly formed, and
the brigade, advancing directly upon the rebel works, captured
the Sixtieth Tennessee, with its colors. On the 19th of May, the
division advanced to within three miles of the works in the rear
of Vicksburg. The two following days, were occupied in obtain-
ing position in front of the fortifications. Several casualties
occurred on the 20th. On the 22d, the regiment took part in
the grand assault. Under a very destructive fire, they advanced
SIEGE OF VICKSBURG. 713
with great gallantry, until, at one, in tlie afternoon, they had
forced their way to the outer slope of one of the rebel forts.
Here farther progress was arrested by a deep ditch, which was im-
passable. In this position the regiment, unable to scale the walls
of the fort, lay during the afternoon, and until withdrawn in the
evening It should also be noted that, durmg the afternoon,
companies B and E were detached from the regiment, under
orders to place a piece of artillery in position near the fort. This
service they performed in the most gallant manner, drawing the
piece by hand, through ravines and over steep hills, to a point
within twenty yards of the rebel line, where they kept it supplied
with ammunition during the engagement.
The casualties on the 20th and 22d of May were :
Killed or Died op Wovnt>S.— Company i?— Privates William Bortenshaw and
Oscar Hill. Company O— Sergeant Judson A. Lewis, Corporal Leonard Cobb. Company
D — Sergeant Daniel Eder, Private Jas. Sanderson. Company ^—Private Ernst' Shultz.
Cbw/)an,i/ G — Privates Nicholas Dedish and Charles E. Q.uinn. Company jFT— Sergeant
William T. Shurtleff, Corporal John F. Stahl, Privates John Bates, Charles S. Brown,
Edwin Bromfleld and Jason W. Shaw. Company J— Private Robert E. Ford. Company
^— First Lieutenant A. J. McFarland — 17.
Wounded.— Company A — Corporal J. B. Howe, Privates John Budd, Samuel Paynter
and James A. Wells. Company B — Captain J. E. Duncan, Sergeant John Boss, Corporal
J. W. Dnnlap, Privates Isaac Bennett, Lafayette Case and W. H. Roberts. Company C —
Captain O. H. Sorenson, Private Henry Matley. Comxtany D — Privates Henry H. Hol-
comb and James Sanderson. Company E— Lieutenant John A. Bull, Private Charles
Netherwood. Cbnip«n.)/ i?'— Privates J. M. Babcock and Isaiah Fry. Company G — Pri-
vates Peter Hayes, John G. Jones and Francis W. Wright. Company H— Privates W. D.
Edgebert, Seth B. Tannehill, Vincent Webber and H. J. Youmans. Company I — First
Lieutenant John Starks, John B. Innskeep, Josiah Nye, Michael McNulty Casper Wolff
and Moses Flesh. Cmnpany jK"— Private Levi Schell — 36.
The regiment was subsequently occupied in the performance
of siege duty, until the final surrender of the city, on the 4th of
July. On the morning of the 3d, a flag of truce, carried by
General Bowen, approached from the rebel works, in front of
the position occupied by the Twenty-third, and was halted by
Captain Fletcher, of Company K. At ten o'clock, next day, the
city was occupied by our forces.
From its organization, the regiment had been commanded by
Colonel Guppey, until the 5th of June, when continued ill health
compelled that officer to turn over the command to Lieutenant
Colonel Vilas, who had charge of the regiment during the sub-
sequent progress of the siege of Vicksburg, and for nearly two
months after the surrender. Corporal William Jones, of Company
K, was mortally wounded on the 30th of June.
714 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
On the 5tli of July, the Twenty-third, accompanying the move-
ments of the division, left the position they had so long occupied
in rear of Vicksburg, and crossing the Big Black Eiver on the
6th, took position, on the 10th, before Jackson, and until the
capture of that place, on the 17th, were constantly exposed to the
enemy's fire. John W. Kizarte, of Company F, was mortally
wounded, and Patrick Burke and Wm. Schroeder, Company B,
Daniel Divine, Company C, and "W". S. Colby, Company E, were
wounded.
On the 21st of July, they returned to Vicksburg, and encamped
south of the city, on the east bank of the Mississippi, until the
24th of August, when the regiment accompanied the movement
of the Thirteenth Army Corps, down the Mississippi to New
Orleans, and from thence to Berwick City.
On the 25th of August, Lieutenant Colonel Yilas resigned, and
Major Hill was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Green,
of Company D, was appointed Major.
On the 7th of October, it took part, with a portion of the Thir-
teenth Corps, in the expedition through the southwestern part
of Louisiana. The Twenty-third left Berwick on the 7th of
October, with Burb ridge's brigade, and passing through Franklin,
Centreville and l^ew Iberia, arrived, on the 10th, within three
miles of Vermillion, where they remained until the 21st, when
the forward movement was renewed. Passing through Opelou-
sas to Barrs' Landing, they moved thence, on the 1st of !Novem-
ber, sixteen miles to Bayou Borbeaux, where, at noon on the 3d,
the enemy made a fierce assault upon the right of the brigade,
simultaneous with an attack in front by his cavalry. In the action
which ensued, the regiment was immediately formed in line, and
took position a short distance from the camp, and under a heavy
fire, moved to the right, into a belt of woods skirting a bayou in
rear of the camp. Two regiments of the brigade, which had
preceded the Twenty-third, unable to resist the rebel attack, here
fell back, successively, through their line, leaving our regiment,
unsupported, to resist the steady advance, at this point, of the
greatly superior forces of the enemy. Although exposed to a
very destructive fire, the regiment held the position against the
repeated attempts to dislodge it, until outflanked on both sides,
when it was ordered to retreat. In this manoeuvre they lost a
BATTLE OF CARRION CROW BAYOU. 715
number killed and many wounded, among the latter, Colonel
Guppey and Captain Sorenson, who, with Captain Bull and
Lieutenants Atkinson and Stanley, were taken prisoners. Having
retired a short distance, another attempt was made to check the
advance of the enemy, hut without effect, and the regiment, then
numbering less than one hundred rank and file, was again forced
back. They again reformed, and with the like result, when
General Burbridge directed the withdrawal of the line, through
the timber to the prairie. Here the brigade formed a new line,
nearly a mile from the ground of the first engagement, and on
the arrival of reinforcements, promptly advanced, drove the
enemy from the woods, regained the camp, and pursued him a
short distance towards Opelousas. The Twenty-third, on going
into this action, numbered 220 otficers and men.
The casualties, as officially reported, were:
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company A — Privates Alonzo G. Jack and Thomas
Wliamby. Cbnii^an^ -D — Private Ole Severson. Company G — Private Jabez Williams.
Cmnpany ^—Sergeant James Hilliard, Privates James McKeever and William M.
Ballard — 7.
Wounded.— i^ieW Q^eer— Colonel Joshua J. Guppey. Acting Sergeant Alajor John L.
Jolley. Company A — Sergeant William Carey, Corporal Stephen Jex. Company B —
Sergeant Francis Scott, Privates Pliilip Nugent and Edward Kennedy. Company C —
Captain OliverH. Sorenson, prisoner. Corporal Frederick Ford, Privates Porter Langdon
and Silas J. Packard. Company i> — Sergeant Henry Morton, Private J. Wald.schocky.
Company £— Corporal Harrison M. Thompson. Company F — Sergeant J. N. Savage,
Corporal Henry C. Stanley, Private Elisha W. Ellis. Company O — Sergeant J. F. Kent,
Corporals Peter J. Harger and Edward Gray, Privates Franklin Fisher, Danl. O'Rourke,
Seth Trask and Henry Russell. Company iT— Sergeant Byron Waffle, Privates Hugh
Lindsay and Joseph F. Fisher. Company /—Sergeant L. D. Frost, Corpoi-al E. INIcGinley,
Privates Moses Flesh, Tver Johnson, Anthony Questa and John B. Inskeep. Company
K — First Sergeant Alexander McGinnis, Sergeants George W. Johnson and William H.
Harris, Corporal John E. Linck, Private Henry D. Steckl — 38. Taken prisoners, 86.
After the battle, the regiment, under command of Lieutenant
Colonel Hill, on the evening of the 3d of jSTovember, retired three
and a half miles, to Carrion Crow Bayou, thence they proceeded
to New Iberia, reaching there on the 8th of JSTovember. Lieu-
tenant Colonel Hill was placed in command of the post of jSTcw
Iberia; Captain Duncan was appointed Provost Marshal, and
the regiment was assigned to provost duty, in which they were
engaged until relieved on the 18th, when they took position
within the fortifications of the town.
On their return to Berwick, they received orders to proceed
with the Thirteenth Army Corps, under General Washburn, to
Texas. By rail they proceeded to Algiers, opposite iSTew Orleans,
IVo MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and embarked at that point, on the 25th of Decemher, en route
for Matagorda Penmsula, Texas, arriving on the 29th, off De-
crow's Point, where they landed, and went into camp on the 1st
of January, 1864. Lieutenant Colonel Hill being absent in "Wis-
consin, Major Green was in command of the regiment. On the
28th, companies A and C were detailed as guard at the landing,
and rejoined the regiment on the 3d of February. While sta-
tioned on Matagorda Peninsula, the regiment participated in
several reconnoissances of minor importance, and on the 22d,
reembarked, under orders to return to Louisiana. They landed,
on the morning of the 26th, at Algiers, and immediately
proceeded to Berwick City.
Taking part in Banks' famous Red River Expedition, on the
7th of March, they set out, with the Thirteenth Corps, and pro-
ceeded through Vermillion, Opelousas and Washington, arriving
on the 22d, at Bayou Rapide, eight miles southwest of
Alexandria. On the 28th, they set out for Natchitoches, eighty
miles distant, and reaching that place on the 2d of April, were
assigned to provost duty; Major Green commanding the post,
Adjutant Carl Jussen acting as Post Adjutant, Captain Duncan,
Provost Marshal, and Lieutenant Atkinson as Assistant Provost
Marshal. On the 6th of April, the regiment left Natchitoches,
and marching thirty-five miles, reached Pleasant Hill next day.
Resuming the march early on the morning of the 8th, the Twenty-
third, leading the column, encountered the enemy at an early
hour, when they were deployed, and skirmishing commenced,
which was continued until noon, when the enemy had been driven
back about eight miles. About three, in the afternoon, the
enemy, in great force, attacked our lines, and the battle of
Sabine Cross Roads commenced. The Twenty-third held the
extreme left of our line, and under a very heavy fire, retained its
position, until all the rest of the line had given way, and left the
field in retreat, when, outflanked on both sides, the regiment was
ordered to retire. Frequently forming in line to check the ad-
vance of the enemy, by whom our line was closely pursued, they
withdrew in good order to the position occupied by the Nine-
teenth Corps. During the night, they accompanied the retreat
of the army, arriving next morning at Pleasant Hill.
EXPEDITION TO MOBILE BAY. 717
"W i find the list of killed and those who died of wounds in the
reco.ds of the Adjutant General, and the list of wounded in the
moLthly reports:
Kir.LED OR Died of Wounds.— Cowpan.?/ i?— Private Willis Norton. Company F—
Private John Hague. Company IT— Private Jacob D. Stroud. Com,pany I— Private C.
A. Kessenich — 4.
Wounded. — Company B — ^er^ennt John Buss. Company C — Privates Wm. Edwards
and Charles Hassenpass. Company i) — Corporal John Habbegar, Privates Nathan H.
Ellis, Ambrose R. Cole and Anthony Ohl. Company E — First Lieutenant R. M. Addison,
Sergeant P. J. Roehe, Private William Flick. Company G — Corporal Edward Gray,
Private Hugh Hcall. Company I — Private Asahel Nash. Company K — Private Charles
Bi nder — 14. Taken prisoners, 43.
They reached Grand Ecore on the 11th, and were occupied in
guarding prisoners at that place, until an exchange was effected
on the 19th, after which, they were employed in labor on the
fortifications until the 22d, when the town was evacuated, and
the retreat resumed. They participated, without loss, in the
engagement of the 23d, at Cane River, and on the 25th, reached
Alexandria. They bivouacked three miles from the city on
Bayou Rapids, and, participating in frequent skirmishes, were
stationed in the vicinity of the city until the 13th of May, when
the army was again put in motion, and marching down the bank
of the Red River, arrived, on the 17th, at Simmsport, on the
Atchafalaya River. The Twenty-third crossed the Atchafalaya
on the 20th, and on the 22d, reached Morganzia, having marched,
during the retreat, a distance of 175 miles. They embarked, on
the 24th, at Morganzia, and descending the Mississippi, landed
next day, and encamped at Baton Rouge. Here Colonel Guppey
rejoined the regiment, but in consequence of ill health, was
unable to take the command, which soon afterwards, upon his
return, was assumed by Lieutenant Colonel Hill. While sta-
tioned at this place, the Thirteenth Corps was disbanded. From
the 8th to the 26th of July, the regiment was encamped at
Algiers, opposite New Orleans. On the 26th of July, they pro-
ceeded up the river to Morganzia, where they arrived on the
following day. On the 18th of August, the Twenty-third was
assigned to the Third Brigade, commanded by Colonel Guppey,
Second Division, Brigadier General Dennis, Nineteenth Army
Corps, General Emery commanding, and participated in a move-
ment to Mobile Bay, from which they returned, on the 2d of
September, to Morganzia, without having accomplished anything
718 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of importance. From this point the regiment was freqnently
dispatched on reconnoissances in various directions through the
surrounding country, the nature of which is such as to afford
peculiar faciUties for the operations of guerillas and irregular
troops, and were kept constantly on the alert, to prevent the
formation of any considerable body of the enemy. In one of
these expeditions, they embarked on the 3d of October, and pro-
ceeding to Bayou Sara, marched thence sixteen miles, to Jackson,
La., and in returning, next day, to the transports, were engaged
in heavy skirmishing with the enem}'', during which, they lost
two killed. Corporal John G. Jones, Company G, and Martin
Cook, of Company C, and four wounded. On the 5th, they
entered camp at Morganzia, and on the 10th, again embarked,
and after a detention at the mouth of the White River, they
reached Helena on the 3d of IlTovember, and went into camp.
The Twenty-third remained at Helena until the 23d of Febru-
ary, 1865, at which date they were placed on transports, under
orders to report to the officer commanding the reserve corps, and
descending the Mississippi, reached New Orleans on the 27th,
and encamped at Algiers, La. On the 1st of March, they moved
to Hickox's Landing, on Lake Pontchartrain, under orders to
join the forces then assembling in the vicinity of Mobile, for the
reduction of the fortifications defending that city. Arriving at
Dauphin Island on the 3d of March, they remained in camp upon
the island until the 17tli, when they crossed to E"avy Cove, on
Mobile Point, whence, on the following day, they set out with
the column, for Spanish Fort, before which, after an exceedingly
laborious march, they arrived on the 27th. They took position
with the brigade on the following day, and commenced the usual
routine of siege and heavy fatigue duty, in which they were
engaged until the 30th, when the brigade was ordered on an
expedition towards Blakely. After a delay of two days at Pol-
lard's Mills, orders were received to proceed to Blakely, and on
the 3d of April, the regiment was directed to take position on the
left of our line then investing the place, in fi'ont of the rebel
works. Companies G and I, under command of Captain Tolford,
were at once deployed as skirmishers, and had advanced within
a few hundred yards of the works, when the regiment was
relieved by a division of the Sixteenth Corps, and ordered to
CAPTURE OF FORT BLAKELY. 719
encamp in rear of, and act as support to the other forces. On
the night of the 5th, they accompanied the movement of the
brigade to the extreme right of our line, in anticipation of an
attack, and returning next day, remaijied in camj), furnishing
heavy details for fatigue duty, until the afternoon of the 9th,
when the regiment was ordered to the front. In the final assault
upon Blakely, tliey acted as support to the attacking column, and
after the capture of the place, moved, during the night of the
12th, to Starks' Landing, from which point they crossed Mobile
Bay, landing on the eastern side, five miles below Mobile, in the
western part of which they encamped. Erastus D. Miller, of
Company F,''is reported as killed at Blakely, and Frederick
Richards, Company A, George Eitchard, Company G, Anthony
Questa, Company I, and John L. Davis, of Company K, as
wounded.
On the 7th of May, companies C and E were detached from
the regiment to East Pascagoula, Miss., under orders to repair
the roads in that vicinity, from which duty they were recalled,
on the receipt of orders for discharge from service.
The Twenty-third was mustered out of service at Mobile, on
the 4tli of July, and next day set out for home. They amved
on the 16th, at Madison, "Wis., where the regiment, on the 24th
of July, was paid, and formally disbanded.
For meritorious services during the war. Colonel Guppey was
brevetted Brigadier General.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 994. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 1, in 1864, 118, in 1865, 4; total, 1,117. Losp —
by death, 289; missing, 1; deserted, 6; transferred, 124;
dischai'ged, 281; mustered out, 416.
OHAPTEE XXXII
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
Kegimental Koster — Move to Louisville — Battle ^f Perry ville
— Stone Kiver — Chioamauga — Mission Kidge — East Tennessee
Campaign — Atlanta Campaign — Rocky Face Ridge — Resaca —
Adairsville — Dallas — Kenesaw Mountain — Peach Tree Creek
— Sieg'e op Atlanta — Jonesboro — On Duty at Chattanooga —
Battle op Franklin — Nashville — Service in East Tennessee
— Muster out — Return Home — Statistics.
npiTE Twenty-fourth Regiment was recruited principally in the
J- City and County of Milwaukee, under the direction of Lieu-
tenant Colonel Herman L. Page, a prominent resident of Mil-
waukee, who soon succeeded in filling the regiment, which was
ordered to rendezvous at Camp Sigel, Milwaukee. The organi-
zation was perfected, and the regiment mustered into the United
States service by companies, the muster being completed on the
21st of August, 1862, and on the 5th of September, the regiment
left the State for Kentucky, with the following roster:
CoLONEi, — CHARLES H. LARRABEE.
Lieutenant Colonel— B. L. Buttrick; ilia/or— Elish a C. Hibbard; Adjutant— Anrwuiti
McArthur; Quartermastei-—G. E. Starkweather; A'Mrs'eon — Herman Hasse; First
Assistant Surgeon — CnAmu,v.s, Mueller; Second Assistant Surgeon — 'Mos^s, C. Hoyt
C/^ap^am — Rev. Francis Fusseder.
Co. Caj)tains.
A — Richard H. Austin,
B — William H. Eldrerl,
C — Carl von Baumbacti,
D — Alva Philbrook,
E — Duncan C. Reed,
F— John W.Clark,
G — Henry M. Bridge,
H— Henry W. Gunnison,
I — Frederick A. Root.
V — Orlando Elsworth.
First Lieutenants.
Thomas E. Balding,
Howard Green,
Peter Strack,
Samuel B. Chase,
David G. Horning,
Peter C. Lusk,
William Kennedy,
Gustavus Goldsmith,
Robert J. Chivas,
Edwin D. Parsons.
Second Lieutenants.
George Bleyer,
Charles D. Rogers,
Charles Hartung,
Christian Nix,
R. P. Elmore,
Charles P. Huntington,
Edward K. Holton,
Courtland P. Larkin,
John L. Mitchell,
Louis F. Battle.
BATTLE OF CIIAPLTN HILLS. 721
Lieutenant Colonel 11. L. Page resigned on the 22d of August,
and E. L. Buttrick, of Milwaukee, was appointed Lieutenant
Colonel.
The regiment reached JeiFersonville, Ind., on the 7th, and lay
in camp for three days, when they were ordered to Cincinnati,
0. They crossed the Ohio, at Cincinnati, on the 11th, and re-
mained in camp near Covington, Ky., until ordered to Louisville,
where they arrived on the 20th of September. Here they were
assigned to the Thirty-seventh Brigade, Colonel Greusel, of the
Eleventh Division, General Sheridan.
Accompanying the movements of our army to the southward,
in pursuit of Bragg, they left Louisville on the 1st of October,
and on the 8th, took part in the battle of Chaplin Hills. The
brigade, in the afternoon, was ordered to the front, the Twenty-
fourth being held in reserve as support to a battery. Later in
the day they were ordered to advance, when they went forward
with a cheer, and soon engaged the enemy's right. This wing
being the first to break, the regiment followed in pursuit until
the enemy got out of range. The regiment in this, its first bat-
tle, behaved with great coolness, both ofiicers and men, although
under a severe fire of musketry. James Hazel, of Company D,
was killed, this being the only casualty in the regiment.
On the lltli, they joined in the pursuit of the retreating rebel
force, and on the 15th, reached Crab Orchard, at which point
the pursuit was abandoned. Marching thence through Bowling
Green, they arrived at Edgefield, Tenn., on the 8th of ISTovember,
and on the 22d, crossed the Cumberland River, and encamj^ed on
Mill Creek, near l!^ashville. In the reorganization, the division
of General Sheridan was transferred from the corps of General
Gilbert to the right wing under McCook.
In the southward movement of the army, under General Rose-
crans, they left Mill Creek on the 27th of December, arriving on
the 30th, before Murfreesboro, and next day took part in the
battle of Stone River.
General Sheridan's division, in which the Twenty-fourth was
located, formed the left of the right w^ing of General McCook.
General Davis' division was in the centre on "the right of
Sheridan, and Johnson's division occupied the extreme right.
46
722 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the morning of Tuesday, December SOtli, the regiment, under
command of Major Hibbard, Lieutenant Colonel Buttrick having
resigned, and Colonel Larrabee being absent at JSTasliville,
marched from camp as support to Bush's Indiana Battery. Three
companies were thrown out as flankers, and the balance of the
regiment formed a line in the rear of the Thirty-sixth Illinois,
and the men were ordered to lie down. This position was just
in the edge of a piece of woods to the left of a white house,
and on the right of Bush's battery, and was retained until the
regiment was ordered by the brigade commander to advance,
which was done, keeping in the rear of the Thirty-sixth Illinois,
to an open field beyond an old house, when the men were ord-
ered to lie down out of the way of the fire of the artillery. Five
companies were sent to the support of Bush's battery, and soon
after the balance of the regiment went forward for the same pur-
pose. The fire became warm, and the regiment suffered some
loss. ISTight put a stop to the artillery fire.
The regiment threw out pickets, and during the night, lay on
their arms, 8ufi:ering much from the intense cold without fires.
Soon after daylight the pickets were driven in by the enemy's
skirmishers in front. The enemy had succeeded in surprising
Johnson's division on the extreme right, and was driving his
shattered regiments back and rolling up those of Davis' divi-
sion. The column of attack advanced close on their skirmishers,
while another column was advancing on the right flank. The
regiment on the right of Major Ilibbard's command fell back,
as did also the battery, leaving his right flank entirely exj^osed.
Major Hibbard retained his position, waiting for reinforcements,
until the enemy had come upon his flank and delivered a cross
fire, when, deeming it rashness to remain longer, he ordered the
regiment to break to the rear by companies. In doing so, the
order was not understood by the left wing, and some confusion
in the regiment occurred, but it was quickly re-formed in the
open field to the right of a loghouse used as a hospital. They
formed into line rapidl}^ although they were surrounded on all
sides by a confused mass of fugitives. Here Major Hibbard re-
ceived orders, for the first time during the day, from Colonel
Greusel, which were to move his regiment up to a fence and have
them lie down. A second order was received to advance to another
fence in his front, which was done, and the men lay down.
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 723
He was soon after ordered hj General Sheridan to move his regi-
ment up to the woods, which was done, and the regiment formed
on the flank of the Eight}'-eighth Ilhnois, and was under the
immediate command of Colonel Greusel, during the rest of the
action. The hrigade commander, General Sill, was killed early in
the day. The command of Colonel Greusel marched through a
cedar swamp under a terrific tire of artillery, and crossed the
railroad and marched up the Murfreesboro Pike, where skirmish-
ers were thrown out to watch the enemy's cavalry who were
annoying the trains. Major Hibbard, under orders, subsequently
went further to the right, and supported an Ohio battery. At
night, three companies were posted as pickets, the remainder be-
ing in reserve. During the remainder of the battle, the Twenty-
fourth was not actively engaged.
Major Hibbard speaks highly of the conduct of the men who
passed through the two days of terrible fighting and the other
days of suspense and suifering.
The list of those killed or died of wounds, is from the records
of the Adjutant General, the list of wounded as officially published:
KiLi>ED OR Died of Wounds.— Compani/ A — Second Lieutenant George Bleyer
and Private Peter Cornillis. Company B — Sergeant George Rockwell, Pi'ivates Lemuel
Cochrane, Richard Joyce, Joseph Smyth and Philip Ward. Compani/ C— Corporal
Gustav Hockermann, Private.s Reinhold Eckhardt, Carl Pankow and Gottlieb Beck.
Cmnpani/ D — Second Lieutenant Christian Nix, Privates George Gregg, Sylvester Hen-
nesey, Richard Jefters and George Krause. Company E — Privates Abraham Queenan
and David H. Springsted. Compaity F—Vrivate John B. Coleman. Campany G — Cor-
porals Frank A. Hale and Thomas C. Parker. Company IT — Privates Cliristian Auren-
hammer, John Eder and Joseph Weiskopf. Comjiany I — Privates William Regan,
Edward Curley and George N. Cameron. Company K — Privates Noel B. Brooks, James
Gilbert, Augustus Gage and Henry Pfaff— 31.
Wounded.— Company ^4— Privates George H. Tucker and Frank D. Fowler. Company
S— Sergeants Geo. Cole and Charles Swan, Corporals H. B. Furness and Albert Weber,
Pi-ivates Charles Ellmaker, George W. Merrick, David Newcomb and S. J. Williams.
Company C — Corporal C. C. Mayer, Privates Frederick Zetter, Heinrich Geiger and
Moritz Berngen. Company D — Privates Patrick Ryan and Michael Hickey. 0)mpany
E — Privates Jolm D. Barrett, James Harvey and William Queenan. Ow^pany F — Cor-
poral George Creighton, Privates Jolin Dunn, Frank Kittridge and William Parkinson.
Qwipa/!^ G — Sergeant H.W. Carter, Privates Harry Weldon, Martin Smith and James
Foley. Oimpani/ //—Privates Cliarles Bisch, Morris Reilly and Daniel Murphy.
C(7mpa/i.v J— Corporals B. F. Marshall and C. Gabrielson, Privates C. Analiecker, H.
Ulrich, John French, Aug. Hunn and H. Baker. Company K — Privates H. Baldwin, J.
H. Bruder, T. G. Chapman, J. Gitter, D. Saulsbury, S. R. Smith, W. Small, A. Wrase and
J. Powel— 46.
Lieutenant Colonel Buttrick havino^ resisrned on the 24th of
December, Major Hibbard was commissioned as Lieutenant Col-
onel to date from December 24th, and Captain von Baumbach,
724 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
was appointed Major. On the 7tli of March, 1863, Lieuteuant
Colonel Hibbard resigned, and Lieutenant Theodore S. West,
formerly adjutant of the Fifth Wisconsin, was appointed
Lieutenant Colonel.
In the reorganization of the army for the summer campaign,
the Twenty-fourth was placed in the First Brigade, General Lytle,
Third Division, General Sheridan, in the Twentieth Army Corps,
General McCook, and, on the 24th of June, moved from Mur-
freesboro, and reached Tullahoma on the 1st of July, from
whence it proceeded to Cowan, Tenn., where it encamped on the
3d. Remaining at Cowan, or in its vicinity, until the forward
movement began against the enemy at Chattanooga, on the 2d
of September, the Division of General Sheridan crossed the Ten-
nessee River, at Bridgeport, and wnth McCook's corps, marched
across the mountains to Trenton, thence up Wills' Valley to
Alpine, thirty-two miles from Trenton. On General Rosecrans'
discovering that Bragg was at Lafayette, only twenty-two miles
south of Chattanooga, he ordered the immediate return of
McCook's corps and the concentration of all his forces near Gor-
don's Mills and along Chicamauga Creek. The corps of McCook
retraced its steps as rapidly as possible, the march being over the
most terrible roads, and suffering from the weather and short
rations for three days prior to the battle of the 19th and 20th,
arrived on Chicamauga Creek, and without rest, or adequate
rations, rushed into one of the bloodiest battles of modern times.
Colonel Larrabee resigned on the 27th of August, and the
command devolved on Lieutenant Colonel West.
On the morning of the 19th of September, the Twenty-fourth
marched from Pout's Spring at 11 o'clock, under the command
of Lieutenant Colonel Theodore S. West, to a position near
Gordon's Mills, forming on the right of the Chattanooga road
fronting Chicamauga Creek. This position was on the extreme
right of Rosecrans' line. General McCook's corps forming the
rio:ht wino;. The other two brigades of Sheridan had been sent
to the left to reinforce Thomas' forces near Rosecrans' head-
quarters at the Widow Glenn's House, and General Lytle's
brigade was left to hold the position at Gordon's Mills. The
enemy opened on them with one piece of artillery which did
them no harm. The position was held along the Creek till
BATTLE OF CIIICAMAUGA. fj.0
dark, when tlie brigade was ordered to fall back about 200
paces to a piece of timber, where they bivouacked for the night.
« On the morning of the 20th, the brigade moved down the
Chattanooga road to Lee's Hill, where it was formed to the
right and rear of the Widow Glenn's house, the Eighty-eighth
Illinois and Twenty-first Michigan being in the first line, and
the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin and Thirty-sixth Illinois in the
second line. A change was made, and the line was moved further
down the Chattanooga road, and formed under a terrific fire of
the enemy, to the right of the road facing the creek. Here they
fought the enemy for nearly half an hour, and here their Brig-
adier General Lytle, was killed. At this time, the enemy moved
up a heavy column on their left flank, and the regiment on that
flank having given way, the brigade was exposed to a heavy en-
filading fire. The two left companies were swung to the rear
and poured a heavy fire into the ranks of the enemy, but they
advanced in overpowering numbers on both flanks, and the regi-
ment was obliged to give way. In the confusion, Lieutenant
Colonel West, in retiring from the field, was stunned by the
explosion of a shell, which prostrated him. In endeavoring to
rise, he found himself unable to stand, his left hip being tem-
poraril}' paralyzed. He was taken prisoner and carried to Rich-
mond and incarcerated in Libby Prison, whence he made his
escape in company with Colonel Hobart, by passing through the
famous tunnel, and returned to Wisconsin, subsequently return-
ing to his regiment and taking part in the celebrated Atlanta
campaign.
The list of those killed or died of wounds, is taken from the
records of the Adjutant General's office, the list of wounded is as
officially reported :
Killed or Died of Wovt^DS.— Compani/ j4 — Corporal William B. Axtell, Privates
Richard Corgan, Silas P. Parsons, George M. Logan and Leonard C. Gronenger. Company
Z>— Privates Richard Booth and Lyman N. Curtis. Company £"— Private J. Todliunter.
Company F — Sergeant A. J. Tebbenham, Private Chas L. Sullivan. Company H — Captain
Gustavus Goldsmith, Privates Frederick L. Baker, Nathan E. Newstadt and Andrew
Wachtman. Company/ /—Privates Joseph Lawrence and Thomas Pritchard. Company
K — Privates John Coles and George Yachum — 18.
Wounded.— J'ieZrf 0?/ice)- — Lieutenant Colonel T. S. West. Company ^—Musician C.
P. Hager, Sergeants Millard B. Coliurn and Thomas A. Conway, Corporals Tlionias .1.
Thi-isk. Edwin B. Bemis and George C. Groff, Privates William H. McDonald, D. Orem,
Henry H. Belden, Richard Corgan, Abram Carman, Fred. A. Reno, Corbett J. Woodward,
William C. Schwartzberg, Alex. Yessen, Charles A. Smith, George Marsh and Darwin P
726 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Merrill. Company 5 — Sergeant Henry G. Rogers, Corporal William H. Partridge, Pri-
vate Julian Carlisle. Company C— Corporal Robert Schott. Company Z>— Sergeants
Elisha H. Bramhall and John D. Flaliertj', Corporals Edwin Glenn and D. D. Goodrich,
Privates Thomas Hiekey, James F. Mills, John E. Garvin, John B. Gardner, Michael
Neary, Daniel Bntler, Samuel Burke and Edmund Moon. Company ^—Privates Jamea
Harney, Adam Schurm, Fred. Evert and Charles D. Watson. Cmnpany F— Corporai
Joseph New, Privates John H. Hickman and Francis N. Lawrence. Company G — Ser-
geant Michael Greaney, Coiijorals Robert Taylor, Mathew E. McGuirk and Thos. Tighe,
Privates Michael Monegan, Godfrey Guyler, Charles Truax and John A. Patterson.
Company J/— Corporals William Bold and James Mangan, Pi-ivates J. C. Jonanson, and
Thomas Burns. Company I— Captain Fred. A. Root, Lieutenant Robert J. Chivas, Ser-
geants George Haywood and Heni-y A. Reed, Private Jacob Felter. Conipany K—
Sergeant Rinaldo Wentworth, Private John Hafer— 61.
Thirty-six were reported as missing, mostly taken prisoners.
Major von Baumbach took command of the regiment after
Colonel West was taken prisoner, and they retired to a hill,
about 400 yards in the rear, and subsequently, with the brigade,
now under command of Colonel Miller, marched to Rossville,
and bivouacked for the night. On the next morning they
returned to the front and took position in line, threw up breast-
works, and occupied them until noon of the 22d, when the
brigade marched to Chattanooga. The regiment remained in
camp at Chattanooga, employed in guard and fatigue duty, until
the campaign of General Grant, which resulted in the capture
of Mission Eidge, and the driving of the enemy from those points
in the vicinity of Chattanooga, from which he had annoyed the
forces of General Grant, since the battle of Chieamauga.
The Twenty-fourth left camp at Chattanooga on the afternoon
of the 23d of ITovember, and took position in line of battle, on
the left of the Dalton road, which they retained till nearly three
o'clock, next morning, when they moved half a mile to the left.
Shortly before noon, on the 25th, they were ordered to a position
for the storming of Mission Ridge, and about four, in the after-
noon, advanced to the assault. Having proceeded a short
distance at the common step, the order was given to move at
double quick. The regiment advanced in admirable order, up
to the first line of the enemy's rifle pits, which they carried, and
after a short rest, resumed the ascent, taking advantage of the
irregularities of the ground, as a screen from the enemy's fire
from his position above. After a very severe engagement, the
rebel position was captured, and the regiment rested about four
hours, on the summit of the ridge, when they descended the
opposite side of the mountain, and bivouacked for the night, two
and a half miles from the summit.
BATTLE AT MISSION RIDGE. 727
Tlie list of killed or died of wounds, is from the j^.djutant
General's records, and tlie list of wounded, is as officially reported:
Killed or Died of ^\'ov^ST>s.— Company i? — Captain Howard Green, Private II. C.
Trintlage. Company F — Private Delos Hunt. Company I — First Lieutenant Robert A.
Chivas. Company K — Private Frederick Stearns — 5.
Wounded. — Co»ijL)rt»^vl— Captain Ricliard Austin, Lieutenant Tlios. E. Balding, Pri-
vate Robert Aclirill. Company B — Sergeant William E. Trowbridge, Privates Michael
Brodriclv, Micliael Welsh, Charles Masc-hey and Augu.st Leichnitz. 0»«pa??^ f— Ser-
geant William Hauke, Corporal Rourth. Company D — Corporal Jacob Rogers, Private
Edward Moore. Co?»poH^ £"— Privates George H. Moore, Milton Putney, P. Metinger,
Fred. Hoft and William Crammon. Company 2^— Sergeant Felix McSorle.y, Privates
Edward Bennett, William Dolan and Edward Ryan. Company G — Privates Eugene
Webber and Herman Allen. Company H — Privates Arnold Boyd, James Dufly, Thos.
Sexton and Ernst Keisse. Company J— Private Henry Ants. Company K — Privates
Fred. W. Waddle and Isaac Place — 30.
Major von Baumbacli spoke with enthusiasm of the conduct of
his men, mentioning Captain Howard Green and Lieutenant R.
J. Chivas, who were killed, and Captain Austin and Lieutenant
Balding, who were severely wounded, while gallantly cheering
on their men, and makes special mention of Adjutant McArthur,
as seizing the flag from the exhausted color-bearer, and carrying
it at the front of the regiment, until the topmost position was
reached on that rocky ridge.
Major von Baumbach resigned on the 28th of November, and
Adjutant Mci\.rthur was appointed Major, who commanded the
regiment until the return of Lieutenant Colonel West from
captivity.
In the reorganization of the army, by General Grant, after the
battle of Chicamauga, the Twentieth and Twenty-first corps, of
McCook and Crittenden, were discontinued, and the Fourth
Corps was organized, to which the division of General Sheridan
was transferred, carrying with it the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin.
On the return of the Twenty-fourth to camp, at Chattanooga,
after the brilliant affiiir of Mission Ridge, they were ordered to
prepare rations, and take part in the expedition of General Sher-
man, for the relief of General Burnside, at Knoxville, the Fourth,
Eleventh and Fifteenth corps forming the force sent forward.
Starting on the 28th of November, the army arrived in the
vicinity of Knoxville, after a march of 130 miles, on the 7th
of December, raising the siege of that place, which had been
closely invested by Longstreet. Aside from the relief of Knox-
ville, there appears to be little of importance in the subsequent
728 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
movements, of the Twentj-fourtli in East Tennessee, that will
interest the general reader, although it was one of those tedious
and trying services which the soldier is often called to perform,
where rations are short, and quartermasters' supplies are scanty,
with muddy roads, and cold and inclement weather. They were
stationed, during the winter, at points in proximity to Knoxville.
A considerahle skirmish took place near Dandridge, about forty-
five miles from Knoxville. The regiment charged upon a rebel
battery, and forced them to make a hasty retreat from the field.
They afterwards returned to Knoxville, thence they moved to
Loudon, twenty-eight miles from that place, where they remained,
engaged in provost guard duty, until the commencement of the
spring campaign, under General Sherman.
In the reorganization of the army of General Sherman, the
Twenty-fourth was located in General Newton's division of the
Fourth Army Corps of General Howard, which, with the Four-
teenth Corps, General Palmer, and the Twentieth Corps, General
Hooker, formed the army of the Cumberland, under General
Thomas. The brigade was commanded by Colonel Sherman.
After four months' imprisonment, Lieutenant Colonel West
made his escape, and returned to Wisconsin, where he was
appointed Colonel of the Twenty-fourth, on the 4th of March,
1864, and soon after, rejoined his regiment.
On the 3d of May, the regiment rejoined the brigade, while on
the march, and on the 9th, took part, with I^ewton's division, in
the attack on Rock}^ Face Ridge, in front of Dalton, Ga., and
succeeded in carrying a portion of the crest of the hill, and
remained, with slight change of station, until the morning of the
13th, wdien it was ascertained that the enemy had abandoned his
fortified position, and the army was ordered to advance towards
Resaca. In the action at Resaca, on the 14th of May, the regi-
ment, with the brigade, had advanced about 300 yards, when
they emerged upon an open field, where they were exposed to a
severe fire of artillery and musketry. The regiment rapidly
advanced, and gained a position partially protected from the
enemy's fire by a slight elevation. In this movement, the regi-
ment became detached from the other regiments of the brigade,
with the exception of the Fifteenth Missouri and Thirty-sixth
Illinois. After a short delay, they advanced to the crest of the
BATTLE OF RESACA. 729
ridge, and commenced an engagement with the enemy, which
lasted two hours, when, their ammunition being expended, and
the guns rendered foul by constant firing, they were ordered to
the rear. They subsequentl}" occupied various positions during
the attack upon Resaca, until its evacuation by the enemy on the
night of the 15th of May, w^hen they again moved forward. In
the action before Resaca, Lieutenant Colonel West was wounded,
and the command devolved upon Major Mc Arthur. In the
charge made at Resaca, on the 14tli of -May, Company I was not
engaged, being on provost duty, and Company B was on the
skirmish line.
The list of those killed or died of wounds is from the records
of the Adjutant General, and the list of wounded from the
monthly reports :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cowipany C— Sergeant August Mueller, Corporal Louis
r. Mayer, Private Joseph Seibeulicli. Compani/ JS7— Private Frederick Hoft. Company
i^— Private DeWitt C. Kiugsley. Company G — Sergeant Richard H. Davis. Company K
Private John Moore — 7.
Wounded.— CbnipoHi^ ^ — Corporal George A, Cooley. Company C— Privates Franz
Fuchs and Joseph Gaerty. Company E — Privates Adam Shuver, Henry Wilson, Jolm
H.Lewis and Peter Nedding. Company i^— Private Thomas Kelley. Company G —
Captain John W. Plummer, Privates William M. Ormund, Henry G. Weldon and Philip
Smith. Company K— Private John Hafer — 13.
Passing through Calhoun on the morning of the 17th, the
regiment, at noon, relieved the Thirty-sixth Illinois in support
of the skirmish line, and advanced, with little opposition, until
near Pleasant Hill, a short distance from Adairsville, when the
enemy displayed so strong a force, that companies A, F and D,
under command of Lieutenant Keith, were deployed on the right
of the road, to assist the skirmish line. Shortly afterwards, those
were reinforced by two more companies, and the balance of the
regiment deployed on the left of the road. Failing, however, to
make any impression on the strong line of the enemy, the entire
brigade joined the engagement, which was hotly contested, until
after dark.
The casualties at Adairsville, or Pleasant Hill, we find in the
records of the Adjutant General:
Killed or Died of Wounds. — Company Z) — First Lieutenant Tliomas T.Keith,
Privates Thomas Canpiou and John Slianahan. Company G — VvixixXe Philip Smith
Company H— Private Frank EUenbecker. Company K— Private Lewis Kassuer — 6.
730 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The forward movement was resumed next morning, and pass-
ing through Adairsville, they reached Kingston on the 19th of
May. After a delay of four days at Kingston, they were again
put in motion, and on the night of the 25th, they established
position in front of Dallas, which they occupied eleven days, at
all times exposed to the rebel iire.
The list of those killed or died of wounds at Dallas, we find
in the Adjutant General's records:
Killed or Died op Wovijds.— Company ^—Privates John S. Dewey and Patrick
Coleman. Company J57— Corporal Adolph W. Walter, Private John H. Bernger — 3.
The following listincludesthosewho were wounded at Pleasant
Hill, on the 17th of May, and in the subsequent battles around
Dallas :
Wounded.— Qwwpany A — Pi'ivate John Mahoney. Company B — Lieutenant George
Allanson, Sergeant E. C. Arnold, Privates Conrad Niederman, Ferrel Berkley, James W.
Talion, William Rahlman and William Hauser. Company C— Private D. Luebben.
Company Z) — Sergeant Edward Morgan, Privates Andrew McNeil and Thomas Carpion.
Con^patiy E — Privates Gerritt Dunck and Joseph F. Singer. Company F — Privates John
F. Dunn, Herbert W. Keyes, James VanVorhees, M. Greary and Christian Kremer.
Company /f— Sergeant Thomas J. Ford, Corporal Leopold Meyer, Privates Jas. Duffej%
Charles J. Powers and Christian Reubenstein. Cbwjaanjr J?"— Privates Edward F. B.Day,
John Getta and Philip Spaar — 27.
On the 4th of June, Major McArthur was appointed Lieutenant
Colonel, and Captain Philbrook, Major.
The Twenty-fourth subsequently took part in the operations at
Ackworth, and on the 20th of June, took position before Kene-
saw Mountain. In the action of the 22d, the regiment was
ordered on the skirmish line, which they were directed to ad-
vance, in connection with that of the Twentieth Corps. Owing
to some misunderstanding, the line on their left did not advance,
thus exposing the regiment to an enfilading fire which compelled
them to withdraw, leaving two of their dead on the field. In the
afternoon they again advanced, and successfully occupied the
ground abandoned in the morning. At midnight, they were
relieved from this position, and ordered to retire to the works,
where they remained until the morning of the 27th of June,
when they participated in the unsuccessful assault upon the
enemy's works.
The losses in the battles around Kenesaw Mountain, June
27th, were as follows :
SIEGE OF ATLANTA. 731
Killed OR Died OF Wounds.— 0»»p«)?y ^—Privates Homer H. Cooloy, Amandus
Silsljy and Frederick Kahler. Cctmj)a)ti/ C— Privates August Klumb, Arnold Koscn-
bauni and Henry Terhot. Omtpayiy I) — Pri\ate Patrick Coleman. Oniipainj i-'— Private
William Dolan. Company G — Privates Andrew Baxter and Thomas Kourke — 10.
WOv'NDED.— jSYo^ Oi/7cer— Ailjutant H. Buchanan. Co7npcmy A— Sergeant W. T. Flem-
ing. Cbmpan^ 2? — Sergeant Lewis Ransom. Company C — Corporal John Zettler. Com-
pany D — Private Michael Xeary. Company J5— Privates William Shallack, Gottlieb
Ui'batesch and Charles C. Liester. Company J''— Privates Hiram Whitmarsh and Wm.
Dolan. Ormvpany O — Private Bernard Freestal. Company K — Private Thos. Powell — 12.
Moving forward on tlie 3(1 of July, witli tlie general advance
of the army consequent upon the enemy's evacuation of Kenasaw,
they passed through Marietta, five miles south of which the
enemy had chosen a new position, which he abandoned on the
night of the 4th. JSText morning, the regiment moved forward
and encamped in the evening on the north bank of the Chatta-
hoochie River, where they remained, with unimportant changes,
until the 13th, when they crossed the stream, and again encamped,
remaining five days. They crossed Peach Tree Creek on the night
of the 19th, taking position near the scene of the battle of the
next day, in which the rebel attempt to capture our hastily
constructed works was brilliantly repulsed.
The casualties were :
Killed.— Company ^—Private J. D. Barrett — 1.
Wounded.— Company E— Privates John Hadalin and Martin linger. Company H —
Sergeant J. L. Dickinson and Corporal Martin Weinhart — 4.
The enemy retired from their front on the 22d, when they
moved forward and attained position in front of Atlanta, which
they retained with slight change until the night of the 25tli of
August, when they left the trenches, accompanying the corps in
the celebrated movement to the right. They struck the Macon
Railroad on the 1st of September, and were employed in destroy-
ing the track until near evening, when they moved rapidly to the
right and became engaged in the battle of Jonesboro, where
William H. Ewen, of Company K, was wounded. Next morn
ing, they advanced without opposition to Lovejoy's Station, near
which they occupied position until the night of the 5th, when
they set out for Atlanta, at which place, on the 8th, they went
into camp. Corporal John Howard and Private Renschenberger,
of Company H, are reported as having died of wounds.
In the latter part of September, the Twenty-fourth was ordered
to Chattanooga, Tenn., where they were employed in garrison
732 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and gaard duty until called upon to take part in the movements
of the army, under General Thomas, to check the advance to the
northward of the rebel forces under command of General Hood.
They left Chattanooga by rail, on the 1st of ISTovember, arriving
next day at Athens, Ala., on the Nashville and Decatur Railroad.
They thence moved to the northward, forded Elk River on the
4th, and next day entered Pulaski, Tenn., where the regiment
was employed in guard duty and building fortifications, until the
movement was resumed on the 22d of N'ovember. Passing
through Liuwood, they encamped on the 24th, at Columbia, the
junction of the Mount Pleasant Branch with the IlTashville and
Decatur Railroad, from which point, on the 25th, they were
ordered on a reconnoissance, developing the enemy's lines within
two miles of the to^vn, and on the 28th, they retired across Duck
Creek by the railroad bridge, which was burned to obstruct the
rebel advance. Early next day, they marched to Spring Hill,
arriving just in time to prevent the occupation of the place by
the rebel cavalry. They bivouacked for the night near the rail-
road station, and at four on the morning of the 30th, took up the
line of march for Franklin, skirmishing frequently with the
enemy during this march of twelve miles, and entered Franklin
shortly after noon. At about half past four, the enemy, in strong
force, commenced a furious assault upon our'line, and the troops
occupying the works in front of the Twenty-fourth gave way in
confusion. The regiment immediately charged with fixed bayo-
nets, forced a number of stragglers back to the works, and in a
severe hand to hand conflict, regained possession of the line, for
a moment occupied by the rebels. They retained this position
behind the works, resisting gallantly the repeated attempts of the
enemy to dislodge them, until eleven at night, when the regi-
m,ent, under Captain Parsons, upon whom the command devolved
when Major McArthur was wounded, withdrew to the town, and
subsequently crossed the river, marching all night towards iSTash-
ville, near which place they encamped on the 1st of December.
The casualties as reported, were :
Killed ok Died of Wounds.— Cbwipanj/ J3 — Corporal Henry W. Mason. Oompany C
— Sergeant John Zahl and Corporal Dietrich Leublen. Company D — Captain Alvah
Philbrook. Company E— First Sergeant James F. Barnes and Private R. M, M. Putney.
Company JT— Sergeant Byi'on C. Covolt — 7.
MUSTER OUT OF SERVICE. 733
WOTJ'SD'E'D.— Flehl Offlcn' — 'Mnjor "Me Arthur. Cfrmpanp A— Corpornl Rohert Backrill
Oynjpany C — Corporal D. I>uebben, Privates i^Iartin Tischope and Peter Keppuen. Chm-
patiy D — Sergeant William H. IJunean and Corporal James C. Lyncli. Cumpaiiy E —
Corporal Christian Bessinger. Company F — Sergeant Thomas Toohey, Corporal John
H. Hickman, Privates Charles D. Downer and James Woodward. Company i/— Private
Peter Schlim. Cmnpany A'— Sergeant Edw. Lamb and Corporals Bernard Stallenworth
and Sanford Grover — 16.
The Twenty-fourth participated in the decisive battles of the
15th and 16th of December, before ISTashville, and subsequently
took part in the pursuit of the rebel army, arriving on the 29th,
at Lexington, Ala., near Florence, from which place they set out
in return on the 31st, and crossing Elk River on the 8d of Janu-
ary, 1865, reached Huntsville, Ala., on the 5th, and went into
winter quarters.
With the movement of a portion of General Thomas' forces,
designed to cooperate from the westward with General Grant's
campaign in Virginia, the Twenty-fourth left Huntsville by rail,
on the 28th of March, arriving on the 31st, at Bull's Gap, East
Tenn., from which point they proceeded eastward ten miles to
Bhie Springs, where they were employed in repairing the rail-
road. There the news of Lee's surrender and Lincoln's assasina-
tion was received, when orders were given to return. On the
19th of April, they returned to Bull's Gap, and proceeding
thence by rail on the 22d, arrived on the 24th at JSTashville,
Tenn., and went into camp four miles north of the city, and
remained until mustered out of service on the 10th of June,
On the 15th, they reached Milwaukee, Wis., where they were
shortly afterwards paid, and formally discharged.
Ber/imental Statistics. — Original strength, 1003. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1864, 70, in 1865, 4; total, 1077. Loss— by death, 173;
deserted, 72 ; transferred, 138 ; discharged, 298 ; mustered out,
406.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Sent to Minnesota — Return to Wisconsin — ■
Move to Columbus, Ky. — Satartia, on the Yazoo River —
Snyder's Bluff — Siege op Vicksburg — On Duty at Helena —
Sherman's Meridian Expedition — Move to Cairo — Thence to
Decatur, Ala. — Join Sherman's Army — Battle of Resaca —
Dallas — Battle at Decatur, GtA. — Atlanta — Jonesboro —
Pursuit of Hood — Join in the Grand March — Savannah — Battle
of the Salkehatchie — Reach Goldsboro — Surrender of John-
ston's Army — Homeward March — Grand Review at Washington
— Muster out — Return to Madison — Statistics.
THE Twenty-fifth Regiment w^as organized at Camp Salomon,
La Crosse, in September, 1862, and mustered into the United
States service on the 14th, and was ordered to report to General
Pope, at St. Paul, to aid in suppressing the Indian difiiculties
in the State of Minnesota. They left the State on the 19th, with
the following roster :
Colonel— MILTON MONTGOMERY.
Lieutenant Cb^owei— Sa:mttel J. Nasmith; Jlfo/or — Jeremiah M. Rusk; Adjutant —
George G. Symes; Quartermaster —Wii.x,iam H. Downs; Surgeon — MATiTiyi R.Gage;
First Assistant Surgeon — Jacob McCreavy; Second Assistant Surgeon — William A.
Gott; C/iaplain — 'Rey. T. C. Golden.
Co. Oiptains,
A — James Bei-ry,
B — William H. Joslj-n,
C — H D. Farqnharson,
D — James D. Condit,
E — John G. Scott,
F — James C. Farrand,
G— Virus W. Doi-win,
II— ZibaS. Swan,
I — Robert Nash,
K— Robert M. Gordon.
First Lieutenants.
Cyrus M. Butt,
William Roush,
L. S. Mason,
Mortimer E. Leonard,
John W. Smelker,
Parker C. Dunn,
John W. Brackett,
Charles F. Olmstead,
Daniel N. Smalley,
Charles A. Hunt.
Second Lieutenants.
John R. Casson,
William H. Bennett,
Thomas Barnett,
Charles S. Farnam,
John M. Shaw,
Oscar E. Foote,
Robert J. Whittleton,
Henry C. W'ise,
John T. Richards,
Lewis F. Grow.
SERVICES IN MINNESOTA. 735
Arriving at St.Paul on the 20th, the regiment was divided, five
companies, under Lieutenant Colonel Nasmith, being sent to
Sauk Centre, Painesville and Acton, the remainder, under the
command of Colonel Montgomery, was sent to Leavenworth,
Fairmount, "Winnebago City and Xew Ulm, where regimental
headquarters was established.
The Lidians had again become troublesome in Minnesota, and
the population of the western settlements were leaving their
homes and property, for fear of a repetition of the massacres
and devastations of the year 1861. Requiring additional military
forces. General Pope sent to Governor Salomon for all the regi-
ments in the State. The Twenty-fifth was the only one in the
State that could be spared. On the arrival of the two wings at
their respective destinations, they encamped, and entered upon
the duties required of them. The presence of a military force in
their vicinity, contributed to the preservation of tranquility
among the border settlers, as well as to deter the hostile Indians
fi'om their depredations. We have no memoranda of the move-
ments of the regiment while on this service. Li the latter part
of November, the regiment was ordered to return to Winona,
^linn., which place they reached after a long march of 250 miles,
through a new country, over indififerent roads, and subject to the
hardships incident to a march during the early winter of that
region. Arriving at Winona on the 13th of December, they
moved to LaCrosse, thence, by rail, to Camp Randall, where they
arrived on the 18th.
On the 17th of February, 1863, the regiment left Camp Randall,
under orders to report at Cairo, 111. Arriving there on the 19th,
they moved next day to Columbus, Ky., and encamped. Here
the regiment was attached to the Sixteenth Army Corps, General
Ilurllmrt, the post being under command of General Asboth.
On the 27th of April, the regiment proceeded, with other forces,
to Cape Girardeau, to aid in resisting the attack of the rebels,
under Marmaduke. They did not arrive until the rebels were
driven off by the forces stationed at that point. Returning to
Columbus, the Twent3^-fifth resumed their former post and picket
duty, in which they had been employed since landing at that
place. On the 31st of May, they left on transports, and proceeded
down the river, touching at Memphis, where orders were received
736 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
to proceed to Young's Point, where they arrived on the 4th of
June. From thence, they proceeded up the Yazoo River, to
Satartia, where they landed and encamped. Here the regiment
was assigned to a brigade, consisting of the Twenty-fifth and
Tvventj'^-seventh Wisconsin, and another regiment, whicli was
placed under the command of Colonel Montgomery, in Kimball's
Provisional Division.
Leaving Satartia on the 16th of June, the brigade marched
down the Yazoo valley, to Haines' Bluff, and from thence, four
miles further, to Snyder's Bluff, where they arrived on the 11th.
This position formed the extreme right of the line of investment
around Yicksburg. Here they remained, engaged in the per-
formance of picket duty, and work on the fortifications and
intrenchments, until the 25th, when the regiment, under the
command of Lieutenant Colonel Nasmith, took part in an expe-
dition up the Mississippi River, for the purpose of driving off the
guerillas, who were stationed at several points, and firing into
the passing boats. They returned without being able to give
battle, as the rebels fled on their approach. Resuming their old
position in the trenches at Snyder's Bluff, they remained until
the 25th of July. They were placed in a very sickly locality,
overlooking the Yazoo River, and the regiment suffered severely,
over 500 men being sick, and very few fit for duty.
On the 25th of July, they left Snyder's Bluff", and moved up
the Mississippi River to Helena, where the regiment was detached
from the brigade, and placed on duty as provost guard. Colonel
Montgomery was placed in command of the district of eastern
Kansas and of the post. Captain Gordon, of Company K, was
appointed Provost Marshal.
The great amount of sickness Avhich afilicted the regiment
while at Helena, is attributed to the hardships of the rapid march
from Satartia to Snyder's Bluff, the regiment having accom-
plished two days' march in one. The excessive heat, and the
exhausted condition of the men, with the unhealthy position at
Snyder's Bluff* to which they were assigned, was productive of
disease, which, for many months, afilicted the command to a
frightful extent. On the 16th of August, the daily report showed
but ninety men fit for duty. Only two captains — Farquharson
MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 737
and Gordon — were on duty, Captnin Farqiiharson was in com-
mand of the regiment, and Captain Gordon was acting as
Provost Marshal. Colonel Montgomery was in command of the
district and post, and Lieutenant Colonel Nasmith and Major
Husk were absent, sick.
Lieutenant Colonel Nasmith died of disease contracted in tlio
service, on the 17th of August. Major Rusk was appointed
Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Joslyn, of Company B, was
appointed Major.
The regiment remained at Helena, engaged in provost guard
duty principally, until the 1st of February, when they moved
down the river to Vicksburg, where they rejoined the Sixteenth
Army Corps, and accompanied it on the celebrated expedition to
Meridian, made under the command of General Sherman. Col-
onel Montgomery was in command of a brigade, and Lieutenant
Colonel Rusk commanded the regiment. With the rest of the
command they marched to Meridian, and assisted in the des-
truction of the railroads and other rebel property, at and near
that locality, and returned to Vicksburg on the 4th of March.
The Fourth Division of the Sixteenth Corps, under General
Veatch, belonging to the left wing of the corps, to which the
Twenty-fifth was attached, on the 13th of March, left Vicksburg,
and proceeded up the river, en route to join the other divisions
of that wing, which was then in Alabama, under General Dodge,
and arrived at Cairo on the 20th. On the 26th, they left Cairo,
and proceeded up the Tennessee River, to Clump's Landing, Ala.,
from thence to Waterloo, Ala., where they disembarked on the
2d, and marched, by way of Florence, Athens and Mooresville,
to Decatur, Ala., where they joined the other division of the
Sixteenth Corps, under General Dodge.
They remained at Decatur, engaged in guard duty, until the
1st of May, when they marched to Huntsville, and proceeded
thence to Chattanooga by rail, arriving on the 5th, and immedi-
ately proceeded to join the forces of General Sherman. The
Sixteenth Corps formed part of the "Army of the Tennessee,"
under General McPherson. General Sherman ordered McPherson
to march directly on Resaca, by way of Snake Creek Gap, and
on tlie 0th of May, made a demonstration on the enemy's works,
in which the Fourth Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps took
47
(o8 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
part. The rebel position was found too strong to be taken by
assault, and McPlierson's forces withdrew to the west end of
Snake Creek Gap.
"With the rest of Sherman's army cooperating, McPherson
again moved forward against Resaca, and on the 13th, the whole
force was in front of the enemy's works. The Twenty-fifth, with
the division, was in the front lines, and was detached to the
support of a battery, lying on a hillside, while rebel shot and
shell fell around them. On the 14th, they remained in their
position till late in the afternoon, when the division was detached
to the Fifteenth Corps, and attacked the enemy's works on his
extreme left. Here the Twenty-fifth charged across an open
field, under a heavy fire of the enemy, and relieved the Thirtieth
Iowa, which was out of ammunition. They held the crest of the
hill, over which the enemy charged three times, but was repulsed
with heavy loss. During the night they threw up works, behind
which they skirmished with the enemy during the next day.
Brigadier General Wood, of the Fifteenth Corps, under whose
command the regiment was temporarily placed, sent a compli-
mentary letter to General Dodge, of the Sixteenth Corps, in
which he speaks highly of the conduct of the Twenty-fifth while
under his command, in bravely going to the relief of the Iowa
regiment, and afterwards gallantly holding the crest of the hill
until the enemy retired.
The list of those killed and died of wounds is taken from the
Adjutant General's records, and the list of wounded is as ofi&cially
reported :
Killed ok Died of Wovt^^hs.— Oompan]/ ^—Private Perly B. Grutob. Company B —
Privates (xeorge Myers and Ole Oleson. Compani/ O— Private Blasies Seitz. Cmnpany F
— Private Sever Ttiompson. Company G — Private Vincent Kelly. Company H —
Bergeaut Thomas jti. Clark — 6.
Wounded.— Company A — Sergeant J. Williams, Private A. A. Richardson. Cmnpany
jB — Privates Orrin Boyinglon, Andrew Young, Thornton J. Smith, Newton Chesmore,
P. C. Bartle and T. Harris. Company O— Private J. W. Tuckwood. Company D —Cov^qxbI
D. H. Spooner, Private D. S. Howes and G. M. Snow. Company jE7— Privates M. Cornell,
Edward H. Moore, Charles Richey and Patrick Haney. Company F — Private Paul
Molliter. CwHpawi^ i/— Privates Joseph School and Bartholomew StoU. Company K-^
Private John Conroa — 20.
The regiment joined in pursuit of the enemy, arriving in the
vicinity of Dallas on the 26th of May. At noon, they began
skirmishing with the enemy, continuing it until evening, when
they advanced through Dallas, which the enemy had abandoned,
SKIRMISH AT PEACH ORCHARD. 739
and bivouacked for the iiig'ht. During the next day they occupied
the front line, with the Fifteenth Corps on the right of the Six-
teenth Corps, and the Fourteenth on the left. The regiment
occupied the brigade front, on which the enemy charged three
ditferent times, but were repulsed every time.
The casualties, from May 27th to 31st, were:
Killed.— Company E— Private Alvah Skinner. Company I— Private S. Taylor — 2.
Wounded.— Covipany 5 — Privates Cutler Salmon and George W. Peckham. Compami
^—Private Emory Blanc-hard. Company i^— Corporal Edwin C. Coleman, Privates
Arnold Ubersetzy and Savoy Thompson. Company H— Private Dewald Garner — 7.
Taking part in General Sherman's flank movement, to drive the
enemy from Allatoona, the regiment, with the Sixteenth Corps,
moved to the left, and subsequently took position near Big
Shanty, where it remained until the 10th of June, when, with
the Army of the Tennessee, it again advanced to the southward,
against the enemy's lines between Pine and Kenesaw mountains.
Here the}' were occupied in throwing up defensive works, and
skirmishing. On the 15th, with companies B, D, F, G and I,
and three companies from an Ohio regiment, and two from a
New York regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Rusk advanced his
force, deployed as skirmishers, and attacked the enemy's position
at Peach Orchard, and carried the rifle pits of the skirmish line,
taking a number of prisoners.
In this skirmish the casualties were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company £— Private Elison Fesket. Company F—
Private Nathan Shoemaker. Company I — Corporal Joseph Nelson — 3.
Wounded.— 'i^j'eW Officer — Lieutenant Colonel Rusk, in right arm. Company B — Cor-
poral Albert Stockton, Privates John Shearer and William W. Racey. Company C —
Private J. Hutchinson. Company F— Private Cyrus W. Robins. Company I — Corporal
William Longbotham, Privates William Wilkins, William .Swansey, Henry Drink and
JohnLoffelholtz — 10.
On the abandonment, by the enemy, of his lines on Lost Moun-
tain, on the 17th, the Fourth Division advanced across the ene-
my's works in their front and took position further towards
Kenesaw Mountain, on the crest of a hill which they fortified.
The two divisions of the Sixteenth Corps lay directly in front of
the eastern point of the mountain, the right resting on the rail-
road and adjoining the Fourteenth Corps, with the Seventeenth
Corps on the left. This position was held until the 3d of July,
when the different commands in front of Kenesaw Mountain
740 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN,
began to move to the right and left. The Sixteenth Corps
marched to the right and advanced to within two and a half miles
of the river, at IsTickajack Creek, near which stream the
division had a severe skirmish with the enemy.
On the 9th of Jnl}^ the Sixteenth Army Corps marched to the
rear, passing through Marietta, and along the banks of the Chat-
tanooga, which here takes a north or northeasterly direction, and
forded the Chattahoochie in the neighborhood of the town of
Roswell, which was situated on the northern bank. The Six-
teenth Corps camped in works built by the Fourth Corps. On
the 17th, the corps took up its march for Decatur, twenty-five
miles distant. Owing to the oppressive heat, and encountering
the reuel cavalr}^, which delayed their advance, the corps did not
reach the town till the 19th. On the 20th the brigade advanced
with the division to within three miles of Atlanta. On Thursday
the 21st, the brigade was ordered back to Decatur to guard the
flanks which covered the trains. It consisted of three regiments
and was commanded by Colonel Sprague. About noon on the
22d of July, they were attacked by two divisions of Wheeler's
dismounted cavalry. Colonel Montgomery, with a force com-
posed of companies B, E, F and I, of the Twenty-fifth, and four
companies of the Sixty-third Ohio, was ordered out to ascertain
the position of the enemy. They advanced about three-fourths
of a mile up a road, on the west of which, was a narrow but im-
passable swamp, and on the other, a deep miry ditch. The enemy
was met about a half a mile from the swamp, by the skirmishers
consisting of Company F, and an Ohio company under command
of Lieutenant Colonel Rusk. The enemy opened a severe fire,
and the skirmishers were driven down the road back to the re-
serve, which, under Colonel Montgomery, was in position to the
left of the road. The enemy advancing in strong force, Colonel
Montgomery moved the reserve by the left flank, and in attempt-
ing to cross the ditch to reach the battery in the rear, his horse
sank in the miry ground, and he was shot by the enemy and cap-
tured. Lieut. Col. Eusk, with the skirmishers, held the enemy
in check for a short time on the road, but were soon obliged to
retire. Li attempting to do this. Lieutenant Colonel Rusk was
surrounded by six or eight rebels who came at him with bayonets
at a charo^e. One of them made a dash at the Lieutenant
BATTLE AT DECATUR. 741
Colouel and grabbed his sword, wbicb hung in its scabbard by his
side, the squad crjdng out for the "Yankee" to surrender. The
Colonel made a characteristic reply, and very coolly pressed his
revolver to the side of the head of the rebel, and gave him
its contents. In falling, the fellow still held to the Colonel's
sword which broke from its fastening. Putting spurs to his
horse, the Colonel dashed down the road, under the fire of
the rebels, to which he replied with his revolver and suc-
ceeded in rejoining the regiment near the battery iu the rear,
not, however, until lie had his horse shot from under him. The
force was obliged to fall back through the town about a mile,
where the enemy was checked and the trains were saved, losing
only a few prisoners.
Second Lieutenant Gribble, of Company E, was killed, and
Captain William H. Bennett, of Company B, and Second Lieuten-
ant Lewis F. Grow, of Company K, were mortally wounded.
Colonel Montgomery w^as wounded in the arm and taken
prisoner.
The casualties as officially reported, were :
Killed OR Died Wounds.— 0?7!pa7»/ 5— Capt.Wm. H. Bennet, Corp. Wm. S. Breese
and Private Wm. W. Racy. Company D — Privates Jabez L. Huntley, Henry W. Cressy
and Thos. Dunlevy. Company ^—Second Lieutenant Wm. H. Gribble, Corp. Wm H.
Bailey, Privates Marion High, Ransom J. Bartle, Thomas C. Dougherty, John Grover,
George LafoUet and Charles Riekey. Company F—'Pv'wiite 3ohn Nichols. Company G~
Private John W. Christian. Company IT— Private Howard Finley. Comx)any £"— Second
Lieutenant Lewis F. Grow, Privates ISIartin Deagle, Simeon C. Reistad and John Salt— 20.
Wounded.— Company B — Vrix ales, Robert Carver, Simon S. Blake, James Blair, Miner
Bennett, J. A. W. Merrill, Timothy Manning, James Lewis, Robert J. Nemock and Wm.
B. Peckham. Company C— Sergeant Zachariah Thomas, Privates C. C. Coates, Charles
Croft, Newton Doty, Isaac C. ISIurray, Charles O. Jones, Henry Julus and Warren D.
Worden. Cbwipan^ jD — Sergeant David B. Bon, both legs, Corporal Anson J.Foster,
Privates John Birdsill, Peter Boyle, Wm. Wilco.x and Robert B. Dunlap. Company E—
Sergeant B. F. Bailey, Corporal George Douglass, Privates George M. Thomas, Fred
Stanover, Ben. C. Durley, J. N. Clifton, W. T. Long. J. M. Rosey, Jacob Eiserman and
Elias Worley. Company F— Privates Ezra Lockman and Darius Soper. Company G —
Privates C. v. Allen and Sylvanus Bears. Cotnjmny i/— Privates Bartholemew Stell
and Robert Crouch. Company J— Privates Simon P. Muflley, Sylvester Moody and
Patrick Kees. Oompaji.?/ A"— Sergeant C. H.Anderson and Private Henry Finch — 44.
Twenty-five were also reported as missing.
On the 25th, the brigade marched from Decatur, and took
position in the works before Atlanta, and on the 26th of July,
took part in the movement to the right, which was made by the
Seventeenth Corps, and in the attack of the enemy on the right
of the Fifteenth Corps, the Fourth Division, which was on the
742 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
right of the Seventeenth Corps, was exposed to an enfilading fire
on that flank which the Fifteenth Corps had not time to cover.
In or near this position the Twenty-fifth remained engaged in the
duties of the siege, erecting breastworks and rifle pits, for which
it soon estahhshed a reputation for superiority. Frequent skir-
mishes occurred and the position was retained until the 26th of
August, when General Sherman determined to make another
move still further to the right. The Twenty-fifth accompanied
the movements of the army of the Tennessee, and assisted in the
destruction of the railroads towards Jonesboro, and was present
at the battle at that place, but was not actively engaged. It occu-
pied a fortified position at Lovejoy's Station until the 6th of
September, when it moved with the balance of Sherman's army
and returned to Atlanta, going into camp atEastport, six miles
from the city.
The casualties from the 22d of July, to the 16th of September,
were :
KiLiyED OR Died of Wounds.— Cowjsawi/ JB— Piivate Henry Gehr. Company D —
Private P. P. House. Company K — Corporal Aaron H. Bonnell — 3.
Wounded. — Staff Offl.ce> — Chaplain Rev. Thomas Harwood. Non-commissioned Staff —
Principal Musician Chester Ide. Company B — Corporal Jesse G. Bunell, Privates Ed.
Dorsch, Jas. K. P. Purcell, Emanuel Taylor, Warren C. Morse, D. G. Gillies and Geo. S.
Ramsdell. Company C — Corp. J. T. Wilkinson and Private D. Scribner. Company E —
Corporal Edward Bentley, Privates Jacob Eiseman, James R. Hudson and Jacob Shafer.
.Company G — Second Lieutenant Julius A. Parr, Corporal Barney S. Bull and Private
Ambrose Campbell. Company H — Sergeant Edwin McFael. Company I — Corporal Levi
Pretts and Private John Soffenholz — 22.
The regiment remained in camp at East Point, Ga., without
anything of historical importance occurring until the 4th of Oc-
tober, when it accompanied the Seventeenth Army Corps in its
march to -the northward in pursuit of General Hood, who had
crossed the Chattahoochie, and was destroying General Sher-
man's communications. The corps crossed the river, followed
the rebel General to the vicinity of Resaca, thence by Ship Gap,
Summerville, to Gaylesville, in Ala. Here the pursuit was
abandoned and the Seventeenth Army Corps turned its steps
again towards Atlanta, which was to be the point of departure
on another great expedition. Moving by way of Cedartown,
Dallas, and Marietta, they reached Atlanta on the 10th of No-
vember, where they made preparation to start on the grand
march to the seacoast.
BATTLE AT RIVEllS' BRIDGE. 743
The Seventeenth Corps left Atlanta on the 15th of November,
the Twenty-fifth acting as train guard, as far as Monticello,
where on the 20th, they were relieved from duty as train guard,
and rejoined the brigade. From this point the march w^as fol-
lowed up, the regiment engaging in destroying railroad where it
was required, and in foraging. On the 26th, they arrived at
Toomsboro, where the regiment was detailed as pontoon guard,
and the Engineer and Pioneer Corps placed under the charge of
Lieutenant Cokmel Husk, who commanded the regiment in the
absence of Colonel Montgomery. On the 9th of December, the
enemy was encountered near the w^est end of Long Swamp, they
retired, however, without a battle. On the 10th, they again
came upon the rebels, and moved with the brigade, to within
500 3'ard8 of the enemy's breastworks. They ascertained that a
swamp lay between them and these works. They held their
position until relieved on the following day by the Fourteenth
Arm}'^ Corps. Here Louis Buchacher, of Company H, was
killed.
On the 12th, they took position at Dillon's Bridge, which they
held until the 3d of January, 1865, when they marched through
Savannah, and next day embarked and proceeded to Beaufort,
S. C, Port Royal Island, and encamped. Colonel Montgomery
having been exchanged, returned to the arm^^ at Beaufort, and
was placed in command of the brigade.
On the 13th of January, the march through the Carolinas
commenced, and the regiment crossed the Pocotaligo on pon-
toons, and bivouacked within one mile of the fort, which the
enemy evacuated during the night. In but few particulars did
the march of the Twenty-fifth, from this point to Goldsboro,
differ from the general history of the march. On the Salka-
hatchie River, on the 20th of January, they encountered the
enemy, drove in his pickets, and dislodged a small force behind
temporary breastworks. In the fight on the Salkahatchie, a
shell from the enemy grazed the head of the horse of Lieuten-
ant Colonel Rusk, which knocked him dow^n, and the Colonel was
dismounted, the orderly in his rear having his head carried
away by the missile. On the 2d of February, the regiment
advanced, companies C, Ej I and K, under command of Lieutenant
744 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Colonel Rusk, were deployed as skirmishers, the balance of
the Twenty-fifth being in reserve under command of Major Jos-
lyn. Tliey were soon after ordered to charge the enenn^'s
works at Rivers' Bridge, which they did under a severe fire from
the enemy's batteries. They subsequently, by wading through
mud and water waist deep, succeeded in attaining a position on
the Salkahatchie River, which they retained until relieved in the
evening, having had three men killed, First Sergeant William
Tomlinson, of Company I, and David Chase and Peter Knud-
son, of Company K, and five wounded. The enemy abandoned
his position on the next day. On the 9th, the enemy were again
encountered at South Edisto, the brigade crossed the stream on
a pontoon bridge, advanced through mud and water, half a
mile, charged upon the enemy's works, and dislodged him, com-
pelling him to retire. At Columbia the regiment was engaged
in provost guard duty, on the 18th and 19th. On the 28th, they
took possession of Wilkes' Mills, on Juniper Creek, and were
occupied in grinding corn for the division until the 3d of March,
when the march was resumed. At Chera.w the brigade was
assigned to provost guard duty. On the 15th, at South River,
the regiment, with other forces, charged upon the rebels, routed
them, and secured the passage of the river. On the 20th, the
brigade moved forward and joined General Howard at a point
on the Goldsboro and Fayetteville road. Taking position, they
acted as support to a charge against the enemy's works defend-
ing Goldsboro, which were carried and occupied by our forces.
On the 21st, an engagement took place in which one man was
wounded. On the 23d, they crossed the ISTeuse River, and entered
Goldsboro. Sergeant John W. Church, of Company A, was
reported as having died of wounds March 7th, 1865.
On the 10th of April, they joined in the advance of the army
towards Raleigh, where they arrived on the 14th. On the sur-
render of Johnston's army, joining in the homeward march,
they reached Richmond on the 13th of May, continuing their
march, they crossed the Potomac at Washington, on the 24th of
May, and took part in the grand review of Sherman's army,
after which the}^ encamped at Crystal Springs, where the regi-
ment was mustered out of service on the 7th of June, and set
MUSTERED OUT. . 745
out for Home, arnving at Madison, Wis., on the Ittli of June,
where they were shortly afterwards paid oif, and the regiment
was disbanded.
Colonel Montgomery was brevetted Brigadier General for mer-
itorious services during the war. Lieutenant Colonel Rusk was
brevetted Colonel, and subsequently Brigadier General, for
meritorious services.
JRegimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,018. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 20, in 1864, 282, in 1865, 10 ; by substitntes,
6; by draft in 1864, 95, in 1865,13; total, 1,444. Loss— by
death, 422; deserted, 20; transferred, 65; discharged, 165;
mustered out, 772.
OHAPTEE XXXIY.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Virginia — Battle of Chancellor-
viLLE — Gettysburg — Transferred to Tennessee — Battle of
Mission Ridoe — Atlanta Campaign — Battle of Resaca — Dallas
— Kenesaw Mountain — Peach Tree Creek — Atlanta — March
"WITH Sherman — Battles of Averysboro — Benton ville — Return
Home — Muster out — Statistics.
IN the summer of 1862, General Sigel was authorized by the
President to raise twelve regiments of infantry, from among
the German population of the loyal States. He sent a request to
Governor Salomon for the formation of one regiment in Wiscon-
sin. Governor Salomon entrusted the matter to W. H. Jacobs,
Esq., of Milwaukee. By his energy and ability and the aid
rendered by the patriotic Germans of the State, a full regiment
was soon recruited and organized at Camp Sigel, Milwaukee,
and Mr. Jacobs was appointed Colonel. It was mustered into
the United States service on the 17th of September, 1862, and
left the State with the following roster :
Colonel— WILLIAM H. JACOBS.
Ldeutenant Co?oneZ— Charles Lehman ; J/aJ<w — Philip Hobwitz; ^(?;'Mton< — Philip J.
Schlosser; QMartermosier— F. W. Hxjndhausen; Surgeon— YnAvicm Huebschmann;
Pirst AssistatU Surgeon — Simon Vandeb Vaabt ; Second Assistant Surgeon — Theodore
Fricke; CftopZam — Rev. William Vette.
Co. Captains. First Lieutenants. Second Lieide^iants.
A — William George, Christian Sarnow, August F. Mueller,
P — Fred. C. Winkler, William E. Huttmann, Francis C. Lackner,
C — John P. Seeman, John W. Fuchs, Bernard Domschke,
D — August Leigowsky August Schueler, Herman Furstenburg,
E — Ar.ton Kettlis, Charles W. Newkirch, John F. Hagen,
F — Henry Baetz, Charles Pizzala, Albert Wallber,
G— Jacob E. Mann, WilUam Smith, Julius Misswinkel,
H— HansBoebel, Joseph Wedig, Charles Vocke,
I — Franz Landa, Henry J. Bernlnger, John Orth,
X— Louis Pelosi. Jacob Help. Edward CarL
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORVILLE. 747
"With the exception of Company G, which consisted in part of
Americans, the whole regiment was composed of men of German
birth or German parentage. Being ordered to report at Wash-
ington, they left the State on the 6th of October. On their
amval, they were ordered to proceed to Fairfax Court House, to
join the Eleventh Army Corps, under General Sigel. The regi-
ment was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Third Division.
It was immediately put upon duty, engaging in drill whenever
opportunity ofiered. On the 2d of i^ovember, they marched to
Gainesville, and were occupied in the vicinity of this point, at
dijfferent stations, until the 9th of December, when the Eleventh
Corps took up its line of march for Falmouth, opposite Fred-
ericksburg, where they arrived on the 14th, just as General
Burnside was withdrawing his forces, after his unsuccessful
attack on the heights of Fredericksburg.
Operations for the winter having closed, the Eleventh Corps
proceeded to Statibrd Court House, where they went into camp.
The ill-fated "Mud Campaign," in January, 1863, routed the
Eleventh Corps from their winter quarters. They joined the
expedition, leaving the Twenty-sixth to guard the lines, which
they did until relieved by the Twelfth Corps. The Eleventh
Corps soon after returned to Staiford Court House, where the
regiment constructed a comfortable camp, and remained during
the winter months.
On the 5th of February, 1863, Major Horwitz resigned, and
Captain Baetz, of Company F, was appointed Major.
Early in April, preparations for the summer campaign began,
and on the 27th of April, the regiment, with the rest of the
Eleventh Corps, broke camp, and at midnight, crossed the Rap-
pahannock at Kelley's Ford, and on the 29th, crossed the Rapi-
dan at Germania Ford, and by hard marching, reached Locust
Grove, a few miles west of Chancellorsville, on the 30th of April.
The corps was put in position along the Fredericksburg Pike,
facing south. The line of battle was along the i-oad. The
extreme right of the line was occupied by a brigade in position
at an angle of about forty-five degrees, supported by three or
four additional regiments, with a section of artillery. This was
the extreme right of the line. The Twenty-sixth, in the Third
Division, was about a quarter of a mile from the extreme right.
748 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
/ 'No demonstration was made on tlie line on the 1st of May,
except a fire from a battery, nearly opposite the centre of the
Eleventh Corps, intended to ascertain the position of the array.
Slight rifle pits were thrown up during the night, and a wood
road, in the direction of the rebel guns, was barricaded, by falling
timber. During the next day, it was reported that troops were
passing some distance in front of the line, but no notice was
taken of it. On the 2d, the original line of battle remained the
same, except that a brigade of the Second Division, was sent to
aid General Sickles. The Twenty-sixth, wdth some other regi-
ments, were marched perpendicularly to the rear, and posted on
some hills, facing the west. It was posted on a ridge, about a
quarter of a mile from the road, with the One Hundred and Nine-
teenth New York on its left, and its right unprotected. Matters
remained quiet until about five o'clock, when a crash of musketry
was heard on the right,, which proved to be the enemy's attack
upon the right and rear of the brigade which held the position at
the extreme right. The rebel general had massed his force at
that point, and the brigade was soon broken and scattering to
the woods in the rear. The enemy continued his attack, and
succeeded in rolling up a portion of the First Division, which
occupied the right, creating a great amount of confusion. An-
other column of the enemy passed still further to the rear, and
struck the position held by the Twenty-sixth, simultaneously
with the attack on the First Division. The enemy advanced
without skirmishers, and poured in a deadly volley upon the
skirmishers of the Twenty-sixth, under Captain Pizzali, who was
instantly killed. They fell back on the reserves, which fired a
volley and retreated on the battalion, when the two regiments
became engaged in a fierce and deadly struggle with the veterans
of Jackson, while they were fighting their first battle. Posted
on a bare hill top, they gallantly resisted the enemy, until the}/^
were being flanked on the right and left. With reluctance, they
retreated, at the order of the brigade commander, to the main
portion of the army, near the Chancellorville House. The
advance of the enemy was checked by the approach of darkness.
We think much injustice was done, in the outcry made at the
time, at the alleged cowardice of the German troops. Experi-
enced officers have, since the war, gone over the battle ground.
CASUALTIES. 749
and have pronounced the positions occupied by the Eleventh
Corps, as perfectly untenable, and that the best troops in our
armies, in the same position, and under the same kind of attack,
would have broken and retired, leaving no alternative but a
retreat.
On the 3d, the Eleventh Corps moved to the left, where it took
position. The Twenty-sixth was on the extreme left, near the
river, where it engaged in a spirited skirmish on the 4th. The
next day it was moved to the right, where it remained until the
morning of the 6th, when the army of General Hooker made a
general retreat across the river, at United States Ford, and the
Eleventh Corps returned to its old camp at Stafford Court House.
The list of those killed and died of wounds, at Chancellorville,
we copy from the Adjutant General's records, and the list of
wounded is as ofScially published:
Killed or Died of Wounds. — Sergeant Major H. Carstangeu. Cmnpany A — Private
August P.eitz. Company B — Privates Carl Casper, Hem"y Distelliorst, August Tolzman,
August Rulke and Clias. Van Draw. Compan;/ C— Private Herman Herman. Company
JD — Corporal Joseph Gross, Privates Louis Dross, Henry Schwartz and Fred. Thiele.
Company £■— Captain Cliarles Newkirch, Corporals Moritz Fuchs and Chas. VVinkleman,
Privates Laurentz Berg, M. Thurnwachter and Charles Waetzel. Company i^— Sergeant
Christian Schmidt, Privates Aug. Pickeruhn, Herman Roehr and Fred. Voss. Company
G — Captain Charles Pizzala, Corporal Henry Gunther, Privates Jacob Lauevman, Jacob
Wieman, Geo W. Rasco, Jacob Dixheimer, Richai'd Daly, Kilian Schnepf, Joseph Stein-
metz, John Schmidt, John C. Vetter, and Franz Zilsdorf, Company H — Privates Jacob
Hartman, Cxodft'ey Wenzel, Fred. Werner and A. J. Zinke. Company I — Sergeant Geo.
\^'■achter and Philip Waldorf, Privates Joseph Stollenwerk, Henry Behrke, John Law,
John B. Smith, J. Veron and Fred. Nero. Company K — Captain August Schueler, Pri-
vates Michael Rausch, August Fleck, Jacob Juderman, Martin Mergeld, Fred. Steinhoff
and Fred. Sonnenschien — 53.
Wounded. — Company A — Private Gotthold Jaening. Company B — Privates Fred.
Liebold, William Laucr, Henry Fink, August jMoldenhauer and Aug. Sehasse. Company
C— Lieutenants Robert MuUer and Henry Rauth, Corporals Heinrich Urich and L.
Sehuly, Privates Jacob INIuhel, John Bei'cs, Jno. Saner, Lewis Manz, Andreas Sprengling,
P. Weber, Dominique Weiss and Carl ^luller. Company Z> — Corporal John Mower, Pri-
vates Heinrich Eisner, P. Lersch, Nioolaus Riiusmunere and Adam Freeling. Company
^—Privates Carl Beinnel, John Brown, Anton Ewins, Henry Flammary, Friedrich
Hansen, August Luedtke, John Ostertag, William Rosenthal, August Stengel, Heinrich
Wagner and John Waskoweiz. Company i?"— Second Lieutenant Adolph Cordier, Corpo-
ral Daniel Taube, Privates Gottfried Arndt, Joseph Braumeister, Christof Burkhardt,
August Donath, William Hoefling, Ernst Jaelling, Joseph Joachimstahl, Aug. Koinke,
Wilhelm Utke and Wenzel Jours. Company G — Corporal Andrew J. FuUerton, Privates
Henry Blenker, William Salter, Peter DuUenbach, Frederick Distler, Geo. H. Emmett,
Jacob Kuobel, Johan INIaier, Peter Ripplinger, Fritz ScliaefTer, Matthias Stroupp, Peter
Ullweling, Mathias Zaeger and Martin Abbott. Company .H"— Sergeant Christian
Harsch, Privates William Anhalt, Barbien Guiseppe, Erasmus Boll, Charles Grasse,
Friedrich Imig, Michael Wagener and Philip J. Zimmerman. Company I — Privates
Christian Crusius, John Koegs, Carl Bcckman, Gustav Braun, Peter Dwarschack, Henry
A. Fisher, John Graff, Cliarles Jacobi, Clemens Kamschatte, Warlow Lustof ke, Wm.
Lehmann, Chancy Leky and William Baetz. Company K— Lieutenants C. Doerflinger
and Henry Grere, Sergeants Friedrich T. Koerner and Friedrich Mann — 96.
750 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The repment remained encamped at Stafford Court House
Tintil the 12th of June, when orders were received to march
without delay. Lieutenant Colonel Boebel was in command of
the regiment, Colonel Jacobs being absent on leave. It was
ascertained that the enemy was marching on a second invasion
mto the loyal States. All the forces of General Hooker were,
therefore, soon placed on the route through Virginia. They pro-
ceeded, by way of Catlett's, to Centreville, thence to Edwards'
Ferry, from whence, on the 25th, they renewed their march, and
reached Emmettsburg, Md., on the 29th of June, where the
Eleventh Corps encamped. On the 1st of July, the fire of artil-
lery was heard in the direction of Gettysburg. March was
resumed, and at a rapid pace, the Eleventh Corps pushed
forward, the First Corps, of General Reynolds, having opened
the battle of that memorable day. The Eleventh Corps pushed
forward, passed through the town, and the Third Division
formed to the right of the First Corps, which occupied a position
to the northwest of the town. The Twenty-sixth was placed in
the second line, in double column, closed in mass. The lines
then advanced, and the first line became engaged. The enemy,
advancing in overwhelming force, soon compelled the first line
to break in disorder, scarcely allowing the regiment in support
to deplo3\ The Twenty-sixth became hotly engaged, checked
the enemy, and held its position until the flank of the One
Hundred and Nineteenth New York, which was on its left, was
turned, which compelled the brigade to retire. They retreated
across an open field, under a heavy fire of the enemy, in very
good order. At the edge of the town a stand was made, a smart
skirmish ensued, and the Twenty-sixth took position of rear
guard, during the further retreat to Cemetery Hill, where it took
position behind a low stone fence. Only four of the officers
engaged, escaped unhurt. In the subsequent battles, the
Twenty-sixth was not engaged, except small parties on picket.
The list of those killed or died of wounds, we take from the
records of the Adjutant General's office, and the list of wounded
is as officially published:
Killed ok Died of Wounds.— Sergeant Major Alexander Metzel. Company A —
First Lieutenant Martin Young, Corporal John Kraus, Frivates F. Bramberg, Christian
Gaemer and Leonard Stamm. Company £— Sergeants Fred. Ehlert, August Bradtz and
O. Metzel, Corporal William Backhiius, Privates Jacob Eberhardt, Edward Fiestel, Fred.
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 751
Znclsflorf, William Lauer and William Hartman. Company C— Corporal P. Rorlanrli,
Privates John Dallinan, .Tosepli Koch, Joseph Xeuman, Henry Leken, Joseph Balniers
and Peter Kreascher. Company Z) — Privates Druizas Dronkers, Andrew Plan, Francis
Stoppel and Joseph Fltwisetz. Company £— Privates Heinrich Meier, Herman 8chlen-
stedt and Mathias Schwister. Company i*'— Second Lieutenant Peter Rook, Sergeant
William Hess, Privates Leopold Schmidt, Franz Sehai-s and Christian Sticr. Company O
— Corporals George Kochler, Fritz Zieldorf and John Pitger, Privates Ferd. Fritz and
Julius Jenslow. Company i/— Corporals Henry Mohr, Philip Diefenthaler and I'liil,
Mathes, Privates G. J. Mej-er, A. Tcxton and B. Bruno. Cotnpany J"— Captain Wni.
Smith, First Sergeont C. Bruekart, CoriDorals G. Fergeand George Regenbrecht, Privates
Ferd. Kruse, Fred. Stolberg and Phillip Feldmann. Company K — Corporal Paulus
Neuser, Privates John Herman, Fred. Rochrig and David Rothaker — 53.
Wov'SD'ED.— Company A — Sergeant Sigmund Junger, Corporals Conrad Grode and
Adelbert Ej-esenhardt, Privates George Kissinger, Phillip Kissinger, Edward Seeliger,
Herman Sentz and Charles Jacob Theime. Company B — Lieutenant Francis Lackner,
Sergeant William Steinmerer, Privates William Braasch, Matthew Dornbach, William
Duchring, Albert Jahns, Bernhard Kuckkan, Chas. Kuhlmann, Julius Muller, Gottlieb
Rabe, Hermann Schultz, John Weisenbach and Frederick Wendorf. Compaju/ C — Cor-
poral Henry Klinker, Privates Johan Ayt, Charles Boye, William Gerber, Peter HotT-
mann, Rudolph Hunziker, Mathias Zack, Nicolaus Paulus, Benedict Rigger, T. Sha;fler,
Carl Scherer and Morris Winkler. Company D — Sergeants August Bartech and Leopold
Melchior, Corporal Peter Gutmanu, Privates William Franksen, Friedrich Baer, John L.
Gerhauser, Joseph Heilger, Heinrich Rost, Ludwig Rohn, August Westhoff and John
Wildhagen. Company £ — Sergeant Casper Beuchnar, Privates Carl Kreuger, H. Brown,
Carl Arndt, John Brown, prisoner, Isham L. Gross, Mathias Hajrtle, Nicholas Jenner,
John Pommerich, Carl Reubeamers, John Schueller, Charles Stier, Christian Wiess,
Ferdinand Waller and August Yajifc. Company F— Lieutenant Otto Troemel, Privates
Adolf Yodle, Franz Benda, John Karapf, Abraham Kletzin, Gottlieb Krueger, Jno. Libal,
Gerhardt Xeiphaus and John Shimonek. Company G— Lieutenant Ferstenberg, Corpo-
ral John Schultz, Pi-ivates George Dellenbach, Bernhard Daul, John Fitting, Christian
Franz, Charles Franz, Charles Hafeman, Jacob Heinz, Willism Hughes, Peter Kuhn,
Henry Miller, Gottleib Metzner, G. Schuk, Andreas Stubanus, Joachim Wiedemann, P.
Walter, John Walter and Nicholaus Young. Company H — Sergeant Joseph Maschauer,
Corporals Friedrich Ruesche and Phillip Kuhn, Privates Ludwig Beck, Heinrich Boehler,
William Ehrmann, Adam Goeltz, Heinrich Meiners, Joseph Steffon, Jacob Steinback,
Friedrich Steinhaus, Friedrich Thriele and Charles Wiekesberg. Company I~ Privates
Carl Baluff, Louis Ji>stin, Anton Keumeister, Frank Rerac, John Style, John N. Stilb
and Adolph Wcidnei-. Company K — Privates Charles Grochowsky, John Gcbss, Gubert
Meudlock, Friedrich Sasse, H. Schroeder, P. Schneller and Leonhard Von Wald — 115.
The enemy was discovered to be on the retreat on the 4th.
On that day, Colonel Jacobs returned, and took command of the
regiment.
On the 5th, the army set out on its return to Virginia. The
Third Division marched by way of Boonsboro, to Funkstown,
from whence it marched to Williamsport, thence to Berlin,
and on the 19th, recrossed the Potomac, and took up its line of
march to Warrenton Junction, where it arrived on the 25th of
July.
The regiment was very much reduced by the casualties of
battle and the hardships of the campaign, and so few officers
were present, that it was temporarily organized into five compa-
nies. It remained here until the 17th of September, engaged in
752 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
picket and patrol duty, when it moved to Rappahannock Station,
where it assumed its rightful organization, and remained until
the 24th, when the Eleventh Corps marched to Manassas Junc-
tion. The Eleventh and Twelfth corps being transferred to the
army in Tennessee, they proceeded, by rail, to Columbus, 0., and
thence to Bridgeport, Ala., where they arrived on the 2d of
October. On the 8th of October, Major Baetz resigned, and
Captain Winckler, of Company B, was appointed Major. The
regiment moved to various positions, and engaged in fatigue and
other arduous duties, until the 27th, when it crossed the Ten-
nessee, and assisted in repelling the enemy's attack on General
Geary, at Wauhatchee, where they had two men wounded. On
the 8th of Is^ovember, Colonel Jacobs proceeded to Wisconsin
on recruiting service, leaving the regiment in command of Major
Winckler, who retained it, as Colonel Jacobs soon after
resio;ned.
On the 23d, 24th and 25th, the regiment was engaged in the
brilliant action at Mission Ridge, and on the 26th, joined in the
pursuit of the enemy, until the 28th, when they returned to
Parker's Gap, and received three days' rations, with orders to
make it last six, and on the 29th, started with Sherman's forces,
for the relief of General Burnside, at Knoxville.
This forced march was one of peculiar hardship, the weather
being cold, the country rough, the roads muddy, and rations
short, shoes worn out, and clothing scanty. It was a repetition
of the old story. They marched to Knoxville, Longstreet had
retreated to Virginia, and the division marched back again, to its
old camp in Lookout Yalley, where they remained till January
25th, 186 i, when they moved to Whitesides, a few miles from
Chattanooga, and remained till the 23d of April. Colonel Jacobs
resigned on the 11th of January.
In the organization of the army for the Atlanta campaign, the
Twenty-sixth was transferred to the Third Brigade, Third Divis-
ion, of the Twentieth Army Corps. It joined its new brigade in
Lookout Valley, with a force of 417 muskets, convalescents and
recruits having joined it. With the division, on the 7th of May,
it advanced within about three miles of Buzzard Roost, near
Dalton, and on the next day, took part in a reconnoissance
towards that position, and became engaged in a skirmish, in
BATTLE AT RESACA. 753
which Lieutenant Jnenger, of Company A, and First Sergeant
Fred. Stolberg, of Company I, Avere wounded. "With the Twen-
tieth Corps, it moved, by way of Snake Creek Gap, to Resaca,
where it formed in line of battle, on the 13th. In the afternoon
of the 14th, in a skirmish, the regiment lost one man killed, and
three wounded. On the 15th, the Twenty-sixth, with the divis-
ion, (Butterfield's) proceeded to the extreme left of the army,
and took part in the assault of the enemy's position, its brigade,
( Colonel Ward's,) taking the advance, supported by the Second,
Colonel Coburn's, in which the Twenty-second Wisconsin was
located.
The Twenty-sixth occupied the right of Ward's brigade, and
advanced to a hill in its front, and drove from it the enemy's
skirmishers, who were protected by slight breastworks, and took
possession of the hill. The main line of the enemy's works,
which was the chief point of attack, lay on an adjoining ridge,
nearly parallel with the one just taken. The intervening valley
was covered with a dense growth of young pines. The brigade
advanced through this obstruction, drove in the enemy's skir-
mishers, and attempted to take the works by assault. The
works were strong, the enemy's fire heavy, and the difficulty of
getting through the growth of pines, all contributed to defeat the
object of the assault, and the whole force was compelled to return
to the hill in their rear, an attempt to retake which was defeated,
and the enemy severely punished. A lodgment was made by
another portion of the Twentieth Corps, and the four gun battery
was held under control, so that the enemy was forced to evacuate
the town during the night, this last being the key to his position
at Resaca.
The casualties, as officially published, were:
Killed ok Died of Wounds.— Cbwjpfwij/ ^ — Private Theodore Koenig. Oympany B—
Private Albert Johns. Company E — Pri-vate August Kuehn. Company F — First Lieu-
tenant Christian Phillipp. Company Gr — Privates P. Stoffell and Albert Wolf. Company
JT— Sergeant Charles Wickesburg, Corporal Phillip Nell, Private August Conrad — 9.
Wounded.— Company A — Sergeant August Nischke, Private Herman Opitz. Co^npany
-B — Sergeant Charles Weinrich, Corporal Charles Laufer, Privates Fred. Siebold, Wm.
Yager, Philip Lieberstein, N. Perschbaclier and Theodore Maasch. Company C— Corporal
G. Scbeule, Privates Anton Rinke, Henry Siegrist, Henry Urich and Adam Wuest.
Omnpany D — Corporal Frank Smotzeck, Private Edw'd Kehrein. Company E— Corporal
Nicolaus Jermer, Privates R. Gaubatz and C. Schsefer. Company i*'— Corporal John
Kihm, Privates H. Hacker and C. Meyer. Company ^—Sergeants Jacob Nytes and
Rudolph Siebelist, Corporal Martin Kuhn, Privates Charles Grsefe, Wenzel Kapinos,
48
754 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
John Rosenbauer, F. Spranger, Robert Voight and Chas. Hoberg. Company J— Sergeant
P. Waldorff, Privates Ernst Domkoehler and Edmund Jobnson. Company K — Privates
Joseph Wimmers, William Frank, Hubert Walzer, Jerome Crandall and William.
Kremer — 36.
The Twenty-sixth, witht the division, went in pursuit and en-
countered the enemy'e rear guard on the 18th, which was driven
before them, from position to position. On the 19th,Ward's brig-
ade was detached on a reconnoissance and encountered a large
body of the enemy, but they were not attacked. When near
Cassville, the skirmishers of the Twenty-sixth met those of the
enemy, and drove them from the field. At Cassville a lively ac-
tion took place between the skirmishers and the artillery of the
two armies, but the enemy continued his retreat. On the 25th,
Pumpkin Vine Crtek was crossed, and the enemy was encoun-
tered near New Hope Church. The First and Third Divisions
advanced and drove the enemy back a mile to a fortified position
with a swampy ravine in front. The Third Brigade was on the
extreme left to cover that flank, the Twenty-sixth being in the
second line. A very hot contest took place, extending the whole
length of the line, the enemy's artillery being advantageously
posted, was very elffectually used, while the nature of the ground
prevented the Union forces from using their artillery. The Third
Brigade on the extreme left, became involved in the combat and
the Twenty-sixth moved forward and relieved an Ohio regiment
in the front line, and took part in the engagement at that end of
the line which continued till darkness closed the battle when the
brigade was removed to another part of the field.
The following are the casualties in the several battles near
Dallas, as officially reported :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company C— Corporal Theodore Shafer, Privates Edw.
Langer, Antonio Rinke, Julius Suttinger and John Lauer. Company .E^-Privates George
Kraus, Reinold Kraus, Henry Romag, Nicholas Snider and Fred. Lankow. Company F
— Privates Henry Hecker and Michael Wagner. Company C — Corporal Robert H.
Tempi eton, Privates Emerson L. Smith and G-eorge Dillenbach. Company K— Privates
Jacob Klink and F. Roell —.17.
Wounded.— Q)?>jj3a7i2/ B — Privates Ferdinand Hubner, Adam Truss, Charles Jaeger,
August Ninow, Bernhard Kucklan and John Weiseubach. Company C — Private John
Christen. Company £— Lieutenant Fred. Horner, Sergeant Philip Phi.pp, Corporals
Henry Deiner and Franz Kivin, Privates Paul Statzel, Henry Wagner, Charles Stler,
Fred. Zirber, Sam. Procheld and F. Ohike. Company G — Privates Cyrus Schaefer, Chas.
Haseman and William Lerri. Company iJ- Private Henry Boehler. Company J—
Private Rudolph Laive. Company K— Sergeant Henry Nolt — 23.
KENESAW MOUNTAIN. 755
On the 28th of May, Lieutentant Colonel Boebel was discharged
by reason of his wounds, and Major Winkler was appointed
Lieutenant Colonel.
During the next few days the Twentieth Corps was moving
towards the left to get possession of the railroad, and flank
Johnston's position at Allatoona, which was done, and that posi-
tion fell into our possession. On the 6th, they again began their
movement southward, and struck the enemy's lines at Pine Knob.
They gradually closed down upon him, compelling him to aban-
don his fortified position. He was driven from Pine Knob and
Lost Mountain, till on the 17th, he was found intrenched on the
south bank of Nose's Creek. "While in pursuit, the skirmishers
of the Twenty-sixth captured a battle-flag.
Returning from Nose's Creek, the enemy took refuge behind
works around Kenesaw Mountain, where he was found strongly
intrenched. On the 22d, the Twenty-sixth was much exposed
to the enemy's fire, and suffered severely, Lieutenant Colonel
Winkler having a very narrow escape. The brigade being re-
lieved, it moved to the Powder Spring Road, where they in-
trenched close to the enemy's line and remained under a constant
fire of sharpshooters and artillery until the 3d of July, when the
enemy abandoned his position and moved to the banks of the
Chattahoochie, near Nickajack Creek.
The list of'those killed or died of wounds, for the month of
June, we copy from the records of the Adjutant General, and
the list of wounded, from the monthly reports :
KiLiiED OR Died of Wounds. — Company A — Private Nicholas Paulus. Ccnnpany B —
Privates Charles Kuhlman, Fred. Wendorff and Heni-y Geisner. Company C — Sergeants
Jacob Michael and Christopher Kruger. Company D — Private Charles Johns. Company
i?'— Private G. Kruger. Company H — Private George Kuehn. Company J— Privates
John Kceprieck and John Steyle — 11.
WoDNDED.— Company vl — Privates Adolph Kuhlig, William Hausburg and John Paul.
Company C — Sergeant A. Schnceder, Privates Charles Boetcher, Privates Louis Zimmer-
man, Charles Weidener, Fred. Jarrett and Benedict Riegor. Company D — Privates
William Muhlison, William Boehmer, J. Klinesehmidt, John Meyers, Jacob Schoen-
burger and J. Schafer. Ojwpaw?/ i?— Privates Charles Herman, Gotleib Freigler, Wm.
Rosenthal and F. H. Gross. Company i?'— Privates Wenzel Schnicker and F. K. Fisher.
Company G — Private William Ficks. Company H — Private Michael Detsch. Company
J— Privates Jacob Blum, William Matushka, John Groff, William Klatt, Rudolph
Knofsky, Joseph Michalosky, Fred. Mueller, William Richter, Anton Niemastor, Ernst
Schreiber, George Boyer and Wm. Kraklow. Company K— Private Conrad Knceijp— 3G.
The army remained at rest after driving the enemy to the
Chattahoochie, until July 17th. The Twenty-sixth, with the
756 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Twentieth Corps, crossed the river on that day at Paice's Ferry,
and moving towards Atlanta, crossed Peach Tree Creek about
noon of the 20th. In the battle which occurred here, the Third
Brigade occupied the left of the Corps, connecting with New-
ton's division of the Fourth Corps. The Twenty-sixth was on
the right of the brigade, and with the Twentieth Connecticut,
occupied the front line. The line was formed on low ground,
with two parallel ridges in front, separated by a shallow ravine.
The Twenty-second Wisconsin as skirmishers, gained the second
ridge,* and held the position till some time in the afternoon when
the enemy being reinforced, returned to the attack and drove the
skirmishers, who fell back to the first ridge to which the Third
Division had advanced. They opened on the advancing enemy
and the battle of Peach Tree Creek began with terrible fierce-
ness. The Twenty-sixth was exposed to a heavy fire on the front
and left flank. The enemy advanced to within ten paces of our
lines, the Twenty-sixth receiving the chief weight of the attack,
and was met by a terrible fire which he was unable to stand,
and finally broke and fled. The Twenty-sixth formed and secured
a position on the top of the hill. The colors of the Thirty-third
Mississippi were captured by Captain Fuchs, of Company C.
Forty prisoners were taken by the Twenty-sixth. On reaching
the hill the regiment was again assailed by a severe fire from the
woods on its left. The Twentieth Connecticut soon came to its
relief. Captains Seeman and Mueller were killed and Captain
Steinmeyer and Lieutenant Vollmer, were wounded, the latter
mortally.
The list of those killed and died of wounds is copied from the
Adjutant General's records, and the list of wounded for the month
of July, is compiled from the monthly records :
Killed ob Died OFWoxrsus.— Ccmipany B — Private William Lauer. Company C—
Captain Robert Mueller. Company D — Private William Milke. Company G— First
Lieutenant Nicholas Vollmar. Company H— Private Valentine Mueller. Co^npany I —
Captain John P. Seeman — 6.
Wounded.— Company A — Corporal Henry Van Eweyke, Privates Julius Semish and
Fred. Slioltz. Company jB— Sergeants Charles Weinrich and H. Branneschwig, Private^s
William Ewald, August Wendorf and Fred. Winter. Company C— Corporals August
Truemper and Ferdinand Krueger and Private Peter Weber. Cmnpany Z)— Corps. Bartho-
lomaus Peissue and Mich. Huntz, PrivatesWm. Krsemer and F. K.Warner. Company E—
Capt.Wm. Steinmeyer, Privates Ed. Dreblob and Jn. Urban. Company J^— Sergts. John
Voight andW. Lipman, Privates L. Busch J. Schmidt, J. Shultz, P. Newman and F. Winter.
SIEGE OF ATLANTA. 757
Companp G — "Privates Peter Philipsen and William Hughes. Company 77— Rcrgeant
Randolph Seibelist, Corporal Peter Mauer, Privates Franklin Zager and Franz Ruter.
CV)»yja/i^/— Privates Christian Crusius, Ed. Johnson and J. Bulda. O/mpany K— Cor-
poral Henry Lorch, Privates Charles Orth, Friedrich Kemmle, J. Karr and Conrad
Hartsman — 39.
Colonel Wood, commanding the Third Brigade, in his official
report, thus speaks of the conduct of the Twenty-sixth in the
battle of Peach Tree Creek :
Where all behaved well, it may be regarded as invidious to call attention to individu-
als, yet it seems to me I cannot discharge my duty in this report wi'.hout pointing out
for especial commendation the conduct of the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer In-
fantry and its brave and able commander. The position of this regiment in the line
was such that the brunt of the enemy's attack fell upon it. The brave, skilful and de-
termined manner in which it met this attack, rolled back the onset, pressed forward in
a counter charge and drove back the enemy, could not be excelled by the troops in tlii."}
or any other army, and is worthy of the highest commendation and praise.
On the 22d of July, the Twentieth Corps advanced and took
its place in the line of investment around Atlanta. The Twenty-
sixth, during the siege which followed, occupied several different
positions, and engaged in the various duties incident to the siege.
On the 25th of August, with the Twentieth Corps, it with-
drew from before Atlanta and took position at Turner's Ferry,
on the Chattahoochie, while General Sherman executed his
masterly movement around Atlanta. On the 2d of September,
Atlanta was entered and occupied by the Twentieth Corps, in
and near which the Twenty-sixth remained until it took position
with the brigade and joined in Sherman's grand march.
The following list of killed, and those who died of wounds
during the siege of Atlanta, we find in the records of the
Adjutant General:
Killed or Died of Wovsj^S.— Company ^—Privates Stephen Fiass and Reinhold
Hemitz. Cbwiprm^/ -S— Privates William Sasse and William Hartmann. Company D —
Privates John Held and Jacob Weber. Company E— Privates Xavier Brown and Fred.
Waller. Company J'— Privates William Arndt and Gerhard Neiphaus. Comjjany JFI—
Corporal Franz Renter. Company J— Private P. Gilljoham. Company if— Sergeant
BernhardOtt — 13.
On the 17th of August, Lieutenant Colonel Winkler was ap-
pointed Colonel, and on the 19th of October, Major Lackner was
appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Fuchs Major. Tlie
regiment being reduced below the specified number, these officers
could not be mustered.
758 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On tlie ISth. of November, the Twenty-sixth moved forward witli
the forces of General Sherman in his march to the seacoast. The
labors and services performed during this movement did not differ
materially from those of other regiments, and the general descrip-
tion of the march having been given, we deem it unnecessary to
enter into particulars. They reached Savannah and entered that
city on the 21st of December, and in January, started towards
Goldsboro.
At the battle of Averysboro, on the 16th of March, the Third
Division marched to the assistance of Kilpatrick's cavalry and
Hawley's brigade of the First Division. Line of battle was
formed and the enemy engaged, the contest lasting till dark, the
enemy being driven back to his intrenchments, which he aban-
doned during the night. Captain Schmidt and Lieutenant Klien
were killed in this battle.
The following casualties were officially reported :
Killed or Died of Wottnus.— Companp ^ — Corporal Jacob Gilgen. Company B —
Capt. Chas. Schmidt and Private Clias. Busse. Company C— First Lieutenant F. R. Klein.
Company jD — Private Carl Keener. Cvmpany ^—Corporal Herman Kindsmuth and
Private John Gruhtke. Company F — Corporal Chas. Oestrich, Privates M. Risenbengler
and John Sclimidt. Company if— Private G. Statz — 11.
Wounded.— Cowipowj/ ^—Privates Michael Moldenhauer, Cliarles Theime, Peter
Pfeifer and Fred. K. Mueler. Oympany C— Sergeants Henry Erdman and Martin Hahn
and Private Herman BigaLHe. Company D — Corporal William Nittle. Company E—
Private Frederick Witzel. Company J'— Sergeant August Olm. Cbwipanj/ fi"— Private
George Schmal. O/mpany I— Private Peter Dworschalk — 12. "
The Twenty-sixth was also present at the battle of Bentonville
on the 19th, the Third Brigade moving to the aid of the Four-
teenth Corps. The Twenty-sixth was in the reserve, and did not
deliver its tire.
With the rest of the army the Twenty-sixth reached Goldsboro
on the 24th, and went into camp. Taking part in the subsequent
movements of General Sherman, they proceeded to Raleigh, and
on the surrender of General Johnston, with the Twentieth Corps
moved to Richmond, thence to "Washington, where it took part
in the grand review in May.
Leaving Washington on the 13th of June, it arrived at Mil-
waukee on the 17th, where it was enthusiastically received by
the citizens generally, and after passing through the principal
streets, proceeded to the Turner's Hall, where a splendid ban-
quet was prepared for it by the German citizens. Governor
MUSTERED OUT. 759
Salomon welcomed the regiment, after which it marclied to Camp
Washburn, and was there discharged and paid oiF, on the 29th
day of June, 1865.
Lieutenant Colonel Winkler was brevetted Colonel, and also
Brigadier General for meritorious services during the war.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,002. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1864, 84, in 1865,2; by substitutes, 1; total, 1,089.
Loss — by death, 284; deserted, 31; transferred, 125; discharged,
232; mustered out, 449.
OHAPTEE XXXY.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Columbus, Ky. — Down the Missis-
sippi— Up the Yazoo — March to Snyder's Bluff — Siege of
ViCKSBURG — Move to Arkansas — Capture op Little Rock —
March to Camden — Battle at Jenkins' Ferry — Return to Little
Rock — Ordered to Join Canby's Forces — Capture of Spanish
Port — Move to Texas — Mustered out — Return Home —
Statistics.
THE Twenty-seventh Regiment was ordered to rendezvous at
Gamp Sigel, Milwaukee, on tlie 17th of September, 1862.
The discontinuance of recruiting for new regiments in August
of that year left the regiment with only seven companies fall.
An order authorizing the recruiting of three more companies was
received, and, under the supervision of Colonel Krez, the organi-
zation was completed, and the regiment mustered into the United
States service on the 7th of March, 1863. It left the State on the
16th of March, under orders to proceed to Columbus, Ky. The
following was the regimental roster :
Colonel— CONRAD KREZ.
Lieutenant Colonel— JoifS J. Brown; J/ajor— Ten Eyck G. Olmstead; Adjutant—
Charles Meyer; Quartermaster — William N. Shafter ; /Surgeon — Christian Krak ;
First Assistant Surgeon — George Hutchinson ; Second Assistant Surgeon— Fkans Simon ;
CTiapiam— Rev. Willi AM P. Stowe.
Co. Captains.
A— Charles H. Cunningham,
B — Erastus W. Stannard.
C —Frederick Schnellen,
D— Joseph Rankin,
E — Alfred Marschner,
F — Samuel D. Hubbard,
G— William Wigham,
H— Charles Corneliusen,
I — James C. Barnes,
K— Peter Mulholland.
First Lieutenants.^
Jerome C. Saltzman,
Aaron Hobart,
David Schreiack,
Thomas McMillan,
John A. S.Verdier,
Edward W. Robbing,
James Gunn,
Ole Jacobsen,
Julius Bodenstab,
Charles H. Raymer.
Second Lieutenants,
John J. Borland,
Julius Schlaich,
Conrad F. Smith,
"William Henry,
Carl Witte,
William F. Mitchell,
Amanzer Strong,
Albert L. Lund,
William T. Cole,
Charles F, Folger.
SIEGE OF VICKSBURG. 761
The regiment remained at Columbus, engaged in garrison duty,
until the 30th of May, when it moved, with other forces, to
Memphis, where orders were received to proceed to Vicksburg.
Arriving at the mouth of the Yazoo on the 4th of June, they*
proceeded up that river to Satartia, where they remained two days,
when an action took place between the rebel artillery and the gun-
boats. During this time, companies A, B and C were thrown out as
skirmishers, while the regiment was held in reserve. They were
not, however, actively engaged, and on the 6th, marched down
the river, thirty miles, to Haines' Bluff, where they arrived next
day, somewhat fagged out by the rapid march under a scorch-
ing sun. On the march to Haines' Bluff, Captain Stannard, of
Company B, was shot by the discharge of a musket, which he
was passing to a sick man in an ambulance. He died on the 7th,
and was buried by the roadside. His loss was greatly lamented.
The Twenty-seventh was brigaded with the Twenty-fifth Wis-
consin, in the Second Brigade, commanded by Colonel Mont-
gomery, of the Twenty-fifth, in the Third Division, General
Kimball, Sixteenth Army Corps.
On the 11th, they moved four miles, to Snyder's Bluff, which
formed a portion of the rear line of investment around Vicksburg.
Here they remained, in the performance of picket duty, and work
on the fortifications and intrenchments, until after the capitula-
tion of Vicksburg, when they moved to Helena, Ark. On the
13th of August, they were transferred to the army of General
Steele, and with the forces of that General, proceeded up White
liiver, to Duval's Bluff", and from thence, marched to Little Rock,
and assisted in the capture of that place. Here the regiment
engaged in post and picket duty, with an occasional expedition
into the surrounding country, until the 23d of March, 1864, when
it accompanied the march of General Steele to cooperate with
General Banks, in the celebrated Red River Expedition.
The Twenty-seventh was in the Third Brigade, commanded
by Colonel Engelman, of the Forty-third Illinois, Third Division,
Brigadier General Frederick Salomon, Seventh Army Corps,
General Steele.
Leaving Little Rock on the 23d of March, nothing of import-
ance occurred until the 1st of April, when the First Brigade,
under General Rice, which occupied a position in the rear of the
762 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
division, guarding the trains, was attacked by the enemy, near
the junction of the Washington and Camden roads, in the
vicinity of Witherspoonville, or Hollywood. In this attack, the
Twenty-seventh was detached to aid in protecting the train,
which was brought safely into camp.
On the 3d, Engleman's brigade was ordered to remain at
Okolona, with orders to proceed back to Hollywood, in conjunc-
tion with Colonel Ritter's cavalry brigade, and communicate
with General Thayer. Before the cavalry forces arrived at Oko-
lona, Colonel Engleman was attacked. The enemy were driven
back and pursued by the Twenty-seventh Regiment, under
Colonel Xrez, for two miles.
The cavalry arrived, and Colonel Engleman proceeded to
Hollywood, in pursuance of orders, and rejoined the division
near Elkins' Ford, on the 5th. The division left camp on the
6th, and moved forward in rear of the cavalry division of General
Carr, and encamped about midway between the river and Prairie
del Ane, near the abandoned breastworks of the enemy. Here
they remained three days, the troops being engaged in foraging
and repairing the roads, to facilitate the march of General
Thayer's division, which was in the rear.
On the 10th, the division advanced about four miles, to the
prairie, where the enemy was encountered, and a severe skirmish
ensued, which lasted until dark, the enemy being driven back
from position to position, and the division occupied the highest
ridge on the prairie. The troops lay on their arms all night.
The Third Brigade, Colonel Engleman, took part in this
engagement. The enemy attacked them during the night, but
were successfully repulsed.
The casualties, in the several skirmishes from the 1st to the
10th of April, near Camden, were officially reported, as follows :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Owipanj/ ^ — Private Safra Villett. Company F—
Corporal Edward H. Bates. Company G — Privates Patrick Knox and William Anding.
Company K — Private Cassander Knowles — 5. »
Wounded.— Company A — Private Thron Olson. Cmipany H— Private Gunderson — 2.
On the 12th, the division advanced, when skirmishing ensued,
without important results. The force continued its advance on
BATTLE OF JENKINS' FERRY. 763
the road to Camden, through Moscow, and on the 16th, marched
into Camden.
During the occupation of Camden, the division of General
Salomon was employed on duty as pickets, provost guards,
escorts for forage trains, fatigue parties, and similar duties.
News of the disastrous termination of Banks' Red River
Expedition having been received. General Steele set about
returning to Little Rock. On the 26th, the army left Camden,
the division of General Salomon acting as rear guard. Proceed-
ing on to the Saline Bottom, which was reached on the 29th,
without molestation, on the afternoon of tViat day. General Salo-
mon's rear guard was fired upon, which indicated pursuit by the
enemy. General Salomon took immediate steps to possess the
strong positions in his vicinity, and directed Colonel Engleman
to hold possession of the crest of a hill. This was done, and the
position held until three o'clock next morning. General Salo-
mon then withdrew his troops out of range of artillery fire from
the hill, thus contracting his lines, and covering his right flank
with a small bayou. At daylight, General Salomon's advance
was two miles from the river, and a train of artillery and wagons,
two miles in length, were between him and the river, and nothing
was left but to maintain his position until they were out of the
way. During the action which followed, the Twenty-seventh
was sent to reinforce the left of General Rice's brigade, which
had been pressed back by the enemy. The balance of Engle-
man's brigade was sent to the right. The enemy made a second
attack, but was driven at all points. He, however, advanced a
third time. Having received a fresh supply of ammunition, the
enemy was received with a heavy fire, the action extending along
the whole line, and was continued for three-fourths of an hour.
General Salomon, in his report, says: — "Bravely did our troops
maintain their ground, never once wavering, never once yielding.
I confess, I had not a little anxiety as to the result. Every man
was engaged, and regiments were sent from one portion of the
line to another, wherever their services seemed to be most
needed." The rest of the troops were across the river, and Gen-
eral Salomon, with his division, with a few extra regiments, held
at bay the whole force of Kirby Smith, which was stated to be
764 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
20,000 men. He held his ground, and this last attack was suc-
cessfully repulsed, the enemy was punished severely, and several of
his guns and three battle flags captured. Fresh reinforcements
arriving to the enemy, General Salomon took steps to withdraw
across the river. This was accomplished, the dead and wounded
being mostly brought off, and General Salomon's troops
withdrew in good order, and without further molestation.
The casualties, as officially reported, were :
Killed ob Died of Wottnds.— Company A — Privates Laurence Dickensliort, Walter
Osborn, Thron Oleson and Conrad Plimke. Company 5— Private Wesley H. Stagg.
Company C— Sergeant Philip Theiss, Private Charles Witte. Company Z)— Privates Peter
Bart and Heinrich Mandell — 9.
Wounded.— Company A — First Lieutenant J. G. Borland. Company C— First Sergeant
John Gehring, Private Diedrich Baderin. Company/ Z)— Privates F. Rumer, Justin E.
Gretson, J. Kingsland and H. Hinke. Company S^— Private Christian Finningson.
Company J— Private Joseph Mesner — 9.
Corporal George Smith, of Company E, is reported to have
died of wounds at Pine Bluff, on the 23d of May, 1864, and Fred.
Leflor, on the 21st of May, at Smith's, Ark.
The march from Saline lliver to Little Eock, was barren of
particular incident, except that, owing to the roads, men and
animals were completely worn out, and much property was
necessarily destroyed. The command arrived at Little Rock on
the 3d of May.
On the 14th of May, the Twenty-seventh was transferred to the
Second Brigade, First Division, Seventh Corps, with which it
was thereafter identified.
On the 3d of October, they descended the Arkansas Eiver, to
Pine Bluff, for the purpose of reinforcing the command of Gen-
eral Clayton, at that point, who was threatened by a greatly
superior force of the enemy, under General Magruder. Remain-
ing until the 22d, they returned to Little Rock. Soon after their
return, companies A, D, E and H were detailed to guard duty
on the Little Rock and Memphis Railroad, west of Brownsville,
being stationed at various points, the rest of the regiment remain-
ing in camp at Little Rock. The regiment was engaged in this
duty until the 7th of February, 1865, at which date, under orders
to join General Canby's forces at New Orleans, they left Little
Rock on transports, and passing down the Arkansas and Missis-
sippi rivers, reached Algiers, opposite New Orleans, on the 12th,
CAPTURE OF SPANISH FORT. 765
from whence tliey recmbarked on the 20th, and arrived at Navy
Cove, Ala., on Mobile Bay. Encamping on Mobile Point, near
Fort Morgan, the regiment was, on the 27th, assigned to the
Third Brigade, Third Division, Thirteenth Army Corps.
Accompanj'ing the forces of General Canby, intended for
operations in the vicinity of Mobile, they left Mobile Point on
the 17th of March, and moving with difficulty over the exceedingly
bad roads, which impeded the progress of the trains, they took
position on the 27th, in the trenches before Spanish Fort. Here
they were occupied in picket and fatigue duty, until the termina-
tion of the siege, during which the regiment sustained a loss of
four killed.
The killed, and those who died of wounds, at Spanish Fort, as
officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cbmpa??^ ^ — Private Frank Truedell. Company J5—
Private John Johnson. Company ^—Private August Ziebreth. Company J— Privates
Edward S. Radley and August Bruss — 5.
Wounded.— Cowi/po?iy C— Privates John H. Rosebaum, Jonn H. Questolff and John
Beinbaum. Company D — Private F. H. Steele. Company K— Private Wm. Robinson —5.
The enemy evacuated the Fort on the night of the 8th of April.
On the next morning, the regiment proceeded five miles, to Fort
Blakely, before which they arrived in time to witness its capture
by the forces under G-eneral Steele.
The regiment subsequently moved through Mobile, to Whistler's
Station, where they rejoined the brigade on the 15th of April,
and encamped. Remaining till the 19th, they marched fifty or
sixty miles up the Tombigbee River, to Mcintosh's Blufi", where
the J were engaged in building fortifications. The surrender of
Dick Taylor's army, rendered further occupation of the post
unnecessary, and the regiment, on the 9th of May, proceeded by
transports to Mobile, and encamped near the city, where they
remained until the 1st of June, when they again embarked, and
proceeded through the Gulf, to Brazos Santiago, Texas, where
they arrived on the 6th of June.
They marched to Clarksville, at the mouth of the Rio Grande,
on the 13th, remaining until the 2d of August, when they pro-
ceeded to Brownsville, where they were mustered out of service,
and set out on their return home, on the 29th. Reaching Xew
Orleans on the 5th of September, and ascending the Mississippi
766 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
to Cairo, they took cars on tlie Illinois Central Railroad, and
arrived at Madison on tlie 17tli of September, wliere the regiment
was shortly afterwards paid oiF and disbanded.
Colonel Krez was subsequently bre vetted Brigadier General,
for meritorious services during the war.
Hegimental Statistics. — Original strength, 865. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 24, in 1864, 236, in 1865, 68; substitutes, 3; total,
1,196. Loss — by death, 244; missing,4; deserted, 66; transferred,
57; discharged, 248; mustered out, 585.
OHAPTEE XXXYI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Columbus, Ky. — To Helena — At
St. Charles — Yazoo Pass Expedition — Return to Helena —
Battle of Helena — Capture of Little Rock — Expedition to
Mount Elba — Skirmish — Return to Pine Bluff — Join Canby's
Forces before Mobile — Surrender of Spanish Fort and Blakely
— On Service in Alabama — Move to Texas — Mustered out op
Service — Return Home — Disbanded — Statistics.
THE Twenty- eiglitli Regiment was recruited principally in
Waukesha and Walworth Counties, and was organized at
Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, under the superintendence of
Colonel James M. Lewis, of Oconomowoc, and mustered into
the United States service on the 14th of October, 1862. In
November, they were employed in arresting and guarding the
draft rioters in Ozaukee County. They left the State for Colum-
bus, Ky., on the 20th of December, 1862, with the following
roster :
Colonel -JAMES M. LEWIS.
Lieutenant Cotone^— Charles Whitaker; JV/a?or— Edmund B. Gray; Acljuta,nt—1 O'B.th
A. Savage, Jr.; Qwar<e?-wa«<er— George W.Wylie; iSwr^reon— William H. Smith;
First Assistant ^S'wrg'ecwt.— Lewis K. Hawes ; /Second Assistant AS'i(7'£reo?i— Daniel M. Miller ;
Chaplain — Kev, E. S. Peake.
Oo. Captains,
A— John A. Williams,
B — M. G. Townsend,
C —Thomas N. Stevens,
D — Edward L. Redington,
E — James S. Kenyon,
F — Calvert C.White,
G— Elihu Enos, Jr.,
H— Herman A. Meyer,
I — Andrew F. Shiverick,
K— Ira H. Morton.
First Lieittenants.
Arthur Holbrook,
Cusliman K. Davis,
Andrew J. Gilmore,
Hiram N. Hayes,
William E. Bingham,
Jeremiah Noon,
David Turner,
James Murray,
Lindsay J. Smith,
William J. Briggs.
Second Lieutenants.
William E. Coates,
Charles B. Slawson,
liowell L. Alvord,
James M. Mead,
Charles J. Collier,
Walker L. Bean,
Willis v. Ti Chen or,
Wallace Goff,
Alexander T. Seymour
Levi J. Billings.
768 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
A.rriving at Columbus, Ky., on the 22d of December, they
were immediately sent forward by rail to Union City, but en-
countering no enemy they returned to Columbus on the next day.
They remained at that place until January 5th, 1863, engaged
in guard duty and the erection of new lines of fortifications to
protect the town. On the 5th, they embarked and proceeded
down the river to Helena, Ark., and on the 11th, were assigned to
the Second Brigade, Thirteenth Division, Thirteenth Army
Corps, and embarked on transports to accompany the expedition
up White River, which was ordered by General McClernand
soon after the capture of Arkansas Post.
Arriving at St. Charles, Ark., about one hundred miles from
the mouth of White River, the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin and a
small squad of cavalry and artillery were landed to hold the place,
Colonel Lewis being placed in command of the post. The fleet
proceeded to Duvall's Bluff, where the Memphis and Little Rock
Railroad crosses White River, where they remained a short time
destroying a portion of the railroad, and accomplishing the object
of the expedition, which was for the purpose of ascertaining the
practicability of ascending White River with a fleet of gunboats
to cooperate in an attack on Little Rock. They returned to
Helena, taking up the forces left at St. Charles, and arrived art
Helena on the 23d, where they remained in camp until the 24th
of February.
To execute General Grant's project for opening a passage to
the Yazoo River, on the east side of the Mississippi, through the
Yazoo Pass into Moon Lake, an expedition was fitted out at
Helena, and embarked on the 24th of February. The force con-
sisted of the Thirteenth Division, General Ross, of the Thirteenth
Army Corps, to the First Brigade of which, under General Sal-
omon, the Twenty-eighth had been transferred. The expedition
penetrated to the neighborhood of the junction of the Yallabusha
and Tallahatchie to the plantation of Dr. Curtis. There the Tal-
lahatchie and Yazoo approach each other within half a mile.
Between the two rivers, the rebels had built a fort called Fort
Pemberton, which commanded both rivers. Across the bend
west of the fort was a bayou, stretching from one river to the
other. The work was built of cotton and mud, and mounted
YAZOO PASS EXPEDITION. 769
several heavy guns. Obstructions had been placed in the river
above the fort to prevent the approach of the gunboats.
An Indiana regiment was sent out to reconnoiter, which had a
smart skirmish with the rebel pickets. The Twenty-eighth AVis-
consin was sent ashore to their support. The gunboat Cliilicothe
moved towards the fort which opened fire, to which the gunboat
replied with her heavy guns. Finding themselves in range of the
guns from the gunboat and fort, the regiment lay quiet until the
cannonade was over when they advanced, deployed, and lay in
the woods all night, and next day received an occasional shot and
shell from the enemy across the bayou. On the 13th, the bom-
bardment again opened from the Cliilicothe, Baron de Kalb, and
a battery on shore. It how^ever, amounted to nothing, although
it lasted from 10, A. M., till 5, P. M. On the 15th, the regiment
was ordered forward. The battery on shore had been strength-
ened by heavy guns, under the presumption that they would be
able to silence the guns of the fort, and prevent the advance of a
storming party, which was to be pushed forward by the musqueto
boats. A demand came for a party of men who would volunteer
to lead the forlorn hope ! The officer was referred to Colonel
Lewis, of the 28th. On reporting to General Ross, Colonel
Lewis was ordered to send five companies back to camp and five
companies aboard the gunboat Signal. The latter part of the
order was obeyed with more alacrity than that to return to camp.
The attempt to silence the guns was unsuccessful, and the gun-
boats were compelled by the severe fire of the fort to retire.
The result of the matter Avas an abandonment of the expedition,
and the return up the river. On the 23d, they were met near the
junction of the Coldwater and Tallahatchie, by a fleet under
General Quimby, bringing additional troops. Gen. Ross' force
was halted and turned back. Land batteries were erected,
and another attack was made on Fort Pemberton, which proved
as unsuccessful as the first, and the whole project was finally
abandoned, and the troops returned to Helena. The Twenty-
eighth suffered severely from the diseases engendered in the mala-
rious district up the Tallahatchie. During the expedition, the
Twenty-eighth, with four companies of cavalry and a section of
artillery, was sent to McXutt, Miss., under command of Colonel
49
770 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN,
Lewis, where tliey dispersed the enemy's force of cavalry,
destroj^ed a quantity of Confederate stores, and returned to camp
without loss.
Arriving at Helena, on the 8th of April, the regiment remained
encamped until the 4th of July, with the exception of a fruitless
expedition made in May, towards Cotton Plant, Ark.
Lieutenant Colonel Whittaker resigned on the 28th of May,
1863, and Major Gray was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and
Captain C. C. White, Major.
The enemy had for some time contemplated an attack on
Helena, there being as they supposed, hut a small force to oppose
them.
On the 2d of June, Brigadier General Salomon was placed in
command of the United States forces in and around Helena. He
immediately commenced and completed a line of fortifications
around the place, consisting of a connected line of batteries and
rifle pits, and had so disposed of his troops as to make them
available. The General was untiring in his vigilance, and al-
though the troops thought that they were being worked hard to
no purpose, yet on the morning of the 4th of July, when they
saw the enemy covering the surrounding hills, and saw, after
that days' work was done, that their entire safety rested with
the works which they had labored so hard to construct, tliey
were satisfied that their work had not been in vain.
Tiie enemy, about 15,000 strong, made his appearance on the
morning of the day of- our National anniversary, under General
Holmes. The troops of General Salomon immediately flew to
arms. The Twenty-eighth was assigned to the duty of supporting
Battery B. Lieutenant Colonel Gray had command of the reg-
iment. Colonel Lewis being absent. At the time of the attack
Company G, under Lieutenant Turner, was out on picket when
they were attacked by the enemy advancing in force. Retiring
slowly, and fighting, they fell back to Battery C, on the left,
under cover of a fog, about 5, A. M. Massing his forces, the
enemy succeeded in capturing Battery C, after a hard fight.
The victory was of short duration. Opening a heavy fire from
Fort Curtis, General Salomon succeeded in driving the enemy
from Battery C, while the batteries to the right and left of his
lines were effectually held against the heavy fire of the enemy.
BATTLE OF HELENA. 771
The gunboat Tj'ler contributed, materially to the defeat of the
rebels. About 10| o'clock, after a continuous fight of five hours,
the enemy fell back and gave up the contest, leaving his dead,
over 400, on the battle-field, besides over 800 prisoners in our
hands.
Credit was erroneously given to General Prentiss for this
repulse of the enemy at Helena. The whole arrangement for the
defence was made by General Salomon, and whatever credit
pertains to the action, belongs to him. With a force of about
3,500 men, he succeeded in holding at bay and driving ofi" a
force of at least 15,000.
Being protected behind their works, the casualties in the
Twenty-eighth, were light :
Kiz.'L'ET).— Covtpany E — Private Andrew Vellum. Company O — Private Jerome B.
McKinstry — 2.
Wounded. — Company O — Privates Herman Bestkird, Levi King and Cristolf Jacobi
Company H — Private Christian Berkly — 4.
On the 6th of August, the Twenty-eighth was transferred to
the Army of Arkansas, and left Helena on the 11th, accompa-
nying General Steele in his expedition against Little Rock.
Colonel Lewis was placed in command of the Second Brigade.
Marching by way of Clarendon, they reached Duvall's BlufiJ" on
the 23d, from whence they marched on the 31st, and reached
Little Rock on the 10th of September, where they remained
until the 26th of October, when they joined in the pursuit of
Marmaduke's forces towards the Saline River, proceeding to
Rockport, on the "Washita, where further pursuit was abandoned,
and the regiment returned to Little Rock on the 1st of November.
The regiment was detached from the Second Brigade, and
ordered to join Colonel Clayton's command at Pine BlufiT, sixty
miles from Little Rock, on the Arkansas River. Here the regi-
ment arrived on the 10th of November, and went into winter
quarters, occupied in picket and garrison duty, until the 27th of
March, 1864. Lieutenant Colonel Gray was placed in command
of the post, and companies A, D, F, G, H and I, under command
of Captain L. J. Smith, with additional forces, joined in an expedi-
tion to destroy a pontoon bridge on the Saline River, at Long-
view, on the 27th of March. Arriving at Mount Elba, on the
28th, the infantry was left to guard the bridge at that point, and
772 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
while doing so, was attacked by a force of 1,500 rebels. Tbe
companies of the Twenty-eighth deployed as skirmishers, and
held the enemy in check until they were ordered to fall back to
the main body, when the rebel charge was repulsed and the
enemy driven from the field, losing one hundred killed and
wounded.
The casualties we find in the records of the Adjutant General :
Killed or Died of WovNits.— Company G — Private Thomas Green. Company I—
Private Patrick O'Brien— 2.
The expedition returned to Pine Bluff next day, bringing in
820 prisoners.
On the 28th of April, a detachment of 350 men, under Lieu
tenant Colonel Gray, left Pine Blufi", in order to lay a pontoon,
train across the Saline Piver, for the crossing of the trains car-
rying supplies to General Steele at Camden. Notice of Steele's
retreat being received, the expedition returned to Pine Bluff.
Captain Mandeville G. Townsend, of Company B, is reported
as having been killed at Mark's Mills, on the 25th of April, 1864.
They remained in camp at Pine Bluff", engaged in garrison
and fatigue duty, until the 30th of November, 1864, when they
were relieved and returned to Little Rock on the 2d of December.
On the 22d of January, 1865, they accompanied an expedition
under command of Brigadier General Carr, to Mount Elba, on
the Saline River, marching seventy-five miles to that point.
They started on their return to Little Rock on the 30th, reaching
camp on the 4th of February.
Being ordered to report to General Canby at New Orleans,
they left Little Rock on the 11th by rail for Duvall's Bluff, on
White River, where they embarked on transports and descending
the White and Mississippi rivers, reached Algiers, La., on the
16th, where they reembarked, and on the 25th, landed on Mobile
Point, where the regiment was soon after assigned to the Third
Brigade, Third Division, Thirteenth Army Corps.
Taking part in the movement against the defences of Mobile,
on the 17th of March, the Twenty-eighth marched, with the brig-
ade, forty-five miles to Fish River. The roads being almost im-
passable, the progress was slow, and they arrived o)v the 23d.
On the 25th, they marched and took position on the 27th, in the
SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT. 773
trenclies before Spanish Fort, where they remained engaged in
siege and picket duty until its evacuation on the night of April
8th, and next day proceeded five miles to Blakely, reaching there
too late to take part in its capture.
The casualties in the Twenty-eighth, in the vicinity of Mobile,
as reported, were :
Killed or Died of WotnsrDS. — Company 7? — Private Samuel W. Hogg. Company H—
Corporal Pliilip Flood and Private Timothy O'Brien. Company I — Private Joseph
Sliabine — 4.
WouNEDD.— Company B —Private Ezra Detrlck. Ormpany C— Corporal J. D. Zimmer-
man, Privates Martin Iverson and Tver Iverson. Company ^—Corporals Michael
Vaughn and liCwis E. Bloodgood. Cb??7p(tn;?/ G — Private Edward Tliomas. Company H
— Privates Augustus Young and Matliias Obeabellig. Company JBT- Pi'ivote Robert
Spencer — 10.
The subsequent movements of the regiment, consisted in the
occupation, for a short time, of Mcintosh's Bluff, on the Tom-
bigbee River, in Ala., where the surrender of the last rebel force
under Taylor, rendered unnecessary further labor on the fortifi-
cations at that point. Leaving that post on the 9th of May, they
proceeded to Mobile, where they encamped until the 31st of May,
when they embarked on transports, with orders to join our troops
in Texas, arriving at Brazos Santiago, Texas, on the 6th of June.
They marched to Clarksville, at the mouth of the Rio Grande, on
the 16th, and engaged in garrison and picket duty until the 3d of
August, when they marched to Brownsville, and were mustered
out of the United States service. They embarked on transports
on the 23d of August, and reached Madison, Wisconsin, on the
15th of September, where, on the 23d, they were paid off and
disbanded.
Lieutenant Colonel Gray was appointed Colonel on the 16th
of March, 1864, and Major "White, Lieutenant Colonel, and
Captain J. A. Williams, Major, on the 29th of July, 1865, but
were not mustered.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 961. Gain — ■ by re-
cruits, in 1863, 2, in 1864, 125, in 1865,17; substitutes, 32;
total, 1,137. Loss — by death, 231; deserted, 31; transferred,
81 ; discharged, 221 ; mustered out, 573.
CHAPTEE XXXYII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
Eegimental Roster — Move to Cairo — To Helena — Friar's Point
— Cotton Speculators — Expedition to White River — Yazoo
Pass Expedition — March to Hard Times Landing — Battle of
Port G-ibson — Champion Hills — Assault of May 22d — Siege of
VicKSBURG — Battle of Jackson — Transferred to Gulf Depart-
ment— Second Teche Expedition — Texas — Red River Expedi-
tion— Battle of Sabine Cross Roads — Retreat to Alexandria
— Assist in Building Bailey's Dam — Stationed at Morganzia
— Join General Canby's Forces — Siege of Spanish Fort and
Blakely — Move to Shreveport — Muster out — Return Home —
Statistics.
THE Twenty- nintli Regiment was recruited principally in tlie
Counties of Dodge, Jefferson, Dane and Columbia, and was
called into Camp Randall, Madison, where its organization was
perfected mider the superintendence of Colonel C. R. Gill, and
its muster into the United States service completed on the 27th
of September, 1862. The regiment left the State on the 2d of
IjTovember, with the following roster :
Colonel— CHARLES R. GILL.
Lieutenant CbZoneZ— Gerrit T. Thorne ; il/ajor— William A.Greene; Adjutant~
Valentine Sweeney; Quartermaster — Samuel Baird; Surgeon — William C. Spattld-
ING ; First Assistant <Sw?-f/eort— Robert Addison ; Second Assistant Surgeort^J. F. McClurb ;
Chaplain — Rev. John J. Herrick.
Co. Captains.
A — Bradford Hancock,
B— Thomas R. Mott,
C —Horace E. Connit,
D — Gustavus H. Bryant,
E — Hezekiah Dunham,
F _ Chai'les A. Holmes,
G_ Frederick C Festner,
H— Charles C. Ammack,
I — Oliver C- Bissell,
K.— W. A. De la Matyr.
First Lieutenants.
Oscar F. Mattice,
Charles Wood,
James O. Pearce,
David W. Curtis,
Darius J.Wells,
Emil Stoppenbach,
Oscar Mohr,
John W. Blake,
William K. Barney,
Edwin Marsh.
Second Lieutenants.
George Weeks,
Royal P. Branson,
Lovell F.Willard,
Charles H. Townseiid,
George W. Hale,
John B. Scott,
Alba M. Kent,
Thomas Delany,
Henry Niedeeken,
William V. Perry.
AT friar's point. 775
The regiment proceeded to Cairo by rail, where they found
orders to proceed to Helena, Ark. Remaining at Cairo hut a
short time, they reembarked, and proceeded down the Missis-
sippi River, arriving at Helena on the 7th of November, and
went into camp on the east side of the river, opposite the town.
On the 16th of November, General Hovey, commanding the
Department of Eastern Arkansas, organized a force of about
7,000 men, for an expedition against Arkansas Post, of which
400 yjicked men, of the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, under command
of Colonel Gill, formed a part. The force was to move up
White River to a point twelve miles distant from the Post, on
the Arkansas, which distance it was proposed to march. The
water in White River was so low as to prevent the passage of
the transports over the bar at the mouth of that stream, and,
after repeated efforts, the whole expedition was abandoned, and
returned to Helena. Charles Drayer, of C?>mpany D, was woun-
ded by a shot from a guerilla band on the shore, which fired a
volley into the transport. Mathias Lucas, of Company I, fell
overboard and was drowned.
The regiment returned to camp, and remained, engaged in
fatigue duty, until the 23d of December, when they crossed the
river, and camped on the bluffs, near Helena. On the 25th, they
embarked, and proceeded down the river to Friar's Point, of
which place they took possession, and Colonel Gill took command
of the post. On' the 28tli, 400 men, under Colonel Gill, moved
in pursuit of the rebel Forrest, overtook him, and put him to
flight.
The cotton speculating proclivities of the officer at that time
in command at Helena, had granted such privileges to the rebels
in the vicinity of Friar's Point, that in a short time a large traffic
was entered into in the article of cotton, the speculation being
countenanced by the officers at headquarters at Helena. Colonel
Gill deemed it his duty to stop this illegitiinate use of the mili-
tary arm of the country, in furthering the designs of speculators,
and accordingly, issued order No. 4, which, — 1st, Compelled
every person coming within the lines, to give a written statement
as to their business within the lines, with a declaration that they
had never aided or abetted in the rebellion. 2d, Requiring such
persons to show a pass, when leaving the lines, ordered by the
776 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
commander of the post. 3d, Persons witliin the lines not
required to furnish evidence of loyalty, to pass out. 4th, Exempts
slaves from the operation of the order. 5th, Prohibited the sending
of jpro2)eriij out of the lines, without a 'permit from the commander of the
post.
From this order, the rehel inhabitants at Friar's Point and
vicinity, appealed to General Gorman, at headquarters, Helena,
v^ho had already shown great favor to these subjects ofJeif.
Davis, and on the occasion of his taking possession of Friar's
Point, addressed its rebel population, in language like the follow-
ing:— "I have come to establish trade for all without, as well as
within the lines, who have cotton to exchange." He also issued
such instructions for the government of the lines, as to practically
license a contraband trade. A bale of cotton passed the rankest
rebel through the lines, and government steamers plied up and
down the river, rei»dezvousing at Friar's Point, bartering
immense stores of merchandize for cotton. Of all this, Qorman
was informed, but gave the abuses complained of the countenance
of a studied silence.
The efiect of Colonel Gill's order was to check the cotton
traflic for a time at this post, but still there occurred some refrac-
tory cases. One of his captains took his company outside the lines
on a cotton raid, without authority. Another took the responsibility
of taking part of his company, without authority, aboard the
Evansville, government boat, on a cotton excursion, sixty miles
down the river. These delinquents were placed under arrest by
Colonel Gill. They appealed to Gorman, who not only ordered
their release, but censured Colonel Gill for arresting officers for
'■'•slight offences."
With such a condition of aifairs at headquarters, it might be
expected that the appeal of the inhabitants of Friar's Point,
against the order of Colonel Gill, would be favorably considered.
The Friar's Point rebels sent in a memorial for the removal of
Colonel Gill, which Gorman found no difficulty in complying
with, and the Colonel was placed under arrest, and his order No.
four, revoked. Lieutenant Colonel Thorne taking command of
the post. The protection extended to the speculators and their
secesh friends, soon reestablished the cotton traffic, which con-
tinued to be carried through the lines till the 9th of January, 1863,
YAZOO PASS EXPEDITION. 777
wlien Colonel Gill's sworcl was returned, and Friar's Point
evacuated, the troops returning to Helena, and General Gorman
was, soon after, superseded.
"We place these facts on record as an act of justice to a worthy
otScer, who, in attempting to do his whole duty to his country,
was suhjected to the tyranny and abuse of a man whose sense of
patriotism and honor was lost in his unprincipled desire for gain,
at whatever sacrifice.
An expedition up White River was undertaken by General
Gorman, of which the Twenty-ninth formed a part. Leaving
Helena on the 11th of January, they proceeded, in transports, up
the river to St. Charles, where they left the Twenty-ninth Wis-
consin, under Colonel Lewis. They continued up the river to
Duvall's Bluff, where a gun or two, some small arms, and some
prisoners were captured, and the expedition returned to Helena
on the 23d.
Wliile on this expedition, the Twenty-ninth was attached to
the First Brigade, Colonel McGinnis commanding. The brigade
was composed of veteran regiments, heroes of Pea Ridge, Don-
elson and Shiloh, who were tenacious of their well won laurels,
and it was no small compliment to the Twenty-ninth to be
considered worthy to enter the gallant brigade.
On the 3d of February, Lieutenant Colonel Thorne resigned,
and Major Greene was promoted Lieutenant Colonel, and
Captain Hancock, of Company A, appointed Major.
The regiment went into camp five miles from Helena, where
they remained nearly a month, engaged in outpost duty, and
furnishing fatigue parties to corduroy the roads into Helena.
General Washburn was charged, by General Grant, with the duty
of opening a pass to the Yazoo River, by way of Yazoo Pass, and
an expedition for that purpose started from Helena on the 22d
of February. The Twenty-ninth formed a part of the force, pro-
ceeded through the Pass, and encamped near the Coldwater
River, at the end of the Pass, and were employed in guard duty
until the 1st of March, when they returned to Helena, without
coming into collision with the enemy.
On the 5th of April, a force of about 800 men, cavalry and
infimtry, of which a detail of 100 men from the Twenty-ninth,
under Captain Delamatyr and Lieutenants Mohr and Kent,
778 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
formed a part, tlie whole under command of Major Hancock,
proceeded to the St Francis River, overhauled the enemy,
defeated and totally routed him, and returned to Helena, just as
the regiment, which had been assigned to Gen. Hovey's division,
in the Thirteenth Army Corps, was embarking for Milliken's
Bend, to take part in Grant's operations before Vicksburg.
Arriving at the Bend on the 13th of April, the march across
the peninsula, to Carthage, below Vicksburg, was commenced,
proceeding by wa}- of Richmond and Perkins' Plantation. On
the 28th, the regiment embarked •. n a steamer and barges, and
proceeded to Grand Gulf, for an attack on that place. The gun
boats being unable to silence the rebel batteries, the troops
disembarked at Hard Times' Landing, and marched below Grand
Gulf The gunboats and transports were successful in running
the batteries, and the troops reembarked and moved ten miles
below, to Bruinsburg, where they were landed, the Twenty-ninth
with Colonel Gill, being the first regiment to go ashore.
AVitli five days' rations and one hundred rounds of ammunition
to each man, the army started on its march to Port Gibson, at
four, P. M., of the 30th of April. Halting at eight, P. M., for
supper, the march was resumed, and continued, at intervals, all
night. Tlie enemy was encountered about two, A. M., near
Magnolia Church. An artillery duel took place between the
advance of McClernand's forces and the rebels, but darkness put
an end to it, and both sides la}^ on their arms till morning.
Soon after daylight, the battle was again opened, the Union
line being formed with Carr's Division on the right, Osterhaus'
division on the left, and Hovey's division, to which McGinnis'
brigade was attached, occupied the centre. A general advance
was made along the whole line, the enemy massing his strength
against the center of the line, but the veterans of Hovey's
division gallantly charged upon his position, notwithstanding the
almost impassable obstacles before them, and crushed his centre.
The enemy retreated, leaving one battery and several prisoners
in the hands of the division.
The enemy were reinforced, and made another stand in the
afternoon. In this fight, McGinnis' brigade went to the support
of the Second Brigade, and the Twenty-ninth, with an Indiana
regiment, was sent to check a flank movement of the enemy. In
BATTLE OT PORT GIBSON". 779
doing so, the Twenty-iiintli was placed in a dangerous position,
from which it was impossible to extricate itself, except by hard
fighting. This was a trying position for a regiment under fire
for the first time, but they went into the fight and fought like
veterans, to use the words of its brigade commander.
Colonel Gill, in his report, says: — " After changing direction
to the left, in an open ravine, and before the left wing was yet
upon the new direction, the regiment was assailed by a heavy
fire from the enemy on the top of a ridge, across the ravine, and
also from w^oods on the right. They were forced to halt in this
position. The ground on the left did not permit the left wing to
form in line to repel the attack. The right wing was faced by
the rear and opened fire. Companies F and K posted themselves
on the ridge just crossed by the regiment. Companies G, I and
C were posted so as to enable them to pour a galling fire upon
the enemy's left fiank. Here they kept up an incessant fire for
over an hour, subject to a heavy fire from the enemy on the
opposite ridge, who seemed intent on driving them from their
position, and securing the battery, which fired over their heads
in their rear."
For their gallant conduct, the brigade commander sj^oke in
the most flattering terms of the Twenty-ninth and its brave
commander.
The casualties, as oflicially reported, were:
Killed or Died of Wovynos.— Company ^ — Sergeant Lionel E. Robbins, Privates
Wenzei Pischak, Charles B. Andrews and John S. Bridges. CompamjB— Privates Edward
B. Hawes, Matthew Marshall, R. H. Roberts and Geo. H. Parlier. Company D — Sergeant
H. D. Piper, Private James Short. Company £'— Fir.st Sergeant D. S. Ketehum, Corporals
G. W. Alexander and H. .1. Spring, Privates A. J. Floyd, George Huggett, Richard D.
Ferndon, Christoplier Grosse and William Heri'ick. Company i^— Privates John Kock-
endofer, Anthony Prefouutain and Gerhard Rubish. Company if"— Privates Henry
Menges, Michael Gaghan and Thomas McAi-ely — 21.
WouNDKD.— Co»(i>a?j,)/ ^ — Privates Franz Hebel and John C. Kenlin. Company B—
Privates Norman Humphry, John Lloyd, John L. Urtubees, Alraon Chapin, Jno. Moore
and P. Frank. Company C— Captain H. E. Connit, Second Lieutenant L. F. Willard, Pri-
vate J. Beir. Company Z)— Privates F. S. Skeele, Fred. Ludtke and Albert Cebelle.
Company iJ— Second Lieutenant George W. Hale, Sergeants C- A. Dibble and P. Hodge,
Corporal J. M. Davis, Privates Henry Zock, Charles H. Eggleston, Anton Arutz, S. Car-
lisle, S. S. Darwood, J. B. Ireland, Peter Mullen, A. Marquhart, N. Powers, P. Ready, Geo.
W. Wicks, David Williams, J. G. Dunning, E. M. Emory and J. Connor. Company F—
Corporal Jackson Jones, Private Joseph Blatz. Company G— Privates Bernhard M.
Meunch, Jacob Steinmitz, P. O'Brian, V. Sturm, Robert Rowley and Fred. Hanimer.sly.
Company H— First Sergeant A. D. Gibbs, Sergeant G. W. McMullen, Corporal A. A.Wicks.
Private Charles Bundy. Company II — Vri\a.ie James Swanton. Company A'— First
Sergeant H. K. Bushnell, Piivates N. F. Gillman, D. O. Bennett and M. J. Carleston— 50.
780 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The brigade entered Port Gibson next day, and on the 3d,
it crossed the Bayou Pierre bridge, and moved to Willovr
Springs, and on the 10th, the forces of General Grant being
concentrated at that point, the march was resumed. On the 12th,
Sherman and McPherson marched for Jackson, and McClernand
filed to the left and marched towards Edwards' Station. The
enemy's pickets were encountered at Fourteen Mile Creek and
driven back. Kext day, further demonstration was made, and
Hovey's division moved to the right towards Raymond. On the
15th, Jackson being captured, the division changed its direction,
and took the advance towards Vicksburg. The enemy were
encountered at Clinton, but they retired to a strong position on
Champion Hills, near Baker's Creek.
Hovey's division moved against the enemy at 7, A. M., of the
16th. Marching five miles, the enemy were found in position on
Champion Hills, where a battery was posted on the road. Line
of battle was formed, skirmishers were thrown out, and the line
advanced. McGinnis' brigade were in position, as follows :
Eleventh Indiana on the left of the road. Twenty-ninth Wisconsin
on the right, occupying the brigade front, the rest of the com-
mand being in support. The battery was opposite the center of
the advance line. Companies B and C were deployed as
skirmishers.
About 12, M., the brigade charged up the hill towards the
battery at a rapid pace. When within a hundred yards of the
battery the enemy opened with grape and canister from four
guns and a fire from the infantry. The advance was continued
until within easy range when the Twenty-ninth opened a terrific
fire which was followed by a fire from the whole brigade. The
enemy began to waver. An immediate charge with the bayonet
was ordered, and with a loud cheer, and at the double quick, the
regiment, with the whole brigade dashed forward, and so rapid
were their movements that the enemy was taken by surprise,
falling back in disorder, and many prisoners, together with the
battery, fell into the hands of the brigade. Driving the enemy
six or eight hundred yards beyond the battery, they found them
reinforced. Having been under fire about three hours without
support, the brigade returned to a more secure position.
During the engagement the ammunition was nearly exhausted,
BATTLE OF CHAMPION HILLS. 781
and that in the boxes of tlie dead and wounded was used.
The brigades of Beaven and Ilohnes came to the relief of
McGinnis' brigade, and the engagement soon terminated in
the utter defeat and rout of tlie enemy. The ground fouglit over
was ver}' rough and covered with timber. The Twenty-nintli
captured a battery of brass pieces, the colors of the Thirty-fifth
Alabama, and about three hundred prisoners, among them several
commissioned officers.
Colonel Gill led his men gallantly into action, and fought
bravely, having his horse shot under him. Lieutenant Colonel
Green was also conspicuous in the fight. Major Hancock, Cap-
tains Bissell, Holmes, Mott and De la Matyr, and Lieutenant Ray,
were wounded.
General McGinniss made special mention of the Twenty-ninth,
He said :
Of the Eleventh and Forty-sixth Indiana, and Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, it is unneces-
sary to speak. The fact that tliey captured two batteries, driving the enemy before them,
speaks more loudly in their praise than anything I could say. * * * of Colonels Gill
and Greene, and the gallant Major Hancock, of the Twenty-ninth, who was severely
wounded in the thickest of the fight, nobly doing his duty, too much cannot be said in
praise. They are deserving of all honor for their endurance and bravery, and complete
control which they evinced over their respective commuuds.
The casualties at Champion Hills, as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wovi^vs.— Company yl— Corporal Charles F. Mathews, Privates
Newton H. Carter, Richard Coughliu, .Joseph King and Wm. J. Bleecker. Compamj C —
Sergeants Brooklyn Graham and John A. Hautf, Privates Gilbert Duck and John H
Broadt. Comxiany /> — Sex'geant Spencer A. Bryant, Privates T. II. Butler, J. W. Ringer
John B. Weise and Edward Skinner. Company F— Privates John Jackson and George
Vanarman. Cwnpcmy F— Sergeant Benjamin Parker, Corporals Paul Koltonbourn and
Hiram Green. Company (? — Privates Charles M. G. Fisk, Michael Hinds, Mathias Burke
and A. A. Mathews. Cmnpany i/— Privates Daniel Ford, John Murray and Fred Shafer.
Company I — Corporal John J. Barney, Privates O. J. Angel and Frank Persons. Company
jBT— Privates Julius Eggert, Peter Owen and William H. Brown — 32.
'Wovi!fjyE.ii.— Field and Staff — Major B. Hancock, Commissary Sergeant Wm. Wilson.
Company ^1 — Second Lieutenant O. L. Ray, Privates William Blaskey, James W. Boyd,
T. Eller Drangorson, J. Habermann, N. C. Wiseman, William L. Dalton, J. Pridall, Moses
F. Kimball, Simon Miller and Frederick Schott. Company B — QaptAiix T. R. Mott and
Corporal Julius Keyes. Company C—Vrixates Henry Ely, J. Navin, J. Powers, John
Garvin, William Fretz, Julius Kruschke and J. Norton. Cowpon?/ Z> — Privates D. W.
Stanley, William Brink, J. Doughty, C Miller, D. H. Miller, William Kaston, S. Babb,
Barney Reif and S. Matson. Company E—Vr'WAie John Egan. Company J*'— Captain
C. A. Holmes, Sergeant William B. Whipple, Privates Edward Hart, Peter Lang, Henry
Baumgartner, George Dolhotter, John Fitch, F. Fritz and Cieorge Schaefer. Company G —
Privates Hugh Berkley, C. R. Gardner, R. M. Windsor, John Smith, Jacob Ritterluisch,
F. Duppler, F. Roedel, Joseph Roeder, James W. Barrett, W. H. Bacon and J. Segebrecht.
Company H— Corporal C. Huett and Private N. Lackey. Cot ipuny /—Captain O. C. Bis-
sell, Orderly Sergeant J. P. Gould, Privates J. W. Taylor, O. F. Benedict, A. Merrill, J
Looniis, J. Rassmussen, H. C. Brewster, D. Rhive, J. Crawford and F. Leonard. Omipany
A'— Captain W. A. De la Matyr, Privates E. B. Hyde, W. II. l?rown, H. C Campbell, ().
Frances, C. Gorman, E. Hutchins, Henry Hide, H. S. Jones, C M. Kendall, C. Radloff,
F. Stam, E. Tyler and G. D. Luce— 79.
782 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The brigade was relieved from tlie pursuit of the enemy, and
were detailed to bury the dead, collect the arms, and construct
bowers for the wounded. In this duty they were engaged till the
19th of May, when they marched to Vicksburg camping at Black
River Bridge until the 21st, when they went forward and took
position in the trenches.
In the charge of the 22d of May, the brigade was ordered to
the support of Osterhaus' division. The Twenty-ninth formed
part of the reserve, and therefore escaped the casualties of the
day.
In the subsequent operations of the siege, the Twenty-ninth
was employed constantly in the rifle pits and advanced works.
A ravine, partly screened by a half grown belt of woods, was
assigned to them as regimental quarters. On the 25th of June,
when Logan -sprung his mine under the fort in his front, the
infantry opened a tremendous fire upon the enemy's works. In
this fight the Twenty-ninth had one man killed, and two wounded,
the total loss during the siege, being :
Killed. — Companp I — Private Jno. Trump. Company F — Private Oscar F. Benedict — 2.
Wounded. — Company A — Private J. C. Kenlin. Company I — Privates J.-Stephens and
H. Welsli — 3.
Thomas McDonough, of Company H, is reported to have died
of wounds on the 2d of August.
On the 27th of June, Colonel Gill resigned, in consequence of
continued illness brought on by his exertions and the hardships
of the campaign, and was conveyed on his bunk in an ambulance
to the Landing, on the Yazoo River, where he was placed on a
steamer, and succeeded in reaching "Wisconsin, where, after
many weary months, his health was restored. He continued to
have a lively interest in the gallant regiment which he had led
so bravely and well, and in the fall of 1865, was elected Attorn?y
General of the State.
In the movement of Sherman against Jackson, the capital of
Miss., after the capture of Vicksburg, the brigade participated.
Taking position in the lines on the 11th of July, under Lieuten-
ant Colonel Green, the regiment, with skirmishers in front, closed
in on the enemy, advancing as he fell back, engaging his skir-
mishers, and so continued until the 13th, when the Twenty-ninth
was placed in the reserve and commenced building breastworks.
BATTLE AT JACKFON. 783
In this position they remained until the 17th, when the enemy hav-
ing evacuated the city, tlie Union force entered. Until the 21st,
the brigade was engaged in the labor of destroying railroads,
cotton, and other rebel property. On the 22d, they returned to
Vicksburg and encamped.
The losses in the battle of Jackson, were :
Wounded.— Cojwpa)?^ A — Private A. E. Thompson. 03w?i)«))?/ i?— Privato J. Neuge-
bauer. Cotnpani/ G — Privates H. A. Harwood and Z. R. Boughton. Company H— Private
H. E. Kugar-5.
Included in the transfer of the Thirteenth Army Corps to the
Department of the Gulf, the regiment, with the brigade, on the
6th of August proceeded down the river to I^atchez, from thence
by way of Carrolton and Algiers, they entered Brashier City,
west of I^ew Orleans, on the 14th of September.
The brigade of General McGinnis, still attached to the Thir-
teenth Army Corps, broke camp opposite Brashier City, and
joined a portion of the corps under command of General Ord, in
an expedition under the command of General Franklin, of the
Nineteenth Corps. As but little of interest occurred on this
march, we will briefly state that they proceeded by way of ISTew
Iberia and Vermillionville, where General C. C. Washburn,
superceded General Ord. From thence they advanced to Ope-
lousas, and from thence to Barr's Landing and went into camp,
remaining there until the 29tli of October, when they returned
to Opelousas.
On the 1st of ISTovember, they marched to Carrion CrowBa3^ou,
and on the 3d, were ordered up by General "Washburn, to
reinforce the brigade of General Burbridge, four miles distant,
which had been attacked by the enemy. The brigade started on
the double quick, and prevented the enemy from capturiug the
balance of Burbridge's brigade and train. They returned to
camp that night.
Setting out on their return, marching by way of Yermillion
Bayou and Spanish Lake, they arrived at New Iberia, on the
17th. They accompanied an expedition on the 20th, which cap-
tured 114 prisoners at Spanish Lake. They remained at New
Iberia, engaged in picket duty and guarding forage trains until
the 19th of December, when they moved towards Berwick City,
784 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
arriving on the 21st, -and next clay crossed Berwick Bay, and
moved by rail to Algiers, where they were assigned as part of the
Texas Expedition, under General "Washburn.
They left Algiers on the 5th of January, 1864, and arrived at
Pass Cavallo, and disembarked on the 12th, at Decrow's Point,
near the mouth of the Rio Grande. Here they were employed
in guard duty until the 20th of February, wdien they reembarked
and returned to New Orleans, landing at Algiers on the 24th,
and camped till the 5tli of March, when they moved by rail, to
Berwick City, and encamped.
Taking part with the Thirteenth Corps in the ill-fated Red
River Expedition under General Banks, they left Berwick City
on the 13th, marching by way of Opelousas, through Washing-
ton, Holmesville, and Cheneyville, they arrived at Alexandria on
the 26th, and proceeded with the army, to Natchitoches, thence
to Pleasant Hill, on the 7th, and went into camp. On the 8th,
they marched about eighteen miles to near Sabine Cross Roads.
Companies A, C, F, I and K were detailed as guard to the wagon
train, leaving the other five companies, and Forty-sixth Indiana,
in the brigade. The five companies, and the Forty-sixth Indiana,
late in the afternoon, filed into a field and stacked arms, and
made preparations to encamp. They soon heard artillery firing
three or four miles ahead, which proved to be the Fourth Divi-
sion of the Thirteenth Corps, opposing the rebel attack. Orders
to fall in were promptly responded to, and at a double quick,
they made the four miles in about an hour. The enemy had suc-
ceeded in massing his forces on the cavalry and infantry, captured
some of the batteries, and drove back the cavalry. Just as the
brigade came up the Fourth Division was falling back. The
brigade deployed to the right of the road, with the Second Brig-
ade on its left. Advancino; nearlv half a mile to the ed2:e of the
woods, in an open field beyond, they found the enemy in line
about twenty rods in front. Falling back a short distance, they
awaited demonstrations. Soon a heavy column of the enemy was
seen advancing obliquely across the fieldfor the purpose of flank-
ing them. They quietly retained their position, being told that
the Nineteenth Corps was upon the right which proved to be false.
At last the Second Brigade was driven back, exposing the left flank
of the First Brigade. The cavalry were gallopping down on
BATTLE AT SABINE CROSS ROADS. 785
their left, and the infantry on the right were ponring in a gallino-
fire at short range. The commander of the brigade was shot, and
the Forty-sixth Indiana was making a movement to the rear
when the five companies of the Twenty-ninth deeming further
resistance useless, left the field.
The casualties in this battle, which is known as Sabine Cross
Roads, were :
Kii.LED OR Died of yVovsBS.— Cbmpany B—Pri-vates Almon Cliapin, Calvin Barrett
and Jam«s Burke. Company Z) — Privates Charles Lucltke, Frederick Ludtke and Fred-
erick Spoor. Oompnny E — Private A. Sawtaski. Company F— Corporal Peter Lang and
Private Carl Seigman. Cb/npan.iy G — Privates Patrick O'Brien and Anton Utretclit.
Company II— Privates Micliael Cooper and Cliarles Johrnish — 13.
y^ovis'D'EV).— Company B — Privates Tlionias jMartin, Sidney Smith, James Hoskins,
Anson Weaver and Oscar Herron. Cbw^o»»/ -D — Captain G. H. Bryant, Privates Michael
James and Spencer Edwards. Company £— Privates H. B. Willett, George W. Weeks and
John O'Sullivan. Company F — Private James Scliofield. Company O — Privates Tliomas
Clarkson, William Bacon and H. Cornell. Company if— Sergeant Henry Lightly — 16.
Sixty-five killed, wounded and missing were reported.
The Nineteenth Corps soon after came up and checked the
enemy, allowing the retreat to be made in good order. Return-
ing to Pleasant Hill, they found Colonel Greene with a squad of
recruits from Wisconsin.
With the rest of the army, the Twenty-ninth returned to Grand
Ecore, arriving on the 11th, and engaged in fatigue and picket
duty until the 22d, when they moved towards Alexandria. At
Clouterville, the enemy was found in rifle pits to dispute the
crossing of Cane River. The Twenty-ninth took part in the
movement of the Thirteenth and Mneteenth corps to dislodge
them, but, being in reserve, suifered no loss. With the army,
they arrived at Alexandria on the 25th of April, where, until the
6th of May, they were employed in reconnoissances into the
surrounding country, skirmishing frequently with the enemy.
On the 6th of May, the Twenty-ninth was ordered to report to
Colonel Bailey, who was then engaged in constructing the famous
dam across the Red River. Colonel Greene immediately repair-
ed to the rapids, and both officers and men worked night and
day until the work was completed. Captain Gibbs, of Company
B, had the supervision of many of the fatigue details, and his
services were very valuable. Colonel Bailey spoke highly of
Captains Gibbs, Holmes, Bissell and Ray, and Lieutenants Kent,
Scott and Northrup, and especially commended the Twenty-ninth
50
786 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
for its faithfulness, energy and endurance. Continuing with the
army on the retreat, they reached Simmsport on the 17th, and
participated in the battle at that place, crossed the Atchafalaya,
and pushed forward to the Mississippi, and arrived at Morganzia
on the 22d.
Remaining at this place, engaged in guard and picket duty,
on the 13th of June, they embarked and proceeded to Carrolton
and encamped. From thence they moved to Kennersville, and
on the 26th, to Thiboudeaux, where they engaged in outpost and
guard duty. Colonel Greene was appointed post commandant,
and Company K, provost guard. On the 9th, under orders, they
proceeded to Algiers, where every preparation was made for a
transfer to the Army of the Potomac, the regiment being assigned
to the First Brigade, Provisional Division. The order was, how-
ever, countermanded, and the regiment was sent up the river to
Morganzia on the 26th. On the 28th, in a skirmish with the
enemy on the Atchafalaya, Jerome Goodrich, of Company D, was
killed. While at Morganzia, the Twenty-ninth was assigned to
the Second Brigade, Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps.
On the 23d of August, they proceeded to Port Hudson, thence
on an expedition to Clinton, La. They marched day and night,
only to find that the place had been taken by a force sent from
Port Hudson. The men were much exhausted by the severity of
the march. They returned to Port Hudson on the 29th of July,
and moved on transports to Morganzia.
On the 3d of September, with the Second Division, the regi-
ment embarked and proceeded up the Mississippi and White
Pivers to St. Charles, where they were stationed in the perform-
ance of garrison duty until the 23d of October. From this time
till the 12th of November, they were engaged in an expedition to
Duvall's Bluft', above St. Charles, returning from which, they
moved to the mouth of White River on an expedition for the
capture of mules for the Quartermaster's Department.
On the 12th of November, they again embarked and pro-
ceeded up White River to Duvall's Bluff, thence by rail to Little
Rock, where they were, in the evening, generously received by
their comrades of the Ninth Wisconsin, and hospitably enter-
tained by that regiment. They remained at Little Rock until
the 24th of November, employed in heavy fatigue and picket
SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT. 787
duty, when they returned by rail to Duvall's Bluff, where they
embarked on the 25th, and proceeded down the White River,
and up the Mississippi to Memphis, where they went into camp
on the 28th.
On the 21st of December, they were sent on an expedi-
tion with the forces of General Lawler, in support of General
Grierson's cavalry, marching as far as Moscow, and returning
to Memphis on the 31st of December. Company I here rejoined
the regiment. While at Little Rock, this company was detached
and sent up the Arkansas River as guard to a steamer. The
boat was snagged and totally wrecked. Camping near the scene
of the mishap, the company remained till the 20tli of Decem-
ber, when they were furnished with transportation, and after
considerable delay, rejoined their comrades at Memphis.
Orders were received to join the forces of General Canby at
New Orleans. Embarking on the 1st of January, 1865, the regi-
ment arrived there on the 4th, and encamped next day at Ken-
nersville Station, on the banks of the river, where they remained
until the 5th of February, when they again embarked and pro-
ceeded to Dauphin Island, near Mobile, and lauded on the 8th
of February, near Fort Gaines, when the regiment was assigned
to the First Brigade, First Division, of the Thirteenth Army
Corps.
On the 17th of March, participating in the general movement
of the forces against the defenses of Mobile, they crossed the
bay to Mobile Point, and moved forward to Spanish Fort. The
road was over low and swampy ground, much of which it was
necessary to corduroy, in order to pass the troops and trains.
On the 27th, they took position in the trenches before Spanish
Fort, where they lost one man killed. Sergeant Joel B. Norton,
of Company C, and one wounded, T. Dickerson, of Company
E. On the 31st, Ihey were ordered to act as guard to a supply
train for General Steele then atBlakeley. They left the trenches
at Spanish Fort, moved with the train, and on the 3d of April,
took position with the forces besieging Bhakeley. On the 8th,
they were ordered to return to Spanish Fort, and report to
General A. J. Smith, but that place surrendering on tliat day, the
order was countermanded, and the regiment returned to Blakeley
which surrendered on the 9th. The Twenty-ninth regiment was
not engaged.
788 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The regiment crossed Mobile Bay on the 12tli of April, and
was the second regiment to enter the long beleagured city.
Here they were assigned to permanent duty as provost guard.
A few days after their arrival, an explosion of a storehouse filled
with war material, killed two men of the regiment and wounded
four.
Colonel Greene resigned on the 26th of January, 1865, and
Lieutenant Colonel Hancock was appointed Colonel, to date from
April 30th, 1865, Major Connit, as Lieutenant Colonel, and
Captain Or. H. Bryant, as Major. These officers, however, were
not mustered.
Pursuant to orders the regiment embarked at Mobile, on the
26th of May, and arrived at New Orleans on the 30th, where,
under orders, they continued their movement to Shreveport, La.,
arriving there on the 8th of June. Here they were employed in
provost guard duty until the 22d of June, when they were mus-
tered out of service, and embarked on transports homeward
bound. Reaching Cairo on the 3d of July, they took cars on the
Illinois Central Railroad, and reached Madison on the 17th of
July, where the regiment was paid off and formally disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 961. Gain — ^by recruits
m 1863, 2, in 1864, 114, in 1865, 11; by substitutes, 1 ; total, 1,069.
Loss — by death, 296 ; deserted, 39; transferred, 108 ; discharged,
184 ; mustered out, 467.
CHAPTEE XXXYIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTIETH INFANTRY
Kegimental Koster — On Duty in the State — Move to Dacotah
Territory — Take Part in Sully's Indian Expedition — Build
Fort Wadsworth — Return — Move to Louisville, Ky. — Muster
out — Return Home — Statistics.
THE Thirtieth Regiment was organized at Camp Randall,
Madison, under the supervision of Colonel Dill, and its mus-
ter into the United States service was completed on the 21st of
October, 1862, with the following roster :
Colonel — DANIEL J. DILL.
Lieutenant Colonel — Edward
Theodore C. Spencer; QuartcT
Assistant Surgeon — Edwin O.
Chaplain —Rev. A. B. Green.
Cb. Captains.
A— Sam Harrimau,
B — Lewis S. Burton,
C — Alexander A. Arnold,
D — David C. Fulton,
E — Edward Devlin,
F — Martin A. Driebelbls,
G — Asa B. Swain,
H— Andrew Bedal,
I — Napoleon B. Grier,
K— John Klatt.
M. Bartlett; J/cy'w— John Clowney; Atlnitani —
■>Hc«^er — Sidney L. Stakb; &'ta-geo7i — Otis Hoyt ; First
Baker; Second Assistant /S'Mr&eo/i — Edwin C. Fae«;
First Lieutenants.
Arthur L. Cox,
William H. Gill,
Darius D. Chappell,
Charles E. Darling,
Edward C. Foster,
Edgar A. Meacham,
John E. Tilton,
George Marshall,
Charles Buckman,
George E. Densmore,
Second Lieutenants.
Henry A.Wilson,
Thomas Priestley,
John McMaster,
Lewis O. Marshall,
Samuel W. Smith,
Ezra R. Strong,
Henry J. Curtice,
Joseph Matthews,
Benjamin Cowen,
Myron F. Hubbard.
The services of this regiment differ from all the other regi-
ments of the State, in the fact that up to March, 1864, the most
of it had been retained in the State, in duties pertaining to the
enforcement of the draft.
"We give, in brief, a statement of the duties performed. On
the 16th of November, 1864, Compan}^ A was sent to Green Bay,
to protect the Draft Commissioner, remaining several weeks. On
the 18th, seven companies moved to Milwaukee, to assist in
790 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
enforcing the draft in Milwaukee County, while two companies
remained in Camp Randall, to guard Ozaukee rioters. On the
22d, six companies were sent to West Bend, to attend to the
enforcement of the draft, which was made under military sur-
veillance. The other company was sent to Camp Eandall, with
more Ozaukee County rioters, and on the 24th, the draft was
enforced in that county. On the 28th, four companies were sent
back to Madison, while Major Clowney, as Draft Commissioner
and Provost Marshal, remained, with two companies, during the
most of the winter. The two companies returned to Camp Ran-
dall in February, 1863. One company was sent into Lafayette
County, to hunt up delinquents under the enrollment, and to
quiet down the tendency to resist the draft. On the 2d of May,
1863, companies D, F, I and K were sent to St. Louis, as guards
for transports in the Indian Expedition, under General Sully, in
which duty they were engaged until the 10th of August, 1863,
when companies I and K were ordered to report at Camp Wash-
burn, Milwaukee, where they arrived on the 12th of September.
Companies D and F remained on duty at Fort Pierre and Fort
Sully.
On the 26th of May, 1863, companies G and E left Camp
Randall for the Lake Superior country, where they remained
until August 21st, when they returned to Camp Washburn. On
June 24th, two companies were sent to Hartford, Washington
County, to protect the enrolling officers in that and Dodge
County. July 13th, two companies, under Major Clowney, were
sent to Lafayette County, for the same purpose. July 21st, a
detachment was sent to Port Washington, to keep order in that
region. July 23d, one company was sent to l^ew Lisbon, to
protect the citizens against apprehended Indian attacks. August
28th, a detachment, under Lieutenant Chappel, was sent to Brown
County, to protect the enrolling officers. The regiment was
engaged in these and similar duties until March, 1864, when, in
two parts, it was sent to Dacotah Territory and northwestern
Minnesota, and took part in General Sully's campaign against
the Indians.
Companies A, C and H, under Colonel Dill, preceded by
Company I, proceeded to St. Louis, and embarked on the 25th
of April, 1864, on three steamers, and moved up the Missouri
INDIAN EXPEDITION. 791
River, and reached Fort Rice on the 15th of July, having encoun-
tered vexatious detentions by snags, sandbars, etc. This fort was
located four hundred miles west of St. Paul, at the confluence ol
the Gannonball with the Missouri, and about 800 miles above
Sioux City.
We know^ but little of the operations of the six companies of
the Thirtieth up the Missouri River, as an application for a his-
torical sketch from the officers, has not been responded to. Col-
onel Dill commanded the expedition sent to the relief of Fisk's
expedition, which had been beset by hostile Indians, while en
route to Virginia City, in Montana Territory.
Companies B, E, K and Gr, under Major Clowney, proceeded
to Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and on the 18th of June, left, on a
march to Fort Ridgely, 140 miles from Fort Snelling. The dis-
tance was made in five days. Company G was left at Fort
Snelling, and the other companies proceeded to the site of Fort
Wadsworth, on James River, in Dakotah Territory, where they
engaged in constructing that fort, and remained as garrison until
the fall of 1864.
We regret much the absence of data lor a more interesting
sketch of this regiment. In its organization it was equal to the
best sent out of Wisconsin, but it was fated to reap but little
honor or glory on the battle field, or in active service against the
rebels, although whatever duty it was called upon to perform,
was done with cheerfulness and ability.
The detachment under Colonel Dill, left Fort Rice on the 12th
of October, 1864, and descended the Missouri River to Sioux
City, Iowa, where it was joined by Company D, under the com-
mand of Lieutenant Marshall. Leaving this place on the 3d of
Novonber, they continued their journey down the river to St.
Joseph, Mo., which place they left on the 24th, and proceeding
rapidly by way of Quincy and Indianapolis, they arrived, on the
29th, at Louisville, Ky., and went into camp.
The command of Major Clowney, at Fort Wadsworth, Dakota
Territory, on the 29th of September, commenced their march
across the country to Fort Snelling, Minn., where they arrived on
the 12th of October, having accomplished a march of over three
hundred miles. Embarking, they left Fort Snelling on the 20th,
and descended the Mississipj;. to St. Louis, where they arrived
792 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
on the 26tli, and on the 29th, reembarked, and proceeded down
tlie river to Padiicah, where they remained on guard duty until
the 6th of December, when they proceeded up the Ohio River, to
Louisville, where they rejoined the balance of the regiment, it
being all present except Company I, which still remained at Fort
Union.
On the 12th, the reunited regiment moved by rail to Bowling
Green, Ky., where it was assigned to the Second Brigade, Second
Division, Militarj' District of Kentucky, ColonelDill having charge
of the brigade, and Major Clowney of the regiment.
The regiment moved from Bowling Green on the 10th of Jan-
uary, 1865, and returned to Louisville, where they were assigned
to guard duty at the military prison. Companies A, D and F,
under Captain Meacham, were subsequently detailed as Provost
Guard in the city, and on the 8th of February, companies B, E
and G were detached and sent to Frankfort, where they were
ordered to assume the duties of permanent garrison of that city.
Company B subsequently moved to Georgetown, and served on
garrison duty, under Lieutenant Gill.
Lieutenant Colonel Bartlett returned, and assumed command
of the regiment at Louisville, in the latter part of February, and
on the 17th of April, Colonel Dill was appointed Provost Marshal
General of Kentucky. Company B returned to the regiment on
the 27th of May, and companies E and G, early in June. On the
22d of June, Company I, which had been relieved at Fort Union,
rejoined the regiment.
On the 20th of September, the regiment was mustered out of
service and started homeward, arriving at Madison on the
25th, where they were disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 906. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 69, in 1864, 220, in 1865, 23 ; by substitutes, 1 ;
total, 1,219. Loss — by death, 69; deserted, 52 j transferred, 46 ,
discharged, 340 ; mustered out, 712.
OHAPTEE XXXIX.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY- FIRST INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Columbus, Ky. — Thence to Nash-
ville— Ordered to the Front — Siege op Atlanta — Join Gen.
Sherman's Grand March — Battle op Averysboro — Bentonville
— Arrival at Goldsboro — Surrender op Johnston's Army —
Homeward March — Richmond — Washington — Grand Review
— Move to Louisville, Ky. — Muster out — Return Home —
Statistics.
^HE Thirty- first Kegiment of Wiscousin Infantry volunteers
-*- was composed of two battalions raised at different times.
Companies A, B, C, D, E and F went into camp at Prairie dii
Chien upon the 23d day of September, 1862, and were mustered
into the service of the United States, by virtue of a special order
from the War Department, upon the 9th day of the following
October. In the month last mentioned, recruiting officers were
commissioned to raise the four remaining companies of this
regiment.
Until November 14th, the battalion at Prairie du Chien was
engaged in guarding prisoners, and in gaining a knowledge of
tactics and drill. At this date. Companies A, D and F were
ordered to Camp Pandall, Madison, and Companies B, C and E,
together vnth. the recruits then in camp belonging to the unor-
ganized companies, to Camp Utley, Racine, it being the duty of
each detachment to act as guards at the draft rendezvous then
being established at these posts. December 20th, the three com-
panies at Camp Randall were relieved by the Thirtieth "Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, and were ordered to rejoin the battalion at
Racine. Here, Companies Gr, II, I and K were filled up, and
mustered into the United States service upon December 24th,
794 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
1862. The final and complete organization of the regiment was
not concluded until the 14th day of January, 1863. The disci-
pline and drill of this regiment, while in the State, were more
than usually strict and thorough. On the 1st day of March,
1 863, the regiment left the State, with the following roster :
Colonel — ISAAC E. MESSMORE.
lAeuienant CotoneZ — Francis H. West ; Jicyor— William J. Gibson ; Adjutant— 3 at&'es,
F. Suddith; Quartermaslei — RuFUS King; Surgeon — DAniJis Mason; Fi7-st Assistant
Surgeon — Joseph B. Gailor; Second Assistant Surgeon — William M.Thomas; Chaplain
— Rev. Alfred Brunson.
Co. Captains. First Lieutenants. Second lAeuienants.
A — Henry A. Chase, George P. Lewis, Henry C. Anderson,
B — Robert B. Stephenson, Nathaniel B. Treat, Thomas Beattie,
C— Ira D. Burdick, Paul Jerdeau, William Williamson,
D—Ormsliy B. Thomas, Nathaniel C. Denio, Charles M. Lockwood,
E — James B. Mason, Daniel B. Dipple, Hiram Stevens,
F — Charles W. Burns, Charles L. Fayette, James Raynor,
G— George D. Rogers, Farlin Q. Ball, James P. Corbin,
H— Edward K. Buttrick, John P.Willard, Samuel J. Hooker,
1 — Jiihn B.Vleit, Harvey M. Brown, Edwin Turner,
K— Edwin A. Bottum. George R. Peck. Theophilus B. Brunson.
It went to Cairo, 111., by rail, and from thence to Columbus by
boat, where it was disembarked, assigned to the Sixth Division,
Sixteenth Army Corps, and" quartered in Fort Halleck, which
overlooks Columbus. The regiment spent the summer at this
point, furnishing very heavy picket details, and guards for steam-
ers bound for points below. It also sent out scouting parties,
which scoured the country upon both sides of the river. These
details frequently met and skirmished with small bodies of guer-
illas. During the hot season, the regiment lost heavily by
sickness. At times more than one half the men present were
unlit for duty, and during the month of August, the deaths were
from four to eight per week.
Owing to the concentration of troops in the Department of the
Cumberland, the Thirty-first was, in September, ordered to pro-
ceed from Columbus Ky., to Nashville, Tenn., by way of Cairo
and Centralia, 111., Mitchell, Ind., and Louisville, Ky. It left
Columbus on the 24th, and reached Nashville on the 27th of that
month. Here Colonel I. E. Messmore, who brought the regi-
ment from the State, resigned, and Lieutenant Colonel Francis
H. West was commissioned Colonel, to fill the vacancy. October
5th, the regiment marched to LaVergne, Tenn., sixteen miles
south of Nashville, and guarded the road at that point until the
SIEGE OF ATLANTA. 795
25th of the same month, when it proceeded to Murfreesboro, six-
teen miles further south, and on the line of the Nashville and
Chattanooga Railroad. Companies B, G and K were detached
from the regiment, and stationed at the point where the railroad
crossed Stone Eiver. They threw up fortifications, and guarded
this important bridge during the winter. April 2d, 1864, these
companies rejoined the regiment, which was still at Murfreesboro.
During the month, the Thirty-first was transferred to the Fourth
Division, Twentieth Army Corps, and on the 16th, it was broken
up into detachments, and posted at various points along the road,
from Murfreesboro south, a distance of over thirty miles, to
J!^orraandy, Tenn. These detachments patrolled every portion
of this distance once each hour, day and night, while each guarded
its own camp, and threw up substantial fortifications. In addi-
tion to these duties, the Thirty-first furnislied a mounted
company of sixty men, who scouted the country for miles on each
side of the railroad, thus doing much valuable service.
Upon the 6th day of June, the regiment was ordered to con-
solidate and proceed to isTashville. The entire command was
assembled at Murfreesboro on the 8th, and reached JTashville on
the 10th of the same month. Quarters were assigned them west
of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, and it was ordered to
furnish the patrol guard necessary to preserve order within the
city.
July 5th, by order of General Sherman, the regiment was
transferred to the Third Brigade, First Division, Twentieth Army
Corps, w^ith instructions to proceed to the front as soon as relieved.
It left Nashville on the 16th of July, and proceeded by rail to
Marietta, Ga., reaching that place on the evening of the 19th of
the same month. While on the road, and near Kingston, Ga.,
one of the trains ran off' of the track, wounding two ofiicers and
killing one man, and severely wounding ten others. On the
morning of the 20th, the regiment marched from Marietta, to
join its command. Our battle line was reached on the mornii>g
of July 21st.
On the second day following, the regiment moved with the
army upon Atlanta. Reaching the vicinity of the enemy's works,
it was placed in the front line, and assisted to throw u}) fortifica-
tions within a quarter of a mile of the rebel defences. Here it
796 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
lay, constantly under fire, until August 25th, when it took part in
the movement of its corps, back to the railroad bridge across the
Chattahoochie, while the rest of the army swung around to
Jonesboro.
The casualties in the vicinity of Atlanta, from July 22d to the
close of the Atlanta campaign, were as follows, found in the
Adjutant General's records:
Killed or Died of Wounds. — Company D — Private Norman Sherwood. Company
J?— Sergeant Charles H. G. Bailey. Company Gr— Privates Francis Smith and Charles
Jackson. Company H— Corporal John Downs. Company I— Privates L. W. Halloway
and John Dibble. Company K— Private John F. Smith —8.
Wounded. — Company A — Sergeant J. M. Strong. Company C— Privates Joseph Doch-
nell and F. R. Bliss. Company Z>— Privates William Evans and M. Dunn. Company E—
Sergeant M. VanNonnan. Company H— Corporals W. H. Davis and H. Terharr. Company
I — Private John H. Dollai*. Company K — Second Lieutenant Alex. F. Cook — 10.
September 4th, its skirmishers were among the first to enter
the city, brushing out the few rebels still remaining. The next
day, the regiment moved within the fortifications, and was
assigned quarters within the city. In addition to the usual duties
devolving upon troops in an enemy's country, the regiment
formed part of the guard, at two different times, to accompany
and protect forage trains, upon the 16th day of October, and also
on the 26th day of October, each trip consuming four days.
These expeditions were very laborious and dangerous, but were
a complete success, furnishing grain for the famishing horses and
mules of the army, and adding largely to the scant rations of the
men.
November 15th, the Twentieth Army Corps broke camp, and
filed out from the burning city, upon what proved to be the
march to the sea. The fatigues and dangers to which all were
exposed, were endured by the Thirty-first during the march
through Georgia. However, nothing of importance occurred to
this regiment until December 9th, when within ten miles of
Savannah, the head of the First Division, Twentieth Army Corps,
(of which the Thirty-first was a part,) was stopped by a body of
the enemy, who held two small redoubts, commanding the road.
The Thirty-first Wisconsin and Sixty-first Ohio, (the latter having
less than 120 muskets,) were ordered to the left of the road, with
instructions to flank the position. They struggled through a
swamp, which the enemy had considered impassable, and, in spite
of a galling fire from the redoubts, charged them, and carried
BATTLE OF AVERTSBORO. 797
them by storm, capturing the works and the camp of the enemy,
with all its equipage. The number of prisoners taken was
small. The loss to the Thirty-first was one man killed, William
D. Tanner, of Company F, and three wounded, one mortally,
Zachariah "Wright, of Company K. General Jackson, command-
ing the division, General Williams, commanding the corps, and
General Slocum, commanding the left wing of the army, each
sent his compliments to these two regiments, for this gallant
exploit.
The regiment took part in the siege of Savannah, its division
occupying a position on the left of the line, next to the Savannah
River, and, after its capture, was assigned quarters within the
fortifications. Here the men were reclothed and refitted.
On the 18th of January, 1865, the regiment crossed the Savan-
nah River at the city, and rejoined its division, which had crossed
a few days before, and then lay at Purisburg, S. C, twenty-five
miles distant from Savannah.
It reached Purisburg on the evening of the 19th. The rain
was falling rapidly, and by morning, the whole country was
flooded. The entire command was water-bound at this point
until the 28th of the same month. It is a singular fact that in
the month of January, 1779, General Lincoln, the commander of
the Federal forces in the advance upon Savannah, was water
bound for nearly four weeks at this same village — and this deten-
tion cost him the city, as the British garrison was reinforced dur-
ing the delay. Upon the 28th of January, the water had subsided
80 that the corps was able again to take the road. Up through
South Carolina the regiment marched with the rest of the army,
doing its share of burning and destroying, tearing up railroads
and building corduroy, furnishing its proportion of pickets and
foragers, and aiding, when the Thirty-first formed part of our
advance, to drive back the enemy's rear guard.
March 1st, the Thirty-first was in the advance upon Chester-
field. The command marched seventeen miles in a steady rain,
and drove a battery of artillery, and Butler's division of rebel
cavalry, out of the village and across Thompson's Creek, before
halting to rest.
March 16th, it was in the front line at the battle of Averys-
boro, and was under fire from noon until dark of that day.
Duringthe afternoon our line drove the enemy from three positions, .
798 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIISr.
making in all, an advance of about one mile. The loss of the
Thirty-tirst in this action, was two killed and ten wounded:
KiLLEB OR Died of Wounds.— Company B — Private Charles E. Blaisdell. Cmnpany
E — Private Samuel L. Barrington. — 2.
Wounded.— C'oHipaft?/ li — Corporal John S. Rood, Privates Levi Isiminger, James
MoBride and George F. Shroyer. Company O— Private James Lord. Company ^ — Pri-
vate George J. Merriman. Company J^— Private Philip Fisher. Company O — Lieutenant
Edwin Cummins, Privates Albert Reinhart and Ui'ias Divan — 10.
March 19th, at the battle of Bentonville, the Thirty-first, with
two other regiments, was thrown to the front, unsupported. The
enemy flanked them on each side, and attacked them in front,
doubled them up and forced them back in confusion. The regi-
ments retreated about a quarter of a mile, when they reformed,
and were supported on each flank by other troops. They threw
down a rail fence for a rifle pit. The enemy made five distinct
charges on this portion of the line, (composed of part of the
Fourteenth and Twentieth Army Corps,) but were each time
driven back with great loss. When night came, the Thirty-first
was relieved, and sent back into the second line. The enemy
made no more attacks on this portion of the line. The loss of
the Thirty-first in this action, was ten killed, and forty-two
wounded.
The list of those killed or died of wounds, is taken from the
Adjutant General's records, and the list of wounded is as officially
published:
Killed or Died of Wounds. — Company A — Private William G. J ohnsoi;.. Company
B — Private Eli Shears. Company C — Sergeant Daniel Wickham, Priva.tes J. Rynarts
and John T. Mabbett. Company E— Private Thomas J. Taylor. Company G — Private
William Mansur. Company I— Privates William M. Sawley and George F. Cromwel .
Company K— Private Robert M. Thomas — 10.
Wounded.— Company A — Lieutenant George Lyman, Sergeants Edwin Thompson ana
Gardner Stearnes, Privates George W. Newton, Joseph INIichael, Milton Jacobs, James
Smithurst and Otis Stafford. Company B — Sei'geaut Charles A. Weed, Private Theophi-
lus Case. Company C — Corporal Henry Carter, Privates George H. Beaumont, A. R.
Jeardoe and James H. Granfell. Company D — Sergeant James A. Porter, Private David
Wright. Co?;y5a?i,v ^—Sergeants A. Cochi'an and Jolin Richards, Corporals A. C. Park-
inson and A. B. Helm, Privates M. Bassert and A. F. McDiarmid. Company G — Sergeants
James H. Seavey, James McQuillan and James McKee, Privates Geo. Brillamore, Jacob
Elmer, James Hall, Alex. Hackworth, George R. King, Charles Marks, William Stair
and John Frankman. Company H — Corporal J. T. Ewbank, Privates James Beltz, H.
Goldner and George Mabie. Company I — Privates Thomas Crabtree, Thomas M. Dent
and David H. West. Company K— Corporal William True, Private John Mischo — 42.
Goldsboro was reached, and a permanent camp was pitched,
on the afternoon of the 24th of March. Jt was time that the
men had rest, food and clothing. They had been on the tramp
sixty-five days, twenty-three of which the rain fell without ces-
sation; in many cases, in spite of the cast ofiT garments of the
STATISTICS. 799
citizens, they were not dressed with decency, about ten per cent,
having made the last two hundred miles barefooted, and often
they had gone hungry'- for twenty-lour hours. At Goldsboro,
the army was reclothed.
April 10th, the army was again in motion. This time, Raleigh,
JS". C, where Johnston's army lay, was the objective point. The
Twentieth Army Corps passed out eighteen miles beyond this
city, in pursuit of the rebel army, when it was stopped by the
news of the surrender of Johnston to General Sherman. It
returned to Raleigh, and went into camp near the city.
April 30th, the Twentieth Army Corps started for Washington.
It passed through Richmond, Va., May 11th, and arrived at
Alexandria, May 20th. The Thirty-first took part in the grand
^e^^ew at Washington, on the 2-l:th of May. The same day, the
camp of the regiment was changed from near Alexandria, Ya.,
to a point about three miles east of Washington. About the 2d
day of June, 1865, the regiment was transferred to the Temporary
Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, and ordered to Louisville,
Ky. It left Washington, D. C, June 10th, and proceeded to
Parkersburg, Va., by rail, and from thence to Louisville by
water. Here quarters were assigned to the Thirty-first, five
miles east of the city.
Six companies, from A to F, inclusive, were mustered out, to
date from June 20th, and left for Madison, Wis., June 21st.
They were paid off* and went to their homes, July 8th, 1865.
The remaining companies, under the command of Lieutenant
Colonel George D. Rogers, remained in camp at Louisville, Ky.,
until July 8th, when they were mustered out, and started for
Madison, Wis., July 9th, reaching that place July 12th, and were
paid off" and finally discharged, July 20th, 1865.
On the 18th of July, Captain Farlin Q. Ball was commissioned
as Major, vice R. B. Stevenson, resigned.
While at Washington, Colonel Francis H. West was brevetted
Brigadier General, for gallant and meritorious services, to date
from the 19th day of March, 1865, the day upon which the battle
of Bentonville occurred.
Begimcnial Statistics. — Original strength, .878. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 8, in 1864, 188, in 1865, 4; total, 1,078. Loss —
by death, 114; missing, 2; deserted, 52; transferred, 33;
discharged, 167; mustered out, 710.
CHAPTEE XL.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY- SECOND INFANTRY.
Kegimental Koster — Move to Memphis — Join Grant's Southward
Movement — Disaster at Holly Springs — Keturn to Memphis —
On Provost Duty — Move to Moscow, Tenn. — Move to Vicksburg
— Take Part in Meridian Expedition — Move up the Kiver —
Cairo — Up the Tennessee — Decatur, Ala. — Ordered to Atlanta
— In Atlanta Campaign — In Sherman's Grand March — Savan-
nah— Fight at Pocotaligo — River's Bridge — South Edisto —
BeNTONVILLE GOLDSBORO SURRENDER OP JoHNSTOn's ArMY
Homeward March — Washington — Grand Review — Muster out
— Return Home — Statistics.
n["^HE Tliirty-second Regiment was organized at Camp Bragg,
J- Oshkosli, under the superintendence of Colonel James H.
Howe, and was mustered into the United States service on the
25th of September, 1862, and on the 30th of October, left the
State, with the following roster :
Colonel— JAMES H. HOWE.
Lieutenant Co?one?— William A. Btjgh ; Jlicy or — Abel B. Smedlby ; Adjutant— BeT'^j,
M. Beckwith ; Quarteiinasfer—GTLOB.G'E P. Farnsworth ; /S^?-fl'eon— George D.Wilbur ;
First Assistant Surgeon — James La Dow; Second Assistant Surgeon — George W. Fat;
Chaplain — Rev. Samuel Fallows.
Co. Captains.
A— Charles H. De Groat,
B —William R. Hodges,
C —Joseph H. Carleton,
B— James Freeman,
E — Irwin Eckels,
F — Matthew J. Meade,
G — William B. Manning,
H— William 8. Burrows,
I — George R.Wood,
K— John E. Grout.
First Lieutenants.
George G.Woodruff,
George Patten,
James H. Hubbard,
Norman H. Whitteraore,
Calvin D. Richmond,
Michael F. Kalmbach,
James L. Jones,
James K. Pompelly,
William Young,
Lewis Low.
Second Lieutenants.
Mortimer B. Pierce,
Albert S. Bixby,
Alfred S. Tucker,
William A. Tanner,
Lemuel H- Wells,
Paul Dakin,
William F. D. Bailey,
Thomas B. Bryant,
David J. Quimby,
John Walton.
Lieutenant Colonel Bugh, who was severely wounded while
acting as Captain of Company C, Fifth "Wisconsin, at the battlo
IN WEST TENNESSEE. 801
of Williamsburg, Ya., in May, 1862, being unable by reason of
liis wounds, to return to active duty, did not join the regiment.
He subsequently resigned, and on the 2d of April, Major Smed
ley was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain De Groat, of
Company A, Major.
Proceeding by way of Chicago and Cairo, the regiment reached
Memphis, Tenn., on the 3d of November, where they went into
camp. On the 14th of November, they were assigned to the
Fifth Brigade, -Colonel Buckland, of the Seventy-second Ohio,
commanding, First Division, Brigadier General Denver, in Gen-
eral Sherman's Corps. Accompanying the movement of General
Sherman's forces, they left Memphis on the 26th of November,
and took part in the southward movement of General Grant to-
wards Jackson, Miss., in the rear of Vicksburg. They moved to
Holly Springs, and thence southward, going into camp at Hurri-
cane Creek', on the 6th of December. They left Hurricane Creek
on the morning of 20th, of December, with orders to proceed to
Oxford. When about two miles from camp, a messenger from
General Grant overtook them, with the news of the disaster at
Holly Springs, and ordering an immediate return to that place.
Countermarching, the force returned to Holly Springs, the Thir-
tj'-second being the hrst to enter the place after its capture.
Grand Junction was threatened with an attack, and the division
continued its march, many of the men giving out from exhaus-
tion. They reached Grand Junction on the 23d, from whence
they proceeded to Jackson, Tenn., where they were ordered on
an expedition in pursuit of the rebel Forrest through Trenton,
Dresden, and Paris, and returned to Jackson, on the 7th of
January, 1863, and on 2d of Fcljruary, returned to jMcmphis,
where they remained until the 3d day of November, engaged in
provost duty. Corporal Silas W. Smith, of Company F, died,
February 19th, 1863, and Solomon Glass, of Company I, died,
:March 29th, 1863.
An expedition to Germantown left Memphis on the 3d of
November, the Brigade, under Colonel Howe, proceeding to
that place, where they remained a week, when they returned to
Memphis. On the 26th, they again left Memphis, and proceeded
to Moscow, Tenn., where Colonel Howe was placed in command
of the post. In the attack on Hatch's cavalry on the 2d of
51
802 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
December, the Thirty-second fell into line and double qnicked nine
miles in less than two hours, arriving in time to fall into line
before the enemy were driven back and routed.
The regiment remained engaged in duty in Tennessee and
!N'orthern Mississippi, much of the time, looking after the rebel
General Forrest. Remaining at Moscow, and in its vicinity,
until the 27th of January, 1864, they returned to Memphis, and
on the Slst of January, moved down the river, in transports,
landing at Vicksburg on the 2d of February. Here the Thirty-
second was placed in the Second Brigade, Fourth Division ot
the Sixteenth Army Corps, General Hurlburt. Colonel Howe,
by seniority, took command of the brigade. On the afternoon
of the 3d of February, the Thirty-second, with the Sixteenth
Army Corps, commenced the march to Meridigin, forming a part
of General Sherman's expedition to that point.
Arriving near Jackson, the rebels were driven from that place,
and the Thirty-second, with the brigade, were left to destroy the
rebel pontoons across Pearl River, after the army had passed.
The Thirty-second was the last to cross, and the bridge was
effectually destroyed under the supervision of Captain Carlton.
From Morton, the Sixteenth Corps took the advance, and held
it until they reached Meridian. Arriving at that place on the
15th of Februar}'^, the whole army bivouacked. In the destruc-
tion of the railroads and other rebel property, the Fourth Divi-
sion proceeded to Lockport, north of Meridian, and satisfactorily
accomplished the ooject of their mission. The expedition
returned to Vicksburg, where it arrived on the 4th of March.
Robert Powell, of Company E, died of wounds at Hillsboro,
Miss., February 24th, 1864.
Accompanying General Veatch's Fourth Division, Sixteenth
Army Corps, in its movements to join the forces of General Grant
in Alabama and Georgia, on the 11th of March, the regiment
proceeded by the river to Cairo. With other regiments, the
Thirty-second was sent to Columbus, and from thence towards
Union City, where it was ascertained that the Union force, which
they had been sent to relieve, had surrendered, and they returned to
Cairo. The regiment soon after moved to Paducah, landed, and
prepared to assist in resisting a second attack by General For-
rest, on that position. That rebel General retired without
SKIRMISH NEAR COURTLAND. 803
making another attack, and the regiment reerabarked and being
joined by the rest of the division, proceeded up the Tennessee
River, on the 27th. At "VVilhams' Landing, between Savannah
and Pittsburg Landing, on the 29th, the First and Second Brig-
ades disembarked, and under command of General Veatch,
marched eighteen miles to Purdy, in order to intercept the retreat
of General Forrest, arriving there in the afternoon. Kext day
they returueci to the transports at the landing, not having come
in collision with the rebels. Continuing up the Tennessee River,
the expedition landed a short distance below Waterloo, Ala., on
the east side of the river. From this place they marched by way
of Florence, Prospect, and Athens, and reached Decatur, Ala.,
on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, on the 10th of April.
Here the number of the brigade was changed from the Second to
the Third, with Colonel Howe still in command. At this place
they engaged in guard duty, and in labor on the fortifications.
On the 27th of May, the brigade, with two days rations, under
Colonel Howe, proceeded out on the Courtland road, and soon
drove in the enemy's pickets. Throwing out skirmishers, the
enemy was driven before them to within three miles of the rebel
General Roddy's camp. Listead of giving battle as was expected,
the rebel general made good his retreat through Courtland and
across the creek beyond. The expedition returned to Decatur,
on the evening of the 29th. Corporal David F. Gibson, of
Company F, and Wallace Crofoot, of Company H, were wounded.
On the 4th of June, Lieutenant Colonel Smedley resigned and
Major De Groat was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain
Carlton appointed Major.
On the 28th of June, the brigade marched down the banks of
the Tennessee, and near Courtland, surrounded a body of four
hundred rebels, of whom they killed and wounded 17, and took
49 prisoners, with a number of wagons, horses, and a quantity
of camp equipage. They returned to Decatur on the 29th, and
resumed picket duty and labor on the fortifications.
On the 6th of July, Colonel Howe resigned and Lieutenant
Colonel De Groat was appointed Colonel, on the 27th ; Major
Carlton was appointed Lieutenant Colonel on the 13tli of August,
and Captain William S. Burrows Major, on the 31st of August.
On the 24th of July, while guarding a wagon train, the regi-
ment was attacked five miles from camp, by a large force of rebel
804 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
cavalry. The train was successfully moved into camp, every at-
tempt to capture it being foiled. When witliin one mile of De-
catur, eight men of the regiment were surrounded and captured.
Next day the brigade marched to Courtland, skirmishing with
the enemy the whole distance. A charge was made upon the
enemy's works and he was driven from them in confusion, leaving
twenty-five prisoners in our hands.
The Thirty-second lost one man killed and six wounded :
KiLiED.— Company C— Private Albert J. Hammond — 1.
Wounded. — Company B — Private Duane R. Moore. Company E — Privates John W.
Fairbanks, William E. Ferrand and Alvin Blood. Company G^— Privates Frederick W.
Whitehead and John Diedrich — 6.
On the 4th of August, pursuant to orders, the regiment pro-
ceeded to Atlanta, where it at once took position in front of the
enemy's works. On the 15th, they advanced and took position
within half a mile of the rebel forts, where they were constantly
under fire, engaged in fatigue and siege duty until they were
relieved on the 24th, when they retired to the second line of
works. They accompanied the movement of the Army of the
Tennessee on the 26th of August, taking part in the operations*
on the Macon Railroad to Jonesboro. In the battle at this place,
the regiment went to the support of the Second Division, where
it remained during the two days of battle.
The killed and wounded in the Atlanta campaign, were :
Killed. — Compatiy A — Private Albert Woodward. Company C — Sergeant W. P. Love
and Private Joseph Dyer. Cmnpany F— Sergeant Joseph J. Whidden. Company II —
Private Renssalear Davis. Company K — Privates Stephen Faunt and Anson White — 7.
Wounded. — Cmnpany A — Corporal Asa Holmes. Company B — Corporals Haron Haste
and John A. Smith. Company C — Joseph D. Gee. Company D — Private Henry S. Abbot.
Cbwipany iS— Privates John Norton and George H. Skimerhorn. Company F — Privates
Peter E.Weise and Joseph Blandin. Company H— Privates George Buxton and Chai-Ies
A. Safford. Company I — Corporal Carl Cordes, Privates John Morgan and Chas. Rupert.
Oompany jr— Private Harvey Lovejoy — 15.
On the 2d of September, the regiment followed in the pursuit
of the enemy to Lovejoy Station, from whence, with the Army
of the Tennessee, they returned to Atlanta, and went into camp
at East Point, where they remained until early in October, when
they moved into Atlanta, and were engaged in fatigue and guard
iuty until the 15th of iSTovember, when it joined the Third Brig-
■ide. First Division, of the Seventeenth Army Corps, and with
it, moved forward on the Grand March to Savannah. A detail
BATTLE AT RIVEIIS' BRIDGE. 805
of its Operations would be a repetition of the general history of
this march, which was diversified only occasionaly by the appear-
ance of the enemy in force. The general orders relative to the
destruction of railroads and other rebel property were conformed
to wherever called upon. At the Little Ogecliee, the enemy
made a show, but was easily driven off. On the 9th of Decem-
ber, near Marlow, twenty-six miles from Savannah, they found
the enemy in force. The First Division deployed in line of bat-
tle, threw out skirmishers, and advanced eight miles, driving
the rebels from position to position, and established the Union
line within eight miles from Savannah, the Thirty-second losing
four men :
WouyinED.— Company A — Fhst Sergeant John J. K lock, Privates Garrett Ramaker
and Silas Brooks. Company H — Private Joseph Laduke — 4.
On the lOth, they moved to the Ogeeche Canal, and took posi-
tion. On the 12th, they moved to another position on the left.
From the 18th to tlie 24th, they were engaged with the First
and Second Divisions in destroying the Savannah and Gulf Rail-
road at Wallhourville, after which they marched to Savannah
and camped near the city until the 5th of January, 1865, when
they embarked with the Seventeenth Army Corps, and proceeded
to Beaufort, on Port Eoyal Island, S. C. They subsequently
moved to Pocotaligo, where the}"- remained until the 30th of
January, on which day, the Grand March through the Carolinas
was commenced. On the 1st of February, the regiment, with
th^ division, took part in the charge on the enemy's works at
River's Bridge, on the Salkahatchie. On the 3d, the regiment
deployed in front of the enemy's w^orks. Company B succeeded
in crossing the river, followed at noon, by the whole regiment,
thus outflanking the enemy, who shortly after, retreated from
the position, and the regiment moved forward and occupied the
abandoned works. The regiment had worked nearly all day in
water from one to four feet deep.
The list of killed and those who died of wounds, we copy from
the Adjutant General's records, the list of wounded is taken from
the monthly reports :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company ^—Private William H. Frost. Company B —
Corporal Ben. F. Sheldon, Privates Thaddeus R. Gee, Trealing H. Harvey, Jason A.
Smith and Albert R. H. Smith. Company E—Ca^i&ii\ Irwin Eckles. 0»»iOT".!/ G'— Pri-
vates Albion R. Chipman and Samuel Thomtis. Ctompany K—'PviYa.ies Daniel Mason
and Michael Gunder.son— U.
806 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
■WoTTNDED.— Cbmpany A — Privates Edgar W. Cherry, Frank Carey, S. M. Hurlburt.
Charles A. Manswelller, Phineas Kinyon and James Felix. Company B — Privates Wm,
E. Simmons, Tliomas Delap, John Metoxin, John Crowliug, David Green and Joshua
"W. Sheldon. Company D — Sergeant R. W. Frees and Private Martin V. Rice. Company
E — Privates Alvin Blood, Henry Sisson, Alvin Olson, Patrick O'Brien, Daniel Sweeney
and Jesse Lee. Compai\y F—TriY&te Edmund L. Henry. Company O — Second Lieu-
tenant H. H. Markham, Sergeant Shepard Sheldon, Privates John Smith and Patrick
McMahon. Company H — Privates Benjamin B. Glines, Joseph Covell, William Snider
and Edward Lefebre. Company I — Sergeant Solomon Rhodes, Corporal Azro Young,
Privates Jacob Gore and Aug. Shultz. Company K — Corporal J. Carter, Privates Fred
Vergeals, John McCann, Charles W. Sizer and Timothy Foley — 38.
Francis M. Yasbiuder, of Company E, and Andrew Granger,
of Company G, are reported as killed, February 5tli, at Poeotaligo.
On the 9th of February, the enemy were again encountered at
Binnaker's Bridge, over the South Edisto River, in a strongly
fortified position. In the afternoon Company E, crossed the
stream on a raft below the enemy's position. Companies C, G
and I, followed soon after, by means of a pontoon boat. These
companies held the position. Pontoons were laid, and the whole
regiment soon after crossed, and with two other regiments, suic-
ceeded in securing a position on firm ground, and soon after
turned the rebel left flank, and carried their works by assault,
driving out the garrison and capturing several prisoners.
The casualties were :
Killed. — Company E — Private John Hicks — 1.
Wounded.— CoJHpa/ij/ I> — Corporal D. Brightman, Privates William Santo, 2d, and
Emile Priebe. Company G* — Private Robert Parker. Company A'— Privates G. M.
Stickney and Louis E. Evans — 6.
On the 2d of March, the enemy were found in rifle pits, com-
manding the road, about six miles from Cheraw. The right
wing of the regiment deployed as skirmishers, supported by the
brigade, charged upon and carried the position, and drove the
enemy back to their main line in front of the city, the regiment
having one man wounded, Emile Priebe, of Company D.
At Fayetteville, N. C, on the 11th of March, the regiment
was ordered forward to cover the laying of pontoons and crossed
the river in boats and engaged in heavy skirmishing during the
day. Next day they drove the enemy's skirmishers through
several miles of swamp, having two men wounded, William
Stevens, of Company, G, and Jonathan P. McClanathan, of
Company H.
On tne 20th, the division was ordered forward to the support
of the Fourteenth Corps, near Bentonville. On the following
BATTLE OF BENTONVILLE. 807
day they took position on the right of the army, and advanced
two miles through a swamp, charged and captured the enemy's
works, driving him from the lield, the regiment holdhig the
position till all support had fallen back, when by a peremptory
order, it retired to a less exposed position.
The casualties, as reported, were :
Killed.— Company H— Corporal Peter BarteU. Company K— Private Jos. Bissett— 2.
Wounded. — Company A — Privates John Madden, James Meriele and Jolin L. Rowan.
0>«y)ani/ 5 — Corpoi-al G. W. Gee. Onnpany C — Privates Louis Sliiney, G. O. Berger, S.
M. Parsons and Mathias Philippi. Company £— Private Tliomas Cazesclied. Company
Cr — First Sergeant A. S.Vinckler, Corporal O. W. English Privates Patrick. McMahon,
Lewis Woode, Lewis Antarran and P. Rickaby. Company iT— Privates J. B. Bowen and
J. J. Alexander. Company I— Privates Henry Parker, Nicholas Wieland, W. J. Hagan
and Hugh Hagan, Company K — Corp. Stoner Harsel and Private Daniel Weissow— 23.
From the 24th to the 31st, the regiment was engaged in guard-
ing the pontoon bridge across Neuse River, when it was relieved
and rejoined the brigade at Goldsboro.
The regiment took part in the advance from Goldsboro on the
10th of April, on Raleigh, from which place they marched fifteen
miles in a westerly direction, returning on the 27th of April, to
Raleigh. After the surrender of Johnston's army, with the
Seventeenth Corps, they marched to Richmond on their way
homeward, thence to Alexandria, where they camped until the
23d of May, on which day they moved to Washington, and took
part in the Grand RevicAv of Sherman's army, after which they
camped at Crystal Springs, near Washington, where they were
mustered out of the service on the 12th of June, moving on the
same day, on the route homeward, arriving at Milwaukee on the
16th of June, where they were paid and disbanded.
Colonel De Groat, was brevetted Brigadier General for gallant
and meritorious conduct through the Atlanta campaign, and the
Carolinas and Georgia.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 993. Gain — by
recruits in 1863, 6, in 1864, 370, in 1865, 5 ; by draft in 1864,
100 ; total, 1,474. Loss — by death, 275 ; deserted, 58 ; transferred,
27; discharged, 189; mustered out, 925.
OHAPTEE XLI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Memphis — Join Sherman's Army —
Join Grant's Southward Movement — Expedition Abandoned-
Return TO Memphis — Expedition to the Cold Water River —
Move to Vicksburg — Snyder's Bluff — Move to the Rear oj
ViCKSBURG — Engage in the Siege — Battle of Jackson — Returk
to Yicksburg — Move to Natchez — Return to Vicksburg —
Meridian Expedition — Red River Expedition — Vicksburg-
Expedition to Central Mississippi — Camargo Cross Roads—
Tupelo — Move to Brownsville, Ark. — Pursuit of General
Price into Missouri — Move to Nashville — Battle of Nashvillf
— Move to New Orleans-^ Move to Mobile — Spanish Fort —
War Closed — Move to Vicksburg — Mustered out — Statistics.
THE Thirty- third Regiment was recruited principally in the
Counties of Grant, Kenosha, Rock and Lafayette, and its
organization was completed at Camp Utley, Racine, under the
superintendence of Colonel Moore, and the regiment was mus-
tered into the United States service on the 18th of October, 1862.
It left the State on the 12th of ISTovember, with the following
roster :
Colonel — JONATHAN B. MOORE.
Lieutenant CbioncZ— Frederick S. Lovell; 3icyor— Horatio H. Virgin; Adjutant—
William Warner; QMa?-to-»ia^to-— John W. Nichols; &i>-i?e(m— J. B. Whiting; First
Assistant (Sftrj/fioi — Christopher R. Blackall; Second Assistant iSu7-geon — I>AyiBW.
Carle y; Chaplain — Rev. Alfred A. Overton.
Co. Captainf!.
A — Jeremiali C. Moore,
B — George R. Frank,
C— JohnE. Gurley,
D— William S. Earnhart,
E — Ira Miltimoi'e,
F — A. Z. Wernple,
G — Frank B. Burdick,
H— Joseph F. Liudsley,
I — W^alterCook,
K— Adoniram Wliitcher.
First Lieutenants.
George B. Carter,
George Haw,
David H. Budlong,
Uriah F. Briggs,
Henry S. Swift, Jr.,
William L. Scott,
George E. Harrington,
Chauncey R. Thayer,
Carlton G. Stitson,
Albert S. Sam.pson.
Second Lieutenants.
Oliver C. Denny,
Matthew Burchard,
William Weir,
Noble L. Earner,
Pardon H. Swift,
Charles W. Stark,
Elliot N. Liscom,
Nicholas Smith,
George H. Nichols,'
Daniel E. Shea,
IN WEST TENNESSEE. 809
Moving by way of Chicago to Cairo, the regiment there
embarked on transports, and proceeded down the Mississippi
River, to Memphis, at which place they arrived and disembarked
on the 16th of November. Here they were assigned to a brigade
in General Lanman's division, of General Sherman's wing of the
"Army of the Tennessee." Colonel Moore was placed in com-
mand of the brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Lovell assumed
command of the regiment. Taking part in the movement of
General Grant towards Jackson, Miss., in the fall of 1862, they
left IMemphis on the 26th of ISTovember, General Sherman's forces
taking the advance, with ten days' rations and 100 rounds of
ammunition, per man. Proceeding slowly, being obliged to
build bridges which the enemy had destroyed, and remove obstruc-
tions, which had been thrown in the way, they reached Wyatt, on
the Tallahatchie. The enemy retired beyond the Tallahatchie,
which position, the advance of General Grant's army from Holly
Springs rendering untenable, they tied, with but little opposition.
Crossing the Tallahatchie after building a bridge, General Sher-
man's forces encamped at Hurricane Creek. Here General
Sherman was ordered to return to Memphis with his force, and
joroceed down the river, to Yicksburg, to make an attack on that
place from the river side. General Lauman w^as placed in com-
mand of the celebrated fighting Fourth Division, to which was
transferred the Thirty-third AVisconsin, which was placed in the
First Brigade. They proceeded to Yocono Creek, south of Ox-
ford, and joined the Fourth Division, wdiere they remained until
news arrived of the disaster at Holly Springs, which compelled a
retrograde march. Falling back to the Tallahatchie, thence to
Holly Springs, they finally went into winter quarters at Moscow,
Tenn., on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.
"While stationed at Moscow, the division was transferred to the
Sixteenth Army Corps, under General Hurlburt. Here they
engaged in guarding railroads and work on fortifications, until
the lltli of March, when they proceeded to Memphis, where they
went into camp.
On the 18th of April, 1863, they formed part of a force of
infantry, cavalry and artillery, under the command of Colonel
Bryant, of the Twelfth AVisconsin, who marched towards the
Coldwater, to act in conjunction with a force under General
810 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Smith, from LaGrange. Eeaching Hernando, after almost con-
tinuous skirmishing, the rebels were encountered, and after a
sharp fight, the enemy retired, after losing fifteen killed and
seventy-five prisoners.
The enemy were pursued next day to Coldwater Hiver, the
Thirty-third taking the advance, companies A, F and J) acting
as skirmishers. The cavalry were warmly engaged, two miles
ahead, at the river, where the enemy had made a stand.
Ordered to the support of the cavalry, the Thirty-third pushed
forward at a double quick, and arrived very opportunely, opening
a brisk and destructive fire, which drove the enemy, in confusion,
across the stream.
The force of General Smith not appearing, a return was ordered.
Moving to Hernando, they encamped for the night, and the next
day. moved towards Memphis, near which place they met rein-
forcements, with orders to return again to the Coldwater. They
returned to within three miles of the battle ground, and General
Smith again failing to cooperate, the expedition returned to
Memphis, arriving on tbe 24tli of April.
Tbe casualties in the battle at Coldwater, on the 19th, were :
Killed. — Company E— Lieutenant Henry Scriftof. Cmnpanp H — Captain Linsley —2.
Wounded. — Company B — Sergeant Bliss. Company C — Private John Green — 2.
On the 17th of May, pursuant to orders, they embarked, and
proceeded down the river, to join the army at Vicksburg. The
guerillas having fired into the transports, near Greenville, the
Thirty- third and two other regiments were landed, and pursued
the rebels for about five miles, but could not overtake them, and
the force returned to the transports and proceeded to Young's
Point, La., thence to Snyder's Bluff, on the Yazoo Eiver, of
which they took possession on the 20th, the rebels abandoning
the fortifications, with all the guns, ammunition and stores, on
their approach. They remained here till the 25th of May, when,
pursuant to orders, they marched to the rear of Vicksburg, and
took position at the extreme left of the line investing that city,
and close to the enemy's works. This position they occupied
until the surrender of the city, on the 4th of July.
On the night of the 4th of June, an attack was made by com-
panies C and K, supported by an Iowa company, led by Lieutenant
SIEGE OF VICKSBURG. 811
Colonel Lovell, on the enemy's rifle pits, near the Hall's
Ferry road. Company C, under Captain Gurley, and K, under
Lieutenant Shea, with an impetuous charge, carried the rifle pits,
and the enemy fled into his main works. On the 30th, Company
D, consisting of forty men, under Captain Warner, supported by
Company F, under Lieutenant Stark, and two Illinois companies
as flankers, under a furious fire from the enemy's main works,
gallantly took possession of the enemy's rifle pits, immediately
under one of their strong forts. Captain "Warner soon after, with
his company, charged and took the top of the hill, with the pits,
and drove the enemy from their position. As the hill could not
be held without intrenching, the pioneers failing to come forward,
the position was abandoned, as it was exposed to an enfilading
fire of the enemy, at short range from the forts. The rebels
reoccupied the position. Colonel Moore obtained permission to
retake the ground on the next evening. Captains Warner and
Carter, with eighty men from the regiment, an Illinois regiment
covering the flanks and picketing the ground as they advanced,
obtained a position close to the pits, and made a sudden charge,
taking the enemy by surprise, who broke and fled, leaving the
top of the hill and the rifle pits in the possession of the gallant
boys of the Thirty-third, from which they successfully resisted
the efforts of the enemy to dislodge them. On the night of the
21st, companies C, H, E, B, K and G drove in the enemy's
pickets, seized a position within eighty-five yards of a large fort,
and repulsed the efibrts of the rebels to regain it. It was so close
to the enemy's works that their guns could not be depressed to
bear upon it, and after four hours of severe labor, rifle pits were
completed, and our forces were thoroughly established in the
position.
The post was, however, relinquished to the enemy by another
regiment, who suflfered themselves to be surprised, and was forced
by the enemy to abandon it. The enemy, however, were again
dislodged on the 24th of June, by five companies of the Thirty-
third, companies C and H, under the immediate command of
Major Virgin, supported by companies A, D and E, under their
respective captains, the whole enterprise being under command
of Lieutenant Colonel Lovell. The charge was led by Company
C, and took the rebels by surprise, who fled precipitately into
812 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
their fort, with a loss of four killed and seventeen wounded. TIio
regiment continued to occupy the rifle pits constantlj', up to tlic
close of the siege.
The casualties during the siege, which we find in tlie monthly
reports, were:
KiCLED OR Died of Wotjnds.— Company B — Private Absalom Barger. Company F—
Private William Sinith. Company K — Private Fred. B. Taylor — 3.
Wounded. — Company A— Vxv^aX&'& Calvin Randall and Lemuel A. Elam. Company F
— Privates Samuel Armstrong and Peter Fillmore. Company D — Private George II.
Farman. Company E — Private Alonzo Miltimore. Company F — Corporal Mathew
CroU. Company H — Private William Dunbar. Company K — Private N. Peterson — 9.
After the surrender, the Fourth Division moved out of the
intrenchments, and took part in the second attack on Jackson.
The Fourth Division advanced and drove in the rebel left, on the
11th, and on the 12th, again advanced, under a heavy fire of
artillery.
During the fight on this day, General Lauman ordered the
First Brigade to charge against the enemy's lines. It was
against a division of the enemy, behind the best of rifle pits, and
supported by twelve pieces of. artillery. Three regiments only
of the brigade were engaged, with a section of the Third Ohio
33atter3\ The Thirty-third was sent to the right, to ascertain the
position of the enemy, and prevent any flank movement. In
doing so they came in contact with a heavy force of the rebels,
who, not perceiving their advantage of numbers, permitted the
regiment, by adroitly manoeuvering, to escape destruction, and
the object of the reconnoissance being efiected, the Thirty-third
escaped without the loss of a man, or firing a gun. The other
regiments of the brigade were not so lucky. They bravely charged
the overwhelming force of the enemy, strongly posted behind
rifle pits, with such fury that they compelled the rebels to limber
their guns to the rear; but their line of battle was subsequently
broken, and they were compelled to fiiU back, with a loss of
more than half their number. For giving this order to charge,
General Lauman was relieved of the command of the division.
The division remained at Jackson till the 16th, when the enemy
abandoned the position. They took part in the destruction of
the railroads and other rebel property, until the 20th, wheu they
started for Vicksburg, arriving and going into camp on the 23d.
EED RIVER EXPEDITION. 813
Here General Crocker was assigned to the command of the
division, which was transferred to the Seventeenth Army Corps,
and on the 18th of August, moved down the river to ISTatchez,
where it arrived on the 19th. They remained at this place,
engaged in guard and provost duty, until the 1st of December,
when the regiment proceeded up the Mississippi to Vickshurg,
and encamped at Milldale, ten miles from that place, where they
engaged in the usual routine of camp, guard and drill duty. On
the 31st of January, 1864, they moved to Hebron, three miles
distant, and on the 3d of February, accompanied the celebrated
*' Meridian Expedition " of General Sherman. Their experiences
and labors were similar to those of other regiments attached to
the expedition. They returned to Hebron on the 4th of March,
after an absence of twenty-nine days, having marched 370 miles
On the 9th of March, they joined the Red River Expedition,
being attached to the Provisional Division, under General Kilby
Smith, and known as the "Red River Division." Proceeding to
the mouth of Red River, the expedition ascended that stream to
Simmsport, on the Atchafalaya, and disembarked on the 13th.
They took part in the capture of Fort DeRussy, entering the fort
,on the 15th, and remaining till the 18th, engaged in guard duty,
when they reembarked, with the rest of the division, and pro-
ceeded up Red River to Alexandria, camping on the north side
of the river until the 21st, when they crossed to the south bank,
and on the 26th, began the march to Bayou Cotile, reaching there
next day. On the 2d of April, they embarked, and proceeded on
a reconnoissance to Campti, twenty miles above Grand Ecore,
returning in the evening.
At Grand Ecore, the Red River Division embarked as guard
to the transport fleet, and proceeded to Campti, and no enemy
being found, they proceeded twenty miles further, where the
Thirty-third landed as a reserve to the Second Brigade, which
was sent out to reconnoiter. The fleet advanced up the river to
Loggy Bayou, where they found a transport sunk across the
channel, which prevented further progress. Here the Red River
Division was lauded, the Thirty-third taking the advance, with
companies A, B and F deployed in the front as skirmishers, for
the purpose of joining the expeditionary forces at Springfield, six
vuiles distant. Marching a short distance, a courier from General
8l4 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Banks informed the commanding officer of the disaster at Sabine
Cross Roads on the 8th, and the subsequent retreat to Grand
Ecore. General Smith was ordered to return at once with the
fleet. After some difficulty in turning in the narrow stream, the
whole fleet headed down the river.
"When near Pleasant Hill, the rebels, under General Green,
attacked the fleet, with 2,000 men and a battery of artillery.
The charges of the enemy were successfully repulsed by the
troops, and the foe retired, losing a large number of killed and
wounded, among them, General Green. Special mention is made
of Sergeant Ewbank, of Company D, with his platoon, who was
stationed close to the enemy, and rendered very effective service.
The fleet arrived at Grand Ecore on the 14th, where the lied
River Division disembarked and encamped till the 20th, when
they marched to Natchitoches, from whence, on the 23d, they
moved to Cloutierville. Advancing from this place, the Thirty-
third, occupying a position in the rear, had a severe skirmish
with the enemy, in which they had two men wounded. The
rebel attack was repulsed, and the regiment encamped at Cane
River. On the 24th, a severe engagement of two hours took
place, in which the rebels were repulsed, the regiment losing two
killed and eleven wounded :
KiiiL,ED.— Cbmpan3/ C— Corporal William Lennemau. Company J— Private Francis
L. Tinkham— 2.
The list of wounded was not published.
After the battle, they marched to Bayou Cotile, and on the
26th, arrived at Alexandria. Near Alexandria they remained,
without coming in contact with the enemy, until the afternoon
of the 6th of May, when they took part in the engagement on
Governor Moore's plantation, in which the enemy were forced
back six miles. They returned, after a march to Bayou Boeuf,
and camped on Governor Moore's plantation until the 14th. The
retreat was resumed, and on the 16th, the enemy was encoun
tered at Marksville. In the engagement the Thirty-third had one
man wounded. On the 18th, they crossed Yellow Bayou, near
Simmsport, where General Smith, in order to cover the crossing
of the advance of Banks' army over the Atchafalaya, turned on
the enemy, and a battle took place, in which Eugene M. dayman,
of Company B, of the Thirty-third, was killed.
BATTLE OF TUPELO. 815
Crosslug the Atchafalaya at Simmsport, they moved to the
mouth of Red River, from whence tliey proceeded up tlie Missis-
sippi to Yicksburg, arriving on the 24th. Colonel Moore having
been placed in command of the division, Major Virgin was in
command of the regiment in the Red River campaign. Lieutenant
Colonel Lovell being absent on recruiting service in Wisconsin.
Remaining a short time at Vicksburg, the regiment moved to
Memphis, where it remained in camp until the 22d of June, at
which date, under Lieutenant Colonel Lovell, it accompanied the
expedition of General A. J. Smith, into the interior of Mississippi.
Proceeding to LaG range, Tenn., and obtaining necessary sup-
plies, they cut loose from all communications, and left that place
on the 5th of July. Reaching Pontotoc, Miss., on the 11th, the
enemy's cavalry was encountered. The infantry advanced in
line through Pontotoc, and a mile beyond the Tupelo road, and
encamped on the Okolona road. The enemy having concentrated
his forces on the Okolona road, the infantry on the 13th, coun-
termarched, and proceeded down the Tupelo road. About noon,
the enemy attacked the train near Camargo Cross Roads. A
detachment of the Fourteenth "Wisconsin was guarding the rear
of the train, when the enemy, about 1,500 strong, made a fierce
attack, which was gallantly met by the Fourteenth, but over-
powering numbers were telling upon them, when the Thirty-third
which was marching in the rear of the supply train, was ordered
forward, and advancing through a cornfield to within a hundred
yards of the enemy, they commenced a severe fire, which was
continued until the rebels were thrown into confusion and routed,
leaving their dead and wounded, and a stand of colors, on the
field. The colors were picked up by Captain Mansfield, of the
Fourteenth, and retained by that regiment as a trophy. Another
attack was repulsed. Marching to Harrisonburg, they bivou-
acked, and next day drew up in line of battle before Tupelo, the
Thirty-third holding the extreme right of the front line. The
enemy, 8,000 strong, advanced, driving in the skirmishers,
and after a furious fire of an hour's duration, advanced to the
charge. They were met by a close and well directed fire, which
resulted in breaking the rebel line, and driving it back in disor-
der. They formed and advanced a second time, with the same
result. In a third assault, they again were thrown into confusion,
816 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
when our first line made a charge, and drove them entirely from
the field. Bivouacking at Tupelo, the return march commenced
next day. "When near Oldtown Creek, the enemy was found in
position. A vigorous attack across a long bridge and causeway,
drove him from the position with great loss. The next day
march was resumed, and LaGrange was reached on the 21st, and
on the 22d, the Thirty-third went into camp at Memphis.
In this expedition, the following casualties were reported:
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company A — Corporal Freeman L. Vaughn and Isaiat
Wells. Company F— Corporal Nathan R. Hoyt, Privates Silas "SI. Campbell and Charles
Stern. Company G — Private James Coleman. Company H — Privates Stephen Colt and
Charles McCoy. Cb»>?.pan2/ ^—Private Adam Smith — 8.
Wounded.— ii'teM Q^er — Lieutenant Colonel F. S. Lovell. Company ^4 — Corporal
William S. Parr, Private Daniel Lynch. Company C— Privates George Hillary, Patrick
Kelly and Mortimer Sullivan. Company 2>— Corporals Lewis Billings and Ira, W. Tracey,
Privates Horace G. Atw>5od, Rufus J. Allen and George H. Farman. Company E— Cap-
tain Pardon H. Swift, Corporal R. W. ClifTord. Company jP— Privates F. Stulk, N. Bump
and J. S. Barkhufl". Company G^- Privates W. W. Bruce and August Jacob. Company H
— Privates William Fox, C. B. Matliews, D. B. Demmon, William Hodgson, H. Kostman
and A. Gray. Company 7— Corporal I. Tymeson, Privates Thomas Jones, Thomas G.
Button and Henry Darling. Company A"— Privates Lew Jains, James Shaw, David
Jones, P. McDonough and Thomas Brown — 34.
On the 3d of August, the Thirty-third proceeded to St. Charles,
Ark., on White River, where they remained, engaged in guard
duty and building fortifications, until the 1st of September, when
they proceeded up the river to Duval's Bluflf, thence to Browns-
ville, where they remained until the 17th, when they accompa-
nied the march of the division, which was attached to General
Mower's command, in the pursuit of the rebel General Price,
who was then on his way to make a raid into Missouri. The
expedition proceeded in a northeasterly direction, crossing White
River near Batesville, thence to Elgin, on Black River, through
Pocahontas and Greenville, Mo., to Cape Girardeau.
The regiment, with the other forces of General Mower, arrived
at Cape Girardeau on the 5th of October. They were again
ordered forward, and on the 7th, embarked on transports, and
ascended the Mississippi to St. Louis, where the men were sup-
plied with clothing and equipments for a campaign up the
Missouri River. Without stopping, they continued their course
under orders to proceed to Jefterson City, where they arrived
on the 15th. On the 17th, they proceeded by rail to Lamoine
Bridge, the termination of the Pacific Railroad, at that time.
BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 817
Leaving this place on the 22cl of October, they marched to War-
rensburg, fifty miles, where the regiment was employed in
garrison and provost duty, during the pursuit of General Price's
forces by our army.
On the 1st of November, General Price having been driven
into Arkansas, the regiment returned to St. Louis, having in
charge a body of rebel prisoners. Quartering in Benton Bar-
racks until the 23d of November, after being reequipped for an
active campaign, they left St. Louis, with the other forces of
General A. J. Smith, and proceeded up the Cumberland River,
to Nashville, to reinforce General Thomas, Avho was then threat-
ened with an attack from General Hood. Arriving on the 30th,
they took position three miles south of the city, on the extreme
right of the army.
General Smith's command, composed of two divisions of the
Sixteenth Corps, was reorganized, and designated as the
"Detachment of the Army of the Tennessee." The forces of
General Smith occupied the line of defences south of the city,
which they were engaged in strengthening, until the loth of
December.
The Thirty-third, which was in the First Brigade, Third Divis-
ion, was held in reserve, near the Hardin Pike, with the brigade
and division. At three, in the afternoon, the brigade moved
forward to the support of the Second Division, and afterwards
charged a body of the enemy, posted on "Granny "White's Pike,"
who made but slight resistance, and 280 prisoners were captured,
many of them with loaded arms. The next day the division was
ordered to the support of the Twenty-third Corps, on the extreme
right. Here, about three o'clock, P. M., a general advance was
made, which resulted in the complete rout of the enemy, w^ho
abandoned his position at all points. In the pursuit which fol-
lowed, the Thirty-third took part, and the enemy was driven
across the Tennessee Piver. The men suflered great hardship
from the cold weather and rough roads, many of them being
barefoot.
On the 2d of January, 1865, the forces of General Smith
reached Clifton, Tenn., and encamped. From this point the
command proceeded by transports to Eastport, Miss., and the
Thirty-third was detailed to guard the transportation train to
52
SIS MILITARY HISTORY 6f WISCONSIN.
Savannali, Tenn. Tlie roads were in terrible condition, no as to
occasion great delay in marching forward. "With six companies
of the regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Lovell succeeded in getting
a portion of the train to Savannah, and Major Virgin, with the
other companies, took the balance of the train to Grand View.
At these two places they found transports, and reached Eastport
on the 14th of January, where they found the brigade, and went
into camp. A reconnoissance to Corinth was made on the 18th,
in which the brigade of General Ross was severely handled.
The command of General Smith being ordered to the Depart-
ment of the Gulf, they left Eastport on the 6th of February, and
proceeding down the Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi rivers,
reached Vicksburg, where they went into camp until the 20th,
when they reembarked, and continued down the river to New
Orleans, and encamped at Chalmette, General Jackson's old
battle field. Here General Smith's command assumed its
designation of Sixteenth Corps.
On the 11th of March, they moved forward to Lake Pontchar-
train, and embarked for Dauphin Island, near Mobile, arriving
on the 14th, and on the 18.th, proceeded to Cedar Point. Next
day they advanced along the west side of the bay. Company A,
and part of B acting as skirmishers, driving the enemy across
Fowl River. They, however, returned, and skirmished with our
rear, as the regiment slowly retired in the afternoon.
On the 22d of March, they crossed the Bay to Fish Eiver, and
ascended to Smith's Mills, where they joined the main body. On
the 25th, they moved towards Spanish Fort, and on the 27th,
the regiment drove the enemy into his intrenchments. On the
morning of the 28th, Company C, on the skirmish line, took pos-
session of a hill about 200 yards from the fort. This was
gallantly done, and the position held by the company, under a
severe fire. Dui'ing the night, the regiment threw up works, and
established a position within one hundred and fifty yards of the
fort, which was subsequently diminished to one hundred and
twenty-five yards, which was the nearest approach made to the
rebel works during the investment.
From this time, the regiment was engaged in heavy fatigue
and picket duty, until the 8th of April, on the night of which,
Spanish Fort was evacuated, and on the morning of the 9th, the
CAPTURE or SPANISH FORT. 819
Thirtj-tliird was the first regiment to enter the main fort, where
"".hey captured two Xapoleou guns, and a number of prisoners.
The following casualties, in the operations near Mobile, were
reported :
Killed or Died of Wounds. — Company A — Private L. A. Elam. Company C— Pri-
vate William II. Hughes. Company D — Corporal Merrit C. Pember. Company F —
Privates Henry Reed and Robert C'arr. Comj^atiyl— Captain Carleton G. Stetson Private
William Newton. Company K— Privates James W. Tifft and John McGinnis — 9.
Wounded. — Company A — Captain G. R. Frank, Corporal Charles Bingenhammer,
Privates W. H. Bennett, Joseph Benton, Arnold Goode, Charles Reed, Thomas Barber
and Daniel Lynch. Company B — Private George Andrews. Company C — Privates Jas.
Dunbar and William Hughs. Company Z> — Sergeants John Leighton and Jas, Delavan,
Privates D. S. Barlow, John Martin and Richard Lander. Company ^—Privates A. C.
Swift and James Smith. Company F — Privates Ezra Whitmore and Peter Jennison.
Company J/— Privates J. Henderson, W. Casteman and W. Blockridge — 23.
On the 9th, they moved to Blakely, and were held in reserve
during the assault on and capture of that place. After the cap-
ture of the forts, and the surrender of the city of Mobile, the
Thirty-third moved to Montgomery, Ala., where they engaged in
guard and picket duty; thence they were transferred to Tuskegee,
where they remained, on provost duty, till the 19th of July, when
they returned to Montgomery. Being ordered to proceed to
Vicksburg for muster out, they embarked on the 23d, descended
the Alabama River to Selma, from which place they proceeded
by rail to Jackson, Miss., from whence they moved to Yicksburg,
ai riving on the 31st of July. Here the regiment was mustered
out of service on the 8th of August, and embarked for home,
reaching Madison on the 14th of August, where they were soon
after paid off, and formally disbanded.
Colonel Moore was brevetted Brigadier General, for meritorious
services during the war.
Bcgimental Statistics. — Original strength, 892. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1861, 164, in 1865, 8; substitutes, 2; total, 1,066. Loss
— by death, 196; missing, 4; deserted, 22; transferred, 37;
discharged, 170; mustered out, 637.
CHAPTER XLII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Columbus, Ky. — Engage in Garrison
Duty — Time Expires — Return Home — Muster out — Statistics.
THE Thirty-fourtli Regiment, composed of men drafted by the
State authorities, under Greneral Order No. 94 from the War
Department, was organized at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee,
under the direction of Colonel Fritz Anneke. This regiment,
the only organization from Wisconsin whose term of service was
less than " three years or during the war," was mustered into
the United States service for nine months, by companies, their
muster being completed on the 31st of December, 1862. The
regiment left the State on the 31st of January, 1863, with the
following roster :
Colonel — fritz ANNEKE.
Lieutenant Colonel — Henry Orff; Jlfbyor— George H. Walther ; Adjutant — Herman
Hasse; Quartei-master — J. A.'Recs'er; Surgeon — J. E. Weinern; First Assistant Surgeon
— James S. Kelso ; Chaplain — Rev. F. A. Beckel.
Cb, Captains.
A — H. Eugene Ferslow,
B— James N. Ruby,
C — O. G.Wilmot,
D — Noble W.Smith,
E — Cornelius Kuntz,
F — Heinrieli Kenkel,
G — Charles A. Lang,
H— Isidore de St. Ange,
I — F. A. B.Becker,
K— William Walther.
First lAeutenants.
Henry T. Calkins,
Henry B. Fox,
F. H. J. Obladen,
Elliot M. Scribner,
Charles F. Bauer,
James Lonergan,
Robert Strohman,
William T. Barclay,
Edward J. Kelley,
Erhard Weber.
Second lAeutenants.
Michael A. Leahy,
Dennis J. F. Murphy,
John W. Johann,
WiUiam H. Pettit,
Charles F. Lachmund,
Rudolph Kirschner,
C. F. Blumenstein,
Leonard Laplaunt,
G. C. N€uraeister,
August Beecher.
The regiment arrived at Columbus, Ky., on the 2d of Febru-
ary, where they were engaged in garrison and fatigue duty until
the latter part of August. At that time, their term of service
having expired, they returned to Camp Washburn, Milwaukee,
and were mustered out of service on the 8th of September.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 961. Loss — by death,
20 ; deserted, 283 ; discharged, 186 ; mustered out, 472.
OHAPTEE XLIIl.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY- FIFTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Alexandria, La. — Port Hudson —
MoRGANziA — St. Charles, Ark. — Join General Canby's Forces
— Siege of Spanish Fort — On Duty in Alabama — Move to
Texas.
n^IIE Thirty-fiftli Regiment was recruited and organized under
J- the superintendence of Colonel Henry Orft', at Camp Wash-
burn, Milwaukee, the first company being mustered into the
United States service on the 27th of November, 1863, and the
muster of the last was completed on the 27th of February, 1864.
Under orders to report to General Steele, at Alexandria, La.,
they left Milwaukee on the 18th of April, 1864, with the following-
roster :
Colonel— HENRY ORFF.
lAeuienatit CbtoneZ — Charles A. Smith; Major — Geoege H. Walther; Adjtifani —
Herman Hesse; Quariernutsier — Adolf J. Cramer; Surgeon — John Grcenikg; First
Assislani Surgeon — James Verbryk; Second Assistant Surgeon — Carmi P. Garuck;
Chaplain — Key. I. W. Bowen.
Co. Captains.
A — Robert Sti'ohmann,
B — Fritz von Baumbach,
C— W. E. Ferlow,
D— Michael Leahy,
E — Henry Fox,
F — Henry C. Miles,
G— Oliver C.Smith,
H— Cornelius Kuntz,
I — Erhard Weber,
K — August Beecher.
First Lieutciuints.
Anthony C. Kuhn,
Frank R. St. John,
John E. Leahy,
Charles McCormick,
John Small,
John W. Johann,
Albert C. Matthews,
Henry Hayden,
Lyman B. Everdell,
Hermann Schaub.
Second Lieutenants.
Edward Sturtevant,
Jasper Vosburg,
George Brosius,
George Beseman,
Rudolph Kirchner,
James B. C. Drew,
Martin E. Stevens,
David Hunter,
Henry E. Ray,
Archibald H. Adams.
The regiment proceeded to St. Louis, where they were fully
equipped for active service. Leaving Benton Barracks, Avhere
they had been quartered, they embarked on the 26th of April,
and proceeded down the Mississippi River, to the mouth of Red
822 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Eiver. Failiug to procure transportation to their original desti-
nation up Red River, they proceeded to New Orleans, where
they received orders from General Banks to report to Brigadier
General Ullman, commanding at Port Hudson, at which place
they disemharked on the 7th of May.
The regiment remained at Port Hudson until the 26th of June,
being engaged in guard and fatigue duty. At that date, pursu-
ant to orders from Major General Reynolds, commanding the
Nineteenth Army Corps, they moved up the Mississippi River
to Morganzia, La., where the regiment was assigned to the First
Brigade, Third Division, Nineteenth Army Corps.
The movements of the rebels in Arkansas, in the summer of
1864, calling for reinforcements for the Federal army, the brig-
ade left Port Hudson for St. Charles, Ark., arriving on the 24th
of July. Here the brigade remained until the 7th of August,
engaged in guard duty and labor on the fortifications, with occa-
sional scouting expeditions through the surrounding country.
On that day they returned to Morganzia, and resumed their
former duties. On the 1st of October, they took part in an ex-
pedition to Simmsport, on the Atchafalaya River, in which
several skirmishes were had with the enemy. Returning to
Morganzia on the 10th, they next day embarked and proceeded
up the Mississippi and White Rivers, and landed on the 18th, at
Duvall's Blufi". On the 9th of November, they marched to
Brownsville, where they were ordered to guard the Memphis
and Little Rock Railroad, and intercept the retreat of the rebel
General Price's forces. Returning to Duvall's Bluff on the 12th
of December, the regiment was assigned to the Fourth Brigade
of the Reserve Corps, Military Division of West Mississippi, and
remained at this point engaged in guard and picket duty until
the 7th of February, 1865.
On that day, in obedience to orders, they embarked and de-
scended the White and Mississippi rivers, and landed at Algiers,
La., and encamped. Here they were assigned to the forces of
Major General Canby, and on the 22d of February, embarked
and proceeded to Mobile Point, where they were assigned to the
First Brigade, Third Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, and with
them, on the 17th of March, commenced the march to Spanish
Fort. Taking position in front of the fort on the 27th, they were
SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT. 823
engaged in siege and fatigue duty until the evacuaticni of that
fortification on the 8th of April, having lost two killed and fifteen
wounded. They next day, moved to Fort Blakeley, not in time,
however, to participate in the attack on that place.
They subsequently crossed Mobile Bay, and camped below the
city, and afterwards moved to Whistler's Station, thence to
Mannahubba Bluffs, and on the 26th of April, to Mcintosh's
Bluffs, on the Tombigbee River, where they engaged in building
fortifications until the surrender of Dick Taylor's forces rendered
further labors unnecessary. The regiment, therefore, proceeded
to Mobile, and encamped until the 1st of June, when it embarked
on transports with orders to proceed to Texas.
Arriving on the 8th of June, at Brazos Santiago, the}^ remained
in camp till the 20th, when they marched to Clarksville, from
whence they proceeded to Brownsville, opposite Metamoras.
Here the regiment remained till about the 1st of March, 1866,
when orders were received for its muster out of service and
return home.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,066. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1864, 14, in 1865, 8 ; total, 1,088. Loss— by death, 256 ;
deserted, 29 ; transferred, 11 ; discharged, 177 ; regiment still in
service, March 1st, 1866.
CHAPTEE XLIY.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY- SIXTH INFANTE Y.
Regimental Roster — Move to Washington — Join Hancock's
Corps — Battle of Tolopotomy — Cold Harbor — Before Peters-
burg— June 18th — Jerusalem Plankroad — Strawberry Pi*a.inb
— Explosion op the Mine — Battle at Deep Bottom — Weldon
Railroad — Battle at Reams' Station — Hatcher's Run —
Dabney's Mills — Petersburg Captured — Pursuit of Lee —
Surrender of his Army — March to Washington — Grand Review
— Proceed to Louisville — Mustered out — Return Home —
Statistics.
THE Thirty-sixth Regiment was organized at Camp Randall,
Madison, under the supervision of Colonel Haskell, and its
muster into the United States service completed on the 23d of
March, 1864, and left the State on the 10th day of May, with
orders to report at "Washington. The following was the
regimental roster :
Colonel — FRANK A. HASKELL.
Lieutenant Colonel— Joh:s A. Savage, Jr.; JVia/or — Harvey M. Brown; Adjuiani —
Benjamin D. Atwell ; Quartermaster— CHAiii,Eii B. Peck ; /Sur-f/eon— Clarkson Miller ;
I'irst Assistant Surgeon — Elijah A. Woodward ; Chaplain — Rev. Peter S. Van Nest.
Co. Captains.
A— William H. Hamilton,
B — Clement E. Warner,
C — George A. Fisk,
D— Jacob Walkey,
E — Jerome F. Brooks,
F — Prescott B. Burwell,
G — Reuben Lindley,
H — Austin Cannon,
I — Daniel F. Farrand,
K— Warren Graves.
First Lieutenants.
Charles E. Griffin,
George Weeks,
Luther B. Noyes,
Wesley S. Potter,
Charles W. Dipple,
Oliver N. Russell,
James S. Frisbie,
Cyrus Peck,
Ephraim W. Heydon,
Elias A. Galloway.
Second Lieutenants.
Charles L. Sholes,
William H. Lamberton,
Clarence E. Bullard,
Oscar L. Baldwin,
Porter Jones,
George E. Albee,
William R. Newton,
George S. Morris,
Charles W. Skinner,
Joseph Harris.
Arriving at Washington on the 14th of May, they immediately
proceeded down the Potomac to Belle Plaine Landing, where
BATTLE AT TOLOPOTOMY CREEK. 825
they disembarked on the 16th, and next day marched to Spottsyl-
vania, by way of Fredericksburg, and on the 18th, acted as a
reserve in the engagement of that day, and on the 19th, joined
the First Brigade, Second Division, General Gibbon, Second
Army Corps, General Hancock.
On the evening of the 20th, it accompanied the corps of Gen-
eral Hancock, in its march from Spottsylvania, to the ]N"orth Anna,
crossing the Matapony on the 21st, and reached the Korth Anna
on the night of the 23d, where it was assigned to the support
of a battery, and threw up breastworks, while another portion of
the division engaged and captured a rebel fort and secured the
crossing. They crossed the jSTorth Anna on the 24th, threw up
a line of works, and lay in line of battle all day. On the eve-
ning of the 26th, companies H and K were deployed and charged
a line of rebel works which they captured, losing two men killed,
Company H, Thomas Morris and William Tisdale.
They withdrew across the ]!^orth Anna on the 27th, and while
in line of battle, a shell struck into Company A, killing Daniel
A. Dibal and James C. Mclntyre, and wounding four others.
Accompanying the movement across the Pamunkey, on the
morning of the 30th of May, they found the rebels drawn up in
line of battle in a dense woods, in front of which was an open
field, in the vicinity of the Tolopotomy Creek. In taking position
the regiment had one man killed, and four wounded.
On the 1st of June, a severe engagement took place along the
line, about four miles to the left, when it was found necessary to
make a vigorous demonstration against the force in front of the
First Brigade, in order to prevent the enemy from sending rein
forcements to the left. Companies B, E, G and F, under com-
mand of Captain Warner, were moved forward as skirmishers,
forming part of the line which was to advance. The rebels lay
behind a heavy line of works, with guns mounted about 100 rods
in front. These companies advanced across an open field at a
double quick. The line on the flanks, composed of veterans,
advanced a few rods, fired one volley and fell back to the works,
leaving the four companies of the Thirty-sixth to advance without
support. Steadily under the fire of grape and musketry in the
front, and an oblique fire from right and left, making it almost
impossible for a man to live, that little band of 210 men advanced,
826 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
driving in the rebel skirmishers, and a portion of the line went
over the enemy's works. More than one half of the four com-
panies were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. They, however,
accomplished the object of the movement. The rebel divisions
returned to the position they had vacated, on the double quick,
and the left of our line was enabled to hold its ground against
the enemy. In this charge. Captain Burwell, a brave and effi-
cient officer, was mortally wounded and taken prisoner. Captain
Liudley was slightly wounded, and Lieutenant ]!^ewton was
severely wounded and taken prisoner. The other six companies
while advancing, had about fifty wounded.
During the night the regiment marched to Cold Harbor, arriv-
ing there at 8, A. M., of the 2d of June. On the morning of the
3d of June, the whole line advanced upon the enemy's position,
by brigades, massed in column by regiments, the Thirty-sixth
being in the rear of the brigade. Advancing across an open field,
under a heavy artillery fire, when about twenty-five rods from
the enemy's works, partially protected by the brow of a low hill,
the Thirty-sixth took the lead of the brigade. About this time
Colonel McKean, brigade commander, was killed and the com-
mand devolved on Colonel Haskell, who ordered the brigade for-
ward. The men arose to obey and were met by a shower of
bullets. The other parts of the line halted under the tremendous
fire, and Colonel Haskell finally gave the order for the men to
lay down. At that instant he was struck by a rebel bullet in the
head and instantly killed.
The loss of Colonel Haskell was deeply felt not only among
the brave men he had led to battle, but by hosts of friends in
Wisconsin, where he was well kown. He was one of the bravest
and most gallant of men, and was a thorough proficient in mili-
tary afiairs. With the " Iron Brigade," he had faced the fire at
Gainesville, Antietam, Gettysburg, and the numerous battles in
which that famous brigade participated up to his connexion with
the Thirt}^- sixth. Adjutant Atwell was severely wounded, and
Lieutenant Lamberton was killed while assisting in the construc-
tion of a slight breastwork. The regiment remained on the field
until dark, Lieutenant Colonel Savage being in command.
The regiment moved to the left about forty rods from the
rebel lines, where they remained until the 12th of June, engaged
CASUALTIES. 827
in strengthening the works, and burying the dead, of which 400
were buried in front of the Thirty-sixth.
The casualties in the regiment from the 26th of May, to the
7th of June, as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Field Officer — Colonel Frank Has5kell. Cbmpany A —
Corporal G.W Ferris. Company B— Second Lieutenant William H. Lamberton, Corporals
Calvin G- Shoits and Adelbert Older, Privates Lewis H. Arnold, Patrick Duffy, Jolin H.
Dubois, James E. Zritz, H. P. Friday, George Hauser, Whitfield S. Newell, Robert W.
Thompson, Robert Wixon and Aaron D. Wiley. Company C — Privates Cliristian Able
and Eldridge Rathbone. Company i) — Sergeant W. W. Patton, Corporal Henry Van
Dyke, Private Godfrey Uttiger. Company E — Corporal Henry P. Davidson, Privates G.
Bower. E. H. Barber, Richard Bradford, George M. Barker, William H. Caster, Austin
Conklin, Seymour Richmond, Robert Shepherd, Samuel W. Tiffany, Herbert Reck and
George Wilson. Company F— Captain Prescott B. Burwell, First Sergeant P. Twining,
Privates Frank Cassidj', H. tlockmaster and L. Johnson. Company G — Privates Peter
Endranger, Isaac Elm, Gottlieb Fenner, Jn. Gannon, Henry S. Ganolte, Henry Hanford,
Israel D. Stratton, David B. Willis and Theodore V. Wortman. Company /f— Corporal
S. W. Hill, Privates Fred. Acken, Everett Woodburn, M. Tisdale and Thomas Morris.
Company J — Privates Milton Brice, Nathan Croman, Cassius M. Odell, George E. White
and George T. Skillon. Company K — Privates Walter L. Hobbs, Lars Johnson, Albert
B. Adams, R.Blesecker, Aug. 2.5, Philip Lee, Lars Peterson and Chas. Ermatinger— Ot.
Wounded.— <Syo^ Officer — Adjutant B. D. Atwell. Company A — Corporal W. L. Clem-
ens, Privates H. Oberweather, G. Clairidge, C. H. Rist, G. G. Kelly, A. Rist, Danl. Graves
and T. Masseugale. Cb«ipa?i^ £ — Privates Saml. G. Lockwood, M. C. List, W. M. Bevere,
Henry Carman, J. P. Damp, Leonard Dibble, S. M. Dubois, George W. Finnell, Henry H.
Pratt, Johnson Farr, Richard Upham, C. B. Wilder. J. M. Wiley, Hugli Williams and P.
Wincell. Company C— Privates S. Yeomans, J. Martin, M. Hull, C. McClure, A. Calkins,
P. Ayelsworth, S. C. Miles, J. Freddick, J. Cross and R. Johnson. Company Z) — Corporal
J. Spry, Privates Y. C. Bennett, M. Kollbeck, C. E. Fuller, F. Maixell, E. Spaulding and
M. Shonessy. Cmnpany £■- Sergeant J. Almond, Privates M. G. Blackman, L. P. Bacon,
C. W. Berg, O. P. Bowe, J. Boutwell, J. H. Davis, F. Hawley, G. W. Hafer, J. D. Hastings,
E. Hardy, A. Kelso, J. D. Rerker, W. Lock, C. McElroy, E. W. Brag, PI D. Preston, W.
Rood, A. Shabine and John N. Ford. Company i^— Corporal J. J. Fuller, Privates D. C.
Atkins, A. Brazee, R. Donovan, P. Gray, R. Hughes, W. Beaumont, T. O'Neil, W. Pohl,
J. Pooler, L. Rice, H. C. Soule, A. Sweetzer, F. Tucker, F. Van Auken, D. G. Woolf, C.
Wicks and S. P. LajTnon. Cmripany G — Captain R. Lindly, Second Lieut.W. R. Newton,
Sergt. H. Lindsley, Privates A. J. Adams, W. R. Bartlett, H. Englehart, C. Englehart, R.
Feterage, M. Gearhart, W. Horton, C. Hinman, D. E. Jaques, P. Kommers, W. Kruger,
L. Mandershide, W. Stone, T. J. Sweeting and D.B.Willis. Company i/- Sergeant R.
Palmer, Privates G. K. Hazen, R. Lee, S. Welch, B. G. Thomas, M. Metlie, O. S. Northrup
and G. Bobbett. Company J— Corp. S.Williams, Privates A. Bohn, T. Gillies, M. L. Knight,
J. P.Sillig, E. Schofleld, J.W. T. Bag, J. Swal, J. Mills and A. E. Perry. Company /i— Sergt.
G. P. Warren, Privates J. J. McKan, H. T. Tillotson, H. W. Butler, D. Crandall, J. Hill,
M. Ophett, L. Pratt, J. Rains, M. M. Granger and N. Skeel — 126.
On the 11th of June, Lieutenant Colonel Savage was commis-
sioned Colonel, Major H. M. Brown as Lieutenant Colonel, and
Captain C. E. Warner as Major.
Taking part in the general movement of the army of General
Grant across the James River, the Thirty-sixth, with its corps, .
crossed the peninsula to Charles City Court House, where it was
ferried across in transports on the 14th, and after receiving
828 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCOJs'SIX.
rations, marched on the 15th, to Petersburg, and found the
enemy intrenched, and on the 16th occupied the enemy's first
line of works which had been captured by our forces, where they
were very severely shelled by the rebels.
In the charge made by the Union forces on the 17th, the
Second Corps acted as a reserve, and was not engaged. In the
general charge made on the enemy's works on the 18th, the
Thirty- sixth formed in line of battle and drove the enemy's
skirmishers from their heavy works, and followed them about a
mile through a dense woods, in front of which across an open
field, lay the enemy's main line of works. While advancing
through the woods. Lieutenant Galloway, of Company K, was
mortally wounded. In the advance ordered in the afternoon.
Colonel Savage stepped forward of the colors, shouting, " Three
cheers for the honor of Wisconsin ! Forward my brave men !" at
the same time springing over the slight breastworks, followed by
the regiment, which drew a concentrated fire from the enemy,
and the brave Colonel fell, mortally wounded, Major Brown
wounded in two places, Lieutenants Morris and Harris, severely
wounded, and nearly one-third of the men killed or wounded.
On viewing the situation, it was found that the Thirty-sixth
was the only regiment which had advanced over the works. It
was certain death to advance, and but little less dangerous to re-
tire. The men therefore, fell to the earth, and by burrowing
with their tin plates in the soft ground, succeeded in securing
protection until night permitted them to withdraw. Captain Fisk
beins: the last to leave the field with all the dead and wounded.
The command of the regiment devolved on Captain C. E. War-
ner. During the night the dead were buried, and the wounded
cared for.
The casualties, as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of WovsjiS.— Field Officer— Colonel John A. Savage. Company A —
Privates Henry J. Haydon and Wm. Upright. Cbmpon^/ J? — Sergeant Anthony Haney.
Cbjopanj/ C— Sergeant Thos.W. Gallagher, Corporal Gordon L. Cleaves, Privates David
Douglas, Augustus B. Ingalls, Perry C. Walker, Elijah H. Amidon, Russell B. Balcom,
Hudson Brown, William Dayton, Harvey W. Hudson, John Hopwood and John Wil-
liamson. Company X>— Privates Wm. H. Dennis, George W. Frost and Nathaniel Adams.
Company E— Privates J. P. Joslin, Edward W. Pray and William Rood. Company F—
Corporal Chas. H. Franks, Privates Dewitt C. Atkins, Leonard H. Johnson and Clarence
Wicks. Cbmpan^/ C? — Private William A. Bartlett. Cbmpan^/ JT— Privates Richard J
Passmore, George W. Earle and Morgan Van Duzen. Company I— CorporSiX Benjam'n
F. Grant and Frank M. Bryant. Company K— First Lieutenant Elias A. Galloway, Priv-
ates William F. Butterlield, Oliver Johnson, Henry Wright, Matthew Bittles, John Hill,
Martin Oppelt and Lewis Pratt— 40.
SKIRMISH ON NEW JERUSALEM PLANKROAD. 829
Wovn<!DT.T>.— Field Officer— 'Maior Harvey M. Brown. Company A —Vrivaics C. Avon,
J. Burns, F. Dewey, B. C. Hollen, E. J. Long, E. Mead, J. Welch and J. A. Hill. Company
£ — Privates G. Atwood, Saml. Brink and J. T. Quimby. Company C— Privates C. Frink,
V. Griffin, J. A Gross, H. Sacia, C. Witliph, A. Stelier, H. Cune, J. Baker, S. Van Wert,
W. E. Polley and J. Printz. Company i> — Sergeants George Gano and C. D. Cramer, Cor-
porals George Raymor, and W. Bell, Privates J. O. Herrick, J. Adams, G. E. Park, W. W.
Rodrick, J. Otter, F. Wenger, W. Markwell and E. Vanderbilt. Company E—Vrivntf.s
J. Haley, J. Jackson, N. Fossnight and A. Burbank. Company F — Privates C. H. Cape,
W. Stringlor, A. Eggabond and M. Mclntyre. Company O — Privates J. Christman, J.
Moran and S.Phillips. Company H—^ecouA Lieutenant G. S. Norris, Corporals O. P.
Peck, W. H. Patten and L. E. Pecae, Privates W. S. Allen, J. Brennan, A. C. Chase, A.
Dayton, T. Fisher, G. W. Hodgden, F. Jennings, J. Kohler, G. W. McDonald, E. B. Parish
and S. Stanton. Cowipa?!^/ J— Privates W. H. Bright, T. M. Brentore, F. Daugherty, E.
Houghton, A. Brenner and C. Andre. Company K — Second Lieutenant Joseph Harris,
Sergeants A. J. McCann and J. R. Ellis, Corporals W. W. Chapel and E. L. Fidler, Priv-
ates D. Barrett, J. D. Cooper, A. Carbon, C. Miller, C. H. Lum, J. Colman, H J. Hoyt,
L. Roller and M. A. Shofler — 81.
On the 21st, the regiment moved six or seven miles to the left
of Petersburg, and during the night moved along the New Jeru-
salem Plankroad to within twenty rods of the enemy's lines and
threw up works under a sharp musketry fire. In the engage-
ment of the 22d, the First Brigade, to which the Thirty-sixth
belonged, was flanked on the left, and about one-half of it was
captured. The Thirty-sixth, by changing direction by the left
flank, were successful in escaping capture, but had a few men
killed and wounded. On the 24th, the regiment was relieved
and moved about two miles to the rear and went into camp, and
for the first time in four weeks, had a good night's rest.
In this vicinity, the regiment remained until the 25th of July,
engaged in picketing, building roads, forts, etc, during the calm
which succeeded the extraordinary labors of the preceding two
months.
On the 15th of July, Lieutenant Colonel Brown was com-
missioned as Colonel, Major C. E.Warner, as Lieutenant Colonel,
and Captain Hamilton, as Major.
General Grant had sanctioned the project of mining one of the
enemy's forts, and in order to make a successful assault at the
time of its explosion, ordered a feint to be made by the Second
Corps, across the James River, in order to draw the enemy's force
to that point. Accordingly, on the 26th of July, they broke camp
and crossed the Appomattox on a pontoon bridge, and crossed
the peninsula and the James River, just above Malvern Hill, to
Strawberry Plains. Here a strong demonstration was made, and
a few guns were captured. The object of the expedition being
830 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
accompli shed, the Second Corps quietly recrossed the James
River and made a forced march to Petersburg on the night of the
29th, and arrived in time to witness the tremendous cannonading
and the deplorable failure of that undertaking.
Sergeant John E. Howell, of Company H, died of wounds
August 1, 1864.
Returning to its old camping ground, they remained engaged
in light duty until the 12th of August, when they took part in
another expedition, the object of which was to draw the enemy's
troops from tlie extreme left, to enable the Fifth Corps to make
an attack on the Weldon Railroad. Marching to City Point on
the 13th, the Second Corps embarked on transports, proceeded
down the James River until after dark, when the whole fleet
turned about and moved up the river and disembarked the corps
at Deep Bottom, near Strawberry Plains. Forming line of battle
ou the 14th, the Second Corps advanced along the !N^ew Market
Road towards Richmond. The enemy were soon formed, and a
series of engagements ensued until about 4 o'clock, when the
First Brigade made a charge on the enemy's works under a severe
fire, during which Major Hamilton received a severe wound in
the face, and was carried from the field, and soon after Colonel
Warner received a shot which shattered his left arm, rendering
amputation necessary, and Captain Lindley received four wounds,
two of them mortal. The command of the regiment devolved
on Captain Cannon, of Company H.
The casualties as officially reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cbmpanj/^— Private Thomas Gumiel. Company C—
Private Thomas Cassner. Company D — Privates Cliarles H. O'Connor and Chas. Mills.
Company Gr — Captain Reuben Lindley. Company I — Sergeant Truman P. Ball — 6.
Wounded.— i^ieM OiTlcers — Lieutenant Colonel C. E.Warner, left arm amputated, and
Major Hamilton, severe wound in face. Company A — Corporal C. S. Mape, Privates D. D,
Flint and G. E. Hand. Cmnpany C— Sergeant J. R. Peterson, Corp. Brownson, Private*
C.W. Johnson, M. G. Prince and Fred Reinhard. Cmnpany F—GovT^oval John Fuller.
Company H — Private John Brennan. Com,pany I — Private H. Jones — 13.
The expedition was entirely successful, and the Fifth Corps
was enabled to capture the Weldon Railroad, which was the main
source of the enemy's supplies. Several attempts were made to
retake it by the enemy but the forces of General Grant were
successful in holding it against them.
Tb 3 regiment returned with the corps to its old camp, south of
Petersburg, on the 22d, and soon after moved, with its own and
BATTLE AT REAM'S STATION. 831
the First Division, to the left, and on the 24th, took position at
Ream's Station, on the Weldon Railroad, in hastily constructed
breastworks.
In the battle at Ream's Station, on the "Weldon Railroad, on
the 25th of August, the Thirty-sixth was posted in a railroad cut,
and acted as a reserve to the line in front. The enemy determined
to recover the works, which he had lost, made three desperate
charges upon our lines, and was each time handsomely repulsed.
They, however, succeeded in getting an enfilading fire so as to
rake the line, and charging again in overwhelming force, swept
over our works. As they came over, a sharp fire was opened
by the reserve line. The enemy succeeded in breaking the line
to the right, and filing to the rear of the regiment, in a few mo-
ments, had it completely surrounded. From its peculiar position
in the railroad cut, it was impossible to move either way, A
few of the men succeeded in cutting their way out at great risk.
Lieutenant Ginty, of Company E, was instantly killed. Of 175
men and eleven officers, who went into the fight, the morning
report of the 26th only accounted for forty-five men and three
officers. In a charge which the brigade soon after made, under
the lead of General Hancock, Captain Russel, of Company F,
was wounded in the right shoulder, which rendered his arm
nearly useless.
The casualties, as officially reported, were :
«
Killed ok Died of Wounds. — Company B — Private Milner Hawes. Company D —
Privates David Dyson and Milan D.Wright. Company 2?— Second Lieutenant Henry B.
Ginty and Private John W. Bacon. Company Gr— Private Jesse Grotavant. Company K
— Private Jolinson Graliam — 7.
Wounded.— Co»?!pa?iyi^— Captain O.H.Russell. Company G — Corporal S. L. Hart
and Private H. N. Forsyth — 3.
One hundred and twenty-five were reported as missing, the
most of whom were taken prisoners, among whom were Captain
Griffin, Lieutenants Atwell, Sholes, Bullard, Albee, Mathews and
Parker. Surgeons Miller and Woodward were sent into the
rebel lines to care for the wounded, and were taken to Libby
Prison. The exposure during his imprisonment, caused the death
of Dr. Miller, and out of 128 of the men sent to Salsbury Prison,
in North Carolina, less than six returned to the regiment, and
very few of them ever left the prison.
832 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
For insufficient reasons General Gibbon deprived the Thirty-
sixth of the privilege of carrying the National colors, but on an
investigation of the matter, he was ordered to present in person
to the regiment, a new set of colors, which he did about the
1st of [N'ovember.
After the engagement at Ream's Station, the regiment moved
to Fort Bross, engaging in general duty until the 25th of Sep-
tember, when it moved into the front lines between Forts Stead-
man and Haskell. About this time Captain Fisk returned and
took command of the regiment, which remained in these works,
doing picket and guard duty until the 22d of October, exposed
at times to a very annoying fire.
On the 17th of October, J. F. Chipman, of Company E, died
of wounds.
They moved from the front line on the 24th of October, and
marching to the left on the 27th, arrived near the enemy's posi-
tion at Hatcher's Run. Company A, under Lieutenant Ripley,
deployed in front of the brigade and drove in the enemy's picket
line, and captured the rifle pits. This brought on a general
engagement. The enemy attacked the Third Division which was
in the rear, causing it to break, thus cutting off the communica-
tions of the brigades in front. Captain Fisk seeing the perilous
position of his command, faced the regiment by the rear rank aiul
ordered a bayonet charge, which was handsomely made against
the enemy's flank, doubling up their line and causing them to
break and run, and capturing a large number of prisoners and
a stand of colors, himself losing fifteen wounded and missing.
General Egan, commanding the Second Division, addressed a
letter to the Governor, speaking in the highest terms of the
regiment, stating that it captured a larger number of prisoners
than it had men engaged, and especially commended the conduct
of Captain Fisk, for his gallantry and daring coolness in thus
charging and driving back a greatly superior force.
After this affair at Hatcher's Run, the regiment returned to
its old camp, where it remained until the 5th of February, 1865,
engaged in the usual routine of picket and fatigue duty. During
the month of December, Colonel Warner, Major Hamilton, Cap-
tain Russell, and Lieutenant Morris, having partially recovered
CAPTURE OF PETERSBURG. 833
from their wounds, returned to the regiment as did also Adjutant
Atwell, who had been released from Libby Prison.
With the Second Corps, on the 5th of February, 18G5, the
regiment moved by the left flank and met the enemy near Hatch
er's Run. In the battle near Dabney's Mills on the 6th, the
regiment was exposed to a heavy artillery fire. They lost two moi
captured and three wounded while on the picket line. Here the
regiment constructed winter quarters whereat remained until the
25th of March, when a strong demonstration was made in front
of the Second Corps, in which the Thirty-sixth participated.
On the 29th, it broke camp and moved across Hatcher's Run,
formed line of battle, advanced and occupied the enemy's first
liue of works, and next day advanced to the second line and
occupied them. The enemy's main line lay about a mile beyond.
The next two days were spent in manceuvering to ascertain the
enemy's position, and, on the 1st ot April, the right wing, under
Major Hamilton, advanced its picket line to within sixty rods of
the forts, the left wing advancing also. The regiment was sub-
jected to a severe shelling, losing five men wounded. On the
2d, the left wing, under command of Captain Cameron, advanced
to charge a portion of the enemy's works with a Massachussets
regiment. After receiving a few vollies from the enemy, they
were seen to hang out a white flag, and in a few moments our men
were swarming over the works, and about 150 prisoners and
three guns were captured. The regiment advanced, picking up
stragglers, and soon learned that the whole rebel line had given
way, and that Lee's army was in full retreat.
With the Second Corps, the Thirty-sixth joined in the pursuit,
crossing the Appomattox at High Railroad Bridge on the 7tli,
where the regiment had a short skirmish with the rebel rear
guard. ]n the evening, they participated in a sharp skirmish
at Farmville. They followed closely upon Lee's retreating army,
and, on the 9th of April, had the proud satisfaction of being [u-e-
sent at the surrender of the entire army, near Appomattox Court
House.
But little more remains to be said of the doings of the Thirty-
sixth. They returned to Burkesville, where most of the captured
officers returned to the regiment, and on the 2d of May, they
53
834 MILITAKT HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
started for Washington, by way of Riclimond. On the 14th,
they arrived in sight of Washington, which they had entered
just one year before. It participated in the grand review of the
Army of the Potomac, and on the 17th of June, left for Louis-
ville, Ky., where it arrived on the 21st, and went into camp at
Jeffersonville. The regiment was mustered out of service on the
12th of July, and arrived at Madison on the 14th, where it was
paid and finally disqjiarged.
Begimental Statistics. — Original strength, 990. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1864, 9, in 1865, 15 ; total, 1,014. Loss— by death, 296;
deserted, 21 ; transferred, 38 ; discharged, 214 ; mustered out,
445.
':^^J
CHAPTEE XLY.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to Washington — Join Grant's Army —
Move to Petersburg — Assault of 17th and 18th of June —
Explosion of the Mine — Assault of 30th of July — Weldon
Railroad — South Side Railroad — Hatcher's Run — Raid on
THE Weldon Railroad — Winter Quarters — Fort Steadman —
Capture op Fort Mahone — Enter Petersburg — Surrender of
Lee's Army — War Closed — Move to Washington — Grand Review
— Muster out — Return Home — Regiment Disbanded — Statistics.
THE Tliirtj'-seventli Regiment was organized pursuant to the
President's call of February 1,1864, under the superintendence
of Colonel Sam Harriman. Six companies — A, B, C, D, E and
F — were mustered into service in the latter part of March, and
there being immediate need of their services, were sent forward
under the command of Major Kershaw, to report at "Washington,
where they arrived on the 1st of May. The regiment was
completely organized with the following roster :
Colonel— SAM HARRIMAN.
LieiUcnanf. Ojtonei — Anson O. Doolittle ; 3/o/or —William J.Kershaw, Adjutant—
Claron S. ]Miltimore ; Quarterwas/er— William C.Webb ; ;S'i(?-r/eoM^DANiEL C. Roundy ;
First Assistant Surgeon — John H. Orrick ; Chaplain — Rev. Lewis M. Hawks.
Co. Captains.
A— Samuel Stevens,
B — Robert C Eden,
C —John Green,
D — Alvah Nash,
E — Frank A. Cole,
F — Ellsworth Burnett,
G— Martin W. Heller,
H— Frank T. Hobbs,
I — George A. Beck,
K — Allen A. Burnett.
First Lieutenants,
Sanford Jones,
William H. Earl,
Addison J. Parker,
Frank J. Munger,
Lewis U. Beall,
James C. Spencer,
William P. Atwell,
Thomas Carmichael,
Edward Hanson,
George D. McDill.
Second Lieutenants.
Daniel Lowber,
Nathan L. Davison,
Freeman B. Ridale,
David Prutsmaii,
Melviile A. Barrj',
Heni-y W. Belden,
Adoniram J. Holmes,
Joseph H. Briglitmau,
Joseph O. Cliilson,
Edward J. Grumley.
Colonel Harriman remained at Camp Randall to fill up the
other four companies.
836 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The six compauies went into camp on Arlington Heights, in
the neighborhood of the Long Bridge. Lieutenant Colonel
Doolittle joined the regiment at Chicago, and took command.
On the 17th, companies H and I joined the detachment. Here
they were engaged in drilling. On the 30th, they embarked at
Alexandria, and proceeded by way of Fortress Monroe and York
River, to White House, Ya., which was at that time the base of
supplies for the Army of the Potomac, arriving on the 2d of June.
Here they remained, guarding prisoners and picketing the line
of the Richmond Railroad, until the 10th of June, when they
marched as guard to a supply train, under the charge of Captain
Samuels, of the Fifth Wisconsin, reached Cold Harbor on the
11th, and were assigned to the First Brigade, General Hartruft,
Third Division, Brigadier General Wilcox, Ninth Army Corps,
General Burnside. On the 12th, they took position in the first
line of works, from whence, on the evening of that day, they took
part in the general movement of Grant's army across the James
River, to Petersburg, before which place they arrived on the
afternoon of the 16th. They were immediately ordered to move
to the support of a charge of the Fourth Division against the
enemy's works, which were taken, and the Thirty-seventh occu-
pied them during the night. On the next day, the brigade formed
in line of battle in a ravine, preparatory to another charge on the
works of the enemy. These were situated in the middle of a
cornfield, on the crest of a slight elevation. The position was a
strong one, with rifle pits and batteries to the right and left, which
could pour in an enfilading fire. In the afternoon, the order
was given to charge, and the brigade rushed forward, under a
perfect storm of shot, shell and canister. When about half way
across the intervening space, an order was given by some one to
"half wheel to the right," which produced confusion in the
movements of the brigade, and exposed the left to an enfilading
fire from the batteries, which made terrible havoc in the ranks
of the Thirty-seventh. The brigade fell back, and the regiment
returned' to the ravine, where they remained till towards night,
when they went to the support of the Second Division, and com-
pleted and strengthened a line of breastworks on the edge of the
ravine, where they rested until morring. Early next morning,
line 3f battle was formed, and the biigade advanced over the
BATTLES OF JUNE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH. 837
scene of j^esterday's battle. The rebel rifle pits were found
vacated, and tlie command advanced beyond tliem and through
a piece of woods, to the edge of an oat tield. Here they threw
up a light line of breastworks, and' awaited the arrival of addi-
tional forces. An order was given to move forward, and the
command, under a sharp fire of cannon and musketry, pressed
on across the oat field, towards a line of works, about half a mile
in advance. The line moved forward as steadily as the uneven
ground would permit, and the enemy's skirmishers fell back to
their main lines. They soon came to a deep cut of the Norfolk
and Petersburg Railroad, and there were met by a terrible fire,
which swept the top of the cut. An attempt to charge up the
opposite side was met by the same sweeping fire, and soon the
rebel sharpshooters obtained a position on the right, where the}'-
could fire along the whole length of the cut. Under cover of an
artillery fire, two charges beyond the railroad cut were attempted
in the afternoon, but the men were obliged to return to the cut,
Mdiere they remained until nearly night, when they were relieved
by fresh troops, and the brigade returned to the works in the
rear.
In these engagements, of June 17th and 18th, the Thirty-
seventh suffered severely. Major Kershaw was shot through
both legs. Captain Stevens, of Company A, and Lieutenant "W.
H. Earl, of Company B, were mortally wounded, and Second
Lieutenant Freeman B. Riddle, of Company C, was killed.
The Thirty-seventh behaved with great gallantry, and General
Grant issued a complimentary order, praising the division for
their endurance and success, after a march of twenty-two miles
on the night of the 16th.
The casualties show the manner in which the Thirty-seventh
stood up under a heavy fire, at the first battle in which they
were engaged. The list of those killed and died of wounds, is from
the records of the Adjutant General's office, and the list of
wounded is as officially published. Except where noted, the
casualties occurred on the 17th and 18th of June:
K11.1.ED OR Died of Wounds.— Cbrnpan^ ^ — Captain Samuel Stevens, Corporal Benj,
F. Wheeler, Privates William J. Black, John E. Greenhalgh, Jesse Lane, John Peak, M.
B. Sanford, Almond Whitney, Walter Scott, June 21, William B. Black, Samuel Springer
and James L. Warner. Company ^— First Lieutenant W, H. Earl, Corporal Henry Q.
Brown, Privates Hugh Finley, John Hall, Michael Reilly, Leonard D. ScovilU;, Peter H.
838 ^ MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Juttle, Willielm Wojalm and Aaron Young. Company C— Second Lieutenant Freeman
B. Riddle, Sergeant W. H. Green, Corporal Charles E. Clark, Pi-ivates Bryant Baker, F. H.
Rasey, Otis Ross and Peter Walker. Company X)— Second Lieutenant David Prutzman,
June 28, Corporals Daniel C. Eager and George B. Shumway, Privates Lyman Putnam
and Marcus Wager. Company ^—Sergeant Thomas Bishop, Privates Moses Boyer, Jno.
I. Marshall, Edward W. Partridge, Charles Thompson, John Thompson, Joseph Osier and
William Green. Company i^— Sergeant John Butcher, Corporal John W. Hilleburt, Pri-
vates Oscar Burdick, Wallace Conant, Charles R. Forsyth, Evan W. Jones, June 26, Wm.
Powell, Isaac Selleck and George Houston, June 26. Company H — Sergeants Carl M.
Peck and D. L. Cole, Privates John Bendrick, Charles H. Gould, William Hassilky, Thos.
Long, Ernst Lucterhand, Dudley McCloud, Clias. Schroeder and Fred. Slonager. Company
I— Privates Nathaniel Kimball, William A. Lease, Henry Polk, Gilbert Applebee and
Peter Clinkhammer — 65
AVouNDED. — Field Officer — Major William J. Kershaw, both legs. Company A — Second
Lieutenant Daniel A. Lowber, Sergeant. Francis A. Barnard, Corporals Irvine J. Slatterly,
Frank Wilson and Josej^h Alger, Privates Narcisse Charter, John Davis, John Hartraan,
Carwin D. Scott, Josiah B. Smith and Joel Sanders. Company B — Second Lieutenant N.
S. Davison, Sergeant L. D. Harmon, Privates F. D. Powers, Thos. A. Lockhart, Matthew
L. Lockerby, Chas. H. Booth, Jerome Denure, BleazerS. Ingraham, Thos. G. McLaughlin,
George E. Onderdonk, Francis D. Parker, Francis Parker, Horace C Pitt, Michael Shay,
Samuel Shilston, Samuel H. Stone, Michael Gleason, Fred. Lulim, M. Toomey, William
Zahn, F. Vanderwerker, David B. Willard, H. Dutcher and Stephen Scott. Company C —
Captain John Green, Corporal Thomas Parker, Privates D. B. Spears, Adolph Lemche,
Lewis Page, Kittel Paulson, Armon Sharer and Ole Torgerson. Company D—Qer^esmt
Caleb Greeiifield, Privates John Bruuton, Herljert Benjamin, William Beatty, Amos
Casey, J. D. Fryman, Clark L. Stillwell and William Waite. Cotnpany E — Sergeant D.
W. Osborn, Corporals G. M. Davis, J. W. Shadbolt and L. E. Laflin, Privates A. Fawvers,
E. Nichols, Thomas Earl, August Peters, Levi Fuller, Charles White, June 20, N. Daven-
port and J. W. Coombs. Company F — Sergeant William Howes, Corporal Gouldsburg,
Privates George W. Chinnock, H. Carlton, John Craigan, J. Dougla.s, D. Hill, E. W. Jones,
N. McPhail, Thomas Morgan and Charles J. Osgood. Company H — Captain F. T. Hobbs,
Privates Charles B. Foss, George Hoke, Thomas E. Thorpe, Christian Althouse, N. Boyle,
A. B. Skinner, Luther Halstead, L. M. Ericson and L. F. Dean. Company J— Sergeants
John C. Avery, .lohn Reagan, John Qualman and Conrad Dipple, Pi-ivates B. A. Cady,
Christian Fidler, George F. Hamilton and John Walt — 93.
Lieutenant Prutzman, of Company D, was shot through, the
head, on the 28th of June, while the regiment was on picket.
On tlie 22cl of June, the regiment returned to its okl position
near the jSTorfolk and Petersburg Railroad, where it remained
until the 10th of July, doing picket and fatigue duty, under a
heavy fire of artillery and sharpshooters. The duty in the
trenches tried the physical powers of the men, and many of them
were sent to the hospitals. Company G joined the regiment at
this time. Enjoying a week's respite from duty in the trenches,
on the 17th, the regiment returned again to the front line of rifle
pits, where they remained until the 30th of July. On the 23d,
Company K joined the regiment, making its organization
complete, and Colonel Harriman assumed command.
The explosion of the mine under the enemy's fort on the 30th
of July, 1864, and the disastrous defeat of the whole scheme, has
become matter of history. Its results live in the memory of
ASSAULT ON THE MINED FORT, 839
those wIlo were present at the grand display of warlike opera-
tions, and in the hearts of those who mourn fathers, brothers and
sons, who fell m the desperate charge. The Third Division was
a portion of the Mnth Corps, to make the charge on that fatal
morning. Accompanying the movement, the Thirt} -seventh, led
by Colonel Harriman, as soon as possible after the explosion, and
under a severe fire from the surrounding batteries, occupied the
ruined fort, which had been so leveled as to afford but little
protection to the troops therein. The affair has been before des-
cribed. Colonel Harriman and Adjutant Miltimore assisted in
disinterring two of the enemy's guns, which were used in
silencing a rebel fort in the vicinity. The Third Division re-
pelled all attempts of the enemy to dislodge them, until about
four o'clock in the afternoon, when, finding no chance of re-
ceiving support, they fell back to the line they had left in the
morning. Out of 250 men who went out in the morning, but
ninety-five answered at roll call that evening.
Captain A. A. Burnett, of Company K, and Captain Frank
A. Cole, were both mortally wounded. Lieutenants Atwell,
Company G, L. U. Beall, Company E, and George D. McDill,
received wounds which incapacitated them from further service.
Lieutenant Atwell having his leg amputated. Lieutenants
Muuger, of Company D, and Holmes, of Company G, were
taken prisoners.
The casualties, which we find upon the records and officially
published, were as follows:
Kii-i.ED OR Died of Wounds.— Compatiy A — Private Edward N. Vandusen. Company
iJ — Privates Orson E.Rice, Napoleou Fuller, July 6, Otis Cross, July 19, and Michael
O'Reilley July 26. Company C— Corporal Eua;ene Whoelock, Privates.'Andrcw E. Crocker,
July 10, Charles Wood, Joshua P. Fuller and Nat. Rergoy. Company U— Corporal Joel
Dewel, July 27, Private Thomas Eager. Company E— Captain F. A. Cole, First Sergeant
Ai'ch. Douglas, Corporal William Meinzer, W. D. Brightman, James Larkin and R. L.
Briggs. Company F— Corporal James Little, Privates Nori-is VauDeusen, July 22, M. W.
Bliss, George Cass, Samuel Graham and Elisha H. Walded. Company G— Corporals J.
W. Craven, Edmund Long, July 24, and Laurence T.Bristol, Privates G. H. Vaughn. C.
Bagerman, F. Bigelow, Thomas Lea, Nich. Lang, Charles J. Netr, Adolph Page, Theodore
Upright, Miner Palmer, Thomas Curtain, J. Farnsworth and O. M. Lincoln. Company II
Privates Asahel Wood, Richard Trlcgel and Marcus D. Gillett, July 20. ICompany J— Cor-
poral John Stockhart, Privates William A. Caldwell, Matthew Calahan, Jacob Fifield,
Henry Rappold and A. G. Bates. Company A'— Captain Allen A. Burnett, Corporal Se-
mour Hahpahtonwahiquette, Privates Meshell Kenosha, Dominekee Jeco, Jo.seph Nah-
wahquah, Amable Nashahkahappah, Gunder Nelson, P'elix Wahtahnotte and Benjamin
Rubber — 57.
Wounded.— Componj/^ — Privates William Cobban, Michael McGunnell, Ferdinand
Herber and Z. C. Trett. Coinpaiiy B — Privates George Saff, J. Laureuz, E. Wheeler and
840 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
G. Tones. Company C— Sergeant Francis Hooper, Corporal Benso nHall. Company D —
Sergeant James Barnett, Corporal Davis R. Lane, Privates W. Jarvis, W. Smith and E.
Robinson. Company E— First Lieutenant L. U. Beall, Private Wesley Ritchie. Company
F— Corporal Joseph Rollins, Privates Charles Lapham, P. McMahon, Ole Peterson, Peter
Runtz, George Smith, J. C. Hampton, John Cuddington, William Maud and A. Heizer
Company G — First Lieutenant W. P. Atwell, Sergeant H. A. Chase, Corporal W. E. Hus-
sey. Privates W. Arthurs, O. Burdick, E. Gardner, Luther Musser, F. L. Roberts, James
Q,. Severns and John M. Smith. Company ZT— Privates R. Parker and John Story.
Cbmpany I— Corpora.1 Henry Kullmau, Privates S. Pickett, W.Riley and A. G. Bates
Company K— Second Lieutenant George D. McDill, Sergeant N. S. Saulsbury, Privates J.
Lane, J. A. Murray, Charles E. Stevens, W. Austin, Jerome Katapah, Meshell Shabor-
wahshaka, Meshell Mamaquette and Jacob Pequachewahnahno— 53.
After the battle the regiment was reheved from the front line
and withdrew^ to the rear, where it remained until the 19th of
August, engaged in building a large fort afterwards named Fort
Schenck, on the Jerusalem Plankroad. On the 19th, the Third
Division of the JSTinth Corps was ordered to the left to the aid of
the Fifth Corps, which had, the day before, a severe fight with the
enemy near the Yellow Tavern, on the Weldon Railroad. The
Thirty-seventh overtook the brigade, and after a short rest, were
ordered into action to repel an attack of the enemy. The rebels
were driven back through the woods where they received rein-
forcements, and made another stand. The Thirty-seventh took
a new position to the left which they held till dark, having lost
ten men killed and wounded. Until the 21st, the regiment was
occupied at difierent points in preventing the enemy from regain-
ing possession of the "VVeldon road. On the 21st the regiment
had bai ely time to complete a line of Avorks across the Weldon
road before the enemy attacked at three diiFerent points on the
line. The Thirty-seventh was sent to the support of the Nine-
teenth Kew York Battery on the extreme left of the line. Here
the regiment suffered severely, but finally compelled the enemy
to withdraw his guns. They were occupied till the 25th in picket
and guard duty and buikling breastworks and fortifications com-
manding the Weldon Railroad and its approaches. On that day
the brigade w^as ordered to march to Ream's Station and support
the Second Corps, which were being hard pushed. A part of the
brigade was left to do provost duty and collect the stragglers from
the Second Corps, while the rest, including the Thirty-seventh,
moved forward and covered the retreat of the Second Corps,
holding the enemy in check till dark, when they fell back within
the lines and slept on their arms.
BATTLE AT POPLAR GROVE CHURCH. 841
"We find the following list of casualties in the several battles
on the Welclon Railroad, from August 19th, to the 21st:
Killed. — Company K — Sergeant John Guillano, Privates Chester Bishop, Barney
Moshenosli and Josepli Pahpoquin — 4.
Wounded.— OwipoH^/ i? — KcrgoantJ. E. Williamson, Privates Samuel Shilston and
Fred. Smith. Company E — Private S. Tliompson. Company K— Privates Wni. Coxhall,
Jervis Ames, James Ali-she-toh-j-ash, Isaac Appeka, Charles Cox, Henry S. Hambliu,
Joseph Pah-ye-wa-sah and Antolne Wah-bun-no — 12.
On the 27th, they constructed new works at Blick's Station,
where they remained until the 24th of September, engaged in
guard and picket duty. On the 29th, they moved to the vicinity
of the Yellow House where Colonel Harriman assumed command
of the First Brigade, First Division, to which they had been
transferred, and Major Kershaw having partially recovered from
his wounds, had returned to the regiment and took command.
On the 7th of September, Lieutenant Colonel Doolittle resigned
and Major Kershaw was appointed to that position.
On the 29th, the brigade marched to the neighborhood of the
Poplar Grove Church where it formed as a reserve to the Second
Brigade, which made an assault on the works of the enemy on
the Southside Railroad. The Second Brigade was repulsed and
retiring in confusion threw the First Brigade into disorder, which
was added to by the battery which had been sent to check the
enemy, retreating hurriedly through their lines. The regiment,
with the Thirty-eighth Wisconsin, fell back to the temporary
shelter of a fence, and reformed their line of battle, and by a
heavy and well directed fire, succeeded in checking the enemy's
advance until reinforcements arrived and the enemy were forced
to retire.
We find the following casualties in the month of September,
reported :
Killed or Died or Wounds.— Company C — Private Charles Nickell. Company H—
Privates Seth Wilcox and John R. Willoughby — 3,
Wounded.— Company Z)— Private T. P. Crowe. Company ^—Private W. H. Baldwin.
Company F— Private Martin Flack. Company 7 — Privates Peter I. Johnson and John J.
Lease — 5.
On the 10th of September, the flag of the Thirty-seventh was
returned to the Governor, and by him placed among the battle
flags in the State Capitol. The flag of the Thirty-seventh was in
service but a little over sixty days, during which it passed through
842 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the fiery ordeal of the 17tli and 18tli of June, and 30th of July
On the 17th of June, the brave color Sergeant, William H. Green,
of Company C, was so severely wounded that he was obliged to
drag himself off the field with his hands. Like a true hero, as he
was, he rolled the flag around the staff and placing it between
his teeth, dragged it more than a hundred rods, and thus saved it
from capture. The brave fellow died of his wounds a few weeks
after. Corporal Jesse S .Hake, bore the flag in the next day's fight,
and escaped unhurt. On the 30th of July, Private Reuben D.
Shaw, of Company C, was color bearer, and bore it in the charge
upon the blown up fort, and planted it on the works, when the
flagstafi" was shot away and the flag blown out of the fort. Adju-
tant Miltemore coolly walked out, picked up the flag, and re-
turned unharmed, amid a terrific fire of musketry. Private
Shaw brought off the flag and it was handed to Quartermaster
Webb, who sent it to the Governor.
They went into camp on the Pegram farm, constructed a heavy
line of works protected by strong forts and abattis, where they
remained occupied in picket and fatigue duty until the 28th of
October, when they took part in the reconnoissance in force to
Hatcher's Run. They returned to their former position on the
29th, having had two men wounded, one of whom was Adjutant
Miltemore, who was wounded while on the picket line.
On the 18th of October, Major Kershaw, who had not mustered
as Lieutenant Colonel, resigned, and Captain John Green was
appointed Major.
In November, the brigade moved to a position in front of
the Mine or Crater Fort, which they had occupied on the 30th of
July.
On the 10th of December, in company with the One Hundred
and Ninth New York, the regiment joined the Provisional Brig-
ade of Colonel Robinson, and marched to Hawkins' tavern, on the
Nottoway River, to reinforce the Second and Fifth Corps, under
General Warren, who, a few days before, made a raid on the
Weldon Railroad, pushing on nearly to Weldon. After a severe
march, they met the corps on their return, and returned with
them and went into their old camp on the Baxter road where
they remainted till the Spring campaign opened.
CAPTURE OF FORT MAHONE. 843
On the ISth of December, Major Green was commissioned
Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain R. E. Eden was commissioned
Major.
On the 25tli of March, 186b, the rebels succeeded in surprising
and capturing Fort Steadman, which was situated nearly in front
of the position of the Thirty-seventh. Their bold attempt to
break our lines at this time was frustrated by the activity of
the forces in the immediate vicinity of the Fort. The Thirty-
seventh was not engaged in the action, but remained on the
•field for the purpose of covering the right Hank and rear of the
First Brigade.
The Spring campaign around Petersburg was opened by the
forces of General Grant, on the 27th of March, when General
Sheridan began his brilliant movemeuts which culminated in
driving the enemy into his works at Five Forks, and with
the assistance of the Fifth Corps, under General TVarren, mak-
ing, the 1st of April, 1865, a famous battle day in the history of
the rebellion. From that day, the fortunes of Lee and his army
wained rapidly. It becoming apparent to General Grant, after
that battle, that the Southern Confederacy was getting weak in
the knees, he ordered a general demonstration to be made along
the whole line on the 2d of April.
The First Erigade, under Colonel Harriman, consisting of five
regiments, two of which were the Thirty-seventh and Thirty-
eighth Wisconsin, about midnight of the 2d of April, was formed
in front of brigade headquarters, and shortly after moved rapidly
to the left, and about an hour before daylight, formed in line of
battle in Fort Sedgwick. The Thirty-eighth Wisconsin, under
Colonel Bintliff, was to lead the storming column, followed by
the other regiments of the brigade. Just as the first gray streaks
of dawning day appeared the column emerged from Fort Sedg-
wick and made for Fort Mahone, one of the enemy's strongest
positions. The enemy had prepared for them, and a perfect
storm of shot and shell and bullets met them, but nothing
daunted, they rushed over the abattis and other obstructions in
their front and over the enemy's works, driving the rebels out
on the other side, and immediately turning the guns of the fort
upon their late proprietors. Several times during the day the
enemy attempted to retake the fort but were every time repulsed.
844 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The brigade lay ou tlieir arms all night, and moving forward next
morning, found their advance was unopposed, and that the enem j
had left during the night, and that Petersburg and Richmond
were ours. The joy of the army at this announcement was un-
bounded, and the enemy's works were soon swarming with tht
boys in blue, and the town was quickly taken possession of.
In the assault on Fort Mahone, the following casualties
occurred :
Killed or Died of Wounds. — Company B — Private L. D. Marshall. Companp C'~
Corporal John W. Estee and Private Henry Dorney. Company D — Private John Hortz.
Company F — First Sergeant W. M. Howes, Corporal George Cline, Privates George Hef-
ner and John Lynn. Company G — Privates William E. Hussey and Mortimer Perry.
Company H— Privates Wm. A. Endicott, Wm. Bossack, Henry A. Gault and Frederick
Mallo. Company K — Second Lieutenant M. M. Whitt — 15.
Wounded.— Co7?ipa?(i/ vl — Private James Gillen. Company D — Privates W. H. Briggs
and Michael Hoose. Company F—'Privix.tes'Peiei' Mahan, Charles Velsj' and Norman
Shavei'. Company G — Trivo-ies, John Loible, Joseph Dupoint, William Shilling, Fred.
Owen, Stephen Griflfen and Nels Bryngelson. Company K — Privates Robert R. Mitchell,
George Andre and Hy. Kah-wah-tah-wa-poo — 15.
The collapse of the rebellion, brought to a sudden close the
active history of the Thirty-seventh. Eemaining in the vicinity
of Petersburg or Burkesville until the 20th of April, the regiment
broke camp on the Southside Railroad, moved to City Point and
took transports for Washington, where they arrived ou the 26th,
and encamped near Tenallytown. They were present £.t the'
Grand Review ou the 23d and 24th of May, returned to camp
and remained until the 26th of July, when they were mustered
out of the United States service and embarked on the cars for
"Wisconsin, taking the Grand Haven route and reaching Madison
on the 31st of July, where they were publicly received by the
State authorities, and furloughed fifteen days till their pay rolls
could be prepared, at the end of which time they were paid off
and the regiment formally disbanded.
For meritorious services Colonel Harriman was brevetted
Brigadier General. He resigned his position as Colonel and
Lieutenant Colonel Green was appointed Colonel, and Major
Eden Lieutenant Colonel, and Alvin Nash as Major. Major
Eden was also brevetted Lieutenant Colonel IT. S. V.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 708. Gain — by recruits
in 1864, 25, in 1865, 75 ; by substitutes, 64 ; by draft in 1863, 135,
in 1864, 136, total, 1,144. Loss — by death, 211; deserted, 29;
transferred, 29; discharged, 195; mustered out, 680.
CHAPTEE XLYI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Regimental Roster — First Battalion Arrives at "Washington —
Join the Army of the Potomac^ — Cold Harbor — Cross the
James River — Petersburg — Assaults of June 17th and 18th —
June 30th — Battle on Weldon Railroad — Hatcher's Run —
Second Battalion Arrives at Petersburg — Regimental Oegani-
zation Complete — Capture of Fort Mahone — Occupation of
Petersburg — War Closed — Proceed to Washington — Grand
Review — Muster out — Return to Wisconsin — Statistics.
THE organization of the Thirty- eighth Regiment was com-
menced in March, 1864, under the supervision of Colonel
BinthiF. Before the regiment could be filled, the Government
discontinued the payment of bounties, and recruiting fell off*,
and almost entirely ceased. In consequence of this, only four
companies could be organized. Companies A, B, C and D were
made up from the recruits for the other companies, mustered
into service, and, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel
Pier, left Camp Randall, Madison, on the 3d of May, for Wash-
ington. Colonel Bintliff' remained in the State to recruit the
other companies, which was done under the call of July, 1864.
Company E was sent forward in July, and the other companies
in September, under Colonel Bintliff*, who took command on
their arrival before Petersburg on the Ist of October, thus com-
pleting the organization of the regiment. The following was
the roster :
Colonel — JAMES BINTLIFF.
Ideutenant Colonel — Cai^yert K. Pier; Jfa;(w — Cortland P. Larkin; Adjutant —
Aaron H. McCracken; Quartermaster — A^ao-s Rood; /S'wrg'eon — Henry L. Bittter-
FiELD ; First Assistant Surgeon— HvGH Russell ; Second Assistant Surgeon— C. B. Pierson ;
Chaplain — Rev. Joseph M. Walker.
846 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Oo. Onptains. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutenants.
A.— Charles T. Carpenter, Charles L. Ballard, James M. Searles,
B — Robert N. Roberts, Francis A. Hayward, George H. jSTichols,
C — Sidney D. Woodworth, L. B. Waddington, Williani N. "Wright,
D — James Woodford, Benjamin S. Kerr, James P. Nichols,
E— Newton S. Ferris, Frank G. Holton, Frank M. Phelps,
F — Andrew A. Kelley, William H. Foster, James W. Parker,
G— Reuben F. Beckwith, William P. Maxon, Charles Wood,
H — Daniel W. Corey, Benjamin M. Frees, Janaes Heth,
I — Henry H. Coleman, Joel M. Straight, Charles O. Hoy t,
K— Thomas B.Marsden. Solon W. Pierce. Fred. T. Zettler, Jr.
The battalion, consisting of companies A, B, C and D, with
Lieutenant Colonel Pier, Major Larkin, Surgeon Butte rlield and
Assistant Surgeon Russell, mustered into the United States
service on the 15th of April, and proceeded to Washington on
the 3d of May, arriving there on the 7th, and encamped on
Arlington Heights, where they were furnished with arms and
equipments, and the battalion was occupied in drilling until the
80th, when they marched to Alexandria, and embarked on a
transport for White House, on Pamunkey River, at that time the
base of supplies for General Grant's army. Arriving on the
Ist of June, the battalion was temporarily consolidated with the
First Battalion of. the First Minnesota Regiment, Lieutenant
Colonel Pier commanding, and assigned to the Provisional
Brigade of General Abercrombie.
From the 5th to the 10th of June, they were engaged in
escorting supply trains to Cold Harbor. On the 10th, the battal-
ion of the Thirty-eighth Wisconsin was assigned to the Third
Brigade, First Division, in General Burnside's i^inth Army
Corps. On the 11th, they engaged in constructing earthworks,
and picket duty, and on the 12th, moved to the front line of
works, where they had two men killed — Corporal Hackley
Adams, Company A, and Franklin Parks, of Company E.
In the evening, they commenced Grant's grand flank move-
ment to the rear of Richmond, and marched day and night until
the evening of the 16th of June, when they arrived in front of
Petersburg, and moved out, under fire, to the battle field. Here
they remained, exposed to a severe fire, until noon of the 17th,
when they moved with the brigade in a charge against the
enemy's works, and were repulsed. In the evening they again
joined in a charge, and assisted in carrying three lines of earth-
works. In this attack. Lieutenant Colonel Pier and Major Lar-
king were both wounded, the latter severely. The battalion
BATTLES OF JUNE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH. 847
occupied the captured works, being constantl}' under fire, untii
afternoon of the 18th, when they were again ordered forward.
"With the division, they advanced across an oat fiekl against the
enemy's main line of works, but unexpectedly came to a deep
cut of the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad, which the enemy
was so situated as, to sweep with a murderous fire. By dint of
hard labor in crossing the ditch, and after a long and severe fight,
the Union forces succeeded in holding the railroad.
In the fight of the 18th, Captain Carpenter, of Company A,
was severely wounded. The casualties, as ofiicially reported,
were :
Killed OR Died of Wounds.— Oowpcrwy ^ — Pi-ivates Charles Albert, George W.
Currier, Win. H. Bradford and Chas. O, Dana. Company B — Privates Joshua W. Dickey
and Edgar H. Weston. Company O— Privates Tliomas G. Thompson, Adam D. Cline, N.
Cline and Alfred Rivers. Company i? — Corporal John S. Stephenson, Privates Joseph
W. Squires and .lefTerson Feathers — 15.
Wounded.— i^iVW O^recs— Lieutenant Colonel Pier and Major Larkin, severely.
Company ^ — Captain Charles T. Carpenter, Sergeants George W. Bedbury and Henry A
Chase, Corporals Henry M. Soper, W. W. Wilcox and W. J. Stevens, Privates J. C. Divers,
August Schubert, Michael O'Malley, Robert Hall and Edvert Nelson. Company B —
First Lieutenant Frank A. Hayward, Privates John S. Seymour, L. W. Gerard, William
Smith, Samuel E. B. Parks, A. D. Rice, Moses Harvey and Chas. H. Dempsey. Company
C— Corporal Alonzo Allen, Privates Joseph Carr, .Jerome R. Perry, Albert Gates and
Henry Olson. Company Z> — Corporal John Wyatt, Privates A. E. Austin, A. Bowers, W
F. Barton, August Cleinard, D. D. Campbell, Ed. Erwin, C. Y. Mason, Jacob Randall and
James R. Carr — 35.
The regiment, with a few hours respite only, remained in the
front lines till the 4th of July, fighting by day and working by
night. On the 4th, they returned to the second lines, the bat-
talion being reduced to forty men fit for duty. Here they
encamped until the 19th, when they moved to the front, and
assisted in repulsing an attack of the enemy. On the 26th,
Company E, Captain Ferris, arrived, which added three officers
and sixty-six men to their available force.
On the 30th of July, when the order was given for an advance,
after the explosion of the mine, the regiment which was selected
to lead the charge, faltered. General Hartruft ordered the Thirty-
eighth Wisconsin to take the lead, scarcely numbering one hun-
dred. Company B, under Lieutenant Ballard, and Company E,
but just arrived from Wisconsin, and only four days in the field,
under Captain Ferris and Lieutenant Ilolton, leaped over the
works without hesitation, and advanced toward the crater of the
blown up fort, under a terrific fire, which swept through their
848 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
ranks. They reached the crater, but Captain Ferris was killed
and Lieutenant Helton severely woundea. They remained in
the crater till four o'clock, P. M., when they retired with the
brigade.
The casualties, as reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wovnus.— Company ^ — Private Nel^n Cummings. Cmnpany
B—Yixsi Sergeant Joseph S. Burnham, Privates James S. Gregory and Matthew Hunter.
Company E— Captain Newton S. Ferris, Privates William Hardwick, Wm. L. Johnson,
Simeon Skesucks and Hans H. Freisberg — 9.
Wounded. — Company JJ — Privates Franklin McReynolds, William Murray, David L.
Mason, John B. Perkins and Horace Sherman. Company E — Lieutenant F. G. Holton,
Privates Asa Cass, Michael Deschardeau, John R. Hallowelland H. T. Wadsworth — 10.
On the next day, the battalion was relieved from the front
lines, and encamped behind the second line, where they remained
until the 6th of August, when they returned to the first line of
works, where they engaged in siege and picket duty until the
19th of August, when they moved with the division, in the morn-
ing, to the left, towards the Weldon Railroad, and took part, with
the Fifth Corps, in the movement to obtain possession of that
important medium of supplies to the enemy. Rain set in, and
the roads were in" a terrible condition, but they met the enemy in
the afternoon, engaged him and drove him back into the woods,
taking several prisoners. On the 21st, they threw up a line of
works directly across the railroad track. These works were
scarcely completed, before the enemy made a fierce assault, at
nine, A. M., determined to regain possession of this important
line of suppl3\ They were repulsed with great slaughter. Again
and again they returned to the assault, and each time were
repulsed. After two hours' hard fighting, the Union forces drove
the enemy from the field, and fortified the position. Here Lieu-
tenant Phelps, of Company E, was wounded. The casualties
were reported as follows:
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cb))ipani^ ^—Sergeant Henry B. Gardiner, Privates
John Cleaves and Gottleib Smik — 3.
Wounded.— Company/ £ — Private George Griswold. Company £7— Lieutenant Frank
M. Phelps, Privates Almon E. Bostwick, Richard Drake, Ogden Lawrence and William
Wigan — 6.
On the 25th, the battalion, with the brigade, moved forward
on the double quick to Ream's Station, to reinforce the Second
Corps, which was hotly engaged with the enemy. The Second
Corps was enabled to withdraw, and on the 26th, the regiment
BATTLE AT POPLAR GROVE CHURCH. 849
fell back to near the Yellow House, and fortified, where tliev
engaged in fatigue and picket duty, and company and regimental
drill, until the 26th of Seittember, on which day tliey moved
toward Poplar Grove Church
On the 30th, they again advanced to the relief of the Second
ICorps, who had been engaged all day with the enemy. Here the
Thirty-eighth was engaged in supporting a battery of four- guns.
The First Brigade broke, and left the Thirty-eighth and Thirty-
se^'enth Wisconsin alone with the battery, which, by dint of hard
lighting, they succeeded in protecting until reinforcements
arrived, when the line was reformed and strengthened, and further
disaster averted. The Thirty-eighth lost:
Wounded. — Company A — Privates August Schubert and Ole Harrison. Company E~-
Privates Lars Nelson and Joseph Scott — 4.
On the 1st of October, the Second Battalion, composed of
companies F, G, H, I and K, under the command of Colonel
Bintlifl', arrived, which increased the Thirty-eighth to a good
sized regiment. The First Battalion moved with the brigade to
engage the enemy, while the Second Battalion held the works.
The regimental organization was completed by this arrival, and
Colonel Bintlitf assumed command of the regiment. They
remained encamped here, engaged in drill, picket and fatigue
duty, until the 26th of October.
On the 7th of October, Major Larkin was discharged by reason
of wounds received in action, and Captain Roberts, of Company
B, was promoted Major. On this day Lieutenant Colonel Pier
was detailed as President of General Court Martial at Division
Head Quarters, until the 26th.
On the morning of the 27th, the Ninth Corps took part, with
the Second and Fifth corps, in a reconnoissance to the extreme
left, near Hatcher's Run. The Ninth Corps held the gap between
the Fifth Corps and the fortifications, while the Second and Fifth
corps swung around, and engaged the enemy on his extreme right.
The First Brigade, in which were the Thirty-seventh and Thirty-
eighth "Wisconsin, held the woods on the left of the line. There
was brisk skirmishing but no general engagement along the line
of the Ninth Corps. In the afternoon, breastworks were thrown
up, and by dark, they had a good protection for the night. The
54
850 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
strength and position of the enemy being ascertained, the main
force withdrew the next morning, and the regiment returned to
camp, having lost three men :
WotTNDED.— Ordnance Sergeant Lee Balou. Company G — Private David M. Harned
Company i!/^— Private William H. Brown — 3.
This was the first time the Second Battalion had been under
fire, and they behaved admirably. They remained in camp,
engaged in company, regimental and brigade drill. On the 29th
of November, Colonel Bintliff" was placed in command of the
First Brigade. They moved to opposite Petersburg, near where
the battalion had been stationed at the charge on the crater in
July. Here the regiment remained in the rifle pits, engaged in
picket and fatigue duty, and in drilling, under a heavy fire of the
enemy, until the spring campaign opened.
On the 29th of January, 1865, the rebel peace commissioners,
Stephens, Hunter, Campbel] and Hatch, appeared in front of the
Thirty-eighth Wisconsin, under a flag of truce, and sent word to
Colonel Harriman, commanding the brigade, desiring an inter-
view with one of General Grant's stafl:'. After much parleying,
the}'- were met by one of Grant's stafi', and proceeded to City
Point on the 31st.
On the 24th of March, Lieutenant Colonel Pier was detached
from the Thirty-eighth Wisconsin, and placed in command of
the One Hundred and Ninth New York, by order of Major Gen-
eral Wilcox, which position he retained during the campaign, and
until the army reached Washington.
On the 29th of March, General Grant opened the campaign of
1865, on the extreme left of his line. The success of Sheridan
and the Fifth Corps, in the battles of the 31st of March and 1st
of April, at Five Forks, had a damaging eiFect uj^on the hopes
and prospects of the rebels, and General Grant determined to
give them another specimen of the energy of the Union army,
along the entire line. He accordingly ordered a general assault
to ba made on the 2d of April. To the First Brigade, Colonel
Harriman, was assigned the assault of Fort Mahone, or Fort
Damnation, as it was nicknamed. It was one of the enemy'?
strongest works. The brigade, consisting of five regiments, was
formed in three lines. Eight companies of the Thirty-eighth
CAPTURE OF FORT MORGAN. 851
formed the first line, under Major Roberts, the One Hundred and
Ninth New York, and two companies of the Tliirtj^-eighth, under
Lieutenant Colonel Pier, formed the second line, the Eighth
Michigan forming the third line. The Twenty-seventh Michigan
and Thii'tj-seventh Wisconsin, immediately after the starting of
the assaulting column, were tormed as a supporting column, and
came into the fort after its capture.
Colonel Harriman, commanding the brigade, placed Colonel
Bintliff in command of the assaulting column, that officer having
requested leave of absence from the brigade to which he had been
appointed, in order to lead the brave boys he had so carefully
and diligently drilled. The force rendezvoused at Fort Sedg-
wick, from whence, at about dawn of the morning of the 2d of
April, they emerged, the Thirty-eighth in advance, led by its
brave Colonel. They were soon under a rain of bullets from the
enemy, but they pushed on over the picket line, over the works
of the rebels, tearing away two lines of chevaux de frieze, a formid-
able line of abattis, into the ditch, up the embankment, and into
the fort, where they found the rebels just vacating in a hurry, on
whom the gallant boys of the Thirty-eighth turned the guns of
the fort, many of them, in their awkwardness in the handling of
artillery, making narrow escapes from shooting our own men.
An artillery company soon came to their assistance, when the
guns of the fort were more eifectively handled against their late
owners. The rebel artillery in the surrounding works, opened
on them, and a fire was kept up all day, which was replied to by
the occupants of the fort. Six different assaults were made by
the rebels during the day, to recover the lost works, but they
were repulsed every time, and the victors spent the night in the
captured works, and awoke in the morning to find that the
enemy had abandoned his entire line, and was fleeing to the
southwest. In this battle at Fort Mahone, the Thirty-eighth
sufi'cred severely, as the list of casualties will show.
The list of killed and died of wounds, is from the Adjutant
General's records; the wounded, from the monthly reports:
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cbwjpany S — Privates Ira ConnoUy and William H.
H. Richardson. Company C— Private John B. Coyhis. Company Z) — Serjeant J. Wyatt.
Ccmpany ^—Privates Erasmus D. Stearns, John Donyer and Antoine Wesner. Company
i?"— Privates Frank Arktush, John Dwyer, Thomas James and Charles Truax. Company
G — Privates Sanford Perrigo, Albert Byorn and Wm. Haynes. Company H— Corporal
Wm. R. Hawkins, Private Nelson Dunn. Company J— Private A. A. Baliinger — 17.
852 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Wounded. — Coinpany A — Privates Michael Lane and James McCormiek. Company B
— Privates Robert Blair, George Hinton, Thomas J. Hinton, August Hintsman, Wm. H.
Johnson, Joseph M. Sargent and Simon C. Stricljland. Company C— Privates James D.
Fowler, Daniel Harrington, Charles A. Hawley and Peter W. Jackson. Company D —
Privates Fred Arndt and Thomas L. Coughey. Company E — Privates Asa Cass, Jesse
Cornish, Thomas Crisswell, Boswell Dubay, John K. Hallowell, Thomas P. Joslin and
Antoine Missler. Company F — Captain A. A. Kelly, Privates Jack Dowd and Robert A.
Lawrence. Company O — Privates C. C. Birum, Michael Greenwood, Martin A. Grove
and Joseph Cook. Cmnpany H— Privates O. W. Lindley, J. G. Sanders, William' Emerlck,
John A. Ford and Morris Jewett. Company I — Privates Edward Rooney, Washington
B. Brown, Abner H. Howe and Abraham Wolff. Company K — Privates Lafayette W-
Weatherbee, Andrew B. Brunson, Andrew J. Fish, Syme H. Somerund, Increase A.
Ripley, Clinton D. Winchell, Dennis W. Hines, Myron Vroman and Nels Van Wie — 47.
Trmmphantly entering Petersburg on the morning of the 3d
of April, the brave boys who had so long and gallantly fought
the foe on its outskirts, began to feel that their great labors were
being brought to a close.
"We find, in the Adjutant General's records, the following
named persons reported as killed or mortally wounded in the
trenches :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Cotnpan^/ 5— Privates August Adams, June 24, Samuel
E. B. Parks, July 17, and Daniel Foss, June 24. Company D — Privates William Parks,
July 7, and John J. Raynor, February 8, 1865. Company E— First Sergeant Charles A.
Smith, died September 22. Company ii'— Privates Maska Gazeck, December 13, Nippio
Peaches, December 31, and Joseph Scott, January 8, 1865. Company O — Corporal Dunn,
February 16. Company I— Pi-ivates Ever A. Hillstead, December 27, and M. Setzor, Jan-
uary 7, 1865. Company IT— Privates David Poles, October 14, and Philip Simpson,
December 16 — 14.
The following are reported as wounded in the trenches :
Wounded.— Co^npany A — Privates Nicholas Ellenbecker, June 19, and John Irving,
in tent, July 6. Company B — Pi-ivates Amos P. Buck, August 12, and Edward J. Osborn,
December 15. Company C— Privates William L. Bowen, July 23, William T. Barr, March
26, 1865, James M. Dane, December 8, and John H. Peshary, July 16. Company D — 'PriY&te
S. P. Buzzell, August 13. Company E— Corporal John K. Allen, August 8, Privates Ed-
ward Connor, August 10, and John S. Rowland, August 7. Company F— Private Albert
Collins, January 3, 1865 — 13.
On the 4th, the Thirty-eighth moved out on the South Side
Railroad, in pursuit of the rebel army, capturing many prisoners.
On the 20th, they commenced their march to return to Peters-
burg, thence to City Point, where they arrived on the 22d, and
embarked for Alexandria, arriving there on the 24th, and marched
to Tenallytown, near the Chain Bridge, in the vicinity of "Wash-
ington, where they encamped. On the 30th, Lieutenant Colonel
Pier returned to the regiment, and was detailed, by order of
Major General Augur, as President of a General Court Martial
in Washington City.
RETURN HOME. 853
In the grand review of the Army of the Potomac, the Thirty-
eighth Wisconsin led the advance of the cokimn down
Pennsylvania Avenue, past the Reviewing Stand.
On the 6th of June, the Second Battalion, (one year's men,)
were mustered out, and returned to "Wisconsin. On the 27th,
Colonel BintlifF was mustered out. On the 2d of July, Major
Roberts was mustered out. On the same day, Colonel Bintliff
was brevetted Brigadier General, Lieutenant Colonel Pier com-
missioned Colonel, Major Ballard Lieutenant Colonel, and
Captain Hay ward, Major.
The regiment was on duty at the arsenal during the trial and
execution of the assassination conspirators, and on the 26th of
July, was mustered out of the service, and started immediately
for Madison, Wis., where it was paid off and discharged, on the
11th day of August, 1865.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 913. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1864, 8, in 1865, 104; substitutes, Tj; total, 1,082. Loss
— by death, 108; deserted, 55; transferred, 21; discharged,
208; mustered out, 640.
OHAPTEE XLYII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— ONE HUNDRED DAY TROOPS
KosTERS — Thirty- NINTH — Fortieth — Forty- first — Move to Mem
PHIS — On Picket and Guard Duty — Forrest's Raid — Time
Expires — Return Home — Muster out.
THIRTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
IN" the Spring-of 1864, the President accepted a proposition from
the Governors of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and "Wisconsin, for
the services of troops for one hundred days. Accordingly three
regiments were organized in Wisconsin. The Thirty-ninth was
organized in Milwaukee, under the supervision of Colonel E. L.
Buttrick, was mustered into the United States service, and left
Camp "Washburn, Milwaukee, for Memphis, Tenn., on the 13th
of June, 1864, with the following roster :
Colonel— EDWIN L. BUTTRICK.
Lieutenant CbtoneZ — Jacob L. Crane; Jibyor — George C. Ginty; Adjutant —Ab.t^ujb.
Holbrook; Quartermastei — Sew ALL W. Smith ; Surgeon — Solomon Blood; First Assist-
ant Surgeon — Salmon S. Clark ; Second Assistant Surgeon— Jos.'s H. Benedict ; Chaplain
— Rev. Charles J. Hutchins.
Co. Captains.
A— George W. Madison,
B — Henry Shears,
C — Robert Graham,
D— George W. Hoyt,
E — Not organized.
F — Frank P. Lawrence,
G— Andrew J. Patchin,
H— Henry Tourtilotte,
I — Everett Chamberlain,
K— Salmon E. Tyler.
First lAeutenants.
Frank M. Clements,
Charles Blackwell,
Joseph V. Quarles,
Amasa Hardin,
Charles E. Jewett,
John G. Meserve,
Ebenezer V. Wilson,
George H. Wright,
lasac C. Sergeant.
Second Lieuterumts.
Jiames Sawyer,
George Klock,
Horace A. Gaylord,
Francis H. Trowbridge,
Walter W. Clough,
George Soule,
George Beyer,
J. Cliflford Sackett,
Andrew J. Smith.
ONE HUNDRED DAY TROOPS.
855
FORTIETH INFANTRY.
This regiment was organized at Camp Randall, Madison, under
the supervision of Colonel W. A. Ray, and was mustered into
the United States service, and left the State for Memphis, on the
14th of June, 1864, with the followino; roster:
Colonel — W. AUGUSTUS RAY.
lAeutenant Colonel — Samxtet. Fallows; JWajor— James M. Bingham; A(^iUani — A. J.
Ceaig; Quartei-master — Az.FRETtLi.Fi'EijD; Surgeon— Orrit^ W. Blanchard; First As-
mstant *S'wr(/eon — Amos S. JoNES; Second Assistant Surgeon— Georqe A.Lamb; Chaplain
Rev. J. J. Blaisdell.
Co. Captains.
A— Samuel T. Lockwood,
B — S. Men-it Allen,
C —Nathan C. Twining,
D— Charles H. Allen,
E— John H. Hauser,
F — Augustus J. Cheeney,
G— Franklin J. Phelps,
H— Not organized.
I — Kinner N. Hollister,
K— Charles H. Barton.
First Lieutenants.
Gage Burgess,
Harsou A. Northrup,
Albert R. Crandall,
Samuel H. Sabin,
E. F. Hobart,
Charles H. Gilbert,
John K. Purdy,
Alpheus P. McNitt,
Charles E. HaU.
Second Lieutenants.
Moses T. Dewitt,
Barrett H. Smith,
Richard A. Wareham,
George W. Bird,
M. D. Sampson,
Sanford F. Bennett,
Hannibal Power,
Henry F. Spooner,
Nathan H. Downes.
FORTY- FIRST INFANTRY.
This regiment was organized at Milwaukee, under the super-
vision of Lieutenant Colonel George Goodwin, was mustered into
the United States service, and left the State on the 15th of June,
for Memphis, with the following roster :
Lieutenant Colonel — GEORGE B. GOODWIN.
Major — T). Gray Ptjrman
S. Miller; Surgeon— S. D.
Assistant Surgeon — RuFTJS B.
Co. Captains.
A — Peter J. Schlcesser,
B —William T. Wanting,
C — Albert G. Dinsmore,
D — Samuel L. Hart,
E — Harvey H. Childs,
F — Elam Bailey,
G — James M. Camm.
; Adjutant — A^ AS A Hoskins; Quartermaster— Bei^jamin
Smith; First Assistant Surgeon — J oh.:^ D. Wood; Second
Clark ; Chaplain — Rev. William D. Ames.
First Lieutenants,
John Grindell,
William H. H. Valentine,
Roswell H. Lee,
E. Gilbert Jackson,
Perry R. Briggs,
George P. Cobb,
Leonard La Plant.
Second Lieutenants.
George L. Hyde,
George Perkins,
James E. Cooke,
Truman T. Moulton,
Abner L. Thomas.
These regiments proceeded down the Mississippi River to
Memfjhis, where they went into camp. The Thirty-ninth and
Forty-first were assigned to the Third Brigade, which was placed
856 MILITARY HISTORY 01 WISCONSIN.
under the command of Colonel E. L. Buttrick, and were en-
camped to the right of the Hernando road in the outskirts of the
city. The Fortieth was assigned to the Second Brigade, and
was stationed on the Pigeon Roost load, about a mile from the
Thirty-ninth and Forty-first.
These troops were placed on picket and railroad guard duty,
relieving the veteran regiments which were sent into the field to
reinforce the several armies, who were engaged in the great mili-
tary operations which characterized the summer campaign of
1864. The camp of the Fortieth was situated in a very unhealthy
locality, being on the site of an old camp, and suifered much
from sickness. The other two regiments also suffered in the
same manner, but were somewhat better situated.
N'othing occurred during their short stay at Memphis, worthy
of special mention except that on the 21st of August, a detach-
ment of Forrest's cavalry dashed into the city by way of the
Hernando road about daylight, driving the picket lines of the
Thirty-ninth, killing, it is said, three men of that regiment, and
penetrated to the headquarters of the commanding generals
whom they intended to capture. They, however, were lucky
enough to escape, and the force retired, doing but little damage.
The forces in Memphis were called out including the Hundred
Day regiments. The Fortieth was promptly in line soon after
the alarm, and marched through the city at a double quick, and
out on the Hernando road, where they were ordered to support
a Missouri battery, which was engaged with the enemy, lying
down about eighty rods in front, and about a hundred rods from
the rebel line. Here they lay while the artillery duel was going
on. The Thirty-ninth and Forty-first took position in the rear
of the Fortieth. As the rebels retired, the Fortieth went in pur-
suit a mile or two when the pursuit was abandoned, and the regi-
ments returrxcd to camp. The casualties in the Fortieth were,
Captain Phelps, of Company G, struck by a fragment of shell
but not seriously wounded; Asa Barnes, of Company E, was
slightly wounded in the thigh, and Sergeant Brown, of Company
K, was shot through the leg, and a private of Company K, was
slightly wounded. These regiments behaved with great coolness,
and had opportunity offered, would undoubtedly have done
honorable service in a battle with the enemy.
THANKS OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 857
Their term of service having expired, they returned home and
were mustered out of service, the Thirty-ninth on the 22d of
September, the Fortieth on the 16th of September, and the
Forty-first soon after its return.
In October, Governor Lewis, in transmitting the following
circular from President Lincoln, took occasion to express his
thanks to the volunteers constituting these regiments for their
alacrity in responding to the call for this special service, and foi
their efficient and faithful performance of a duty which con-
tributed to such grand results, as was accomplished by Generals
Grant and Sherman, during the term of service of these regi-
ments, reflecting much honor upon themselves and the State.
Their services were further acknowledged by President Lincoln,
as follows :
Executive Mansion, Washington City, D. C October 1, 18ftl.
Special Executive order returning thanks to the Volunteers for one hundred days, from the Stales
of Indiana, Illinois, loica and Wisconsin.
The time of one hundred days, for which volunteers from the States of Indiana, Illi-
nois, Iowa and Wisconsin volunteers, under the call of their respective Governors, iu
the months of May and June, to aid in the recent campaign of General Sherman, having
expired, the President directs an official acknowledgment to be made of their patriotic
services. It was their good fortune to render efficient service in the Southwest, and to
contribute to the victories of the National arms over the rebel forces in Georgia, under
command of Johnston and Hood ; and on all occasions, and in every service to which
tliey were assigned, their duty as patriotic volunteers was performed with alacrity and
courage, for which they are entitled, and are hereby tendered the national thanks,
through the Governors of their respective States.
The Secretary of War is directed to transmit a copy of this order to the Governors of
Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin,and to cause a certificate of their valuable ser-
vices to be delivered to the officers and soldiers of the States above named who recently
served in the military force of the United States as volunteers for one hundred days.
(Signed,) ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
The certificates of service were got up in substantial style on
parchment paper, and form an honorable acknowledgment of
the services performed by the officers and men of these regiments.
These certificates were distributed through the office of the
Adjutant General of Wisconsin.
Regimental Statistics. — Thirty-ninth — Original strength, 780;
mustered out, 780. Fortieth — Original strength, 776. Loss —
by death, 13; mustered out, 763. Forty-first— Original strength,
578. Loss — by death, 6; deserted, 2; mustered out, 570.
CHAPTEE XLYIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FORTY- SECOND TO FIFTY- THIRD INFANTRY.
THE character of tlie service of the following regiments afibrii
but little material for history, we therefore include them in
one chapter.
FORTY- SECOND INFANTRY.
This regiment was organized under the superintendence of
Colonel Ezra T. Sprague, at Camp Randall, Madison, in the sum-
mer of 186'4, and was mustered into the United States service on
the 7th of September. Being ordered to report at Cairo, they
left the State, September 20th, with the following roster :
Colonel — EZRA T. SPRAGUE.
lAeutenant Colonel— WaJjX, ACE W. Botkin; ilicyor— John W. Blake; Adjutant— Wm.
H. Haws; Quartermaster— J O'ElI^ C. Blackman; Surgeon — Geouge D. Winch; First
Assistant Surgeon — J on^ P. Clement; Second Assistant Surgeon— Oz,iyeb, P. Stevens;
Chaplain — Rev. J.W. Johnson.
Cb. Captains.
A — Duncan McGregor,
B — Ransom J. Chase,
C — George M. Humprey,
D — John H. Harnett,
E — August Haight,
F — Ezzan H. Benton,
G— Acors S. Porter,
H— Amasa F. Parker,
I — Marshal C. Nichols,
K— LaFayette M. Rice.
First Lieutenants.
Warren G. Bancroft,
Chauncey J. Austin,
Robert Steele,
Fletcher S. Kidd,
Bartlett M. Lowth,
Henry E. Crandall,
William J. Brown,
Josiah Thompson,
David G. Bliss,
Elijah Rich.
Second Lieutenants.
Charles E. Redfield,
Harvey E. Coleman,
Cassius M. Bush,
Andrew Jackson,
Joseph Curtis,
James E. Hayden,
WilMam Favell,
Robert H, Henry,
Charles B. Bowles,
Charles Hubbell.
The Forty-second was composed of recruits for one, two and
three years, being organized under the call of July, 1864. They
arrived at Cairo on the 22d of September, an^i were assigned to
post and garrison duty. Colonel Sprague being assigned to the
command of the post and Lieutenant Colonel Botkin commanded
the regiment. On the 25th of October, companies B, E, G, H
FORTY- THIRD INFANTRY. 859
and K, were sent to Springfield, Illinois, under command of Ma-
jor Blake, where tliey were employed in provost duty. The
secession proclivities of some districts in Southern Illinois, re-
quiring the interposition of military authority, some of these
companies w^ere detached to points in that part of the State where
military surveillance Avas necessary. The regiment was engaged
in this kind of duty until the expiration of their term of service.
Returning to Madison, "Wis., on the 20th of June, 1865, the
regiment was soon after mustered out and disbanded.
Regimented Statistics. — Original strength, 877. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865,130; by substitutes, 1 ; total, 1,008. Loss — by
death, 57 ; deserted, 18 ; transferred, 149 ; discharged, 139 ;
mustered out, 646.
FORTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
This regiment was recruited and organized pursuant to the
call of July, 1864, under the superintendence of Colonel Amasa
Cobb, formerly in command of the Fifth Wisconsin, at Camp
Washburn, Milwaukee, the first company being mustered into
the United States service, August 8th, and the last, October 8th,
and left the State under orders to proceed to ISTashville, Tenn.,
on the 10th of October, 1864, with the following roster:
Colonel — AMASA COBB.
lAeuiena-iU CbZone? — Byron Paine ; 3fcyor-— Samuel B. Beightm an; Adjutmit—Ajjynx
F.Clark; Quartermaster — 3oji^ B.Eugene; ^Swr^eon — Andrew J. Ward; First As-
sistant (S'iwg'eo/i— Charles C Hayes ; Second AssistarU iSfurgeon—T:a.OiiAS Beach ; Chaplain
— Rev. John Walworth.
Co. Captains. First lAeutenants. Second lAeutenants.
A— E. D. Lowry, William Partridge, Charles M. Day,
B — George K. Shaw, Hiram H. Lockwood, Lloyd V. Nanscawen,
C — George Campbell, Levi Welden, John Brandon,
D — Josiah Hinman, Morgan O'Flaherty, Francis A. Smith,
E — Isaac Stockwell, Charles J. Wadsworth George W. Witter,
F — John S. Wilson, John E. Davis, Henry Harris,
G— Bruce E. McCoy, Arthur T. Morse, Charles W. Allen,
H— William W. Likens, Elijah Lyon, Thomas O. Russell,
i;_ George Jackson, Anthony D. Miller, Orrin L. Ingraan,
K— Robert A. Gillett. John W. Howard. Charles Lemkc.
Arriving at Nashville, the regiment, under orders, proceeded
by rail to Johnsonville, on the Tennessee River, where it
860 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
encamped on the 15tli of October. This place was an important
depot of supplies, and was the terminus of the military railroad
from Nashville. It was situated 110 miles from Paducah, on the
Tennessee River.
The importance of effectually guarding this point manifests
itself at once. Here Colonel Cobb was appointed post com-
mandant, and Lieutenant Colonel Payne assumed command of
the regiment. At this time this important depot was menaced
by the approach of the forces of General Hood. The rebels, on
the 4th of November, posted themselves on the opposite bank of
the Tennessee, and opened fire upon the position of Colonel
Cobb, the regiment losing one man killed, and one wounded.
The Forty-third remained at Johnsonville until the 30th of No-
vember, and then marched by way of Waverly, through an almost
unbroken wilderness to Clarksville, on the Cumberland River,
where it arrived on the 4th of December. Remaining till the
28th, they moved up the Cumberland River and arrived at Nash-
ville in the evening. On the Ist of January, they left Nashville
and moved to Decherd, Tenn., by rail, where six companies of
the regiment went into camp, and four companies, under com-
mand of Major Brightman, were detached to guard Elk River
Bridge. Here they remained engaged in provost and guard duty
on the line of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. In the
beginning of June, they returned to Nashville and were mustered
out of service on the 24th of June, and soon after returned to
Milwaukee and were disbanded.
Colonel Cobb was brevetted Brigadier General for meritorious
and efiicient services.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 867. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865, 38; by substitutes, 8; total, 913. Loss — by
death, 70; deserted, 40; transferred, 1 ; discharged, 39; mustered
out, 763.
FORTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
This regiment was authorized under the call of July, 1864,
and Captain George C. Symes was appointed Colonel, under
FORTY -FOURTH INFANTRY. 861
whose superintendence the regiment was organized. The exi-
gencies of the service requiring all the troops possible to rein-
force General Thomas at JSTashville, the several companies were
sent forward to that point as fast as they were organized. In
this manner companies A, B, F, D and C went forward at
different times, the last leaving Madison on the 30th of iTovember.
This battalion, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Bissell,
occupied the trenches between Fort Negley and the Franklin
Pike, during the battle of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th of
December. A portion was set to guard prisoners, and was sub-
sequently employed in guard and picket duty. In February, 1865,
the remaining companies arrived at Nashville, and the regiment
was, for the first time, formally organized, with the following
roster :
Colonel— GEORGE C. SYMES,
Lieutenant Co^one? — Oliver C. Bissell; 3/a;or— William Warner; Adjutant— Cuas.
O. Tichenor; Quartei-master—3. N. Brundage ; i'urj^eo?!— James M. Ball; First
Assistant Surgeon — S. A. Ferrin; Second Assistant Surgeon — Tuo^iAS E. Best.
Co. Capta.iiis. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutenants.
A— Oscar F. Brown, James Wilson, Thomas Hay, Jr.,
B —William Roush, Jay H. Bigford, George L. Weymouth,
C — Omar D. Vaughan, Earl C. D. Moe, John B. Jones,
r> — D. G. Bush, Cyrus Van Cott, Hiram Seffens,
E — H. S. Niekerson, Leonidas Lombard, Edwin Hill,
F — C. W. Briggs, William N. Perry, H. P. Briggs,
G — Daniel Harshman, Greorge F. White, Cyrus E. Bering,
H— Levi Houts, Edward E. Dickerson, Levi J. D. Parish,
I —Leonard House, John L. Waldo, Joseph M. Henslee,
K— William H. Beebe. Archibald W. Bell. WiUiam H. Peckham.
Colonel Symes assumed command of the regiment, which was
employed in post and guard duty at Nashville. In March, they
proceeded to Eastport, Miss., from which place they returned to
Nashville, and embarked on the 3d of April, and proceeded to
Paducah, Ky., where they were employed in picket duty until
the 28th of August, when the regiment was mustered out of ser-
vice, and left Paducah on the 30th, and arrived at Madison on
the 2d of September, where they were paid and disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 877. Gain — by re-
cruits, in 1865, 235; by substitutes, 2 ; total, 1,114. Loss — by
death, 57; deserted, 48; transferred, 121; discharged, 92;
mustered out, 796.
862
MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
FORTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
This regiment was also organized by the muster of companies
and dispatching them to the field, under the superintendence of
Colonel Henry F. Belitz, of Manitowoc. The roster of the
regiment, when organized, was as follows :
Colonel — HENRY F. BELITZ.
Lieutenant Colonel— GVM.AX. Hesse; J/ojor — Charles A. Menges; Actjutanl — 'KA-RXj
Ruff; Quartermaster — Albert Becker; Surgeon — Ernst Kramer; JPii-st Assistatii
Surgeon — Allen S. Barendt; Second Assista7it Surgeon — Ejiil J. Dahm.
Co. Captains.
A— Reinhai-d Schllchting,
B — Jacob Leisen,
C — Bernhard Schlichting,
D — Henry Van Eweyk,
E — Christian H. Schmidt,
F — Ignaz Pimmele,
G — Mathias Bauer,
H — John O. Johnson,
I — Jacob P. Nytes,
K— Robert Laschi.
J?Vrs< Lieutenants,
Henry Hoehn,
Christian H. Begler,
Albert H. Schefler,
Sebastian Karbach,
Tliomas Nelson,
Frederick Siebold,
Charles White,
Theodore C. Kavel,
George Ippel,
Vincent Heck.
Second Lieutenants.
Peter Ruppenthall,
John P. Surges,
Gustave S. Wetter,
Aug. Lintelniann,
George Neumeller,
Victor E. Rohn,
Hei'man Rohn,
Qotleib Schweitzer,
William Noack,
Fred. Hemholdt.
The companies were forwarded to Nashville in the latter part
of 1864, and the first part of 1865^ and were stationed at Nash-
ville until the 17th of July, when they were mustered out of ser-
vice and embarked for Wisconsin, where they arrived on the
23d of July, and were shortly after paid off and disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 859. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865, 142 ; total, 1,001. Loss — by death, 26 ; deserted,
8 ; transferred, 85 ; discharged, 80 ; mustered out, 802.
FORTY- SIXTH INFANTRY.
This regiment was recruited and organized under the superin-
tendence of Colonel Frederick S. Lovell, formerly Lieutenant
Colonel of the Thirty-third regiment, at Camp Randall, Madison,
and was mustered into the United States service, and left the
State on the 5th of March, 1865, with the following roster ;
Colonel — FREDERICK S. LOVELL.
Lit-tUenant CbtoneJ— Abel B. Smedley ; Major— Charles H. Ford ; Adjutant— Wn. G.
Ritch; Q?tar<ermfl««er— Norman Stewart; Siirgeon- DAS.wii'i 'Dv:bois; Mrat Assistant
Surgeon — Daniel L. Downs; Second Assistant Surgeon- Q. R. Turner; Chaplain — Rev
Charles Anderson.
FORTY- SEVENTH INFANTRY.
863
Co. Captains.
A— Isaac T. Carr,
B.— John Megran, Jr.,
C — William R. Kennedy,
D — John E. Grout,
E - xiannibal Tower,
F — Henry B. Williams,
G — Thomas M. Hughes,
H— Amasa Hoskin,
I — Sampson M. Sherman,
K— Edward F. Wade.
First Lieutenants.
Henry P. Johns,
James McNish,
Milo C. Wilson,
Gilson Hinton,
Abel Brad way,
James A. Rea,
Lewis W. Daly,
Stephen Norris,
Elam Bailey,
George W. Webb.
Second Lienienants.
Marshal L. Fairservice,
Leandcr Ferguson,
John II. Hoaglin,
Gilbert H. Hinton,
Edward C. Foster,
Cyrel A. Leake,
Hiram W. Foss,
John I. Bovee,
John S. Dickson,
Otis F. Chase.
The regiment proceeded to Louisville, Kv., arriving there on
the 10th of March. From thence they proceeded to Athens,
Ala., on the Nashville and Decatur Railroad, arriving on the 24th
of April. Here Colonel Lovell was placed in command of the
post, and Lieutenant Colonel Smedlj assumed command of the
regiment. The regiment engaged in railroad guard duty along
the ISTashville and Decatm* Railroad until the latter part of
September, when they moved to IsTashville and were mustered
out, on the 27th of September, and set out for home, arriving at
Madison on the 2d of October, where they were shortly afterwards
paid and disbanded.
Colonel Lovell, formerly of the Thirty-third, for meritorious
services during the war, was brevetted Brigadier General.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 914. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865, 33; total, 947. Loss — by death, 13, deserted, 8;
transferred, 31 ; discharged, 41 ; mustered out, 854.
FORTY- SEVENTH INFANTRY.
This regiment was organized under the superintendence of
Colonel George C. Ginty, was mustered into the United States
service, and left the State on the 27tli of February, 1865, with
orders to proceed to Louisville, Ivy., with the following roster:
Colonel — GEORGE C. GINTY.
Lieutenant Cbto/tei— Robert H. Spencer; 3/cyo?-— Kelsey M. Adams; AdjutaiU —
Arthur W. Delaney; Quartermaster— 'E.nvrx'KD T. Reamey; Surgeon —'H.k'S'ry J.
Young; First Assistant Surgeon — Jonathan G. Pelton; Second Assistant Surgeon —
Lyman D. McIntosh; Chaplain— B^v. Rufus Coo ley, Jr.
864 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Co. Captains. First lAeiitenants, Second lAeiUenanls.
A— William Young, Luke C. Redfleld, John M. Estes,
B — Robert J. O. McGowan, Charles W. Conklin, William Lockerby,
C — Perry R. Briggs, Charles D. Suydam, James T. Hulihan,
D — Adolph Sorenson, Nels Anderson, Joseph K. Hawes,
E — W. W. Bird, Charles A. Spencer, Adelbert E. Trowbridge,
F — George P. Wright, John P. Dousman, John Dean,
G— Robert P. Clyde, Thomas Brayton, Silas F. Nice,
H— Charles B. Nelson, William A. Field, James Ginty,
I _ Jesse D. Wheelock, William S. Whiting, Charles S. Chipman,
li— Charles H. Baxter. John Grindell. Edwin Bliss.
Arriving at Louisville on the 28tb, the regiment soon after
proceeded to Nashville, and thence to Tullahoma, at the junc-
tion of the McMinnville and Manchester Railroad, with the
Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. Here they were employed
in guard duty until the latter part of August, when they moved
to Nashville, where they were mustered out, and returned to
Wisconsin, arriving at Madison on the 8th of September, where
they were paid and disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 957. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865,58; total, 985. Loss — by death, 34; deserted.
23; transferred, 29; discharged, 87; mustered out, 812.
FORTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
This regiment was organized under the superintendence of
Lieutenant Colonel Henry B. Shears, at Camp Washburn, Mil-
waukee, during the months of February and March, 1865. Col.
Pearsall was serving as Lieutenant Colonel of a colored regiment,
at the time of his appointment.
Eight companies were mustered in, and under command of
Lieutenant Colonel Shears, left Milwaukee, on the 22d of March,
1865, with orders to report at Benton Barracks, St. Louis. On
the 29th, they left Benton Barracks, with orders to proceed to
Paoli, Kansas. Moving to Sedalia by rail, they marched from
that point to Paoli, where they arrived on the 13th. Here the
regiment was broken up in detachments. Company C, going to
Lawrence, Company H, to Olathe, F and O, remained at Paoli,
and companies A, B, D and E, were ordered to Fort Scott, where
they arrived on the 18th.
FORTY- EIGHTH INFANTRY. 865
The remaining two companies, I and K, left Camp Washburn,
Milwaukee, on the 28th of March, and arrived at St. Louis, on
the 1st of April, where they were met by Colonel Pearsall, who
joined them, and was mustered in. These two companies, under
the command of Colonel Pearsall, proceeded by way of Warrens-
burg, and reached Fort Scott on the 28th of April, where Colonel
Pearsall took command of the regiment. The regimental roster
was as follows:
Colonel — URI B. PEARSALL.
Lieutenant CoZcme?— Henry B. Shears; Major— Cy-rvs. M. Butt; Adjutant— Aj^oszo B.
Cady; Q?/a7-/crmcw<«-— Sylvester J. Conk LIN ; jS)/?-fi'eo/i— Leroy G. Armstrong; First
Assistant Surgeon — Henry' E. Zielly ; Second Assistant Surgeon —James P. Squiers ;
Chaplain — Hey. Truman F'. Allen.
Co. Captains. First Lieutenants. SecondLieutenants.
A — Charles W. Felker, Henry Felker, Melancthon J. Briggs,
B — John B. Vosburg, John J. Roberts, George B. Smith,
C — Edwin A. Bottum, Luinan D. Olin. John S. Kendall,
n — Adolph Wittman, Franklin J. Davis, James E. Brown,
E — Martin F. B. Hutchinson, David W. Briggs, Don A. Winchell,
F — Alexander J. Lumsden, George S. Rogers, Christian Amman,
G— Hobart M. Stocking, Mark H. Theman, Aaron V. Bradt,
H— Orrin F. Waller, Peter Trudell, Job S. Driggs,
I — Lindly M. Andrews, Henry C. Sloan, William H. Robison,
K— John D. Lewis. Aaron Carver. Merton Herrick.
Colonel Pearsall was placed in command of Fort Scott, and
Lieutenant Colonel Shears assumed command of the regiment.
On the 12th of May, Major Butts was ordered on duty at Paoli,
and placed in command of all troops in Miami and Johnson
counties. The various detached companies, engaged in a variety
of duties, a description of which would prove of little interest to
the general reader, and we therefore confine ourselves to a general
statement of the movements of the regiment.
July 19th, Colonel Pearsall was placed in command of all the
troops in, and west of the Neosho Valley, with headquarters at
Humboldt, Kansas, to which point companies E and I were
ordered for duty. Lieutenant Colonel Shears took command of
Fort Scott, and Capt. Felker assumed command of the regiment.
On the 10th of August, the Forty-eighth was ordered to pro-
ceed to Lawrence^ Kansas, where they arrived on the 25tli. Here
they were paid, and the men expected to be mustered out, but
the exigencies of the service, demanded a force to escort the
trains and mail through the hostile Indian country, and the
regiment was ordered upon that duty.
55
866 MILITAEY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The regiment, on the 6tli of September, commenced its march
to Fort Zarah, 250 miles west of Lawrence, where they arrived
on the 26th. Companies E and G, under Captain Hutchinson,
were left at Fort Zarah, and the other eight companies proceeded
to Fort Larned, twenty-eight miles further west, where tlie regi-
mental headquarters were established, and companies A and H
were stationed. Companies B and I, under Major Butts, were
sent to Fort Dodge, sixty miles from Fort Larned. Companies
D and F, under Captain Wittman, to Fort Aubrey, 160 miles
from Fort Larned, and companies C and K, under Lieutenant
Colonel Shears, to Fort Lyon, Colorado, 210 miles from Fort
Larned. Their duties were to escort mail and government
trains.
Companies A, H, E and G returned to Leavenworth in De-
cember, and were mustered out of service, together with the
Field and Staff, except the Lieutenant Colonel and Major, on
the 30tli of December, 1865. These companies returned home,
arriving at Madison, "Wis., on the 3d of January, 1866, where
they were paid and disbanded.
The remaining companies were subsequently mustered out at
Leavenworth, the last of them arriving in Madison the latter
part of March, and were disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 828. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865, 4; total, 832. Loss — by death, 9; deserted, 67;
discharged, 36. Number mustered out not yet reported.
FORTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
This regiment was organized at Camp Randall, Madison, under
the superintendence of Colonel Samuel Fallows, and mustered
into the United States service, and left the State on the 8th of
March, 1865, for St. Louis, with the following »oster :
Colonel — SAMUEL FALLOWS.
Lieutenant Colonel — Edward Coleman; Major — D. K. Notes; Adjutant — James L.
High; Quartermaster — Dennis A. Reed; Surgeon — Orrin W. Blanchard ; First As-
sistant 6"Mr5'eon — Jonathan Gibbs; Second Assistant Surgeon — Fj^iyY W. Blanchard;
Chaplain— Rev. James J. McIntyre.
FIFTIETH INFANTRY.
867
Cb. Captains.
A— Charles E. Hall,
B — Albert G. Dinsmore,
C —Richard A.Warehara,
D — John H. Hauser,
E — Harvey H. Childs,
F — Elliott H. Liscum,
<jL — James H. Hubbard,
H— Henry O. Pierce,
I — Chris. C.Miller,
K— Aug. J. Cheney.
First Lieutenants.
L. S. Benedict,
John A. Hall,
Francis Down,
Henry H. Himebaugh,
Charles W. Farrington,
Eugene B.Wise,
Hiram B. Huntress,
William E. Huntington,
Anson A. Pike,
John A. Smith.
Second lAeiUenants.
Eri Silsbee,
John A. Bull,
Edward S.Watkinson,
Charles H. Stevens,
David E. Davis,
William R. Taylor,
Daniel K. Sanford,
James I. Babcock,
J. M. Bartholomew,
Edward C. Lawrence.
Arriving at St. Louis, they went into quarters at Benton Bar-
racks. The regiment was sent to Holla, arriving on the 13th of
March, where it was engaged in guard duty and as escort to
trains from that place to Springfield. The regiment remained
at Rolla until the 17th of August, 1865, when they moved to St.
Louis, and encamped. Companies B, C and J), were mustered
out on the 1st of November, and the balance of the regiment on
the 8th, and returned to Madison, where they were paid and
disbanded.
JRegimenial Statistics. — Original strength, 986. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865, 16; total, 1,002. Loss — by death, 48; deserted,
6 ; discharged, 173 ; mustered out, 77^.
FIFTIETH INFANTRY.
This regiment was recruited and organized under the super-
vision of Colonel John G. Clark, of Grant County, and left Madi-
son by companies, in the latter part of March, and begining of
April, 1865, and on arriving at St. Louis, were assigned to quarters
at Benton Barracks.
The regimental roster was as follows :
Colonel — JOHN G. CLARK.
Lieutenant Colonel — ^T>y^is E.Bryant; 3/n/oj-— Hugh McDermott; Adjutant — G^o
H.Myers; Q?/f«Ve?-wiaster— Robert P. Smith ; /Sicrj/eon — John H.Vivian ; First AssiH-
ant Surgeon— David S. Alexander; Second Assistant (SMrgreort — Charles G. Crosse
Chaplain— Rev. Edavard Morris.
Co. Captains.
A — John (f. Spooner,
B — Clayton E. Rogers,
C — Oscar M. Dering,
D — Arthur A. Putnam,
E — Philander Phinney,
F — Charles C. Lovett,
G— George R. Clements,
H— Charles H. Cox,
I — William B. Reed,
K— Lsaac N. McKendry.
First Lieutenants.
Rufus H. Blodgett,
James E. Newell,
Richard H.Williams,
Andrew Gasman,
John O'NieU,
Cliarles Spotenhour,
Melville B. Cowles,
John C. Cover,
Ira W. Kanouse,
William A. Morgaa
Second Lieutenants
Samuel S. Tubbs,
Justus W- Allen,
Topping S.Wenchell,
George Strong,
Benjamin F. Bailey
Frank T. Brayton,
Reuben S. Andrews,
Jerome White,
Joseph Tillotson,
WUliam H. Ostikoa.
MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
This regiment moved to Fort Leavenworth, whence it was
ordered to Fort Rice, in Dakotah Territory, where they arrived
on the 10th of October. Colonel Clark was placed in command
of the post, where the regiment has since been stationed up to
the time of the present writing, February 15th, 1866.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 942. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865,16; total, 958. Loss — by death, 28 ; deserted,
141 ; discharged, 127. Not mustered out.
FIFTY- FIRST INFANTRY
The companies composing this regiment, were recruited under
the superintendence of Colonel Leonard Martin, and were organ-
ized at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, during the months of Feb-
ruary, March, April and May, 1865, and were forwarded to Ben-
ton Barracks, the regimental rendezvous, the last company being
organized on the 29th of April. The other four companies not
having left the State, were mustered out and discharged at Mil-
waukee, on the 6th of May, under the general orders of the "War
Department, for the reduction of the array. The regiment was
organized as follows :
Colonel— LEONARD MARTIN.
Lieutenant Cbtonei! — John B.Vliet ; Jicr/w— Alfred Taggart; ^djwraw? —Andrew J.
Sutherland; Quartermaster— T)A\it> S. Ordway; iSwJ-fl'eon- Orestes H.Wood; First
Assistant iSurgeon—'R. Bennett; Second Assistant Surgeon— Samvel, Hall.
Co.
Captains.
First lAeutenants.
Second Lieutenants.
A-
-Loring J. Edwards,
James Flanagan,
Elias H. Webb,
B-
-J. Clifford Sackett,
George Maxwell,
Oliver A. Keyes,
C-
-Thomas R.Williams,
Malcolm G. Clark,
Morris S. Rice,
D-
- Ira B.Warner,
Theodoi-e W. Mason,
Orlando T. Sowle,
E-
- John V. Frost,
Daniel E. Reilly,
George Stewart,
F-
- George W. Gibson.
Samuel Elmore.
Henry G. Klinefelter.
G-
- Mustered out May 6th,
1865,'
by order of the War Department.
H-
Do. do.
do.
do. do.
do,
I-
Do. do.
do.
do. do.
do.
K-
Do. do.
do.
do. do.
do.
The companies composing the regiment were placed on duty
at Warrensburg, Mo., and employed in guarding the construction
of the Pacific Railroad from Holden to Pleasant Ilill.
On the 11th of June, 1865, the Fifty-third regiment, (four
companies,) by order of the War Department, was consolidated
with the Fifty-First.
FIFTY- SECOND INFANTRY. 860
The regiment returned to Madison on the 5th of August, 1865,
where they were mustered out by companies, completing the
same on the 30th of August. As they were mustered out, they
were paid and disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 841. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865, 2; total, 843. Loss — by death, 8 ; deserted, 87;
discharged, 34 ; mustered out, 714.
FIFTY- SECOND INFANTRY.
Five companies of this regiment recruited under the direction
of Lieutenant Colonel Hiram J. Lewis, w^ere sent forward by
companies, to St. Louis, in April, 1865.
Quartermaster W. W. Webb, of the Thirty-seventh Regiment
was commissioned as Colonel of the Regiment, but it not filling
vip, was not mustered. The battalion was officered as follows :
Lieutenant Colonel — HIRAM J. LEWIS.
^d/«ton< — Norman A. Keeler; Quartermaster— Cua.'rjjs.s C. Graham; First Assistant
Surgeon — F. B. WRIGHT; Second Assistant Sur ff eon— Cob.nel.ius Teale.
Co. Captains. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutenants.
A— C. H. Olney, David M. Bennett, Allen A. Grant,
B — Roswell H. Lee, Dwight Jackson, Andrew J. Adams,
C — George A. Spurr, George Sexton, Thomas A. Conway,
D — Sewall W. Smith, Alexander Mclntyre, John J. Coyle,
E — Walter G. Zastrow-Kuesson, Myron L. Brown. John Budd.
The battalion was sent to Holden, on the Pacific Railroad, in
Missouri, in the neighborhood of Warrensburg, where they were
employed in guarding the workmen of the Pacific Railroad, and
furnishing protection to the surroundhig inhabitants from the
depredations of lawless bands of bushwackers which infested the
country.
They moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, in June, where they
were assigned to duty, and were mustered out of service on the
28th of July, and arrived at Madison on the 2d of August, and
were paid and disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 486. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865, 25; total, 511. Loss — by death, 6 ; deserted, 42;
tranfeferred, 16 ; discharged 41 ; mustered out, 406.
870 : MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
FIFTY- THIRD INFANTRY.
Four companies of this regiment were organized, before the
order came to discharge all unmustered recruits, under Lieuten-
ant Colonel Pugh. They were sent to St, Louis, and thence to
Leavenworth, Kansas, where they were transferred to the Fifty-
first Wisconsin, by order of the War Department, on the 10th
of June, 1865.
Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, of the Fifteenth Regiment was
commissioned as Colonel of the Fifty-third but did not muster.
The battalion was ofioicered as follows:
Lieutenant Colonel — ROBERT T. PUGH.
Adjutant — James S. Frisbie ; QuartermaMer—WJO.. P. Forsyth ; First AssistaiU Surgeon
— Erwin L. Jones; Second Assistant Surgeon — Ij. M. Benson.
Co, Captains. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutenants.
A— Reuben R. Wood, Edwin R.Wood, Glaus H. Lukken,
B — Rufus S. Allen, Benjamin F.Williams, Evan H. Bakke,
C — Henry Bailey, George L. Garrity, Andrew J. Hunting,
D— Asa G. Blake. Dennis J. F. Murphy. Edgar Brown.
First Assistant Surgeon Jones was transferred to the Fifty-first
Regiment, and Company A was transferred to the Fifty-first as
Company G, B as Company H, C as Company K, and D as
Company L
These companies were mustered out with the Fifty-first
Regiment.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 380. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1865, 9; total, 389. Loss — by death, 8; deserted, 14;
transferred, 5 ; discharged, 47 ; mustered out, 315.
CHAPTEE XLIX.
COMPANY HISTORY— COMPANY G, BERDAN'S SHARPSHOOTERS.
Organization — Move to New York — To Washington — At Battles
ON THE Peninsula — Second Bull Run — Antietam — Blackburn's
Ford — Battle of Fredericksburg — Chancellorville — Gettys-
burg— Wapping Heights — Locust Grove — Campaign of 1864 —
In Battles from the Wilderness to Cold Harbor — Before
Petersburg — Term Expires — Muster out — Return Home.
AT an early period of the war, the War Department authorized
the organization of two regiments of sharpshooters, and
appointed Colonel Berdan, of New York, to superintend the
recruiting of companies, to be composed of tried marksmen,
from the diiferent loyal States. One company was recruited and
organized in Wisconsin, under the immediate supervision of
Adjutant General Utley, himself a noted expert with the rifle.
The necessary number of men, who could furnish the required test
of ability as good marksmen, were enrolled under the command of
Captain W. P. Alexander, of Beloit. The organization of the
company was completed by the election of W. P. Alexander as
Captain, P. E. Marble First Lieutenant, and C. P. Shepard, Second
Lieutenant, in September, and it left Camp Randall, Madison, on
the 19th of September, 1861, for the regimental rendezvous, at
Wehawken, N". J. At New York City it was mustered into the
United States service, as Company " G," of the Pirst Regiment
United States Sharpshooters, on the 23d of September. Captain
Alexander being physically unable to take the field, did not
muster in, and the company elected Edward Drew, of Buftalo,
N. Y., as their Captain, in his place.
On the 24th, they left New York, and proceeding to the City
of Washington, were placed in "Camp of Listruction," where
they were instructed in infantry drill, with the diiierent company
872 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
and battalion movements, and the usual guard, patrol and camp
duties, under Lieutenant Mears, U. S. A., Lieutenant Colonel of
the regiment. On the 5th of November, Captain Alexander
arrived with twenty-five recruits, which increased the number to
105. During their stay in this camp, a portion of their time was
employed in target practice, and by the time the spring campaign
opeuou, tney were not only thoroughly skilled in the use of the
rifle, but also well drilled and disciplined as infantry soldiers.
They were at first armed with the Colt five -shooting rifle, which
were soon superseded by the Sharpe's rifle.
The First Regiment of Sharpshooters was assigned to General
Fitz John Porter's Division, in the corps of General Hentzelman
and moved with the forces of General McClellan, to Hampton,
Ya., on the 21st of March, 1862, and participated in the celebrated
"Peninsula Campaign." They took part in the reconuoissance
to Great Bethel on the 27th, where they were for the first time
under fire. They participated in a skirmish at Cockleton, on the
14th of April, and advanced with the division to Yorktown, and
were occupied, during the siege which followed, in rifle pits, in
advance of the fatigue parties, watching the rebel works, and
keeping the enemy from using their artillery, whenever possible.
On the 1st of May, while a small party of scouts of Company G,
were protecting a fatigue party in the construction of a rifle pit,
a short distance from those of the enemy, Joseph Durkee was
killed by a rebel rifle shot.
On the 4th of May, a party of scouts from Company G, discov-
ered that the enemy had evacuated Yorktown, and were the first
to enter the deserted works, where the regiment subsequently
encamped. Company G, on the 8th, were furnished with
Sharpe's rifles, and that evening- proceeded up York River, on
transports, to West Point, where they disembarked, and marched
to Cumberland Landing, from thence to Gaines' Hill, on the
Chickahominy, where they arrived on the 28th of May. Next
day Company G accompanied Porter's division, marched eighteen
miles, and took part in the battle of Hanover Court House, acting
as skirmishers, and following up the fleeing enemy until
recalled. They succeeded in taking several prisoners, having
one man wounded. Corporal H. N. Richardson, of Madison.
The division returned to camp at Gaines Hill next day. Here
ON THE PENINSULA. 873
the regimental headquarters were established, and remained dur-
ing the month of June, the several companies being detailed for
service at different points along the Chickahominy. Company
G was detailed to the performance of picket and scouting duty,
with Slocnm's division, at Mechanicsville, and had some sharp
skirmishes with the enemy. On the 26th of June, they acted as
skirmishers in the battle of Mechanicsville, the first of the " seven
days' battles," and were closely engaged all day, but met with
no loss. Early next morning they again began firing on the
enemy's scouts, but about eight o'clock they hastily left their rifle
pits, the enemy having got in their rear. Company G succeeded
in escaping capture, except Dewitt Collins and Richard B.
Blodgett, who were taken prisoners and sent to Richmond.
Aecompanjdng the retreat of the army of General McClellan to
the James River, the sharpshooters proceeded by way of White
Oak Swamp, and on the 30th of June, were ordered forward, and
took part in the battle of Charles City Cross Roads, known as
Glendale, or Nelson's Farm. They were on the left of the
(Jnion forces. A regiment in their front was forced back by an
overpowering charge of the enemy, running over the company
of sharpshooters, under Captain Drew, upon whom th'e. enemy
turned a heavy fire, in returning which. Company G lost five
killed and six wounded :
KilIjED or Died of Wounds. — Captain Edward Drew, Sergeants Joel Parker and
James W. Staples, Corporal W. O. Clark, Privates Lyman L. Thompson and George
Lansing — 5.
Wounded.— Privates Jonas W. Shepard, Henry S. Roberts, George W. Lewis, Robert
Casey, John O'Niel and Wm. E. Wheeler — 6.
"William E. Wheeler was taken prisoner.
They retired a short distance, and during the balance of the
day, were engaged, and took several prisoners. Company G was
not engaged in the battle of Malvern Hill. They moved to
Harrison's Landing and encamped.
On the 29th of July, Lieutenant Marble was commissioned as
Captain, Lieutenant Charles P. Shepard as First Lieutenant, and
Sergeant Charles A. Stevens, Second Lieutenant, to rank from
July 4th.
Retiring from the Peninsula with the balance of McClellan's
forces on the 14th of August, the regiment, accompanying the
874 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Third Corps, readied Acquia Creek ou the 20th, and iramediately
proceeded to Fredericksburg, and from thence, by way of War-
renton Junction, to Manassas, where they participated in the
battle of the 29th of August, and on the next day, acted as skir-
mishers at the battle of Bull Run. They were without commis-
sioned officers, the Captain and First Lieutenant being absent
sick, and Lieutenant Stevens on detached duty, and were tempo-
rarily under charge of Lieutenant i^Tash, of Company B. They
crossed an open field under a heavy fire, and took position in a
small ditch, where they went to work as sharpshooters, suffering
the following loss :
Wounded. — Corporal Jacobs, Privates, George H. Hartley, mortally, Thomas McCaul,
John D. Tyler, Robert Casey, George Whitson, Wm. Babcock, A. C. Stannard and George
E. Albee — 9.
They fell back to Centreville, and encamped at Upton's Ilill
on the 1st of September, The Sharpshooters, with Porter's Fifth
Corps, took part in the Maryland campaign, and marched with
McClellan's forces to Antietam, but being held in reserve, were
not actively engaged.
On the 19tli of September, they took part in the pursuit of the
enemy, and overtook his rear guard at Blackburn's Ford, on the
Potomac, near Shepardstown. On the 20th, the Union forces
commenced crossing the river, under a heavy fire of the enemy.
The Sharpshooters were posted in the canal, which was then dry.
Here they opened a severe fire into the ranks of the rebels
on the opposite side, while the artillery played over their heads.
A Philadelphia regiment crossed over, but being driven back to
the river bank, would have been cut to pieces if the Sharpshooters
had not poured a steady fire into the pursuing rebels, and enabled
the regiment to recross in safety.
On the 26th of September, Lieutenant Shepard resigned, and
Second Lieutenant Stevens was commissioned First Lieutenant,
and Sergeant E. H. Benson, as Second Lieutenant.
Moving to Sharpsburg, Md., they remained until the 30th of
October, when they proceeded to Harper's Ferry, thence, by way
of Snicker's Gap, to "Warrenton, which place they left on the 12th
of November, and went into camp at Falmouth, opposite Frede-
ricksburg. In the battle of Fredericksburg, on the 12th, 13th
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORVILLE. ST.'l
and 14tli, the Sharpshooters were present, engaged in picket
duty, and Company G was the last company to cross, on the
retreat of the army to Fahiiouth.
On the 9th of December, Second Lieutenant Benson resigned,
and Sergeant P. C. Judkins was commissioned Second Lieutenant.
With but slight interruption, they remained in winter quarters
at Falmouth until the opening of the spring campaign of 1863.
In the reorganization of the army, the two regiments of Sharp-
shooters were brigaded as the Third Brigade, Colonel Berdan,
in the Third Division, General "Whipple, of the Third Army
Corps, General Sickles.
With the Sixth Corps, the corps of General Sickles proceeded,
on the 28th of April, to the vicinity of Fitzhugh Crossing, where
they remained until the opposite bank was carried by the gallant
Iron Brigade, led by the Sixth Wisconsin, under Colonel Bragg.
They were then ordered to join the right of the army, which had
crossed the river above Fredericksburg. This was done in a
manner to conceal the movement from the enemy, and the Third
Corps crossed at United States Ford on the morning of the 1st of
May, and took position near the front, where Company G was
placed on picket. On the 2d of May, they moved to the left, but
subsequently to the right, where they were temporarily attached
to the First Division, under General Birney. Proceeding along
the turnpike, they turned to the left, through a dense thicket of
pines, emerging into an open space, where they found the enemy
with a battery, firing on the Twelfth Corps. Colonel Berdan
deployed his brigade, and a skirmish soon commenced ; the rebels
were driven from their position, and sixty men, belonging to the
Twenty -fifth Georgia regiment, under a Major, were captured.
The enemy were followed up, and subsequently a squad of about
fifty Sharpshooters, of the Wisconsin, New York and Michigan
companies, succeeded in cornering the balance of the regiment in
a railroad cut, and captured them also, making about 360 in all.
After dark the Sharpshooters fell back and bivouacked, without
rations, the enemy being between them and the place where they
had left their knapsacks in the morning. In this day's fight,
Company G had Michael Costello and Geo. T. Cottrell wounded.
The battle opened on Sunday morning, the 3d, and a terrible
struggle ensued, the enemy attempting to prevent the corps of
876 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
General Sickles from rejoining the main body. Posted in a belt
of thick woods, Company G engaged as skirmishers all day, and
were exposed to a very hot fire from the enemy, at short range.
In this day's fight, they lost six menr
Wounded.— Captain Marble, Corporal Babcock, Privates Denistou, Frank Meyer
Martin H. Wiltze and Abuer Johnson — 6.
The regimental Adjutant, W. 11. Horton, of Company G, was
also wounded the next day.
In the evening they were placed in the reserve, and allowed
to rest till next morning, when they moved to the front, and
acted as skirmishers, in covering the retreat of Hooker's army
across the Eappahannock, holding the position for seventeen
hours, without being relieved, when they crossed the river on the
6th, and returned to their old camp near Fahnouth. On the 5th,
Sergeant John D. Lemmon, Corporal Albert S. Isham, and W.
H. "Woodruff", were wounded. The Sharpshooters performed
important services in the battle of Chancellorville.
On the 11th of June, the Third Divirion was consolidated with
the First and Second, and the Sharpshooters were assigned to
the Second Brigade of the First Division, and on the same day,
joined the general movement of the a" my of General Hooker
through Virginia, to oppose Lee's invasi n of Pennsylvania, and
arrived at Gettj^sburg on the 1st of July and took position with
the corps of General Sickles, on the left oi ""he Union lines, where,
on the next morning, companies G and B vere placed on picket,
on the right of the centre of the corps, un'ler command of Cap-
tain Marble. The enemy first attacked thf Third Corps, advanc-
ing in solid, column, with a view to turn the left flank of the
Union army. The enemy was held in cherk a short time, but
the Sharpshooters and infantry were obliged to fall back. Next
day, July 3d, they were in reserve, and on tb^ 4th, were sent to
the front, where they assisted in capturing a r-'bel brigade. The
losses of Company G, on the 2d of July, wei-e.
Killed ob Died of Wounds.— Sergeant Henry Lye, Private- W. H. Woodruff, Eli
J. Fitch and S. B. Vincent — 4.
Wounded.— Privates Orris D. Hawley, John P. Hawshurst, Lev: 'DS'>'v'>f <f < • dAbuei
Johnson — 4.
Samuel Hall was taken prisoner.
BATTLE OF LOCUST GROVE. 877
Joining in tlie pursuit of the enemy, the Third Corps left Get-
tysburg on the 7th, and proceeded to AVilliamsport, thence
towards Harper's Ferry, crossed the Potomac, marched along the
base of the mountains, by Snicker's Gap, to Manassas, and on
the 23d of July, Company G took part in the battle of Wapping
Heights, driving the enemy back, and liaving two men wounded
— Sergeant W. M. Babcock, and Private Wm. E. Wheeler.
On the 15th of August, the regiment moved to Culpepper,
where Lieutenant Stevens took command of the company, Cap-
tain Marble acting as field ofiicer, and the regiment was assigned
to the Third Brigade.
They accompanied General Meade, in his celebrated retreat
towards Washington, in 1863, and encountered the enemy at
Auburn, on the 13th of October. The Sharpshooters charged on
the enemy's dismounted cavalry, and drove them from their posi-
tion, and were the first to enter the town of Greenwich. With
Meade's forces, they proceeded as far as Centreville, from which
place they began their return towards Culpepper, on the 15th.
From this time until the 7th of ISTovember, the regiment moved
to several difterent positions, without meeting the enemy in any
considerable force, and on that day reached Falmouth. At Kelly's
Ford they encountered the enemy, drove him from his rifle pits,
and planted the regimental flag on his works. On the 10th, they
went into winter quarters on the farm of John Minor Botts,
where they remained until the 26th, when they took part in the
expedition of the army to Mine Run, in the Wilderness, and
participated in the battle of Locust Grove, being under a heavy
fire, and losing:
KILLED OR Died of Wounds.— Corporal John W. Johnson, and Private Frank L.
Smith — 2.
WotjNdei>.— Corporal Wesley Armfield, Privates Charles W. Baker and George
Wliitson— 3.
After the unsuccessful demonstration on the enemy's works at
Mine Run, on the 30th, the regiment of Sharpshooters recrossed
the Rapidan, and proceeded to their old camp on Botts' farm,
near Brandy Station, where they remained until the 11th of Jan-
uary, 1864, when they moved to camp within three miles of
Culpepper, and were transferred to the Second Brigade, Third
Division, Second Army Corps. They subsequently moved to an
878 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
old rebel camp near Brandy Station, where they remained till
the spring campaign.
Breaking camp on the 3d of May, they accompanied the brig-
ade, crossing the Rapidan at Ely's Ford next morning. On the
afternoon of the 5th of May, the Sharpshooters, thrown out as
flankers, advanced with the division, and arrived on the field
while the battle of the Wilderness was in progress, and were
immediately sent forward as scouts, to ascertain the position of
the enemy in front. This being done, they withdrew to the road
and lay behind hastily constructed breastworks until night, when
they rejoined the brigade. On this day Seneca Hawes and
DeWitt Collins, of Company G, were wounded.
On the 6th they were deployed as skirmishers, moved to tlie
front, to an exposed position, from whence they moved to the
left of the Orange road, and again moved forward, opening fire
as often as "sight" could be obtained in the dense smoke which
soon enveloped the field. The division, becoming exposed to a
flank fire, was obliged to fall back, when Company G took posi-
tion at a line of works on the Brock road. Here the enemy's
advance was checked, and the troops bivouacked for the night.
Captain Marble being on stafl' duty. Lieutenant Stevens had
command of the company. The losses on the 6th were :
Killed.— Private Michael Costello — I.
Wounded.— Sergeant James S. Webster and Private James Reagin — 2.
On the 7th, the Sharpshooters were engaged as skirmishers
and in reconnoitering, and returned at night to the Orange road,
and took position behind breastworks. Isi-ael Ingolsby was
mortally wounded, and Wm. W. Sweet was wounded.
On the 8th, they fell back to the Brock road, moved to the left,
acting as rear guard to the division, and arrived, about noon, at
Todd's Tavern. In the afternoon they took position on a tim-
bered hill, where breastworks were erected. Here a sharp fight
occurred, in which Second Lieutenant Perrin C. Judkins was
mortally wounded. He was then on staflf duty.
They accompanied the general movement to the left on the
9th and 10th, engaging, in the afternoon of the latter day, in the
battle of Po River, without loss, and on the following day, con •
tinued the movement to the left, and in the evening were detailed
BEFORE PETERSBURG. 879
for special duty at headquarters. They marched all night, and
early in the morning of the 12th, participated in the brilliant
charge of the Second Corps, which resulted in the capture of
several thousand prisoners, two general oificers, two lines of
works, and eighteen cannon. In repulsing the desperate attempts
of the enemy to retake his works, they took an important part.
Wesley Armfield was wounded, and George A. Denniston was
mortally wounded.
In the movements of the subsequent days until the 21st, the
Sharpshooters were occupied in picket duty and skirmishing, and
on the 16th, drove the enem}' from a line of works and held them.
On the 14th, William JNIcQnivey was wounded. With the rest
of the Second Corps, they moved to the North Anna, where they
arrived on the 22d, and took part in the skirmishing preliminary
to the crossing of that stream, protecting the bridge during the
passage of the troops. Lieutenant Stevens, under orders, moved
forward and captured and held some small buildings, near the
rebel line.
Accompanying the army in the movement from North Anna,
they crossed the Pamunky at Ilanovertown, and reached the
neighborhood of Tolopotomy Creek, and took part in the battle
of the 30th, acting as sharpshooters. Crossing the river next
morning, they moved forward to the position assigned them,
acting as skirmishers, capturing a few prisoners, and being under
fire all day.
During the subsequent engagements in the vicinity of Cold
Harbor, the}- did but little except skirmishing or picket duty in
the works at the front. On the 3d of June, Lieutenant Stevens
and Franklin Viall were wounded. On the 4th, Conrad Murat
was killed. On the 5th, Alvin Sherman was wounded.
On the 12th, they moved towards James River, by way of
Charles City Court House, crossing at Wilcox's Landing, and on
the evening of the 15th, took position before the enemy's works
at Petersburg. On the 18th, they took part in the action at
Haires' Farm, and on the 22d, in the battle of Jerusalem Plank
Poad, in which the Second Corps gallantly repulsed every
effort of the enemy. On the 17th, Sergeant Major Caleb
M. Jacobs was killed, and on the 20th, Nathan McCaslin was
wounded.
880 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Company G was assigned to a position in the line of works
near the Chimnej^s, where they remained in reserve, furnishing
details for fatigue duty, until the 26th of July, when they joined
the Second Corps in its movement across the James River, and
took part in the battle of Deep Bottom, the company acting as
sharpshooters and skirmishers. They returned to the Chimneys
and took part in the charge on the enemy's works at the explo-
sion of the mine on the 30th of July, in which James Reagin was
wounded.
On the 12th of August, they again moved with the Second
Corps, in its attempt to create a diversion in favor of the Fifth
Corps, who, it was designed by General Grant, should make a
demonstration against the enemy's communications on the Wel-
don Railroad, and encountered the enemy at Strawberry Plains,
near Deep Run, where Levi Ingolsby was mortally wounded.
They returned to the works before Petersburg, where they
remained, engaged in picket duty, often under a severe fire, the
picket lines of the two armies being posted from sixty to one
hundred and fifty yards of each other.
Their term of service having expired, they were mustered out
of service in the field, the reenlisted veterans and recruits being
transferred to other companies of the regiment, the balance
returning home to Wisconsin, where they were disbanded.
Staiisiics. — Original strength, 105. Gain — by recruits in 1863,
43, in 1864, 37; veteran reenlistments, 9; total, 194. Loss— by
death, 34; missing, 8; deserted, 4; transferred, 43; discharged,
58; mustered out, 47.
OHAPTEE L.
KEGIMENTAL HISTORY- FIRST CAVALRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to St. Louis — To Cape Girardeau
Operations in Southeast Missouri — Raid into Arkansas — Disas-
ter AT La Anguille Perry — Helena — Return to Cape Girardeau
— Attack on Cape Girardeau — Ordered to Tennessee — In Rose-
crans' Army — Battle of Chicamauga — Anderson's Cross Roads
— Operations in East Tennessee — In the Atlanta Campaign —
Campaign of 1865 — Assault and Capture of West Point — Cessa-
tion OF Hostilities — Pursuit of Jefferson Davis — His Capture
— Muster out — Return Home — Statistics.
COLOiSrEL EdwaTcl Daniels, in the Summer of 1861, was au-
tliorized by the War Department to recruit and organize one
battalion of cavalry in Wisconsin. He was subsequently author-
ized to raise two more companies. The Governor, in October,
was authorized to complete the regiment, by the organization of
six additionalal companies. The location of the rendezvous was
changed from Eipon to Kenosha, and the regiment took up its
quarters at Camp Harvey. Here its organization was perfecte<l,
and the muster into the United States service completed on the
8th of :March, 1862, and the regiment left the State on the ITtli,
for St. Louis, with the following roster :
COLOIIEI,— EDWARD DANIELS.
Lieutenant Colonel ; Majors— First Bcdtalion, Oscar H. La Grange ; Second
BaMalion, Henry Pomeroy ; Third Bat(aUon,V/iijT.iAyi H. Torrey ; AdjiUaiU — Charles
W. Bukbank; Quartermaster— 3. C. Mason; Cb»nwm«r^ — Herman J. Suulties; Bat-
talion Adjutants— First Battalion, Richard L. Govi-. ; Second Battalion, Edwin F. Brooks ;
Third Battalion, Gkorgk O. Clinton; Battalion Qiuirtermasters — First Battalion, John
Taylor; Second Battalion,W\-Li.AC^yf. La Grange; Third Battalion, 'ii.'H.B.x-s'D; Sur-
geon—JIokatio N. Gregory, First Assistant (Surfireoji — Charles H. Lord; Second
AssistaiU Surgeon— lEi-ES-RX W. Causdell; Cfiaplain-'R&v. George W. Dummore.
56
882
MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Co. Captains.
A — Thomas H. Mars,
B— Henry S. Eggleston,
C —James W. Declier,
D — Nelson Bruett,
E — Richard H Chittenden,
F — John Hyde,
G — Nathan Paine,
H— Lewis M. B. Smith,
I — William M. Hoy t,
K — Algernon S. Seaton,
L — Henry Harnden,
M— Thomas J. Connatty.
First lAeidenants,
Levi Howland,
Frank T. Hobbs,
Alexander B. Burrows,
Fernando C. Merrill,
Augustus J. Hunt,
Newton Jones,
Stephen V. Shipman,
James M. Comstock,
Joseph H. Morrison,
Gilbert D. Coyle,
Hiram Hilliard,
George W. Barter.
Second Lieutenants.
William J. Philips,
John T. Consaul,
Charles F. Huxford,
George W. Frederick,
Thomas W. Johnson,
Henry W. Getchell,
Joseph E Mosher,
William S. Cooper,
William G. Cooper,
Joseph E. Atwater,
Talbot C. Ankeny,
John A. Owen.
Arriving at St. Louis, on the 19tli of Marcli, 1862, they were
quartered at Benton Barracks. Here they completed their
outfit, and on the 28th of April, the regiment moved down the
Mississippi on transports to Cape Girardeau, Mo.
The Regimental Adjutant, Charles W. Burbanks, was mustered
out on the 25th of March, and Lieutenant S. V. Shipman, acted
as Adjutant.
Colonel Daniels was placed in command of the post, and as-
signed to the district of Southeast Missouri. On the 10th of
May, a force of six squadrons proceeded to Bloomfield, fifty miles
from Cape Girardeau, and took possession of the place. Major
Pomeroy was placed in command of the post and was appointed
Provost Marshal. From this time until the regiment left South-
east Missouri, they were engaged in scouting in various direc-
tions, repeatedly encountering the enemy. Ten miles south of
Bloomfield, a rebel camp was broken up, and a few days after the
rebel Colonel Phelan, and about 100 of his followers were cap-
tured. An expedition was made to Chalk Bluffs, on the St.
Francis River. On the 14th of May, the river was crossed and
the enemy's camp was found two or three miles beyond, and a
skirmish occurred in which the regiment lost three killed, and
four wounded, among them Lieutenant William J. Philips, of
Company A, who was mortally wounded.
The casualties as reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Company A — Lieutenant William J. Philips and
Private William McClaughrey. Comiiany X) — Private Solomon Howard —3.
Wounded. — Cmnpany A — Privates Charles Ence and Thomas Tafe. Ccympany C—
Private J. O. Tuttle. Company D — ljie\itenant F. C. Merrill— 4.
On the 21st of of May, a detachment under the command of
Colonel Daniels, proceeded to Kennett, in Dunklin County,
■W'Setkrb Enoravdio Co.CUto.«30-
COL_ O-H.LA-GRANGE-
VNGR/WED EXPRHSSLY FOB. CLAHKE SCO PUBLISHEIRS
RAID INTO ARKANSAS. 883
where they learned that a steamer loaded with supplies was lying
in Little River, at Hornersville, ten or twelve miles distant. Col-
onel Daniels pushed forward and succeeded in capturing the hoat
with about fifty prisoners, and a valuable cargo of sugar, molasses
and other stores. On the 1st of June, Dr. H. N. Gregory was
killed by a shot from a rebel sharpshooter at Chalk Blulf.
Not content with confining his operations to the district to
which he was assigned, Colonel Daniels took the responsibility
of making a raid into Arkansas. The regiment was concentrated
at West Prairie, about thirty miles south of Bloomfield. About
sixty men were left at Cape Girardeau, under command of Lieu-
tenant Shipman, who had been ajDpointed commandant of the
post by order of the Department commander. About fifty men
were left at Bloomfield, under the command of Captain Hyde.
A few men also remained to guard the stores left at camp on
West Prairie.
On the 12th of June, Major La Grange was commissioned
Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Henry S. Eggleston, Major.
The regiment left West Prairie on the 9th of July, with three
pieces of artillery, and reached Chalk Blufl:'that evening, crossed
the river and encamped. While crossing, one of the boats sunk
with the cannon, and one man lost his life. Private Streeter, of
Company C. The cannon was recovered next day.
The route pursued by the regiment was along Crawley's Ridge,
a remarkable geographical feature of the country, having its
northern termination in the hilly region ITorthwest of Cape Gir-
ardeau, and running in a southerly direction, inclining a little
easterly between the St. Francis and White rivers, for about 250
miles, and terminating in a bluflL" at Helena, Ark.
From Chalk Bluft', on the 10th, Captain Harnden, of Company
L, was sent in advance with about one hundred men, and reached
Oak Bluff, or Scatterville, about daylight of the 11th, and sur-
prised a force of 125 rebels, killing eight, and capturing fourteen
prisoners, with a large number of rifles, and several horses and
mules. The march was continued by way of Scatterville, Gaines-
ville, Greensboro, Jonesboro, Harrisburg and Wittsburg, to
Madison, without meeting the rebels in any considerable force.
On the 16th, the regiment reached Jonesboro, when Captain
Harnden was detached with thirty men to Cache River bridge and
884 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
captured ten men and a Lieutenant Colonel, Inspector General
of tlie rebel forces in tliat part of Arkansas. The regiment
readied Madison on the 22d, and captured the steamer Carl with
several prisoners.
From Madison, Colonel Daniels proceeded to Memphis over
land, where he found orders from the Department commander at
St. Louis, inquiring by what authority he had left the post and
district assigned him, and ordering the immediate return of the
regiment. Colonel Daniels returned to Madison, and on the 28th,
took passage in the steamer Carl, for Helena, and never rejoined
the regiment. The First and Second Battalions, marched to La
Anguille Ferry on the 28th, and reached Marianne, eight miles
beyond, on the 29th. A heavy train of baggage wagons, escorted
by the Second Battalion, under Major Eggleston, had moved
several miles in the rear during the march. The train left Witts-
burg on the 2d of August, marching to La Anguille Ferry, and
camping on the north shore of the stream, where, on the morn-
ing of the 3d of August, they were surprised about daylight, by
an overpowering force of the enemy, and but little resistance
could be made. The Chaplain of the regiment, Rev. George W.
Dunmore, was killed while dressing himself.
The list of killed, and those who died of wounds, we take from
the Adjutant General's record.
Killed or Died of W on i^ us. —Staff Q^eer— Chaplain George W. Dunmore. Company
£— Sergeant WiUiam P. Ware, Corporals M. J. Bushnell, F. W. Hazard and E F. Mead,
Privates Bi-adley Brown and Samuel Banker. Company E—VriyaXe William F. Mills.
Owtpanj/ i^'- Private Edward Ochmer. Company I— 'PviY&ies, O. F. Willis and Adrian
Horton. Company K — Private Philander Truesdell. Company L — Privates Nicholas
Friddle and Carey C. Webb. Company 31— Private Enoch Young— 15.
Fifty seven were taken prisoners, and also twenty men of a
Union Arkansas company, six of whom were afterwards shot
by the rebels at Little Rock. Nearly 100 negroes who were fol-
lowing the train were captured, many of whom were shot down
in cold blood.
The train consisted of twenty wagons laden with supplies,
three ambulances, and two wagons with ammunition, also all
the regimental papers, which were all captured by the rebels.
The regiment under the command of Lieutenant Colonel La
Grange, moved in immediate pursuit of the enemy as far as
RETURN TO CAPE GIRARDEAU. 88d
Rougli and Ready. Returning next day to Marianne, on the
5th, they marched to Helena, arrived there on the 6th, and
reported to General Curtis.
When between Wittsburg and Madison, on the 29th of July,
Captain Porter, of Company I, was ordered to detach twenty-two
men and gather the sick who had been left on the march, and
return with them to Bloomfield. When near Jonesboro, Captain
Porter reports that he attacked a rebel camp, drove the enemy
and took several prisoners, and other spoils. Proceeding to
Jonesboro on the 2d of August, he took possession of the Court
House, which in the night was surrounded by about two hundred
rebels, who after a sharp hght, compelled him to surrender.
The}' were soon paroled, and with those able to move forward,
pushed through the woods to the Mississippi River at Osceola.
The casualties in this affair as reported by Captain Porter,
were :
Killed or Died of Wovisms.— Company I— 'Privates Edward Stanley, John Somby,
Frank Oberinire, Benjamin RatteUe, Peter Scliuck, Jereniiah White andWni. Abells,
who was murdered by tlie rebels next day, near Scatterville — 7.
Wounded.— Privates George R. Williams and Nelson Nickerson— 2.
Eight of the detachment were missing, and eight were taken
prisoners and paroled.
On the 10th of August, the regiment was assigned to General
Vandever's brigade, and moved out and camped on the Claren-
don road until the 23d of September, engaged in scouting, having
several men wounded.
On the 27th of September, the First Battalion, under Lieuten-
ant Colonel La Grange, arrived at Cape Girardeau, the Third
Battalion arrived a few days after, having rescued the steamer
Forest Queen from a band of guerillas at the mouth of the
Obion River. The Second Battalion arrived on the 29th of
September, and encamped with the rest of the regiment one mile
from town. On the 3d of October, the regiment moved to
Greenville, Mo., leaving 400 sick at Cape Girardeau.
On the 23d of Jul}', the squad left at West Prairie, were
attacked, and Corporal E. W. Houck, of Company B, was mor-
tally wounded. The most of the stores at that point were safely
moved to Bloomfield.
886 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
In the latter part of July, the rebels made a spirited attack
on Bloomfield, which was admirably defended by the little force
under Captain Hyde. We find Job Warren, of Company E,
reported killed at Bloomfield, on the 1st of August. They made
another attack on the 11th of September, when Captain Hyde
was compelled to evacuate the town, and retire to Greenville.
Abner J. Keller, of Company E, is reported killed. A force of
500 men was sent from Greenville, and the place was retaken,
but was held only a short time, the whole force returning to
Greenville.
Adrian Horton, of Company I, died of wounds, August 5th,
1862, and Henry Van Yalen, of Company H, died of wounds,
September 12th, 1862, and C. M. Skinner, of Company A, died
of wounds, October 26th, 1862.
From Greenville the regiment moved to Patterson, about thirty
miles from Pilot Knob, and was brigaded in General Benton's
Division of the Army of Southeast Missouri. During the winter
the regiment encamped at West Plains, Pilot Knob, and St Gene-
\ieve, and engaged in scouting duty, and in the spring, the
regiment was nearly all concentrated at Cape Girardeau.
Colonel Daniels never returned to the regiment, and finally
resigned. Lieutenant Colonel La Grange was commissioned as
Colonel, and Major Pomeroy as Lieutenant Colonel, on the 5th
of Eebruary, 1863. On the 11th of December, 1862, Captain
Thomas H. Mars was commissioned as Major, vice Major
Eggleston, deceased.
In April, General Marmaduke advanced into Southeastern
Missouri, and moved forward to attack Cape Girardeau. On the
24th, Company E, under command of Captain S. V. Shipman,
was stationed to guard a bridge across Whitewater River, about
sixteen miles from Cape Girardeau, on the Bloomfield road. One
column of Marmaduke's army numbering about 3,000 men, ap-
proached. A body of about 300 men moved above the bridge
some distance, crossed the river, and took possession of the only
road through the swamp in rear of Captain Shipman's position.
The enemy's whole force then moved against the bridge, which
Captain Shipman found it impossible to hold. He therefore at-
tempted to retreat to Cape Girardeau under cover of the dark-
ness. Falling into an ambuscade set by the enemy, Captain
BATTLE AT CAPE GIRARDEAU. 887
Shipman ordered his men to cut their way through, himself and
Lieutenant Ogden leading the charge. In the attempt Captain
Shipman was severely wounded, having his thigh hone badly
shattered by a pistol ball, and was taken prisoner, with several
of his men. Lieutenant Ogden, with twenty-two men, succeeded
in cutting their way through and escaped to the Cape. Captain
Shipman was paroled and sent into Cape Girardeau, under a flag
of truce, where by superior surgical aid, his life was saved without
amputation of the limb.
The casualties as reported, were :
Killed or Died of WovsDS.—Compa7iy E— Privates Henry Barden, Chas. M. Duraut,
Warren A. Gale and S. V. Corbin — 4.
On the 25th, Marmaduke attacked Cape Girardeau with great
vigor, and after a time, demanded its surrender, which General
McXeill refused, and the fi^ht was resumed. A second demand
for its surrender was made, but it was again refused. In the
mean time General Yandever was on the way to reinforce Gen-
eral McNeill, upon ascertaining which fact, Marmaduke fell back
to Jackson, where he was attacked by General Vandever on the
27th, and soon began his retreat. General McNeill endeavored
to reach the bridge over the Whitewater, to intercept him, but
the rebel Genera] succeeded in reaching the bridge first and de-
stroyed the greater part of it. On the 28th, Major Torrey, with
four companies of the regiment, had the bridge repaired by 11
o'clock, A. M., when McNeill's forces crossed and resumed the
pursuit. The bridge over the Castor River, was also destroyed
by the rebels. The stream was forded, and General McNeill
advanced towards Bloomfield, where a severe skirmish ensued
lasting all day. The enemy finally retreated across the St. Fran-
cis at Chalk Bluff, upon which further pursuit was abandoned,
and General McNeill's forces returned to Cape Girardeau. The
First Cavalry took an active part in the defence of the town and
was in the advance in the pursuit, its conduct eliciting the warm-
est commendations from the commandins: General. Sero-eant
Mitchell O'Neill, of Company C, and Christian Bjornson, of
Company G, were reported as killed at Cape Girardeau ; George
P. Bates, of Company G, was killed at Castor River, and Corporal
William Fenton, of Company H, at Bloomfield.
888 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
In the Spring of 1863, General Rosecrans was authorized to
increase his cavahy force, and sent an order to the First Wiscon-
sin Cavalry to report to him at ITashville. The regiment accord-
ingly embarked on the 1st of May, at Cape Girardeau, and pro-
ceeded to join the Department of the Cumberland, reaching
Eddyville, Ky,, on the 4tb, where they disembarked and marched
to Clarksville, crossed the Cumberland River, and moved thence
by way of Nashville to Triune, Tenn., where they were assigned
to the Second Brigade, First Division, Cavalry wing of the Army
of the Cumberland. The regiment was employed in picket duty
till June 15th, when the cavalry advanced, and on the 19th, had
a skirmish at Middletown. The regiment accompanied the cav-
alry column which captured Shelbyville and a large number of
prisoners. After the evacuation of Tullahoma by General Bragg,
the regiment moved with Major General Stanley's cavalry column
to Huntsville, Ala., where they rem^iined, with the exception of a
short time at Fayetteville, until the 15th of August, at which
time they moved to Larkinsville, Ala., and camped.
Accompanying the movements of McCook's Twentieth Corps,
to Avhich Stanley's cavalry division was attached, the First Cav-
alry left Larkinsville on the 31st of August, and reached Steven-
son on the 2d of September, crossed the Tennessee River,
ascended Sand Mountain, and took the advance in McCook's
movement down Wills' Valley, to intercept the retreat of Bragg,
from whence the whole corps was recalled by General Rosecrans
and ordered to concentrate on Chicamauga Creek. On the 19th
the regiment had an engagement with the rebel cavalry, about
four miles south of Crawfish Springs, compelling the enemy to
fall back across Chichamauga Creek, while a flank movement by
a portion of the regiment compelled them to retire still further,
by which the safety of the train was secured. Private jSTorthrup,
of Company G, was wounded in this affair.
They bivouacked in line at Crawfish Springs, and next day
took an active part in the cavalry movement on the extreme right
of our line during the battle of Chicamauga. In the afternoon
they moved towards Chattanooga, followed by the enemy's cav-
alry, and camped in line nine miles from the town. On the 21st,
they were engaged in skirmishing all day, holding their position
until the morning of the 22d, when they were ordered to
Chattanooga, and crossing the river, encamped on its north bank.
BATTLE AT Anderson's gap. 889
On tlie 26th of September, ]\Iajor T. II. Mars resigned, and
Captain !N"atlian Paine was appointed Major.
On the 1st of October, the effective force of the regiment en-
camped with the brigade at Jasper, Tenn. Next day, while on
the march, it was ascertained that the rebel General Wheeler's
command, had burned a Government train near Anderson's Gap.
The First "Wisconsin, then leading the brigade, was ordered for-
ward. Moving with great rapidity the advanced guard of the
regiment under command of Captain Smith, overtook the rebel
rear guard and promptly attacked it. The enemy retreated
steadily, skirmishing constantly with the advance guard 6f the
regiment, which pursued him closely for about two miles, cap-
turing eleven prisoners and liberating a number of our men,
whom the enemy had previously captured. About a mile from
the train, they encountered Martin's brigade, which the advance
engaged and held until the arrival of the main body of the regi-
ment, upon which four companies were dismounted and pushed
forward as skirmishers, a mounted company protecting each
flank, and the remainder of the regiment held within supporting
distance. Advancing in this order, the skirmishers taking ad-
vantage of the nature of the ground, and moving rapidly from
cover to cover, drove the enemy, who sustained a loss of twelve
killed, and a considerable number wounded, a distance of two
miles. Near this point, the enemy, in attempting to form, was
thrown into confusion by the fire of our skirmishers, and at the
proper moment, the reserve charged and scattered his wavering
ranks in the wildest disorder. Thirty-seven of the enemy w^ere
killed and w^ounded, and forty-two made prisoners, the latter
Including a portion of the statf of General Wheeler, who himself
narrowly escaped capture. In this affair, the regiment sustained
a loss of Sergeant Forsyth, of Company D, severely, and three
others slightly wounded. The retreating rebels were pursued
two miles further when the regiment went into bivouac, remain-
ing until the 4th of October, when they joined in pursuit of the
rebel cavalry.
Marching by w^ay of Dunlap across the Cumberland Mountains
they reached McMinnville, from whence they proceeded by w\ay
of Rogersville and Athens, to Huntsville, Ala., and on the even-
ing of the 13th, took part in the skirmish at Maysville, with a
890 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
portion of tbe force of General Ulioddj, whom thej pursued next
day in the direction of Lamb's Ferry. On the 16th they marched
to Salem, and next day encamped near Winchester, where they
remained until the 20th of November, at which date they moved
to Murfreesboro, Tenn. From this point, they moved by the
way of Crab Orchard Gap into East Tennessee, and arrived on
the 16th of December, at Knoxville. They continued their march
by way of Strawberry Plains, to ISTew Market, where slight skir-
mishing with the enemy took place on the 23d. During the
night, Captain Ilarnden, with Company L, forced back the rebel
pickets, and on the following day the regiment, under the com-
mand of Major Torrey, took part in a severe engagement in
which the rebels were driven across Mossy Creek. They parti-
cipated in several other engagements in this vicinity, successfully
resisting the enemy's attempts to establish his line beyond the
sti'eam.
The casualities as reported, were:
Killed. — Omnpany i?— Private Jasper Talbot. Coinpany i— Private Chatham Crook — 2.
Wounded.— a)mi3an2/ 2,— Private B. Shook and L. Stewart— 2.
On the I4th of January, 1864, they marched to and encamped
near Daudridge, and were engaged next day with the enemy,losing
one man wounded. In the action of the 17th, the enemy was at
first forced back, but being assailed subsequently by greatly supe-
rior numbers, our regiment was compelled to retire. Captain
La Grange, Company D, was mortally wounded.
The casualities as offiicially reported :
Killed or Died of Wounds.- Company G?— Privates James Clark and J. C. BraU.
Company i>— Captain W. W. La Grange. Company J5— Private Arthur Morgan— i.
Wounded.— CoiJipany ^—Corporal H. S. Chase and Private Charles R. Dodge. Company
.B— Sergeant N. B'ields. Company C— Privates James Seaton and Edward Dwyer.
Company J"— Private Horace G. Stockton. Company G'— Lieutenant William Langdon
and Private Patrick Moran. Company i3— Sergeant Clement H. Stocklaud and Cor-
poral Phillip Dolan. Company i— Private William Sherman. Compojxy A'— Private
Lewis Kress. Company ilf- Sergeant Henry G. Hubbard and Private W. Otter— 14.
Missing, 16.
Eli Braid, of Company L, died of wounds, January 17th, 1864.
During the night they marched towards Knoxville, through
which they passed on the I9th, encamping on the Sevierville
road. On the 2d of January, Major Torrey, was sent to Kash-
ville to procure horses, and Major N. Payne was left in command
BATTLE NEAR VARNELL'S STATION. 891
of the regiment. From the 21st of January, 1864, to March 12th,
the regiment remained in East Tennessee, engaged in scouting
duty, being stationed at different times at Sevierville, Marysville,
Motley's Ford and Madisonville.
Lieutenant Colonel Pomeroy having resigned on the 11th of
February, Major William Torrey was commissioned Lieutenant
Colonel, on the 1st of March.
George E. Cardeman, of Company E, and Albert L. Ilinman
and William Slater, are reported as dying of wounds April 14th,
1864.
The regiment on the 12th of March, encamped at Cleveland,
Tenn., where their numbers were augmented on the 26th, by the
arrival of Lieutenant Colonel Torrey, with three hundred and
lifty-four recruits, and fifty-six returned convalescents, increasing
the aggregate strength of the regiment to one thousand and fifty-
eight. Lieutenant Colonel Torrey took command of the regi-
ment. While stationed here, details fi'om the regiment were
constantly emploj^ed in scouting parties, from which small num-
bers were frequently captured by the enemy. On the 11th of
April, a picket post was surprised, and Lieutenant Caldwell, and
nineteen men of Company L, were captured.
At the commencement of the Atlanta campaign, the regiment,
commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Torrey, moving with the
Second Brigade, Colonel La Grange commanding, of the First
CavalryDivision, left Cleveland, Tenn., on the 3d of May, and
skirmishing constantly on the advance, arrived on the 7th, at
Yarnell's Station, Ga., on the Cleveland and Dalton Railroad, ten
miles from the latter place A. J. Keller, of Company E, was
killed on the 3d of May. On the 9th of May, Colonel La Grange
was ordered, with the Second Brigade, to develope the strength
of the enemy on the railroad, three miles south of Varnell's. It
was found that nearly the entire command of General Wheeler,
supported by a division of infantry, occupied a strong position,
and after a severe engagement, the brigade returned to Varnell's.
In this affair, our regiment lost; Colonel La Grange, Captain
G. 0. Clinton and Lieutenant Sandon, captured by the enemy.
The latter officer was also wounded. Major Paine was badly
injured by a fall from his horse and Lieutenants Warren and
Crocker were wounded.
892 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
The following partial list of casualties we find reported :
Killed. — Company C— Private Ichabod Howland. Company F — Corporal Elihu
Newton. Company G — Private Josepli Gesser, Cmnpany H — Sergeant Samuel M.
Greenwood. Company L — Private George H. Weaver — 5.
Wounded.— CbTOiJa?!2/ ^ — Saddler George Bailey. Company J)— Lieutenants James
Crocker and John W. Warren, Privates George W. Bowers, Frederick Davely and
Charles Rothe. Company E— Sergeant Charles Russell, Privates Williana Dent, Hiram
G.Walker and Alden Youngman. Company i^— Sergt. Peter Schlick, Privates Anthony
Chesner, Caspar F. Knowles, George W. Thompson, Geo. W. Lord and Bethiel Bentley.
Company I— Private John Downey. Company K— Privates Thomas J. Lynch, George
Potter and J. L. Stevens — 20.
Missing. — Company B — Captain George O. Clinton, Corporal John Skeels, Privates D.
E. Bates, Edgar W. Baldwin and H. K. Foot. Company E — Corporal Stephen D. Hall,
Privates D. Appleton, John Hart, Bailey Butchins, Charles Kelleps, Thomas Lynch,
William Negas, William Moel, Philo D. Payson, Eddress G. "Van Scoter, James Van
Doi'en, Alfred Wright and Nelson Fettemore. Company G— Lieut. Wm. Sandon — 18.
Jared L. Stevens, of Company L, died of wounds, July 12tli,
1864.
At the battle of Resaca on the 15th, the regiment occupied the
extreme left and had four men severely wounded, as follows :
Company ^ —Privates Nelson H. Brown, David N. Bell and Charles A. Ence. Company
I — Private Henry C. Tarbox — 4.
On the 17th, Lieutenant Colonel Torrey went to the rear sick,
and Major Paine assumed Command of the regiment. On the
20th, Major Paine being wounded, and disabled by a fractured
arm, was sent to the hospital, and Captain Harnden, of Company
L, took command of the regiment. On the 21st, the regiment
had a heavy skirmish with the enemy, losing nine men missing.
On the 26th of May, five companies, with a portion of the
Fourth Indiana, charged a brigade of rebel cavalry at Burnt
Hickory, capturing forty-seven prisoners. In this action Captain
Harnden was badly wounded while leading the charge, and Cap-
tain Seaton then took command of the regiment.
The casualties were :
Killed.— Company E— Private James Coddington — 1.
Wounded.— Company L — Captain Harnden, commanding the regiment. Company A —
Private Goodsill A. Foss. Company O— Private Bristol Farnsworth. Ctmipany E—
Private James Johnson. Company I— Private Eli Horton — 5.
On the 1st and 2d of June, they participated, without loss, in
the demonstration on Johnston's right, and on the 4th, a portion
of the regiment drove out a small body of rebels, and occupied
Ackworth. With the brigade, they dislodged the rebel force
holding Big Shanty, on the 6th, and subsequently advanced with
BATTLE NEAR CAMPBELLTOWN. 893
the army to Lost Mountain. On the 1st of Jnly, they marnhed
from Lost Mountain to Howell's Ferry, on the Svveetwater.
With the subsequent advance of the army, they crossed the Chat-
tahoochie on the 22d, William Gerrets, of Company G, is reported
killed on the 23d.
On the 27th, they re-crossed the river as part of General McCook's
force for operations in rear of Atlanta. They again crossed the
Chattahoochie next day, six miles below Campbelltown, where
the regiment was detached from the main body and ordered to
Campbelltown. Two miles east of the place, on the Fairbourn
road, they attacked the advance of the rebel General Armstrong's
division, and after a severe engagement, were compelled to retire
with the loss of Major Paine, commanding regiment, killed, and.
Lieutenant Warren, wounded and captured, with nine men killed,
wounded and missing. During the raid, the regiment lost forty
men and officers, reported mostly as missing.
Major Paine was mortally wounded while making a charge.
He fell from his horse saying, "I am shot — forward." He fell
into the hands of the enemy and was taken to a house near by
where he died.
Major Paine was a brave and efficient officer, and a thorough
gentleman.
Lieutenant Colonel William H. Torrey, who was then in com-
mand of the brigade, was killed on the 30th of July. To Colonel
Torrey great credit is due for so disciplining the regiment as to
make it one of the best cavalry regiments in the service. He
was one of the bravest of officers, and his fall w\as deeply felt by
the brigade which he commanded. In the regiment the deaths
of Colonel Torrey and Major Paine, were greatly lamented.
Corporal J. T. Parsons and Private Ellis Brown, of Company
C, were reported killed.
Acting as guard to the pontoon train and battery, they returned
on the 31st, to Marietta, ten miles south of which place, they
were afterwards stationed to cover the return of stragglers from
General McCook's command, until the 7th of August, when they
received marching orders. On the 12th, they arrived at Carters-
ville, where they remained, employed in forage and scout duty,
until the 17th of October, when they again marched, arriving on
the 19th, at Calhoun. While at Calhoun, the whole available
894 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIlSr.
force of the regiment was constantly engaged in scouting and
foraging, losing a number of men by tlie guerillas. Here the
escort of a wagon train, commanded by Major Harnden, whilst
foraging on Pine Log Creek, was fiercely attacked by a band of
guerillas, who were thoroughly routed, and the band broken up.
They left Calhoun on the 4th of November, when they were
ordered to Louisville, Ky. Here the regiment lay in camp being
reorganized, remounted and rearmed with improved weapons,
until on the 4tli of December, under the command of Major
Harnden, they set out in the directionoflSTasliville, then besieged
by the rebel forces under General Hood. Upon arriving at Bov/1-
ing Green, on the 12th, the regiment accompanied the movement
of the Second and Third Brigades, which were ordered to pro-
ceed by forced march to Hopkinsville, where a force of the enemy
was reported 2,000 strong, consisting of cavalry and artillery,
under command of General Lyon. They arrived in front of
Hopkinsville on the 15th, and next morning drove the enemy
from the town, capturing two pieces of artillery and fifteen
prisoners. Our regiment lost five men wounded :
'WovNDETy.— Company E — Privates William H. Minnick, Henry S. Birch and James
Higgs. Ctompa?!,)/ i^— Private J. B. Ayres. Cb«)f>a/iv!/ ^—Private Jervis B.Miller — 5.
They then pursued the enemy to Elizabethtown, overtaking
about 400 of General Lyon's force at that point. Colonel La
■ Grange, with twenty men of the regiment, at once charged upon
the rebels, capturing eleven prisoners, when the pursuit was
abandoned.
The campaign being closed, the regiment finally went into
winter quarters at "Waterloo, Ala., where they remained until the
10th of March, 1865, when they moved across the Tennessee River
to Chickasaw, and on the 22d of March, took up their line of
march for the interior of Alabama, and crossing the Black
Warrior River at Jasper, on the 31st, arrived at Montavallo.
On the 6th of January, 1865, Major Harnden was commissioned
Lieutenant Colonel, and Captains Shipman and Howland, Ma-
jors, and on the 25th of February, Captain ISTewton Jones was
commissioned Major.
On the 1st of April, the Second Brigade was detached from
the main column, and ordered to move to the right. One bat-
talion of the regiment, under command of Major Shipman,
BATTLE NEAR MONTGOMERY, ALA. 895
moved forward in advance to Centreville, where they put to flight
a small force of the enemy, capturing fifteen prisoners. Upon
heing joined by the balance of the brigade, they crossed the Ca-
hawba River at Oentreville, and bivouacked for the night at
Scottsville, having marched upwards of forty miles during the
day. Earl}^ next morning they encountered Jackson's division
of rebel cavahy, and after a severe engagement, lasting two
hours, during which, Thomas H. Deming, of Company E, w^as
killed, and two captured, they fell back towards Selma. They
subsequently marched in various directions a distance of nearly
two hundred miles, and on the 6th, arrived at Selma, where they
rejoined the main column and remained two days. Crossing the
Alabama, on the evening of the 9th of April, the brigade leading
the marching column, had advanced about five miles from the
river, when they met the enemy, and a running fight commenced
in which the rebels were rapidly driven back, over a distance of
about twenty-five miles, the brigade entering Lowndesboro at
dusk. On the evening of the 12th, they occupied Montgomery,
which was surrendered to the brigade, and continuing the march
had advanced but two miles from the capitol, when they were
fired upon. The First AVisconsin, and Seventh Kentucky, were
then detached from the brigade and attacked the rebels, who had
erected barricades about two miles apart. In the running fight
which occurred as the rebels withdrew in their front from one
barricade to another, the First Wisconsin was the only regiment
actually engaged, and caj»tured one hundred prisoners, sustaining
a loss of one killed and five wounded.
The following casualties on the 14th, w^ere reported by Lieut.
Waterman :
Killed.— Company C— Sergeant Wm. A. Carson and Pi-iv,ate George Condinian — 2.
Wounded.— Company A — Private Andrew J. Pearson. Company E— Sergeant Edward
Culver. Company F—Vrvvale Carl G. Metzner. Company L — Second Lieutenant J. L,
Ackley, First Sergeant Walter Carpenter, Corporal D. B. Turner and Wm. Taunton — 7.
Passing through Tuskegee and Auburn, they reached West
Point, Ga., at noon on the 16th of April. The brigade imme-
diately assaulted and captured Fort Tyler at this place, with its
garrison of two hundred men. Our regiment, dismounted, carried
one side of the fort. They were the first to cross the ditch, and
for twenty minutes, lay on the embankment within ten feet of
896 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the enemy waiting for the other regiments assigned to the attack
to attain position. At the appointed signal, they sprang up,
when the garrison displayed the white flag. Loss, seven killed,
including Lieutenant Yosburg, and fourteen wounded, including
Lieutenant Colonel Harnden, slightly.
The following casualties at West Point on the 16th of April,
were reported by Lieutenant Waterman, Adjutant of the
regiment :
Killed.— Cowpany ^ — First Lieutenant Sheldon E. Vosburg, Privates Washington
Dolph, Godfrey Gurgis and Valentine Brant. Company iT— Privates Edgar Wyman and
Jolin Furgnson — 6.
Wounded.— i<'(e/d0^cer — Lieutenant Colonel Henry Harnden. Company A — ^er-
geant Cliarles R. Dodge, Privates Jeremy H. Smith and Lewis Clark. Company B —
Private I. B. Jackson. Company C-— Corporal James T. Lyons, Privates William Bond,
William Meliring and Herbert Fassbinder. Company D — Sergeant J. L. Fredericks and
Private Edward Weldon. Cmnpany II— Sergeants Josiah T. Foster and Azram Knapp.
Company 3/— Sergeant N. L. White and Corporal William Grassman — 15.
Sergeant Farrell, of Company K, was the first man to enter
the fort. On the 17th, they crossed the Chattahoochie at West
Point, and on the morning of the 21st, arrived at Macon, Ga.,
where they went into camp.
General Wilson, in his report, speaks highly of Lieutenant Col-
onel Harnden's management of the regiment, and recommended
him for promotion.
The last active duty which this regiment was called upon to
perform in the closing scenes of the rebellion, has already become
historic by its association with the capture of Jefi'erson Davis,
President of the so called Southern Confederacy.
In compliance with orders from the division commander, a
detachment of 150 men of the First Wisconsin, under command
of Lieutenant Colonel Harnden, left Macon on the evening of
the 6th of May, and proceeding by way of Jeifersonville, in
Twiggs County, where Lieutenant Hewitt, with thirty men, was
detached to guard the cross roads, reached Dublin, in Lawrence
County, fiftj^-five miles from Macon, on the evening of the fol-
lowing day, and encamped near the ferry across the Oconee
River. At Dublin, Lieutenant Colonel Harnden ascertained that
a train of light wagons and ambulances, with a number of led
horses, had crossed the ferry during the day, taking the Jackson
road, and subsequently learned that Davis and his wife were with
the train. Leaving Lieutenant Lane, with forty-five men, to
PURSUIT OF JEFF. DAVIS. 897
guard the ferry and patrol the roads, the balance of the detach-
ment started in pursuit at daybreak on the 8th, and on reaching
Turkey Creek Bridge, learned the exact course the train had
taken, and pushed forward, under the direction of a guide, to
the site of their camp of the previous night, between the forks
of Alligator Creek. At this point they were but four hours
behind the train, and after feeding the horses, the pursuit was
resumed, across the main Alligator Creek, and through a swamp,
to Gum Swamp Creek, in Pulaski County, where the trail
became too indistinct to follow in the darkness, and the detach-
ment bivouacked for the night. Next morning they were again
in motion at three o'clock, and crossing Sugar and Cypress
Creeks, proceeded to the Ocmulgee Eiver, the bank of which they
followed, in the dense swamp, to Brown's Ferry. Here an acci-
dent to the ferry boat, caused a delay of two hours in crossing
the river, after which they pushed forward to Abbeville, which
place the train had left at ten, in the morning, taking the road
to Irwinville, in Irwin County. Promptly dispatching his com-
mand in that direction, Lieutenant Colonel Ilarnden went to
meet Colonel Pritchard, of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, who
was in the vicinity, and whom he informed of the proximity of
the train which he had pursued for such a distance, and that his
command had gone forward in pursuit. Declining his oiFer of
additional force, on account of the difficulty of procuring forage,
Lieutenant Colonel Harnden left Colonel Pritchard at Abbeville,
to which place he had been ordered, and moving rapidly forward,
rejoined his command, which, about ten miles from the town,
discovered the camping ground of the train, so recently left that
the fires had not yet been extinguished. Colonel Ilarnden con-
tinued the pursuit through the pine woods, until nine in the
evening, when, feeling certain that the train was close at hand,
and that an attack in the darkness might afford an opportunity
for some of the party to escape, he halted his command, with
orders to be ready for an early start. At three in the morning
of the 10th of May, he again gave the order to move forward.
The command had proceeded about a mile, when the advance
guard, commanded by Sergeant Hussey, was ordered to halt, by
a party of men partly concealed behind trees. Supposing he had
run upon the rebel pickets. Sergeant Hussey attempted to. retreat,
57
898 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
when a heavy volley was fired upon the party, woundiug three
out of his seven men. Colonel Ilarnden then moved forward a
squad of ten men, who were met with a similar volley, whereupon
he deployed his whole force, and advanced rapidly, driving hack
the opposing force, one of whom was captured, proving to he a
member of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, under command of
Colonel Pritchard. All firing of course ceased, and upon expla-
nation, it was shown that Colonel Pritchard, after his interview
with Lieutenant Colonel Harnden at Abbeville, had selected a
number of his best mounted men, pushed rapidly forward on the
run, and thence by way of House Creek, back to Irwinville,
which he reached before the arrival of the train. He had then
sent a small force, dismounted, around to the rear of the train,
and as he moved upon it with his principal force from the Irwin-
ville side. Lieutenant Colonel Harnden encountered his dis-
mounted men, as above related. While this unfortunate collision
was in progress, a portion of Colonel Pritchard's force captured
the train. In this afifair our regiment lost three severely, and
several slightly wounded.
The reward offered for the capture of Jeff. Davis will probably
be divided, by the War Department, between the forces of
Lieutenant Colonel Haruden and Colonel Pritchard. Colonel
"Wilson, commander of the cavalry corps, in a letter, says:
Lieutenant Colonel Harnden is entitled to an equal share of the credit for the capture
of Jeff. Davis, and is in no way responsible for the unfortunate collision which occurred.
Lieutenant Colonel Harnden then returned as rapidly as possible
to Macon, where he reentered camp on the 13th of May.
The regiment left Macon, Ga., on the 6th of May, and marching
northward, by way of Forsyth, Dalton and Ringgold, arrived on
the 2d of June, at Chattanooga, Tenn., from which they resumed
the march on the 7th, encamping on the 15th at Edgefield, Tenn.,
opposite ISTashville. At this place, the First Wisconsin Cavalry
was mustered out of service on the 19th of July, and shortly
afterwards, paid and disbanded.
After the regiment went to Tennessee, Colonel La Grange was
almost constantly in command of a brigade, and distinguished
himself in several brilliant actions, and gained the reputation of
MUSTERED OUT. 899
being one of tlie very best cavalry officers in the service, and was
brevctted Brigadier General on tlie 13th. of March, 1865.
Lieutenant Colonel Ilarnden was brevetted Colonel, and
afterwards Brigadier General, and Major Shipman, Lieutenant
Colonel and Colonel.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,124. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 295, in 1864, 597, in 1865, 164; substitutes, 83;
by draft in 1863, 202, in 1864, 76; veteran reenlistments, 61;
total, 2,602. Loss— by death^ 366 ; deserted, 91 ; transferred, 67;
discharged, 634 ; mustered out, 1,444,
OHAPTEE LI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— SECOND CAVALRY.
Regimental Roster — Move to St. Louis — To Springfield — First
Battalion Sent to Cassville — Second and Third Battalions
March through Arkansas — At Helena — Memphis — Snyder's
Bluff — On Big Black River — Battle of Jackson — Expedition
to Canton — At Redbone Church — Fight near Yazoo City —
Move to Memphis — Move to Texas — Muster out — Return
Home — Statistics.
THE organization of tlie Second Cavalry was authorized by the
War Department, in the Fall of .1861, as an " independent
acceptance," but was finally tui-ned over to the State authorities,
under a general order revoking all power for the raising of volun-
teer regiments independent of the State. The regiment was
recruited and organized under the superintendence of Colonel
Cadwallader C.Washburn, at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, and
the muster of the last company into the United States service
was completed March 12th, 1862, fully organizing the regiment
Under orders, they left the State on the 24th of March for St.
Louis, Mo., with the following regimental roster:
CoLONEi.— cadwallader C.WASHBURN.
lAeutenant Cotonei — Thomas Stephens ; Majors— First BaUaUon,WiL.TJiAt,i H. MiiiLEE;
Second Battalion, H. Eugene Eastman; Third Battalion, Levi Sterling; Adjutant—
William H. Mobgan ; QuartermaMer—QEO. C. Russeli, ; Commissary — J ames B. Brad-
ford ; Battalion Adjutants— First Battalion, Horatio H. Virgin ; Second Battalion— OIuIYEB.
Gibes; TMrd £a«aKon, Benjamin S. Brisbane; Battalion Quai-termaslers — First Bat-
talion, Charles K. Cox; Secmid Battalion, W 11.1^1 am. Bones; Third Battalion, Sam' Ij'E.
RxjNDLE; Surgeon — Clark G. Pease ; First Assistant Surgeon — Alexander McBean;
Second Assistant Surgeon — MoSES P. Hanson ; Cfiaplain — Rev. Wm. H. Brisbane.
MOVE TO MISSOURI.
901
Ct>. Capiains.
A — William M'oods,
B— Albert W. Bishop,
C — Reuben R.Wood,
D— George F. Hartwell,
E — George N. Ricliiuond,
F— Charles ^i. Palmer,
G— Nicholas H. Dale,
H— Henry Von Heyde,
I — Edward D. Luxton,
K — Fred.W. Hutchins,
L — Arthur M. Sherman,
M— Nathaniel Parker.
First Lieutenants.
Napoleon Boardman,'
John Whytock,
IMyron W. Wood,
Joseph H. Burnell,
Wallace Smith,
Roswell R. Hamilton,
James P.Walls,
Aloys Klaus,
George W. Ring,
Edson Williams,
Israel B. Burbank,
Freeman A. Kimball.
Second Lieutenant .
Henry Decker,
Thomas La Flesh,
Daniel L, Riley,
Daniel Mears,
Joseph P. Dean,
Newton De Forrest,
Edwin Skewes,
Peter Howen Lutern,
William H. Brisbane,
Porter M. Roundy,
Thomas J. Nary,
John C. Metcalf.
Arriving at St. Louis on tlie 26th of Marcli, tliey were fur-
nished with quarters at Benton Barracks, where they drew their
horses, and were fully equipped for the field. On the loth of
Ma\', the first battalion left St. Louis for Jefferson City, Mo.,
followed, on the 19th, by the second'and third battalions. They
remained in this place until the 28th, when they marched, in
three divisions, to Springfield, where the command was concen-
trated on the 9th of June. On the 13th of June, the first battal-
ion, under command of Major Miller, marched to Cassville, Mo.
This battalion remained on duty in Missouri, until September,
1864, when they rejoined the second and third battalions at
Vicksburg.
The second and third battalions, on the 14th of June, 1862,
took up their line of march for Batesville, on White Elver, Ark.,
where they joined the forces of General Curtis, the two battal-
ions having been assigned to a brigade, of which Colonel Wash-
burn had been placed in command. Lieutenant Colonel Stephens
was detached from the regiment, by order of General Brown,
and placed in command of a Camp of Listruction, at Springfield,
Mo., and Major Sterling placed in command of the two battalions
which left Springfield on the 14th, as escort to a train loaded
with rations for General Curtis' army. They marched all night,
reaching Ozark at four o'clock, on the morning of the 15th.
Here Captain Sherman, of Company L, with thirty men, Lieu-
tenant Ring, of Company I, with fifteen men, and Lieutenant
DeForrest, of Company F, with fifteen men, were sent in pursuit
of a party of rebels, under command of the notorious McBride.
Returning in the evening. Captain Sherman reported that he had
overtaken about 150 of the enemy, ten miles out on the Forsj'-th
road, with whom he had a running fight for ten or fifteen miles,
902 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
killing six rebels, capturing three prisoners, some horses and
other property, without any loss on his side. On the next morn-
ing Colonel Washburn joined them with the first battalion of the
Tenth Illinois Cavalry, and they left Ozark and followed the north
bank of the White River, by the most practicable route, to
Batesville. This command was first to follow the march of
General Curtis' army after the battle of Pea Ridge. The road
passed over the spurs of the Ozark Mountains, and in many
places was almost impassable for the heavy trains.
The rebel force, reported 2,600 strong, under Coleman and
Crabtree, hung upon their left flank, and annoyed them greatly,
for 150 miles, but did not make any attack. Scouting parties
were kept out by Colonel Washburn, but no attack was made
upon them. The train extended ten miles, and it required con-
stant vigilance on the part of Colonel Washburn, with his com-
mand of a thousand men, to prevent its capture. When within
twenty miles of Batesville, three messengers, sent by Colonel
Washburn to inform General Curtis of his approach, were fired
upon when two miles from the camp, upon which they returned,
and reported the enemy near. Colonel Washburn, with an ade-
quate force, w^ent in pursuit, but did not find the enemy. In the
afternoon, Lieutenant Ring, of Company I, while out reconnoiter-
ing, had his left arm broken in two places by rebel shots. The
enemy, however, fled. On the 1st of July, learning that General
Curtis' army had left Batesville for Jacksonport, sixty miles
distant, and that the rebels had possession of Batesville, Colonel
Washburn left that town on the right, and reached Jacksonport
on the 4th of July, and joined General Curtis at Augusta on the
6th, having marched 400 miles without the loss of a man, and
having captured 150 prisoners.
On the 5th of June, 1862, Colonel Washburn was appointed
Brigadier General.
On the 8th of July, the Second Cavalry, under command of
Brigadier General Washburn, took part in the battle of Cotton
Plant, and pursued the enemy to Cash River, destroying two ferry
boats, and capturing several prisoners. Moving by way of
Clarendon, they reached Helena on the morning of the 12th of
July.
RAID INTO MISSISSIPPI. 903
On tlie 7tli of August, Lieutenant Colonel Stephens was com-
missioned Colonel of the regiment, vice Colonel Washburn,
promoted. Major Sterling was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel
on the 21st of August. On the 2d of October, Captain Luxton,
of Company I, was promoted to Major of third battalion. The
regiment remained in Helena until January, 1863, engaged in
scouting, and sundry expeditions against the enemy. Amono-
others, in November, together with a cavalry force comprising
2,000 men, under General Washburn, they made a raid into
Mississippi, and succeeded in getting on the enemy's communi-
cations, in the rear of Abbeville, where he was confronting the
forces of General Grant, which were marching southward to get
into the rear of Vicksburg, causing the rebel force to retreat from
their position. The battle of Oakland was fought while on this
raid, the forces of General Washburn driving a brigade of Texas
troops, under General Whitfield, entirely from the field, with
considerable loss. Thomas Welch, of Company I, and Henry C.
Cook, of Company M, are reported as killed at Helena, and Wm.
Bartle, of Company F, as having died of wounds, December
30th, 1862.
Early in February, 1 863, the second and third battalions, under
orders, moved to Memphis, Tenn., and reported for duty to Major
General Hamilton, department commander, and afterwards to
Brigadier General Veatch, commander of the post. Here the
regiment remained during the months of February, March, April
and May, Lieutenant Colonel Sterling commanding. Colonel
Stephens being Chief of Cavalry, commanding Third Brigade.
In April, a detachment of the Second Cavalry, took part in the
action at Coldwater, under command of Colonel Bryant, of the
Twelfth Wisconsin, and did very effective service.
The next morning after Colonel Bryant started, 100 men of
the Second Cavalry, under Major Eastman, followed and over-
took the main force, iust after the battle on the Coldwater, and
returned with them to Hernando, and camped. iN'ext morning a
detachment of the Second Cavalry, under Lieutenant Ei ley, of
Company C, was sent forward to ascertain the whereabouts of
General Smith, who was to cooperate with Colonel Bryant, but
they returned to camp without finding him. They returned
towards Memphis, and, with the whole force, were countermarched
904 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
to the Coldwater. It was ascertained that a large number of
horses and mules were to cross the river, to be sent south. Lieu-
tenant Riley was permitted by Colonel Bryant to attempt their
capture, which he successfully accomplished, obtaining sixty to
seventy head of mules and horses, and a variety of other secesh
property, and returned to camp.
Major General "Washburn, placed in command of all the cav-
alry forces at Memphis, on the 10th of June, received orders to
report to General Grant at Yicksburg. The regiment reported
for duty to General Washburn at Snyder's Bluff, on the Yazoo
River, on the 13th of June. Here they were employed in scout-
ing, up to the 4th of July. On that day the regiment moved to
the forks of Deer Creek and Big Black River. On their way,
they received the information that Vicksburg had surrendered,
which caused great satisfaction in the regiment. On the 6th, they
joined Colonel Bussy's command, and moved up the river, and
on the 7th, under orders, marched with the other forces of Gen-
eral Sherman to Jackson, Miss. Johnston's forces disputed their
advance, and on the 8th, the Second Cavalry, being in the
advance, had a sharp skirmish with the enemy, near Clinton.
The fire was so severe that Colonel Stephens was ordered to fall
back and remain in the woods until daylight the next morning.
On the following day, the enemy continued to contest their pro-
gress. On the 9th, they reached the vicinity of Jackson, where
the Second Cavalry went into camp near the Insane Asylum,
three miles from the city. On the morning of the 11th, the
entire cavalry force of the left wing, under Colonel Bussy, pro-
ceeded towards the city of Canton, destroying the railroad track,
and demolishing station houses, until they arrived within a mile
and a half of Canton.
Here the entire force was ordered in another direction, and on
the 14th, went into camp near Jackson, where the men and
horses rested until the 18th, when they were again ordered to
Canton, with an additional force of four pieces of ordnance and
3,000 infantry. The Second Wisconsin Cavalry was in advance,
engaged in skirmishing, which continued until within two miles
of Canton, where the enemy was found in great force. Filing te
the right of the road, they formed a line of battle in a large field
BATTLE OF JACKSON. 905
The enemy, finding that the force consisted of infantry and artil-
lery, besides cavalry, retired towards the town, burned the two
bridges, and attempted to prevent their being rebuilt. They
were, however, taken possession of, and made passable. During
the night, the rebels burned the railroad buildings, with all their
supplies, and evacuated the town, our force entering it the next
morning.
Major Eastman was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel on the
1st of April, and Captain Wm. Woods commissioned Major of
the second battalion.
After scouring the surrounding country in search of the enemy,
they left Canton, and on the morning of the 17th, reported to
General Sherman at Jackson. On the 20th, they entered the city
of Jackson. On the 21st, they moved towards Vicksburg, in the
rear of Sherman's army, and on the 26th, went into camp near
General Sherman's headquarters, where they remained until the
latter part of August, and were ordered to Redbone Church,
twelve miles from Yicksburg, where they remained in camp until
about the first of September, when they moved nearer Vicksburg,
to a more healthy locality.
On the 12th of June, Lieutenant Colonel Sterling resigned,
and Major Miller was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, and
Captain 'N. H. Dale was commissioned Major of the first battalion.
In September, Colonel Stephens and Lieutenant "Wagner were
ordered to Wisconsin on recruiting service. On the 11th of
E'ovember, 1863, Lieutenant Colonel Miller was dismissed the
service.
We find the following list of killed, at Redbone Church, in the
records of the Adjutant General:
KiiiLED.— Company B — Corporals Charlps B. Lafflin and Thomas McRae. Company E
— Private William Payne. Cmnpany i?'— Private H. F. Decker, Company i — Private
William H. Vasey — 5.
The regiment remained on duty during the winter of 1863 and
'64, at Redbone Church, under command of Major Eastman.
Colonel Stephens returned from Wisconsin in March, 1864, with
a large number of recruits, reported to General McPherson at
Vicksburg, and on the 22d, rejoined the regiment at Redbone
Church. On the 23d, Major Eastman and Major Richmond
906 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
returned to Wisconsin with the veterans, on veteran furlough.
Colonel Stephens and the other officers remained in camp to
drill the recruits, during the absence of the veterans. Scouting
parties were sent out daily, and many men were lost by the fire
of their bushwhacking enemy.
On the 1st of April, 1864, Major Eastman was commissioned
Lieutenant Colonel. On the 27th of April, 1864, the regi-
ment moved to Vicksburg, and on the 11th of May, the vet-
erans returned from Wisconsin. Colonel Stephens was placed
in command of all the cavalry regiments at that post, and Major
Richmond took command of the regiment.
The first battalion, under Major Miller, which remained in
Missouri, in 1862," consisted of Company A, Captain William
Woods, Company D, Captain Burnell, Company G, Captain
Dale, and Company K, Captain Hutchins. We find but little on
the records, showing the history of this battalion. Company A
was retained by General Brown at Springfield, as a body guard,
and on the 10th of June, companies G and K, under command
of Major Miller, moved to Cassville, and reported to Colonel
Julius White, in command of the post. Here they remained
until the 1st of August, engaged in scouting in southwestern
Missouri and northwestern Arkansas. On the 1st of September,
the battalion returned to Springfield, where it acted as General
Brown's body guard until the lOtli of November, when they were
detached, and assigned to the First Brigade, of the Third Divis-
ion, of General Herron. The battalion took part in the forced
march of General Herron to the aid of General Blunt, and was
sent forward to General Blunt with the other cavalry of General
Herron, and participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, with
General Blunt's forces, without sustaining any loss.
The battalion remained in connection with the command of
General Herron until the 16th of April, when they were assigned
to duty as the escort of General Orme. The Adjutant General's
office aftbrcls no data or information in regard to the movements
of the first battalion while in Missouri, except the record of
casualties in a skirmish at Lane's Prairie, on the 26th of May,
1864, as follows :
'Kiz.T.^D.— Co7npanp ^—Privates Patrick [Garrity and Daniel Males. Company K~
Sergeant LeGrand Carter, Privates James H. Mosher and Edward Mowlett —5.
BATTLE NEAR YAZOO CITT. 907
The battalion remained on duty in Missouri, mostly in the
vicinity of Rolla and Springfield, engaged in guarding traius and
scouting through the surrounding country, until September, 1864,
when they rejoined the regiment at Vicksburg. The regiment
remained in the vicinity of Vicksburg, sending out scouting par-
ties in the direction of Big Black River. On the 14th of July,
1864, Lieutenant Colonel Eastman was dismissed the service,
and Major Dale was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the
regiment. Corporal llsTathan L. Bebee is reported killed at
Clinton, July 13th, 1864.
During the months of October, N"ovember and December, the
regiment was engaged in heavy scouting duty.
By special order 'No. 402, dated November 17th, 1864, Colonel
Stephens and Major Gr. ]^. Richmond were dismissed the service.
By special order No. 35, January 23d, 1865, so much of special
order No. 402, of November 17th, 1864, as related to Colonel
Stephens, was suspended, and he was ordered to report to General
Dana for trial by court martial. What further proceedings were
had we are not informed. Colonel Stephens was mustered out
of service in July, 1865.
Lieutenant Colonel Dale, with 250 men of the Second Cavalry,
on the 2d of December, 1864, encountered a large body of the
enemy on the Vicksburg road, near Yazoo City. After fight-
ing some time, the enemy appeared in such numbers as to
outflank the force of Lieutenant Colonel Dale. After twice
repelling the- charges of the enemy. Dale's forces were with-
drawn, the Lieutenant Colonel being wounded in the ankle.
The casualties, as published, were :
Killed.— Company i— Pi-ivates Joshua T. Tliompson and George Gray— 2.
Wounded.— i^f'eW Q^eer— Lieutenant Colonel N. H.Dale. Ccmipany C—Trivates A.
M. Parker and Richard Ladd. Compant/F— Privates Ira Burton, Stuart Craig and Wni.
Noble. Company ^ I— Lieutenant Tiukham, Private Amos Sperry. Company L — Private
AntonZittel — 8.
Twenty-seven were reported as taken prisoners.
On the 8th of December, the regiment moved up the river to
Memphis, where they were engaged in scouting, under General
Grierson, and other commanders, up to the last of April, Avhen
they were put upon the duty of guarding citizens from depreda-
tions of returned rebel soldiers and bushwhackers. They were
engaged in this duty until, in June, they were ordered to report
to General Sheridan, at Alexandria, La.
908 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
J. H. Sigsby, of Company A, died of wounds at Vicksbnrg,
April 9th, 1865. *
On the 3d of July, Colonel Stephens, and the officers and men
whose term expired on or before the Ist of October, 1865, were
mustered out, embracing about 200 men.
In compliance with orders, the last of the regiment moved
from Memphis to Alexandria on the 3d of July, under commanr)
of Lieutenant Colonel Dale. At Alexandria the regiment was
assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Cavalry Division. They
left Alexandria on the 8th of August, 1865, crossed the Sabine
River at Burr's Ferry, and proceeded by wayof Jaspar, Liv-
ingston and Swartwout, to Trinity River, thence through Danville
and Montgomery, to Hampstead, Texas, arriving there on the
26th, after a march of 310 miles in nineteen days, through a poor
country, where men and animals suffered for rations and forage.
Here they were employed in drilliug and camp duty, and on the
30th of October, they commenced their march to Austin, where
they arrived on the 4th of November. Here they were mustered
out on the 15th, and on the 17th, set out for home, marching on
foot to Brennan, 100 miles, thence by steamers and rail, by the
way of New Orleans and Cairo, arriving at Madison on the 11th
of December, and were paid off and disbanded.
While in Texas, an unhappy difficulty is said to have arisen,
by which Lieutenant Colonel Dale caused the arrest of several of
the officers and men of the regiment, for an alleged refusal to
obey his orders. We know so little of the character of this
affair, that we do not feel authorized to place it on the record as
a matter of history.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,127. Gain — by
recruits in 1863, 137, in 1864, 630, in 1865, 212; substitutes, 18;
by draft in 1865, 1; veteran reenlistments, 61; total, 2,510. Loss
— by death, 271; missing, 5; deserted, 103; transferred, 33;
discharged, 557 ; mustered out, 1,541.
OHAPTEE LIl.
' REGIMENTAL HISTORY— THIRD CAVALRY.
Kegimental Roster — Move to St. Louis — To Leavenworth City
— On Duty in Kansas — Major Henning at Fort Scott — Regi-
ment Joins Salomon's Brigade — At Battu: of Cane Hill —
Prairie Grove — Fight at Fort Gibson — Honey Springs — Cabin
Creek — Massacre at Baxter Springs — On Veteran Furlough —
Return to Little Rock — Regiment Reorganized — On Duty in
Arkansas — Missouri and Kansas — Ordered to Leavenworth
City — Muster out — Return Home — Statistics.
THE Third Cavalry was recruited and organized by Colonel
William A. Barstow, by authority of the "War Department,
and was mustered into the United States service at Camp Barstow,
Janesville, the muster of the last company being completed on
the 31st of January, 1862, the regiment left the State on the 26th
of March, to report at St. Louis. The following was the roster
of the regiment :
Colonel— WILLIAM A. BARSTOW.
Lieutenant Colonel — Richard H.White; Majois — First Battalion, Elias A. Calkins;
Second Saltation, Benjamin S. Henning ; Third Battalia)), John C. Schkoeling ; Adju-
tant— Henry Sandes; Qtiurtermaster — AsaW. Fark; Commissary — Francis Quarles ;
Battalion Adjutants — First Battalion, John D.Welch; Secmid JSa««?(OM, William H.
Thomas ; Thii-d Battalion, Charles L. Noggle ; Battalion Qiiartei-masters— First Battalion,
Isaac Woodle; Secmid Battalion, Francis Quarles; Third Battalion, Augustus O.
Hall ; Surgeon — Benoni O. Reynolds ; First Assistant Surgeon — William H.W^arner ;
Second Assistant Surgeon — Joseph S. Lane; Chaplain — Rev. Hiram W. Beers.
Co. Captains.
A— Jeremiah D. Damon,
B — Alexander F. David,
C —Edward R. Stevens,
D— Leander J. Shaw,
E — Ira Justin, Jr.,
F — David S.Vittum,
G — John P. Moore,
H— Nathan L. Stout,
I — Theodore Conkey,
K— Ernest Off,
L — Tliomas Derry,
M— Henry F, Rouse.
First lAcutenants.
Robert Carpenter,
William Wagner,
Jason Daniels,
Fernando C. Kiser,
Alexander M. Pratt,
Asa Wood,
Hugh Calhoun,
Julius Giesler,
Hudson Bacon,
John P. McDonald,
Charles A. Parry,
W'illiam Schmidt.
Second Lieutenants.
Leonard Moreley,
Lorenzo B. Reed,
James B. Pond,
Byron H. Kilboum,
Leonard House,
C. O. Farris,
Henry Goodsell,
DeWitt C. Brown,
Marshall M. Ehle,
Charles T. Clothier,
James Campbell,
Olai Muser.
910 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIIT.
The regiment took cars at Madison. "When within three miles
of Chicago, four cars were thrown from the track by the breaking
of an axle, by which twelve were killed or drowned, and twenty-
eight wounded. The second car was thrown into a ditch filled
with water, by which seven in the car were drowned. The
following is a list of those who were killed or drowned :
Non-commissioned Staff.— Hospital Steward Elisha Sharp. Company A — Privates Wm.
Davis, Lucian M. Ranger, J. F. Palmer, Caspar Stone, Charles Briggs and Charles D.
Hatch. Cwwpon^/ G— Quartermaster Sergeant L. J. Edwards, Privates Walter Snell,
Wm. Case and E. M. Bemis. Company L — Private Byron Wilcox, died of injuries — 12.
Five or six of those wounded were injured seriously, and were
sent to Camp Douglas Hospital. The remainder were able to go
forward with the regiment.
The regiment proceeded to St. Louis, and was quartered at
Benton Barracks, where they remained until the 3d of May, when
they embarked for Fort Leavenworth, where they were assembled
on the 11th of May. Here they were furnished with horses.
Soon after their arrival. Colonel Barstow was appointed Provost
Marshal General of Kansas, and the regiment was distributed
throughout the state, engaged in provost duty, as follows : —
First Battalion, Major E. A. Calkins, Company A, Captain
Dammon, at Elwood, Donaphan County, Captain Dammon acting
as Deputy Provost Marshal; Company G, Captain Moore, at
Shawneetown, Johnson County ; Company E, Captain Justin, at
the city of Leavenworth; Company L, Captain Derry, near
Aubrey and Cold Water Grove, Johnson County, Captain Derry
acting as Deputy Provost Marshal. The Second Battalion, Major
B. S. Henning, consisting of Company C, Captain Stevens,
Company I, Captain Conkey, Company F, Captain Vittum, and
Company M, Captain Rouse, were sent to Fort Scott, where
Major Henning was appointed Deputy Provost Marshal of the
district. The Third Battalion, Major Schroeling, Company D,
Captain Shaw, at Atchison, Atchison County, Captain Shaw
acting as Deputy Provost Marshal; Company K, Captain Off*,
city of Leavenworth, Company B, Captain David, and Company
H, Captain Stout, at Fort Leavenworth. Major Calkins, of the
First Battalion, was appointed Provost Marshal of Leavenworth
City.
SKIRMISH NEAR MONTEVALLO. 911
The Second Battalion arrived at Fort Scott on tlic ITtli of June,
and Major Henning took command of the post, wliich was then
the extreme outpost of the Union forces. Company I, Captain
Conkey, occupied Carthage, Mo., sixty-five miles from Fort Scott,
to protect the Union people and disperse guerilla hands, and
watch the motions of the enemy in Arkansas. The other com-
panies were engaged in scouting around Fort Scott. Kear the
last of Jul}', Colonel Barstow arrived at Fort Scott, with an
escort of thirty men, on a tour of inspection. Moving towards
Humholdt, it was ascertained that the rehels were concentrating
a large force near Montevallo, Mo., which obliged Colonel Bar-
stow to return to the Fort. The rendezvous of the rebels was at
a place styled " Church in the "Woods." The plan of attack was
made, and Captain Conkey was ordered to march with his com-
mand from Carthage, to cooperate with a detachment of the forces
from Fort Scott to rendezvous near the "Church in the AVoods" on
the night of the 4th of August. Captain Conkey immediately
evacuated Carthage, and with his force augmented by Union
citizens to about 125, set out on the 3d of August, and keeping
in the enemy's rear, discovered that they were encamped at
" Church in the Woods," their strength being about 2,000 men.
Deeming it necessary to inform the approaching troops, Captain
Conkey, before daylight on the 4th, charged directly through the
rebel camp, without loss. He, however, missed Colonel Barstow,
who had taken another road, and with his detachment of 150
men, had proceeded to Montevallo, where he had a sharp skirmish
with the enemy, and soon after fell back to^yard Fort Scott, in
doing which, he was attacked in flank by a large force, which
took four men prisoners, with all the transportation. The whole
force was next day assembled at the Fort, in anticipation of an
attack. Shortly afterwards, General Blunt arrived at the Fort,
when two expeditions were organized for the pursuit of the
enemy. The first set out on the 14th of August, marching in
the direction of Montevallo, companies F and I, of the Third
Wisconsin, forming part of the expedition. An additional force,
under General Blunt, followed next day, Major Henning accom-
panying as volunteer aid to General Blunt. The expedition was
out ten days, during which, the troops were frequently engaged.
Company I acquitted themselves with great bravery in the action
912 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
of Tabarville, their conduct receiving special commendation in
the official report of Colonel Cloud. Tliey all participated in the
action at Coon Creek, where the Union force, numbering 600,
routed 1,500 of the enemy.
The companies of the First and Third battalions were engaged
during the summer on duty at the posts assigned them, and the
companies at LeaA^enworth City, in addition to provost duty,
engaged in various scouting expeditions through the border
counties of Missouri, which were then infested with Quantrell's
guerillas. Josiah Davis, of Company A, was reported as killed
in Kansas, August 31st, 1862.
The First and Third battalions, with the exception of compa-
nies H, Captain Stout, and B, Captain Wagner, left Fort Leav-
enworth for Fort Scott, on the 11th of September, where ten
companies were assembled, and on the 3d of October, two bat-
talions, consisting of six companies, moved from Fort Scott, in
charge of a commissary train and two paymasters, intended for
the supply and payment of the troops in theiield in southwestern
Missouri, marching by way of Carthage, Granby and Sarcoxie,
to Cassville. Here they were attached to General Salomon's
brigade, in the Army of the Frontier. The regiment was under
command of Lieutenant Colonel White and Majors Calkins and
Schroeling, Colonel Barstow being sick at Fort Scott. The regi-
ment accompanied the movements of General Bluut's forces in
the pursuit of Raines, Parsons, etc., finally marching to Camp
Babcock, on Lindsley's Prairie, where they awaited the approach
of General Ilindman. On the 27th of IsTovember, the forces of
General Blunt moved to Cane Hill, and on the 29th, found the
enemy in position. He was vigorously attacked, and thrown into
confusion by a simultaneous charge of the cavalry. The Third
"Wisconsin Cavalry took part in this battle. They remained at
Cane Hill during the night, and the next morning, with Salo-
mon's brigade, moved to Rheas' Mill, nine miles from Cane Hill,
under command of Major Calkins. They accompanied General
Blunt's forces to the assistance of General Herron, and occupied
a position on the right, during the battle of Prairie Grove, most
of the time in the reserve. Robert Armstrong, Company E, died
of wounds at Fayetteville, on the 10th of December, 1862.
BATTLE NEAR FORT BLUNT. 913
After the battle of Prairie Grove, the regiment took part in the
raid of Generals Blunt and Herron, over the Boston Mountains,
to Van Buren, on the Arkansas River. Returning, they counter-
marched by way of White River, and subsequently encamped at
Forsyth, Mo. During this time they were continually engaged
with guerilla parties of the enemy, and the men and horses suf-
fered greatly by the lack of supplies, Martin Van Duzen, Com-
pany I, died of wounds at Spring River, Mo., January 13th, 1863,
and Robert Goodman, Company C, at Fort Scott, January 13th,
1863, and Andrew McCord, of Company M, was killed in
Missouri, on the 30th of March, 1863.
Leaving Forsyth, they marched by way of Yellville, Dubuque
and DesPlains, to Springtield, Mo., where they remained in camp
for some time, in order to allow the regiment to recuperate, hav-
ing been engaged in the preceding months, almost continually,
in scouting and fighting guerillas, in a country nearly devoid of
rations for the men, or forage for the animals. From Springfield
they moved to Salem, and on the 20th of June, proceeded to
Fort Scott, where they arrived on the 5th of July. Companies
B and H, left at Fort Leavenworth in September of 1862, moved
to Fort Scott, and during the month of May, 1863, together with
companies G, I and M, under command of Captain Stout,
marched to Fort Blunt, as escort to the post supply train. Tliey
were attacked on the 30th of May, four miles from the Fort, by
1,500 Texans and Lidians, under the rebel General Cooper, whom
they repulsed with great slaughter, the detachment losing five
men, killed and wounded. Having returned to Fort Scott, they
again, on the 20th of June, took the road for Fort Blunt, forming
part of the escort to a large supply train. The train was attacked
on the 27th, at Cabin Creek, in the Cherokee Xation, by a greatly
superior force of rebels, under command of General Cooper.
The enemy was totally defeated, and driven across the Verdigris
River. Corporal Wm. Page and Azro Mann, of Company II, are
reported as killed at Fort Gibson, May 25th, 1863.
On arriving at Fort Blunt, they were attached to the Third
Brigade, Army of the Frontier, and on the 16th of July, marched
southward, under command of General Blunt. On the 17th,
they took part in the battle of Honey Springs, in which the
rebels, under Generals Cooper and Standwaite, were utterly
58
914 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
routed, with the loss of a large number of prisoners and all their
artillery. On the 19th, the regiment returned to Fort Blunt.
On the 22d of August, they accompanied the army in
another forward movement, in which they were constantly in
advance, and actively engaged in skirmishing and scouting, fol-
lowing the retreating enemy, and capturing large quantities of
stores, and when sixty miles from Red "Kiver, fired the last shot
at the enemy as they evacuated Perryville, which was captured
and burned. John H. May, of Company M, was killed at Honey
Springs, August 24th, 1863.
In the Summer of 1863, Colonel Barstow was detailed on duty
at St. Louis, as President of a Court Martial, and never rejoined
the regiment.
Early in September, Company I returned • to Fort Scott, and
acted as escort to General Blunt. The remainder of the detach-
ment, from the 21st of August to the 6th of October, were con-
stantly engaged in scouting, and in encounters with the guerillas
in the vicinity of Shelbyville, the capitol of the Choctaw nation.
Marching to Van Buren, Ark., on the Arkansas River, on the
6th of October, they were joined by companies E and K, and on
the 16th, made a raid to Waldron, Ark., routing a large force of
the enemy, and on the next day, moved into the Choctaw nation,
and attacked and put to flight a large force of rebel Indians, cap-
turing all their stores, after which they returned to Van Buren.
On the 5th of ISTovember, they moved through the Mulberry
Mountains, to Clarksville. On their way, they encountered the
rebel Colonel Brook, with 1,000 men, whom they drove across
the Arkansas River, after a sharp fight, capturing a large number
of the enemy. They returned to Van Buren on the 12th, and
two days afterwards, with a scouting party, accompanied by
artillery, made a raid to Waldron and Dallas, Ark., where they
captured the rebel Colonel Alexander, with fourteen of his men,
returning to Van Buren on the 22d, where they remained until
February, 1864.
On the 4th of September, 1863, General Blunt left Fort Scott
for Fort Smith, designing to establish district headquarters at
the latter place. He was accompanied by several members of
his staff", among them. Major B. S. Henning, of the Third Cav-
alry, Provost Marshal of the district, and Lieutenant A. W. Farr,
MASSACRE NEAR BAXTER'S SPRINGS. 915
of the same regiment, Judge Advocate, together with the brigade
band, which was composed of Wisconsni men, and the employees
in the different departments of the district headquarters. His
escort consisted of forty men of Company I, Third Wisconsin
Cavahy, under Lieutenant H. D. Bannister, forty-three men of
Company A, Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, under Lieut. Pierce,
the whole escort under command of J. G. Cavart, Third Wis-
consin Cavalry, and a train of eight wagons, transporting the
effects of the district headquarters.
At noon, on the 6th of September, when within a short distance
of a camp- near Baxter's Spring, in the Cherokee Nation, the
command was halted, to permit the train to come up. Soon after,
a column of men was seen coming out of the woods, about eighty
rods to the left, and forming into line. The escort was immedi-
ately formed in line of battle, and the train took up its position
in the rear. A scout soon came in, informing General Blunt that
the force in front, disguised in Federal uniforms, were enemies,
and that an engagement was taking place at the camp of Lieu-
tenant Pond, who was in command at Baxter's Springs. Of the
men comprising the escoi't, twenty were acting as rear guard to
the train, leaving but sixty-five to form the line of battle, and
receive the charge of a force of from 300 to 500 men. The lines
were not more than 200 yards distant. The enemy advanced at
a walk, firing. The men of Company A, Fourteenth Kansas, began
to break, which the enemy perceiving, the charge was ordered,
and the whole rebel line advanced with a shout, at which the
remainder of Company A broke, and could not be rallied. In
the meantime, a full volley was fired by Company I, Third Wis-
consin Cavalry. The enemy, however, continued to advance.
Company I stood, firing their revolvers, till the enemy was within
twenty feet of them, when they turned to escape, but before any
distance could be made, the enemy were in their midst, who shot
down the fleeing men, and murdered such as were merely
wounded. Of the forty men of Company I, who composed part
of the escort, twenty-two were killed, and four were wounded and
left on the field for dead.
During the attack, the band wagon attempted to escape, and
had made about half a mile when one of the wheels came off,
which the enemy perceived, and rushed upon its occupants with
916 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
a yell, and commenced an indiscriminate slaughter of the whole
band. Many of them were shot while in the wagon. The bodies
were gathered and thrown in or under the wagon, which was set
lire to, and many of them were much burned, and otherwise
brutally mutilated.
About the time of the appearance of the enemy on the left, a
fight was going on, on the opposite side of the ridge, a portion of
the rebel band having attacked the position of Lieutenant Pond.
The Lieutenant had sent ofi:* the greater portion of his force, for-
aging, but still made a gallant defense. The enemy, however,
was drawn oif to the attack of General Blunt and his party, and
the Lieutenant prepared himself to meet still further demonstra-
tion from them, not dreaming that a bloody massacre was being
enacted in close proximity to his camp.
After plundering the wagons, and making sure that their
victims were dead, Quantrell and his bloody band left the field.
Major Curtis, Blunt's Assistant Adjutant General, and Lieu-
tenant A. W. Farr, were found dead, evidently murdered in cold
blood. Major Curtis was son of General Curtis, of Iowa, and
was a man of established character for courage and ability.
Lieutenant A. W. Farr, was a lawyer by profession, and was a
resident of Geneva, Walworth County. He was a democrat in
politics, and had represented his district in the legislature. On
the outbreak of the rebellion, being a democrat of the Ben Butler
stamp, he accepted a position where he thought he could be of
service to his country, and in the execution of that trust he lost
his life, stating, but a few days before his death, that it "was not
ambition nor gain that prompted him to enter the army, but only
that he might do his mite towards crushing the rebellion ; that he
did not seek promotion, but was willing to serve where he could
do the most good."
The list of those who were killed at the massacre of Blunt's
command, we find in the Adjutant General's records:
Killed.— Staff 0^«-— Quartermaster j Lieutenant A. W. Farr. Company G — Private
George W. Tice. Company H— Sergeant A. A. Bennett, and Private Ornan Shaver.
Company I— Sergeant Joseph Burlingame, Corporals David Beam, William C. Hopper,
Samuel P. Hart and Robert Pi. Murphy, Privates Henry Bre^«'er, William C. Clark, Jas.
Dimpsey, Stephen V. Gallea, John Ganier, Alfred Green, William M. Gifford, Frank
Galvin, Q. F. Mossinger, Henry A. Pond, Lincoln S. Rice, Marion Rickard, D. Smith,
Francis Van Camp, Abram Woodfall, John C. Wright and John Zahner —26.
Wounded.— Company I— Sergeant J. Splain, Privates A. McCune, F. Arnold and Jesso
Smith — 4.
VETERANS RE-ENLIST. ' 917
The casualties in the brigade band we find given as follows :
Killed.— 7-e«t7e7-, H. Pellagc, T. L. Davis, II. Barlow, F. Rosmanith, F, Balaun, M.
Mumser, N. Nott , T. Lusher, 8. Orvis, F. Simon and J. Frit2 — 11.
During the engagement which Lieutenant Pond had with the
rebels, the following casualties occurred:
Killed.— Owiponj/ C— Privates John Davis, William W. Lloyd, Thomas P. Leath,
Dennis McNary, Abram C. Rokefellow and Philander T. Stimpson —6.
Lieutenant Pond, of Company C, of the Third Cavalry,
received great praise for the manner in which he defended his
position.
On the 26th of October, 1863, Lieutenant Colonel "White was
dismissed the service, and Major E. A. Calkins was commissioned
Lieutenant Colonel on the 29th of December, and Captain Derry,
Major, on the 22d of January, 1864.
The following casualties we find recorded in the Adjutant
General's office:
Killed.— At Choctaw JSTation.— Cto?rif>«r!!/ 5 — First Sergeant C. K. Ely, October 11th,
X863. At Carthage, Mo — Company C— Private S. Howard, December 22d, 186:3. At Balls-
town, Mo,— Company ^—Privates John H. Robinson, July 8th, 1863, and Geo. R. Kelley,
October 10th, 1863. At Clarkesville, Ark.— Company ^—Privates Fred. A. Martin and J.
C. Russel, November 8th, 1863. At Fort Smith,— Company i — Sergeant D. E. Bartram,
September 8th, 1863—7.
Reenlistments commenced in January, 1864, and continued
until three-fourths of the regiment had reenlisted, and on the
30th of March, the regiment moved from Van Buren, and arrived
at Little Rock on the 16th of April, where the veterans were em-
bodied in companies B, E, G, li, I, K and L, and proceeded by
steamer and rail to Madison, Wis., where they spent their thirty
days furlough, reassembled at Madison, and on the 19th of June,
1864, were again in camp at Duvall's Bluff, from whence they
subsequently moved to Huntsville, near Little Pock, where they
were engaged in picket and guard duty, and scouting between
the Arkansas and White Rivers, frequently engaged portions of
Shelby's men, and were also employed as escorts to trains between
Little Rock and Duvall's Bluff. August 28th, a detachment of
104 men, under Major Derry, joined an expedition in pursuit of
918 ' MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
the rebel Shelby's force, from whieb tbey returned, and resumea
picket duty at Little Eock on the 7tb of September. The
regiment subsequently moved to a camp one mile west of Little
Rock.
The other five companies were stationed in Kansas and Mis-
souri. Company A at Ballstown, Company C, at Fort McKean,
Company D at Fort Hamer, Company F at Fort Insley, all in
Missouri, and Company M, at Pawnee, Kansas. Here they were
engaged in scouting, picketing, forage and escort duty.
On the 25th, Major Derry left camp with a detachment of 141
men, as part of an expedition to Fort Smith. They returned to
Little Rock on the 13th of October, 1864, where companies B, E,
G, H, I, K and L remained during the winter, engaged, in
detachments, in scouting, guarding trains, patroling the roads in
the surrounding country, and skirmishing with guerillas and
bushwhackers.
The following list is from the records of the Adjutant General,
reported for 1864 :
Killed ok Died of Wounds.— At Van Bureu, May 17.— Company i — Privates Saml.
H. Castello and Lewi.S'A. McClure. Missouri.— Company C— Private Eugene Hunt, June
16. Company B — Private William Copeland, August 11. At White Oak CreeJi;.— Company
i — Private Alva Hanson, August 11. Company A — Private George W. Carr, September
1. At Clarlisville, Ark.— Company H— Private Wm. Jones, September 28. Company M
First Lieutenant Lorenzo A. Dixon, October 20. Company K— Joseph Bohnard. At Fort
Scott.— Company C— Private George C. Foster, November 21. At Dardanelles, Ark.—
Company J"- Private Riley R. Stillman, January 14, 1865 — 11.
On the 10th of March, 1865, a small detachment, under Captain
Geisler, of Company A, was sent from camp at Little Rock, to
capture a band of guerillas near Clear Lake, about forty miles
distant. Accompanied by the person who gave information as
to the whereabouts of the band, as a guide, they moved forward,
and as they approached a cane brake, the guide gave a signal
and disappeared in the thicket. A volley of musketry assailed
the head of the column, and Captain Geisler fell from his horse,
mortally wounded, with five gun shot wounds in his body, from
which he died next day. The force of Captain Geisler numbered
about forty ; the force of the enemy in ambush was estimated at
200. The detachment returned to Little Rock, and a larger
force of cavalry was sent out to secure the body of Captain
REGIMENT REORGANIZED. 919
Geisler, and capture the guerilla by whose hand he was betrayed
to his death. The casualties in this aflair, as reported by Major
Derry, were :
Killed ok Died of Wounds.— Cmnpany A — Captain Geisler. Company D — Private
Daniel H. Hooper — 2.
Wounded.— Cbmjj«/i.v -D — Corporal Steadman L. Jackson, and Private Wm. Sheltou.
Company E— Private Jacob C. Forty — 3.
Eleven were reported as missing.
February 24th, 1865, Lieutenant Colonel Calkins was mustered
out on expiration of service.
On the 9th of March, 1865, Lieutenant Colonel Derry was
commissioned as Colonel, and Captain Vittum as Lieutenant
Colonel.
On the expiration of the term of seiwice of the original organ-
ization, the regiment, on the 19th of April, 1865, was reorganized,
by order of the General commanding the department. The
companies stationed at Little Rock were consolidated into five
companies. A, B, C, D and E, under command of Major Derry.
The designation of the other companies, stationed in Missouri
and Kansas, was also changed. Company F, at Fort Insley, Mo.,
alone retaining its position. Company M, at Pawnee, Kansas,
became Company G, Company C, at Fort McKean, Mo., became
Company n, Company D, at Fort Hamer, Mo., became Company
I, and Company A, at Fort Curtis, Mo., became Company K.
The battalion at Little Rock, under Colonel Derry, left that
city on the 21st of April, 1865, and proceeded to Duvall's Bluff,
where they remained till the 3d of June, when they proceeded
down "White River and up the Mississippi, to St. Louis, thence
to Rolla by rail, from whence they marched to Springfield, Mo.
Here they remained until the 18th of July, when they took up
their line of march to Fort Leavenworth, reaching there on the
2d of Auofust. Here the battalion was mustered out on the 8th
of September, and returned home, arriving at Madison on the
14th, where they were paid and discharged.
Companies F, H, I and K were mustered out on the 29th of
September, at Fort Leavenworth, and arrived at Madison on the
2d of October. Company L was mustered out at Fort Leaven-
worth on the 23d, and Company G on the 27th, soon after which
they returned home, and were paid off and disbanded.
920 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The varied character of the service in whicli most of the com-
panies of the Third Cavalry were engaged, being stationed at
different points in Missouri and Kansas, makes it exceedingly diffi-
cult to give much of their history, as the reports sent into the
Adjutant General's office are deficient in information as to their
several operations.
Hegimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,186. Gain — by
recruits in 1863, 324, in 1864, 608, in 1865, 30 ; substitutes, 18 ;
reenlistments, 357; total, 2,523. Loss — by death, 215; missing,
9; deserted, 126; transferred, 64; discharged, 418 ; mustered out,
1,691.
i
^ --J'^
^SBTEsit Bhoraviko Co- Chidaoo
^^
COL_ EA_BOARDMATSr_
>R.»yiiD EXPRESSLY POR CLARKE 8. CO. PUBLISHERS.
OHAPTEE LIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FOURTH CAVALRY.
Organized as a Cavalry Regiment — On Scouting Duty — Exploit
OP Lieutenant Earl — Expedition to Rosedale — To Gros de
Tete — Veterans on Furlough — Expedition to Clinton, La. —
Death op Colonel Board man — Earl's Independent Scouts —
Major Crague Captures Clinton — March towards Mobile —
Return to Baton Rouge — Skirmish — March to Mobile — Into
Georgia — Return to Vicksburg — Move to Texas — Still in
Service.
THE change of the Fourth Infantry to the cavalry service re-
quired additional regimental officers. It was accordingly
organized as a cavalry regiment with the following roster :
Colonel — FREDERICK A. BOARDMAN.
Lieutenant Colonel — Joseph Bailey ; Majors — First Battalion, Webster P. Moore ;
Second Battalion, Erastus J. Peck, commissioned March 10, 1864 ; Third Battalion, Geo.
W. DuEGiN, commissioned May 4, 1864 ; Adjuiatit — i^EWTO-s H. Chittenden; Quarter-
master— Charles A. Johns ; Commissary — Theodore W. Gillette.
The surgeons and line officers remained the same as in the
infantry service.
The following were reported as having died of wounds in June
and July :
Company D—Trivsite Stephen Grimmols. Company ^—Privates Francis Duval and
T. D. Taylor. Company 7— J. L. Cliandler — 4.
On the 1st of August, 1863, Lieutenant Colonel Bailey returned
and took command of the regiment, having heen on detached
service as Department Engineer, remaining until the 30th, when
he proceeded to Wisconsin on recruiting service for the regiment.
On the 1st of September, the regiment was fully equipped as
cavalry, and on and after that date, it was known and designated
in the Military Department of the State, as the Fourth Wisconsin
Cavalry.
922 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Major Moore was left in command of tlie regiment until the
24th of September, when Colonel Boardman arrived and took
command. After its organization as cavalry, the Fourth was
actively engaged in scouting, picketing and foraging, principally
in ^lie vicinity of Baton Rouge, but took no part in a pitched
battle. Under orders from the commandant of the post. Colonel
Boardman made a reconnoissance of the country surrounding
■Baton Rouge, crossing the Amite River at a point in advance
of any former movement. By information obtained by this re-
connoissance, Lieutenant Earl, with a small party, captured
seventeen of the enemy including one Colonel and two Captains,
together with their horses and equipments. On the 11th of Oc-
tober, companies F and K, Captain Craigue commanding, were
placed on detached duty, along the left bank of the Mississippi,
from Baton Rouge to opposite Donaldsonville, to prevent trade
in contraband goods, and to protect navigation, telegraphic com-
munication, etc., where they did excellent service, seizing large
quantities of goods intended for the enemy, and capturing eighty-
five rebel soldiers with a loss of eight men taken prisoners, and two
wounded. They also constructed a stockade work for a defence
of their post. During the fall and winter of 1863 and '64, their
operations were chiefly in the country lying between the
Comite, Amite and Mississippi rivers, as far south as Manchac
Pass, being very successful in capturing or routing the enemy.
On the 10th of January, 1864, Lieutenant Earl left camp with
seventeen men on a scouting expedition. Swimming the Comite
River, he surprised a party of fifty rebels at Olive Church, twen-
ty-three miles from Baton Rouge, and gallantly charging upon
them, succeeded in capturing twenty-five men and all the horses.
In endeavoring to return to camp, they fell in with Wirt Adams'
cavalry who greatly outnumbered them. Nothing daunted, Earl
and his men charged furiously upon them, killing and wounding
several, when another force appeared in the rear. Earl was com-
pelled to abandon his prisoners in order that his men might cut
their way through and escape to camp if possible. In attempt-
ting to do so, most of the men had their horses killed, but con-
tinued to fight though overpowered by numbers. Earl losing his
horse, took to the woods and endeavored to escape but was taken
EXPEDITION TO KOSEDALE. 923
prisoner after swimming the river. Only two of the band
succeeded in reaching the camp, they having seized two of the
captured horses and escaped. The party was taken to Clinton,
where they were confined. Lieutenant Earl, after several months
imprisonment, returned to the regiment on the 1st of May. He
had been confined near Mobile. After four difi'erent unsuccess-
ful attempts to escape, each time being hunted by blood hounds,
he succeeded in making his way to Pensacola, where he joined a.
gunboat. On it he went to 'New Orleans. The adventures of
the Lieutenant would undoubtedly be very interesting, but he
afterwards died while in a rebel prison and left no record of his
exploits.
On the 4th of February, a detachment of eighty men, under
Colonel Boardman, crossed the Mississippi and proceeded to
Eosedale, a town on Bayou Gros Tete, thirty miles from Baton
Eouge. Landing on the west side of the river ten miles above
Baton Rouge, they commenced their march over the most intol-
erable of muddy roads. Arriving at the bridge where the Baton
Rouge and Opelousas road crosses a bend in the Bayou Gros
Tete, ten picked men under Lieutenant Medhurst, of Company
B, were ordered to charge upon the bridge, capture the picket
post and dash into the rebel camp, which they most gallantly
accomplished, dashing at full speed upon the bridge, and captur-
ing two sentinels, and pursuing the third into Rosedale, a distance
of ten miles, which was traversed in forty -five minutes, notwith-
standing the muddy roads. Here they found a camp of rebels
numbering about thirty, who broke and precipitately fled, in all
directions. They were pursued and some were taken prisoners.
Only three men with the Lieutenant entered the town. They
took possession of it, and held it until the remainder of the ten
joined them, when they formed a picket and awaited the arrival
of Colonel Boardman. Pursuit was made for twelve miles, when
Colonel Boardman found that he was only fifteen miles from
Morgan's Ferry, on the Atchafalaya, where the rebel General
Walker was stationed with a brigade, upon which he returned to
Rosedale. The Colonel returned with his command to Baton
Rouge on the afternoon of the 5th, having as prisoners, one
Assistant Adjutant General, one Major, one Lieutenant, one
924 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
Bergeant, ten privates and three thousand dollars worth of qui-
nine, fifty horses and mules, and a quantity of arms, losing two
men wounded and prisoners. While on a scout on the 6th,
Lieutenant Bush, of company C, fell into an ambuscade and was
severely wounded.
On the 14th of February, another expedition of 150 cavalry,
under Caj)tain Keefe, was sent to Rosedale. Moving down the
left bank of Bayou Gros Tete, to Lieutenant Slack's plantation,
they seized horses, cattle and mules, and bivouacked three miles
farther down on the right bank of the bayou until midnight of
the 20th, when they moved towards Plaquemine by way of Indfan
Village, with fifty beeves, twenty mules, twelve horses and four
rebel prisoners. As they left the bayou, the rebels opened fire,
which was promptly returned. The expedition reached Baton
Kouge at 6 o'clock in the afternoon of the next day.
On the 8th of March, a scout of twenty privates and a ser-
geant under Lieutenant Williams, of Company A, was sent out.
When five miles out from Baton Rouge, the advance guard was
fired upon from an ambush; C, Schuman, of Company C, was
mortally wounded, and Lieutenant Williams was instantly killed
by a minie ball. His last words were, " Fight them boys; don't
run." The little band succeeded in keeping the enemy, about
100 in number, at bay until reinforcements aiTived, wh^n the
rebels fied. Lieutenant Williams was greatly beloved by his
comrades, and was one of the best scouting officers in the
regiment.
Patrick Toohey was reported to have died of wounds, on the
19th of March,
On the 8th of April, 250 of the veterans reenlisted and left for
Wisconsin on veteran furlough.
On the first of May, Colonel Boardman was ordered to make
a reconuojssance in force to Clinton, La., back of Baton Kouge,
where the enemy had from 1,200 to 1,500 cavalry. His force
consisted of his own and another cavalry regiment. The ene-
my's pickets were found about seventeen miles out, Heavy
skirmishing commenced, Colonel Boardman halted his com-
mand and advanced alone, for the purpose of discovering a suit-
able plcice for the passage of his cavalry over the creek, In doing so
he e:sposed himself to the fire of the enemy in the coolest manner.
EXPEDITION TO CLINTON. 925
He was struck by four balls, tlie last penetrating the brain, caus-
ing instant death. lie was the only man killed in the expedition.
Colonel Boardman was brave to a fault, and his ability as a com-
mander, was unanimously certified to by the regiment. Chester
H. Burgess, of Company B, and Morris Fyfe, were severely
wounded. The command of the Fourth, after the death of
Colonel Boardman, devolved upon Major Peck, who proved him-
self well quahfied for the position. On the return of the regi-
ment to Baton Rouge, Major Moore, M^ho had returned from Wis-
consin, took command of the regiment. On the 30th of May,
the reenlisted veterans returned from their furlough. On the
24th of May, Lieutenant Colonel Bailey was promoted Colonel,
Major Moore, Lieutenant Colonel, Captain N. F. Craigue, Major
of the First Battalion, Captain George W. Durgin, Major of the
Third Battalion. Lieutenant Earl was authorized to recruit an
independent company of scouts from the refugees, and three
years' soldiers whose term of service had expired. "With this
company Earl was assigned to duty at ISTatchez. The history
of this company and its daring leader, is unknown to us further
than that it was engaged in such enterprises as required the
utmost exercise of boldness, bravery, and endurance. Lieuten-
ant Earl was finally taken prisoner and died from ill-treatment
received whilst in prison.
On the 27th of June, the regiment embarked on transports,
moved up the river to Morganzia, where they went into camp.
On the 4th of July, Major Peck resigned, and Captain Keefe
was appointed Major. At Morganzia the regiment was brigaded
in the Fourth Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, of the JSTine-
teenth Army Corps. On the 9th of August, the regiment
returned to Baton Rouge.
On the 25th of August, the regiment accompanied an expedi-
tion to Clinton. On reaching the Comite River at Olive Branch,
they found the rebels had destroyed the bridge, and were drawn
up on the opposite side with three pieces of artillery. Three
hundred men of the Fourth, were dismounted in order to cross
the river to fight them on foot. They moved down the river a
few rods and crossed on a log which had broken in two in the
middle, forming an angle, which compelled the men to get astride
the tree and slide down to the water, climbing up on the other
926 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
side by the branches, and arriving on the opposite shore m
safety. The enemy found himself flanked and withdrew his
forces and artillery. Major Craigue swam the river with 100
men and started in pursuit, the rest^pf the regiment following as
soon as possible. Major Craigue ran the-rebei force into Clinton
with his advance guard, and gave theCi no time to recover, press-
ing right on without waiting for support. On reaching Clinton
his ammunition being expended, he remained on the outskirts
of the town to wait for reinforcements. While they were coming
up, the rebels improved their time in running. The balance of
the force came up about noon and took possession of the town.
The Fourth returned to Baton Rouge by the way of Green Hill
Springs.
Two other expeditions to Clinton were undertaken in the
months of October and November, which were both highly
successful.
On the 27th of November, the Fourth Wisconsin, with eight
other cavalry regiments with pontoon trains, left Baton Rouge
for the purpose of making a feint on the Mobile and Ohio Rail-
road with the object of keeping the forces in the vicinity of Mo-
bile from making a demonstration on General Sherman's army:
taking seventeen days' rations, they marched 300 miles. Arriv-
ing within two miles of Mobile, they took a southerly course and
struck the Gulf of Mexico on Mississippi Sound, at West Pasca-
goula. Miss., 140 miles east of New Orleans, where they remained
two weeks when they embarked for New Orleans, arriving at
Baton Rouge on the 5th of January, without losing a man.
On the 6th of January, 1865, Lieutenant Colonel Moore was
commissioned as Colonel, but did not muster as such ; Major
Craigue was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain
G. C. Pierce, as Major.
On the 1st of March, 1865, while on a foraging expedition, the
cavalry forces under Brigadier General Bailey, were attacked by
the enemy, by which the Fourth Regiment lost, as reported by
the Chaplain, Henry McCabe and Frederick Mansel, of Company
H, killed, and Lieutenant Henry O. Gleason, of Company B,
Sergeant Martin, of Company D, Joseph Bowers and Frederick
Meuner, were wounded.
MOVE TO TEXAS. 927
"With other cavalry forces the regiment was in the vicinity of
Mobile when that city capitulated, after which an expedition, of
which the Fourth Cavalry was a part, proceeded through Ala-
bama into Georgia, crossing the Chattahoochie Iviver at Eaufala.
They returned by the way of Montgomery, Ala., to Columbus,
Miss., whence they marched across the State of Mississippi to
Vicksburg, where they arrived on the 1st of June, men and
horses much exhausted, having been seventy days in the saddle
and on the march.
On the 26th of June, the regiment left Vicksburg and pro-
ceeded to Shreveport, on the Red River, from thence on the 9th
of July, they took up their line of March to Texas, passing
through Marshall and Austin, and encamped near San Antonio.
The regiment is still in service, (March 20, 1866,) under the
command of Lieutenant Colonel Craigue and Major Durgin, with
headquarters at Ringgold Barracks, Texas.
Regimental Statistics. — Original Strength, 1,047. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 32, in 1864," 810, in 1865, 140 ; substitutes, 16 ;
reenlistments, 260; total, 2,305. ,Loss — by death, 350; missing,
23; deserted, 74; transferred, 2; discharged, 474; mustered out,
October 1st, 1865, 754.
^
MILWAUKEE CAVALRY.
In the summer of 1861, Captain Yon Deutsch, of Mihvaukee,
was authorized to recruit a Company of Cavalry, as an "In-
dependent acceptance." The company was filled up and must-
ered into the United States service on the 23d of September,
1861, with the following officers:
Captain — GUSTAV VON DEUTSCH.
First Lietitenant — C'B.AB.i.^S, Lehman; Second Lieutenant — AiJB^nT Galorskowski.
The company under orders, proceeded to St. Louis, and for a
short time served under General Fremont. It was afterwards
incorporated into the Fifth Missouri Cavalry, with whose history
it is identified. No reports have ever been made to the Adjutant
General whereby a history of its operations can be given.
OHArTEE LIY
COMPANY HISTORIES— LIGHT ARTILLERY.
n|""^HE original project of forming a regiment of light artillery in
-»- the State was overruled by the "War Department, and the
fjeveral batteries of light artillery were sent from "Wisconsin as
independent organizations.
THE FIRST BATTERY
Was organized at La Crosse, under the superintendence of Cap-
tain Jacob T. Foster. The original La Crosse Artillery, a well
drilled company before the war, was filled up to a maximum by
Captain Foster, and moved to the rendezvous at Camp Utley,
Racine, in October, 1861, where its organization was perfected,
and the company mustered into the United States service, with
the following officers :
Captain — JACOB T. FOSTER.
First iiew^enani— AiiEXANDER Cameron ; Junior First Lieutenant— J o'H's D. Anderson ;
Second Lieutenant — Charles B. Kimball ; Junior Second Lieutencmt — Daniel Webster ;
Surgeon —William Hobbins.
The battery remained at Camp Utley without a full equipment
necessary to perfect themselves in Light Artillery drill, until the
23d of January, 1862, when they left the State, being ordered to
Louisville, Ky., where they went into Camp Irvine, near the city.
At this camp they were fully equipped, and placed under a thor-
ough system of drill and discipline, in all that pertains to Light
Artillery. They were furnished with a battery of six twenty
pounder Parrott rifle guns.
About the last of March, 1862, they were assigned to the com-
mand of Brigadier General Morgan, and on the 3d of April,
joined in the expedition against Cumberland Gap, under that
General. During the march. Captain Foster was appointed, by
General Morgan, chief of artillery, the First Battery being in
command of Junior First Lieutenant Anderson, Lieut. Cameron
SKIRMISH AT TAZEWELL. 929
being unable to be in the field. The rugged character of
the country made it exceedingly diflicult to find passage for the
artillery. ' The work was, however, accomplished, under the
energetic chief of artillery. Heavy guns were dragged up the
steep mountain sides by means of ropes, and let down on the
opposite sides. On the 17th of June, an advance was made from
Cumberland Ford towards Cumberland Gap, which position was
occupied next day by the forces of General Morgan, the enemy
evacuating on their approach. On the 6th of August, a brisk
skirmish ensued near Tazewell, in which the First Battery took
part. Two guns, under Lieutenant Anderson and Lieutenant
Webster, were in the advance, with the Fourteenth Kentucky
Infantry, for a support, when the enemy, in large numbers, sud-
denly appeared and made a charge upon the two guns, which
were leveled at them, charged with double charges of canister.
On the advance of the rebels to within a short distance, the guns
were discharged, and before the enemy could recover from the
shock, they were safely moved to the rear. The rebels afterwards
attempted a second charge upon the battery, but a well directed
fire caused them to break and run.
On the 5th of June, 1862, First Lieutenant Cameron resigned,
and Second Lieutenant Daniel Webster was commissioned to fill
the vacancy.
On the 16th of Augu'^t^ General Morgan's position at the Gap
was besieged by a force of several thousand rebels. The place
held out until the 17th of September, when, finding his provis-
ions getting short. General Morgan determined to evacuate the
Gap. lie accordingly, on that day, commenced his march
through the mountains, with the determination to reach the Ohio.
After incredible hardships, and for much of the way fighting the
enemy night and day, suffering for the want of food, with clothing
and shoes reduced to tatters, the gallant Army of the Gap, after
marching 200 miles, reached Greenupsburg, Ky., where they
crossed the Ohio on the 3d of October, and moved to the neigh-
borhood of Galliopolis, Ohio, where they remained a short time
to refit, when the First Wisconsin Battery proceeded to Cincin-
nati, and on the 26th of ISTovember, moved with the troops of
General Morgan, down the river to Memphis, Tenn., and joined
General Sherman's forces.
59
930 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 17th of October, Junior First Lieutenant Anderson
resigned, and Second Lieutenant Charles B. Kimball was
commissioned to fill the vacancy.
Accompanying General Morgan's division, which formed part
of Sherman's expedition against Vicksburg in December, 1862,
the First Batteiy landed on the banks of the Yazoo River on the
25th of December, On the 27th, General Morgan's division,
occupying the center of the line, advanced to attack the enemy
on Chickasaw Hill. Foster's battery took part in the fight, doing
efi:ective service, and having only one man mortally wounded,
named Mattison, as reported by Lieutenant Webster. On the
29th, the battery did good service, and took part in an artillery
fire, to attract the enemy's attention from a charge on their Avorka
by DeCourcy's brigade of Morgan's division. The attack was
finally abandoned, and General Sherman's forces retired on the
1st of January, 1863, and returned to the Mississippi River.
On the 10th of January, 1863, the First Batter}^ accompanied
tiie forces of General McClernand in the attack on Arkansas
Post, on the Arkansas River. Attached to the division of Gen-
eral Osterhaus, one section of the battery, with a brigade as
support, was placed on the opposite side of the river from the
fort, to prevent the escape of the rebels. The right section, under
Lieutenant Webster, was stationed on the right bank of the
river, half a mile from the fort. In the fight that ensued, the
guns of Lieutenant Webster succeeded in silencing most of the
enemy's artillery, entirely demolishing one of the barbette guns.
General Osterhaus, in his official report, thus speaks of the
First Wisconsin Batter}^:
The cannonade lasted fully two hours, during the whole of which time I was near
Lieutenant Webster's section of artillery, (my presence not being necessary at any other
place) and I consider it my duty to state that I never saw a better officer or better men
serving artillery. Cool, deliberate and intrepid, they sent their shot against the enemy's
stronghold, their commander controlling every round and its effect, the men quietly
obeying his orders, without the very superfluous huzzaing and yelling, which is incom-
patible with the artillery service. I heartily congratulate Lieutenant Webster and his
men upon their success. The reduction of the lower casemates, and the silencing of
three or four formidable guns, are their exclusive merit.
The battery suffered no loss. On the 14th, the command
returned to the mouth of the Yazoo River, and on the 23d, I'anded
at Young's Point, and encamped. Here they remained until the
rising water in the Mississippi compelled the removal of the
Thirteenth Corps up the river, to Miliken's Bend, where they
BATTLE OF PORT GIBSON. 931
remained until tlie otli of April. The exemplary good conduct
and discipline of the First Wisconsin Battery, elicited a strong
complimentary order from General McClernand.
On the movement of the Thirteenth Corps across the Penin-
sula, to commence the advance on the rear of Vicksburg, the
First Batter}^ accompanied the division of General Osterhaus, and
crossed the river at Bruinsburg, and accompanied the march
towards Port Gibson. Taking position on Thompson's Hill, on
the 1st of May, under a heavy fire, they held it during the day,
and in the afternoon, succeeded in dismounting four of the
enemy's guns, which were annoying General Osterhaus' division
on the left. In the battle of Thompson's ITill, the liattery had
one man mortally wounded, James A. Magill.
The battery moved with Osterhaus' division towards Jackson,
when the direction of the march of the Thirteenth Corps was
changed on the 15th, and moving towards Champion Hills, the
enemy was encountered, but owing to the roughness of the
ground, and thickness of the timber, the First Battery was not
engaged. In the afternoon, they joined in pursuit of the enemy
to Edward Station, and next morning followed him up to Black
Hiver Bridge. In the artillery duel which took place prior to the
assault on the rebel works at this place, the First Battery was
effectively engaged. Almost the first shot fired by the enemy
blew up the ammunition chest of one section of the battery, by
which General Osterhaus and Captain Foster were wounded, and
Charles Wiltsie, of the battery, was so severely injured that he
died. The battery, however, continued to pour in an effective
fire for the next two hours.
On the 19th, they were in position before the rebel works in
the rear of Yicksburg. During the siege which folh^wed, the
battery maintained a prominent position, close to the enemy'
works, and by the accuracy of its fire, succeeded in silencing
most of the enemy's guns within range. In the absence of Cap-
tain Foster, by reason of his wounds, and Lieutenant Webster,
on detached service as ordnance officer of the corps, the battery
was mostly managed by Second Lieutenant O. F. Nutting, who
made himself immensely popular by the coolness and bravery he
displayed. He was ably assisted by Junior Second Lieutenan
E L. Hackett, and Orderly Sergeant Aylmer.
932 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
After the surrender, the battery moved with Osterhaus' divis-
ion to Jackson, where they took part in the second battle at that
place. After its evacuation, they returned to Vicksburg, and
encamped.
The Thirteenth Corps being transferred to the Department of
the Gulf, the First Battery moved down the river on the 16th of
August, encamping at Carrolton, La., till the 3d of September,
when they crossed the Mississippi and proceeded to Brashier City,
thence moved to Berwick City, across Berwick Bay, where they
remained until the 7th of October, when they recrossed the Bay
to Brashier City, from whence they moved, in December, to New
Orleans, and were assigned to position in the defences of that
city. In the winter of 1864, thirty-four of the battery reenlisted
as veterans, and returned to Wisconsin on veteran furlough.
The battery remained at New Orleans until the 22d of April,
1864, when, taking part in the celebrated Red River Expedition,
they embarked, and proceeded up the Mississippi and Red rivers,
and on the 28th, landed at Alexandria, and immediately took
position in front of the town. The battery participated in the
movements of the army near Alexandria, and on the retreat down
the river, the center section, under Lieutenant Hackett, was
temporarily attached to the cavalry division, and formed part of
the rear guard, and with a portion of the Thirteenth Corps, on
arriving at the mouth of Red River, proceeded to Morganzia, and
in June, returned to camp at New Orleans.
The battery moved up the river to Baton Rouge in August,
and took part in an expedition to Clinton, La. They remained
at Baton Rouge until the 26th of November, when they accom-
panied the cavalry expedition of General Davidson, to Mobile,
returning by way of West Pascagoula, and New Orleans, to
Baton Rouge, where they arrived on the 4th of January, 1865.
They remained at Baton Rouge until ordered to "Wisconsin for
discharge, where they were mustered out at Camp Washburn,
Milwaukee, on the 18th of July, 1865.
Statistics. — Original strength, 155. Gain — by recruits in 1863,
17, in 1864, 53, in 1865, 42; substitutes, 2; reenlistments, 34;
total, 303. Loss — deserted, 7; transferred, 14; discharged, 48;
mustered out, 212.
SECOND BATTERY — AT FORTRESS MONROE. 933
SECOND BATTERY.
Early in the outbreak of the rebellion. Captain Ernest Herzberg
of Milwaukee, tendered to the Governor the services of the
"Washington Artillery Company," of that city. When Governor
Kandall received authority to raise five batteries, the tender of
Captain Herzberg was accepted, and he was instructed to till up
his company to 150 men. This was done, and the company
went into rendezvous at Camp Ulley, Racine, and was mustered
into the United States service on the 10th of October, 1861, with
the following officers :
Captain— ERNEST F. HERZBERG.
First Heuienant—3. C. H. Von Schlen; Junior First Liezttencml—C J. Emil Stephan;
Secmid Lieutenant — John Schabel; Junior Second Lieutenant — Charles Beger.
The}' left the State for Baltimore, Md., on the 21st of January,
1862, Arriving there on the 24th, they were sent forward to
Fortress Monroe, where the battery was stationed as part of the
garrison, until September, when they moved to Camp Hamilton,
near Hampton, where it was engaged in garrison duty until the
10th of January, 1863. They then moved to Suffolk, where five
pieces of the battery took part in the battle of South Mary's
Bridge, on the 30th of January. During the greater portion of
1863, the battery was stationed at different points on the Penin
8ula, in the neighborhood of Yorktown. On the 20th of January,
1864, they embarked at Yorktown, and proceeded to Point
Lookout, Md., where they engaged as guard to the rebel prisoners
at that place.
In January, 1864, forty-eight of the battery reenlisted as
veterans, and proceeded to Wisconsin on furlough.
The Second Battery remained at Point Lookout until mustered
out of service.
Statistics. — Original strength, 153. Gain — by recruits in ] 863,
6, in 1864, 35, in"l865, 2; reenhstments, 48; total, 243. Loss —
by death, 12; deserted, 6; transferred, 7; discharged, 30;
mustered out, 188.
934 MILITAET HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
THIRD BATTERY.
The TMrd Battery was recruited under tlie superintendence
of Captain L. H. Drury, at Madison and Berlin, and its organi-
zation was completed at Camp Utley, Bacine. It was mustered
into tlie United States service on the 10th of October, 1861,
with the following officers :
Captain — L. H. DRURY.
First Lieutenant— Comx.AT'i'D Livingston; Junior First lAeictetiant— J am'es T. Purdt;
Second Lieutenant — Albert Lebrxjn; Junior 8ex:ond Lieutenant — Hiram F. Hubbard;
i8'M?-fireo>i — Henry W. Causdell.
Remaining at Camp Utley until the 23d of January, 1862, they
left the State on that day, being ordered to Louisville, Ky., where
they went into quarters at Camp Irvine. Here a Camp of Instruc-
tion was established, and the company engaged in drilling until
the loth of March, when, being furnished with a battery of four
thirty-two pounder rifle guns, they embarked at Louisville, and
proceeded up the Cumberland Biver, to ISTashville, Tenn. Here
they remained encamped until the 29th, when they were assigned
to a position with the forces of General Buell, and marched to
reinforce General Grant at Pittsburg Landing. They arrived at
Savannah, Tenn., on the 9th of April, and subsequently
moved to Pittsburg Landing, thence to the vicinity of Corinth,
where they remained until after the evacuation. On the 11th of
June, being attached to General Crittenden's division, the bat-
tery tookaip its line of march with Buell's forces, and moved by
way of luka, to Tuscumbia, Ala. They remained on duty in
Northern Alabama and Southern Tennessee, until the general
movement of Buell's forces to the northward, in which they took
part.
Junior First Lieutenant Purdy resigned on the 18th of August,
1862, and Junior Second Lieutenant H. F. Hubbard was promoted
to fill the vacancy, and Walter J. Colburn was appointed Junior
Second Lieutenant, vice Hubbard, promoted. Second Lieutenant
Lebrun deserted July 2d, and Henry Currier was appointed
Second Lieutenant.
On the 1st of October, attached to Van Cleve's division of
Crittenden's coi^s, the Third Battery left Louisville, and on the
THIRD BATTERY — AT STONE RIVER. 935
8tli of October, were in position near the battle field of Perryvillo,
or Chaplin Hills. Captain Driiry had been appointed chief of
artillery, on General Van Cleve's staff, and Lieutenant Livingston
commanded the battery. The forces of General Crittenden were
not permitted to reinforce General McCook's corps, who were
fighting desperately on the left, and they remained idle specta-
tors of the battle, but joined in the pursuit to Crab Orchard. On
the 15th of October, the boys of the Third Battery had their first
skirmish with the enemy. On that day they had the advance in
the pursuit, and followed hotly after the enemy, taking advantage
of every hill top to pour in the fire from their long range guns.
Pursuit being relinquished at Crab Orchard, the troops returned.
The battery camped for a time at Mount Vernon, thence moved
to Xashville, where they remained until the 26th of December,
when they moved forward with the forces of General Rosecrans,
to attack the rebels at Murfreesboro.
On the morning of the 31st of December, they occupied a
position on the extreme left of the line of General Rosecrans, to
guard a ford, but were not engaged, except in repelling a cavalry
charge on one of our hospitals, in which Henry S. Utley was
wounded by a rebel sharpshooter. On the 1st of January, the
battery, with Beatty's brigade, crossed the river and took posi-
tion overlooking the enemy's right wing, when they opened fire
on the rebel skirmishers and cavahy. During the forenoon of
the 2d of January, 1863, they were assailed by the enemy's fire from
two or three directions, but by lying close to the ground, only
one man, Leonard J. Uliu, was wounded.
The enemy having failed in his efforts against the position of
Rosecrans' center and right, massed a large force on his right,
and moved to the attack of our left, which consisted of a few
regiments of Van Cleve's division. About two o'clock, the
enemy, under Breckenridge and Cheatham, about 30,000 strong,
advanced in three lines. The troops on that side of the river
were too feeble to resist their furious charge, and the Thiril Bat-
tery was ordered to retire across the rivei" at the lower ford,
which was accomplished with the loss of several horses and two
men wounded, Sero-eant Hollenbeck and Daniel Robin. On
reaching the opposite side of the river, General Rosecrans
massed his artillery, and brought it to bear so effectually on the
936 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
enemy, that they were unable to withstand it, and broke and ran,
closely followed by Negley's and Davis' divisions, who drove
them into their intrenchments. The battery remained in its
position on Saturday, without further casualty, and the enemy
evacuated Murfreesboro next day.
The battery encamped near the Lebanon road, and remained
in the vicinity of Murfreesboro until the 5th of July, when it
marched to McMinuville, where it remained until the general
movement of the "Army of the Cumberland," in the Chicamauga
campaign.
On the 13th of September, Captain Drury was severely wounded
by a shot from a rebel sharpshooter, which fortunately did not
prove fatal. In the battle of Chicamauga, on the 19th and 20th
of September, the Third Battery was actively engaged, occupying
a position on the enemy's extreme left, on the 19th. On the
20th, the battery was in position as a support to the left of Gen-
eral Davis' division, and with the brave Fifteenth Wisconsin,
endeavored to hold the position, which was left exposed by the
withdrawal of Wood's division. The whole force was driven
back, as elsewhere related, by overwhelming numbers of the
enemy, and the Third Battery was compelled to leave five of its
six guns on the field. The total loss of the battery was five guns,
thirty-three horses and twenty-six men killed, wounded and
missing.
The casualties reported by Lieutenant Livingston, were:
Died of Wounds.— Privates Azro J. Nobles and Samuel Palmer— 2.
Wounded.— Sergeant Gasherie Decker, Corporal Ira Smith, Privates T. S. Fessenden,
H. H. G. Bradt, David S. Bedal, Edward Kanouse, Charles W. Hubbard, Peter Foreman,
Thomas Rundle, Henry Weymarth, O. W. Martin, L. W. Lusted, Maurice Scaulan and
H.D. Stevens — 14.
After the battle of Chicamauga, the Third Battery took posi-
tion in the defences around Chattanooga, where it remained
during the year 1864, being attached to the First Brigade of the
Second Division of the reserve artillery. A large number of the
men were detached to an Illinois and a New York battery,
besides two sections were acting as guard on steamers plying
above and below Chattanooga.
Thirty-three of the men reenlisted early in 1864, and proceeded
to Wisconsin on furlough, from whence they returned with a
large number of recruits.
FOURTH BATTERY— AT SIEGE OF SUFFOLK. 937
The Third Battery remained at Chattanooga, Tonn., until the
spring of 1865, when it moved to Murfreesboro, and remained
until ordered to be discharged, arriving at ^ladison on the 3d of
July. On the 20th, the}" were mustered out and disbanded.
The imperfect returns made to the Adjutant General's ofl&ce,
give but little information relative to the operations of the battery.
|lr Statistic.?. — Original strength, 170. Gain — by recruits in 1863,
85, in 1864, 32; reenlisted, 33; total, 270. Loss— by death, 26;
deserted, 3; transferred, 4; discharged, 60; mustered out, 177
FOURTH BATTERY.
The Fourth Battery was recruited under the supervision of
Captain Vallee, of Beloit, and on the 19th of September, moved
to the general rendezvous, at Camp XJtley, Racine, where the
organization was perfected, and its muster into the United States
service completed on the 1st of October, 1861. They left the state
on the 21st of January, 1862, with the following officers:
Captaik — JOHN F. VALLEE.
First iie?//eriani— George B. Easterly; Junior First Lieutenant ; Second
lAevlenant — Charles A. Rathbun ; Junior Second Lieutenant — 'iA.AS.TTS H. McDevitt.
Reporting at Baltimore, on the 26th they arrived at Washing-
ton, and moved down the Potomac, arriving at Fortress Monroe
on the 28th, where they were assigned to duty at that place, as
part of the garrison. Here they remained until the month of
September, when, having been mounted and equipped, they
moved to Camp Hamilton, near Hampton, Va., and engaged in
garrison and guard duty until the 11th of January, 1863. On
that day, proceeding to Suffolk, they took part in the defence of
that place against the attack of Longstreet, remaining until the
siege was abandoned. Marching to Portsmouth, they embarked
and proceeded to "West Point, on York River, where they were
employed in building fortifications, and guard duty. West Point
was abandoned, and on the 30th of May, the battery landed at
Yorktown.
938 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Ou the 9tli of June, tliey took part in tlie expedition of General
Keyes up the Peninsula, to join the forces of General Dix, from
which they returned, on the 10th of July, to Yorktown, and
acted as garrison till the 25th of August, when, for sanitary
reasons, they were ordered to Gloucester Point, where they
encamped.
On the 6th of July, Captain Vallee resigned, and First Lieu-
tenant George B. Easterly was commissioned as Captain, and
Martin H. McDevitt as First Lieutenant.
TVhile at Gloucester Point, the battery suffered severely from
sickness, the command being reduced to only four enlisted men
fit for duty. Leaving Gloucester Point, they moved to Ports-
mouth, where they were attached to the command of General
Getty, and remained on duty until the 13th of April, 1864, when
tliey took part in a reconnoissance towards SmitLfield, Va.,
returning to Portsmouth on the 15th.
On the 23d of April, the battery proceeded to Yorktown, where
they joined the Eighteenth Army Corps, of General W. F.
Smith, and were assigned to the Artillery Brigade of the First
Division. Embarking at i^e^vport ISTews on the 7th, they pro-
ceeded up the James River to Bermuda Hundreds, and moved
immediately to the front, and on the 9th, moved with the Third
Brigade, and took position in front of the rebel Fort Clifton,
situated at the junction of Swift Creek with the Appomattox,
where they succeeded in silencing the guns in half an hour.
Occupying various other positions until the 13th, they then
marched to Proctor's Eun, near Drury's Bluft', where they
engaged the enemy's fortifications, losing one man Avounded.
The position was maintained till the 16th, when our forces
retired a mile to the rear, the battery covering the movement,
and in the evening, occupying a position in the intrenchments at
Bermuda Hundreds. On the 4th of June, they were attached to
Kautz' Cavalry Division, and with it, participated in the battle
of Petersburg on the 15th, when that General was to be sup-
ported by General Gilmore. General Kautz was left to get out
of his dilemma, after penetrating to the enemy's inner lines. For
over two hours the battery was exposed to the concentrated fire
of fourteen guns. Their loss was three men wounded. They
soon after returned to camp at Bermuda Hundreds.
FOURTH BATTERY — SKIRMISH NEAR RICHMOND. 939
On the 8th of July, by order of General Butler, the entire bat-
tery was converted into Horse Artillery, all tlie cannouiers beiug
mounted, and on the 27th of July, the left section moved with
the cavalry, and took part in the battle of Malvern Hill, return-
ing to camp on the 30th. After two or three unimportant move-
ments, the battery marched to Prince George's Court House,
and camped till the 26th, when they moved to a position in rear
of the Ninth Corps, before Petersburg.
On the 28th of September, with the cavalry, they approached
within 1,000 yards of the rebel works in the suburbs of Pichmond,
and on the next day, moved around the city under a conthiuous
fire of the enemy from his works. The right section under
Lieutenant IsToggle, with the Second Brigade, engaged a small
force of the enemy on the Charles City road and drove them into
the city, approaching within 800 3'ards of the rebel main line of
works. A cavalry charge was repulsed by the battery on the 30th.
On the 7th of October, the rebels attacked Kautz' cavalry with
a heavy force. The Battery opened but could not stop the rebel
advance. A battery opened on them from the left, and a large
force came up on the right to cut off their retreat. The battery
fell back four times, keeping up a rapid fire, but all to no purpose,
the rebels continuing to press upon them when an order was
given to retreat. When near a creek, the cavalry and artillery
got jammed together, and a piece of artillery becoming mired,
prevented the escape of those behind, and the Fourth Battery
was compelled to abandon four of their guns, besides losing forty-
five horses. A private named Isaacson, was killed, L. Wells,
J. Flanders, W. Warren and Brooks, were wounded.
The subsequent history of this battery is not shown in any
report or record in the Adjutant General's office. It was mustered
out of service at Eichmond, Va., on the 3d of July, 1865.
Statistics. — Original strength, 151. Gain — by recruits in 1863,
1, in 1864, 60, 1865, 1 ; by substitutes, 38 ; reenlistments, 43 ;
total, 294. Loss — by death, 24; missing, 1; deserted, 15;
transferred, 1 ; discharged, 82 ; mustered out, 171.
940 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
FIFTH BATTERY.
The Fiftli Battery was recruited under the superintendence of
Captain Oscar F. Pinney, of Monroe, Green County, and its
organization was perfected at Camp Utley, Racine, where it was
mustered into the United States service on the 1st of October,
1861. It remained at Camp Utley until the 15th of March, 1862,
when it left the State for St. Louis, Mo., with the following
officers :
Captain — OSCAR F. PINNEY.
First Lieutenant— Was^i'sgto's Hill ; Junior First Lieutenant— Cjiab,z,^s B. Humphrey ;
Second Lieutenant— AxM.o^ Smith; Junior Second Lieutenant — Geo^g^ Q,. Gardner.
The battery arrived at St. Louis on the 16th, and on the 19th,
under orders, embarked and proceeded down the river to Cairo,
where they crossed to Bird's Point, took the cars on the Cairo
and Fulton Railroad, and proceeded to Sykestown, from whence
they marched to New Madrid, and reported to General Pope on
the 22d. New Madrid just before had been evacuated by the
rebels, and the battery was placed on duty in detached parties in
the forts, and were also employed in constructing earthworks
along the river bank. Here they remained engaged until the
surrender of Island No. 10. On the 19th of April, they embarked
and proceeded by way of Cairo, up the Tennessee river, and
landed at Hamburg, Tenn., and on the 7th of May, took position
about seven miles south of Hamburg, with the army destined for
the reduction of Corinth. They were attached to General Pope's
division. At the battle of Farmington, two sections of the bat-
tery occupied a position commanding a bridge, but were not
called into action.
After the evacuation of Corinth, the battery was attached to
General Jefferson C. Davis' brigade, and were moved first to
Jacinto, thence to Ripley. Returning to Jacinto, on the 14th of
August, with the Second Brigade of General Davis, they pro-
ceeded to luka, where, on the 21st of August, they were trans-
ferred to the Army of the Tennessee, and crossing the Tennessee
River at Eastport, marched to Nashville, nearly two hundred
miles distant.
FIFTH BATTERY — AT BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE. 941
On the 23(1 of August, Senior Second Lieutenant Almon Smith,
died of disease, and Joseph McKnight, was commissioned as
Second Lieutenant.
Joining with the forces of General Buell in their march North,
in pursuit of Bragg, the hattery reached Louisville, and on the
1st day of October, 1862, marched with Davis' division, following
Bragg in his retreat from Kentucky. On the 7th, the first sec
tion, under Lieutenant Hill, was in the advance, skirmishing
with the enemy's rear guard of cavalry and artillery, and in the
afternoon, had quite an artillery duel, in which the enemy's guns
were silenced. In the battle of next day, the battery did not get
into position till after 5 o'clock P. M. Then five guns opened
upon the enemy doing splendid execution. Being handled with
skill and ability, the loading and firing was done with such rap-
idity, coolness, and precision, as to elicit praise from those wlio
witnessed their movements. The enemy replied with equal
vigor. The action lasted until nearly 8 o'clock, when both sides
ceased firing. Colonel Golding, commanding the brigade, speci-
ally commends Captain Pinney and his battery for the elficient
service they rendered. The casualties were John F. Smith,
killed, and William Sparks, wounded.
The battery joined in the pursuit to Crab Orchard, from which
they returned by way of Lebanon, Bowling Green, and Franklin,
to the vicinity of Nashville, where they went into camp on the
16th of November.
On the 26th of December, the battery moved forward with
Davis' division, and took part in the battle of Stone River, being
in the hottest of the fight on the 31st of December, occupying a
position to the right of the division, which was in McCook's
Corps, forming the right wing of tlie army. In the battle of
that day Captain Pinney was mortally wounded.
Captain Pinney was a native of Vermont and had served five
years in the regular army. When Governor Randall received
orders to organize five batteries. Captain Pinney 's recommenda-
tions were such, that a commission was given him to recruit a
company. The Fifth Battery was the result of the labors of
himself and co-adjutators. Captain Pinney was always ambitious
of making the Fifth Battery one of the best in the service, and
he succeeded in doing so. He was brave and daring to a fault.
942 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
After the rebels got possession of the field, they took him pris-
oner and paroled him, but did not remove him from the field.
Setting him up against a tree they wrapped his blanket around
him, built a fire for him, and for two days and one night, he was
left without aid or assistance. He was at length removed to a
Union hospital where he died on the 17th of February, 1863.
The casualties in the battle we find reported, as follows :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Captain Oscar F. Pinney, Privates Charles Adair,
David S. Welty and John G. Thomas — 4.
Wounded. — Sergeant Elijah Booth, Privates Martin Campbell and Josiah C. Forbes— 3-
The Fifth Battery went into camp near Murfreesboro,
Lieutenant Humphrey being in command, proceeded to refit
the battery for service in the coming campaign. On the death
of Captain Pinney, Lieutenant Humphrey was commissioned as
Captain. He resigned on the 29th of April, when Lieutenant
George Q. Gardner was commissioned as Captain.
The battery remained in camp until the 31st of Januar}^,
when it accompanied the division of General Davis, in an expe-
dition to Franklin, from which it returned without engaging
the enemy, and resumed its duty on picket on the Shelbyville
pike, three miles south of Murfreesboro,
The battery was completely refitted, and refurnished with
norses, and on the 24th of June, marched with the First Divi-
sion, General Davis, in McCooks Corps, in the general advance
of the army upon General Bragg at Tullahoma. The battery
was under the command of Captain Gardner, with Joseph
McKnight, Senior First Lieutenant, George LafFerty, Junior
First Lieutenant, Daniel Titus, Senior Second Lieutenant, and
Elijah Booth, Jr., Junior Second Lieutenant.
During the march, the battery was not called into action.
Proceeding through Manchester to Tullahoma, which they found
deserted by the enemy, on the 3d of July, they crossed Elk
River, and marched to Winchester, and went into camp. On
the 17th of August, the forward movement against Bragg at
Chattanooga began. On that day Gen. Davis' Division left Win-
chester and began the crossing of the Cumberland Mountains to
Stevenson, Ala., reaching that place on the 20th. On the 28th
FIFTH BATTEUT — AT CIIICAMAUGA. 043
of August, the movement across the Tennessee River com-
menced. Colonel Heg's brigade, of Davis' division, was sent
forward to lay the pontoons, the work being covered by the guns
of the Fifth battery.
On the 30th, the division, with the rest of McCook's Corps,
crossed the river, and commenced its march to intercept the
enemy should he retreat from Chattanooga. The troops ascended
Sand Mountain, the artillery being got over by the joint labor
of men and horses. They descended into Wills' Valley at the
foot of Lookout Mountain, and continued their march to Valley
Head. Here they remained from the 4th to the 10th of Septem-
ber, when they left the valley and ascended Lookout Mountain.
In the retrogade movement of McCook's Corps to rejoin the
centre and left on Chicamauga Creek, the battery occupied a
position with the cavalry as rear guard, and arrived at Cra^viish
Springs in the forenoon of the 20th. Here the battery took posi-
tion with Mitchell's cavalry. It was soon ascertained that the
right of Rosecrans' army had been driven back, and that the
enemy was between Mitchell's cavalry and the army of General
Thomas. A retreat was determined on, and the force of General
Mitchell fell back seven miles towards Chattanooga, where they
remained till the 22d, when march was resumed. The Fifth Bat-
tery was put in position, and the enemy's guns, which had opened
on the column, were silenced. On the 24th, the battery encamped
within the fortitications at Chattanooga.
During the remainder of the year 1863, the battery was not
called into action. A large number of the veterans reenlisted,
and were remustered on the 2d of January, 1864, soon after
which, they started for Wisconsin, on veteran furlough, returning
to Chattanooga, on the 3d of March.
For the campaign of 1864, the battery was equipped anew, and
took its place with the division in the Fourteenth Army Corps,
then encamped at Rossville, whence, on the 2d day of May, they
moved to Ringgold, Ga. The battery was not engaged at Dalton,
but accompanying the Fourteenth Corps, moved by way of Snake
Creek Gap, and on the 14th of May, took part in the battle of
Resaca. They were held in reserve until about 2 o'clock P. M.,
when they took position on a hilltop which overlooked a portion
of the enemy's works. Here they opened a severe fire on the
944 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
enemy's battery whicli was soon silenced. The position was
retained until dark, when their ammunition being expended,
except canister, they moved to tlie rear. Next morning they
relieved a battery on another portion of the line. They kept up
a fire during the day, and although much exposed, did not lose a
man.
On the morning of the 16th, Davis' division was sent forward
to take possession of Rome. A spirited skirmish ensued, but the
place was entered on the 21st. Davis' division rejoined the Four-
teenth Corps at Dallas, on the 26th of May. Here the battery
occupied several different positions until the 10th, when they
moved forward with the general advance, without coming into
action until the 23d of June, when the battery took position on
a low ridge about 1,200 yards from Kenesaw Mountain. By the
aid of a detail of infantry, slight earthworks were thrown up
during the previous night. In the morning the enemy's artillery
opened on them from a position several hundred feet above them
on the mountain. The Fifth Battery being armed with Napoleon
guns, their fire was terribly eftective, and in the end, compelled
the rebel guns to withdraw. The battery had no one hurt. They
retained their position until the 2d of July, when they moved to
join the division which was five miles to the right. On the re-
tiring of the rebels to the north bank of the Chattahoochie, the
battery took position and opened fire upon the rifle pits and main
works of the enemy, until he finally returned across the river on
the 9th.
Crossing the river with the division on the 20th, the battery
took position on a commanding hill near Peach Tree Creek, and
shelled the rebels out of their rifle pits. On the 22d, they took
position in the lines within two miles of Atlanta. With several
changes of position, the battery remained until August 26th.
engaged in the duties of the siege. On that day thcj accompa-
nied the Fourteenth Corps in their movement on the enemy's
communications to the south of Atlanta, and -on the 1st of Sep-
tember, took part in the battle of Jonesboro, where they were
engaged for three hours, when the enemy was repulsed at all
points. The battery returned to the vicinity of Atlarta and went
into camp near the city.
FIFTH BATTERY — IN SHERMaN'S GRAND MARCH. 945
The Fifth Battery accompanied the movement of Sherman's
forces in pursuit of Hood in his raid on the former General's
communication. Returning to Rome, Ga, the men were reclotlied
and the hattery refitted. On the 12th of jSTovemher, they moved
to Atlanta, and on the 15th, joined with Sherman's forces, accom
panying the Fourteenth Army Corps in the march to Savannah,
where it arrived and took position in the lines before Savannah
on the 13th of December. The march was resumed, the batteiy
being occasionally placed in position, without entering into any
general engagement, and the army arrived at Goldsboro, from
thence marched to Raleigh, and thence to "Washington, where it
took part in the Grand Review of the 24th of May, 1865, after which,
they moved into camp and remained until ordered to AYisconsin
to be discharged. They arrived at Madison, Wis., on the 6th of
June, and were mustered out of service on the 14th, to date from
the date of their arrival.
Statistics. — Original strength, 155. Gain — by recruits in
1863, 5, in 1864,^64, in 1865, 1 ; reenlistments, 74 ; total, 304.
Loss — by death, 24; deserted, 1; transferred, 5; discharged, 61;
mustered out, 213.
SIXTH BATTERY.
The Sixth Battery was recruited and organized under the
supervision of Captain Henry Dillon, of Lone Rock, and was
mustered into the United States service at Racine, on the 2d' of
October, 1861. It remained at Camp Utley until the 15th of
March, 1862, when it left the state with orders to report at
St. Louis. It was officered as follows :
CAPTAIN — HENRY DILLON.
First Lieutenant— Sajsvbi, F. Clakk; Junior First Lieutenant — Tmos. R.Hood; Second
Lieutenant — John W. Fancher; Jujiior Second Lieutenant — Banikl T. Noyes; Surgeon
— CIjAekson Miller.
They arrived at St. Louis on the 16th, and on the 19th, em-
barked, and proceeded to Cairo, thence crossed to Bird's Point,
and proceeded by rail to Sykestown, on the Cairo and Fulton
60
946 MILITARY HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
Railroad, in southeastern Missouri; tlience marching twentj-two
miles, tliey arrived at New Madrid, and reported to General Pope
on the 2l8t. The rebels had, but a few days before, evacuated
the place, and the battery boys found themselves in comfortable
quarters, with plenty of rations. Here they were employed in
building or repairing the fortifications, and in the performance
of heavy artillery duty. After the surrender of Island N^o. 10,
they were occupied in garrison duty until the 17th of May, when
they embarked, and proceeded up the Mississippi, to Cairo, and
thence up the Tennessee to Hamburg, arriving there on the 23d
of May, and immediately took position in the reserve of the forces
investing Corinth. Soon after its evacuation, the Sixth Battery,
which was attached to the Fifth Division, under General Asboth,
moved with the division to Rienzi, twenty miles south of Corinth,
where they engaged in the construction of earthworks. The
Sixth Battery was charged with the defence of three of the bat-
teries, and here it remained until the 1st of October. Up to this
time the battery had never been in action, although it had been
in service a year.
On the 1st of October, it commenced its march to Corinth, and
reached that place on the morning of Friday, the 3d, and formed
in battery with the reserve forces of Brigadier General Sullivan,
north of the town. In the afternoon, they were moved to a posi-
tion on the right, wbere they were brought under the enemy's
fire, which they were unable to return, without endangering our
skirmishers. Two men were wounded. In the evening they
were ordered back to town, where they occupied several diiferent
positions during the night.
Early on the morning of the 4th, Captain Dillon took up a
position on the brow of a hill, north of the position occupied by
the First Missouri Artillery, and to the right of General Davies'
division, having the Tenth Iowa and Eighty-fifth Ohio Infantry
supporting on the right and left. Soon after nine o'clock, the
enemy appeared, advancing in three columns, driving in the
skirmishers. They were but a few hundred yards distant when
the battery opened upon them with canister and shell, which
swept destruction through their ranks, but did not chei.k their
advance in the least. They kept on, with scarcely any check to
their progress, the battery, in the meantime pouring in a stfeady
SIXTH BATTERY — AT BATTLE OF CORINTH. 947
fire of canister at short range. The supports reserved their fire
too long, until the enemy began an enfilading fire on the right
flank. Several of the men of the battery v^ere by this time
killed or wounded, and finding it impossible to carry off" his guns,
Captain Dillon ordered the limbers and caissons to the rear.
The guns were soon after recovered, on the falling back of the
enemy. Taking four of the guns, with the remaining effective
men, Captain Dillon again took the field, but the enemy were
on the retreat, and the battery was not again brought under* fire.
The battery joined in the pursuit of the rebels, but did not go
into action. In this aftair the men were exposed on open ground,
without protection of any kind, but there was no faltering or
giving way.
Captain Dillon had his horse shot under him, and Lieutenant
Hood had a narrow escape. Lieutenant Daniel T. Noyes, of
Spring Green, was left on the field wounded, and was bayonetted
by the rebels.
The casualties which we find reported, were :
Killed or Died of Wounds. — Lieutenant Daniel T. Noyes, Corporal L. B. Horn,
Privates Gilbert L. Thomas, George D. Brown and George W. Barney — 5.
Wounded.— Sergeant J. B. Jackson, Corporal Stephen A. Ferris, Privates H. Demiuer,
Cliristian Berger, Daniel Goodwin, George A. Biekford, Philip J. Seiders, Menzo Tenant,
Henry J. Baynes, William N. Piper, Peter J. Wallport, Aug. Trunkhill, Lyman Leach,
Hiram M. Morey, Hugh Flannery, John C. Eagan, Jules Francois, Harlan P. Dunning,
Fred. Malish, Cliarles H. Fernald and Ulrich Ballman— 21.
Returning to Corinth, the battery remained until the 2d of
November, when it moved with Sullivan's brigade, to which it
was attached, and with General Hamilton's forces, proceeded to
Grand Junction. From there, the battery, with Sullivan's brig-
ade, was sent to Davis' Mills, when the mills were seized, and
set to grinding corn for the Union army. The brigade was soon
after sent to Moscow, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.
On the 28th of November, they camped at Lumpkins' Mills.
The division commanded by General Quimby, moved with
General Hamilton's forces to the southward, reaching Yokona,
whence they were recalled when the disaster of Holly Springs
took place. They subsequently moved, and camped at Holly
Springs and Lafayette, and finally took up a position at Buntvn
Station, five miles from Memphis, where they remained until the
3d of March, 1863, when they moved down the river with Quimby's
948 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
division, to the neighborhood of Yazoo Pass, where the levee
was cut and the country flooded, which enabled the steamers to
float into Moon Lake. The battery was divided, so as to have a
gun on each of four boats. In this manner the expedition pro-
ceeded up the Coldwater, and made a second demonstration on
Fort Pemberton. The command of General Quimby returned
to Helena on the 9th of April, and on the 13th, again embarked
and proceeded to Milikin's Bend, where, on the 25th of April,
they moved across the peninsula, as part of the army of General
Grant, intended for the investment of Vicksburg. Crossing the
Mississippi at Bruinsburg, they immediately commenced the
march to Port Gibson. They did not take part in the battle,
being stationed to prevent a flank movement. They, however,
joined in the pursuit, and overtook the enemy at Jones' Cross
E,oads, on the 3d of May, when a sharp skirmish ensued, in
which the battery took part. They followed the retreating army
to Jackson, where, on the 14th, they took an active part in the
battle, the division, under General Crocker, doing much of the
fighting. At Champion Hills, the battery did good service. On
the 19th, they took position in the trenches before Vicksburg,
where they were constantly engaged in the duties of the siege,
until the surrender. On the 3d of July, Alva B. Page was killed
by a rebel sharpshooter, after the capitulation, while sitting on a
gun, looking at the rebel fortifications.
Remaining in camp at Vicksburg until the 12th of September,
the battery, in detached portions, left for Helena, where it all
assembled on the 26th, and next day proceeded to Memphis.
Attached to the First Brigade, of the division of General J. E.
Smith, which had recently been transferred to the Fifteenth
Army Corps, of General Sherman, the battery moved from
Memphis on the 6th of October, with the forces of General Sher-
man, intended for the relief of Chattanooga, and reached Glen-
dale, Miss., by rail; thence they marched to Dickson, Ala.,
crossed the Tennessee River at Chickasaw on the 29th, and
continued their march through Florence, Ala., to Elk River,
which they crossed at Fayetteville, Tenn. Passing through
"Winchester, and crossing the Cumberland Mountains at Cowan,
they reached Bridgeport, Ala., thence they moved to Chattanooga,
arriving there on the 20th of November, having marched 240
miles.
SIXTH BATTERY — AT BATTLE OF MISSION RIDGE. 949
III the movement on Mission Ridge on the 25th, tlie battery
took part, having two guns in an important position. Joining in
the pursuit to Gray ville, Ga,, the battery returned to Chattanooga,
and after turning over their guns, as unserviceable, to the ord-
nance department, moved, and wont into camp at Bridgeport,
from thence marched to Larkinsville, where they remained until
the 9th of January, 1864, when they moved to HuntsviUe, and
went into camp.
Here the battery was thoroughly reequipped, and supplied with
horses, and six new. twelve pounder Napoleon guns. The veter-
ans who had reenlisted, went home on veteran furlough, returning
with 53 recruits,
One section of the battery, under Lieutenant Hood, w^as sta-
tioned at Whitesburg during March and April, where they were
occasionally engaged with the enemy. On the 21st of April, the
armament was reduced to four guns.
Accompanying the movement of General Smith's division, the
battery left HuntsviUe on the 22d of June, and proceeding by
way of Stevenson, to Kijigston, Ga., were sent forward, and
occupied a fort commanding the bridge across the Etowah Eiver,
jaear Centreville.
The original term of service expiring, the nourveterans were
mustered out, leaving the battery with two officers and 96 enlisted
men, of whom, fox'ty were veterans. On the 1st of IsTovember,
twenty^three horses of the battery were transferred to the Twelfth
Wisconsin Battery, with which organisation, the Sixth Battery
soon after were ordered to exchange guns, receiving Bodnaan
rifles for their ]Srapoleon guns,
The battery remained at Fort Etowah until the 10th of Novem-
ber, when they moved to Cartersville, thence by rail to Chatta-
nooga, Tenn., where they turned over the remainder of the horses
and transportation, proceeded on their way to Nashville, where
they arrived on the 16th, i^nd was assigned to the Reserve artil-
lery, Captain Hood assumed command of thp battery on the
29th of November, During the threatened attack by General
Hood, the Sixth Battery was stationed at Fort Gill em, where
they remained without participating in the battles around the
city, until the 29th of December, when they returned to their
former camp. They had again been supplied with horses and
transportation.
950 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 7th of January, 1865, the Sixth Battery was transferred
to the Reserve Garrison Artillery of the Department of the Cum-
berland, and the horses and transportation were again turned
over to the Quartermaster's Department, and the men were armed
with muskets, and in addition to manning the guns of the battery
furnished details for duty as provost guard in the city. On the
17th of February, they left Nashville and proceeded to Chatta-
nooga, and went into camp, where they remained until ordered
to proceed to Wisconsin for discharge from service. They arrived
at Madison on the 3d of July, when they were mustered out on
the 18th.
Statistics. — Original strength, 157. Gain — by recruits in
1863, 18, in 1864, 64, in 1865, 1 ; substitutes, 2 ; reenhsments,
34 ; total, 276. Loss — by death, 29 ; deserted, 5 ; transferred,
9 ; discharged, 36 ; mustered out, 197.
SEVENTH BATTERY.
The Seventh Battery was recruited under the supervision of
Captain Griffiths, at Milwaukee, and was mustered into the
United States service at Camp Utley, Racine, on the 4th of Octo-
ber, 1861. They remained at Camp Utley until the 15th of
March, 1862, when, with the Fifth and Sixth batteries, they
proceeded to St. Louis, under the following officers :
Captain — RICHARD R. GRIFFITHS.
First Lieutenant— ^Ki^RY 8. IjEe; Junior First IAeutenant—GnsL,is^ E. Green; Second
lAeutenant — AuT^VR B.Wheelock; Junior Secmid Lieutenant— 8 amveIj Hays; Surgeon
— L. C. Halstead.
On their arrival at St. Louis they were ordered to report to Gen-
eral Pope, at IS'ew Madrid, the siege of Island ISTo. 10, then being
in progress. Moving down the Mississippi River, they landed at
Cairo, and proceeded by rail to Sykestown, on the Fulton and
Cairo Railroad. From Sykestown, they marched to 'New Madrid,
reporting on the 21st. Here they were employed in the construc-
tion and repair of the fortifications along the river, the place hav-
ing recently been evacuated by the rebels. Detachments were
placed in charge of some of the siege guns. After the surrender
SEVENTH BATTERY — AT PARKER'S CROSS ROADS, 951
of Island No. 10, the Seventh Battery was stationed at Fort
Bankhead, Fort Harney, and Fort Thompson, near New Madrid.
They subsequently moved to Island No. 10, where, on the 13th
of June, they received orders to move to Union City, which they
reached the next day.
The battery had been furnished with horses and guns before
they left Island No. 10. At Union City, they joined the brigade
of General R. M. Mitchell. The battery was stationed, during the
sunlmer and fall, first at Trenton, and then at Humboldt, engaged
in railroad guard duty. On the 1st of December, the battery
was divided, three guns being stationed at Trenton, eleven miles
north, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad.
The rebel General Forrest in his raid on Grant's communica-
tions in December, 1862, made a feint on Jackson, which induced
General Sullivan to concentrate his force on that place. The
Seventh Battery was ordered to take only their horses, guns,
and gun detachments, leaving everything else at Humboldt.
On the 20th, the enemy entered Humboldt and captured thirty
men of the battery, and their horses, and all the camp equipage,
including books and papers. In this affair, John Ilaney and
J. "W. Haney, were wounded. Ten of the men succeeded in
escaping with their horses to Jackson. The caissons and equip-
age at Trenton, were also captured and destroyed, the men
escaping, and eventually reaching Columbus.
On the 24th of December, the battery moved to Trenton,
where pursuit of Forrest was commenced. General Sullivan's
forces were concentrated into two brigades, to each of which,
one half of the Seventh Battery was attached. On the 31st of
December, the enemy was encountered at Parker's Cross Roads,
by the Second Brigade, under Colonel Dunham. The two guns
of the battery were under the command of Lieutenants Whee-
lock and Hays. Without waiting for the First Brigade, Colonel
Dunham commenced the action and eligaged the whole force for
seven hours. The battery went gallantly into the fight. They
soon found themselves under the concentric fire of at least eight
of the enemy's guns. The brigade fell back three fourths of a
mile. The battery kept up an eff'ective fire until its ammunition
was entirely exhausted. Not until then did they despair. The
enemy had surrounded the force of Colonel Dunham, and he
952 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
would soon have been compelled to surrender, when General
Sullivan appeared with the First Brigade, and soon Lieutenant
Green, with the other guns of the battery, opened on the enemy.
A general charge was made by the First Brigade, and the enemy
were completely routed. The conduct of Lieutenants Wheelock
and Hays, in this affair, was highly commended. Every man
acted heroically. The latter officer was mortally wounded.
Lieutenant Lee was absent, sick.
The casualties at Parker's Cross Roads, which we find repdfrted,
were :
Killed or Died of Wounds.— Second Lieutenant Samuel Hays, Sergeants M. J.
Marsden and Alfred Walworth and Corporal John Graham — 4.
Wounded.— Privates Charles WUlard, Harrison S. Barrett, A. J. Wright, L. Conklin
and O. Austin— 5.
On the 20th of Nov ember, 1862, Captain Griffith resigned, and
Lieutenant Lee was commissioned as Captain. Lieutenant G. E.
Green was commissioned as Senior First Lieutenant, Arthur B.
Wheelock, as Junior First Lieutenant and William E. Hearsey,
Senior Second Lieutenant. These commissions were made to
rank from November 20th, 1862.
The enemy was pursued across the Tennessee River, when the
Seventh Battery returned to Jackson, where they were again
equipped. Remaining at Jackson until the 1st of June, 1863,
they moved to Corinth, where they were employed in gar-
rison duty until the 1st of July, when they moved to Memphis,
and encamped. Here they were attached to the Fourth Brigade,
Fifth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps.
The reenlisted veterans visited Wisconsin on veteran furlough
in February, 1864, and reported again for duty at Memphis, on the
9th of April. With the exception of two or three expeditions into
the surrounding country, the Seventh Battery remained on duty
at Memphis, until the close of the war.
On the Ist of May, 1864, the right section accompanied an ex-
pedition after the rebel General Forrest, marching 200 miles.
They also accompanied the unfortunate Sturgis expedition,
encountering the enemy at Guntown, Miss., where they had a
severe engagement for eight hours, in which the left section lost
its guns and five men, captured by the rebels.
SEVENTH BATTERY — FORREST'S RAID. 953
On the 21st of August, General Forrest made a raid into
Memphis. In this affair the battery was surprised, and the enemy-
held temporary possession of their guns. The men of the battery
soon after rallied, got possession of the guns, and used them
effectively against the retiring rebels. The records "of the Adju-
tant General report First Sergeant Samuel Hawkins and Privates
Augustus B. Mower, W. W. Griffin and Richard Walker, as
killed in this skirmish.
The battery remained at Memphis until ordered to "Wisconsin
for discharge from service. No muster out rolls are in the
Adjutant General's office to show the date of muster out.
Statistics. — Original strength, 158. Gain — by recruits in 1863,
40, in 1864, 50, in 1865, l"; substitutes, 93 ; reenlistments, 92 ;
total, 344. Loss — by death, 29 ; deserted 9 ; transferred, 1 ;
discharged, 68 ; mustered out, 237.
EIGHTH BATTERY.
This battery was organized under the direction of Stephen J.
Carpenter, of Stevens' Point, and was mustered into United
States service at Camp Utley, on the 8th of January, 1862, and
left the State with the following officers :
Captain — STEPHEN J. CARPENTER.
First Lieutenant — J AM^s E. Armstrong; Junior First Lieutenant— "Hettry E Stiles*
Second LieuieiiarU — J OBN D. McLean; Junior Second LieiUenaiU
Leaving Camp Utley on the 18th of March, 1862, they reached
St. Louis on the 20th, where they were quartered at Benton
Barracks until the 4th of April, when they proceeded up the
Missouri River to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Here they were
attached to the famous Lane " Southwestern Expedition," and
marched to Fort Scott, from whence they moved to Fort Riley,
Kansas. The New Mexico Expedition being abandoned, the
battery returned to Leavenworth City, where it was attached to
the command of General Mitchell, and proceeded with his forces
to Columbus, Ky. Marching to Humbolt, Tenn., the battery
was engaged in railroad guard duty until the 1st of July, when
954 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
they proceeded to Corinth, Miss. Early in August, they pro-
ceeded to luka, on the way encountering a force of rehels, with
whom they had a sharp skirmish.
At luka, the hattery was transferred to the "Army of the
Tennessee," with orders to report at l^ashville. The right and
left sections, after a long and toilsOme march, reached Nashville
on the 4th of September. The center section, under Lieutenant
McLean, was left at Eastport, and subsequently returned to
Corinth, where it took part in the battle of the 3d and 4th of
October. The manner in which Lieutenant McLean manas^ed
his guns, elicited the applause of those who witnessed it. We
have no data for an extended notice of its operations in that
battle.
The right and left sections participated in the retrograde move-
ment of Buell to Louisville, and with the division of General
Davis, which was temporarily under the command of General R.
B. Mitchell, took part in the movement in pursuit of Bragg, and
was placed in Colonel Caldwell's brigade. General Mitchell's
division was ordered to reinforce General McCook, at the battle
of Perryville, October 8th, 1862. The brigade of Colonel Cald-
well did not take an active part in the battle, but followed in
pursuit of the enemy to Crab Orchard. The battery shelled the
enemy from his position at Lancaster. Returning from Crab
Orchard by way of Lebanon and Bowling Green, they reached
Nashville, and went into camp on the 7th of November, where
they were joined by the center section, under Lieutenant McLean.
With General Davis' division, the Eighth Battery, on the 26th
of December, 1862, commenced its march to Murfreesboro. On
the 30th, they took position near the center of the right wing of
General McCook. The battery was attached to General Wood-
ruff's brigade, and was stationed between that brigade and the
right of General Sheridan's division. Not much was done on
the 30th, except to occasionally shell the enemy, which was
skilfully done, eliciting the praise of ihe brigade commander.
On the morning of the 31st, the rebels succeeded in surprising
General Johnson's division on their right, and came sweeping
along in three lines upon the position occupied by Davis' troo[^s.
The battery, under command of Captain Carpenter, opened with
canister, every discharge making large gaps in their ranks, tut
EIGHTH BATTER-B — BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 955
still they came on. Captain Carpenter's supports giving way,
he was obliged to retire with his guns, and had just given an
order to limber to the rear, when he received a shot in the head,
which killed him instantly. Sergeant Germain immediately took
command of the battery, as there were none of the Lieutenants
present, and succeeded in getting otF three of the guns. The
other gun was eventually recovered. The battery took position
near the railroad and pike, where it remained on duty during the
rest of the battle.
In the battle. Quartermaster Sigfas commanded one section,
and Orderly Sergeant Germain the other. The casualties,
besides Captain Carpenter, killed, were: — Quartermaster Sigfas
slightly wounded, and Joseph Worby, Thomas Gannt, Joseph
Powers and P. Murphy, wounded.
General Woodruff, in his report, says: "To the men and
officers of the Twenty-fifth and Thirty-fifth Illinois and Eighth
Wisconsin Battery, I owe especial thanks, for the determined
bravery and chivalric heroism they displayed throughout." He
also says: "First Sergeant Germain, of the Eighth Wisconsin
Battery, merits much praise for the cool, skilfull and determined
manner in which he served his battery after he succeeded to the
command."
After the battle, the battery went into camp near Murfrees-
boro, to refit for the coming campaign. First Lieutenant Henry
E. Stiles was commissioned Captain, vice Carpenter, deceased.
First Sergeant Obadiah Germain was commissioned First Lieu-
tenant, to date from December 26th, 1862, and Second Lieutenant
McLean was commissioned as Junior First Lieutenant.
The Eighth Battery accompanied the movement of General
Rosecrans to Tullahoma, thence to the Tennessee River, crossing
with McCook's corps in September, and pushing forward to
Winston's Gap, or Valley Head. Returning from thence with
General McCook's corps, they took part in the battle of Chica-
mauga, and on the 22d of September, retired with the forces to
Chattanooga, where they took position in the defences. They par-
ticipated in the battle of Mission Ridge on the 24th of ISTovember,
soon after which, they moved to ISTashville, where they were
assigned to the Second Division, Artillery Reserve. Here they
w^ere refitted, receiving new guns and equipments.
956 MTLITABY HISTORY 0|' WISCONSIN.
Sixty-six of the members having reenlisted, they were
remastered into the United States service on the 26th of January-,
1864. The veterans left Nashville on the 12th of March, for a
thirty days' furlough in Wisconsin. They returned to Murfree@»
boro on the 25th of April, where they found the non ^ veterans,
Here they were assigned position in Fortress Eosecrans, one of
the defences of Murfreesboro. They remained iu this position
until ordered to Wisconsin, where they arrived on the 10th of
August, 1865, and were mustered out, paid and disbanded,
Statistics.'^ Original strength, 161, Gain —by recruits in 1863,
2, in 1864, 90, in 1865, 10; reenlisted, m-, total, 829, Loss^
by death, 25 ; missing, 1 ; deserted, 13 ; transferred, 14; discharged,
63 ; mustered out, 223.
HU^TH BATTERY.
The Kinth Battery was organized at Burlington, Bacine County,
under the superintendence of Captain Cyrus H. Johnson, and was
mustered into the United States service on the 27th of January,
1862. Moving to Camp Utley, Racine, on the 18th of March,
they were ordered to St, Louis, and left the State with the
following officers ;
CaptAJJI — CYP,Uf3 B. JOPNSOlSr,
First JAeutmianir^jAlHW H- Dopge; Junior First Lieidenant ^'Wais.O'S J, DRoeKEB(
/Second J^ieutenant-^Jou^ A, J^din&ton j Junior Second Lieutenant -r-JiEN-^Y Ar JIiCRis,
Arriving at St, Louis on the 20th, they were equipped with q,
battery of sis guns, and their complement of men was filled by
the transfer of forty rfive men from the Tenth Battery, They
moved up the Missouri to Leavenworth City, Kansas, where
they were furnished with horses pnd otherwise supplied for their
march across the Plains, They left Leavenworth on the 26th of
April, find reached Penver City, Colorado, on the 2d of Juue, a
distance of over 500 miles,
At Denver, the battery was divided, the right section, under
Lieutenant Bodge, marching to Fort TJuion, iu ifew Meiiico, and
thence to Fort Lyon, in Colorado, a distance of 460 miles, The
\
NINTH BATTERY — ON THE PLAINS. 957
left section, under Lieutenant Crocker, marched to Fort Lyon,
and thence to Fort Larned, in Kansas, a distance of 480 miles.
The center section, under Captain Johnson, marched to Fort
Lyon, 246 miles. They were ordered back in August to Denver
City, where they remained until the 11th of December.
On the 21st ol October, 1863, Captain Johnson was dismissed
the service, and Lieutenant Dodge was commissioned as Captain,
Lieutenant Crocker as Senior First Lieutenant, Lieutenant John
A. Edington as Junior First Lieutenant, and Lieutenant Henry
A. Hicks as Senior Second Lieutenant.
On the 11th of December, the center section again marched to
Fort Lyon, where they joined the right section. These positions
were occupied until the 17th of April, 1864, when the two sec
tions at Fort Lyon were relieved from duty, and they left Fort
Lyon, and arrived at Council Grove, Kansas, on the 18tli of
May. The section under command of Lieutenant Crocker, at
Fort Larned, remained at that post until January, 1865.
The right section, under Lieutenant Edington, left Council
Grove on the 24th of July, and leaving a detachment, under
Lieutenant Hicks, at Salina, joined an expedition under Gen-
eral Curtis. The second section, under Captain Dodge, took
part in an expedition for the relief of Government trains which
had been attacked by Indians, returning to camp on the 31st
of July, after marching 195 miles. The right and center sec-
tions were subsequently stationed at Fort Riley.
On the 14th of October, 1864, two sections, except a small
detachment under Lieutenant Edington, left Fort Riley, Kansas,
and, by forced marches, reached Shawneetown on the 18th,
and joined the division of General Blunt, then in pursuit of
General Price's retreating forces. They followed the retreat-
ing general from Kansas City, taking part in the battle of
Westport, Mo., thence to Little Santa Fe, from whence they
proceeded to Fort Scott. By a forced march of 142 miles,
they reached Keittsville, Mo., on the 30th of October, from
whence they moved to Fayetteville, Ark., where it was ascer-
tained that General Price's forces had been driven across the
Arkansas River. They were allowed to rest until the 15th
of November, when they moved to Paoli, Kansas. In Decem-
ber, they moved to Fort Leavenworth, where, in January, 1865,
958 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
they were joined by Lieutenant Crocker's command from Fort
Larned.
On the muster out of the non-veterans, on the 26th of
January, the command of the battery devolved on Lieutenant
Crocker. A detachment which had been left at Fort Riley,
under Lieutenant Edington, rejoined the battery at Fort
Leavenworth.
The battery was mustered out of service at Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas, on the 30th of September, and arrived on the 4th of
October at Madison, Wis., where the men were paid and received
their final discharge.
Statistics. — Original strength, 155. Gain— by recruits in 1863,
4, in 1864, 53, in 1865, 6 ; reenhsted, 78, total, 296. Loss— by
death, 6 ; deserted, 6 ; transferred, 1 ; discharged, 56 ; mustered
out, 227.
TENTH BATTERY.
The Tenth Battery was recruited and organized at ITew Lisbon,
under the snperintendance of Captain Beebe, and was mustered
into the service of the United States at Milwaukee, on the 10th
of February, 1862, Proceeding to Camp Utley, Racine, they
remained until the 18th of March, when they left the State with
the following officers :
Captain — YATES V. BEBEE.
First Lieutenant — TiAYra C. Platt; Junior First lAeulenant—JAM'ES Toner; Second
Lieutenant— F.H.M. Groesbeck; Junior Second Lieutenant — Henry A. Hicks.
They arrived at St, Louis on the 20th of March, and were
quartered at Benton Barracks. On the 1st of April, by order of
Gen. Halleck, twenty-five men were transferred to the Eighth Bat-
tery, and Lieutenant Hicks, with forty-five men, to the ISTinth
Battery, leaving Captain Beebe with only forty-seven men. They
were joined soon after by twenty-four recruits from Wisconsin,
and having been armed and equipped, embarked on the 30th,
and proceeded to Pittsburg Landing, where, on the 5th of May,
they were assigned to the Reserve Artillery. They took part in
TENTH BATTERY — IN ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 969
the action before Corinth on tlic 2Sth. They continued on duty
in the vicinity of Corinth, until the 21st of July, when they
moved to luka. Here they were, with the division, transferred
to the Army of Tennessee, and began the march to ISTashville on
the 12th of August, and arrived at that place on the 14th of
September, The battery remained at l^ashville, as part of the
garrison of that place, while the forces of General Buell marched
to the defence of Louisville. On the arrival of General Rose-
crans in November, fifty recruits from Wisconsin, under Lieu-
tenants Clark and Fowler, joined the battery.
First Lieutenant David C. Piatt resigned in June. On the
20th of October, Second Lieutenant Groesbeck was commissioned
First Lieutenant, and Elbert W. Fowler was commissioned Sec-
ond Lieutenant, to fill the vacancy. Oscar A. Clark was com-
missioned Junior Second Lieutenant on the 22d of September,
and James Toner resigned December 17th, and Ebeuezer W.
Stetson was commissioned Junior First Lieutenant.
The battery was engaged mostly as escort to fora-ge trains.
They remained on duty mostly in the vicinity of Nashville and at
Murfreesboro, until the 1st of September, 1863, when they moved
to Huntsville, Ala., thence to Stevenson, where one section was
sent to Caperton's Ferry, to guard the pontoon bridges at that
place. They moved by way of Bridgeport, to Anderson's Cross
Roads, in Sequatchie Valley. The battery remained in this sec-
tion of Tennessee, engaged principally in guard duty, during the
winter and spring.
On the 3d of May, 1864, they proceeded to Catoosa Spring,
where the battery was permanently assigned to the Third Cavalry
Division of the Army of the Cumberland, and on the" 9th, reported
to General Kilpatrick for duty. They took part with the cavalry
in the actions at Resaca and Calhoun Ferry. They engaged in
guard duty at Adairsville and Carterville Ferry, until the 3d of
August, when they moved to Sandtown.
On the 14th of August, they accompanied General Kilpatrick
in his celebrated raid on the communications of Atlanta, during
which they engaged the enemy at Red Oak and Jonesboro. At
Lovejoy's, they opened fire on a division of the enemy, and
attacked them vigorously with a portion of Kilpatrick's force,
while a detachment destroyed the railroad and depot. The whole
960 MILITAKY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
force then charged through the rebel division, and passed around
Atlanta, returning to Sandtown on the 23d. Retiring to the
vicinity of Red Oak, they encountered the enemy several times,
and finally drove him into Jonesboro. The battery, with the
cavalry, was engaged in several skirmishes near Burnt Bridge,
on Flint River. They joined the Seventeenth Corps at Love-
joy's on the 3d of September, and returned to Atlanta with the
rest of General Sherman's forces, going into camp midway
between Sandtown and Atlanta, on the 7th of September.
The battery accompanied the movement of the cavalry corps
on the 1st of October, breaking camp near Atlanta, and marching
to Salt Springs, on the Sweetwater River, where they took part
in an action near that place, and on the 3d, in an action near
Powder Springs. The movement northward was continued, and
on the 10th, the battery participated in an engagement near Van
Wirt, which lasted two hours. They arrived at Rome on the
13th. From this time until the 27th of October, they were
engaged in reconnoisances to different sections of the country,
without having any engagement. On the 28th they arrived at
Marietta, where they went into camp, having marched 230 miles
during the month.
The Tenth Battery took part in General Sherman's march to
the sea coast, being still attached to Kilpatrick's division of
cavalry. On the 15th of November, they advanced by way of
Marengo, and on the 16th, engaged the enemy at Lovejoy's
Station and Bear Creek, capturing two guns. The march was
continued, the enemy not being encountered in any force until
the 27th, when the rebels attacked the rear guard. One gun of
the battery was engaged in assisting in the repulse of the enemy.
The battery also assisted in the engagements at Buckhead Church
and Jones' Plantation on the 28th. With one or two exceptions,
the remainder of the march to Savannah was completed without
encountering the enemy, and the battery went into camp near
King's Bridge, Savannah, where it remained until the 28th of
January, 1865.
On that day the march through the Carolinas commenced.
The battery took part in the action at the Salkahatchie, near
Barnwell, losing John "Watts killed, and on the 11th of February,
participated in the attempt of the cavalry to take the town of
TENTH BATTERY — WITH SHERMAN'S GRAND MARCH. 961
Aikin by Btorm. Being obliged to retire, the battery formed
part of the rear guard. On the 14th of February, they took part
in an engagement near Gunter's Bridge, on the ISTorth Edisto.
On the 3d of March, they took part in repulsing the rebel attack
near Ilornsboro, in Anson County, I^I". C. On the 7th, one section
of the battery was engaged with the enemy near Rockingham.
On the 9th of March, the battery was encamped, with Kilpat-
rick's cavalry near Monroe's Cross Roads. About daylight on
the 10th, General Hampton's cavalry surprised the camp. In
the engagement which followed, the battery lost ten prisoners,
thirty horses killed and captured, and one gun disabled. Con-
tinuing the march, the cavalry pushed forward, skirmishing with
the enemy, and on the 16th, took part in the engagement at
Averysboro. On the 24th of March, the battery arrived at
Mount Olive, fourteen miles south of Goldsboro.
On their arrival at Goldsboro, the non-veterans of the battery,
who were entitled to discharge, were ordered to Wisconsin.
They arrived at Madison on the 20th of April, and were
mustered out on the 26th. The balance of the battery was tem-
porarily attached to the Twelfth Wisconsin Battery, with which
they served until discharged from service.
Statistics. — Original strength, 47. Gain — by recruits in 1863,
89, in 1864, 30, in 1865, 2; reenlistments, 11; total, 179. Loss
— by death, 24; deserted, 4; discharged, 60; mustered out, 91.
ELEVENTH BATTERY.
In the organization of the Seventeenth Regiment of Infantry,
in 1862, it was ascertained that eleven companies had been re-
cruited. The " Oconto Irish Guards," which had been enlisted
by Captain McAfee, of Oconto, desirous of entering the artillery
service, were transferred to that branch, and attached to the
" Irish Brigade," then organizing at Camp Douglas, Chicago, by
Colonel James A. Mulligan. The company was filled up by a
detachment of Illinois recruits, and the battery was organized
with the following officers :
61
962 MILITARY HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
Captain — JOHN O'ROURKE.
First LieiUenani — John McAfeie; Junior First Lieiiienant—Cu Anz.'ES Eaglet; Second
Lieutenant — Wm.. L. McKenzie ; Junior Second LieutcTiant— Mich. aeIj Lantry.
With Colonel Mulligan's command, tlie battery proceeded to
ISTew Creek, West Virginia, arriving on tlie 23d of June, 1862.
Here the battery was used chiefly by sections in different parts
of the country. In October and ISTovember, the rebel Imbodeu
was encountered first near Petersburg, and afterwards a few
miles beyond Morefield. At Petersburg, a sharp skirmish
occurred. Near Morefield, after a fight of three hours, the rebels
broke and fled to the mountains.
In April, 1863, Imboden was encountered near Phillippi, and
driven back, soon after which. Lieutenant McAfee, with a detach-
ment of the battery, encountered a large force of the enemy near
Fairmount, with which he skirmished, and was obliged to fall
back to Grafton, with a loss of three men wounded, Francis
Mai lot, Peter Keelan and Charles Ileberle.
In order to cooperate with the Army of the Potomac, the
forces of West Virginia were ordered to concentrate in Eastern
Virginia. The battery proceeded by way of Cumberland, Md.,
through Hancock and Williamsport, near which they crossed the
Potomac and encamped near Hedgesville, Va., on the 18th of
July.
On the 17th of August, the battery returned to Petersburg,
and one section was sent to Morefield, where, on the 4th of Sep-
tember, they were attacked by superior numbers. After repuls-
ing two attacks, the little force fell back to Petersburg, rejoining
the battery. Scouting parties, mounted as cavalry, were fre-
quently sent out, and in December, one section of the battery,
accompanied General Averill, for the purpose of destroying the
Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, returning to Petersburg on the
24th.
Petersburg was evacuated on the 30th of January, 1864, the
battery retreating to New Creek. On the retreat, Captain
O'Rourke was captured by the enemy. In April, one section,
under Lieutenant Cunningham, occupied Greenland Gap. Lieu-
tenant Bagley, took command of the battery at Petersburg, and
on the 5th of May, with a detachment of infantry and one gun,
attacked and routed the enemy at Bloomington. The post at
ELEVENTH BATTERY — IN WEST VIRGINIA. 963
Greenland Gap, was abandoned on the 25tli of July, and
Lieutenant Ciinningliam's command returned to New Creek.
The last day of July, the center section, under Lieutenant
McKenzie marched to Cumberland, Md., to assist in the defence
of that place. At Folck's Mills, the enemy was attacked, and
after an obstinate resistance of five hours, was driven from the
field with severe loss. The battery had one man severely
wounded. The same rebel force appeared before New Creek,
where the left, section was stationed, and was again defeated.
On the 10th of September, the battery was united at New Creek.
On the 1st of October, 1864, they were stationed at three dif-
ferent points in "West Virginia; the centre section, under com-
mand of First Lieutenant McAfee, at Grafton, the right section,
Lieutenant Charles Bagley, at Clarksburg, and the left section,
Lieutenant McKenzie, at New Creek.
Lieutenant McAfee, with a detachment of eighteen men and
one gun of the battery, accompanied an expedition under Lieu-
tenant Colonel Fleming, of the Sixth West Virginia Cavalry
towards Morefield, on the 26th of November. They encountered
a superior force of the enemy, and were driven back to New
Creek, with the loss of six men, eleven horses and one piece of
artillery.
On the 28th of October, the enemy attacked the post of New
Creek, and captured forty-eight men, and one commissioned
officer of the battery, with sixty-eight horses, and three pieces of
artillery. Lieutenant Bagley then assumed command of the bat-
tery, and Ijieutenant Cunningham took charge of the detachment
at Clarksburg.
On the 21st of January, 1865, the battery was ordered to
Harper's Ferry, where it arrived on the 22d, and reported to
General Stevenson, commanding the post. Here the battery
remained until ordered to be discharged from service. No muster
out rolls are in the Adjutant General's office to show the date of
their muster out.
Statistics. — Original strength, 87. Gain — by recruits in 1863,
1, in 1864, 1, in 1865, 6; by reenlistments, 39; total, 134.
Loss— by death, 3; deserted, 20; transferred, 2; discharged,
17 ; mustered out, 92.
964 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
TWELFTH BATTERY.
Early in 1862, "William A. Pile, a chaplain in the Missouri
service, received permission from Governor Harvey to recruit a
company for the First Missouri Artillery, to be known as the
Twelfth Wisconsin Battery. He succeeded in enlisting ninety-
nine men, who were mustered into the United States service,
and sent forward to St. Louis in squads, where the company was
to be organized and equipped.
In completing the organization of the battery, Captain Pile
ignored the authority of the Governor of Wisconsin, and proceed-
ed to distribute the men to suit his own purposes. This course
finally caused the revocation of Mr. Pile's commission as Captain
of the company on the 18th of July. The company was officered
as follows :
Captain— WILLIAM A. PILE.
First Lieutenant— Wit-rjiA.iii ZICX.B.ICK', Junior First IdeuienarU—WM.. Mih^s; Second
lAeiitencmt — WiULSAUL H. Hamilton.
On the revocation of Captain Pile's commission. Lieutenant
Zickrick was commissioned as Captain, Edward G. Harlow was
commissioned as Senior First Lieutenant.
Two sections of the battery, on the 6th of May, went forward
up the Tennessee Kiver to Hamburg, Tenn., thence they moved
to Farmington, where they found the first section of the battery,
under Lieutenant Immel, of Missouri, and joined General Pope's
command. They took part in the investment of Corinth, and on
the 29th, one section, under Lieutenant Zickrick, took position
and destroyed a fort of the enemy which commanded the Mem-
phis, and Charleston Railroad. Joining in the pursuit of the
enemy, the battery finally went into camp near Clear Creek, and
engaged in post and garrison duty, where they remained, with the
exception of a few days, until the 14th of August, when thej
moved to Jacinto.
While at Clear Creek, Captain Zickrick took command of the
battery, which, on the 11th of August, was furnished with four
10-pounder Parrot guns.
TWELFTH BATTERY — AT BATTLE OF CORINTH. 965
At Jacinto,, they were joined on the 14th of Septemhcr by
Lieutenants Harlow and Miles, with seventy-one recruits, mostly
from the vicinity of Janesville.
I*articipating in the movement of General Rosecrans' forces,
the battery took part in the battle of luka, on the 19th of Sep-
tember, occupying a position on the left, supported by the Tenth
lovra Infantry. Here the battery, under Lieutenant Immel, did
splendid service, for which the command was warmly commended
by General Hamilton, who commanded the Union forces on that
day, for the unyielding skill and bravery they displayed in
handling their guns.
The battery returned to Jacinto, and, on the 1st of October,
moved to Corinth, and took part in the battles of the 3d and 4th.
It was put in position on the 3d, but was not very actively
engaged. On the 4th, they occupied an elevated and exposed
position in front of Corinth, in the right wing of the army, com-
manded by General Hamilton. The batteries in their front were
captured or obliged to retire. The Twelfth opened on the ad-
vancing line of the enemy with shell and case shot, and as the
rebels came nearer, the guns were double shotted with canister,
which caused terrible destruction in the enemy's ranks. They
held the position, and went through the battle without losing a
man. First Sergeant Samuel E. Jones and Corporal Marcus
Amsden were noticed in the official report for their gallant
conduct.
Following in the pursuit till it was abandoned, the battery
returned to Corinth, where it remained until the 8th of Novem-
ber, when they moved in conjunction with General Hamilton's
forces into West Tennessee. On the 19th, they were at Moscow,
being attached to Quimby's division of the right wing of the
Army of the Tennessee.
Second Lieutenant William H. Hamilton having been mustered
out, Marcus Amsden was commissioned Second Lieutenant,
November 1st, 1862. Following the general movements of
the army of General Grant in its operations in West Tennessee
in the winter of 1862, the battery, on the 4th of January, 1863,
was stationed at German town, Tenn., on the Memphis and
Charleston Railroad, engaged in railroad guard duty. 1^
966 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 8tli of February, they moved to Memphis, thence to
Grand Lake, Ark., and on the 24th of March, with Quimby's
division, took part in the Yazoo Pass Expedition, from which
they returned, without suffering any loss, on the 11th of ApriL
On the 16th, they moved to MiUkin's Bend, and accompanied
the movement of the Seventeenth Army Corps of General
McPherson across the Peninsula, crossing the Mississippi at
Bruinsburg, and moved forward towards Jackson. It was pre-
sent at the battle of Eaymond, in the reserve. At Jackson,
the battery was under fire, but did not exchange shots with the
enemy
At the battle of Champion Hills, on the 16th, they occupied
a position near the centre, on the left of the artillery lines. On
the 21st of May, the battery took position before the enemy's
fortifications in the rear of Vicksburg. Here they were employed
in the duties of the siege until the surrender. During the siege,
James Gray and William West were mortally wounded.
The battery remained encamped near Vicksburg until the 12th
of September, when it moved to Helena, with the division then
commanded by General Smith. Here orders were received to
join the Fifteenth Corps of General Sherman, then at Memphis,
en route to the relief of Chattanooga. They left Memphis on the
6th of October, and moved to Glendale, Miss., and thence took
up their line of march with the Fifteenth Corps for the relief of
Chattanooga and Knoxville. This march has been before de-
scribed. The forces of General Sherman reached Chattanooga
on the 18th of IsTovember.
From this time till the 7th of January, 1864, the battery was
stationed successively at Bridgeport and Larkinsville, Ala. On
the 7th of January, they moved to Hunts ville, where they went
into winter quarters, and engaged in garrison duty until the 22d
of June. At Huntsville they were furnished with three inch
Rodman guns in lieu of their 10-pouuders.
Second Lieutenant Amsden was promoted to Junior First Lieu-
tenant, February 22d, Samuel E. Jones, to Second Lieutenant,
and Sylvester C. Cheney, to Junior Second Lieutenant.
On the 22d of June, they left Huntsville, marched to Steven-
son, Ala., and proceeded by rail to Kingston, Ga., where they
remained until the 13th of July, when they moved to Allatoona,
TWELFTH BATTERY — AT BATTLE OF ALLATOONA. 967
Ga., where they entered upon duty as a part of the garrison at
that place.
On the approach of the forces of General French, on the 5th
of October, to the attack of Allatoona, one gun of the Twelfth
Battery was ordered outside of the works, to open fire on an
eminence about a mile from the fort, where the enemy were
throwing up temporary works and planting a battery. The
rebels soon opened, with six guns, upon the gun of the Twelfth
Battery. By the aid of the other guns of the battery it was,
however, kept in its position for two hours, until the enemy
ceased firing. At nine, a demand for surrender was made, and,
of course, refused. On the return of the flag, the whole force
of the rebels, six thousand, formed and advanced to the attack
on the west and north, their battery being posted on the south,
in front of the works. For three hours the engagement contin-
ued, until the Union forces were forced back to the inner line of
works, when the fight was continued with great gallantry on both
sides, until the ammunition of the garrison was nearly exhausted.
The rebels were crowding round the works, intent on carrying
them, when a deadly fire of canister was opened on them from
all the guns of the fort, which caused them to waver, and finally
break and retreat. In this engagement, the Twelfth Battery
covered itself with honor, losing six men killed and fifteen
wounded:
Killed or Died of WoxrNDS.— First Lieutenant Marcus Amsden, Sergeant Sylvester
Barton, Corporal Alva P. Hamilton, Privates Samuel H. Doolittle, David C. Davis, Clias.
C. Balier and Joseph W. Chase — 7. I
Wounded.— Privates Robert W. Burton, James Craft, Granville B. Daily, J. Henrich,
John Roll and Sylvester St. John.
The above are the only names on the descriptive book which
are recorded as wounded at Allatoona.
On the 5th of November, Sylvester C. Cheeny was commis-
sioned Junior First Lieutenant, vice Amsden, deceased, and
Philander H. Cody, Second Lieutenant, vice Jones, discharged.
The battery remained at Allatoona until the 12th of November,
when they marched to Atlanta, where they took part in the
march of General Sherman to Savannah, on the 15th, being
attached to the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
968 MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Arriving at the outer defences of Savannah on the 12th and
13th of December, two sections of the battery were placed in
position, 1,200 yards from the rebel works, and were heavily
engaged. These sections retained position, under a heavy fire
from the enemy, until the 2l8t of December, at which date they
entered the city.
Frank Wood and Alex. "W. Russell are reported as wounded
at Savannah.
Leaving Savannah on the 14th of January, 1865, they moved,
by transports, to Beaufort, on Port Royal Island, S. C, from
whence they marched, with the Fifteenth Corps, through the
Carolinas, being engaged with the enemy at Columbia and Ben-
ton ville, where Robert Shields was wounded, and reached Golds-
boro on the 24th of March. From thence they marched to
Raleigh, and after Johnston's surrender, with the balance of
Sherman's forces, took up the line of march for Richmond and
Washington, At the latter place, they took part in the grand
review on the 24th of May. They soon after started for Wiscon-
sin, arriving at Madison on the 7th of June, and were mustered
out of service on the 26th, the muster out to date from the day of
their arrival.
Statistics. — Original strength, 99. Gain — by recruits in 1863,
^Q, in 1864, 121, in 1865, 2; substitutes, 3; reenlistments, 31;
total, 342. Loss — by death, 30; missing, 1 ; deserted, 2;
transferred, 81 ; discharged, 105 ; mustered out, 123.
THIRTEENTH BATTERY.
The organization of this battery was commenced in the summer
of 1863. In November, seventy-one men, with a First Lieuten-
ant, were mustered into the United States service. A sufficient
number of men were enlisted under the superintendance of
Captain R. R. Griffith, and the organization was completed, and
the men mustered in on the 29th of December, with the following
officers :
THIRTEENTH BATTERY — AT BATON ROUGE. 969
Captain— RICHARD R. GRIFFITH.
First lAei'.te7iant — WM. W. Pekrine; Second Lieutenant — Vf . M. Bristol; Junior Second
LieiUenant — FRAifK Fox.
Leaving Camp Washburn on the 28th of Janiiarj^, 1864, they
proceeded b}^ way of Chicago and Cairo, to ITew Orleans, where
they arrived on the 12th of February. Under orders, they left
New Orleans on the 17th, to report at Baton Rouge, where they
arrived on the 18th.
There the battery was assigned to duty in Fort Williams. On
the 16th of March, they were armed with Springfield muskets,
for guard and other duty. From March 24th to July 10th, except
a few days when they were on provost duty in Baton Rouge, they
engaged in heavy artillery duty, having in charge the six heavy
guns of the fort.
On the 10th of July, they were completely equipped as Light
Artillery, and went into camp, near the fort, on the 15tK
With the exception of a few days spent by a portion of the
battery at Highland Stockade, seven miles south, the Thirteenth
Battery remained at Baton Rouge until mustered out of service.
Statistics. — Original strength, 156. Gain — by recruits in 1864,
22, in 1865, 10; total, 188. Loss— by death, 14; missing, 1;
deserted, 25; transferred, 3; discharged, 39, mustered out, 106.
OHAPTEE LT.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY— FIRST HEAVY ARTILLERY.
Regimental Roster — Battery A in Defenses or Washington —
Battery B at Lexington, Ky. — Battery C at Chattanooga — In
East Tennessee — Battery D at Brashier City, La. — Batteries
E to M in Defenses at Washington — Muster out — Statistics.
IlSr the Summer of 1861, Company K, Captain Langworthy, of
the Second Wisconsin Infantry, was detached and placed on
duty as heavy artillery. In December, its place in the Second
Regiment was taken by Captain Stahel's company, and Captain
Langworthy was authorized to fill up his company to the neces-
sary number for a company of heavy artillery. This company,
which was designated as "A, First Regiment Heavy Artillery,"
was the only one organized until in the summer of 1863, Captain
Meservey, who had succeeded to the command of Company A,
was authorized to come home and recruit three companies to
complete the battalion. Batteries B, C and D were organized,
and Captain Meservey was commissioned as Major of the bat-
talion. In the Summer of 1864, further authority was given for
the completion of the regimental organization, and eight addi-
tional companies were oiganized. On the 9th of September,
the field and staff oflacers were commissioned, and the regiment
was fully organized, with the following roster :
Colonel — CHABLES C. MESERVEY.
lAeiUenant Colonel— Jacob T. Foster; I<'irst Major — Ti. H. Drtjry; Second Major —
Richard W. Hubbell; Third Major— T) avid C. Fulton; Surgeon — Wiz-j^iahi H.
Borden; First Assistant Surgeon— Marvin Waters.oi!Sk; Second Assistant Surgeon —
lE.4. Manly, Jr.
ORGANIZATION.
971
Cb. Captains.
A— Wallace M. Spear
B — Charles W. Hyde,
C — John R. Davis,
D— Henry W. Peck,
E— Justus H. Potter,
F— Jared S. W. Pardee,
G— Henry F. Rouse,
H— Charles S. Taylor,
I — David H. Saxton,
K — Wallace Jennings,
L— P. Henry Ray,
M— IraH. Ford.
First Lieutenants.
John Jameson,
Jun. Edgar A. Van Wie,
Waldo B. Gwynne,
Jun. George T. Peckham,
John Silsby,
Jun. Benjamin F. Parker,
Cornelius V. Bridge,
Jun. Charles M. Ball,
Andrew J. Garrett,
Jun. Elverton Bigelow,
Hei'inan Fenner,
Jun. Asa P. Peck,
Martin R. Stevens,
Jun. Samuel A. Phoenix,
Albert F. Mattice,
Jun. Charles E. Hoyt,
Jasper Daniels,
Jun. Samuel Johnston,
Isaac U. Jennings,
Jun. Charles Law,
Edward Goodman,
Jun. Obed W. Wallace,
William A. Coleman,
Jun. Ogden A. Southmayd.
Second Lieutenants.
William A. Hopkins,
Jun. George H. Van Eps,
Jun. Charles B. Palmer,
Frederick UUmau,
Jun. Winfleld S. Tefft,
Isaiah Culver,
Jwi. William M. Hanchett
John Jay Gibbs,
Jun. Horatio G. Billings,
Thomas Graham,
Jun.
William Fallows,
Ju7i. Robert BuUea,
Alonzo E. Miltimore,
Jun. James P. Blakeslee,
Edmund A. Gibbon,
Jun. Samuel F. Leavett,
Albert McNitt,
Jun. James E. O'Xeill,
A. S. Trowbridge,
Jun. Francis O. Ball,
A. J. Close,
Ju7i. Herbert R. Lull.
Battery A, during the war, remained on duty in the defenses
at Washington, and was mustered out on the 18th of August,
1865. Battery B was recruited and organized under the super-
intendence of Captain Babcock and Lieutenant R. TV. Hubbell,
and left Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, in October, 1863, and
were assigned to duty at Fort Terrill, Murfreesboro, Tenn. On
the 4th of January, 1864, they moved to Fort Clay, at Lexington,
Ky., where they remained, engaged in garrison duty, until mus-
tered out of service, on the 30th of August, 1865. Battery C was
organized under the superintendence of Captain Davis, and left
Camp Washburn on the 30th of October, 1863, and was assigned
to position at Camp Wood, Chattanooga. They subsequently
moved into Fort Creighton and finally into Fort Sherman, where
they remained until March 29, 1865, when they moved to Athens,
East Tennessee, thence to Mouse Creek, and finally to Strawberry
Plains. On the 21st of September, they were mustered out at
Nashville, and the men returned to Madison, where they were
paid and disbanded. Battery J) was organized under the
superintendence of Captain Peck, mustered in on the 7th of
November, 1863, and went forward to New Orleans, arriving
there on the 9th of February, 1864. They garrisoned Fort
Jackson, below New Orleans, until the 23d of July, when they
972 MILITARY HISTORY OT" WISCONSIN.
were transferred to Fort Berwick, near Brashier City, where tliey
remained until June, 1865, when they were ordered to Washing-
ton, and were mustered out on the 18th of August, 1865.
The other nine batteries were employed in garrison duty in the
defenses at Washington until the 26th of June, 1865, when the\
were mustered out of service, reaching Milwaukee on the 1st of
July, and were soon after paid and disbanded.
Regimental Statistics. — Original strength, 1,777. Gain — by re-
cruits in 1863, 103, in 1864, 133, in 1865, 146 ; by draft, 4 ; re-
enlistments, 29 ; total, 2,192. Loss — by death, 73 ; deserted.
70 ; transferred, 30 ; discharged, 223 ; mustered out, 1,795.
OOE'CLUSIOlSr.
From tlie Adjutant General's report of 1866 we compile the
following summary :
Aggregate number of troops, including naval recruits, famished the Gen-
eral Government during the war, 91,379
Aggregate number required under all calls 90,116
Excess over all calls, 1,263
The following losses were sustained during the war :
Killed or died of wounds and by disease, 10,868
Missing, 258
Deserted, (chiefly drafted men,) 3,362
Transferred, 2,961
Discharged ~ 15,193
Mustered out, &1,052
86,694
Still in service, November 1st, 1865 4,685
91,379
Of the above aggregate number of troops furnished by the
State
The veteran re-enlistments amounted to - 5,784
Be-enlistments of those discharged for disability, etc., estimated 5,000
10,784
Number of actual individual enlistments 80,595
91,379
About one in ten of the inhabitants of the State, or over one
half of its voting population.
We have been furnished with the following, by the Secretary
of State, as to the amounts paid by the State, during the war, up
to April 1st, 1866 :
As aid to soldiers' famiUes, $2,531,983 60
For other war expenses, 1,370,443 28 g,Qr2 42g gg
Amount of money actually paid by towns and counties,
during the war, as bounties, and to sustain families
of volunteers, 7,752,505 67
Aggregate amount paid by the State for war purposes, $11,704,932 55
974
MILITARY HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
RECAPITULATION.
Sj
» ."2 "3 S i a
O ca J5 fe = •a
S3®
§gff
Adams,
Ashland,
Brown,
Buffalo,
Burnett,
Calumet,
Chippewa,
Clark, ,
Columbia,
CraM^ford,
Dane,
Dallas,
Dodge,
Door,
Douglas,
Dunn,
Eau Claire,
Fond du Lac,
Grant,
Green,
Green Lake,...
Iowa,
Jackson,
Jefferson,
Juneau,
Kewaunee, ....
Kenosha,
La Crosse,
La Fayette, ...
La Pointe
Manitowoc, ...
Marathon,
Marquette,
Milwaukee
Monroe,
Oconto,
Outagamie,
Ozaukee,
Pepin,
Pierce,
Polk,
Portage,
Racine
Richland
Rock,
St. Croix,
Sauk,
Shawano,
Sheboygan, ...
Trempeleau, ..
Vernon, -
Walworth, ....
Washington,
Waukesha,....
Waupacca, ....
Waushara, ....
Winnebago,..,
Wood,
5,698
256
15,282
6,776
171
8,638
3,278
1,011
26,112
11,011
50,192
$2,080 00
68,965 99
67,737 68
31,525 00
23,647 26
9,765 00
307,518 25
51,039 00
648,751 61
81,000 00
"siooo'oo
""4J.574"76
46,841
3,088
532
5,170
5,281
42,029
33,618
20,646
12,.596
20,657
5,631
30,597
10,013
7,039
12,676
14,834
20,358
269
26,762
3,678
7.327
72,320
11,6.52
4,8.58
11,842
14,882
3,002
6,324
1,677
8,14,5
22,886
12,186
36,033
7,2S5
20,154
1,369
27,671
5,199
13,644
25,773
24,019
27,029
11,208
9,002
29,767
2,965
445,277 78
34,726 31
4,147 m
29,424 00
50,758 27
388,575 39
a3;3,507 46
226,507 55
148,.571 08
150,797 97
44,613 31
248,766 74
32,826 15
20,692 87
126,183 67
164,884 20
246,0.56 ,39
2,.375 00
117,943 53
41,768 52
29,010 50
348,980 00
34,960 22
43,886 00
49,284 17
90,155 95
20,214 75
31,314 22
13,030 68
44,166 34
224,165 90
48,1,52 00
571,490 60
83,719 93
99,409 00
10,721 71
111,558 06
27,916 59
46,669 49
333,777 34
160,792 00
240,,320 00
61,762 00
31,082 17
301,388 89
4,380 00
14,078 04
4,000 00
83,000 00
5,000 00
54,102 35
33,500 00
1,500 00
10,000 00
3,32,5 50
72,000 00
2,000 00
*1.30,000 00
11,000 00
"'i',m6o
12,825 00
2,000 00
18,000 00
102,408 31
12,000 00
8,.358 09
12,500 00
4,367 50
4,625 00
Total,
868,937
$7,134,341 12
$618,164 65
County issued bonds for $20Q,00ft,
BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES.
MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES S- HAMILTON.
General Charles S. Hamilton was born in Oneida County, J^ew
York, in 1822, and removed at an early age, to "Western New
York. In 1839, he entered the United States Military Academy
at West Point, in the class with Generals Grant, Augur, J. J.
Reynolds, Peck, Quimby, Steele, Franklin, Judah, Hardie and
others, and graduated in 1843. He was assigned to the Second
Eegimeut, United States Infantry as brevet Second Lieutenant,
was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and transferred to the Fifth
Infau try, and joined the regiment, which formed part of the force
of General Taylor, who was then at Matamoras, engaged in
the war with Mexico. The regiment was in Mcintosh's brig-
ade. Worth's division. Lieutenant Hamilton, with his regiment,
took part in the assault on Monterey, and is handsomely men-
tioned in the report of his superior officers. On the organization
of General Scott's column at Lobos Island, Worth's division was
transferred to that command. Lieutenant Hamilton took an act-
ive part in the siege of Yera Cruz, and battle of Cerro Gordo,
and won a brevet captaincy at the battle of Contreras and Chur-
ubusco, and was severely wounded at Molino del Hey, being shot
through the shoulder which laid him up in hospital six months in
the City of Mexico.
After the war, he was engaged in the recruiting service at
Kochester, New York, for two years, then for a year and half,
was stationed in the Indian Territory and Texas, fighting the
Camanches.
He resigned in 1853, and removed to Wisconsin, settling at
Fond du Lac, and remaining in civil life until called by Governor
Randall to act as his aid in organizing the Wisconsin troops. At
..-'•
976 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
the outbreak of the rebellion, Governor Randall needed the
advice of men experienced in military affairs, and called Lieu-
tenant Ruger, of Janes ville, to his assistance. A friend showed
to the Governor the record of Captain Hamilton as found in the
official reports in the Mexican war, and informed His Excellency
that Captain Hamilton was a resident of Fond du Lac. Gover-
nor Randall immediately sent for him and availed himself of his
experience in the organization of the first regiments of the State.
Desiring active service, Captain Hamilton accepted the Colo-
nelcy, of the Third Regiment, which was ordered into camp at
Fond du Lac. Li a short time Colonel Hamilton had his regi-
ment thoroughly organized and clothed in the most complete
manner then possible, and no regiment ever went from the State
with a more efficient organization than the Third, and none did
better or more gallant service. Moving with it to Harper's Ferry,
Colonel Hamilton reported to General Banks.
Colonel Hamilton was promoted to Brigadier General, to date
from the 11th of June, being the first general officer appointed
from Wisconsin. In August, 1861, be was assigned to the
command of the Second Brigade of General Banks' division.
Li March, 1862, his brigade was concentrated at Bunker Hill,
where General Hamilton planned an expedition to capture
Stonewall Jackson's command at Winchester, but General Banks
would not sanction it, and ordered him to make a reconnoissance
in force against "Winchester. He entered that place but Jackson
escaped up the valley.
General Hamilton was soon after summoned by General
McClellan to take command of Heintzelman's old division in
the Third Army Corps, which was the first to embark for the
peninsula. In April, his division took position before Yorktown,
being next to the extreme left of the line. Here General
Hamilton discovered an opportunity to carry the enemy's posi-
tion with his division, and sent to General McClellan with a
request to be permitted to do so. General Hamilton was con-
gratulated by General Hooker, and other general officers, on this
chance to strike an effective blow, but General McClellan did
not reply, and the siege soon after commenced. In May, Gen-
eral Hamilton was relieved of his command, and was transferred,
at the request of General Halleck, to his department in Tennes-
see, where he was placed in command of the left wing of the
MAJOR GENERAL C. S. HAMILTON. 977
Army of the Mississippi, composed of the divisions of Generals
Davis and Buford, which was eventually reduced to Buford's
division, by the transfer of Davis' division to General Buell's
department.
General Rosecrans was subsequently placed in command of
that wing of the army, which consisted of the divisions of Gen-
erals Hamilton and Stanley. On the morning of the 19th of
September, 1862, the Third Division, General Hamilton, marched
from Jacinto, in order to attack General Price, at or near luka,
' in conjunction with other forces of General Grant. General
Hamilton's division had the advance of Rosecrans' troops, and
encountered the enemy in heavy force, about two miles from
the town. The nature of the ground was such as to permit only
a portion of General Hamilton's troops to form in line of battle,
and he had, therefore, the honor of fighting alone, the whole
rebel force of General Price — seven regiments against eighteen
regiments of the enemy. No battle during the whole war was
more bravely contested than that of luka. General Hamilton
was at the front, in the midst of the fight, cheering his men
on — rallying others to their standard — gathering broken detach-
ments and leading them to the charge — always present when
most needed. The battle commenced at 4^ P. M., and lasted
until darkness put an end to the contest, when General
Hamilton's forces lay on the field they had so gallantly won,
and next morning pursued the fleeing enemy fifteen miles.
General Hamilton had his horse shot under him and the handle
of his sword was shattered by a bullet.
General Grant in his report, says:
It was a part of General Hamilton's command that did the fighting, directed entirely
by that cool and deserving officer. I commend him to the President for acknowledgment
of his services.
After the battle of luka, General Hamilton was in command
of the District of Jacinto until October 2d, when General Koso-
crans concentrated his forces for the defence of Corinth, forming
his four divisions in a semi circle, covering the town on the
north and west, about two miles outside of Corinth. Hamil-
ton's division occupied the extreme right with Davies' division
on his left, McKean's division occupied the left, with Stanley's
62
978 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
division in the reserve. On the 3d of October, the rebels suc-
ceeded in driving back the divisions of McKean and Davies,
In following up Davies the rebel flank was exposed, which
Hamilton, by a prompt movement, vigorously attacked, and suc-
ceeded in relieving McKean and Davies from further attack for
that day, and capturing several hundred prisoners.
^t General Hamilton's suggestion, the troops, during the night,
were withdrawn and placed within supporting distance of each
other in the immediate vicinity of the village. At dawn of the
4th, the rebel batteries opened on the town and an artillery duel
took place, after which the rebels withdrew their guns and trains
and prepared to take the town by assault. They fell upon Davies'
division in overpowering numbers, and drove them into the town
The rebels reached the centre of the town and took possession
of Rosecrans' headquarters. There they were held in check by
Stanley's division. In the meantime Hamilton, who had repulsed
the rebels in his front, hurled his whole force with such rapidity
against the rebels, that those who had entered the town were all
cut oif and captured, while those who had encountered Stanley's
division, were attacked on both flanks with such vigor, that all
were captured or scattered in a few minutes. Nothing saved the
Union army from defeat but the cool determined energy and
bravery displayed by the troops of Hamilton's division, and
the admirable tact of that ofiicer.
After the battle of Corinth, Rosecrans was transferred to the
Department of the Cumberland, and General Hamilton succeeded
him in the command of the Army of the Mississippi. This or-
ganization was soon merged in the Army of the Tennessee, of
which, General Hamilton commanded the left wing. General
Hamilton retained this command during the Oxford expedition
into central Mississippi. In ITovember, several promotions of
Brigadiers were made to the grade of Major General. Soon after
General Grant was ordered to organize his army into four army
corps, and the new Major Generals were assigned, by orders from
Washington, against General Grant's desires, to the command of
these (iorps, thus depriving General Hamilton, who had fought
bravely at luka and Corinth, of the command of the brave men
he had led into those battles.
MAJOR GENERAL C. S. HAMILTON. 979
"With the promptingsx)f true patriotism, he gave way to his
seniors, and took command of the District of Jackson and
Corinth, with headquarters at La Grange, where he succeeded in
keeping the country free from guerillas, and the railways secure
from annoyance. While in this command, he planned and
ordered the Grierson raid which penetrated through Central
^[ississippi and produced such a commotion in rcbeldoni.
In January and February, 1863, General Hamilton was in
command at Memphis, Tenn. In April he was commissioned as
Major General to rank from the day of the battle of luka, and
ordered to repair to Vicksburg. He was again senior in rank to
those officers who had been promoted over his head, but who
having been assigned to the command of army corps by the Pres-
ident, could not be removed from their positions, by General
Grant, who could only offer Hamilton a division. This command
he could not accept without serving under those officers who had
been unjustly placed above him, and who were his subordinates in
rank. Writing to the Secretary of War, he asked for his command
to be restored to him, if not for services rendered in Union vic-
tories— then for the same reason that it was taken from him and
given to others, to wit: seniority of rank. In this letter, he
further said to the Secretar}'- of AVar, that he had rendered no
political services, nor sought the favor of any man, as a basis for
promotion, but rested his claims on services rendered, in which
he had shrunk from no labor, or danger, or duty — that if it was
deemed proper to assign him to the command which was justly
his due, he would gladly serve to the end of the war, if any other
decision was arrived at, he begged to be advised of the acceptance
of his resignation.
Under a rule just then adopted to accept all resignations,
General Hamilton left the army, returned to his home in Fond
du Lac, and the army of the United States lost an an able and
experienced officer, and a brave man.
In a letter before us, we find the character of General Hamilton
so well described that we insert the extract. Speaking of him :
He seems a high minded, honorable, energetic, strong nerved General, capable of
accomplishing whatever he underta,kes, and capable of undertaking whatever
circumstances seem to demand.
The battles of luka and Corinth, are examples of these traits
of General Hamilton's character..
980 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
MAJOR GENERAL C. C. WASHBURN.
General Washburn was born in Livermore, Maine, in 1818.
His grandfathers were soldiers in the war of Independence,
one of them serving through the whole war.
General Washburn removed to Wisconsin in March, 1842, and
settled at Mineral Point, where he engaged in the practice of the
law. In 1854, he was elected member of Congress from the dis-
trict in which he resided, then composed of nearly one half of
the State. He was reelected twice, and in 1860, declined a
further nomination.
In October, 1861, General Washburn was commissioned as
Colonel of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry, an organization
authorized by the War Department, and proceeded to the field
in Missouri, in March 1862. In June, 1862, he was appointed
Brigadier General, and with part of his own regiment and a bat-
talion of Illinois cavalry, joined the army of General Curtis, at
Jacksonport, Arkansas. At that time Memphis was the southern
limit of the Union lines on the Mississippi. With 2,500 cavalry,
General Washburn made a forced march of sixty miles and took
possession of Helena, Arkansas, and opened communica,tion with
Memphis. He commanded the post of Helena until November,
1862, when he moved with 2,000 cavalry to the rear of the rebel
army, then in the vicinity of Abbieville, Miss., opposing the
southward movement of General Grant's army. The rebels
abandoned their position and fell back. At Oakland he encoun-
tered and defeated the rebel General Whitfield, with a brigade
of Texas troops.
General Washburn was assigned to the duty of opening the
Yazoo Pass, and on the 22d of February, 1863, passed the first
boat through to the Cold Water.
In March, 1863, he was commissioned Major General, to rank
from November 29th, 1862, and was ordered to take command
of all the cavalry forces in West Tennessee, with headquarters at
Memphis. In May, he was ordered with two divisions of infantry,
to occupy Haines' Bluif, near Vicksburg, and watch General
Johnston, who was moving in the rear of Grant's forces.
MAJOR GENERAL C. C. WASHBURN. 981
After the fell of Vicksburg, General Washburn was assigned
to the Thirteenth Corps, of which, he took command on the
departure of General Ord, on sick leave. The Thirteenth Corps
moved to New Orleans, and thence to Western Louisiana, and
joined with the Nineteenth Corps, under General Franklin, in
an expedition to Opelousas and its vicinity. On learning of the
attack on General Burbridge's force at Carrion Crow Ba^^ou,
General Washburn moved with a division at double quick to his
relief, and succeeded in repulsing the enemy.
General Washburn was ordered to return to New Orleans and
proceed with one division to the coast of Texas. He arrived
with 2,800 men at Aransas Pass, on the 23d of November. He
proceeded up the coast and captured Fort Esperanza. An attack
on Galveston was planned, but was abandoned by orders from
General Banks.
General Washburn remained in Texas till January, 1864, when
he left on leave of absence for sixty days, at the expiration of
which, he was ordered to Annapolis, Maryland. This order was
soon after countermanded, and he was ordered to Memphis to
Buperscde Major General Hurlbut. Here he remained until De-
cember, when a uew department being organized, General Dana
took command at Memphis, and General Washbijrn was ordered
to Vicksburg. General Dana was unsuccessful in his manage-
ment of affairs in West Tennessee, and at the end of ninety days.
General Washburn wfts ordered back to relieve him, and retained
the position until mustered out of service,
MAJOR GENERAL CARL gCHURZ,
We have been unable to procure the data necessary to give a
fetatement of the military services of General Sehurz, and we are
reluctantly compelled to make the general statement, that he was
appointed Brigadier General, and acted with General Sigel's
corps in the campaigns on the Potomac, and was afterwards
promoted to the position of Major General, which he held during
the war.
982 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BREVET MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS H. RUGER.
Thomas Howard Kuger was born in the town of Lima, Living-
ston County, in the State of New York, in April, 1833. In 1844,
a young lad, he removed with his parents to Janesville, Wiscon-
sin, where they still reside. The family sent four of its members
to fight their country's battles during the war of the rebellion, of
whom Thomas is the oldest.
He entered the United States Military Academy at West Point,
in the year 1850, and graduated in 1854, standing second in the
graduating class of that year. He was appointed Second Lieu-
tenant in the Engineer Corps, and reported for duty to Major
Beauregard, (afterwards the rebel General,) at ISTew Orleans, by
whom he was placed in charge of the works at Forts Jackson
and St. Philip, below New Orleans. Here he remained as chief
officer about a year, when he resigned and returned to Janesville,
in the summer of 1855. He commenced reading law, and in
1857, was admitted to the bar, and established himself in busi-
ness at Janesville, where he continued in successful practice until
the outbreak of the rebellion in 1861. He immediately tendered
his services to the War Department.
Governor Randall availed himself of the military abilities of
Lieutenant Ruger, and invited him to Madison to assist in the
organization of the troops of the State, and appointed him Engi-
neer in chief on his staff, with the rank of Brigadier General.
He rendered important service in this position, but desiring ac-
tive service in the field, Governor Randall commissioned him as
Lieutenant Colonel of the Third Regiment of Infantry, and he
moved with that regiment to the field, where it was assigned to
the corps of General Banks, near Harper's Ferry.
Soon after the Third arrived in the field. Colonel Hamilton
was commissioned as Brigadier General, and Lieutenant Colonel
Ruger was commissioned Colonel of the Third, with whose his-
tory his services are identified until his resignation in April,
1868. The secesh Marylanders determined to carry their State
out of the Union, and elected a " bogus Legislature " to eflect it.
Under orders. Colonel Ruger proceeded to Frederick, surrounded
BREVET MAJOR GENERAL T. H. RUGER. 983
the town, and witli the Third "Wisconsin, captured the officers and
some of the members, and effectually squelched the treasonable
design.
In Banks' campaign np the Shenandoah, and his celebrated
retreat, Colonel Ruger was with his regiment, and shared the
toils and dangers, and in the battle of Cedar Mountain, he led
his brave boys through all that bloody contest. At Antietam, in
September, 1862, he was in command of the regiment, and led
it through that battle, but was subsequently placed in command
of the Brigade of which the Third formed a part. Pie was pro-
moted to Brigadier General in ISTovember, 1862, and was present
with his brigade at the terrible battles of Chancellorville and
Gettysburg.
In August of 1863, General Euger was ordered to New York,
in command of a division of veteran troops, including his own
brigade, to aid the civil authorities there in enforcing order after
the riots.
Accompan^'ing the Twelfth Corps in its transfer to Tennessee,
in the fall of 1863, General Huger's brigade took part in the
operations of Sherman and Grant, and in 1864, the Eleventh and
Twelfth corps being discontinued, was assigned to the Twentieth
Corps of General Hooker, and took part in all the actions of the
Atlanta campaign.
In September, 1864, General Ruger was placed in command of a
division in the Twenty-third Corps of General Schofield, and
took a prominent part in the brilliant repulse of General Hood,
at Franklin, in I^ovember, and in the battle of i^ashville, in
December, for which services he was brevetted a Major General.
In February, 1865, Schofield's corps was moved around b}'
"Washington, to Eastern ISTorth Carolina, and General Ruger, with
his division, contributed to the rebel defeat at Kinston, in March.
After the surrender of General Johnston's army, General
Euger was placed in command of the Department of i^orth
Carolina.
984 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BREVET MAJOR GENERAL FREDERICK SALOMON.
General Salomon was born in Prussia, in 1826. He was edu-
cated to the profession of a civil engineer and architect, and
served for some time in the Prussian army, being a Lieutenant
of artillery when he left Europe, in 1849. He came to Wisconsin
and settled in Manitowoc, in that year, where he has since resided.
While temporarily in Missouri, in 1861, he enlisted at St.
Louis on the 1st of May, for three months, and was subsequently
elected First Lieutenant, and was promoted to the Captaincy on
the 14th of May. The Fifth Missouri formed part of Lyon's army
in the campaign of southwestern Missouri, and participated in
the battle of Carthage, on the 5th of July, at Dug Springs, August
2d, and at the battle of Wilson's Creek, August 10th. In these
battles, Captain Salomon was always present with his company.
While reorganizing the Fifth Missouri for the three years'
service. Captain Salomon was authorized by the Governor of
Wisconsin, to organize a German regiment. He accordingly
returned to Wisconsin, recruited the Ninth Regiment, of which
he was appointed Colonel, and in January, 1862, moved with his
regiment to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was ordered to Fort
Scott. With his regiment, he participated in the "Indian Expe-
dition," and was assigned to the command of the Second Brigade.
He was selected to take command of the expedition, when it was
ascertained that Colonel Wier was incompetent to be in command.
He arrested that officer, and took the command to Fort Scott,
where General Blunt acquitted Colonel Salomon of any dereliction
of duty.
On the 10th of Jul}^, he was commissioned as Brigadier General,
and assumed command, of the expedition. In September, he was
assigned to the command of the First Brigade, of the Army of
Kansas, which afterwards became part of the Army of the
Frontier. His command engaged the rebel forces at N'ewtonia,
in September, and took part in the battle of Cane Hill, Ark,,
November 28th, and at Prairie Grove, on the 7th of December.
He was relieved from the command, and absent on sick leave,
reporting at St. Louis on the 9th of January, 1863, when he was
BREVET MAJOR GENERAL FREDERICK SALOMON. 985
ordered on duty at Helena, Ark., where he was assigned to the
command of the Second Brigade of General A. P. Hovej^'s divis-
ion, and was soon after assigned to the command of the First
Brigade, Thirteenth Division, of the Army of the Tennessee.
General Salomon, with his brigade, took part in the Yazoo Pass
Expedition, accompanying General Ross, and taking position in
the front, assisted in the construction of the batteries and
approaches.
On the 15th of May, he was assigned to the command of the
Thirteenth Division, Army of the Tennessee, and on the 2d of
June, was placed in command of all the United States forces in
and around Helena. Here his engineering experience and edu-
cation were of inestimable value. He immediately commenced,
and completed in less than thirty days, a line of fortifications
around Helena, by means of which, on the 4th of July, with a
force of less than 3,000 men, he successfully resisted and defeated
a rebel force of about 18,000 men, under General Holmes. Gen-
eral Salomon had sole command of all the troops around Helena,
and the successful repulse of the rebel attack is to be attributed to
his engineering ability and admirable generalship. He planned
and constructed the defences, and was in supreme command
during the battle.
After a short leave of absence on surgeon's certificate, General
Salomon reported to General Steele, at Little Rock, on the 27th
of September, and was assigned to the command of the Third
Division, Seventh Army Corps. His command remained at
Little Rock during the winter. On the 23d of March, 1864, the
Third Division formed part of the forces of General Steele
designed to cooperate with General Banks, in the Red River
Expedition, and marched to Camden, encountering the enemy,
and successfully driving him before them.
On the return march, his division occupied the position of rear
guard, and it was the successful resistance which General Salo-
mon made against the 20,000 rebels, who attacked him at Jen-
kins' Ferry, on the Saline River, that saved the retreating army
of General Steele from destruction. He maintained his position
as rear guard till the army reached Little Rock. Out of a force
of 5,220 officers and men, the casualties in this campaign of five
weeks, was 1,775, killed, wounded and missing.
986 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
General Salomon remained in service in Arkansas till the close
of the war. In the winter of 1865, he was brevetted Major
General.
BREVET MAJOR GENERAL LYSANDER CUTLER.
General Cutler has been a resident of the city of Milwaukee for
several years, and is a native of Maine. In July, 1861, he was com-
missioned as Colonel of the Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, and com-
manded the regiment, (with the exception of two months, in
which he commanded King's brigade,) until the battle of Gaines-
ville, on the 28th of August, when he was severely wounded.
He returned to duty ITovember 4th, and commanded the brigade
until Colonel Meredith was promoted and took command.
He was appointed Brigadier General, to date from ISTovember
29th, 1862, and was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Divis-
ion, First Army Corps. General Cutler opened the battle of
Gettysburg. His brigade, with the "Iron Brigade," comprising
the First Division of General Wadsworth, did the brunt of the
fighting on the ever memorable 1st of July, 1863. His command
lost heavily.
A short time afterwards, General Cutler took command of the
First Division, which he retained, with the exception of the first
two days of the battle of the Wilderness, until the 21st day of
August, 1864, when he was severely wounded.
On the 15th of September, he was, at his own request, relieved
from duty in the field, and by request of General Grant, was
ordered to New York, to take charge of, and forward troops from
that State. Subsequently he was ordered to Jackson, Mich., to
the command of the draft rendezvous of that place, where he
remained until the rebellion collapsed, when he resigned on the
Ist of July, 1865. He was previously brevetted Major General,
to date from his last fight on the Weldon Railroad, August
21st, 1864
BRiaADIER GENERAL RUFUS KING. 987
BRIGADIER GENERAL RUFUS KING.
One of General King's staff gave us assurances that we should
be furnished with memoranda in regard to the military services
of General King, but they never came to hand.
General King was on his way as Minister to Rome, when the
war broke out, and soliciting leave of absence, he was appointed
Brigadier General, and authorized to raise a brigade of Wisconsin
regiments. He succeeded in organizing a brigade of the Second,
Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin, and Nineteenth Indiana, Avhich
afterwards became famous as the "Iron Brigade of the West."
In the advance of General McCiellan's forces in the spring of
1862, General King was placed in command of General McDow-
ell's division, and moved with his command to Fredericksburg,
and was sent forward from that point as the advance of reinforce-
ments to General McClellan, but was recalled to take part in the
attempt to intercept General Jackson from the pursuit of Gen-
eral Banks. A railroad accident prevented the junction of
King's division wdtli the pursuing forces, and they returned to
Fredericksburg, where they remained until ordered to reinforce
General Banks at Cedar Mountain. Accompanying General
Pope in his retreat. General King's division took part in all the
battles, and one brigade fought, alone, the bloody battle of
Gainesville, on the 28th of August. Ilis division also partici-
pated in the second Bull Run battle, and returned to the defences
at Washington, with the rest of General Pope's forces. General
King's division proceeded to South Mountain, where he was
relieved of the command, and his military services ceased.
BRIGADIER GENERAL HALBERT E. PAINE.
General Paine has been a resident of Milwaukee for many-
years, where he has been engaged in the practice of the law.
When the rebellion broke out he promptly tendered his services
to Governor Randall, and received the appointment of Quarter-
master of the Second Wisconsin Infantry, which was then being
organized at Camp Randall.
988 BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES.
On tlie formation of the Fourth Regiment, Lieutenant Paine
received a commission as its Colonel, and immediately entered
upon the duties of the position, and in a short time, had his
regiment efficiently organized. Leaving Camp Utley, Racine,
under orders to report at Baltimore, his regiment proceeded by
way of Dunkirk and Elmira, l^ew York. At Corning, the raiU
road authorities, by reason of some quarrel with a neighboring
company, refused to run the train to Elmira. After using every
argument in his power, Colonel Paine determined to take the
responsibility, and seize a locomotive, and run the train to El-
mira, The regiment was without arms. Colonel Paine ordered
Captains Loy and Hobart, to report with their companies at the
stopping place of the Lunkirk train, armed with jpick'handles.
The train arrived-— the Engineer refused to accede to the wishes
of Colonel Paine — the companies of Captains Loy and Hobart,
arrived, and the locomotive was placed in their charge, there
being competent engineers among the number, Guards were
placed along the train, to watch the couplings, the railroad em^
ployees endeavoring to separate the train. The train was run
through by Colonel Paine's engineers to Elmira, where they
found more accommodating railroad managers,
Colonel Paine's regiment remained in the vicinity of Baltimore
till the spring of 1862, having, during the fall, taken part in an
expedition to the Eastern shore of Virginia, Having been
eelected by General Butler as one of the regiments for the ]!few
Orleans expedition, they left Baltimore for Newport ISTews, and
thence to Ship Island. On the capture of Forts St, Philip and
Jackson, Colonel Paine, with six companies of the Fourth Regi-
ment, proceeded up the river to Few Orleans, and disembarked
at five o'clock in the afternoon, and with the other troops, took
formal possession of that city. Colonel Paine was ordered to
take possession of the Custom House, which was done, and they
occupied it as quarters during their stay in the city, The Fourth
Eegiment was actively employed in keeping the rebellious spirit
quiet, and at the interview of the city authorities with General
Butler, Colonel Paine was ordered to preserve the peace. The
Fourth Wisconsin was placed with two sections of artillery to
command the approaches to the hotel. The crowd was large and
malignant — a few were slashed with sabres for impudent acts
and words, and some were arrested.
BRiaADIER GENERAL H. E. PAINE. 989
Colonel Paine accompanied the regiment on the two expedi-
tions to Vicksburg. While passing Grand Gulf, the transports
wore fired into by a battery on shore. On the second expedition
to Vicksburg, Colonel Paine captured the town of Grand Gulf
and burnt it by order of General Butler.
Soon after the return of the first expedition from Vicksburo-,
Colonel Paine was placed under arrest by General Williams, for
refusing to obey an order to return fugitive slaves in the camps
to their masters. Any one knowing the principles of Colonel
Paine, could expect nothing from him but a refusal to obey such
a barbarous order. After the second expedition to Vicksburg,
he remained under arrest at New Orleans, until the death of
General Williams, at the battle of Baton Rouge, when he was
released by General Butler, and ordered to take command of the
forces at Baton Eouge. Colonel Paine immediately set to work
in fortiiying the place with earthworks and rifle pits, employing
negro labor for that purpose. They proceeded day and night
until completed, when twenty'-four guns were in position, which
was considered amply sufiicient to defend the place. He was
soon after ordered to remove the State Library from the State
Capitol, burn the town and return with the troops to N^ew Or-
leans. The Library, and other valuable works of art, were re-
moved to Kew Orleans. The order to burn the town, was sub-
sequently rescinded, at the urgent representations of Colonel
Paine, and the place was evacuated — the troojDS returning to
Camp Parapet, Carrolton, just above iSTew Orleans.
At Camp Parapet, Colonel Paine was placed in command of
the Reserve Brigade, which held the centre of the defences of
'New Orleans.
The history of the Fourth Regiment up to this time, was nearly
identi(fal with the military services of Colonel Paine. Li Sep-
tember, 1862, General T. W. Sherman assumed command of the
troops at Carrolton, and on the 29th, Colonel Paine was placed
in command of the First Brigade of General Sherman's division.
Thereafter the regiment was under command of Lieutenant
Colonel Bean until that officer's death.
On General Banks' advent as commander of the Department
of the Gulf, Colonel Paine was ordered to Baton Rouge, where
he was placed in command of Camp Banks. lie was soon after
990 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
placed in command of the Third Brigade of Grover's division,
but was subsequently transferred to the Second Brigade of Gen-
eral Emory's division, and was soon after sent on an expedition
to Bayou Plaquemine. Colonel Paine was subsequently sent
with two regiments to Algiers, near New Orleans, from which,
he returned to Baton Bouge, and moved with the forces of
General Banks, to the neighborhood of Port Hudson, where
they witnessed the bombardment of that place by Captain
Farragut, but were not ordered into action.
On the 13th of March, 1863, Colonel Paine was nominated and
confirmed as Brigadier General, but he did not receive notice of
his appointment until the 3d of June.
General Banks planned an expedition to Bayou Teche. Gen-
eral Paine's brigade, with Emory's division, proceeded to IsTew
Orleans, and from thence moved to near Brashier City, remained
a few days, and then crossed Berwick Bay to Berwick City. In
the history of the Fourth Wisconsin, we have given an account
of the battle of Bisland. General Paine's brigade occupied the
front line and did the chief part of the fighting.
The expedition continued on to Opelousas, from thence to
Alexandria, on Red Piver. Here General Emory was taken sick
and was removed to Kew Orleans, and General Paine took com-
mand of his division, and moved on the 15th of May, by way of
Simmsport, to Port Hudson, reaching the vicinity of Port Hudson
on the 25th of May.
In the line of investment around Port Hudson, General Paine's
division occupied a position on the extreme right. In the assault
on the 27th of May, General Paine's division was really the only
one engaged, the assault on the left being unsuccessful. As we
have related in the history of the Fourth Wisconsin, one regi-
ment of General Paine's reached the ditch, and two others within
one hundred yards of the parapet.
After this until the assault of June 14th, there was by day and
night, a constant fire of artillery and sharpshooters in General
Paine's front. On the 4th of June, General Paine moved to
Clinton with a part of his division, but failed to overtake the
enemy. On the 14th of June, another assault was ordered, in
which General Paine's division participated. In this afitair, while
BRIGADIER GENERAL H. E. PAINE. 991
General Paine was in tlic front urging forward- some of Ins regi-
ments, which were reluctantly facing the deadly fire that swept
from the enemy's batteries, he was struck in the leg by a rebel
bullet and fell upon the field, in a position which was covered
by the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, being but about fifteen
rods from their works. He fell early in the morning, and the
slight ridges produced in cultivating a field of cotton, was all the
protection he had from the enemy's fire. All day he lay in this
place with the hot sun pouring down upon him, unable to change
his position, and suffering intensely from thirst, whicli was par-
tially alleviated by a canteen of water thrown to him by a wounded
soldier near him. After dark General Paine was removed from
the field, and taken to ISTew Orleans, where, at the Hotel Dieu,
his wound was cared for, the injured leg successfully amputated,
and he left New Orleans and arrived at Milwaukee on the Istof
August.
On the 1st of September, 1863, he proceeded to "Washington,
where he was ordered as a member of General Augur's military
commission. He remained on duty as a member of that com-
mission, and of the general courts martial presided over by Ma-
jor Generals Augur, Heintzelman and Ogiesby. The rebels, in
July, 1864, under General Early, made an attempt to capture the
City of Washington. General Paine immediately requested to
be placed on active duty. He was therefore given command
of the forces stationed between Forts Stevens and Totten, where
he continued till the 16th of July, when he was relieved and
resigned his duties in the military court.
On the 12th of August, he was relieved and ordered to report
to General Heintzelman at Columbus, as commander of the mili-
tary district of Illinois. He remained on duty in Illinois until
the 10th of October, when he was relieved and returned to Mil-
waukee. In November, of that year, he was elected a member
of Congress from that district.
General Paine resigned his position in the army on the 15th
of May, 1865.
992 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN C. STARKWEATHER.
At the outbreak of tlie rebellion, General Starkweather was a
resident of Milwaukee, where he was engaged in the practice of
law. He was born at Cooperstown, New York, in 1830. Before
the war, he had taken an active part in the organization of a
military force in the State, under the old military law, and had
brought the "Milwaukee Light Guard," an independent company
of that city, to a high degree of proficiency in drill and discipline,
in which, as Captain, he took much pride. The "Light Guard"
became the crack company of the State. Considering this expe-
rience, Governor Randall gave Captain Starkweather the Colo-
nelcy of the First Regiment raised in Wisconsin. Under his
military genius, the regiment soon became good soldiers, and
although its services extended to only ninety days. Governor
Randall found many efficient officers for the new regiments,
among those Avho had served in the three month's regiment. On
the reorganization of the First Regiment, Colonel Starkweather
retained the command.
On the 5th of April, 1862, he was assigned to the command of
a brigade. From that time he was only in command of the
regiment for a short time, Lieutenant Colonel Lane assuming
command, and on his resignation, was succeeded by Lieutenant
Colonel Bingham, who remained in command until the close of
the war.
In September, 1862, Colonel Starkweather was placed in com-
mand of the Twenty- eighth Brigade, which he gallantly led into
the battle of Perryville, on the 8th of October, and saved
McCook's command from destraction. His brigade was present,
and took part in the battle of Stone River.
On the 17th of June, he was appointed Brigadier General, and
took part in Rosecrans' movement against Tullahoma, and the
subsequent movement, culminating in the battle of Chicamauga,
his brigade gallantly covering the retreat of Negley's division at
Dug Gap. At the bloody battle of Chicamauga, he was wounded
in the leg, but remained on the field, and returned with the army
to Chattanooga. His brigade was highly complimented, in person
and officially, by the division commander, and by General
Rosecrans.
BRIGADIER GENERAL LUCIUS FAIE CHILD. 993
Over exertion at Chicamauga, occasioned a hemorrhage of the
hmgs. After the battles around Chattanooga in November, 1863,
General Starkweather was detached from service in Tennessee,
and ordered to "Washington on the 6th of January, 1864, and
assigned to duty on General Court Martial, for the trial of
Brigadier General Hammond, Surgeon General, U. S. A.
On the 16th of May, 1864, he was ordered to report for duty to
Major General Thomas, and was assigned to the command of
the post of Pulaski, Tenn., and subsequently to the district from
Lynnville to Iluntsville, Ala., and all troops therein. He retained
this command until the 15th of November, 1864, when he was
ordered to a new command at Louisville, where he remained
until his resignation. May 11th, 1865.
BRIGADIER GENERAL LUCIUS FAIRCHILD.
General Fairchild was born at Franklin Mills, Portage County,
Ohio, in December, 1831, and removed to Wisconsin with his
father's family, in 1846. During the California excitement in
1849, the subject of this sketch, then but a mere stripling, boldly
struck out in quest of fortune, in the new found El Dorado on
the Pacific. With an ox team, he made the long and tedious,
and at that time dangerous journey across the plains, enduring
the hardships and trials which beset the early emigrants to the
" Golden Shore." Peturning from California in 1855, he was
employed in the office of the Madison and W^atertown Raih-oad,
and in 1859, was elected Clerk of the Court of Dane County, and
in the autumn of 1860, was admitted to the bar.
When the war broke out. General Fairchild promptly tendered
his services, and volunteered with the Governor's Guard, an
efficient military organization of Madison. Their services were
accepted, and the company was assigned to the first three months'
regiment, General Fairchild being elected Captain of the company.
They served in Eastern Virginia, and about the expiration of
their term of service. Captain Fairchild received a commission
as Lieutenant in the regular army, but soon after was appointed
Major, and subsequently Lieutenant Colonel of the Second Wis-
consin Eegiment, which had just passed the ordeal of battle at
63
994 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
the first Bull Run. The personal popularity of Lieutenant Col-
onel Fairchild, soon secured the good will of the men composing
the regiment. Benefitting from the military education and
experience of Colonel Connor, then commanding the Second, the
regiment soon attained a position among the best troops in the
army, which they held during the war. Lieutenant Colonel
Fairchild took command of the regiment after the fall of Colonel
Connor, at Gainesville, and was soon. commissioned as Colonel.
He commanded it in the second Bull Run battle, and at South
Mountain. He was absent sick in hospital when the battle of
Antietam was fought. Recovering, he assumed command, which
he retained until the battle of Gettysburg, on the 1st of July,
1863. He led his regiment gallantly into the fight of that day,
in advance of the rest of the brigade, under a fire from the enemy
which swept down one-third of his command. He was soon
struck by a bullet, which shattered his left arm making amputation
necessary.
In the Fall of 1863, against his own desires, but by the urgent
solicitation of friends, he consented to become the candidate of
the Union party in Wisconsin for Secretary of State. He accord-
ingly handed in his resignation, which President Lincoln
accepted on the 20th of October, after conferring upon him the
appointment of Brigadier General. He was elected by a large
majority. He served through his term as Secretary of State with
great credit and ability, and in the Fall of 1865, was nominated
and triumphantly elected as Governor of the State, for the years
1866-7.
BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD S. BRAGG.
Brigadier general Bragg has been a resident of Fond du Lac
for some years, where he has been engaged in the practice of law.
In politics he was a democrat. On the fall of Fort Sumter and
the call for 75,000 men. General Bragg took a stand in favor of
sustaining the government. He left the business then pending
in court at Oshkosh, and returned to Fond du Lac, and partici-
pated in a meeting called for the raising of troops. In an address
at this meeting, he defended the " old Democratic party " from
BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD S. BRAGG. 995
the charge of apathy in support of the government in time of
war, regardless of what administration had the reins of power.
He showed by his works that he was earnest in his declaration,
for as soon as his business at Oshkosh was chased, he k^ft his pro-
fession, and recruited a company of vohmteers, of which he was
^ commissioned Captain. His company was one of the first to
change their enlistment to "three years or during the war." It
was assigned to the Sixth Regiment, Colonel Cutler, and was
designated as CompanyJE.
Leaving the State in July, 1861, the regiment proceeded to
Washington, and was the first regiment assigned to King's brig-
ade, which afterwards became famous as the "Iron Brigade of
the West." On the 17th of September, 1861, Captain Bragg was
commissioned Major, and on the 20th of June, 1862, Lieutenant
Colonel. In the bloody battles of 1862, under General Pope, the
Sixth Regiment was engaged, and Lieutenant Colonel Bragg was
present, and behaved with distinguished gallantry. At Gaines-
ville, he took command of the regiment on Colonel Cutler being
wounded, which he retained through the subsequent battles of
the campaign. At Antietam he was wounded, but soon returned
to his command. He was in command of the regiment most of
the time, when, Colonel Cutler being commissioned as Brigadier
General, he was commissioned and mustered as Colonel, on the
24th of March, 1863.
In April, 1863, Colonel Bragg led the movement across the
Rappahannock, at Fitzhugh's Crossing, as related in the history
of the Sixth Regiment, for which he was recommended by Gen-
eral Hooker for promotion to a Brigadiership. He was not
present to take active part in the battle of Gettysburg, being
under medical treatment. He, however, was with the regiment
part of the time, after which he returned to hospital. The mili-
tary history of Colonel Bragg is intimately interwoven with that
of the Sixth Regiment, he being present at most of the battles in
which it was engaged. After the second day's fight in the Wil-
derness, in 1864, he was assigned to the command of Colonel
Stone's Bucktail Brigade, and after arriving at Cold Harbor, was
transferred to the command of the "Iron Brigade," to which the
Sixth Regiment belonged. He led the Iron Brigade in its oper-
ations at Petersburg, on the 17th and 18th of June. He received
996 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
his commisBion as Brigadier General on the 2d of July, and was
assigned to the command of the brigade, and was present at the
battles of Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run, and Dabney's Mills,
at the latter place his command being highly complimented in
general orders, and himself recommended to the favorable notice
of his superior officers.
By the operation of an order to report for special duty at Bal-
timore, the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin Regiments were
detached from General Bragg's command, and returned to the
trenches before Petersburg, while General Bragg proceeded to
Baltimore, in obedience to the special order. '
After the surrender of the rebel armies, he was engaged in
special duty at Washington, until the 9th day of October, 1865,
when he was mustered out of service at his own request.
BRIGADIER GENERAL JOSEPH BAILEY.
General Bailey has acquired a national reputation from his
success in relieving Commodore Porter's fleet from their perilous
position at the rapids -of Red River, near Alexandria, La.
General Bailey was born in May, 1827, in the town of Penn-
sylvania, Ashtabula County, State of Ohio, and removed in 1832,
with his father's family, to Livingston, Fulton County, 111., and
completed his education at Quincy, 111. He spent much of his
early life in the lead mines near Galena, and in exploring for
minerals in Kansas and Missouri.
In 1848, he took up his residence in Columbia County, Wis.,
and founded the present village of Kilbourn City, and subse-
quently built the dam at that place, which has since become cel-
ebrated in legislative annals. When the rebellion broke out, he
was engaged in the real estate business, lumbering, and contractor
on the public works. He immediately proceeded to raise a com-
pany of lumbermen, and tendering its services to Governor
Randall, it was accepted, he was commissioned as Captain, and
his company was assigned to the Fourth Regiment, Colonel Paine,
and moved with the regiment to Baltimore. Here Captain Bai-
ley's peculiar talents were brought into use. While stationed at
BRIGADIER GENERAL JOSEPH BAILEY. 997
the Relay House, lie superintended the construction of Fort Dix,
a small but powerful work, which commanded the "Viaduct" at
that point. After this, he was employed in the construction of
barracks for the regiment, in Patterson Park, Baltimore, and in
twenty-eight days, completed a building 1,550 x 28 feet, with
Quartermaster and Commissar}'' buildings, and officer's quarters.
Captain Bailey accompanied the movements of the Fourth Wis-
consin to Shiplsland, New Orleans, and up the river to Vicksburg.
Here he spent three days, with six of his men, reconnoitering in
the rear of Vicksburg, ascertaining that the enemy had eight gung
in position. Returning with the second expedition, Captain
Bailey was placed in command of the "working details" on the
famous Butler "canal," or "cut off." The work w^as engineered
by a Polish engineer, and proved a failure. Continuing with
the Fourth Wisconsin until September, 1862, Captain Bailey was
detached by General Butler to superintend the construction of
Government levees. In October, he was ordered to construct a
fortification on the right of Fort Parapet. After its completion,
another work was constructed on the south side of the Parapet,
and also a strong fort on the west side of the river. These works
occupied his attention during the winter of 1862-3.
About this time, he was appointed Chief Engineer on General
W T. Sherman's staff, and was subsequently employed in
erecting heavy fortifications at Pass Manchac.
Captain Bailey was promoted to Major of the Fourth Wiscon-
sin in March, 1863, but still retained his position on the staff of
General Sherman. In the investment of Port Hudson, in May,
it was found necessary to plant a battery on a ridge, which was
commanded by a direct and enfilading fire of the enemy's artil-
lery and musketry. The project was pronounced impracticable,
except at great loss of life, by the Chief Engineer and his subor-
dinates, except Major Bailey, who thought it might be accom-
plished, and urged his opinion with such pertinacity, that the
commanding General consented that the Major should make the
attempt at its construction. Furnished with a detail from the
Engineer Corps, and a regiment of infimtry as su]')port, with
characteristic energy, the Major commenced his work, and not-
withstanding the doubts and sneers of educated engineers, which ,
were plentifully bestowed, in seventy-two hours he astonished the
998 BIOaRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
enemy by unmasking, within 320 yai'ds of their strongest work,
a powerful battery of eighteen nine inch guns, which completely
silenced and kept silent, the enemy in his front. Major Bailey
also constructed a mine under one of the principal works of the
enemy, by running a drift to a point in front of the water side
of the citadel, a distance of over 400 yards; from this, he
approached by a series of parallels to the base of the enemy's
works, under which he excavated a horizontal shaft, 180 feet in
length, and at the terminus, deposited twelve barrels of powder,
and was nearly ready to explode the mine, on the 8th of July,
when the place was surrendered. For his services during the
siege, he was highly complimented by General Banks, who issued
an order, promoting him to the Colonelcy of the Fourth Regi-
ment. He at once took command of the regiment, but the
authority of General Banks to promote officers in the field, was
not recognized by the War Department, and Colonel Boardman
was placed in command of the regiment, Major Bailey being
promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, patriotically acquiescing in the
decision of his superiors.
Lieutenant Colonel Bailey was engaged in recruiting during
the winter of 1863-4, in Wisconsin, and in February, 1864,
returned to the regiment with recruits sufficient to fill the Fourth
Wisconsin to the maximum, as a cavalry regiment.
On the 8th of March, he was detached to serve as Chief Engi-
neer on General Franklin's stafli', that General commanding
the Nineteenth Corps, and accompanied that corps on the Bed
River Expedition, returning with the army of General Banks
to Alexandria, where it was ascertained that the water in Red
River was so low that the fleet of gunboats and transports could
not pass the lower falls.
With an army dispirited by disaster, a powerful force of the
enemy threatening an attack hourly, commissary supplies nearly
exhausted, with the fleet of gunboats and transports thus helpless
and useless, every expedient to relieve them was abandoned as
hopeless, by those who had made military engineering a study
for life. It was left for an obscure lumberman, of the Badger
State, to put in practice that experience which, on a smaller scale,
had enabled him and his brother raftsmen to get their rafts off
the sand bars and obstructions common to the streams on which
BRIGADIER GENERAL JOSEPH BAILEY. 999
they ply their trade. Colonel Bailey suggested the building of a
dam, 640 feet iu length, to raise the water on the rapids, to
enable the imprisoned vessels to pass over. The project was
scoffed at by the regular engineers, but Colonel Bailey obtained
permission, and at once went to work, and within eleven days
had the dam completed, and after a little delay, gunboats and
transports were passed over the obstructions, and the army started
on its way rejoicing. This was the crowning glory in the mili-
tary career of Colonel Bailey. He received from all sides, com
pliments for his skill and ingenuity. Commodore Porter thanked
him in a public letter. Congress passed a vote of thanks to him,
and the rank of Brevet Brigadier General was conferred upon
him, as a slight acknowledgment for his important services.
In the passage of the army across the Atchafalaya, at Simnis-
port, the ingenuity of Colonel Bailey constructed a bridge of the
transports of the fleet, which passed the whole army safely over,
and in twelve minutes after the last wagon had crossed, the fleet
of boats which had constituted the bridge, were steaming rapidly
tov/ards the Mississippi.
On the 10th of June, 1864, Colonel Bailey was brevetted Brig-
adier General, and was assigned to the command of a brigade,
and was stationed on the Mississippi and "White Rivers, and was
subsequently assigned to the command of all the besieging forces
operating against Fort Morgan, in Mobile Bay, and took the
place. After this, he was sent to Pensacola, took command of
the district, and was successful in three small engagements.
On the 10th of ISTovember, he received a commission as Brigiv
dier General. He returned to Baton Rouge, and commanded the
First Division of General Davidson's corps of cavalry, on his raid
through Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Returning with
his division to Baton Rouge, he was put in command of the nor-
thern district of Louisiana, with headquarters at Baton Rouge,
and in March, 1865, was ordered to join General Canby, on
Mobile Bay, and commanded all the engineer forces, consisting
of a division, and detachments of the army which finally took
Mobile. After the fall of Mobile, he was placed in command of
a cavalry division, and moved from Mobile to Baton Rouge by
laud, with orders to look after Jefi'. Davis, who was then trying
to leave the country. General Bailey remained in this position
1000 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
till he resigned. During his military career, he was several times
wounded, but not severely enough to detain Mm from duty more
than two days.
BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL HARRISON C. HOBART.
General Ilobart is a native of Ashburnham, Massachusetts.
In his youth he was apprenticed to the printing business. By
his own energy and perseverance, he fitted himself for college,
and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1842, studied law in the
office of Robert Rantoul, at Boston, and was admitted as an
attorney in 1845. He removed to Wisconsin, and settled at
Sheboygan, in 1846.
In politics, General Ilobart is a Democrat, and has held several
important positions in civil afiairs, and been the nominee of that
party for some of the highest positions in the state. He was a
member of the Territorial Legislature in 1846, and also of the
first State Senate. In 1850, he was sent to the Legislative
Assembly, and was elected Speaker of that body.
The call for troops to suppress the rebellion was received, and
General Ilobart at once responded. On the next day he com-
menced recruiting a company of men at Chilton, Calumet County,
himself enlisting as a private. His company was accepted, and
assigned to the Fourth Wisconsin, Colonel Paine, he being elected
Captain. He served faithfully with his company, never being
absent, unless on detached duty or sick, until September, 1862,
when he was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel of the Twenty-
first Regiment. With this regiment his military history is
identified. SuflJering severely, from want of experience and
discipline, at the battle of Perryville, the Twenty-first afterwards,
under the efiicient command of Colonel Ilobart, became one of
the best fighting regiments in the army. At the battle of Chica-
mauga. Colonel Hobart was taken prisoner, and incarcerated in
the Libby Prison, Richmoud, from whence he made his escape
through the celebrated tunnel, with several others, after an
imprisonment of over four months.
Lieutenant Colonel Hobart returned to his regiment in 1864,
and commanded it during the campaign against Atlanta. He
BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL OSCAR H. LA GRANGE. 1001
was mustered as Colonel on tlie 1st. of Xovember, 18G4, and was
assigned to the command of tlie First Brigade, First Division,
Fourteenth Army Corps. His brigade took part in Sherman's
march to the sea coast, and while at Savannah, he received from
President Lincoln the appointment of Brigadier General by
brevet, being the only brevet appointment made at that time in
the First Division, and was assigned to a command of that rank
by a special order of the "War Department. He continued in
command of this brigade during the war.
After leaving the service, General Hobart took up his residence
in Milwaukee, and resumed the practice of law.
BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL OSCAR H. La GRANGE.
Oscar H. LaGrange was born at Fulton, Oswego County, Xew
York, in April, 1838, and with his father's family, came to Wis-
consin in 1845, and settled near Eipon, Fond du Lac County.
He endeavored to obtain an education by his own efforts,
and by teaching and farming, be was able to attend the acad-
emy at Eipon for some time. Li 1856, the Kansas troubles
enlisted his sympatbies, which were strongly anti-slavery, and
with a party of 200 emigrants, under charge of Senator Pomeroy
and Prof. Daniels, nioved to that territory, and participated in
all the movements of the Free State men, and remained there
until 1857, when he returned to liipon, and engaged in studying
and teaching for two years, and afterwards attended the State
University for a year.
He was said to have been a party in the release of S. M. Booth
from the Custom House in Milwaukee, in 1860, Booth being
under arrest by the United States authorities for an alleged
infringement of the Fugitive Slave Law. LaGrange was indicted
in Judge Miller's court, but his arrest was prevented by the in-
terference of some of the citizens of Ripon, and the indictment
was subsequently quashed.
On the outbreak of the rebellion, LaGrange enlisted in the
Eipon Eifles, and was unanimously elected Captain of the com-
pany, which was soon after assigned to the Fourth Eegiment,
1002 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Colonel H. E. Paine. Captain LaGrange went to Baltimore with
the regiment, and served with his company until September,
when he was appointed Major of the First Wisconsin Cavalry,
and assisted in the organization of that regiment.
He accompanied it to Missouri, and in July took part in the
raid to Helena, Ark., where he took command of the regiment,
Colonel Daniels leaving, and not returning to the command. He
returned with the regiment to Missouri, and in December, took
command of a cavalry brigade. In February, 1863, he was com-
missioned Colonel, and in May, being ordered by General Rose-
crans, he moved with his regiment to Murfreesboro, Tenn., where
he was assigned to the command of the Second Brigade, First
Cavalry Division, Army of the Cumberland. His subsequent
record is identified with that of the " Saber Brigade," which is
second to none in that gallant army.
On the 9th of May, 1864, while fighting with the rear guard of
his brigade, he had two horses killed, and the second one fasten-
ing him to the ground, he was taken prisoner, and sent to Macon,
Ga., afterwards to Charleston, S. C, where, having refused to
give his parole, he was confined in the jail till August, when he
was specially exchanged. He returned directly to his command,
and took part in the cavalry operations of Major General Wilson.
General Wilson, in a letter to the author, speaks in the warm-
est terms of the gallantry and bravery of Colonel LaGrange. In
September, 1864, General Wilson was assigned to the task of
reorganizing the cavalry forces of General Sherman, numbering
about sixty regiments. In the selection of oflicers to assist him
in this great undertaking, he called Colonel LaGrange to his aid.
In December, 1864, Colonel LaGrange, with his brigade
encountered the rebel General Lyon near Hopkinsville, and after
a severe fight, captured two pieces of their artillery, and drove
them from the place. LaGrange's brigade pursued them from
place to place, and with such pertinacity, that Lyon's forces were
completely demoralized, dwindling to a mere band of fugitives.
His men and horses suflered terribly from cold and hunger, while
his division commander, McCook, rested at Hopkinsville.
General Thomas warmly commended the conduct of Colonel
LaGrange.
BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL T. S. ALLEN. 1003
In the operations of General "Wilson in the spring of 1865, in
Georgia and Alabama, LaGrange's brigade participated, and on
the 16th of April, reached the vicinity of Westpoint, Ga. Col-
onel LaGrange found the place commanded by a large fort, called
"Fort Tyler," mounting two thirty-two pounders and two field
guns, which was surrounded by a ditch twelve feet wide and ten
feet deep. Dismounting his brigade at 1 : 30, in the afternoon,
Colonel LaGrange assaulted the fort on three sides, drove their
skirmishers into tbe fort, his troops following to the very edge
of the ditch. This being impassable, sharpshooters were placed
to keep down the enemy's fire, until materials could be gathered
for crossing. A second charge was successful ; the works were
carried, and the fort was captured, with 265 prisoners. The
rebel General Tyler and eighteen men and officers were killed.
General Wilson, in his report, says:
I cannot speak too highly of the intrepidity and good management displayed by
Colonel LaGrange in this affair, nor too strongly commend the steadiness dash and
courage of his officers and men.
On the 3d of May, General "Wilson recommended Colonel
LaGrange for promotion to the full grade of Brigadier General,
and was assured that nothing but the termination of the war
prevented the bestowal of an honor he had so long deserved.
The Secretary of "War, however, bestowed upon him the brevet
of Brigadier General, for gallant and meritorious services during
the war.
Our limits forbid the publication of General Wilson's letter at
length, but we give the closing paragraph:
From careful study and close observation of Colonel LaGrange's career while under
my command, it affords me great pleasure to say I i-egard him as one of the most meri-
torious and promising officers of the service, that I ever met. With a splendid physical
development, a peculiarly hardy and elastic constitution, and a mind full of noble
impulses, he is in every way fitted to command. Bold, self reliant, and full of youthful
energy, he is capable of great exertion. Cool and wary in action, he never forgets to
command and direct his men ; though impelled by natural aggressiveness, he never
fails to be their leader. Skilful and rapid in a campaign, a good disciplinarian, careful
and solicitous for the comfort of his troops, he combines in a remarkable degree, the
best qualities of a cavahy officer.
BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL T. S. ALLEN.
General Allen was born in Alleghany County, New York, in
the year 1825. He first learned the printer's trade, entering col-
lege in 1843, and paying his way by working at his trade, at night.
1004 BIOaRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
After teacliing school awhile in the State of New York, ho eame
West in 1846, and was foreman of a daily paper in Chicago,
until the summer of 1847. His health being impaired, he came
to Wisconsin, and engaged in mining atDodgeville,and teaching
school, until 1850, when he was elected Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors of Iowa County, in which capacity he served two
years. He was afterwards engaged in the railroad and land busi-
ness, and also merchandizing, until 1857, when he was elected
member of the Assembly for the Mineral Point district. In 1860,
he was assistant Chief Clerk in the State Land office, at Madison,
and was thus engaged until he enlisted as a Private in the Gov-
ernor's Guards, at Madison, on the 18th clay of April, 1861. He
was authorized by Governor Randall, to raise a company in Iowa
County. He succeeded, and was commissioned as Captain, on
the 7th of May. His company was assigned to the Second Regi-
ment, and was designated as Company I. In the battle of Bull
Run, on the 21st of July, 1861, his regiment and company was
engaged, and came off the field in very good order, crossing the
Bull Run near Stone Bridge, and forming with other companies,
around the colors, when attacked by the rebel cavalry, which
made a dash at the retreating column near the blacksmith sliop
or temporary hospital. With a few other Captains of the Second,
they gathered what was possible of the Second Regiment at
Centreville, and secured provisions and coffee for their exhausted
commands. Being without superior officers, by common consent
the Second Regiment placed themselves under command of Cap-
tain D. McKee, as senior Captain, and Captain T. S. Allen, and
returned to their old camp, near Arlington Heights. At the re-offi-
cering of the regiment, he was promoted to Major on the 22d of
August, 1861, and to Lieutenant Colonel on the 8th of Septem-
ber, 1862, which position he retained until the 14th day of Janu-
ary, 1863, when he was commissioned as Colonel of the Fifth
Wisconsin Regiment, as successor of Colonel Amasa Cobb, who
had resigned to take his seat in Congress.
The career of Colonel Allen in the Fifth Regiment is fully de-
scribed in the military history of that regiment, the command of
which he retained during the war. Of great personal bravery,
General Allen led his regiment in all its desperate encounters,
BREVET BKIGADIER GENERAL JEREMIAH M. RUSK. 1005
and was several times wounded. On the muster out of liis
regiment he was brevetted Brigadier General for gallant and
meritorious services.
In the fall of 1865, General Allen was nominated by the Union
party for the office of Secretary of State, to which he was
triumphantly elected by a large majority.
BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL JEREMIAH M. RUSK
"Was born in Morgan County, Ohio, in 1830, and removed to
Bad Ax County, Wisconsin in the year 1853. In 1855, he was
elected Sheriff of that county for two years, at the expiration of
which period he was appointed under Sheriff, and served till 1859.
Li 1861, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly, serving one
term, and was commissioned Major of the Twenty-fifth Regiment
in July, 1862.
He accompanied his regiment in the Indian Campaign into
Minnesota. Returning to Wisconsin, he proceeded with the regi-
ment to Columbus, Ky., thence down the Mississippi, and up the
Yazoo River to Satartia, from which place they marched under
a scorching sun, thirty miles to Haines' Bluff, the exposures and
hardships of which march will long be remembered. Subse-
sequently the regiment was stationed at Helena, where on the
death of Lieutenant Colonel JSTasmith, Major Rusk was com-
missioned Lieutenant Colonel. In the Meridian expedition the
regiment was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Rusk,
and returned to Vicksburg without losing a man. In the subse-
quent campaigns, he commanded the Twenty-fifth the greatest
portion of the time. In the Atlanta campaign, the Lieuteuaut
Colonel repeatedly led his men into action, and at Decatur, came
near being captured. With the subsequent history of the Twen-
ty-fifth, that of Lieutenant Colonel Rusk is identified, and it is
not necessary for us to repeat it here. He successfully led his
brave regiment through the march to Savannah, and up through
the Carolinas, and thence home, where they were disbanded.
The testimonials of commanding officers, which we have seen,
speak highly of his efficiency, ability and bravery.
1006 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
In tlie fall of 1865, he was nominated as tlie candidate of the
Union party for Bank Comptroller, and was triumphantly elected
by a large majority.
He was brevetted Colonel, and subsequently Brigadier General,
for meritorious services.
COLONEL CHARLES R. GILL
Was born in Herkimer County, New York, in the year 1830.
He removed to Batavia, Genesee County, in 1843, where subse-
quently he studied law. He removed to Wisconsin in 1854, and
established himself in the practice of the law in the City of
Watertown. In 1859, he was elected Senator from Jefferson
County, and represented that district two years.
At the session of 1861, Governor Randall, in his message,
advised that measures be taken to place the Executive of the
State in a position to respond to any call which might be made
by the President, in case the Southern States should attempt to
throw off the United States authority.
On the 11th of January, Colonel Gill submitted a resolution
calling for a Joint Select Committee of three from each house,
to inquire into the expediency of placing the State on a war foot-
ing, and to report a plan or bill for that purpose. The Joint
Committee was appointed, and Colonel Gill, as Chairman, re-
ported a bill for the defence of the State, and to aid in enforcing
the laws and maintaining the authority of the General Govern-
ment. The bill became a law, and under it and its amendments,
Governor Randall organized the first regiments of the State.
Colonel Gill, throughout the regular and extra sessions of 1861,
boldly advocated a vigorous prosecution of the war, and took a
decided stand against the sending of Commissioners to the Peace
Congress.
After the close of the session. Colonel Gill returned to Water-
town and devoted much of his time to the raising of companies
and recruits, and in July, 1862, in response to a call of Governor
Salomon, for 300,000 men, he enlisted in a Company then being
recruited at Watertown, as a private, and gave his assistance by
voice and action to the filling of the company.
COLONEL SIDNEY A. BBAIT. 1007
Governor Salomon authorized the organization of a regiment
in Dodge and JetFerson Counties, of which Colonel Gill was
appointed Colonel. The Twenty-ninth Regiment rendezvoused
at Camp Randall, and left the State for service in the fiekl in
November, 1862.
Colonel Gill's military historj'- is identical with that of the
Twenty-ninth. It is unnecessary to repeat it here. Colonei
Gill accompanied it in its movements, taking part in the Yazoo
Pass Expedition, and in the battles of Port Gibson and Cham-
pion Hills, and finally in the siege of Vicksburg, during which
his health became so precarious as to compel him to resign and
return to Wisconsin. He recovered after many months of
suffering, in which life hung upon a thread.
In 1865, he was nominated by the Union party, as their candi-
date for Attorney General of the State, and he was triumphantly
elected by a large majority. Colonel Gill, throughout the war,
took an enthusiastic interest in its prosecution, and lent every aid
in his power to that end.
COLONEL SIDNEY A. BEAN.
Colonel Bean was born at the Highlands, in Chesterfield, Essex
County, New York, September 16th, 1833. With his parents,
he came to Wisconsin, at an early period in its history. At an
early age, he displayed powers of mind of no common order,
and gave promise of future excellence which later years amply
fulfilled. Completing a course of preparatory studies, he entered
the University of Michigan in the spring of 1849, where he grad-
uated in July, 1852, maintaining throughout his collegiate career
a high character for scholarship and literary ability.
In 1853, before he had completed his twentieth year, he was
elected Professor of Mathematics in Carroll College, in the vil-
lage of Waukesha, Wisconsin. By those who had the good for-
tune to be his pupils during the period of his professorship, his
faithfulness and ability will be long remembered, and his success-
ful labors as a teacher, added greatly to the reputation of the
institution with which he was connected.
1008 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Business interests imperatively demanding his attention, he
was compelled to retire from his professorship and literary pur-
suits and enter commercial life. He founded the Forest Cit}'
Bank, which required the most of His time and attention. He
however, succeeded in snatching some leisure hours from the
details of business, which he devoted to the study of language,
and continued the same until he entered the army. Colonel Bean
was a writer of ability, but was better known and appreciated as
a public speaker, and in the Presidential campaign of 1856,
evinced remarkable ability in the power and effect of his public
speeches.
When the rebellion broke out no man in "Wisconsin was sur-
rounded with more to make life pleasant, than Colonel Bean.
No purer or more disinterested patriot ever made greater sacrifice
of that which is dear to the heart. He at once tendered his serv-
ices, which were accepted by .Governor Randall, who was ac-
quainted with the worth of the man, and commissioned him as
Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourth Bes-iment. In enterins: the
army, Colonel Bean sacrificed everything that makes life pleas-
ant, a happy home, warm friends, and bright prospects of future
honor and usefulness. Impelled by a sense of duty which he
felt that he owed to his country, he relinquished all and girded
on his sword, to engage in his country's defence.
He followed the Fourth Regiment under the brave and gallant
Colonel Paine, to Baltimore, to Ship Island, and was actively
engaged with the regiment in the military operations which cul-
minated in the capture and occupation of New Orleans. His
military history is identical with that of the regiment from which
he was absent but a short time, on leave of absence, up to the day
of his death. After the regiment returned to Baton Rouge from
Yicksburg, General Paine being under arrest. Lieutenant Colo-
nel Bean was in command of the regiment, and participated in
the hard fought battle at that place. After the death of General
"Williams, Colonel Paine took command of the forces at Baton
Rouge, and from that time, was mostly in command of the brigade,
leaving regiment under the command of Lieutenant Col. Bean.
On Colonel Paine's promotion as Brigadier General, Lieutenant
Colonel Bean was commissioned as Colonel. In the Teche Expe-
dition of General Banks, in the spring of 1863, Colonel Beau
COLONEL SIDNEY A. BEAN. 1009
was ill command of the Fourth at the battle of Bisland, and dh-
played great ability and skill in the disposition of his regiment,
they occupying a position in the front as skirmishers.
In the terriblfe assault on the enemy's works at Port Hudson,
on the 27th of May, Colonel Bean personally led his regiment
through the obstructions, and across the open space in front of
the works, which was filled with fallen trees, and was swept by
the fire of the enemy, to the low ridge where his men found
shelter, and from which they soon silenced the enemy's guns. In
this assault the Fourth Wisconsin and its gallant Colonel,
are entitled to all the honors, for with tlie exception of a few
stragglers, no other regiment reached the position on the ridge.
In a letter written on the day of his death, speaking of the
terrible fire to which his regiment was exposed on the 27th,
Colonel Bean said :
It took time to make our way tliroiigft the abattis, being as we were, all the tinae,
under the murderous fire of ten or twelve of the enemy's cannon, and of the infantiry
in the rifle pits. I cannot give any description of this fire, because as at Baton Rouge, I
was perfectly unconscious of it. My anxiety to press my regiment forward and lieep it
in order, wholly absorbed me.
He spoke enthusiastically of his oflficers, particularly of those
who were wounded in the action. He took 300 men into the
field, about seventy of whom were killed or wounded. Like
every brave leader, he loved the men who followed his lead, and
the letter closes with the remark, " my admiration for the brave
fellows is beyond bounds."
Colonel Bean seems to have had a presentiment that death was
near. On the 29th of May, he appeared to be in unusual good
spirits. Just as he was about to mount his horse, however, to
ride to the front, he suddenly, and to the surprise of those who
were standing near him, became grave, looked upon the ground
and became absorbed for several moments in deep thought. He
then went to his tent and addressed a note to his Adj utant, which
was afterwards found in his port folio, in these words :
My Dear Wintermyer : — If I should not return to camp to day, you will please have
my effects sent to my home in Wisconsin, and Louis witli them. General Paine will
obtain permission for my Orderly, Cliilds, to go in charge. He, Childs, should probably
be disoharged, if such is his wish. By doing this you will confer a last favor on your
friend
64
1010 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
He proceeded to the front, and in less than an hour, he was
shot through the heart by a rebel sharpshooter. He died the
death of a hero, with his face to the foe.
His remains were recovered and sent home to "Wisconsin, and
were buried at "Waukesha. His funeral was attended by a large
concourse of people, befides United States officers and soldiers.
"We feel that our short sketch does not do full justice to the
character and noble qualities of Colonel Beau, but we are assured
that an extended memoir is in course of preparation by Professor
Evans, of the Michigan University, who was favored with the
personal friendship of Colonel Bean, and who will undoubtedly
prepare a work which will do ample justice to the memory of the
departed patriot.
Two brothers of Colonel Bean also entered the service to con-
tribute to the suppression of the rebellion. The eldest, "Walter
L. Bean, in the Twenty-eighth Regiment, fell a victim to the ex-
posures and hardships of the service, and Captain Irving M.
Beau, of the Fifth Regiment, is the only survivor.
COLONEL FREDERICK A. BOARDMAN.
Colonel Boardman was born in Fairfield, Herkimer County,
New York, March, 1832. He was educated at the Naval School
at Annapolis, Maryland, and went out with the first expedition
to Japan, as a Midshipman, and gained much credit as a young
officer of promise. He accompanied Bayard Taylor in his explo-
rations of the Loo Choo Islands, and is very flatteringly alluded
to in Mr. Taylor's report, as well as his other works, and Mr.
Taylor was ever after one of his warmest friends.
On the outbreak of the rebellion. Colonel Boardman was com-
missioned as Major of the Fourth Regiment of Infantry, accom-
panied that regiment to Baltimore, and subsequently to Ship
Island, and took part with the forces of General Butler in the
capture of New Orleans. After the passage of Farragut's fleet
by Forts Jackson and St. Philip, a force was dispatched by Gen-
eral Butler in small boats, to get into the rear of the Forts and
cut off the communications of the garrison, the forts being still
COLONEL FREDERICK A. BOARBMAN. 1011
■held by tlie enemy. Two companies of the Fourtli Wisconsin,
were detached under command of Major Boardman, who with
a small detachment of other troops, proceeded up the river and
embarked in row boats, penetrated to the rear of Fort St. Philip,
and by dint of rowing and towing and wading about twelve
miles, succeeded in securing the only road by which the gar-
rison could escape, and the forts surrendered next day. For
the skill and endurance displayed by the troops engaged in
this undertaking. General Butler afterwards issued a highly
complimentary order.
On the occupation of New Orleans, Major Boardman preferred
to remain with his regiment on active duty, rather than accept a
position as one of a commission for the trial of civil cases,
which was tendered him by Major General Butler.
When General Williams started up the Mississippi, on an
expedition to Baton Eouge, Major Boardman was sent on shore
to destroy a portion of the Jackson Railroad at Fourier Station.
After the first attempt on Vicksburg, in 1862, Major Boardman
was placed in command of a detachment, and landed at Grand
Gulf, and endeavored to capture a rebel battery stationed there
which had fired on the transports, but the rebels succeeded in
carrying oft' their artillery.
The Fourth accompanied the second expedition against Vicks-
burg. Major Boardman had charge of the confiscation of con-
trabands for the construction of the famous " cut oft"" or canal,
and soon had several hundred of them engaged in the work.
When the rebel ram Arkansas, ran past the Union fleet.
Major Boardman promptly requested permission to take the
transport Laurel Hill, and fit her out with a picked crew, and
attempt the destruction of the ram, then safely moored under the
frowning batteries of Vicksburg. Consent was obtained, and
everything was ready for moving against her, when it was ascer-
tained that the Arkansas had moved to a position where she
could not be reached and the order was countermanded.
Major Boardman, under orders from Colonel Paine, superin-
tended the removal of the State Library from Baton Rouge, by
which many valuable books and works of art were preserved,
which would undoubtedly have been destroyed by the ravages
of war.
1012 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Major Boardman's military history is inseparably connected
with the operations of the Fourth Regiment, both as infantry and
cavalry. On the death of Colonel Bean at Port Hudson, Major
Boardman was commissioned as Colonel, and was constantly with
the regiment until his death.
As an officer, Colonel Boardman was distinguished not only
for his great natural military skill, but for being faithful, brave,
and true in all emergencies, and under all circumstances. As a
friend, he was most singularly frank, generous and confiding.
As a man, none were more honorable and chivalrous.
General St. George Cook, under whose command Colonel
Boardman acted for several months at Baton Kouge, gave him,
a short time previous to his death, command of the entire cavalry
force at that point, numbering about 2,000 men. After the death
of Colonel Boardman, General Cook, in a letter to Major Gene-
ral Pope, then at Milwaukee, after announcing his death, spoke
of the manner in which he met his fate, as follows ;
After I was relieved of my command, an order came to send 2,000 men of all arms to
Clinton, back of Baton Rouge, where the rebels had twelve or fifteen hundred cavalry.
Colonel Boardman went in command of a part of his own and another cavalry regiment,
and was in front when he met the enemy. Colonel Boardman advanced to examine and
seize a bridge in the most gallant manner, and continued to expose liimself to a hot fire
in the coolest manner, retiring at last, and then sloAvly — in this act, he received four
wounds in succession, the last tlirough tlie brain. Tlius in the performance of duty, but
In an obscure skirmisli, fell one of Wisconsin' s gallant sons. I knew him well and
highly appreciated his worth. His regiment was for some months under my command,
performing duty tlie most arduous and laborious, in a highly successful manner,
continually feeling the enemy, and killing and capturing numbers every week.
The Colonel undoubtedly had a presentiment of his death. He came to my quarters
to bid me good bye, but In other acts, showed it more plainly. His body was escorted to
the river with the highest military honors.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID McKEE.
Among our illustrations will be found the portrait of Lieutenant
Colonel McKee, of the Pifteenth Regiment. The artist was, in
an eminent degree, successful in giving a correct picture of the
original.
Lieutenant Colonel McKee was born in the city of St. Louis,
in 1828. His father was a native of Ireland, from which he emi-
grated in his youth. He was a man of marked and original
character, which was transmitted in a great degree, to the son.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID M<KEE. 1013
The family emigrated to the lead mines in "Wisconsin in 1832,
where the suhject of this sketch remained until old enough,
when he was sent hack to St. Louis, to complete his studies, Avhcre
he graduated with the highest honors.
He studied law, and in 1858, was admitted to the har in Grant
County in this State. lie subsequently was admitted to the
Supreme Court, and removed to Lancaster, Grant County, in
1859, and engaged in the practice of the law with Judge J. T.
Mills.
In politics, McKee was a democrat, and in 1850, represented a
democratic district in the Legislature, but when that party became
the all}^ of slavery, he reluctantly left it.
IMcKee belonged to that class of men, who felt it a duty to act
in accordance with their convictions, upon those questions where
the rights of man and the safety of the government was con-
cerned. Imbued with the loftiest sentiments of patriotism, when
the news of the fall of Fort Sumter was received, he was ready
to throw the weight of his influence and character, in favor of
sustaining the Government at any sacrifice, and on the first call
of the President, he placed his name on the enlistment roll as a
private, and gave up his time to the enrolment of a company in
the vicinity of Lancaster, of which he was subsequently elected
Captain. The company was assigned to the Second Regiment,
Wisconsin Infantry, and became Company C, of that regiment.
This compaiiy was the first which Grant County sent to the field,
to be followed by others, to that extent which has placed Grant
County at the heaid of the list in the furnishing of men sent from
the State for the suppression of the rebellion. Ko better or
braver soldiers than those from Grant County, were sent to the
battle-field, and " Old Gi*ant " may well be proud of the deeds
which her gallant sons achieved upon the bloody field, first and
foremost among whom must be placed the gallant, brave and
noble hearted David McKee. In this sketch, we are not writing
his eulogy. Abler pens have elsewhere endeavored to do his
character justice, and the memory of the hero who fell gallantly
fighting at Murfreesboro, is treasured in the hearts of those who
knew him as one of the " bravest of the brave."
'At the first battle of Bull Run, July 21st, 1861, Captain McKee
and his company, were for the first time under fire. A true
1014 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
history of that battle shows that the Second "Wisconsin never
faltered, but went bravely into battle, and fought till its close.
Of this we have the testimony of one of the greatest Generals
the war has produced — General Sherman. That General has
always expressed his admiration of the conduct of the Second
Wisconsin, and always endeavored to secure "Wisconsin regiments
for his command.
From the battle-field, Captain McKee led his company. The
fragments of the regiment were gathered at Centreville, and
being deserted by their field officers, Captain McKee was chosen
commander and successfully marched the Second Wisconsin into
their old camp.
The long period of McClellan's inactivity succeeded, in which
the Second Wisconsin, by constant drill and thorough discipline,
became one of the crack regiments in McClellan's army.
Early in 1862, Captain McKee was commissioned as Lieuten-
ant Colonel of the Fifteenth Regiment. He joined that regiment
at Island No. 10, and followed its fortunes through West Ten-
nessee, joining Buell's army in Middle Tennessee, and with the
Fifteenth taking part in the battle of Perryville. He next com-
manded an expedition down the Cumberland River, which elicited
a highly complimentary notice from General Rosecrans. Next
we find him leading the skirmishers against the eight gun bat-
tery of the enemy at Knob Gap, and lastly, on the fatal field
of Murfreesboro, on the 31st of December, 1862, we find him
facing a furious tire of the enemy as he came bearing down in
overpowering numbers upon the troops of Davis' division. He
was shot in the forehead and instantly killed. His remains
were subsequently recovered and sent home to Lancaster where
he was buried with masonic and military honors.
McKee's whole heart was absorbed in the cause which he had
taken up. The high souled patriotism of the man was evinced,
in a remark by him, when Company C was taking its departure
from Lancaster — " If we ever desert our flag, if ever we prove
recreant to the glorious cause, then teach your children to lisp
their curses upon our names." Colonel Carlin, his brigade
commander, speaking of Lieutenant Colonel McKee, in a letter,
says : *
MRS. CORDELIA A. P. HARVEY. 1015
He was with his regiment during all the hard fighting of the 30th, and morning of the
Wst, and wlierever he was, his presence gave courage to our men ; no more daring officer
was in the army.
Grant County is rearing a monument in memory of tlie gallant
men who went to the battle-field from her districts, and well do
they deserve such a tribute.
MRS. CORDELIA A. P. HARVEY.
A military history of our State would be incomplete without
some account of the philanthropic eftbrts made by this estimable
lady, for the alleviation of the sufferings of our sick and wounded
soldiers, languishing in Southern hospitals.
Prompted by the impulse which induced her noble hearted
husband to give his personal attention to the wants of our sufier-
ing soldiers after the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and in the execu-
tion of which duty he lost his life, Mrs. Harvey determined to
devote her time and efforts to a continuation of the work which
Governor Harvey had begun.
Early in September, 1862, Governor Salomon authorized Mrs.
Harvey to act as one of the Sanitary Agents of the State, to visit
the several military hospitals, and look after and care for the
sick and wounded soldiers of Wisconsin. She arrived at St.
Louis, on the 26th of September, and immediately called on the
United States Medical Director, Dr. Mills, stated the object of
her visit to St. Louis, and was well received and ti-eated with all
courtesy and kindness. She visited the Fifth Street and Benton
Barracks hospitals, and found about twenty Wisconsin men,
who were all glad to find they were remembered by the
authorities at home.
Her attention was called to the condition of the First Cavalry
at Cape Girardeau, to which place she proceeded and found the
regiment very much reduced hy sickness, and but just returned
from Helena, after the insane raid made by their Cqlonel through
Arkansas. She also found the hospitals very much crowded and
means very inadequate for supplying those needing it, with aid.
1016 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
After reporting the condition of things to the Governor, she
returned to St. Louis, and soon afterwards to "Wisconsin, to
endeavor to give a proper direction to the benevolent efforts of
the ladies of the State, which were then being made to alleviate
the sufferings of the soldiers in the field and hospitals.
In October, Mrs. Harvey was again in St. Louis, and recom-
menced her labor of visiting the hospitals, where she found sixty
or seventy of our Wisconsin men, and did all in her power to
assist and comfort them, writing to their friends, and making
efforts to secure the discharge of those who were in a dying
condition, or were unfit for further service.
In the latter part of October, she visited Ironton, where she
found the Eleventh Regiment suffering from the malarious dis-
eases, contracted while in Arkansas, at Helena, and other points.
She returned to St. Louis about the 1st of November. Tlie Sur-
geon in charge of the hospital at Benton Barracks, wrote a letter
to Governor Salomon, highly commending Mrs. Harvey for her
efficiency and untiring efforts to assist the suffering soldiers of
the State.
In November, she revisited Cape Girardeau, and received
permission from General Curtis to visit all the hospitals in his
command, with an order to Quartermasters and transportation
com]3anie8 to afford her all possible facilities for transmission of
herself and sanitary articles. From Cape Girardeau she pro-
ceeded to Memphis, where she found over a hundred Wisconsin
men sick at the fort, and in the Post Hospital. Mrs. Harvey suc-
ceeded in obtaining discharges for many of these men. From
Memphis, she visited Helena on her philanthropic mission, re-
turning to St. Louis on the 28th of December, and found many
of the Wisconsin sick had been sent up the river during her
absence.
In January, 1863, she visited Rolla and Ironton. She returned
to Memphis early in February, 1863, and in a letter to the Gov-
erner, urged the necessity of establishing a hospital at home,
desiring him to consider the subject, saying : " You do not begin
to imagine the good it will do for our poor, suffering, wounded
men this coming summer." She further says : " We have a great
many sick and wounded here, and to-morrow I commence visit-
ing the hospitals. I feel that I can do great good here. I am
MRS. CORDELIA A. P. HARVEY. 1017
very well and shall labor with delight, for I know just what to
do, and where to go, the authorities are so willing to aid nie."
In the latter part of the month, she visited Corinth, Jackson
and La Grange. She found no "Wisconsin regiments at Corinth,
but at the other places were many of our sick. On returning to
Memphis, she engaged in the duties of her agency and obtained
discharges for many who would otherwise have languished for
months in the hospital.
In March, she visited Vicksburg, to see General Grant, and
was successful in securing the issue of orders for the sending
of all chronic diarrhoea patients to Northern hospitals — and
another, to clear out the convalescent camp at Memphis, dis-
charging those unfit for service at once, and sending the others
to their regiments, and a third order, appointing Medical Inspec-
tors to every army corps, who should have full power to dis-
charge disabled men. Mrs. Harvey received an order from the
head of the United States Sanitary Commission, for all the sup-
plies she needed, and $100 per month to be used according to
her own judgment, for the benefit of the soldiers.
While on her return to Memphis, Mrs. Harvey was taken sick,
which eventually compelled her to come North in order to regain
her health. She remained in Wisconsin, and the State .of New
York, during the summer, until her usual degree of health was
restored.
The project of establishing general hospitals in the Northern
States, where our soldiers could be sent to recover from the de-
bilitating diseases of the South, and where their recovery would
be hastened by the knowledge that they were within the reach
of friends and home, had made an indelible impression upon the
mind of Mrs. Harvey, and after securing the cooperation of Gov-
ernor Salomon, and others, she proceeded to Washington in
September, to use her personal eflbrts in securing such a desirable
boon to the suffering soldiers.
The interview of Mrs. Harvey with the authorities at Wash-
ington, displays the perseverance and pertinacity, with which
she took hold of any important work, which her heart, judgment
and experience taught would enure to the good of the brave suf-
fering heroes who were languishing 'in the close hot Southern
hospitals of the government, gasping and panting for one draught
1018 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
of the pure atmospliere of their Northern homes. Mrs. Harvej
went to "Washington determined to have a hospital estabhshed in
"Wisconsin. In the text we have given a brief statement as to
how it was accomplished. Presuming that a more detailed ac-
count will be interesting to the many friends of Mrs. Harvey, we
condense from papers to which our attention has been directed,
a short sketch, of Mrs. H.'s interviews with the President.
On her arrival at Washington, Mrs. Harvey called at the White
House, and after a brief delay, was admitted to an audience.
The President received her kindly and motioning her to a chair,
proceeded to read the letter presented by Mrs. Harvey. Finishing
it, the President, rather tartly said : " Madam, this matter of
Ilf orthern hospitals has been talked of a great deal, and I thought
it was settled; but it seems this is not the case. What have
you got to say about it?" " Simply this," was the reply, " that
many soldiers sick in our Western army on the Mississippi, must
have Northern air or die. There are thousands of graves along
the Mississippi and Yazoo, for which the Government is respon-
sible— ignorantly undoubtedly; but this ignorance must not
continue. If you will permit these men to come North, you
will have ten men in one year where you have got one now."
Mr. Lincoln began to argue the matter, taking the ground
that the men would desert, continuing that it was " a fine way
to decimate the'army, and that we should never get a man back —
not one." "Pardon me," was the response of Mrs. H., "for I
believe you are mistaken. You do not understand our people.
They are as true and as loyal to the Government as yourself.
The loyalty is among the common soldiers, and they are the
chief sufferers." Somewhat petulently Mr. Lincoln replied :
" This is your opinion."
The President cited his visitor to statistics in regard to the
number of men absent from the Army of the Potomac at the
battle of Antietam, as an argument against placing great induce-
ments before the convalescent soldier to desert if allowed to be
sent to Northern hospitals, further stating that out of 170,000
men, only 80,000 could be got for action. Mrs. H. quietly re-
marked, that " it was very sad ; but the delinquents were cer-
tainly not in Northern hospitals, nor were they deserters from
Northern hospitals, for we have had none ; so your argument is
not against them."
MRS. CORDELIA A. P. HARVEY. 1019
Appreciating tlie reply, President Lincoln directed Mrs. Har-
vey to call on the Secretary of War, and see what he would
say. He endorsed on the back of the letter presented by Mrs.
H,, " admit Mrs, Harvey at once. Listen to what she says.
She is a lady of intelligence and talks sense. — A. Lincoln."
She proceeded to Secretary Stanton's office, and was listened
to and treated with great kindness. Secretary Stanton told her
that he had sent the Surgeon General to 'New Orleans Avith
directions to move up the river and visit all the hospitals. Mrs.
Harvey expressed her want of faith in these inspections, and
assured the Secretary that no good to the Western soldiers had
resulted from them. On being informed by the Secretary, that
nothing could be done until the return of the Surgeon General,
Mrs. H. returned to the President. His Excellency was occupied
for some time, but after the departure of his visitor, he motioned
Mrs. Harvey to a chair, and listened to her account of the inter-
view with the Secretary of War, which she closed by remarking
that she had no one to go to but him. The President promised
to see the Secretary of War that evening, and directed her to
come in the morning.
Full of hope, Mrs. Harvey went to the White House in the
morning. Entering the President's room she was motioned to a
chair. Mr. Lincoln had evidently been disturbed by some pre-
vious business of the day, and evidently waited for the conver-
sation to be opened by his visitor. " Well," he at length said,
" Have you nothing to say." " !N"othing," was the reply, " until
I hear your decision. Have you decided ? You know you bade
me come this morning." " No, I have not decided : and I be-
lieve this idea of Northern hospitals is a great humbug, and 1
am tired of hearing about it." Mrs. H. said, " I regret to add a
feather's weight to your already overwhelming care and respon-
sibility. I would rather have stayed at home." To which the
President replied with a faint smile — "I wish you had!"
Mrs. Harvey rephed earnestly, " Nothing would have given
me greniter pleasure sir, but a keen sense of duty to this Gov-
erunient, justice and mercy to its most loyal supporters, and
regard for your honor and position, made me come. The people
cannot understand why their husbands, fathers and sons, are left
to die, vhen, with proper care and attention, they ought to Uve,
1020 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and yet do good service to the country. Mr. Lincoln, I do be-
lieve you will yet be grateful for my coming. I do not come to
plead for the lives of criminals, nor for the lives of deserters ;
but I plead for the lives of those who were the first to hasten to
the support of the Government, who helped to place you where
you are — for men who have done all they could, and now when
flesh and blood, and nerve and muscle are gone, who still pray
for your life and the life of the Republic. They scarcely ask
for that for which I plead. They expect to sacrifice their lives
for their country. I know, that if they could come North, they
could live and be well, strong men again — at least many of
them."
Mr. Lincoln was interested by her earnestness, and was evi-
dently distressed, as if he was convinced that there was justice
in her remarks — but merely said, " You assume to know more
than I do." " Pardon me," was the respectful response, " Mr.
Lincoln, I intend no disrespect, but it is because of this knowl-
edge, and because I do know what you do not know, that 1
come to you. If you had known what I know, and had not
already ordered what I ask, I should know that an appeal to you
would be in vain ; but I believe in you. I believe the people
have not trusted you in vain. The question only is — do you
believe me or not ? If you .believe in me, you will give us
hospitals; if not — weU."
" You assume to know more than surgeons do," rejoined Mr.
Lincoln, rather sharply. Mrs, H. stated that she " thought she
could not perform amputations as well as some of them do —
that she was not an aspirant for military favor or promotion — that
the medical authorities knew that he, the President, was opposed
to establishing Northern hospitals, and reported accordingly."
She then described the manner in which these Medical Inspec-
tors performed their duty, and concluded — " It is not thus
that I have visited hospitals. For eight long months — from
early morn till late at night, sometimes — I have visited the regi-
mental and general hospitals on the Mississippi, from Quincy to
Vicksburg ; and I come to you from the cots of men who have
died, and who might have lived if you had permitted it. This
is hard to say, but it is true."
MRS. CORDELIA A. P. HARVEY. 1021
Omitting a portion of the conversation as not entirely relevant
to the business of Mrs. Harvey, the interview was concluded b}-
Mr. Lincoln desiring Mrs, Harvey to call on him at 12 o'clock,
next day, after Cabinet meeting, as he had not decided on an
answer.
^Notwithstanding the excitement and exertion, in thus deter-
minedly following up the business which she had in hand, and
which had jirostrated her upon a temporary bed of sickness, she
was promptly at the Wliite House at 12 o'clock. The Cabinet wag
still in session. The President sent her word that the Cabinet
would adjourn soon, and that she must wait. She did wait for
three long hours. She became somewhat nervous at the prospect
of defeat. Those three hours were ones of great anxiety.
President Lincoln at length came into the room, expressing
sorrow a,t the delay, but the Cabinet had just adjourned. Per-
ceiving that the President was fatigued, Mrs. Harvey kindly
remarked that they had better not talk on the business, but
President Lincoln motioned her to a seat, and quietly seating
himself by her side, said, " I only wish to say to you that an
order, which is equivalent to the granting of a hospital in your
State, has been issued from the War Department, nearly twenty-
four hours."
Overcome by the unexpected news of her success, Mrs. Har-
vey could at first, only reply by a " God bless you." After a
further short conversation, Mrs. H"arvey left the White House,
with an invitation from Mr. Lincoln, to call next morning and
he would furnish her with a copy of the order.
On being admitted to the audience room, Mr. Lincoln said to
Mrs. Harvey, " Did joy make you sick ? I suppose you would
have been "mad" had I said "No!" She replied that she
should neither be angry nor sick. " What would you have done."
Mrs. Harvey promptly replied, " I should have been here at nine
o'clock this morning." Laughing, Mr. Lincoln said, " I think I
have done wisely then."
The hospital business being accomplished, Mr. Lincoln could
not close it up without a bit of a joke. In his peculiar way,
he looked up under his eyebrows and with a face full of benev-
olence, and his countenance lighted by a cordial smile, said to
Mrs. H., "You almost think I isnir^liandSoneie." Mrs. Harvey
1022 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
exclaimed, " Tou are perfectly lovely to me now^ Mr. Lincoln."
Mrs. Harvey left tlie White House and proceeded home tc
"Wisconsin, highly pleased at the success of her mission.
Early in October, Mrs. Harvey returned to her field of duty
at Memphis, and in November, under instructions from Grovernoi
Salomon, she removed to Vicksburg, which was her headquarters
during the rest of the war. Her field of operations extended
from Memphis to I^ew Orleans, and to such points on each side
of the river where Wisconsin regiments were stationed, or where
Wisconsin men were to be found in hospitals. Wherever she
went, her presence was hailed with joy by the sufiering patients,
and many a poor fellow owes his life to the untiring efibrts of
Mrs. Harvey.
Mrs. Harvey remained stationed at Vicksburg until June, 1865,
when she returned to Wisconsin and interested herself in the
establishment of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home. Her efforts
were successful, and the " Home " has become one of the benev-
olent institutions to be supported by the State. A full descrip-
tion of the " Home," and the law which governs the reception
of orphan children, will be found inserted immediately after the
preface, with an engraving of the building.
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