Green County, Wisconsin - Chapter 20: The War for the Union, 1884 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 20: The War for the Union

Before entering upon a consideration of the part taken by tlie citizen-soldiers of Green county, in the great contest between the slaveowners of the south and the lovers of freedom in the north, it is proper to dwell for a brief period upon the causes leading to the conflict of arms and the incipient steps taken by the general and State governments in arousing and marshalling the hosts of liberty-loving men who afterward so grandly kept step to the music of the Union.

When Wisconsin was first called upon to aid the general government in its efforts to sustain itself against the designs of the secession conspirators, the commercial affairs of the State were embarrassed to a considerable degree by the depreciation of the currency. The designs of the secessionists were so far developed at the ending of the year 1860, as to show that resistence to the National authority had been fully determined on. It is not a matter of wonder, then, that Gov. Randall in his message to the legislature, early in January, 1861, should have set forth the dangers which threatened the Union, or should have denied the right of a State to secede from it.

" Secession," said he, " is revolution ; revolution is war; war against the government of the United States is treason." "It is time," he continued, " 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, but that of principle, and by unwavering devotion to its interests and integrity." " The hopes," added the governor, most eloquently, "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-government 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 hurricans have rattled - strong, unmoved, immovable - so may our Union, be, while treason surges at its base, and passion rage around it, unmoved, immovable - here let it stand forever." These are the words of an exalted and genuine patriotism. But the governor did not content himself with eloquence alone. He came down to matters of business as well. He urged the necessity of legislation that would give more efficient organization to the militia of the State. He warned the legislators to make preparations also for the coming time that should try the souls of men. " The signs of the times," said he, " indicate that there may arise a contingency in the condition of the govern- ment, 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 oro-anized 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." It was thus the patriotic governor gave evidence to the members of both houses that he "scented the battle afar off."

On the 16th of January a joint resolution of the legislature was passed, declaring 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; that the legislature of Wisconsin, pi'ofoundly impressed with the value of the Union, and determined to preserve it unimpaired, hail with joy the recent firm, dignified and patriotic special message of the President of the United States; that they tender to him, through the chief magistrate of their own State, whatever aid, in men and money, may be required to enable him to enforce the laws and uphold the authority of the federal government and in defense of the more perfect Union, which has conferred prosperity and hapi)ine.s8 on the American people. "Renewing," said they, "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."

The legislature, in order to put the State upon a kind of "war footing," passed an act for its defense, and to aid in enforcing the laws and maintaining the authority of the general government. It was under this act that Gov. Randall was enabled to organize the earlier regiments of Wisconsin. By it, in case of a call from the President of the United States to aid in maintaining the Union and the supremacy 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 accei>t the services of volunteers for service, in companies of seventy-five men each, rank and file, and in regiments of ten companies of seventy-five men each, and to commission officers for them. The governor was also authorized to contract for the uniforms and equipments necessary for putting such companies into active service. One hundred thousand dollars was apl^roi^riated for war purposes; and bonds were authorized to be issued for that amount, to be negotiated by the governor for raising funds. It will be seen, therefore, that the exigencies of the times - for Fort Sumter had not yet been surrendered - were fully met by the people's representatives, they doing their whole duty, as they then understood it, in aid of the perpetuity of the Union.

Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, the main gates destroyed, the gorge-wall seriously injured, the magazine surrounded by flames, and its door closed from the effects of the heat, four barrels and three cartridges of powder only being available, and no provisions but pork remaining, Robert Anderson, major of the 1st Artillery, United States army, accepted terms of evacuation offered by Gen, Beauregard, marched out of the fort on Sunday afternoon, the 14th of April, 1861, with colors flying and drums beating, bringing away company and private property, and saluting his flag with fifty guns. This, in brief, is the story of the fall of Sumter and the opening act of the War of the Rebellion.

"Whereas," said Abraham Lincoln,President, in his proclamation of the next day, "the laws of the United States have been for some time past, and now are, opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by combinations too pow- erful to be suppressed by the ordinavy course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals by law." Now, in view of that fact, he called forth the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of 75,000, in order to suppress those combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed. "A call is made on you by to-night's mail for one regiment of militia for immediate service," telegraphed the secretary of war to Randall, on the same day.

The State Aroused

In Wisconsin, as elsewhere, the public pulse quickened under the excitement of the fall of Sumter. "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 seitled 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 defense. On every hand the National flag could be seen displayed, and the public enthusiasm knew no bounds. In city, town and hamlet, the burden on every tongue was war." "We have never been accustomed," said Gov. Randall, "to consider the military arm as essential to the maintenance of our government, but an exigency has arisen that demands its employment." "The time has come," he continued, "when parties and ])latforms must be forgotten, and .all good citizens and patriots unite together in putting down rebels and traitors." "What is money," he asked, "what is life, in the presence of such a crisis?"

Such utterances and such enthusiasm could but have their effect upon the legislature, which, it will be remembered, was still in session. So, altbcugh that body had voted to adjourn, sine die, on the 15th of Aprils yet, when the moment arrived, and a message from the governor was received, announcing that, owing to the extraordinary exigencies which had arisen, an amendment of the law of the 13th of the month was necessary, the resolution to adjourn was at once rescinded. The two houses thereupon not only increased the amount of bonds to be issued to $200,000, but they also passed a law exempting from civil process, during the time of service, all persons enlisting and mustering into the United States army from Wisconsin. When, on the iVth, the legislature did adjourn, the scene was a remarkable one. Nine cheers were given for the star spangled banner and three for the Governor's Guard, who had just then tendered their services - the first in the State - under the call for a regiment of men for three months' duty.

"For the first time in the history of this federal government," are the words of the governor, in a proclamation issued on the 16th of April, "organized treason has manifested itself within several States of the Union, and armed rebels are making war against it." "The treasurers of the country," said he, "must no longer be plundered; the public property must be protected from aggressive violence; that already seized must be retaken, and the laws must be executed in every State of the Union alike." "A demand," he added, "made upon Wisconsin, by the President of the United States, for aid to sustain the federal arm, must meet with a prompt response." And it did, and nowhere with more genuine enthusiasm than in Green county.

The county of Green was not slow to move when it was clearly seen by her citizens that the Union was in deed and in truth threatened by armed rebellion and avowed secession.

Her first company was company C, 3d regiment. It was enlisted in April and May, 1S61. In December of tliat year, the county was credited with 229 soldiers. Her total credit in August, 1862, was 708 men; so, it will be seen,

The following are brief sketches of the various Wisconsin regiments in which, to a greater or less extent, Green county was represented during the war. To these sketches are appended tl)e names of the citizen-soldiers from the county in each of these regiments, so far as ascertained:

On the 15th of April, 1861, an informal meeting was held at Madison, at the executive office, to consider events, Judge O. Cole, of the Supreme Court in the chair. He made a speech full of patriotism and the noblest sentiments. On the day following. Gov. Randall notified Capt. George E. Bryant that the services of the Madison Guards had been accepted, and he was authorized to fill up his company ; and, on the same day, the governor issued a proclamation for the organization of the 1st regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers. The enrollment of men for this compatiy began on April 17, on which day twenty-eight names were enrolled, which on the 20th were increased to 118. On the iVth, the Governor's Guard, a military organization at Madison, by their captain, Judge J. P. Atwood, tendered their services, which were accepted on the 18th. The company had seventy-three names enrolled ; and on the evening of that day, a large and enthusiastic meeting was held at the assembly room in the State capitol, at which Hon. H. S. Orton presided. A committee was appointed to receive from the citizens, and those in the vicinity, subscriptions for the support of families which should need aid. At this meeting, $7,490 were voluntarily subscribed. The two Madison companies, with the other companies composing the 1st regiment, rendezvoused at Milwaukee on the 27th of April; and, on the IVth of May, the organization of the regiment was completed, and mustered into the United States service, and the war department informed that it awaited marching orders. The troops remained in camp until the 9th of June, when, in obedience to orders from Washington, they left the State for Harrisburg, Penn., fully equipped by the State, with the exception of arms. The commissioned officers were John C. Starkweather, colonel ; Charles L. Harris, lieutenant-colonel ; D. H. Lain, major; A. R. Chapin, adjutant; D. W. Keyes, quartermaster; B. F. White, surgeon ; L. J. Dixon and .J. Crugom, assistants; J. W. Plows, commissary ; Charles Fairchild, assistant. The regiment was composed of four companies from Milwaukee county, two from Dane county, one from Rock, one each from Kenosha and Fond du Lac counties. The regiment was quartered for a time at Hagerstown, Md., under thecommand of Generals Nagley and Abercrombie respectively. It was assigned to the division of Major-Gen. Patterson, July 2. It led the advance on Marlinsburg, participated in the battle of Falling Water, and won a reputation for bravery and veteran-like conduct excelled by no other i*egiment. After serving out the time for which it was enlisted, the regiment returned to Fort Scott, at Milwaukee, and was mustered out Aug. 22, 1861. The only person from Green county in this regiment, so far as is known, was Robert Hewitt, of Albany.

Second Wisconsin Regiment

The 2d Wisconsin was ordered to move into camp at Madison on the 1st of May, 1861, which was by S. Park Coon (who was appointed by the governor colonel of the regiment), named Camp Randall, in honor of the governor. This regiment was first organized for three months' service; but, on the 7th of May, orders were received to recruit the regiment for three years, or the war. The regiment was mustered into the United States service, and received orders to move forward to Harrisburg, Penn. They started on the 20th of June, arrived at Washington June 25, and went into camp near the city. After remaining in camp some time, Col. Coon was detached, and planed upon thfe staff of

The numerical strength of this regiment when it left Camp Randall was as follows: field and staff, 9; company officers, 30; band, 24; noncommissioned officers, musicians, and privates, 98.5; total, 1,048.

The fate of the 2d Wisconsin, from its very inception, was one of privation and hardship. It was called into camp at an inclement season of the year, amid constant storms and cold winds, without shelter or proper clothing. It was in the "onward to Riclimond" movement, participated in the skirmish at Bull Run, July 19, took an active part in the memorable battle of July 21, and won a fine reputation for bravery and soldier-like conduct. It took an exposed situation, faced the enemy for hours, and was among the last to leave the field at the disgraceful finish. The thinned ranks at rollcall the next day proved the part it acted. As an evidence of what this regiment had been through, it is sufficient to state, that it left the State, June 20, over 1,000 strong, and, October 1, reported for duty only 689 men. After this battle, a number of changes took place in the officers of this regiment. Lucius Fairchild, formerly captain of company K of the 1st regiment, was appointed lieutenant-colonel, and many others were promoted. Among the companies composing this regiment was one from Fox Lake, Dodge county, one from La Crosse county, one from Grant, one from Janesville, one from Oshkosh, one from Racine, one from Portage City, one from Madison and one each from Mineral Point and Milwaukee.

The 2d regiment - which had been identified with the Army of the Potomac from its first organization to the present time, and which was the representative of Wisconsin at the first battle of Bull Run - was joined, later in the season of 18til, by the 6th and 7th regiments. On the rfe-oi-ganization of the armj by Gen. Mc-

Clellan, these regiments, together with the 9th Indiana, were organized as a brigade, and assigned to the command of Brig.-Gen. Gibbon; Gen. King having been promoted to the command of a division. Thenceforth their history is identical; and Wisconsin may well be proud of their record, which has procured for them the name of the " Iron Brigade of the West."* 3fe7im the Second Begiment from Green County. Henry W. Peck, F. R.Melvin,F. Luchsinger, Frederick Geiser, Mathias Wichser, Adam Bopp, Jacob Bopp, Thomas Deitland, Sebation Frey, Pauly Heitz, Henry Hoesli, Samuel Hoesli, Fridolin Klase, Henry Knobel, Ubiah Kubly, Melchoir Luchsinger, Fridolin Marty, Henry T. Sperri, John Staub, Fridolin Streiff and Jacob Trumpy.

Third Wisconsin Regiment

The 3d regiment was called into camp at Fond du Lac about the 15th of June, 1861, and was placed under the command of Col. Charles S. Hamilton, a graduate of West Point, who had served his country with credit to himself during the Mexican War. Of this regiment, Thomas H. Ruger was lieutenant-colonel; Bertine Pinkney, major; L. H. D. Crane, adjutant. It was composed of companies from Watertown, Oshkosh, Monroe, Waupun, Mayville, Boscobel, Neenah, Darlington, Shullsburg and Madison. Its numerical strength was 979 men, and it was mustered into the United States service June 29, 1861 , by Capt. Mclntyre, United States army; received marching-orders July 6, and started for Harrisburg July 12. This regiment, like the 1st and 2d regiments, was fully equipped with the exception of arras. It was stationed, most of the time after its arrival at the seat of war, at Frederickstown, Md., and had but little opportunity to exhibit its bravery on the battlefield during the year. Three of the companies (A, C, and H) were engaged in the fight at Bol- ivar, early in October, in connection with two companies of the Massacliusetts 4th, against more than three times their number of tlie enemy in position. During the engagement, a charge was made by the Wisconsin companies; and a heavy field-piece was captured, which was afterward retaken by the enemy. The battle was terminated by another heroic charge by the three Wisconsin companies, led on by Capt. Bartram and Lieut. O'Brien. Under command of Major Gould of the 4th Massachusetts, the enemy was routed and forced from his position, and put to flight, and again the same field-piece was captured from the enemy, and brought off the ground by volunteers of the 3d.

On the arrival of the 3d regiment in Maryland, Col. Hamilton was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general; Lieut. Col. Ruger was [)romoted colonel; Major Pinkney, lieutenant-colonel; and Adjutant L. H. D. Crane, major.

The regiment passed the winter of 18G1-62 principally at Alexandria, of which place Col. Ruger was appointed provost-marshal. In the spring campaign, tliey were assigned to the command of Major-Gen. Banks, entering Winchester, Va., on the 12th of March, and accompanied him in the sudden retreat towards Washington, which commenced on the 25th of May. They acted as a portion of the rearguard, and lost, in the various conflicts occurring by the movement, about 120 men in killed, wounded and missing. The retreat was conducted with the most admirable coolness, the men facing al)()ut in line, three several times giving the enemy a number of volleys.

Tills division returned soon after to Winchester to co-operate with the commands of Generals Fremont and Sigel, and on the 9th of August took part in the battle of Cedar Mountain. The regitnent went into battle with 423 men, of whom 107 were either killed, wounded or missing. In the otticial report of Gen. Gordon, who commanded the brigade, special praise is awarded to the 3d Wisconsin and a Massachusetts regiment for displaying great coolness under the terrible fire they were ordered to face. During this action, Lieut.-Col. Crane was killed who fell gallantly leading his men upon the enemy. Capt. O'Brien of company I was wounded early in the day, but refused to leave the field. Later in the day, he received a mortal wound, and died three days afterwards. Capt. Hawley and Lieutenants Snow and Derring were also wounded, and Lieut. Widney taken prisoner.

Subsequently, they took part in the short and brilliant campaign under McClellan, in which Antietam was the finishing stroke to the invaders in Maryland. They took into action about 345 men, and lost, in killed and wounded, 197. In this battle, Lieut. Reed was killed, and Col. Ruger, Captains Stevenson and Whitman, Lieu-' tenants Field, Shepard, Parks and Dick were wounded. On the 7th of December, the regiment was in Gen. Gordon's brigade, headquarters near Antietam Ford, Md.

The 3d regiment, in January, 1863, encamped at Stafford Court House. Lieut.-(^ol. Hawley was promoted to the command in March, and other changes made. The regiment took part in the operations of Hen. Hooker near Chancellorsville; and, in the battles that occurred from April 27, to May 6, they had nineteen killed, or died of wounds, and seventy-four wounded. On the 6th of June, the regiment was detached to accompany a cavalry expedition up the Rappahannock, and, as skirmishers and sharpshooters, contributed to the victory gained by our troops. In this engagement, the regiment had two killed and fourteen wounded.

The regiment passed the summer and fall in railroad guard-duty, picket-duty, etc., at various points in Tennessee. Being transferred to tlie army of the Cumberland, they proceeded to Columbus, Ohio; thence to Stevenson, Ala , where they arrived Oct. 3, 1863. A suflicient number having re-enlisted, as veterans, the regiment, on the 25th of that month, left for Wisconvin on a furlough. They afterward took an active part in the assault on the enemy's works at Port Hudson, losing thirty-nine killed, seventy wounded and thirty-one missing- After this engagement, the regiment remained in the vicinity of Port Hudson, while Gen. Banks was perfecting a plan for the capture of that place. On the 1st of September, 1863, the regiment was changed to the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry.

Fifth Wiscoxsin Regoikxt

The 5th Wisconsin was called into camp at Madison from the 21st to the 25th of June 1861, and placed under the command of Col. Amasa Cobb. The officers under him were H. W. Emery, lieutenant-colonel; Charles H. Larrabee, major ; Theodore S. West, adjutant ; J. G. Clark, quartermaster; A. L. Castleman, surgeon; George D. Wilbur and C. E. Crane, assistants ; Rev. R. Langley, chaplain. The companies were two from Milwaukee, and one each from Manitowoc, Beaver Dam, Janesville, Waukesha, Berlin, Richland, Taycheedah and Monoraonee. The numerical strength of the regiment was 1,05V men. It was mustered into the L^nited States service, July 13, 1861. On the 22d of that month orders were received to move forward to Washington. On the 24th, they were on their way, and on arriving at their destination were attached to Gen. Rnfus King's brigade. The regiment was detailed for advance duty most of the time after its arrival.

The 5th left their winter quarters at Camp Griffin, near Lewisville, Va., where they had been stationed during the winter, and marched on the 9th of March, 1862, to Flint Hill, two miles from Fairfax court house, whence they marched to the Potomac, within four miles of Alexandria, There they embarked, on the 23d of that month, to take part in the great expedition against Richmond, under the command of Gen. McClellan.

From their arrival at Hampton, Va., on the- 26th of March to the day of the final retreat, their history is thoroughly identified with that of the Army of the Peninsula. Their conduct in the battle of Williamsburg, on the 5th of May, was such as to elicit a flattering encomium from Gen. McClellan. The regiment bore its full share in the series of great battles from June 29 to July 4. They went into winter quarters at White Oak Church, near Belle Plain. Col. Araasa Cobb, being elected to Congress, resigned, and Thomas S. Allen was made colonel.

The 5th regiment performed some daring deeds under Col. Allen, - taking the Washington battery, of New Orleans. They also participated in the charge on the enemy's works at Rappahannock station. They returned to winter quarters at Brandy station, where they remained until the opening of the campaign of 1864.

During the winter of 1863-64 over 200 of the men re-enlisted. After a visit to Wisconsin, they returned in time for the spring campaign. The regiment left its camp May 4, 1864, and took part in the Wilderness campaign. They crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford, marched eighteen miles and bivouacked. They followed the movements of the 6th corps, and were engaged in the various actions from the 7th to the 11th of May. After leaving Spottsylvania, they engaged in destroying the Virginia (-entral railroad, and advanced to Cold Harbor, arriving June 1. They took part Iti tlie chai'gG 611 tll6 etiefliy's works at Cold

Harbor, capturing the intrenchments with a number of prisoners. They remained here until the 12th, constantly exposed to the enemy's fire, when they marched to and crossed James river, and took their position in the trenches before Petersburg. In the charge of the 22d, they participated, proceeding on the 29th to Reams station, where they engaged in fatigue and picket duty until July 11.

The casualties for May and June were fortyeight killed or died of their wounds, and 144 wounded. The 5th accompanied the movement of the 6th corps to Washington to assist in the defense of that city, arriving on the 12th ; on which day, the three-years' term of non-veterans having expired, they volunteered for the defense of the capital. The danger having passed, they left, on the 16th, from Washington, 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 5th regiment.

The re-enlisted veterans and recruits were organized into an independent battalion of three companies, under the command of C. W. Kerai), of company A, Capt. J. H. Cook, company B, and Capt. M. L. Butterfield, company C. On the 13th of July, they moved, with the 6th corps to the Shenandoah valley, in pursuit of the enemy, participating in the engagement at Snicker's Gap. On the 18th they returned to Washington ; and on the 26th they proceeded to Harper's Ferry, and united with the movements of the 6th corps, participating in the action at Charleston. They remained at Charleston performing picket and guard duty until the 18th of September, when they moved forward and took part in the battle of Cedar Creek. Afterward, with the brigade, they went to Winchester in the performance of garrison duty.

On the muster out of service of the " Old Fifth," Gov. Lewis authorized its re-organization, and re-commissioned Thomas S. Allen as colotiel. Uhdei' his sU{)ei*vli^l6n, sevfeh coin- panies were rapidly recruited, organized and mustered into the United States service, and left the State on the 2d of October, 1864. They arrived at Washington, received arras, and were sent to Alexandria, where they remained doing provost duty, until October 20, when they proceeded, by way of Martinsburg and Winchester, to Cedar Creek, where they joined the battalion and the forces under Gen. Sheridan, and remained at that place until December 2. They rejoined the forces under Gen. 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, on Hatcher's Run, suffering little loss, as they were held in reserve.

In the charge on the enemy's works at Petersburg, April 2, 1865, the 5th regiment, with the 37th Massachusetts, led by Col. 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 5th were the first planted on the enemy's works. Col. Allen led a portion of his men two miles through the abandoned lines of the enemy to the left, capturing many prisoners ; then back to the right, where the regiment was engaged in skirmishing till night.

On the afternoon of April 3, they joined in the pursuit of Lee - the 6th corps encountering Gen. Ewell's forces at Little Sailor's Creek on the 7th. The lines were hurriedly formed and pushed forward at double-quick ; the regiment marching with unbroken line through a swamp waist-deep, under fire 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 fighting with the energy of despair. The regiment was in an extremely hazardous position, being subjected to a severe flank and cross lire. Col. Allen rode in advance of the line as calmly as though danger were unknown. Company G, (Capt. Henry

Curran) and company C, (Lieut. Evan R. Jones) were deployed as skirmishers. Lieut. -Gen. Ewell and staff surrendered to six men of the skirmishers, under command of Sergt. Cameron, company A, who was promoted lieutenant on the field for gallaaitry. The action of the regiment elicited high encomiums from the corps, division and brigade commanders.

In the action of April 7, the regiment had sixteen killed, seventy-nine wounded, and three died of wounds. The pursuit was continued until the 9th, when Lee surrendered. On the 10th the regiment commenced its return, and reached Burke's station on the evening of the 13th. They encamped until the 23d of April, and marched to Danville, arriving on the 27th, and reaching Richmond on the 20th of May. Leaving Richmond on the 24th for Washington, they arrived there June. 2, after a long and tedious march. On the 16th of June they left for Madison, Wis., arriving on the 20th, and were soon after mustered out of the service. Men in the Fifth Regiment from Green County.

Sixth And Seventh Wisconsin Regiments

The 6th regiment was called into Oarap Randall, at Madison, about the 25th of June, 1861, and was under the coniimand of Lysander Cutler, of Milwaukee, as colonel. The other officers were: J. P. Atwood, lieutenant-colonel; B. F. Sweet, major; Frank A. Haskall, adjutant; J. N. Mason, quartermaster; C. B. Chapman, surgeon; A. W. Preston and A. D. Andrews, assistants; and Rev. N. A. Staples, chaplain. The companies forming the regiment were from Sauk, Pierce and Ci'awford counlies, and two from Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, Rock, Buffalo, Monroe and Juneau counties. The numerical strength of the regiment when it left Camp Randall was 1,084.

The regiment arrived at Washington on the lih of August, and was immediately assigned to King's brigade and went into camp on Meridian Hill, where it remained until the 3d of September, when it marched with the brigade to Chain bridge and was employed in picket and guard duty at Camp Lyon until it was joined bv the 2d Wisconsin, the 9th Indiana and the 7th Wisconsin, about the 1st of October. These afterwards formed the famous "Iron Jirigade," in which its subsequent history is merged.

The 7th regiment was called into cam]» during the month of August, 1861, and placed under the command of Col. Joseph Vandor. The other officers were: W. W. Robinson, lieutenant-colonel; Charles A. Hamilton, major; Charles \V. Cook, adjutant; II. P. Clinton, quartermaster; Henry Palmer, surgeon; D. Cooper Ayers and Ernest Cramer, assistants; and Rev. S. L. Brown, chaplain. When tlie regiment left the Slate, its numerical strength was 1,016.

This regimenl, unlike these that had gone before it, was mustered into the United States service by companies, and on the 4th of September, 1861, received orders to move forward to Washington, where it arrived October 1, and was assigned to Gen. Rufiis King's brigade, McDowell's division.- Its subsequent history is absorbed in that of the "Iron Brigade." 3Ien in the Sixth and Seventh Hegimenis, from Green County.

Iron Brigade

Early in the war Gen. Rufus King, a graduate of West Point, tendered his services to the government and was appointed brigadier general, with authority to form a brigade composed of regiments from Wisconsin. In this he only partially succeeded, as the 5th Wisconsin was transferred to another brigade. He, however, succeeded in permanently attaching the 2d, 6ih and 7th to the brigade; these, with the 9th Indiana, afterwards received the name of the "Iron Brigade," in the history of which is merged that of the 6th Wisconsin.

The brigade assigned to McDowell's division remained in camp at Fort Tillinghast until March 10, 1862, when they took part in Ihe advance on Manassas, Col. Cutler, of the 6th Wisconsin, being \\\ command of the brigade. The month of July found them at Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg. The brigade afterward took part in the celebrated retreat of Gen. Pope.

On the 28th of August, 1862, the battle of Gainesville was fought. This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, and was fought by the 'Iron Brigade" alone, it only receiving aid after the heaviest of the fighting was over. On the 29th of August the brigade was present on the battle field of Bull Run, engaged as support to a battery, and took [)art in the battle of the 30th and in the retreat which followed.

1863 was begun on the 28th of April. The "Iron Brigade" proceeded on that day to Fitzliiigh's crossing, below Fredericksburg, and was attached to the first division of the first army corps.

Continuing our narrative of the Iron Brigade, we find, that, on the 12th of June, they crossed the Chickahominy, and marched to James river, and proceeded to Petersburg, where they erected breastworks on the iVth of June. In the engagements at this place, the 6th and lib. suffered terribly. The 7th lost twenty-one killed and thirty-seven wounded, 'i he 6th lost seventeen killed and thirty-one wounded. From this time to July 30, the division and brigade were constantly engaged in the duties of the siege, and took part in the operations connected with the explosion of the mine. On the 18th of August, they left Petersburg, and marched to Yellow House, near Reams station, on the Weldon Railroad ; and, at the action at the lastnamed place, the 7th captured twenty-seven prisoners without sustaining any loss. Until October 27, the bi'igade was engaged in siegeduties, when they were transferred to Crawford's third division, and took a part in the engagement at Hatcher's Run. Subsequently tliey returned to their position in the trenches at Petersburg, where they remained until Feb. 6, 1865.

The "Iron Brigade," on the 6th of February, 1865, broke camp and took part in the engagement near Dabney's Mill, on Hatcher's Run. In this affair, the third division of Gen. Crawford, of the 5th corps, took the advance, and bore the brunt of the tight on the 6th and 7tb of February. Our Wisconsin regimenls fought with their accustomed gallantry ; and their loss was very severe. The loss of the division was about thirty-seven ofticers, and 1,143 men, an aggregate of 1,180 out of about 4,000 who went into action. The loss of the 7th regiment in the battle at Dabney's Mill, on the 6th and 7th of

February, 1865, as reported by Lieut-Col. Richardson, is as follows : Four killed, and nineteen wounded. 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 6th and 7th regiments, was countermanded ; and the two regiments were ordered to return to their old camp, when, by order of Gen. Crawford, they were re-organized as the "First Provisional Brigade," and placed under the command of Col. Kellogg, of the 6th, Lieut-Col. Kerr assuming command of the regiment. March 5, the 91st New York 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 Gen. Lee.

On the morning of the 29th of March, 1865, the brigade broke camp near the Military railroad, and moved to near Boydtown plank-road. Here line of battle was formed; the 6th and 7th 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 7th 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 advanced to the road, and threw up breastworks. On the 31st the brigade luoved from the breastworks, in a northwesterly direction, across Gravelly Run, where it was massed in column ot regiments for a short time, when it was ordered to deploy into line of battle to the right of the second brigade. Before this movement was accomplished, only the 6th and 7th Wisconsin being in line. Col. Kellogg, in command of the brigade, was ordered to arrest the men from the front line, who were falling back in confusion. This could not be done, as the flying troops broke through his line, and threw it into confusion. The 6th and 7th were ordered to close tbeir intervals, form into line of battle, and open fire on the enemy ; wbich was done, and continued until the enemy had turned both flanks, and were firing on the flanks and rear. The 7th Wisconsin changed front, so as to meet the fire on their flank ; but, the enemy appearing 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 6th and 7th 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 re-formed 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 Gen Sheridan, 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 7th regiment occupied the advance line on the left of the brigade, with the 6th Wisconsin on the right. Companies B and E of the 7th were deployed as skirmishers, covering the brigade front, advancing in line of battle. The enemy's advance was driven through the woods, back upon their entrenchments at Five Forks, Gen. Sheridan ordered Col. Richardson 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 6th and 7th 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 7th, under Col. Richardson, were 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 their works. Pursuit was made ; but they were not overtaken, and the brigade went into bivouac. On the morning of the 4th pursuit was resumed ; and Jettersville station, on the Danville railroad, was reached in the afternoon, which was found occupied by Gen. 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 traveled 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 Apporaatox, they reached High Railroad Bridge,^ where the 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 the twenty-fourth corps. They encamped in line of battle that night. On the 9th, pursuit was again resumed ; and the gallant "Iron Brigade" had the proud satisfaction of assisting in the capture of the famous army of Gen. Lee at Appomattox Court House.

In the short campaign from March 29 to April 9, the casualties in the 6th and 7th regiments were as follows : Sixth regiment, killed, or died of wounds, sixteen ; 7th regiment, killed, or died of wounds, eighteen ; wounded, fiftytwo. After the surrender of the rebel forces moved to Black and White's station, on the . under Gen. Lee, the brigade, on the 1 1th of April,

Petersburi^ & Lynchburg Railroad, and went into camp, where they remained until the corps commanders were ordered to march their respective commands to Washington. They arrived there, and participated in the grand review on the 23d of May, and went into camp till the 17th of June, when they left Washington to report to Major-Gen. Logan, at Louisville, Ky., where they arrived on the 22d f June. Here they were organized into the '*!- J o^incial Division" of Gen. Morrow, - the 7th regiment in the first and the 6th in the second brigade ; the latter being placed under the command of Col. Kellogg of the 6th, who, at the muster-out of Gen. Morrow, was assigned to the command of the division. The 7th 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 soon after paid off, and the regiment disbanded. The 6th was mustered out on the 14th, and arrived at Madison on the 16th, and were publicly received, paid, and the regiment disbanded. Col. 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. Col. Kellogg of the 6th, was subsequently breveted brigadier-geneaal, and Lieut-Col. Richardson of the 7th, was breveted colonel, and subsequently brigadier-general, for gallant and meritorious services in the final operations of the Army of the Potomac, particularly at the battle of Five Forks.

Eighth Wisconsin Regiment

The 8tU regiment was called into camp from the 1st to the 16th of September, 1861, and placed under the command of Col. Robert C. Murphy, of St. Croix Falls. The other field and staff ofiicers were, George W. Robinson, lieutenant-colonel; J. W. Jefferson, major; Ezra T. Sprague, adjutant; F. L. Billings, quartermaster; S. P. Thornhill, surgeon; W. Hobbins and J. S. Murta, assistants; and W. McKinley, chaplain. The companies were from the counties of Waupaca, Sheboygan, Eau Claire, Crawford, La Crosse, Racine and from Fox Lake, Fitchburg, Janesville and Belleville. The numerical strength of the regiment when it left Camp Randall was 966 men, and it was mustered into service by companies, by Major Brooks.

After being fully equipped (with the exception of arms), on the 30th of September, Col. Murphy received notice that he had been assigned, with his command, to Major-Gen. Fremont's division. On the 1st of October, orders were received to move forward to St. Louis, at which place they arrived October 13. The fine appearance of the regiment elicited universal praise. It was received at St. Louis by the Hon. S. Cameron, secretary of war, and Adjutant-Gen. L. Thomas, who paid it a high compliment. This was the first regiment that had passed in that direction from the State. The next day after their arrival, an order came for them to move forward to Pilot Knob with the certainty of meeting the enemy. They went forward, and on the 21st took j)art in the battle of Frederickstown. The regiment was held as a reserve.

The 8th regiment, from the time of their departure from the State, up to the middle of January, with the exception of the skirmish at Frederickstown, in the autumn of 1861, was principally engaged in guarding railroad bridges and other general duties in the southern portion of Missouri and in Arkansas. On the 16th of January they left Camp Curtis, arriving at Cairo the next day. From Cairo they were ordered to Point Pleasant, Mo., to participate in the attack on Island No. 10, whence they marched, on the 7th of April, to New Madrid.

Shortly after the reduction of this island, they were ordered to Corinth, and arrived at Pittsburg Landing on the 22d of April, when they at once took their place in the army destined for the reduction of Corinth. On the 9th of May, at the battle of Farmington, the 8th regiment, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Robbins, lost in killed, three (of whom two were commissioned officers), and sixteen wounded, and one missing. On the 28th of May, leaving Farmington, the regiment, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Robbins - Col. Murphy being in charge of the brigade - went into action before Corinth, and, by their steady courage and demeanor, demonstrated their bravery under a heavy fire, losing, in this action, two killed and five wounded. This was the last effort of the rebels to defend the city, which was entered by our troops two days afterwards.

Subsequently they were ordered to luka, where tl)ey remained until the approach of the rebels under Price and Van Darn, when they were again ordered to Corinth, and took part in the second battle of Corinth, on the 3d and 4th of October. During this battle, while Col. Murphy was absent, Lieut.-Col. Robbins and Major Jefferson were wounded, and carried from the field; and the command of the regiment devolved upon Capt. BritLon, who nobly conducted the action. Their loss in this battle was fourteen killed, seventy-five wounded, and two missing. After joining in the pursuit of the rebels which followed this battle, they returned to Corinth on the 14th of October, after wiiich time they were stationed in the vicinity of Waterford, Miss.

On the 8th of December, the regiment was at Waterford, Miss., in the left wing of tlie Army of the Tennessee, under the command of Major-Gen. U. S. Grant.

building fortifications, and guard duty, until March 11, when they marched to Memphis, and joined the forces intended by Gen. Grant to operate against Vicksburg, which were being concentrated near Helena. Lieut.-Col. Robbins was commissioned as colonel in the place of Col. Murphy dismissed. The regiment with other attacked the enemy, and, on the 14th of May, took possession of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. Thj^ >aen proceeded to Walnut Hills, forming the eitreme right of the investing force around Vicksburg. Here they took a part in the assault on the enemy's works. The regiment participated in many skirmishes with some loss, and on the 26th of September moved to Black River bridge, and went into camp, and remained until October 13. The 8th regiment, on the 27th of January, 1864, proceeded to Vicksburg, by way of Memphis, and encamped near Black River bridge on the 3d of February. They took part in Slierman's famous Meridian expedition, marching as far as Canton, Miss., and returning to Black River bridge, thence to Vicksburg, on the 5th of March. Here the regiment consented to remain and take part in Gen Smith's projected expedition up the river to co-operate with Gen. Banks. The regiment expected to be sent home on veteran furlough, but remained at the especial request of Gen. Sherman. Leaving Vicksburg March 10, they passed down the Mississippi and up the Red river, to Simmsport, and landed. The brigade advanced and charged upon the rebels at Fort Scurvy, capturing several prisoners, and some military stores. Continuing up the river, they attacked and captured Fort De Russy, after a short resistance. Here they were joined by the fleet, when they proceeded to Alexandria, and thence to Henderson Hill, where they found the rebels posted with artillery. A detour of fifteen miles was made in order to attack the enemy on the rear. About midnight, Gen. Mower succeeded in capturing the whole rebel force (350 strong), with four guns and 400 horses, and other muni- tions of war. After a number of marches with Gen. Smith's army and a part of Gen. Bank's force, they received the attack of the enemy, and, after four hours liard fighting, drove him from the field. Our forces subsequently retreated to Grand Encore, and thence to Alexandria.

The 8th participated in an action at Natchitoches, and also at Cloutersville, where the rebels were driven back in confusion. On the 4th of May, the 8lh were deployed- as skirmishers, and drove the enemy ten miles. At Bayou La Mourie, the enemy annoyed them by continuous artillery and musketry fire. They also took part in an action at Mansura, and also Calhan's Plantation, and Bayou De Glaise ; after which Gen. Smith's army returned to the mouth of Red river, and, embarking, reached Vicksburg on the 24th, and went into camp. The rebels having attempted to blockade the Mississippi at Columbia, Ark., on the 6th of June, Gen. Smith sent forward a division of 1,500 infantry, and a battery in charge of Gen. Mower. The enemy were found, and an engagement ensued. The enemy were driven from their position, and pursued several miles. In this action, known as the ''Battle of Chicot," the regiment had three killed, and sixteen wounded. The command proceeded up theriver to Memphis, and went into camp. Here the veterans were allowed to proceed to Wisconsin on thirty days' furlough. The remainder of the regiment moved to La Grange, and in July took part in the expedition into Mississippi, and participated in the engagements near Tupelo. They returned to Memphis after a march of 260 miles. Here they were joined by the regiment from veteran furlough. Subsequently the 8th marched from Memphis to Mississippi with the forces of Gen. A. J. Smith. On the 2d of September, they proceeded to White river and to Duvall's J^luff, thence to Brownsville, in pursuit of Gen. Price, and reached Cape Girardeau, October 1. On the 5th, they left for St. |

Louis, where the regiment was newly clothed and equipped. Re-embarking on transports, they reached Jefferson City, and thence to Lamoine Bridge. From this place, they were assigned on the expeditionary army against Gen. Price through Kansas. Learning of the defeat and dispersion of Price's forces, they returned, reaching Benton Barracks November 15. On the 23d of November, they proceeded to Nashville to re-enforce Gen. Thomas, and took part in the battle on the loth and 16th of December. In this action, the regiment captured a six-gun battery, about 400 prisoners, and two stands of colors. Their losses were, ten, killed; fifty-two wounded. The regiment joined in the pursuit, marching 150 miles, and finally encamped at Clifton, Tenn., on the 22d of January, 1865.

The 8th regiment joined the pursuit of the enemy after the battle of Nashville, marched 150 miles and encamped at Chifton, Tenn. On the 2d of January, 1865, they moved to Eastport Embarking on the 6th of February, they proceeded, with the sixteenth corps, down the Tennessee to Cairo, and thence to New Orleans, and went into camp five miles below that city. On the 5th of March they moved in transports to take part in the investment of the defenses of Mobile, landing at Dauphin Island, and from thence proceeded up Fish river, ten miles, and went into camp. On the 25th they moved, and took position in the lines before the Spanish fort. Here they were engaged 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. After the surrender, the regiment marched 1 80 miles to Montgomery, Ala., where they remained until the 10th of May, when tbey marched by way of Selma, and took cars for Uuiontowu, on the Alabama & Mississippi Railroad. Here they went into camp, and remained until orders were received for their muster out. This was done at Deraopolis, Ala., on the 5th of September, and tlie regiment reached Madison on the 13th, where they received their pay, and were formally disbanded.

The 8th was known as the "Eagle Regiment," fx-ora the fact that a live eagle was carried through all its campaigns, up to the return of the non-veterans in 1864. This bird was taken from the parent nest in Chippewa Co., Wis., by an Indian, whe disposed of it to a gentleman in Eau Claire county, from whom it was purchased by members of Capt. Perkin's 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, and into every battle in which the gallant 8th was engaged, up to the muster-out of the non-veterans. Perched on his standard, above the heads of the men, the bird was more than once the mark for rebel bullets, but, luckily, 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 bestowed on him. At the great Chicago fair in 1863, " Old Abe" was exhibited, and his photographs disposed of, realizing the amount of about $16,000. He was also exhibited at the Milwaukee fair with proti table 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 his history is inextricably interwoven with that of the brave and gallant regiment who bore him triumphantly through the field of strife.

Reference has been made to the 8th Wisconsin as the "Eagle Regiment." Some account of this "eagle," from whom the regiment derived its name, will prove interesting.

" 'Old Abe' was captured in the spring of 1861, in Chippewa Co., Wis., by an Indian, by the name of A-ge-mah-me-ge-zhig, of the Lake Flambeau tribe of the Chij^pewa Indians. The Indian sold the eagle to D. McCann, for a bushel of corn. Mr. McCann concluded that his eagle should go the wars. He took him to Chippewa Falls, and from thence to Eau Claire. The eagle being then about two months old, he sold it for I2..50 to company C, 8th Wisconsin regiment. The eagle was soon sworn into service by putting around his neck red-white-andblue-ribbons, and on his breast a rosette of the same colors. The company, commanded by Capt. J. E. Perkins, and James McGennis, the eagle-bearer, left for Madison on the 6th of September, 1861. They arrived at La Crosse in the evening of the next day. The fact that a company was coming with a live eagle brought a great crowd to the vvharf. A salute from the 1st Wisconsin Battery was fired, followed by 'cheers from the crowd and soldiers, 'The eagle, the eagle ! hurrah for the eagle !' Arriving at Madison on the 8th of September, the company marched direct to Camp Randall, the band playing Yanl^ee Doodle, amidst great shouting from the 7th regiment and part of the 8th. The company entered the gate ; and the eagle, as if by instinct, spread his wings, took hold of one of the small flags attached to his perch, in his beak, and carried it in that position to the colonel's quarters. The excitement knew no bounds ; shout after shout was heard from the crowd. Deep and strong was the conviction that the eagle had a charmed life.

tary life. Capt. Perkins named him 'Old Abe,' in honor of Abraham Lincoln. By a vote of the company, the Eau Claire Badgers, its original name was changed to Eau Claire Eagles ; and by general expression of the people, the 8th Wisconsin was called the 'Eagle Regiment.'

"On the 12lh of October, ]861, the regiment left Camp Randall. At Chicago, St. Louis, and in fact everywhere, 'Old Abe' attracted great attention. Five hundred dollars were at one time offered for him, and at another, a farm worth $5,000 but, of course, in vain. His feathers are scattered all over the Union, so great the demand for them. 'Old Abe' was seen in all his glory, when the regiment was engaged in battle. At such times, he was always found in his place at the head of company C. In the midst of the roaring of cannon, the crack of the musket, and the roll of smoke, "Old Abe," with spread pinions, would jump up and down on his perch, uttering wild and fearful screams. The fiercer and louder the storm of battle, the fiercer, wilder and louder his screams. "Old Abe" was with the command in nearly every action, - about twenty-two battles, and sixty skirmishes. It is a remarkable fact that not a color bearer or eagle bearer, of the 8th, was shot down. The veterans were mustered out of the United States service, at Memphis, Sept. 16, 1864. It was there decided that "Old Abe" should be given to the State of Wisconsin. The regiment arrived in Madison on the 26th. The eagle was received by the governor from Capt. Wolf. The famous bird has since paid the debt of nature, and now reposes as an object of curiosity, in a glass case, on an elegant pedestal, in the rotunda of the capitol.

The 9th regiment was organized under a gen- -eral order dated Aug. 26, 1861, giving the supervision of the organization to Lieut. W. Finkler, of Milwaukee, who acted as quartermaster to the regiment. This regiment was gotten up on a somewhat different plan from the others of Wisconsin; The men were recruited and sent into Camp Sigel and organized, to a certain extent, into companies. It was made up of Germans exclusively, and was placed under the command of Col. Frederick Salomon. The different companies were formed, generally from the eastern counties of the State - Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine and Fond du Lac, Calumet and Washington; but a portion were from Dane, Green and Sauk counties. The regiment was full on the 28th of December, 1861, and awaited marching orders.

The regiment left Camp Sigel, Milwaukee, under command of Col. Frederick Salomon, on the 22d of January, 1862, numbering thirty-nine officers and 884 men.

Though this regiment was raised under the special promise of Gen. Fremont, that it should compose a part of the division of Gen. Sigel, the successor of the former did not feel under any obligations to carry out the promise; and tlie 9tli left for another destination. None of the Wisconsin regiments embraced so large a number of officers and soldiers of military experience as this one. The eagerness of the regiment to encounter the enemy, was not gratified until the 30th of September, 1862, at Newtonia. In the first part of the battle, but four companies were engaged, and these against an enemy of far greater numbers, strongly intrenched. The balance of the regiment, with Gen. F. Salomon's brigade, arrived later and took part in the tight.

Four days after the battle of Newtonia, the 9th regiment, with the brigade, was again on the march for another attack on that place, which, however, had been evacuated by the enemy, who had experienced heavy losses and did not feel strong enough to resist another attack. The retreat of the rebels was so hasty that a part of their camp equipment and a rocket-battery fell into the hands of the Union forces. The official report of the regiment in this battle shows a loss of 188 in killed, wounded aiid missing, of which only eight were named as killed.

In the battle at Prairie Grove, the 9th was in the rearguard without taking part actively in the fight. The last report from the regiment in 1862 showed that it was encamped at Rhea's Mills, Ark.

The regiment in December, 1862, was near Prairie Grove, Ark., but not in time to participate in the battle. On the 10th of December, they returned to Rhea's Mills. A raid was made from there on Van Buren; the regiment marching sixty miles in two days, but soon returning. From this time till Feb. 20, 1863, 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, thirty-six miles west of Springfield, Mo. The regiment was stationed at different points in Missouri, engaged in guard duty, and on foraging parties in the vicinity of Rolla and Springfield, until July 8. On that day they moved by railroad to St. Louis, where they were engaged in guard duty until the 12th of September, where they remained until the 10th of October. They then marched to Little Rock, Ark., and went into winter quarters about the 1st of November.

The 9th regiment was at Little Rock, Jan. 1, 1864, and 230 re-enlisted men returned to Wisconsin on furlough early in February. The regiment participated in the Red River Expedition and was assigned to the 1st brigade. They left Little Rock March 23, and nothing occurred of note until the 1st day of April. A number of engagements between that date and the 24th of the same month took place, when they camped at White Oak creek. On the 15th of May another engagement took place; the enemy were driven back, when the brigade entered Camden. Up to the 23d of that month the 9th- was detailed to guard the bridge across the Washita river.

At Jenkin's ferry the brigade was re-enforced, as Gen. Kirb}'^ Smith of the rebel army was near with an army of 20,000. Here a battle was fought and the 9th fought bravely. The casualties were, killed forty-seven - wounded, fifty-two. After the battle the regiment returned to Little Rock. Two companies were absent on furlough during the Camden campaign. On their return two other companies were sent home on veteran furlough.

On the iVth of November, 1864, the nonveterans whose terms of service had expired were mustered out, together with a portion of the commissioned officers. The veterans were thereupon consolidated into an independent battalion of four companies, as veterans, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Jacobi. The nonveterans returned to Milwaukee, where they were cordially received, paid off and disbanded."

The veterans of the 9th remained most of the time at Little Rock until the close of the war - the only operation being an expedition to the Saline river, in January, 1865. In June the command proceeded to Camden, 100 miles south, where they continued until August, when they returned overland, occupying their old quarters at Little Rock. The Independent Battalion (tl>e 9th) remained on duty until February, 1865, when they returned to Wisconsin and were mustered out of the service, 3Ien in the Ninth Regiment from Green County. Rudolf Karlin, John Stucky, Gottlieb Mueller, David Tschabold, Peter Bettler, Thomas Smith, Gabriel Voegli, Otto Leissring, J. Caspar Luchsinger, Gottlieb Lenenberger, John Kundert, Joachim Marty, Abraham Kundert, Peter Steussy, Casper Blum, Fridolin Blum, Jacob Blum, John Blum, Rudolph Blum, John Blunier, Franz Brunner, Peter Disch, Rudolph Duhendorfer, Mathias Duerst, Sebastian Duerst, Burkhart Fiegi, Jacob Fiegi, Melchoir Fiegi, Michael Gallati, John Gerber, Jacob Gloor, Adam Ileitz, Jolm Heitz, Henry Hoehn, Esaias Hoesly, Fridolin Klassy, Jacob Kundert, Paulus Kundert, David Legler, George Legler, John Linder, F. Norder, John Popp, Carl Ruf, Jacob Schindler, Henry Schindler, Anton Staffaucher, Henry Streiff, Fridolin Steussy, Peter Tschudy, Balthasor Voegli, Samuel Weissmueller, Samuel vV^itmer, Henry Zimmerman and Jost Zweivel.

Eleventh Wisconsin Regiment

The 11th regiment was called into Camp Randall during the month of October, 1861, and placed under the command of Col. Charles L. Harris, with the following field and staff officers: Charles A. Wood, lieutenant-colonel; Arthur Piatt, major; Daniel Lincoln, adjutant; Charles G. Mayer, quartermaster; H. P. Strong, surgeon; E. Everett and C. C. Barnes, assistants; and Rev. J. 1>. Britton, chaplain. The numercial strength of the regiment when it left Camp Randall was 1,046 men. It was fully equipped (with the exception of arms) by the State, and was mustered into the service by Capt. Lament, of the Unitt'd States army. The regiment Avas unavoidably di-tained in camp some days after receiving orders to ni'>ve forward. The delay gave an opportunity to perfect the drill. Col.

Harris was a graduate of West Point, served with credit in the three-months' campaign as lieutenant-colonel under Col. Starkweather of the 1st regiment. The eleventh broke camp November 20, started for St. Louis, and went into quarters twenty miles below that city.

The regiment was stationed during the greater part of the winter at Camp Curtis, near Sulphur Springs, in Missouri, guarding and keeping in repair a line of railroad extending over sixty miles; thence to Pilot Knob, which they left on the 23d of March, arriving at Reeves Station, on the Black river, on the 27th. From Reeves Station they marched 185 miles, to Jacksonport, in Lawrence county. On the 19th of May they were at Batesville, in Arkansas, which place they left on the 22d of June, crossing the Black river at Jacksonport, where they left their sick, and pushed forward to Augusta. In this vicinity they remained until the 6th of July, when they marched fifteen miles, to "a place where the rebels had made another blockade," followed, the next day, by the battle of Baj^ou Cache, in which the eleventh lost four killed and fifteen wounded, the latter number including the colonel, one captain and one lieutenant. From Bayou Cache they marched to Helena, in Arkansas, arriving thereon the 13th of July.

A glance at their route through Missouri and Arkansas will convey some idea of the privations they must have been called upon to undergo in a march through a comparative wilderness.

Their conduct at Bayou Cache was a sufficient indication as to what their conduct would be when called upon to assert Wisconsin valor on the battle-field.

From Helena they marched to Patterson, in Missouri, where they were at the close of 1862, in the first division of the Army of Southeast Missouri, under command of Brig.-Gen. J. W. Davidson.

was ordered to join the forces of Gen. Grant, who was concentrating his forces at Helena, preliminary to the attack on Vicksburg. Marching to St. Genevieve, the regiment embarked with the rest of the brigade and proceeded to Memphis, thence to Helena, and, on 22d of March, landed at Milliken's Bend, a few miles above Vicksburg. Taking part with the thirteenth army corps, across the river, it arrived at Bruinsbnrg April 30 and proceeded onward to where the enemy were found in force, near Magnolia Church, four miles from Fort Gibson. In this engagement the brigade occupied the center and the fight became severe. They advanced close to the enemy's line, and opened fire with such rapidity and precision, that the rebels soon broke and fled. They soon, however, formed again, and another engagement took place; and the rebels were again driven from the field. The commander of the brigade complimented the 11th on their bravery on these occasions. The casualties reported were six killed and fifteen wounded. On the 2d of May, the enemy having evacuated Grand Gulf, the second brigade was sent to that place. At the battle of Black River Bridge the 11th took an active part, and alone took more than 1,000 prisoners. In this engagement three were killed and eight wounded. Among the former was Capt. D. E. Hough of company A.

Moving from the bridge the next day, the 1 ] til and the brigade took its position in the trenches before Vicksburg. In the assault on May 22 thirty-eight were killed and sixtynine wounded. The regiment was engaged on guard and fatigue duty until July 2, when they returned to Black River Bridge. On the .'Jd of July the city surrendered. The 11th, with Carr's division, took part in the March of Gen. Sherman on Jackson, after the surrender of Vicksburg. On July 13, the enemy was driven to his works, and on the 17th the city was entered by our troops. They were also sent south, performing a toilsome march of 215 miles. Taking a part in Gen. Bank's operations in Texas, the

11th, with Gen. Washburn's division, embarked for Brazos, Santiago, on the 23, and, after repeated marchings, proceeded to Iiidianola, and took possession of that place.

The 11th remained on duty in the vicinity of Matagorda bay and Indianola until the 1 ] th of February, 1 864, when, upwards of threefourths of their number having re-enlisted, the regiment was mustered as a veteran organization. The non-veterans were temporarily transferred to the 23d regiment, and the remainder embarked for New Orleans, on their way on veteran furlough. They reached Madison on the 21st of March, where they were welcomed by the State authorities, and received a new set of colors. On the 23d of April the men re-assembled at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, and again left the State, reaching Memphis on the 29tli Here they took part in Gen. Sturgis's expedition 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 expedition. From Memi)his they moved down the river to Carrollton, whence they proceeded to Brashear city, where they arrived May 19. The regiment remained here until Feb. 26, 1865. During its occupation here, for nine months, the 11th regiment was employed in the usual guard and outpost duty, and in making reconnoissances in the surrounding country. The non-veterans of the eleventh arrived at Madison on the 25th of October, 1864, and were mustered out of service.

Thirteenth Wisconsin Regiment

The 13th regiment was organized under a general order dated Sept. 1 7, 1861, giving the counties of Rock and Green the authority to organize aregimcnt The regiment rendezvoused in Janesville, and was placed under the command of Col. Maurice Maloney, with the following field aod staff officers ; James F. Chapman, lieutenantcolonel; Thomas O'Bigney, major; W. Rusjer, adjutant; P. Eydesheimer, quartermaster; John Evans, surgeon; E. J. Horton and S. L. Lord, assistants, and Rev. H. C. Tilton, chaplain. This regiment, like all the others that preceded it, was fully equipped by the State, except arms. It was the design to make up the regiment from the two counties named (Rock and Green); but, it was found that these counties had already honored too many drafts upon their citizens to render it an easy thing to furnish one full regiment more: consequently ^sorae aid was extended from other counties, yet Rock county alone furnished 500 for this regiment. The 13th was ordered to Kansas.

From Weston, Mo., this regiment marched to Leavenworth City, where they staid three weeks ; thence, they marched to Fort Scott, and afterward to Lawrence. They were subsequently ordered to Columbus, in Kentucky, where they arrived in the early part of June, 1862, and about the middle of August were transfen-ed to Fort Henry, in Tennessee, where they remained in garrison during the year.

The 13th took part in pursuing the rebel general, Forrest, through western Tennessee, driving him towards Corinth, where his command was defeated and dispersed by Gen. Sullivan. In this expedition, the 13th marched 120 miles, and returned to Fort Henry, Jan. 1, 1863. During the month, they were employed on the river between Fort Henry and Hamburg Landing, Tenn., in guarding steamers laden with stores and supplies. On the 3d of February, in the afternoon, they learned that Fort Donelson was attacked, and that a severe fight was going on. In half an hour, tlie regiment was on the road to re-enforce the 83d Illinois at that important point. After driving the enemy's skirmishers five miles, they arrived in the vicinity of the fort at 10 in the evening, with the loss of one man on the march. Meanwhile the garrison, assisted by the gunboats, had repulsed the enetily With eerere loss, and gained aYiotory

During the spring and summer, they were in detachments, scouting and scouring the surrounding country, taking many prisoners. Participating in the forward movement of the Army of the Cumberland, they left Fort Donelson August 27, and by way of Columbia, Tenn., arrived at Stevenson, Ala., a distance of 260 miles, on September 14. Col. William P. Lyon was placed in command of the post and the whole body of troops stationed there. The regiment joined the bridge to which it belonged, at Nashville, in the latter part of October, and went into winterquarters at Edgefield, where it was employed in picket and guard duty until February, 1864, when, more than three-fourths of the men having re-enlisted, the regiment proceeded to Wisconsin on veteran furlough.

The 13th regiment arrived at Janesville, Wis., on the 18th of January, 1864, and was warmly welcomed and hospitably entertained by the people of the city, and from the adjacent country, who had assembled to greet them. I'he regiment re-assembied at Camp Utley, Racine, on the expiration of their furlough, and proceeded to Nashville on the 31st of March, encamping at Edgefield, engaged in guarding trains from Louisville to Chattanooga. Here they were assigned to 1st brigade, fourth division, and designed to operate against Atlanta; but their destination Avas changed, and the brigade assigned the duty of guarding the Tennessee river between Stevenson and Decatur. On the 4th of June, they marched to Claysville, Ala., and erected earthworks and, while; here, they made frequent excursions across the river, capturing prisoners and seizing confederate stores, with several skirmishes with guerillas and rebel outposts. From this place they proceeded to Woodville, and thence to Huntsville, where Col. Lyon was placed in command of all troops and railroad defenses from Huntsrille to Stevensoo, a distance of sixty miles.

During most of the summer, and into September, much sickness prevailed in the regiment; and, on October 1, tiie balance of the regiment proceeded to Larkinsville, and returned to ITuntsvillo, and thence to Decatur.

One hundred and sixty of the non-veterans, including (he lieutenant-colonel and several officers, were mustered out on the expiration of tlieir term of office. On the 23d of November they proceeded to New Market, where they dispersed the 4th Alabama Cavalry, destroying their camps and provisions, and killing and wounding thirteen. The 13ili remained at Stevenson until Hood's defeat at Nashville, when they returned to Huntsville, resuming duty on the railroad, repairing and rebuilding defenses. On the 31st of December, company O, stationed at Paint Rock Bridge, was suddenly assailed by .ibout 400 rebels; and Lieut. Wagoner and thirty-five men were captured, and two were severely wounded.

The 13th regiment, on the 20th of March, were assigned to the 2d brigade; and Col.Ly.on resumed the command. 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 Jonesborough. On the 20th of April they received news of Lee's surrender, and President Lincoln's assassination. The corps were ordered back to Nashville; and on the 20tli the regiment left Jonesborough, and proceeded to that city by way of Chattanooga, arriving on the 22d.

Here those men whose terms expired on tlie 5th of October were discharged; and a part of the 24th Wisconsin was assigned to the 13th to complete their term of service. On the 16th of June the 13th proceeded, by way of the Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi rivers, to New Orleans and to Chalmette. In July the regiment embarked for Texas, and arrived at Indiaiiola on the 14th, from which place they went to Green Lake. They remained in thiscainj) until September 11, having suffere<l mucli from 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, arriving on the 24th of September, and went into camp, where they remained until orders came, in November, to muster out the regiment, to proceed to Madison and to be discharged from service. Col. Lyon's term of service having expired, he left for Wisconsin on the lOtli of September; and the command devolved on Major Noyes. On the 2'7th of November the regiment began its march to Indianola, 160 miles, and from there embarked for New Orleans, which place they reached on the 13th of December, stearae 1 up the Mississip[)i, reached Madison on the 23d, and were discharged from service on the 26tli of December, 1865.

Fourteenth And Fifteenth Wisconsin Regiments

The 14th regiment was organized and called into Camp Wood at Fond du Lac, during November, 1861, - David E. Wood, colonel. The 15th regiment (Sandinavian) was, on the 15th of December of that year, in course of organization at Camp Randall, - Hans Heg, colonel. The 14tli was in the battle of Shiloh,and suffered severely; the 15th were engaged in the conflict of Perryville. The former were afterward in the assault on Vicksburg. More than twothirds of the regiment re-enlisted Dec. 11, 186-3. The 1 5th fousht in the battle of Stone River and

The 14th came home on veteran furlough in January, 1864. They afterward participated in the Red river expedition, and fought in the engagements at Cloutersville, Marksville and Yellow Bayou; also in the battles of Tupelo and Nashville. In 1865, they tookpart in the operations against Mobile, and were mustered out of the service in October of that year. The 15th regiment took part in a severe engagement against Wheeler's cavalry at Charleston, Tenn., in January, 1864; they also fought at Resaca in May following, and did gallant work at Dallas soon after. On the 23d of June they .participated in the assault on Kenesaw Mountain, engaging afterward in the siege of Atlanta. Their last engagement was at Jonesborough, Sept. 1, 1864. Three companies of the regiment were mustered out in December and the remainder in January and February, 1865. Me7i in the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Regiments from Green County.

The 16th regiment was organized, and ordered into camp at Madison early in November; Benjamin Allen colonel. The field and staff officers were, Cassius Fairchild, lieutenant-colonel; Thomas Reynolds, major; George Sabin, adjutant; J. E. Jones, quartermaster; G. W. Eastman, surgeon; I. H. Rogers and Ira A. Torrey, assistants. The companies were filled up from the counties of Waukesha, Ozaukee, Waushara,

CTreen Lake, Adams, Chippewa, Dodge, Dane and Lafayette. The regiment was nearly full on the 26th of December, and was afterward fully equipped by the State, as were also the other regiments. The numerical strength of the 16th at the above date was about 900.

This regiment, one of the largest that left Wisconsin, had its organization completed about the middle of February, 1862, and left Camp Randall on the 13th day of March, under orders for St. Louis. Here they remained but one day, embarking on the 15th for FortHenry, Tenn., to join Gen. Grant's command. Previous to their arrival. Gen. Grant had moved his command to Savannah, at which j^lace the.regiment joined him, on the 2()th of March.

They took part in the battle of Shiloh, on the 6th and 7th of April, They were posted as the advance-guard of the army, in which position they exchanged the first shot with the enemy, and afterwards nobly did their duty during that terrible first day's battle. Capt. Saxe was killed at the first fire; and Capt. Pease received a mortal wound, from the effects of which he died on the 22d of April. Col. Allen, Lieut-Col. Fairchild, ancl Captains Train and Wheeler were wounded. The total loss in killed and wounded at this battle was 245. In no action of Wisconsin regiments had more bravery and determined resistance been sliown than in the action of this regiment in that memorable contest. The coolness and intrepidity of the field-officers - in connection with whom should be mentioned Adjt. Sabin, and in which they were nobly supported by the whole regiment - has already become a prominent item in the history of this war. The many attempts of the enemy to entrap the regiment on the morning of the 6th instant were most gallantly repulsed, and, by the coolness of the colonel, most ingeniously thwarted.

Tliey participated in the siege of Corinth under command of Gen. Halleck, and, after its occupation by our troops, were stationed in the vicinity during the summer, and took part in

After their return from the pursuit of the enemy which followed this battle, they were stationed for a short time at Grand Junction, from which place they marched, on the 28th of November, in the direction of Holly Springs. On the 30th they were engaged in the battle in front of the rebel stronghold on the Tallahatchie, which resulted in the surrender of the enemy's fortifications at that place, which were entered by our troops on the 1st of December. 'J'he regiment at this date numbered 499. Having become so reduced, it was deemed advisable by the commanding general to consolidate the ten companies into five, which was done. Col. Allen returned to Wisconsin, where, assisted by his surplus line officers, he recruited five additional companies from among the drafted men in camps of rendezvous. At the close of 1862, the regiment was near Grand Junction, Tenn.

The 16th regiment left Moscow, Tenn., on the 10th of January, 1863, and engaged on duty on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad; was subsequently transferred to Lake Providence, and took part in cutting a canal to the lake, where they remained until about August 1, at which time they moved down the river to Vicksburg, and, on the 28th of September, marched to Red Bone Church, twelve miles from Vicksburg. Here Lieut. -Col. Fairchild was placed in command. They remained until February, 1864, when the)' moved into the fortifications at Vicksbnrg, and acted as a part of the garrison. On the 4th of March they were joined by three companies which had been recruited in Wisconsin.

The old companies re-enlisted, 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 officers and members of the legislature. After their thirty days' respite from military matters,

A number of changes in the regiment now took place, Lieut.-Col. Cassius Fairchild being promoted colonel. On the 4th of May, it being attached to the 1st brigade, 3d division, left Cairo and proceeded by transports to Clifton, Tenn. Taking up their line of march to join Sherman's army, they proceeded by way of Huntsville, Warrenton, Ala., and Rome, Ga., and reached Ackworth on the 8th of June, after a march of 320 miles. Here they took position and began their advance southward. The enemy were first encountered on the 15th, near Kenesaw Mountain. The regiment took part in the movements in that vicinity, including Bald Bill, driving the rebels out of and beyond their intrenchments. The 12th and 16th regiments were inseparably connected'in the bloody fight of the 22d of July, both regiments exhibiting the greatest valor and bravery. Thence they proceeded towards Atlanta, and took part in destroying the railroad from that place to Jonesborough. They took part in the skirmish near that place, and also at Lovejoy. The casualties from June 9 to Sept. 9, 1864, of the 16th were: Killed, thirty-eight; wounded, seventy-two. The regiment remained at Atlanta until October 3, and participated in the Savannah campaign. From Savannah they went to Goldsboroxigh, and thence to Raleigh, where the rebel general, Johnson, surrendered on the 26th of Apri', 1865.

The march homeward was by way of Richmond and Washington City, where the regiment took part m the grand reviews. Proceeding from thence on the Vth of June, they were ordered to Louisville, Ivy., reaching thereon the 12th of July, and going into camp, when they were mustered out, and on the 14th took the cars for Wisconsin, reaching Madison on July 16, where they were publicly received by tiie State officers. They were paid off on the 19th of Angnst, and the regiment was disbanded,

Tlie 18th regiment was organized at Camp Trowbridge, JVLlwaukee, under the supervision of Col. James S. Alban, early in the year 1862, and its master into the United States service was completed on the 15th of March of that year. The regiment left tlie State on the

30th, with orders to report at St. Louis. The following was the regimental roster: Colonel. - James S. Alban. Lieutenant-Colonel. - Samuel W. Beall. Major. - J. W. Crain. Adjutant. - Gilbert L. Park. Quartermaster. - Jeremiah U. Rogers. Surgeon. - George F. Huntington. First Assistant Surgeon. - Larkin G. Mead. Chaplain. - Rev. James Delaney. Captain Co. A. - James P. Millard. " " B. - Charles A. Jackson.

about noon of Saturday, April 5, they were assigned to the. command of Gen. Prentiss, which was then in the extreme advance, about four miles on the Corinth road.

No sooner had the 18th Wisconsin reached its position on the Corinth road under Gen. Prentiss, than they found themselves confronted by the enemy. In brief, they had a position of extreme danger, as the enemy were marching in force against the Union army, and early on Sunday, the day after the arrival of the regiment, the battle of Pittsburg Landing began. The result is far more than a "twice told tale." Col. James A. Alban was shot through the body, and Major J. W. Crain was killed with eight wounds on his person. Lieut-Col. Samuel W. Beall and acting adjutant Colman were both severely wounded, and Capt. John H. Compton, company G, was killed.

Capt, Gabriel Bouxjk, of the 2d Wisconsin, succeeded to the colonelcy of the 18th Wisconsin, and the regiment was assigned to the second brigade, commanded by Col. Oliver. In the vicinity of Corinth, Col. Bonck, early in October, 1862, was attacked by an overwhelming force of the enemy, but the 18th escaped, though with some loss. Company C had privates Robert E. Graham and William Downie wounded. The 18th left Corinth on the 2d of November.

In May, 1863, the 18th regiment had been assigned to the first brigade, commanded by Col. Sanborn, in Gen. Crocker's division, of the l7th army corps. At the battle of Champion Hills, private Bent Markison was wounded. The regiment acted as sharpshooters in the assault of the 22d of May, at Vicksburg, to hohl a position in front of a rebel fort, and cover the advance of the assaulting column. In this movement company C met with no casualty.

On the 4th of January, 1864, Col. Bouck resigned. Lieut-Col. Beall had resigned the previous August. The regiment was mustered out of service at Louisville, July 18, 1865, and reached Madison on the 29th, where they were publicly received and disbanded.

Twentieth Axd Taventy-First Wisconsin Regiments

'I'he 20th regiment was recruited during the months of June and July, 18G2. On the 30th of August, they left Camp Randall for St. Louis, under command of Col. Bertine Pinkney. They fought bravely at Prairie Grove, Ark., in December following. They were at Vicksburg at the time of its capitulation. Afterwards, they proceeded to Brownsville and were on duty at Fort Brown until it was evacuated July 28, 1864. Tiiey marched with the land forces attached to the expedition against Mobile, landing on the 10th of August, 1864, at Mobile Point. They took part in the stirring events which followed in the vicinity. Mobile surrendered April 12, 1865. They arrived at Madison, July 30, and were paid off and disbanded on the 9th of August.

The 21st regiment - Col. Benjamin J. Sweet - was organized during the months of July and August, 1862. They left Camp Bragg for Cin cinnati, on the 11th of September following, - taking part in the battle of Perryville on the 8th of October. At the close of 1862, they were near Nashville, Tenn., in the third division of the Army of the Cumberland.

The regiment, on the 26th of June, 1863, drove the enemy from a strong position at Hoover's Gap, and in September were in the battle of Chickamauga, - suffering severely. They remained upon Lookout Mountain untij May 2, 1864, when they marched to join the advance on Atlanta. They were in the battles of Resaca, Dallas and Kenesaw Mountain and in other engagements during that campaign, and finally marched with Sherman "to the sea." They were discharged at Milwaukee, Juno 17, 1865.

Men in the Twentieth and Twenty -first Megiments from Green County. Twentieth - George L, Payson, Benjamin F. Hickman, James MoAven, George L. McOarly and Edward Williams.

Twenty-Second Wisconsin Regiment

The 2 id regiment (Col. William L. Utley) was made up almost exclusively of men from the counties of Racine, Rock, Green and Walworth. Col. XJtley had been for many years prominent in military matters of the State, and twice occupied the position of adjutantgeneral. The task of organizing the first volunteer regiments of the State, in the year 18G], devolved upon him. In this work, new to Wisconsin, and without precedent or experience, his military knowledge and energy contributed largely to the efficiency and fame of Wisconsin soldiers.

The regiment was ordered to Cincinnati, and left Racine on the 16th of September, arriving at Cincinnati on the 18th. They were encamped in Kentucky, about five miles southwest of the city, until the last of November, when they removed to Nicholasville, below Lexington. On the 12th of December, 1862, they were at Danville, Ky., from whicii place they proceeded in various directions through the surroundingcountry, to meet and foil the movements of the enemy. The order for the return of such fugitives from labor, as came into the camp, was repugnant to the feelings and principles of Col. Utley, and his men. In response to such an order, he utterly refused to be instrumental in returning a colored man to the man claiming to be his master. At one time, the colonel was indicted by a Kentucky court, and the sheriff was ordered to airest him. The attemjjt was not made, however; and the regiment was allowed to depart from Kentucky without any disturbance.

They left Danville on January 26, 1863; arrived at Louisville on the 30th; and reached Nashville February 7; from thence to Franklin; and on the 3d of March, were ordered to make a reconnoissance toward Spring Hill, where an engagement took place at a place known as Thompson's Station, in which the regiment was badly defeated. Three hundred and sixty-three men went out with this expedition, of which about 150 escaped, and the rest were killed, wounded or taken prisoners; Col. Utley and eleven commissioned oflicers among them.

On the 8th of March, the remainder of the regiment (about 500 men), under Lieut.-Col. Bloodgood, was 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 enemy, under Gen. Forrest. Finding that resistance was useless, Lieut.-Col, Bloodgood surrendered his whole command.

The oflicers and men captured in these two engagements were sent to southern prisons. The enlisted men were soon exchanged; and the officers who had been sent to Libby prison were exchanged on the 5th of May. It has since been ascertained that the rebels had a force of over 12,000 at Thomjason's Station, who surrounded aud captured Coburn's forces.

After the release of the 22d, a rendezvous was established at St. Louis, where the regiment was re-organized, 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, aud went into camp within the fortifications. A detachment was sent in December lo near Tullahoma. Here they remained in the performance of provost and guard duty until February, 1864.