32nd Wisconsin
Infantry Regiment
RosterBattles involving 32nd InfantryAssignments for 32nd Infantry- Organized on Sep 25 1862 at Camp Bragg, Oshkosh, WI
- Enlistment term: 3 years
- Mustered out on Jun 12 1865 at Crystal Springs, MD
Available statistics for total numbers of men listed as:
- Enlisted or commissioned: 1392
- Drafted: 95
- Transferred in: 3
- Killed or died of wounds (Officers): 1
- Killed or died of wounds (Enlisted men): 26
- Died of disease (Officers): 1
- Died of disease (Enlisted men): 253
- Prisoner of war: 27
- Died while prisoner of war: 3
- Disabled: 123
- Deserted: 50
- Discharged: 55
- Mustered out: 691
- Transferred out: 295
Historical notes and Reports:
Thirty-second Infantry
WISCONSIN
(3-YEARS)
Thirty-second Infantry. -- Cols., James H. Howe, Charles H. DeGroat Lieut.- Cols., William A. Bugh, Abel B. Smedley, Charles H. De Groat Joseph H. Carlton; Majs., Abel B. Smedley, Charles H. De Groat, Joseph H. Carlton, William S. Burrows.
This regiment was organized at Camp Bragg, Oshkosh, was mustered in Sept. 25, 1862, and left the state Oct. 30. It reached Memphis on Nov. 3, and joined Sherman's movement toward Vicksburg, but returned late in Jan. 1863, the surrender of Holly Springs defeating the object of the expedition.
The regiment acted as provost guard at Memphis until November, then moved to LaGrange reached Moscow Dec. 3, just in time to repulse the enemy's attack on Hatch's cavalry; was sent to Vicksburg in Jan., 1864, where it was attached to the 2nd brigade, 4th division, 16th corps, and took part in the Meridian expedition.
It held a pontoon bridge at Jackson until the troops had passed and then destroyed it. The regiment was attacked in February by a brigade of Confederate cavalry, while destroying the Mobile & Ohio railroad, but it repulsed the attack handsomely.
It returned to Vicksburg in March, thence to Memphis Tenn., Cairo, IL, and Paducah, Ky.; up the Tennessee river, 200 miles, to Crump's Landing; thence across Tennessee to Decatur, Ala., where it was attached to the 3rd brigade, and was engaged in guard duty and building fortifications.
Cos. A, C, D and F. with a small additional force, engaged in a sharp skirmish with a large body of the enemy in May and was compelled to fall back. The following day the brigade, with artillery and cavalry, followed the enemy for 7 miles. The regiment, which was in the advance, met a portion of the enemy and drove them to their main force, where by an impetuous charge, the Federals completely routed them.
The regiment also dispersed a small body near Courtland and then returned to camp. It was attacked by a superior force while guarding a wagon train at Courtland in July, but repulsed the enemy repeatedly, bringing the train safely into camp. The following day it was engaged in the action that forced the enemy from his works near Courtland.
It then joined Sherman's army in the siege of Atlanta, was constantly under fire until Aug. 24, and it was in the battle of Jonesboro. It was transferred to the 3d brigade, 1st division, 17th corps, and was on picket and guard duty until October at East Point. It then moved to Atlanta and in November joined the march toward Savannah, destroying railroads and public property and skirmishing at the Little Ogeechee and Marlow.
It remained in the vicinity of Savannah until Jan. 3, 1865, when the campaign of the Carolinas was commenced. It forced the enemy from his works at Rivers' bridge after an all day's struggle, losing 51 men. It repeated this at Binnaker's bridge and on March 3 drove the enemy back to his main line at Cheraw.
It was in the heavy skirmish work at the Cape Fear River and at Bentonville it advanced through a swamp, charged with the 1st division and captured the enemy's works. It was in the general movement to Richmond, participated in the grand review at Washington, and was mustered out at Crystal Springs June 12, 1865.
Col. Tillson, brigade commander, said that since the war commenced he ''had not seen a body of men that, in point of discipline and efficiency, excelled, and very few that equalled the 32d Wis.''
Its original strength was 993. Gain by recruits, 381; draft, 100; total, 1,474. Loss by death, 275; desertion, 58; transfer 27; discharge 189 mustered out, 925.
source: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 65
Report of Col. Charles H. De Groat, Thirty-second Wisconsin Infantry.
HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND REGT. WISCONSIN INFTY. VOLS., Near Lovejoy's Station, Ga., September 5, 1864.
COL.: In accordance with General Orders, No. 10, I have the honor to report as follows the part which this regiment has taken in the campaign ending with the occupation of Atlanta, Ga.:
On May 1, 1864, the Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, then at Decatur, Ala., was ordered to the front, but the crossing being considered of great importance to the army the Third Brigade was left to guard it, and until June 15 was employed in erecting fortifications and doing picket duty, when it received orders to proceed immediately to the front. Accordingly, on the 15th the regimen moved, but when near Huntsville, Ala., it received orders to return to Decatur, where it remained completing the fortifications, doing picket duty, and accompanying several scouting expeditions through Northern Alabama until August 4, when it again received marching orders. Friday morning, August 5, it took the cars at Decatur Junction, and on Sunday, August 7, arrived in front of Atlanta, Ga. On Monday, August 8, the regiment was assigned its place in the lines. Tuesday, August 9, moved camp farther to the front, where it remained until the 15th, doing picket duty and such other service as it was called on to perform. While at this camp not a day passed without one or more casualties being reported. Monday, August 15, moved camp still farther to the front, and within one mile of a heavily armed rebel fort, and being in the midst of several batteries of our guns we were daily subjected to furious cannonading, while the sharpshooters posted in the trees killed and wounded some of our very best men. Alarms were frequent and the men were obliged to keep their accouterments on a great part of the time. Wednesday, August 24, the regiment moved back to the second line of works. Thursday, August 25, it was detailed to relieve the Eighteenth Missouri, then at work on intrenchments thrown up to protect the rear of our army. After completing the part of these works assigned to it, the regiment marched Friday night at 9 p. m. on the road taken by the Sixteenth Army Corps, continuing the march until noon of Saturday, August 27. Sunday, August 28, orders were received to fill the department train of supplies and guard the same. The train moved Sunday at 5 p. m. and continued the march until Monday noon. Tuesday, August 30, received orders to proceed to the front, and at 10 p. m. went into camp with-in two miles of the Macon railroad near Jonesborough, Ga. Wednesday August 31, regiment was assigned a place in the front line, but shortly after, the Second Division being attacked, the regiment was ordered at double-quick to its support. It held the position taken until Friday. September 2, when it marched into Jonesborough, Ga.
The casualties in the regiment are as followes: Enlisted men-killed, 8; wounded, 18; missing, 8; total, 34.
C. H. DE GROAT,
Col., Cmdg. Regt.
Col. JOHN TILLSON.
Comdg. Third Brigade, Fourth Division, 16th Army Corps
Source: Official Records
CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.--ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. PAGE 535-74
[Series I. Vol. 38. Part III, Reports. Serial No. 74.]
Lieut. Col. Charles H. De Groat, Thirty-second Wisconsin Infantry.
HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND Regt. WISCONSIN VOL. INFTY., Decatur, Ala., July 29, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 25th of July, at 3 p. m., the regiment moved out on the Courtland road eight miles and bivouacked for the night.
July 26, moved forward one mile and remained through the day. In obedience to orders, I moved at 6 p. m. with the regiment in a southerly direction until we reached the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. On the march several shots were fired by the enemy's pickets stationed on the Hillsborough and Moulton road. After striking the railroad we marched west on the track a distance of about four miles to within half a mile of the junction with the Courtland road and halted. Here we ascertained that the enemy's pickets were stationed at the junction. Leaving the railroad track at this point I moved in a southerly direction across a strip of timber some forty rods in width and came to open fields. Moved on in this direction a distance judged one mile, thence in a westerly direction about one mile and halted. Remaining at this point until 2 a. m. of the 27th I again moved parallel to railroad until I crossed the mountain road, then in a northerly direction to Pond Springs, arriving at 4 a. m. No pickets were discovered after leaving the railroad track. Taking a short rest at Pond Springs moved to Courtland, Ala., arriving at 8 a. m. Here the enemy made a threatening demonstration and, receiving orders, the regiment was formed in line of battle, and after smart skirmishing advanced across -- creek, the enemy falling back. Here we remained during the day. In obedience of orders, at 3 a. m. the 28th, we started on the return march, arriving at Decatur the same day.
In the skirmish at Courtland Private Albert J. Harmon, Company C, killed; Privates Duane R. Moore, Company B, John W. Fairbanks, William E. Forward, and Alvin Blood, Company E, wounded.
No officer nor soldier can be named as having particularly distinguished himself without injustice to others, as all conducted themselves as becometh good soldiers.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. H. DE GROAT,
Lieut. Col., Cmdg. Thirty-second Regt. Wisconsin
Infty.
Col. WILLIAM T. C. GROWER,
Cmdg. Third Brigade.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. LI.] EXPEDITION TO HADDIX'S FERRY, KY. PAGE 364-77
[Series I. Vol. 39. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 77.]
Thirty-second Infantry
WISCONSIN
(3-YEARS)
Thirty-second Infantry. -- Cols., James H. Howe, Charles H. DeGroat Lieut.- Cols., William A. Bugh, Abel B. Smedley, Charles H. De Groat Joseph H. Carlton; Majs., Abel B. Smedley, Charles H. De Groat, Joseph H. Carlton, William S. Burrows.
This regiment was organized at Camp Bragg, Oshkosh, was mustered in Sept. 25, 1862, and left the state Oct. 30. It reached Memphis on Nov. 3, and joined Sherman's movement toward Vicksburg, but returned late in Jan. 1863, the surrender of Holly Springs defeating the object of the expedition.
The regiment acted as provost guard at Memphis until November, then moved to LaGrange reached Moscow Dec. 3, just in time to repulse the enemy's attack on Hatch's cavalry; was sent to Vicksburg in Jan., 1864, where it was attached to the 2nd brigade, 4th division, 16th corps, and took part in the Meridian expedition.
It held a pontoon bridge at Jackson until the troops had passed and then destroyed it. The regiment was attacked in February by a brigade of Confederate cavalry, while destroying the Mobile & Ohio railroad, but it repulsed the attack handsomely.
It returned to Vicksburg in March, thence to Memphis Tenn., Cairo, IL, and Paducah, Ky.; up the Tennessee river, 200 miles, to Crump's Landing; thence across Tennessee to Decatur, Ala., where it was attached to the 3rd brigade, and was engaged in guard duty and building fortifications.
Cos. A, C, D and F. with a small additional force, engaged in a sharp skirmish with a large body of the enemy in May and was compelled to fall back. The following day the brigade, with artillery and cavalry, followed the enemy for 7 miles. The regiment, which was in the advance, met a portion of the enemy and drove them to their main force, where by an impetuous charge, the Federals completely routed them.
The regiment also dispersed a small body near Courtland and then returned to camp. It was attacked by a superior force while guarding a wagon train at Courtland in July, but repulsed the enemy repeatedly, bringing the train safely into camp. The following day it was engaged in the action that forced the enemy from his works near Courtland.
It then joined Sherman's army in the siege of Atlanta, was constantly under fire until Aug. 24, and it was in the battle of Jonesboro. It was transferred to the 3d brigade, 1st division, 17th corps, and was on picket and guard duty until October at East Point. It then moved to Atlanta and in November joined the march toward Savannah, destroying railroads and public property and skirmishing at the Little Ogeechee and Marlow.
It remained in the vicinity of Savannah until Jan. 3, 1865, when the campaign of the Carolinas was commenced. It forced the enemy from his works at Rivers' bridge after an all day's struggle, losing 51 men. It repeated this at Binnaker's bridge and on March 3 drove the enemy back to his main line at Cheraw.
It was in the heavy skirmish work at the Cape Fear River and at Bentonville it advanced through a swamp, charged with the 1st division and captured the enemy's works. It was in the general movement to Richmond, participated in the grand review at Washington, and was mustered out at Crystal Springs June 12, 1865.
Col. Tillson, brigade commander, said that since the war commenced he ''had not seen a body of men that, in point of discipline and efficiency, excelled, and very few that equalled the 32d Wis.''
Its original strength was 993. Gain by recruits, 381; draft, 100; total, 1,474. Loss by death, 275; desertion, 58; transfer 27; discharge 189 mustered out, 925.
source: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 65
Report of Col. Charles H. De Groat, Thirty-second Wisconsin Infantry.
HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND REGT. WISCONSIN INFTY. VOLS., Near Lovejoy's Station, Ga., September 5, 1864.
COL.: In accordance with General Orders, No. 10, I have the honor to report as follows the part which this regiment has taken in the campaign ending with the occupation of Atlanta, Ga.:
On May 1, 1864, the Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, then at Decatur, Ala., was ordered to the front, but the crossing being considered of great importance to the army the Third Brigade was left to guard it, and until June 15 was employed in erecting fortifications and doing picket duty, when it received orders to proceed immediately to the front. Accordingly, on the 15th the regimen moved, but when near Huntsville, Ala., it received orders to return to Decatur, where it remained completing the fortifications, doing picket duty, and accompanying several scouting expeditions through Northern Alabama until August 4, when it again received marching orders. Friday morning, August 5, it took the cars at Decatur Junction, and on Sunday, August 7, arrived in front of Atlanta, Ga. On Monday, August 8, the regiment was assigned its place in the lines. Tuesday, August 9, moved camp farther to the front, where it remained until the 15th, doing picket duty and such other service as it was called on to perform. While at this camp not a day passed without one or more casualties being reported. Monday, August 15, moved camp still farther to the front, and within one mile of a heavily armed rebel fort, and being in the midst of several batteries of our guns we were daily subjected to furious cannonading, while the sharpshooters posted in the trees killed and wounded some of our very best men. Alarms were frequent and the men were obliged to keep their accouterments on a great part of the time. Wednesday, August 24, the regiment moved back to the second line of works. Thursday, August 25, it was detailed to relieve the Eighteenth Missouri, then at work on intrenchments thrown up to protect the rear of our army. After completing the part of these works assigned to it, the regiment marched Friday night at 9 p. m. on the road taken by the Sixteenth Army Corps, continuing the march until noon of Saturday, August 27. Sunday, August 28, orders were received to fill the department train of supplies and guard the same. The train moved Sunday at 5 p. m. and continued the march until Monday noon. Tuesday, August 30, received orders to proceed to the front, and at 10 p. m. went into camp with-in two miles of the Macon railroad near Jonesborough, Ga. Wednesday August 31, regiment was assigned a place in the front line, but shortly after, the Second Division being attacked, the regiment was ordered at double-quick to its support. It held the position taken until Friday. September 2, when it marched into Jonesborough, Ga.
The casualties in the regiment are as followes: Enlisted men-killed, 8; wounded, 18; missing, 8; total, 34.
C. H. DE GROAT,
Col., Cmdg. Regt.
Col. JOHN TILLSON.
Comdg. Third Brigade, Fourth Division, 16th Army Corps
Source: Official Records
CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.--ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. PAGE 535-74
[Series I. Vol. 38. Part III, Reports. Serial No. 74.]
Lieut. Col. Charles H. De Groat, Thirty-second Wisconsin Infantry.
HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND Regt. WISCONSIN VOL. INFTY., Decatur, Ala., July 29, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 25th of July, at 3 p. m., the regiment moved out on the Courtland road eight miles and bivouacked for the night.
July 26, moved forward one mile and remained through the day. In obedience to orders, I moved at 6 p. m. with the regiment in a southerly direction until we reached the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. On the march several shots were fired by the enemy's pickets stationed on the Hillsborough and Moulton road. After striking the railroad we marched west on the track a distance of about four miles to within half a mile of the junction with the Courtland road and halted. Here we ascertained that the enemy's pickets were stationed at the junction. Leaving the railroad track at this point I moved in a southerly direction across a strip of timber some forty rods in width and came to open fields. Moved on in this direction a distance judged one mile, thence in a westerly direction about one mile and halted. Remaining at this point until 2 a. m. of the 27th I again moved parallel to railroad until I crossed the mountain road, then in a northerly direction to Pond Springs, arriving at 4 a. m. No pickets were discovered after leaving the railroad track. Taking a short rest at Pond Springs moved to Courtland, Ala., arriving at 8 a. m. Here the enemy made a threatening demonstration and, receiving orders, the regiment was formed in line of battle, and after smart skirmishing advanced across -- creek, the enemy falling back. Here we remained during the day. In obedience of orders, at 3 a. m. the 28th, we started on the return march, arriving at Decatur the same day.
In the skirmish at Courtland Private Albert J. Harmon, Company C, killed; Privates Duane R. Moore, Company B, John W. Fairbanks, William E. Forward, and Alvin Blood, Company E, wounded.
No officer nor soldier can be named as having particularly distinguished himself without injustice to others, as all conducted themselves as becometh good soldiers.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. H. DE GROAT,
Lieut. Col., Cmdg. Thirty-second Regt. Wisconsin
Infty.
Col. WILLIAM T. C. GROWER,
Cmdg. Third Brigade.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. LI.] EXPEDITION TO HADDIX'S FERRY, KY. PAGE 364-77
[Series I. Vol. 39. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 77.]
Battles (where losses incurred) involving 32nd Infantry Regiment
Location | Date | Killed | Wounded | POW | Missing | Losses |
Atlanta, GA | 08/08/64 | 6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
Atlanta, GA | 09/01/64 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
Bentonville, NC | 03/21/65 | 2 | 24 | 3 | 0 | 29 |
Courtland, AL | 07/27/64 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Fayetteville, NC | 03/12/65 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Jonesboro, GA | 08/31/64 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Rivers' Bridge, SC | 02/03/65 | 6 | 44 | 0 | 0 | 50 |
Brigade, Division, Corps, and Army assignments for 32nd Infantry Regiment
From | To | Brigade | Division | Corps | Army/Department | Comments |
10/24/62 | 11/12/62 | 5 | District Memphis, 13 | District and Army of West Tennessee | New Organization | |
12/18/62 | 03/18/63 | 3 | 8 | Left Wing, 16 | Department of the Tennessee | |
03/31/63 | 11/14/63 | 2 | 5 | Left Wing, 16 | Department of the Tennessee | |
07/14/63 | 12/31/63 | 1 | 6 | 16 | Department of the Tennessee | |
12/31/63 | 01/04/64 | 3 | 1st Cav | 16 | Department of the Tennessee | Mounted Inf |
01/24/64 | 03/10/64 | 2 | 4 | 16 | Department of the Tennessee | |
06/02/64 | Aug 1864 | Decatur, AL | District North AL | Dept and Army of Ohio and Cumberland | ||
09/22/64 | Jul 1865 | 3 | 1 | 17 | Department of the Tennessee | Mustered Out |
Roster for 32nd Infantry Regiment - 1,489 men
Source: Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers; War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865; Volumes I and II; compiled by Authority of the Legislature, under the direction of Jeremiah M. Rusk, Governor & Chandler P. Chapman, Adjutant General; Democrat Printing Company, State Printers; Madison, Wisconsin; 1886
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