33rd Wisconsin
Infantry Regiment
RosterBattles involving 33rd InfantryAssignments for 33rd InfantryOrganized on Oct 18 1862 at Camp Utley, Racine, WI
- Enlistment term: 3 years
- Mustered out on Aug 8 1865 at Vicksburg, MS
Available statistics for total numbers of men listed as:
- Enlisted or commissioned: 1079
- Transferred in: 1
- Killed or died of wounds (Officers): 3
- Killed or died of wounds (Enlisted men): 30
- Died of disease (Officers): 2
- Died of disease (Enlisted men): 167
- Prisoner of war: 8
- Died while prisoner of war: 1
- Disabled: 91
- Missing: 2
- Deserted: 18
- Discharged: 69
- Mustered out: 533
- Transferred out: 157
Historical notes and Reports:
Thirty-third Infantry
WISCONSIN
(3-YEARS)
Thirty-third Infantry. -- Col., Jonathan B. Moore; Lieut.-Cols., Fredericks. Lovell, Horatio H. Virgin; Majs., Horatio H. Virgin, George R. Frank.
This regiment was organized at Camp Utley, Racine, in Sept. 1862, was mustered in Oct. 18, and left the state Nov. 12. It was sent to Memphis and assigned to the 3d brigade of Gen. Lauman's division, in the right wing of the Army of the Tennessee, Col. Moore commanding the brigade.
The regiment joined the movement toward Jackson and Vicksburg in November, building bridges enroute to replace those burned by the enemy in his retreat. It was transferred to the 1st brigade; 4th division, and went into winter quarters at Moscow, Tenn., suffering greatly for want of suitable food.
It was transferred to the 16th corps, and on March 9, 1863, was ordered to Memphis. In April it was in the advance on the enemy at the Coldwater River, driving his skirmishers 25 miles one day and concluding with a sharp fight that night at Hernando. The following day the regiment had the advance and poured a destructive fire upon the Confederates, driving them across the river.
It took possession of the fortifications at Snyder's Bluff in May, then moved to Vicksburg and took a position close to the works, where it was under constant fire until the surrender. It attacked the rifle-pits on the night of June 4 with such vigor that the enemy was driven back to the main works. On the night of the 13th, Co. D charged a hill, drove the enemy from the rifle-pits in confusion, but not being supported was compelled to retire, though it retook them the following night, when the position was held.
On the night of the 21st, six companies drove in the enemy's pickets and dug rifle-pits within 85 yards of a large fort. The ground was lost the next day, but five companies of the regiment regained it at night in a 15 minutes' fight and held it until the end of the siege.
The regiment was ordered to Jackson and with the brigade drove in the enemy, capturing his ammunition train. The 33d made a reconnaissance towards the Pearl River, but met a heavy force and only escaped capture or annihilation through its steadiness and the coolness of its officers.
It returned to Vicksburg and in August was ordered to Natchez, where it remained until December. It went into quarters at Milldale until Feb. 3, 1864, when it joined the Meridian expedition. In March it was ordered to join the Red River expedition, reached Fort De Russy on the 15th, and was engaged in guard duty for the transport fleet up the Red River in April, but was compelled to return because of the Sabine cross-roads disaster.
It repulsed three attacks of a large force at Pleasant Hill landing, reached Grand Ecore, and repelled an attack at Cloutierville. It was in a severe engagement at Cane River the following day, defeating the enemy after a 2 hours fight and was in reserve at Alexandria.
It participated in the successful engagement at Moore's Plantation, was in an engagement near Marksville; was in reserve at Yellow bayou, and was then sent to Vicksburg and Memphis. It left Memphis late in June on an expedition through Mississippi and repulsed two attacks on a supply train near Carmargo cross-roads in July.
It held the extreme right of the front line in the battle of Tupelo and was in the charge that drove the enemy from the field. It was attacked at Old Town Creek, but formed in line, advanced under a severe fire across a long bridge and causeway, and drove the enemy from his position with terrible punishment.
The official report says of the 33d: ''Too much praise cannot be awarded to officers and men for the* gallantry, and it is stated with pride that during these actions not a man straggled from the regiment.''
It was engaged in guard duty and building fortifications at St. Charles, Ark., until Sept. 1, when it was ordered to Brownsville, and on the 17th set out in pursuit of Price. After severe marching under great difficulties, it reached Cape Girardeau, Mo. and proceeded to St. Louis, Jefferson City, Lamine bridge and Warrensburg.
It was on guard duty at St. Louis, the greater part of November and was then ordered to Nashville, where it took part in the battle. It reached Clifton, Tenn., Jan. 2, 1865; was on train guard at Grand View and rejoined the brigade at Eastport, Miss., on the 14th.
It participated in skirmishes at Corinth and near Iuka, was sent to Vicksburg in February, thence to New Orleans, Dauphin Island, Cedar Point and Smith's Mills, skirmishing at intervals. It arrived at Spanish Fort and was the first organized regiment to enter the main fort, having been under fire much of the time during the siege.
It was in reserve at Fort Blakely reached Montgomery, Ala., Apr. 23, Tuskegee on the 25th, and remained on provost duty until July 19. It rejoined the brigade at Montgomery and was ordered to Vicksburg, where it was mustered out Aug. 8.
Its original strength was 892. Gain by recruits, 174; substitutes, 2; total, 1,066. Loss by death, 196; missing, 4; desertion, 22; transfer, 37; discharge, 170; mustered out, 637.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 65
Reports of Col. Jonathan B. Moore, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, of expedition to Meridian.
HDQRS. Thirty-third Regt. Wisconsin Volunteers, Near Hebron, Miss., March 5, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with General Orders, No. 4, of this date, I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the operations of the Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers in the recent expedition to Jackson, Meridian, & C.:
Pursuant to orders received on the 2d day of February, 1864, I moved the regiment out of camp, near Hebron, Miss., at 8 a. m. on the 3d day of February ultimo, having present for duty in my command 2 field, 3 staff, and 12 line officers and 499 enlisted men.
The regiment crossed Black River on the 3d of February and encamped 3 miles east of the river on the Jackson road. Marched through Jackson, Miss., and crossed Pearl River on the 6th of February, several skirmishes with the enemy having occurred in the mean time, but in which the Thirty-third Wisconsin was not engaged.
Marched at sunrise on the 7th ultimo, and passed through Brandon at 3 p. m. of same day.
Reached Morton at 2 p. m. on the 9th ultimo, passed through Hillsborough on the 10th and reached Decatur February 12 at 10.30 p. m.
On the 13th ultimo, marched about 12 miles. Road blockaded and bridge burnt at this point. Here an order was received ordering all sick and disabled men to be left behind with the train. The Thirty-third Wisconsin did not leave a man.
Marched at 9.30 a. m. on the 14th February, and reached Meridian, Miss., on the 15th ultimo at 10 a. m., in the midst of a severe storm of rain. In the afternoon of same day the regiment proceeded to tear up railroad at and near Meridian, according to orders.
On the 16th February, at 7 a. m., the regiment marched with the Fourth Division to Enterprise, Miss., a distance of 17 miles from Meridian. Here the Thirty-third Wisconsin was detailed for provost duty, and remained on duty as provost guards until the morning of the 19th ultimo, on which day the regiment marched about 18 miles and camped near Chunky Creek, 4 miles west of Meridian. From this point daily marches were made of from 10 to 18 miles, until the 25th ultimo, when the regiment crossed Pearl River and camped on Terry's plantation.
On the 27th February, the Thirty-third Wisconsin marched at 11.45 a. m., with orders to destroy a bridge across Pearl River, near Madisonville. The regiment encountered a small body of the enemy's cavalry near Smith's Ferry. After an exchange of shots the enemy broke and fled in confusion, and the regiment proceeded to Pearl River and effectually destroyed the bridge aforesaid. On the morning of this day and before the regiment left Terry's plantation, I caused to be detailed, in obedience to orders, 1 sergeant, James E. Drom, Company H., and 14 men to forage for the use of the Thirty-third Wisconsin. These men were placed, with details from the other regiments in the brigade, under the charge of Lieut. W. C. B. Gillespie, acting assistant quartermaster First Brigade, Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps.
During the day this party was attacked by a large body of the enemy's cavalry and driven back, with the loss of the following men of the Thirty-third Wisconsin: Sergt. James E. Drom, Company H; Corpl. Romanzo J. Ashley, Company A; Private Warren D. Card, Company H; Private William Neff, Company I; Private James H. Bowlsby, Company C. The fate of these men is unknown, but they are undoubtedly killed or taken prisoners. The last that was seen of them they were almost surrounded by the enemy and fighting with undaunted bravery. The loss of these men is much felt and regretted by the regiments, particularly that of Sergeant Drom and Corporal Ashley, who were among the best non-commissioned officers in the regiment. No other loss occurred to the regiment on the expedition.
On the 4th day of March, 1864, the Thirty-third Wisconsin arrived in camp near Hebron, Miss.
Too much cannot be said in praise of the officers and men of my command for the excellent order and discipline which has been observed by the regiment on this expedition, and for the manner in which all their duties have been performed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. MOORE,
Col., Cmdg. Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. WILLIAM WARNER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
HDQRS. Thirty-third Regt. Wisconsin Volunteers, Near Canton, Miss., February 28, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to orders received on the 27th instant, I moved my command to Madisonville, Miss., reaching that point at 5 p. m. of yesterday. Here we met a small party of rebel cavalry, who exchanged shots with us, but broke and fled on the Smith's Ferry road without any loss on either side. At Smith's Ferry I found a very fine pontoon bridge, which I effectually destroyed. At Madisonville I found a steam saw-mill and grist-mill. The saw-mill had been used by the Confederates to saw the timber for the pontoon bridge above mentioned. I deemed it proper to destroy this saw-mill, and acting without orders on the subject I effectually destroyed it by breaking the saws and machinery to pieces. The grist-mill I left in running order. I am glad to say of my command that no building or fence has been fired on the march, nor any property destroyed without orders.
Very respectfully,
J. B. MOORE,
Col., Cmdg. Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. WILLIAM WARNER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. PAGE 243-57
[Series I. Vol. 32. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 57.]
Thirty-third Infantry
WISCONSIN
(3-YEARS)
Thirty-third Infantry. -- Col., Jonathan B. Moore; Lieut.-Cols., Fredericks. Lovell, Horatio H. Virgin; Majs., Horatio H. Virgin, George R. Frank.
This regiment was organized at Camp Utley, Racine, in Sept. 1862, was mustered in Oct. 18, and left the state Nov. 12. It was sent to Memphis and assigned to the 3d brigade of Gen. Lauman's division, in the right wing of the Army of the Tennessee, Col. Moore commanding the brigade.
The regiment joined the movement toward Jackson and Vicksburg in November, building bridges enroute to replace those burned by the enemy in his retreat. It was transferred to the 1st brigade; 4th division, and went into winter quarters at Moscow, Tenn., suffering greatly for want of suitable food.
It was transferred to the 16th corps, and on March 9, 1863, was ordered to Memphis. In April it was in the advance on the enemy at the Coldwater River, driving his skirmishers 25 miles one day and concluding with a sharp fight that night at Hernando. The following day the regiment had the advance and poured a destructive fire upon the Confederates, driving them across the river.
It took possession of the fortifications at Snyder's Bluff in May, then moved to Vicksburg and took a position close to the works, where it was under constant fire until the surrender. It attacked the rifle-pits on the night of June 4 with such vigor that the enemy was driven back to the main works. On the night of the 13th, Co. D charged a hill, drove the enemy from the rifle-pits in confusion, but not being supported was compelled to retire, though it retook them the following night, when the position was held.
On the night of the 21st, six companies drove in the enemy's pickets and dug rifle-pits within 85 yards of a large fort. The ground was lost the next day, but five companies of the regiment regained it at night in a 15 minutes' fight and held it until the end of the siege.
The regiment was ordered to Jackson and with the brigade drove in the enemy, capturing his ammunition train. The 33d made a reconnaissance towards the Pearl River, but met a heavy force and only escaped capture or annihilation through its steadiness and the coolness of its officers.
It returned to Vicksburg and in August was ordered to Natchez, where it remained until December. It went into quarters at Milldale until Feb. 3, 1864, when it joined the Meridian expedition. In March it was ordered to join the Red River expedition, reached Fort De Russy on the 15th, and was engaged in guard duty for the transport fleet up the Red River in April, but was compelled to return because of the Sabine cross-roads disaster.
It repulsed three attacks of a large force at Pleasant Hill landing, reached Grand Ecore, and repelled an attack at Cloutierville. It was in a severe engagement at Cane River the following day, defeating the enemy after a 2 hours fight and was in reserve at Alexandria.
It participated in the successful engagement at Moore's Plantation, was in an engagement near Marksville; was in reserve at Yellow bayou, and was then sent to Vicksburg and Memphis. It left Memphis late in June on an expedition through Mississippi and repulsed two attacks on a supply train near Carmargo cross-roads in July.
It held the extreme right of the front line in the battle of Tupelo and was in the charge that drove the enemy from the field. It was attacked at Old Town Creek, but formed in line, advanced under a severe fire across a long bridge and causeway, and drove the enemy from his position with terrible punishment.
The official report says of the 33d: ''Too much praise cannot be awarded to officers and men for the* gallantry, and it is stated with pride that during these actions not a man straggled from the regiment.''
It was engaged in guard duty and building fortifications at St. Charles, Ark., until Sept. 1, when it was ordered to Brownsville, and on the 17th set out in pursuit of Price. After severe marching under great difficulties, it reached Cape Girardeau, Mo. and proceeded to St. Louis, Jefferson City, Lamine bridge and Warrensburg.
It was on guard duty at St. Louis, the greater part of November and was then ordered to Nashville, where it took part in the battle. It reached Clifton, Tenn., Jan. 2, 1865; was on train guard at Grand View and rejoined the brigade at Eastport, Miss., on the 14th.
It participated in skirmishes at Corinth and near Iuka, was sent to Vicksburg in February, thence to New Orleans, Dauphin Island, Cedar Point and Smith's Mills, skirmishing at intervals. It arrived at Spanish Fort and was the first organized regiment to enter the main fort, having been under fire much of the time during the siege.
It was in reserve at Fort Blakely reached Montgomery, Ala., Apr. 23, Tuskegee on the 25th, and remained on provost duty until July 19. It rejoined the brigade at Montgomery and was ordered to Vicksburg, where it was mustered out Aug. 8.
Its original strength was 892. Gain by recruits, 174; substitutes, 2; total, 1,066. Loss by death, 196; missing, 4; desertion, 22; transfer, 37; discharge, 170; mustered out, 637.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 65
Reports of Col. Jonathan B. Moore, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, of expedition to Meridian.
HDQRS. Thirty-third Regt. Wisconsin Volunteers, Near Hebron, Miss., March 5, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with General Orders, No. 4, of this date, I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the operations of the Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers in the recent expedition to Jackson, Meridian, & C.:
Pursuant to orders received on the 2d day of February, 1864, I moved the regiment out of camp, near Hebron, Miss., at 8 a. m. on the 3d day of February ultimo, having present for duty in my command 2 field, 3 staff, and 12 line officers and 499 enlisted men.
The regiment crossed Black River on the 3d of February and encamped 3 miles east of the river on the Jackson road. Marched through Jackson, Miss., and crossed Pearl River on the 6th of February, several skirmishes with the enemy having occurred in the mean time, but in which the Thirty-third Wisconsin was not engaged.
Marched at sunrise on the 7th ultimo, and passed through Brandon at 3 p. m. of same day.
Reached Morton at 2 p. m. on the 9th ultimo, passed through Hillsborough on the 10th and reached Decatur February 12 at 10.30 p. m.
On the 13th ultimo, marched about 12 miles. Road blockaded and bridge burnt at this point. Here an order was received ordering all sick and disabled men to be left behind with the train. The Thirty-third Wisconsin did not leave a man.
Marched at 9.30 a. m. on the 14th February, and reached Meridian, Miss., on the 15th ultimo at 10 a. m., in the midst of a severe storm of rain. In the afternoon of same day the regiment proceeded to tear up railroad at and near Meridian, according to orders.
On the 16th February, at 7 a. m., the regiment marched with the Fourth Division to Enterprise, Miss., a distance of 17 miles from Meridian. Here the Thirty-third Wisconsin was detailed for provost duty, and remained on duty as provost guards until the morning of the 19th ultimo, on which day the regiment marched about 18 miles and camped near Chunky Creek, 4 miles west of Meridian. From this point daily marches were made of from 10 to 18 miles, until the 25th ultimo, when the regiment crossed Pearl River and camped on Terry's plantation.
On the 27th February, the Thirty-third Wisconsin marched at 11.45 a. m., with orders to destroy a bridge across Pearl River, near Madisonville. The regiment encountered a small body of the enemy's cavalry near Smith's Ferry. After an exchange of shots the enemy broke and fled in confusion, and the regiment proceeded to Pearl River and effectually destroyed the bridge aforesaid. On the morning of this day and before the regiment left Terry's plantation, I caused to be detailed, in obedience to orders, 1 sergeant, James E. Drom, Company H., and 14 men to forage for the use of the Thirty-third Wisconsin. These men were placed, with details from the other regiments in the brigade, under the charge of Lieut. W. C. B. Gillespie, acting assistant quartermaster First Brigade, Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps.
During the day this party was attacked by a large body of the enemy's cavalry and driven back, with the loss of the following men of the Thirty-third Wisconsin: Sergt. James E. Drom, Company H; Corpl. Romanzo J. Ashley, Company A; Private Warren D. Card, Company H; Private William Neff, Company I; Private James H. Bowlsby, Company C. The fate of these men is unknown, but they are undoubtedly killed or taken prisoners. The last that was seen of them they were almost surrounded by the enemy and fighting with undaunted bravery. The loss of these men is much felt and regretted by the regiments, particularly that of Sergeant Drom and Corporal Ashley, who were among the best non-commissioned officers in the regiment. No other loss occurred to the regiment on the expedition.
On the 4th day of March, 1864, the Thirty-third Wisconsin arrived in camp near Hebron, Miss.
Too much cannot be said in praise of the officers and men of my command for the excellent order and discipline which has been observed by the regiment on this expedition, and for the manner in which all their duties have been performed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. MOORE,
Col., Cmdg. Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. WILLIAM WARNER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
HDQRS. Thirty-third Regt. Wisconsin Volunteers, Near Canton, Miss., February 28, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to orders received on the 27th instant, I moved my command to Madisonville, Miss., reaching that point at 5 p. m. of yesterday. Here we met a small party of rebel cavalry, who exchanged shots with us, but broke and fled on the Smith's Ferry road without any loss on either side. At Smith's Ferry I found a very fine pontoon bridge, which I effectually destroyed. At Madisonville I found a steam saw-mill and grist-mill. The saw-mill had been used by the Confederates to saw the timber for the pontoon bridge above mentioned. I deemed it proper to destroy this saw-mill, and acting without orders on the subject I effectually destroyed it by breaking the saws and machinery to pieces. The grist-mill I left in running order. I am glad to say of my command that no building or fence has been fired on the march, nor any property destroyed without orders.
Very respectfully,
J. B. MOORE,
Col., Cmdg. Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. WILLIAM WARNER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. PAGE 243-57
[Series I. Vol. 32. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 57.]
Battles (where losses incurred) involving 33rd Infantry Regiment
Location | Date | Killed | Wounded | POW | Missing | Losses |
Alexandria, LA | 05/13/64 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Atlanta, GA | 08/19/64 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Canton, MS | 02/27/64 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
Cloutierville, LA | 04/23/64 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
Coldwater, MS | 04/19/63 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Nashville, TN | 12/15/64 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Spanish Fort, AL | 04/08/65 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Tupelo, MS | 07/14/64 | 4 | 26 | 2 | 0 | 32 |
Vicksburg, MS | 06/02/63 | 2 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Yellow Bayou, LA | 05/18/64 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Brigade, Division, Corps, and Army assignments for 33rd Infantry Regiment
From | To | Brigade | Division | Corps | Army/Department | Comments |
11/12/62 | 12/18/62 | 3 | 1 | District Memphis, 13 | District and Army of West Tennessee | |
11/23/62 | 12/09/62 | Reserve (6) | District Memphis, 13 | District and Army of West Tennessee | New Organization | |
Dec 1862 | 12/18/62 | 1 | 4 | Right Wing, 13 | District and Army of West Tennessee | |
12/18/62 | 01/20/63 | 1 | 4 | 17 | Department of the Tennessee | |
01/20/63 | 07/28/63 | 1 | 4 | 16 | Department of the Tennessee | |
07/28/63 | 08/17/63 | 1 | 4 | 13 | Department of the Tennessee | |
08/07/63 | 02/28/64 | 1 | 4 | 17 | Department of the Tennessee | |
Mar 1864 | Jun 1864 | 1 | Provisional | 16 | Army and Dept of the Gulf | |
Jun 1864 | Jun 1864 | Detached | District Cairo | Arkansas Expedition | ||
Jun 1864 | 12/05/64 | 4 | 1 | 16 | Department of the Tennessee | |
12/05/64 | 02/18/65 | 1 | 3 | Detachment Army TN | Department of Cumberland | |
02/18/65 | Aug 1865 | 1 | 3 | 16 | Army and Dept of the Gulf | Mustered Out |
Roster for 33rd Infantry Regiment - 1,079 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
| Ableiter - Fairclo | Fairfield - McCoy |
| McDaniel - Stafford | Stark - Young |
 back to Civl War index | back to Military index |
back to index
Copyright © 2006-2009 to Genealogy Trails' Wisconsin Trails host & each Contributor
All rights reserved
