6th Wisconsin
Infantry Regiment
RosterBattles involving 6th InfantryAssignments for 6th Infantry- Organized on Jul 16 1861 at Camp Randall, Madison, WI
- Enlistment term: 3 years
- Mustered out on Jul 2 1865 at Louisville, KY
Available statistics for total numbers of men listed as:
- Enlisted or commissioned: 1459
- Drafted: 445
- Transferred in: 131
- Killed or died of wounds (Officers): 16
- Killed or died of wounds (Enlisted men): 228
- Died of disease (Officers): 1
- Died of disease (Enlisted men): 112
- Prisoner of war: 67
- Died while prisoner of war: 6
- Disabled: 347
- Missing: 4
- Deserted: 58
- Discharged: 202
- Mustered out: 879
- Transferred out: 103
Historical notes and Reports:
Sixth Infantry WISCONSIN
(3-YEARS)
Sixth Infantry. -- Cols., Lysander Cutler, Edward S. Bragg, John A. Kellogg, Lieut.-Cols., Julius P. Atwood, Benjamin J. Sweet, Rufus. R. Dawes, Thomas Kerr, Majs., John F. Hauser, Philip W. Plummer, Dennis B. Dailey.
This regiment was organized at Camp Randall Madison, in July, 1861, mustered into the U. S. service on the 16th and left the state for Washington on the 28th. It arrived at Washington on Aug. 7, was immediately assigned to King's brigade and went into camp on Meridian Hill.
It remained there until Sept. 3, when it marched, with the brigade, to Chain bridge and was employed in picket and guard duty at Camp Lyon until it was joined by the 2nd and 7th Wis. and the 19th Ind. The regiment remained in camp, engaged in various duties until March, 1862, when it took part in the advance on Manassas, encamping near Fairfax Court House.
On Aug. 5 an expedition was sent out to destroy the Virginia Central railroad and the regiment, with a small force of cavalry and artillery was detached and marched to Frederick's Hall Station where they destroyed 2 miles of the track, the depot and other buildings, and rejoined the command at Spottsylvania Court House.
The regiment went into line at the battle of Gainesville and fought until darkness put an end to the contest, losing 14 killed or mortally wounded and 46 wounded. The following day the regiment was present on the battle-field of Bull Run, where it lost 9 killed and 93 wounded.
It participated in the battle of South Mountain, fighting during the day and occupying the field all night. In this engagement the regiment lost 15 in killed and mortally wounded and 67 were wounded. It was vigorously engaged at Antietam, the story of which is best told by the casualties, 38 being killed or died of wounds and 160 were wounded.
The regiment was in the advance of a storming party at Fitzhugh's Crossing, where it crossed the river in pontoon boats and charged upon the intrenchments of the enemy. For its gallantry in this desperate charge the regiment received special mention in a complimentary order from Gen. Wadsworth. The list of casualties in this daring exploit show that the regiment lost 4 killed and 12 wounded.
During the early part of the first day's fighting at Gettysburg the regiment had been detached as a reserve, but later it participated in a charge under a terrible fire and captured a Confederate regiment. Reorganizing the shattered ranks, the 6th moved forward to the support of a battery in its front, which position it held until the enemy had pressed back the lines on the two flanks, when it fell back to the support of the brigade battery. During the day the regiment saved the 147th N. Y. volunteers from capture by charging down upon the enemy who was pursuing it and in conjunction with the 14th Brooklyn drove the Confederates from the field. The loss of the regiment at the battle of Gettysburg was 30 killed, 116 wounded and 22 missing.
In November it took part in the operations at Mine Run, and the regiment was successful in preventing the breaking up of a train belonging to the 5th corps. In December, 227 of the regiment reenlisted as veterans. It was accordingly remustered into the service and in January the non-veterans were temporarily attached to other organizations and the regiment returned to Wisconsin on veteran furlough.
The regiment participated in the battles of the Wilderness campaign in the spring of 1864. It lost from May 5 to June 10, 44 killed and 110 wounded, and from June 11 to July 1, 17 killed and 31 wounded, which was increased during the following month by 7 killed and a number wounded.
The regiment fought with its accustomed gallantry at Dabney's Mill, in Feb. 1865, and lost 18 killed and a larger number wounded. It took a prominent part in the famous battle of Five Forks and a few days later had the proud satisfaction of assisting in the capture of the army of Gen. Lee at Appomattox Court House.
In the short campaign, from March 29 to April 9, the casualties in the regiment were 16 killed and a number wounded. It moved to Black and White's Station, where it remained in camp until ordered to Washington, arriving there in time to participate in the grand review, and thence was ordered to Louisville, where it was mustered out on July 14.
The original strength of the regiment was 1,108; gain by recruits, reenlistments, drafted men and substitutes, 1,035; total, 2,143. Losses by death, 322; missing, 7; desertions, 79; transfer, 75; discharged, 513; mustered out, 1,147.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 4
2nd Bull Run, VA after action report:
No. 34.
Report of Lieut. Col. Edward S. Bragg, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, of engagement near Gainesville.
HDQRS. SIXTH REGIMENT, WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, In the Field, September 3, 1862.
SIR: Col. Cutler having received a severe wound in the engagement of the 28th ultimo, the command of the regiment devolved upon me. When he left the field I found my right wing engaging the enemy in front at short range, and receiving not only his fire, but also suffering from an oblique fire of an enemy lying upon the crest of the hill, extending beyond our right. I immediately changed position, moving my line to the left so far as was necessary to protect the right from this second fire by cover of a point of wood extending down to my front, and from which we had dislodged the enemy. This was done by the command in excellent order, each and man seemingly vieing with the other to excel in coolness and good conduct under fire.
Having changed position, I caused the fire to be resumed until the enemy withdrew from our front and ceased to reply. I then caused details to be made to remove the dead and wounded, which having been done, I withdrew the regiment about 500 yards and placed it under cover of wood and facing the field, and advanced a line of pickets upon the field of battle to protect me from surprises should the enemy desire to renew the contest. Here I remained until orders were received to resume our march toward Manassas, when I joined the column, as directed by the general.
I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both men and officers during and subsequent to the engagement. It were hardly possible to be placed under a hotter fire, but there was no confusion, no faltering. The regiment fought as brave men only can fight. The wounded went to the rear without a murmur or died in their places without a groan.
Our list of casualties is as follows: Col. Cutler severely wounded; Lieut. J.B. Johnson, Company E, wounded and a prisoner; Capt. J.F. Marsh slightly wounded. Enlisted men-wounded, 61; killed, 8; missing, 3; total, 75. Total engaged, 504.
In conclusion I cannot refrain from referring especially to Corpl. John H. Burns and Private Harry G. Dunn, of Company E, and Sergt. William Campbell, Company K, who left the ambulances upon the sound of the first fire, procured muskets and ammunition, and joined the regiment and fought to the last. Corporal Burns had been suffering from sickness for several days, and upon the conclusion of the battle was so ill that he was obliged to go to hospital at Alexandria.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
EDWD. S. BRAGG
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. J.P. WOOD, A.A. G., Gibbon's Brigade.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XXIV.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. PAGE 382-16
[Series I. Vol. 12. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 16.]
Antietam after battle report:
Reports of Lieut. Col. Edward S. Bragg, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, of the battles of South Mountain and Antietam.
GIBBON'S BRIG., HDQRS. SIXTH REGT. WISCONSIN VOLS., In the Field, September 20, 1862.
SIR: In compliance with circular from headquarters, I have the honor to report that at the battle of South Mountain, on the 14th instant, the Sixth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers moved up the mountain gorge to the right of the turnpike, in support of the Seventh Wisconsin Volunteers, who were moving in front, supporting a line of skirmishers. The skirmishers soon found the enemy in front, and an irregular fire commenced. This was past twilight. The Seventh moved to the support of the skirmishers, and was soon engaged with the enemy, who was concealed in a wood on their left and in a ravine in front. So soon as the Seventh received the fire of the enemy and commenced replying, I deployed the Sixth, and with the right wing opened fire upon the enemy concealed in the wood upon the right. I also moved the left wing by the right flank into the rear of the right wing, and commenced a fire by the wings alternately, and advancing the line after each volley.
At this time I received an order from the general, directing me to flank the enemy in the wood. The condition of the surface of the ground, and the steepness of the ascent up the mountain side, rendered this movement a difficult one; but without hesitation the left wing moved by the flank into the wood, firing as they went, and advancing the line. I directed Maj. Dawes to advance the right wing on the skirt of the wood as rapidly as the line in the wood advanced, which he did. This movement forward and by the flank I continued until the left wing rested its right on the crest of the hill, extending around the enemy in a semicircular line, and then moved the right wing into the wood so as to connect the line from the open field to the top of the hill. While this was being done, the fire of the enemy, who fought us from behind rocks and trees, and entirely under cover, was terrific, but steadily the regiment dislodged him and kept advancing. Ammunition commenced to give out, no man having left more than four round, and many without any. It was dark, and a desperate enemy in front.
At this moment I received an order from Gen. Gibbon to cease fire and maintain the position, and the battle was won. I directed my men to reserve their fire, unless compelled to use it, and then only at short range, and trust to the bayonet. No sooner did the time of fire cease than the enemy, supposing we were checked, crept close up in the wood and commenced a rapid fire. I directed a volley in reply, and then, with three lusty cheers for Wisconsin, the men sat cheerfully down to await another attack; but the enemy was no more seen.
I held the ground until daylight, when I threw out skirmishers, and soon found the enemy had withdrawn in the night, leaving a few dead on the field, and a large number of muskets also.
Soon after daylight my regiment was relieved by the Second New York, from Gorman's brigade, who had been lying in the field, under cover of a stone wall, at a safe distance in the rear, refreshing themselves with a good night's sleep, after a long and fatiguing march of some 10 miles.
The object accomplished, and the time and place of doing it, speak all that need be said for officers and men of the regiment.
Our loss was 11 killed and 79 wounded; total, 90.*
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
EDWD. S. BRAGG,
Lieut.-Col., Commanding Sixth Wisconsin.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
GIBBON'S BRIG., HDQRS. SIXTH REGT. WISCONSIN VOLS., In the Field, September 21, 1862.
CAPT.: In compliance with circular from brigade headquarters, I have the honor to report that, early on the morning of the 17th, Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, under my command, supported by the brigade, commenced the attack upon the enemy's left flank. No sooner was the column in motion then the enemy opened fire on us with artillery, and so accurate was his range that the second shell exploded in the ranks, disabling 13 men, including Capt. Noyes, Company A. Notwithstanding this shock, the column moved steadily forward until it reached the wood, when, by direction of Gen. Gibbon, Company I was deployed to the left and Company C to the right in front of the line as skirmishers, and the regiment immediately deployed and advanced to their support.
The skirmishers soon found the enemy lodged in a corn-field and his advance concealed along fences and under cover, but rapidly drove in his advance, and the regiment moved up steadily in support, the right and center on and to the right of the Hagerstown turnpike, and the left across a corn-field. While advancing into the corn-field, Capt. Edwin A. Brown, Company E, a good officer and a genial gentleman, fell, killed instantly by a musket ball.
The portion of the line in the corn-field was under the immediate command of Maj. Rufus R. Dawes, who discharged his duty in watching and guiding its movements with signal courage and ability. This portion of the line was soon under heavy fire, and drove the enemy from his cover.
The advance of the right wing did not discover the enemy until it reached a rise of ground in front of the barn and stacks to the right of the road, when the enemy's skirmishers lying along the edge of a wood running down in a point to the right of the barn, where they were lying undisturbed--the right of my line of skirmishers having failed to advance, either from a failure to hear or heed commands.
At this moment a piece of artillery which had been stationed in front of my left changed its position and passed into the road in my front. I immediately ordered the company in the road to advance to the summit of a ridge of ground a few rods in front and open fire upon the horses attached to the piece, with a view of disabling and capturing it; and at the same time I ordered Companies G and K, on the right, to advance and occupy a basin between two ridges, and a few yards nearer the enemy. So soon as this was attempted I discovered the enemy in force, lying in line of battle along the fence and across the field to the wood, at right angles with the road, his line being then within musket range. At the same time he increased his fire from the woods on the right flank. This rendered the advance impracticable, and I ordered the company in the road to lie down under cover of the fence. No sooner had I given this order, and while it was being executed, than I received a slight but painful wound in the left arm, but still was able to direct the right companies, G and K, to draw back their line under cover of the fence and fronting the road, which was being executed when faintness compelled me to go to the rear, and I was unable to rejoin my regiment until it had been relieved.
At the request of Maj. Dawes, who was in command during my absence, I have the honor to report that the regiment conducted itself during the fight so as to fully sustain its previous reputation; that it did not abandon its colors on the field; that every color-bearer and every member of the guard was disabled and compelled to leave; that the State color fell into other keeping, temporarily, in rear of the regiment, because its bearer had fallen; but it was immediately reclaimed, and under its folds, few but undaunted, the regiment rallied to the support of the battery. The color lance of the National color is pierced with five balls, and both colors bear multitudes of testimony that they were in the thickest of the fight.
The regiment remained in the front of the fight until they had expended nearly their last round of ammunition. The enemy broke and ran before their advance, leaving his dead and wounded in large numbers on the field, and the regiment pursued, and only retired again in the presence of a host that it would have been madness to have opposed with a handful of men, brave though they were and fearless.
In this advance two stand of colors were captured and sent to the rear in charge of a wounded soldier, and have become lost or fallen into the possession of some one desirous of military eclat without incurring personal danger, so that they cannot be reclaimed by the captors.
Here Capt. Bachelle, Company F, fell, leading his men in the pursuit. He was a true soldier, a gallant officer, and a faithful man. He never shrank from danger nor flinched from any duty. He fell as he desired, with his harness on, cheering his men to victory. His body rests underneath the sod he lost his life to win.
The loss of the regiment in the engagement was as follows: Commissioned officers, 3 killed, 5 wounded; enlisted men, 23 killed, 121 wounded; aggregate, 152.
I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWD. S. BRAGG.
Lieut.-Col., Commanding Sixth Wisconsin Volunteer.
Capt. J. P. WOOD,
Assistant Adjutant Gen., Gibbon's Brigade.
Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 19. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 27
Chancellorsville, VA after battle report:
No. 34.
Report of Col. Edward S. Bragg, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry.
IN THE FIELD, May 10, 1863.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit a report of the part taken by my command in the recent engagements along the line of the Rappahannock.
On the night of April 28 (ultimo), I received orders to move my command from its encampment near the Fitzhugh house to the crossing of the Rappahannock in front of the house and between Deep Run and the Massaponax, and, in conjunction with the Twenty-fourth Michigan Volunteers, supported by the Second and Seventh Wisconsin and Nineteenth Indiana Volunteers, force a passage of the river at that point, seize the enemy's rifle-pits on the opposite bank of the river, and hold the brick house on the right, to cover the construction of a bridge and the passage of the troops.
The command was in motion about 11 p.m., and advanced under the cover of the night near to the bank of the river, but was delayed by the tardiness of the pontoon train until daylight, when the enemy discovered our position, and opened a sharp fire of musketry upon the train, which was abandoned in a great measure by the men in charge and the boats left lying along the bank and some of them in the water. I then received orders to advance my command under cover of a stone wall to the river bank and reply to the fire of the enemy, which was done, but with little effect. After maintaining this position for two hours, I withdrew my command under shelter of a ridge a few yards to the rear of, and parallel with, the stream.
About 9 a. m., April 29, I received orders to cross the river and execute the movement previously arranged for the night attack. My command advanced to this perilous duty without faltering, and, under cover of the fire of the Second and Seventh Wisconsin and Nineteenth Indiana Volunteers, and the skirmishers of the Fourteenth Brooklyn, moved by the right of companies down the bank and crossed the river. During the whole time the enemy were within easy range, and, protected by trees and rifle-pits, kept up a constant fire, but fortunately did us comparatively little damage by reason of the incessant fire kept up by the regiments and skirmishers before named. One boat, loaded with men from the Twenty-fourth Michigan, crossed at the same time with my command, followed by the regiment so soon as facilities for crossing could be procured.
Without discredit to any regiment, I have the honor to report, without the fear of contradiction, that the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers first scaled the bank and their colors first caught the breeze on the southern bank of the Rappahannock on the morning of April 29.
Quite a number of prisoners were captured along the bank and in the rifle-pits and sent to the opposite shore. I then advanced upon and took the brick house on my right, threw out my skirmishers and pickets, and held the position until relieved by the Second Brigade, Gen. Cutler commanding, when I rejoined my brigade, on the left of the line, where I remained, in connection with the other regiments of the brigade, entrenching and strengthening the position against attack, until the morning of May 2, when the position was evacuated and the river recrossed.
During the whole period of our presence on the south side of the river, the enemy annoyed us at intervals with his artillery, but did little injury.
The conduct of every officers and man in my command was splendid. Individual cases cannot be noticed where all did so well, without in a degree reflecting upon others, and for this reason I forbear.
My loss was 3 enlisted men killed and 1 officer and 12 enlisted men wounded.
May 2.--Having recrossed the river we moved to the United States Ford, and on the morning of the 3d crossed the river and moved up to the Ely's Ford road, where we went into position and remained until the morning of May 6, when we recrossed the river in safety, having had no casualty in the regiment. The weather was inclement a portion of the time that we were in position on the Ely's Ford road, but the men bore the storm and fatigue of the march without a murmur. A disposition to engage and beat the enemy so occupied their minds that no other feeling had an opportunity to obtain a foothold. I commend them to you as brave and fearless in action, patient and enduring under hardship, men who may have equals, but do not admit superiority.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDW'D S. BRAGG,
Col., Cmdg. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. J. D. WOOD,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Fourth Brigade.
Source: Official Reports Series I. Vol. 25. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 39.]
Gettysburg after battle report:
Reports of Lieut. Col. Rufus R. Dawes, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry.
Hdqrs. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, July 17, 1863.
Capt.: I have the honor to report as follows of the operations of the regiment under my command during the action of July 1, near Gettysburg, Pa.:
On the morning of July 1, as the brigade moved forward, in support of the Second Brigade of this division, to engage the enemy, I received an order to move my command forward rapidly and form it on the left of the line of the brigade. Without checking from a double-quick, the regiment formed into line, the men loading as they marched, and moved forward rapidly and steadily toward the position assigned.
Before reaching my position in the line of battle, I was ordered to halt, and hold my men in reserve. At this juncture, the brigade guard (2 officers and 100 men, under command of First Lieut. Lloyd G. Harris, of the Sixth Wisconsin), by direction of Gen. Solomon Meredith, reported to me for duty in the impending battle. I divided the guard into two companies, placing the first on the right flank of the regiment, under command of Second Lieut. Levi Showalter, of the Second Wisconsin; the second on the left, under command of Lieut. Harris. I now received a second order to advance, which I was proceeding to execute when, by command of Maj. Gen. A. Doubleday, commanding the corps, the regiment was again halted (my left resting on the Fairfield road), and detached from the brigade as a general reserve to the line of the division, now hotly engaged throughout. In a very few moments I received an order from Maj.-Gen. Doubleday to move at once to the support of the right of the line of the division (Seventy-sixth New York, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, and One hundred and forty-seventh New York), which was being forced back and outflanked by the enemy. I marched by the right flank double-quick toward the point indicated. Before reaching a position where I could be of service, the enemy had succeeded in turning the flank, and, flushed with victory, was pressing rapidly in pursuit of our retreating line, threatening the rear of the First Brigade (Meredith's Iron Brigade), engaged in the woods on the left. I filed to the right and rear, to throw my line in front of the enemy, and moved by the left flank forward in line of battle upon his advancing line. My men kept up a steady double-quick, never faltering or breaking under the fire, which had become very galling. When my line had reached a fence on the Chambersburg turnpike, about 40 rods from the line of the enemy, I ordered a fire by file. This checked the advance of the rebels, who took refuge in a railroad cut (an unfinished railroad cut through the ridge west of the seminary), from which they opened a murderous fire upon us. I immediately ordered the men over the fence, with a view to charging the cut. The Ninety-fifth New York and Fourteenth Brooklyn here joined on my left.
My men continued firing and advancing steadily. I ran to Maj. Pye, of the Ninety-fifth New York Volunteers, commanding, as I supposed, the line on my left, and, requesting him to move forward with me, immediately gave the order to charge. The men of the whole line moved forward upon a double-quick, well closed, in face of a terribly destructive fire from the enemy. When our line reached the edge of the cut, the rebels began throwing down their arms in token of surrender.
Adjt. Ed. P. Brooks, with promptness and foresight, moved a detachment of 20 men in position to enfilade the cut from the right, when the entire regiment in my front, after some murderous skirmishing by the more desperate, threw down their arms.
Maj. John A. Blair, commanding the regiment (Second Mississippi Volunteers), upon my demand, surrendered his sword and regiment to me. I directed him to have his men fall in without arms, and move to the rear, in charge of Maj. John F. Hauser, of this regiment. Maj. Hauser informs me that by direction of Gen. James S. Wadsworth, commanding division, he placed in charge of a cavalry guard 7 officers and about 225 men. The battle-flag of the regiment was captured before the surrender by Corpl. F. Asbury Waller, of Company I,* and has been forwarded, in obedience to orders, to army headquarters.
The loss of the regiment on July 1 was: Officers, 2 killed and 5 wounded; enlisted men, 27 killed, 106 wounded, and 24 missing.
The loss sustained by the brigade guard in the charge upon the railroad cut I cannot give. Both officers commanding, Lieut.'s Harris and Showalter, were disabled by wounds received in the charge.
I can only say that the men of the Sixth most nobly sustained their history in this desperate struggle.
Capt. John Ticknor, of Company K, was instantly killed while cheering his men on to the charge. This officer rose from the ranks, winning his captaincy for coolness and efficiency in command of skirmishers at South Mountain, and was distinguished for bravery upon every battle-field of the regiment. A good officer, a brave man, a genial, whole-souled companion, Ticknor will be sadly missed from our circle.
Second Lieut. Orrin D. Chapman was also killed at the railroad cut. He was in command of Company C. He had but lately been commissioned. He was always a faithful, obedient soldier, and as an officer brave and efficient.
The officers, without exception, behaved, as on many battle-fields before, with devoted courage, each holding his own life and safety of less account than the good conduct of his men and regiment.
To Maj. Hauser and Adjutant Brooks I am much indebted for assistance in maneuvering the regiment throughout the battle. I cannot speak too highly of the bravery and efficiency in action of each of these officers.
Without reflection upon other officers of the line, I feel it due to their conspicuous bravery and good conduct that I should mention Capt. Rollin P. Converse and Lieut. Charles P. Hyatt, of Company B, and Lieut. Goltermann, of Company F. Capt. Converse commanded the party who brought safely from the field and saved from capture the gun of the Second Maine Battery that had been abandoned to the enemy. We recaptured this piece in a charge at the railroad cut.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. R. DAWES,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. J. D. Wood,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brig., First Div., First Corps.
Hdqrs. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, July 4, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to report that the accompanying battle-flag of the Second Mississippi Volunteers was captured by the regiment under my command under the following circumstances:
Shortly after the opening of the action on the morning of July 1, the regiment was, by command of Maj.-Gen. Doubleday, detached from the brigade, and ordered to the support of the right of the line of the division, which was being forced back and outflanked by the enemy. I moved as rapidly as possible on the advancing lines of the enemy, joining with the Ninety-fifth New York and Fourteenth Brooklyn on my left. A brisk fire was opened throughout the line, which soon checked the enemy and forced him to take refuge in a railroad cut. I ordered a charge upon the cut. The men moved forward, well closed and upon a run. When our line reached the edge of the cut, the rebels ceased firing and threw down their arms. At my demand, Maj. [J. A.] Blair, commanding the regiment in my front, the Second Mississippi, surrendered his sword and regiment.
The battle-flag was taken before the surrender by Corpl. F. Asbury Waller, of Company I, and sent to the rear in charge of Sergt. William Evans, of Company H, who was badly wounded. The sergeant was taken prisoner by the enemy and held for two days in Gettysburg; but with the assistance of some ladies of the city, whose names I have not learned, he successfully concealed the colors, and, finally, when the enemy retired, brought it safely to the regiment.
R. R. DAWES,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. T. E. Ellsworth,
Actg. Asst. Adjutant-Gen., First Division, First Corps.
Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part I. Reports. Serial No. 43
Reports of Lieut. Col. Rufus R. Dawes, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations May 7-25.
HDQRS. SIXTH WISCONSIN VETERAN VOLUNTEERS, Before Petersburg, August 7, 1864.
CAPT.: In compliance with special orders from headquarters Army of the Potomac, I have the honor to submit the following reports of the part taken by my command in the several operations of the campaign from Spotsylvania Court-House to the assault upon the enemy's works before Petersburg, July 30.
On the 7th of May, 1864, by the assignment of Col. Bragg to command of the Third Brigade of this division, I succeeded to command of this regiment, then in presence of the enemy near the Wilderness Tavern. About 8 p. m. of that day the movement of the corps toward Spotsylvania commenced. Taxed by the exertion of two days' battle, the march, continued throughout the entire night, was very trying upon the strength and energies of the men. It gives me great satisfaction to say that when, on the morning of the 8th, the brigade was placed in order of attack, the ranks of my regiment were full. About 10 a. m. of the 8th the brigade moved forward to assault the enemy in position at Laurel Hill, near Spotsylvania Court-House. This regiment was assigned to position in the second line, but as the lines moved forward, in obedience to instructions from Col. W. W. Robinson, commanding brigade, I placed my regiment on the right of the front line. When I reached this position the brigade halted, and, in compliance with orders, I advanced my regiment a few rods with the right retired, in order to protect our right flank. The officer in command of the skirmishers immediately reported to me that the enemy had driven in his line and was advancing in two lines of battle. I threw out a few skirmishers to guard the right and notify me of any movement in that direction, and ordered the regiment to kneel and fire by file upon the enemy as soon as they appeared through the woods and tangled brush. A brisk fire was immediately opened, which checked any farther advance of the enemy, who laid down in a ravine in my front and replied by scattering shots to our fire. My skirmishers on the right were driven in, and reported the enemy moving without opposition around our right. The line on my left retreated in confusion before the pressure in their front. I endeavored to preserve the integrity of my command by retiring slowly through the woods, but outflanked both ways and pressed by the enemy from all sides, the line broke in disorder. By great exertion on part of many officers of the brigade, a line was reformed about 40 rods in rear, when, for about an hour, there was heavy skirmishing with the enemy. Upon this line the brigade was subsequently reorganized and intrenched. The loss of my regiment in this affair I have no means now of accurately stating. Lieut. Howard F. Pruyn, disdaining to run when the line broke, was instantly killed while moving leisurely to the rear and striving to rally his men. This officer was promoted from the ranks for conspicuous good conduct upon the battle-field, and participating in every engagement in which his regiment has taken part, he uniformly distinguished himself for efficiency and devoted bravery.
Corpl. John P. Hart, of Company E, a brave and faithful soldier, and a young man of more than ordinary promise, was also killed.
I deem the strenuous efforts of Capt. William N. Remington to rally the men upon this occasion worthy of special and honorable mention. During the remainder of this day and the 9th the position of the regiment was unchanged from the front intrenched by it. There was continual skirmishing, taken part in by details from the regiment. On the evening of the 9th an effort was made to drive back the enemy's skirmishers, when a spirited engagement ensued. The re-enforcement to the skirmish detail was composed entirely of volunteers, about 30 men, whose gallantry is worthy of mention. Lieut. William Goltermann, Company F, and Sergt. George Fairfield, of Company C, were in charge of the party.
At 12.30 p. m. the 10th brigade moved forward in one line to attack the enemy in his intrenched position, my regiment one from the left. The ground over which we advanced was covered with timber and underbrush. The line on the left approached very near the enemy's works without becoming aware of their proximity, and suddenly and unexpectedly, while tangled in the brush, received a terribly destructive enfilading fire. Temporary confusion ensued, but falling back a few rods to cover of a ravine the men reformed promptly, and I moved my regiment under crest of a hill to a position within 200 yards of the enemy's works. Remained here until directed to move back to our old position at 4 p. m. The loss of the regiment was quite severe. Capt. Remington and Lieut. Timmons were wounded in the assault, and Lieut. Oscar Graetz was killed as the line was falling back. The conduct of officers and men under the trying circumstances to which they were subjected was worthy of fall commendation. On the evening of the 10th a column of attack was formed, but no assault made on our front. Nothing worthy of particular mention occurred on the 11th. At 8.30 a. m. on the 12th the brigade moved forward to attack the enemy, Col. Bragg's brigade in support. The brigade moved to a breast-work a few hundred yards from the enemy's works, occupied by troops of Gen. Crawford's division, where it was halted for half an hour, and the men laid down. At the end of that time I received instruction from the brigade commander that the line would move forward over the breast-works and assault at once. Moving guide left, I ordered ''Forward, guide left,'' with holding the command of execution for the line on the left to show sign of moving. After a lapse of ten minutes Lieut. Hyatt, acting aide on the staff of Col. Robinson, communicated the following order: ''Col. Bragg directs that the Sixth Wisconsin move forward.'' I immediately ordered the regiment forward. The men sprang over the breastworks with great alacrity, closely followed by Col. Bragg's line and a few of Gen. Crawford's men, and continued advancing under a heavy and destructive fire for several rods, when, finding no line on my right or left so far as I could see through the timber, such men as were in front of the works having thrown themselves upon the ground and commenced firing, I ordered my line to halt and open fire until the right and left should move to our support. After a few minutes of rapid firing, suffering meanwhile severe loss, convinced of the futility of striving without support to advance through the abatis of sharpened stakes in our front, while to remain longer was wanton sacrifice of life, I ordered my men back behind the breast-works and at once reported the fact to Col. Robinson, commanding brigade. The fire from the enemy was unusually fatal, a large proportion of the wounds proving mortal.
I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of officers and men. They advanced to the assault readily and earnestly, and stood up to their duty with heroic tenacity when it became evident that their efforts could not achieve success. There was no disorganization nor demoralization in falling back, under fire, to the breast-works. Several of my best and truest men were killed. On the afternoon of the 12th the brigade moved 4 miles to the left and went into position in support of troops of the Sixth Corps, fighting to hold the works captured by Gen. Hancock. Here we were subjected to a scattering fire, which inflicted a loss of several men in the regiment. Toward evening moved back 2 miles toward the right, and while the balance of the brigade threw up works I held my regiment in readiness for picket. Orders for picket were shortly countermanded, and in the midst of darkness and a driving rain-storm I proceeded to construct a breast-work, when we were again ordered back to our position in rear of the troops engaged. My regiment was sent forward to relieve the Seventh Wisconsin, firing upon the enemy's works, and in compliance with instructions, I kept up fire during the entire night. The mud was near 6 inches deep, the night dark and stormy, and the hardship of this service to men exhausted by the battle, marching, and work of the day before, can scarcely be appreciated.
On the morning of the 13th I was relieved by troops of the Sixth Corps, but the division had moved. Allowing my men, absolutely prostrated with overexertion, a few hours for rest and sleep, I rejoined the brigade near the old position in front of Laurel Hill. During the night of the 13th the brigade marched 6 miles to the left, and went into position in front of Spotsylvania Court-House, where this regiment took part in no active operations. These operations were most exhaustive to the energies of the men, and perhaps most trying to their morale of anything in the experience of the oldest in service, but the hardships and dangers were undergone with fortitude, and the men were always ready to put forth their best efforts in the most perilous undertaking. The aggregate casualties in my command from the 8th to the 13th of May were 10 killed, 69 wounded, 4 missing.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. R. DAWES,
Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Regt.
Capt. J. D. WOOD,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
HDQRS. SIXTH WISCONSIN VETERAN VOLUNTEERS, Near Petersburg, Va., August 8, 1864.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of operations of my command during the time designated as the ''third epoch'' of the campaign from the Wilderness to before Petersburg.
At 1 p. m. May 21 the brigade was withdrawn from the intrenched position before the enemy at Spotsylvania Court-House. The corps encamped that night near Guiney's Station, and at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 22d the brigade moved 4 miles in advanced and intrenched a line in front of the Po River near Thornburg. The enemy's column passed down the Telegraph road in our front during the forenoon, making no demonstrations. At 1 p. m. we moved with the corps in pursuit of the retreating rebel army, crossed the North Anna River at Jericho Ford at 5 p. m. of the 23d, and the division was massed on the south bank. About 6 in the evening the enemy's skirmishers appeared on our right, when the brigade moved rapidly forward, my regiment on the left, to form on the right of the First Division of this corps, already in position in the woods in our front. In compliance with direction of Col. Robinson, commanding brigade, I placed my regiment in position on the right of a breast-work occupied by troops of the First Division, and upon prolongation of their alignment. I experienced much difficulty owing to thick and tangled brush. I immediately threw forward skirmishers to cover my front. In a few moments I heard sharp musketry, and the peculiar cheer of a charging column of the enemy on my right. My skirmishers also commenced firing and falling back. When my front was cleared, I ordered the regiment to kneel and fire right oblique through the bushes in direction of the cheering. Along the whole front of the line on my left a tremendous fire was opened; not returned by the enemy, so far as I could discover. The firing slacking on my right, I directed Adjutant Brooks to ascertain the cause. He reported our line on the right retreating before the enemy, and at the same [time] we received an enfilading fire from that direction. I ordered a partial change of front to the rear on eighth company, which was executed in the brush and under fire with regularity and success. Finding the enemy in rear of my right, I changed front again so as to throw my line at right angles to the front of the First Division. The line on my left now abandoned their breast-works and fell back in great disorder, running through my ranks and breaking the regiment. My men, however, rallied promptly around their color, and reforming, I moved to the right in the open field and formed near Capt. Mink's battery, where I continued firing upon the enemy so long as they remained in our front. Here Capt. Orr, with a portion of the Nineteenth Indiana, and Capt. Shipman, with the battalion of sharpshooters, reported for duty to me, and joining on my right performed gallant service so long as the necessity existed. Being separated from the brigade, I was directed by Gen. Cutler, commanding division, to report to Col. Hofmann, commanding Second Brigade, with my command. After dark the line was advanced several hundred yards and intrenched, my men working during almost the entire night upon the breast-works.
Throughout this affair the conduct of officers and men, with small exception, was admirable. Lieut. John Beely was twice wounded. The gallantry of Lieut. Beely throughout the campaign was conspicuous, but upon this occasion I esteem his conduct in remaining upon the field after being seriously wounded until struck down by a second bullet, which penetrated his lungs, worthy of especial commendation. Corpl. William Hickok, of Company C, was killed. No braver soldier nor more worthy young man has given life in this struggle. On the 25th of May moved down the river 2 miles, and went into position in front of the enemy's works, where heavy skirmishing took place, in which my regiment took no active part. The casualties during these operations were 2 killed, 11 wounded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. R. DAWES,
Lieut. Col., Cmdg. Sixth Wisconsin Veteran Vols.
Capt. J. D. WOOD,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 618-67 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. XLVIII.
[Series I. Vol. 36. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 67.]
Sixth Infantry WISCONSIN
(3-YEARS)
Sixth Infantry. -- Cols., Lysander Cutler, Edward S. Bragg, John A. Kellogg, Lieut.-Cols., Julius P. Atwood, Benjamin J. Sweet, Rufus. R. Dawes, Thomas Kerr, Majs., John F. Hauser, Philip W. Plummer, Dennis B. Dailey.
This regiment was organized at Camp Randall Madison, in July, 1861, mustered into the U. S. service on the 16th and left the state for Washington on the 28th. It arrived at Washington on Aug. 7, was immediately assigned to King's brigade and went into camp on Meridian Hill.
It remained there until Sept. 3, when it marched, with the brigade, to Chain bridge and was employed in picket and guard duty at Camp Lyon until it was joined by the 2nd and 7th Wis. and the 19th Ind. The regiment remained in camp, engaged in various duties until March, 1862, when it took part in the advance on Manassas, encamping near Fairfax Court House.
On Aug. 5 an expedition was sent out to destroy the Virginia Central railroad and the regiment, with a small force of cavalry and artillery was detached and marched to Frederick's Hall Station where they destroyed 2 miles of the track, the depot and other buildings, and rejoined the command at Spottsylvania Court House.
The regiment went into line at the battle of Gainesville and fought until darkness put an end to the contest, losing 14 killed or mortally wounded and 46 wounded. The following day the regiment was present on the battle-field of Bull Run, where it lost 9 killed and 93 wounded.
It participated in the battle of South Mountain, fighting during the day and occupying the field all night. In this engagement the regiment lost 15 in killed and mortally wounded and 67 were wounded. It was vigorously engaged at Antietam, the story of which is best told by the casualties, 38 being killed or died of wounds and 160 were wounded.
The regiment was in the advance of a storming party at Fitzhugh's Crossing, where it crossed the river in pontoon boats and charged upon the intrenchments of the enemy. For its gallantry in this desperate charge the regiment received special mention in a complimentary order from Gen. Wadsworth. The list of casualties in this daring exploit show that the regiment lost 4 killed and 12 wounded.
During the early part of the first day's fighting at Gettysburg the regiment had been detached as a reserve, but later it participated in a charge under a terrible fire and captured a Confederate regiment. Reorganizing the shattered ranks, the 6th moved forward to the support of a battery in its front, which position it held until the enemy had pressed back the lines on the two flanks, when it fell back to the support of the brigade battery. During the day the regiment saved the 147th N. Y. volunteers from capture by charging down upon the enemy who was pursuing it and in conjunction with the 14th Brooklyn drove the Confederates from the field. The loss of the regiment at the battle of Gettysburg was 30 killed, 116 wounded and 22 missing.
In November it took part in the operations at Mine Run, and the regiment was successful in preventing the breaking up of a train belonging to the 5th corps. In December, 227 of the regiment reenlisted as veterans. It was accordingly remustered into the service and in January the non-veterans were temporarily attached to other organizations and the regiment returned to Wisconsin on veteran furlough.
The regiment participated in the battles of the Wilderness campaign in the spring of 1864. It lost from May 5 to June 10, 44 killed and 110 wounded, and from June 11 to July 1, 17 killed and 31 wounded, which was increased during the following month by 7 killed and a number wounded.
The regiment fought with its accustomed gallantry at Dabney's Mill, in Feb. 1865, and lost 18 killed and a larger number wounded. It took a prominent part in the famous battle of Five Forks and a few days later had the proud satisfaction of assisting in the capture of the army of Gen. Lee at Appomattox Court House.
In the short campaign, from March 29 to April 9, the casualties in the regiment were 16 killed and a number wounded. It moved to Black and White's Station, where it remained in camp until ordered to Washington, arriving there in time to participate in the grand review, and thence was ordered to Louisville, where it was mustered out on July 14.
The original strength of the regiment was 1,108; gain by recruits, reenlistments, drafted men and substitutes, 1,035; total, 2,143. Losses by death, 322; missing, 7; desertions, 79; transfer, 75; discharged, 513; mustered out, 1,147.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 4
2nd Bull Run, VA after action report:
No. 34.
Report of Lieut. Col. Edward S. Bragg, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, of engagement near Gainesville.
HDQRS. SIXTH REGIMENT, WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, In the Field, September 3, 1862.
SIR: Col. Cutler having received a severe wound in the engagement of the 28th ultimo, the command of the regiment devolved upon me. When he left the field I found my right wing engaging the enemy in front at short range, and receiving not only his fire, but also suffering from an oblique fire of an enemy lying upon the crest of the hill, extending beyond our right. I immediately changed position, moving my line to the left so far as was necessary to protect the right from this second fire by cover of a point of wood extending down to my front, and from which we had dislodged the enemy. This was done by the command in excellent order, each and man seemingly vieing with the other to excel in coolness and good conduct under fire.
Having changed position, I caused the fire to be resumed until the enemy withdrew from our front and ceased to reply. I then caused details to be made to remove the dead and wounded, which having been done, I withdrew the regiment about 500 yards and placed it under cover of wood and facing the field, and advanced a line of pickets upon the field of battle to protect me from surprises should the enemy desire to renew the contest. Here I remained until orders were received to resume our march toward Manassas, when I joined the column, as directed by the general.
I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both men and officers during and subsequent to the engagement. It were hardly possible to be placed under a hotter fire, but there was no confusion, no faltering. The regiment fought as brave men only can fight. The wounded went to the rear without a murmur or died in their places without a groan.
Our list of casualties is as follows: Col. Cutler severely wounded; Lieut. J.B. Johnson, Company E, wounded and a prisoner; Capt. J.F. Marsh slightly wounded. Enlisted men-wounded, 61; killed, 8; missing, 3; total, 75. Total engaged, 504.
In conclusion I cannot refrain from referring especially to Corpl. John H. Burns and Private Harry G. Dunn, of Company E, and Sergt. William Campbell, Company K, who left the ambulances upon the sound of the first fire, procured muskets and ammunition, and joined the regiment and fought to the last. Corporal Burns had been suffering from sickness for several days, and upon the conclusion of the battle was so ill that he was obliged to go to hospital at Alexandria.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
EDWD. S. BRAGG
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. J.P. WOOD, A.A. G., Gibbon's Brigade.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XXIV.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. PAGE 382-16
[Series I. Vol. 12. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 16.]
Antietam after battle report:
Reports of Lieut. Col. Edward S. Bragg, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, of the battles of South Mountain and Antietam.
GIBBON'S BRIG., HDQRS. SIXTH REGT. WISCONSIN VOLS., In the Field, September 20, 1862.
SIR: In compliance with circular from headquarters, I have the honor to report that at the battle of South Mountain, on the 14th instant, the Sixth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers moved up the mountain gorge to the right of the turnpike, in support of the Seventh Wisconsin Volunteers, who were moving in front, supporting a line of skirmishers. The skirmishers soon found the enemy in front, and an irregular fire commenced. This was past twilight. The Seventh moved to the support of the skirmishers, and was soon engaged with the enemy, who was concealed in a wood on their left and in a ravine in front. So soon as the Seventh received the fire of the enemy and commenced replying, I deployed the Sixth, and with the right wing opened fire upon the enemy concealed in the wood upon the right. I also moved the left wing by the right flank into the rear of the right wing, and commenced a fire by the wings alternately, and advancing the line after each volley.
At this time I received an order from the general, directing me to flank the enemy in the wood. The condition of the surface of the ground, and the steepness of the ascent up the mountain side, rendered this movement a difficult one; but without hesitation the left wing moved by the flank into the wood, firing as they went, and advancing the line. I directed Maj. Dawes to advance the right wing on the skirt of the wood as rapidly as the line in the wood advanced, which he did. This movement forward and by the flank I continued until the left wing rested its right on the crest of the hill, extending around the enemy in a semicircular line, and then moved the right wing into the wood so as to connect the line from the open field to the top of the hill. While this was being done, the fire of the enemy, who fought us from behind rocks and trees, and entirely under cover, was terrific, but steadily the regiment dislodged him and kept advancing. Ammunition commenced to give out, no man having left more than four round, and many without any. It was dark, and a desperate enemy in front.
At this moment I received an order from Gen. Gibbon to cease fire and maintain the position, and the battle was won. I directed my men to reserve their fire, unless compelled to use it, and then only at short range, and trust to the bayonet. No sooner did the time of fire cease than the enemy, supposing we were checked, crept close up in the wood and commenced a rapid fire. I directed a volley in reply, and then, with three lusty cheers for Wisconsin, the men sat cheerfully down to await another attack; but the enemy was no more seen.
I held the ground until daylight, when I threw out skirmishers, and soon found the enemy had withdrawn in the night, leaving a few dead on the field, and a large number of muskets also.
Soon after daylight my regiment was relieved by the Second New York, from Gorman's brigade, who had been lying in the field, under cover of a stone wall, at a safe distance in the rear, refreshing themselves with a good night's sleep, after a long and fatiguing march of some 10 miles.
The object accomplished, and the time and place of doing it, speak all that need be said for officers and men of the regiment.
Our loss was 11 killed and 79 wounded; total, 90.*
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
EDWD. S. BRAGG,
Lieut.-Col., Commanding Sixth Wisconsin.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
GIBBON'S BRIG., HDQRS. SIXTH REGT. WISCONSIN VOLS., In the Field, September 21, 1862.
CAPT.: In compliance with circular from brigade headquarters, I have the honor to report that, early on the morning of the 17th, Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, under my command, supported by the brigade, commenced the attack upon the enemy's left flank. No sooner was the column in motion then the enemy opened fire on us with artillery, and so accurate was his range that the second shell exploded in the ranks, disabling 13 men, including Capt. Noyes, Company A. Notwithstanding this shock, the column moved steadily forward until it reached the wood, when, by direction of Gen. Gibbon, Company I was deployed to the left and Company C to the right in front of the line as skirmishers, and the regiment immediately deployed and advanced to their support.
The skirmishers soon found the enemy lodged in a corn-field and his advance concealed along fences and under cover, but rapidly drove in his advance, and the regiment moved up steadily in support, the right and center on and to the right of the Hagerstown turnpike, and the left across a corn-field. While advancing into the corn-field, Capt. Edwin A. Brown, Company E, a good officer and a genial gentleman, fell, killed instantly by a musket ball.
The portion of the line in the corn-field was under the immediate command of Maj. Rufus R. Dawes, who discharged his duty in watching and guiding its movements with signal courage and ability. This portion of the line was soon under heavy fire, and drove the enemy from his cover.
The advance of the right wing did not discover the enemy until it reached a rise of ground in front of the barn and stacks to the right of the road, when the enemy's skirmishers lying along the edge of a wood running down in a point to the right of the barn, where they were lying undisturbed--the right of my line of skirmishers having failed to advance, either from a failure to hear or heed commands.
At this moment a piece of artillery which had been stationed in front of my left changed its position and passed into the road in my front. I immediately ordered the company in the road to advance to the summit of a ridge of ground a few rods in front and open fire upon the horses attached to the piece, with a view of disabling and capturing it; and at the same time I ordered Companies G and K, on the right, to advance and occupy a basin between two ridges, and a few yards nearer the enemy. So soon as this was attempted I discovered the enemy in force, lying in line of battle along the fence and across the field to the wood, at right angles with the road, his line being then within musket range. At the same time he increased his fire from the woods on the right flank. This rendered the advance impracticable, and I ordered the company in the road to lie down under cover of the fence. No sooner had I given this order, and while it was being executed, than I received a slight but painful wound in the left arm, but still was able to direct the right companies, G and K, to draw back their line under cover of the fence and fronting the road, which was being executed when faintness compelled me to go to the rear, and I was unable to rejoin my regiment until it had been relieved.
At the request of Maj. Dawes, who was in command during my absence, I have the honor to report that the regiment conducted itself during the fight so as to fully sustain its previous reputation; that it did not abandon its colors on the field; that every color-bearer and every member of the guard was disabled and compelled to leave; that the State color fell into other keeping, temporarily, in rear of the regiment, because its bearer had fallen; but it was immediately reclaimed, and under its folds, few but undaunted, the regiment rallied to the support of the battery. The color lance of the National color is pierced with five balls, and both colors bear multitudes of testimony that they were in the thickest of the fight.
The regiment remained in the front of the fight until they had expended nearly their last round of ammunition. The enemy broke and ran before their advance, leaving his dead and wounded in large numbers on the field, and the regiment pursued, and only retired again in the presence of a host that it would have been madness to have opposed with a handful of men, brave though they were and fearless.
In this advance two stand of colors were captured and sent to the rear in charge of a wounded soldier, and have become lost or fallen into the possession of some one desirous of military eclat without incurring personal danger, so that they cannot be reclaimed by the captors.
Here Capt. Bachelle, Company F, fell, leading his men in the pursuit. He was a true soldier, a gallant officer, and a faithful man. He never shrank from danger nor flinched from any duty. He fell as he desired, with his harness on, cheering his men to victory. His body rests underneath the sod he lost his life to win.
The loss of the regiment in the engagement was as follows: Commissioned officers, 3 killed, 5 wounded; enlisted men, 23 killed, 121 wounded; aggregate, 152.
I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWD. S. BRAGG.
Lieut.-Col., Commanding Sixth Wisconsin Volunteer.
Capt. J. P. WOOD,
Assistant Adjutant Gen., Gibbon's Brigade.
Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 19. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 27
Chancellorsville, VA after battle report:
No. 34.
Report of Col. Edward S. Bragg, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry.
IN THE FIELD, May 10, 1863.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit a report of the part taken by my command in the recent engagements along the line of the Rappahannock.
On the night of April 28 (ultimo), I received orders to move my command from its encampment near the Fitzhugh house to the crossing of the Rappahannock in front of the house and between Deep Run and the Massaponax, and, in conjunction with the Twenty-fourth Michigan Volunteers, supported by the Second and Seventh Wisconsin and Nineteenth Indiana Volunteers, force a passage of the river at that point, seize the enemy's rifle-pits on the opposite bank of the river, and hold the brick house on the right, to cover the construction of a bridge and the passage of the troops.
The command was in motion about 11 p.m., and advanced under the cover of the night near to the bank of the river, but was delayed by the tardiness of the pontoon train until daylight, when the enemy discovered our position, and opened a sharp fire of musketry upon the train, which was abandoned in a great measure by the men in charge and the boats left lying along the bank and some of them in the water. I then received orders to advance my command under cover of a stone wall to the river bank and reply to the fire of the enemy, which was done, but with little effect. After maintaining this position for two hours, I withdrew my command under shelter of a ridge a few yards to the rear of, and parallel with, the stream.
About 9 a. m., April 29, I received orders to cross the river and execute the movement previously arranged for the night attack. My command advanced to this perilous duty without faltering, and, under cover of the fire of the Second and Seventh Wisconsin and Nineteenth Indiana Volunteers, and the skirmishers of the Fourteenth Brooklyn, moved by the right of companies down the bank and crossed the river. During the whole time the enemy were within easy range, and, protected by trees and rifle-pits, kept up a constant fire, but fortunately did us comparatively little damage by reason of the incessant fire kept up by the regiments and skirmishers before named. One boat, loaded with men from the Twenty-fourth Michigan, crossed at the same time with my command, followed by the regiment so soon as facilities for crossing could be procured.
Without discredit to any regiment, I have the honor to report, without the fear of contradiction, that the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers first scaled the bank and their colors first caught the breeze on the southern bank of the Rappahannock on the morning of April 29.
Quite a number of prisoners were captured along the bank and in the rifle-pits and sent to the opposite shore. I then advanced upon and took the brick house on my right, threw out my skirmishers and pickets, and held the position until relieved by the Second Brigade, Gen. Cutler commanding, when I rejoined my brigade, on the left of the line, where I remained, in connection with the other regiments of the brigade, entrenching and strengthening the position against attack, until the morning of May 2, when the position was evacuated and the river recrossed.
During the whole period of our presence on the south side of the river, the enemy annoyed us at intervals with his artillery, but did little injury.
The conduct of every officers and man in my command was splendid. Individual cases cannot be noticed where all did so well, without in a degree reflecting upon others, and for this reason I forbear.
My loss was 3 enlisted men killed and 1 officer and 12 enlisted men wounded.
May 2.--Having recrossed the river we moved to the United States Ford, and on the morning of the 3d crossed the river and moved up to the Ely's Ford road, where we went into position and remained until the morning of May 6, when we recrossed the river in safety, having had no casualty in the regiment. The weather was inclement a portion of the time that we were in position on the Ely's Ford road, but the men bore the storm and fatigue of the march without a murmur. A disposition to engage and beat the enemy so occupied their minds that no other feeling had an opportunity to obtain a foothold. I commend them to you as brave and fearless in action, patient and enduring under hardship, men who may have equals, but do not admit superiority.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDW'D S. BRAGG,
Col., Cmdg. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. J. D. WOOD,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Fourth Brigade.
Source: Official Reports Series I. Vol. 25. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 39.]
Gettysburg after battle report:
Reports of Lieut. Col. Rufus R. Dawes, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry.
Hdqrs. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, July 17, 1863.
Capt.: I have the honor to report as follows of the operations of the regiment under my command during the action of July 1, near Gettysburg, Pa.:
On the morning of July 1, as the brigade moved forward, in support of the Second Brigade of this division, to engage the enemy, I received an order to move my command forward rapidly and form it on the left of the line of the brigade. Without checking from a double-quick, the regiment formed into line, the men loading as they marched, and moved forward rapidly and steadily toward the position assigned.
Before reaching my position in the line of battle, I was ordered to halt, and hold my men in reserve. At this juncture, the brigade guard (2 officers and 100 men, under command of First Lieut. Lloyd G. Harris, of the Sixth Wisconsin), by direction of Gen. Solomon Meredith, reported to me for duty in the impending battle. I divided the guard into two companies, placing the first on the right flank of the regiment, under command of Second Lieut. Levi Showalter, of the Second Wisconsin; the second on the left, under command of Lieut. Harris. I now received a second order to advance, which I was proceeding to execute when, by command of Maj. Gen. A. Doubleday, commanding the corps, the regiment was again halted (my left resting on the Fairfield road), and detached from the brigade as a general reserve to the line of the division, now hotly engaged throughout. In a very few moments I received an order from Maj.-Gen. Doubleday to move at once to the support of the right of the line of the division (Seventy-sixth New York, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, and One hundred and forty-seventh New York), which was being forced back and outflanked by the enemy. I marched by the right flank double-quick toward the point indicated. Before reaching a position where I could be of service, the enemy had succeeded in turning the flank, and, flushed with victory, was pressing rapidly in pursuit of our retreating line, threatening the rear of the First Brigade (Meredith's Iron Brigade), engaged in the woods on the left. I filed to the right and rear, to throw my line in front of the enemy, and moved by the left flank forward in line of battle upon his advancing line. My men kept up a steady double-quick, never faltering or breaking under the fire, which had become very galling. When my line had reached a fence on the Chambersburg turnpike, about 40 rods from the line of the enemy, I ordered a fire by file. This checked the advance of the rebels, who took refuge in a railroad cut (an unfinished railroad cut through the ridge west of the seminary), from which they opened a murderous fire upon us. I immediately ordered the men over the fence, with a view to charging the cut. The Ninety-fifth New York and Fourteenth Brooklyn here joined on my left.
My men continued firing and advancing steadily. I ran to Maj. Pye, of the Ninety-fifth New York Volunteers, commanding, as I supposed, the line on my left, and, requesting him to move forward with me, immediately gave the order to charge. The men of the whole line moved forward upon a double-quick, well closed, in face of a terribly destructive fire from the enemy. When our line reached the edge of the cut, the rebels began throwing down their arms in token of surrender.
Adjt. Ed. P. Brooks, with promptness and foresight, moved a detachment of 20 men in position to enfilade the cut from the right, when the entire regiment in my front, after some murderous skirmishing by the more desperate, threw down their arms.
Maj. John A. Blair, commanding the regiment (Second Mississippi Volunteers), upon my demand, surrendered his sword and regiment to me. I directed him to have his men fall in without arms, and move to the rear, in charge of Maj. John F. Hauser, of this regiment. Maj. Hauser informs me that by direction of Gen. James S. Wadsworth, commanding division, he placed in charge of a cavalry guard 7 officers and about 225 men. The battle-flag of the regiment was captured before the surrender by Corpl. F. Asbury Waller, of Company I,* and has been forwarded, in obedience to orders, to army headquarters.
*A medal of honor was awarded to Corporal Waller for this service:After this capture of prisoners, by direction of Gen. Wadsworth, I took position in a piece of woods on the right of the railroad cut near the seminary, where I remained about thirty minutes and reorganized my shattered regiment. I was then ordered forward to occupy the next crest in front, in support of a battery on the left of the cut I had previously charged. The enemy opened fire on my advancing line from a battery of six guns, killing and wounding several men. I took possession of the crest, where I remained until the battery had retired and the enemy had pressed back our line on my right and left, when I moved back under cover of the railroad cut, and, by direction of Gen. Wadsworth, took position again in the wood, in support of four pieces of Stewart's battery (B, Fourth U. S. Artillery), where I remained until ordered by Gen. Wadsworth to retire in good order beyond this city (Gettysburg). Faced by the rear rank, and moved (my right near railroad embankment) steadily back in line of battle over the open field to the city, almost directly toward the lines of the enemy, who had completely out flanked us on the Eleventh Corps front, and already gained posses sion of a portion of the city. There was much confusion; the streets were crowded with retiring troops, batteries, and ambulance trains. The men were almost prostrated with over-exertion and heat. The rebel sharpshooters (Ewell's troops) occupied the streets on our left, and their lines of battle almost completely encircled the city; but by great exertion on the part of the officers the regiment preserved its integrity, and the men, assembling around their colors, gave in the streets hearty cheers for the old Sixth and the good cause. I moved to Cemetery Hill, and by direction of Gen. Wadsworth, in open field on Culp's Hill, reported for duty to Col. W. W. Robinson, now commanding the brigade.
WALLER, FRANCIS ASBBURY
Rank and organization: Corporal, Company I, 6th Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: At Gettysburg, Pa., 1 July 1863. Entered service at: DeSoto, Vernon County, Wis. Birth: Gurney, Ohio. Date of issue: 1 December 1864. Citation: Capture of flag of 2d Mississippi Infantry (C.S.A.).
The loss sustained by my command in this charge was not less than 160 men killed or wounded.
The loss of the regiment on July 1 was: Officers, 2 killed and 5 wounded; enlisted men, 27 killed, 106 wounded, and 24 missing.
The loss sustained by the brigade guard in the charge upon the railroad cut I cannot give. Both officers commanding, Lieut.'s Harris and Showalter, were disabled by wounds received in the charge.
I can only say that the men of the Sixth most nobly sustained their history in this desperate struggle.
Capt. John Ticknor, of Company K, was instantly killed while cheering his men on to the charge. This officer rose from the ranks, winning his captaincy for coolness and efficiency in command of skirmishers at South Mountain, and was distinguished for bravery upon every battle-field of the regiment. A good officer, a brave man, a genial, whole-souled companion, Ticknor will be sadly missed from our circle.
Second Lieut. Orrin D. Chapman was also killed at the railroad cut. He was in command of Company C. He had but lately been commissioned. He was always a faithful, obedient soldier, and as an officer brave and efficient.
The officers, without exception, behaved, as on many battle-fields before, with devoted courage, each holding his own life and safety of less account than the good conduct of his men and regiment.
To Maj. Hauser and Adjutant Brooks I am much indebted for assistance in maneuvering the regiment throughout the battle. I cannot speak too highly of the bravery and efficiency in action of each of these officers.
Without reflection upon other officers of the line, I feel it due to their conspicuous bravery and good conduct that I should mention Capt. Rollin P. Converse and Lieut. Charles P. Hyatt, of Company B, and Lieut. Goltermann, of Company F. Capt. Converse commanded the party who brought safely from the field and saved from capture the gun of the Second Maine Battery that had been abandoned to the enemy. We recaptured this piece in a charge at the railroad cut.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. R. DAWES,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. J. D. Wood,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brig., First Div., First Corps.
Hdqrs. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, July 4, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to report that the accompanying battle-flag of the Second Mississippi Volunteers was captured by the regiment under my command under the following circumstances:
Shortly after the opening of the action on the morning of July 1, the regiment was, by command of Maj.-Gen. Doubleday, detached from the brigade, and ordered to the support of the right of the line of the division, which was being forced back and outflanked by the enemy. I moved as rapidly as possible on the advancing lines of the enemy, joining with the Ninety-fifth New York and Fourteenth Brooklyn on my left. A brisk fire was opened throughout the line, which soon checked the enemy and forced him to take refuge in a railroad cut. I ordered a charge upon the cut. The men moved forward, well closed and upon a run. When our line reached the edge of the cut, the rebels ceased firing and threw down their arms. At my demand, Maj. [J. A.] Blair, commanding the regiment in my front, the Second Mississippi, surrendered his sword and regiment.
The battle-flag was taken before the surrender by Corpl. F. Asbury Waller, of Company I, and sent to the rear in charge of Sergt. William Evans, of Company H, who was badly wounded. The sergeant was taken prisoner by the enemy and held for two days in Gettysburg; but with the assistance of some ladies of the city, whose names I have not learned, he successfully concealed the colors, and, finally, when the enemy retired, brought it safely to the regiment.
R. R. DAWES,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers.
Capt. T. E. Ellsworth,
Actg. Asst. Adjutant-Gen., First Division, First Corps.
Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part I. Reports. Serial No. 43
Reports of Lieut. Col. Rufus R. Dawes, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations May 7-25.
HDQRS. SIXTH WISCONSIN VETERAN VOLUNTEERS, Before Petersburg, August 7, 1864.
CAPT.: In compliance with special orders from headquarters Army of the Potomac, I have the honor to submit the following reports of the part taken by my command in the several operations of the campaign from Spotsylvania Court-House to the assault upon the enemy's works before Petersburg, July 30.
On the 7th of May, 1864, by the assignment of Col. Bragg to command of the Third Brigade of this division, I succeeded to command of this regiment, then in presence of the enemy near the Wilderness Tavern. About 8 p. m. of that day the movement of the corps toward Spotsylvania commenced. Taxed by the exertion of two days' battle, the march, continued throughout the entire night, was very trying upon the strength and energies of the men. It gives me great satisfaction to say that when, on the morning of the 8th, the brigade was placed in order of attack, the ranks of my regiment were full. About 10 a. m. of the 8th the brigade moved forward to assault the enemy in position at Laurel Hill, near Spotsylvania Court-House. This regiment was assigned to position in the second line, but as the lines moved forward, in obedience to instructions from Col. W. W. Robinson, commanding brigade, I placed my regiment on the right of the front line. When I reached this position the brigade halted, and, in compliance with orders, I advanced my regiment a few rods with the right retired, in order to protect our right flank. The officer in command of the skirmishers immediately reported to me that the enemy had driven in his line and was advancing in two lines of battle. I threw out a few skirmishers to guard the right and notify me of any movement in that direction, and ordered the regiment to kneel and fire by file upon the enemy as soon as they appeared through the woods and tangled brush. A brisk fire was immediately opened, which checked any farther advance of the enemy, who laid down in a ravine in my front and replied by scattering shots to our fire. My skirmishers on the right were driven in, and reported the enemy moving without opposition around our right. The line on my left retreated in confusion before the pressure in their front. I endeavored to preserve the integrity of my command by retiring slowly through the woods, but outflanked both ways and pressed by the enemy from all sides, the line broke in disorder. By great exertion on part of many officers of the brigade, a line was reformed about 40 rods in rear, when, for about an hour, there was heavy skirmishing with the enemy. Upon this line the brigade was subsequently reorganized and intrenched. The loss of my regiment in this affair I have no means now of accurately stating. Lieut. Howard F. Pruyn, disdaining to run when the line broke, was instantly killed while moving leisurely to the rear and striving to rally his men. This officer was promoted from the ranks for conspicuous good conduct upon the battle-field, and participating in every engagement in which his regiment has taken part, he uniformly distinguished himself for efficiency and devoted bravery.
Corpl. John P. Hart, of Company E, a brave and faithful soldier, and a young man of more than ordinary promise, was also killed.
I deem the strenuous efforts of Capt. William N. Remington to rally the men upon this occasion worthy of special and honorable mention. During the remainder of this day and the 9th the position of the regiment was unchanged from the front intrenched by it. There was continual skirmishing, taken part in by details from the regiment. On the evening of the 9th an effort was made to drive back the enemy's skirmishers, when a spirited engagement ensued. The re-enforcement to the skirmish detail was composed entirely of volunteers, about 30 men, whose gallantry is worthy of mention. Lieut. William Goltermann, Company F, and Sergt. George Fairfield, of Company C, were in charge of the party.
At 12.30 p. m. the 10th brigade moved forward in one line to attack the enemy in his intrenched position, my regiment one from the left. The ground over which we advanced was covered with timber and underbrush. The line on the left approached very near the enemy's works without becoming aware of their proximity, and suddenly and unexpectedly, while tangled in the brush, received a terribly destructive enfilading fire. Temporary confusion ensued, but falling back a few rods to cover of a ravine the men reformed promptly, and I moved my regiment under crest of a hill to a position within 200 yards of the enemy's works. Remained here until directed to move back to our old position at 4 p. m. The loss of the regiment was quite severe. Capt. Remington and Lieut. Timmons were wounded in the assault, and Lieut. Oscar Graetz was killed as the line was falling back. The conduct of officers and men under the trying circumstances to which they were subjected was worthy of fall commendation. On the evening of the 10th a column of attack was formed, but no assault made on our front. Nothing worthy of particular mention occurred on the 11th. At 8.30 a. m. on the 12th the brigade moved forward to attack the enemy, Col. Bragg's brigade in support. The brigade moved to a breast-work a few hundred yards from the enemy's works, occupied by troops of Gen. Crawford's division, where it was halted for half an hour, and the men laid down. At the end of that time I received instruction from the brigade commander that the line would move forward over the breast-works and assault at once. Moving guide left, I ordered ''Forward, guide left,'' with holding the command of execution for the line on the left to show sign of moving. After a lapse of ten minutes Lieut. Hyatt, acting aide on the staff of Col. Robinson, communicated the following order: ''Col. Bragg directs that the Sixth Wisconsin move forward.'' I immediately ordered the regiment forward. The men sprang over the breastworks with great alacrity, closely followed by Col. Bragg's line and a few of Gen. Crawford's men, and continued advancing under a heavy and destructive fire for several rods, when, finding no line on my right or left so far as I could see through the timber, such men as were in front of the works having thrown themselves upon the ground and commenced firing, I ordered my line to halt and open fire until the right and left should move to our support. After a few minutes of rapid firing, suffering meanwhile severe loss, convinced of the futility of striving without support to advance through the abatis of sharpened stakes in our front, while to remain longer was wanton sacrifice of life, I ordered my men back behind the breast-works and at once reported the fact to Col. Robinson, commanding brigade. The fire from the enemy was unusually fatal, a large proportion of the wounds proving mortal.
I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of officers and men. They advanced to the assault readily and earnestly, and stood up to their duty with heroic tenacity when it became evident that their efforts could not achieve success. There was no disorganization nor demoralization in falling back, under fire, to the breast-works. Several of my best and truest men were killed. On the afternoon of the 12th the brigade moved 4 miles to the left and went into position in support of troops of the Sixth Corps, fighting to hold the works captured by Gen. Hancock. Here we were subjected to a scattering fire, which inflicted a loss of several men in the regiment. Toward evening moved back 2 miles toward the right, and while the balance of the brigade threw up works I held my regiment in readiness for picket. Orders for picket were shortly countermanded, and in the midst of darkness and a driving rain-storm I proceeded to construct a breast-work, when we were again ordered back to our position in rear of the troops engaged. My regiment was sent forward to relieve the Seventh Wisconsin, firing upon the enemy's works, and in compliance with instructions, I kept up fire during the entire night. The mud was near 6 inches deep, the night dark and stormy, and the hardship of this service to men exhausted by the battle, marching, and work of the day before, can scarcely be appreciated.
On the morning of the 13th I was relieved by troops of the Sixth Corps, but the division had moved. Allowing my men, absolutely prostrated with overexertion, a few hours for rest and sleep, I rejoined the brigade near the old position in front of Laurel Hill. During the night of the 13th the brigade marched 6 miles to the left, and went into position in front of Spotsylvania Court-House, where this regiment took part in no active operations. These operations were most exhaustive to the energies of the men, and perhaps most trying to their morale of anything in the experience of the oldest in service, but the hardships and dangers were undergone with fortitude, and the men were always ready to put forth their best efforts in the most perilous undertaking. The aggregate casualties in my command from the 8th to the 13th of May were 10 killed, 69 wounded, 4 missing.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. R. DAWES,
Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Regt.
Capt. J. D. WOOD,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
HDQRS. SIXTH WISCONSIN VETERAN VOLUNTEERS, Near Petersburg, Va., August 8, 1864.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of operations of my command during the time designated as the ''third epoch'' of the campaign from the Wilderness to before Petersburg.
At 1 p. m. May 21 the brigade was withdrawn from the intrenched position before the enemy at Spotsylvania Court-House. The corps encamped that night near Guiney's Station, and at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 22d the brigade moved 4 miles in advanced and intrenched a line in front of the Po River near Thornburg. The enemy's column passed down the Telegraph road in our front during the forenoon, making no demonstrations. At 1 p. m. we moved with the corps in pursuit of the retreating rebel army, crossed the North Anna River at Jericho Ford at 5 p. m. of the 23d, and the division was massed on the south bank. About 6 in the evening the enemy's skirmishers appeared on our right, when the brigade moved rapidly forward, my regiment on the left, to form on the right of the First Division of this corps, already in position in the woods in our front. In compliance with direction of Col. Robinson, commanding brigade, I placed my regiment in position on the right of a breast-work occupied by troops of the First Division, and upon prolongation of their alignment. I experienced much difficulty owing to thick and tangled brush. I immediately threw forward skirmishers to cover my front. In a few moments I heard sharp musketry, and the peculiar cheer of a charging column of the enemy on my right. My skirmishers also commenced firing and falling back. When my front was cleared, I ordered the regiment to kneel and fire right oblique through the bushes in direction of the cheering. Along the whole front of the line on my left a tremendous fire was opened; not returned by the enemy, so far as I could discover. The firing slacking on my right, I directed Adjutant Brooks to ascertain the cause. He reported our line on the right retreating before the enemy, and at the same [time] we received an enfilading fire from that direction. I ordered a partial change of front to the rear on eighth company, which was executed in the brush and under fire with regularity and success. Finding the enemy in rear of my right, I changed front again so as to throw my line at right angles to the front of the First Division. The line on my left now abandoned their breast-works and fell back in great disorder, running through my ranks and breaking the regiment. My men, however, rallied promptly around their color, and reforming, I moved to the right in the open field and formed near Capt. Mink's battery, where I continued firing upon the enemy so long as they remained in our front. Here Capt. Orr, with a portion of the Nineteenth Indiana, and Capt. Shipman, with the battalion of sharpshooters, reported for duty to me, and joining on my right performed gallant service so long as the necessity existed. Being separated from the brigade, I was directed by Gen. Cutler, commanding division, to report to Col. Hofmann, commanding Second Brigade, with my command. After dark the line was advanced several hundred yards and intrenched, my men working during almost the entire night upon the breast-works.
Throughout this affair the conduct of officers and men, with small exception, was admirable. Lieut. John Beely was twice wounded. The gallantry of Lieut. Beely throughout the campaign was conspicuous, but upon this occasion I esteem his conduct in remaining upon the field after being seriously wounded until struck down by a second bullet, which penetrated his lungs, worthy of especial commendation. Corpl. William Hickok, of Company C, was killed. No braver soldier nor more worthy young man has given life in this struggle. On the 25th of May moved down the river 2 miles, and went into position in front of the enemy's works, where heavy skirmishing took place, in which my regiment took no active part. The casualties during these operations were 2 killed, 11 wounded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. R. DAWES,
Lieut. Col., Cmdg. Sixth Wisconsin Veteran Vols.
Capt. J. D. WOOD,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 618-67 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. XLVIII.
[Series I. Vol. 36. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 67.]
Battles (where losses incurred) involving 6th Infantry Regiment
Location | Date | Killed | Wounded | POW | Missing | Losses |
2nd Bull Run, VA | 08/29/62 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
Antietam, MD | 09/17/62 | 29 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 129 |
Chancellorsville, VA | 05/03/63 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Chantilly, VA | 09/01/62 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
Cold Harbor, VA | 06/01/64 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Fitzhugh Crossing, VA | 04/29/63 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Five Forks, VA | 03/31/65 | 2 | 42 | 5 | 2 | 51 |
Fredericksburg, VA | 12/13/62 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Gainesville, VA | 08/28/62 | 9 | 71 | 5 | 0 | 85 |
Gettysburg, PA | 07/01/63 | 30 | 111 | 16 | 1 | 158 |
Gravelly Run, VA | 03/29/65 | 5 | 20 | 9 | 0 | 34 |
Hatcher's Run, VA | 02/05/65 | 9 | 70 | 3 | 0 | 82 |
Laurel Hill, VA | 05/08/64 | 6 | 41 | 0 | 1 | 48 |
Mine Run, VA | 11/26/63 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
North Anna River, VA | 05/23/64 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
Petersburg, VA | 06/22/64 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Petersburg, VA | 06/18/64 | 7 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
Petersburg, VA | 07/30/64 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
South Mountain, MD | 09/14/62 | 12 | 51 | 0 | 0 | 63 |
Spotsylvania Court House, VA | 05/10/64 | 7 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
Weldon Railroad, VA | 08/18/64 | 7 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 21 |
Wilderness, VA | 05/05/64 | 7 | 32 | 10 | 0 | 49 |
Yellow House, VA | 08/19/64 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Brigade, Division, Corps, and Army assignments for 6th Infantry Regiment
From | To | Brigade | Division | Corps | Army/Department | Comments |
10/03/61 | 03/13/62 | 3 | McDowell's | Army of Potomac | New Organization | |
03/13/62 | 04/04/62 | 3 | 3 | 1 | Army of Potomac | |
04/04/62 | 06/26/62 | 3 | King's | Department of Rappahannock | ||
06/26/62 | 09/12/62 | 4 | 1 | 3 | Army of Virginia | |
09/12/62 | 06/16/63 | 4 | 1 | 1 | Army of Potomac | |
06/16/63 | 03/24/64 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Army of Potomac | |
03/24/64 | 08/31/64 | 1 | 4 | 5 | Army of Potomac | |
09/01/64 | 07/02/65 | 1 | 3 | 5 | Army of Potomac | Mustered Out |
Roster for 6th Infantry Regiment - 2,023 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
| Abbey - Church | Cisco - Francis |
| Frank - Jerris | Jesse - McDougal |
| McEwen - Reed | Reeve - Thomas |
| Thompson - Zwenick | |
Francis Asbury Waller
- Medal of Honor was awarded Dec. 21, 1864: citation: Rank and organization: Corporal, Company I, 6th Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: At Gettysburg, Pa., 1 July 1863. Entered service at: DeSoto, Vernon County, Wis. Birth: Gurney, Ohio. Date of issue: 1 December 1864. Citation: Capture of flag of 2d Mississippi Infantry (C.S.A.) at Gettysburg. The loss sustained by my command in this charge was not less than 160 men killed or wounded.
Read what was written to Headquarters about him how he won the Medal of Honor here.
Enlistment:
- Residing in DeSoto, WI at time of enlistment
- Enlisted on July 16, 1861
Mustering information:
- Enlisted into I Company, 6th Infantry (Wisconsin) on July 16, 1861
- Promotions: Vet., Corp., Sergt., 1st Sergt., 2nd Lieut., 1st Lieut.
- Mustered out from 6th Infantry (Wisconsin) on Jul 14, 1865
Sources for the above information:
- Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers: War of the Rebellion, (1886)
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