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5th
Wisconsin Infantry
| Regimental History |
| Fifth Infantry. — Cols., Amasa Cobb, Thomas S. Allen; Lieut. -Cols.,
Harvey W. Emery, Theodore B. Catlin, James M. Bull; Majs., Charles H. Larrabee, William F.
Behrens, Horace M. Wheeler, Enoch Totten, Charles W. Kempf. This regiment was organized in
June, 1861, with a numerical strength of 1,057. It was mustered in July 13 and left the
state on the 24th, being assigned to Gen. King's brigade. In September it was made a part
of Hancock's brigade, 2nd division, 6th corps, with which it took a conspicuous part in
the battle of Williamsburg and the Peninsular campaign. It was in reserve at Crampton's
gap, but fought at Antietam, where Col. Cobb commanded the brigade. At Fredericksburg it
was in Pratt's brigade, Howe's division, 6th corps. It was on duty in New York in Oct.,
1863, during the enforcement of the draft; was one of the two regiments to carry the main
fort and redoubts at Rappahannock Station; took part in the battle of Chancellorsville,
and was engaged at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. It was then
sent to assist in the defense of Washington and was mustered out Aug. 3, 1864. An
independent battalion consisting of three companies, was formed July 13, 1864, by
reenlisted veterans and recruits, under command of Capt. Chas. W. Kempf, and accompanied
the 6th corps to the Shenandoah Valley, being in engagements at Snicker's gap, Charlestown
and Cedar creek. The regiment was reorganized by Col. Thomas S. Allen, was mustered in
Oct. 1, 1864, and joined the three veteran companies at Winchester on the 26th. It
participated in the three days' engagement at Hatcher's run, in the relief of Fort Stedman
and in the final assault on Petersburg, and won warm encomiums for its work at Sailor's
creek, where it advanced through a swamp, waist deep, in the face of a galling fire and
compelled the enemy to surrender. The regiment was with the 6th corps in the pursuit of
Gen. Lee which resulted in his surrender at Appomattox. It was mustered out at Madison,
Wis., July 11, 1865. The total enrollment during service was 2,256. Losses by death 285,
missing 4, desertion 105, transfer 33, discharged 405; mustered out 1,424. |
Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 4
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