Historical notes and Reports:
Twenty-fourth Infantry
WISCONSIN
(3-YEARS)
Twenty-fourth Infantry. -- Cols., Charles H. Larrabee, Theodore S. West, Arthur McArthur, Jr.; Lieut.-Cols.,
Herman L. Page Edwin L Buttrick, Elisha C. Hibbard, Theodore S. West, Arthur McArthur, Jr., Majs. Elisha C. Hibbard,
Carl Von Baumbach, Arthur McArthur, Jr., Alva Philbrook, William Kennedy.
This regiment, known as the ''Milwaukee Regiment,'' was organized at Camp Sigel, Milwaukee, and was mustered
in at various dates from Aug. 15 to 21, 1862. It left the state Sept. 5, and reached Covington, Ky., on the 11th,
whence it was sent to Louisville and assigned to the 37th brigade, 11th division.
It was first in action at the battle of Perryville, and of its conduct the brigade commander said: ''The 24th
Wis. went forward with cheers and soon engaged the enemy's right, pouring in and keeping up a cross-fire which
made sad havoc among them. This was the first brigade to break. * * * Both officers and men behaved with coolness
and deliberation, marching to the front with the steadiness of veterans.''
The regiment proceeded to Crab Orchard and Bowling Green, reached Edgefield, near Nashville, on Nov. 8, and
moved to Mill creek on the 22nd. It was engaged in the battle of Stone's River, losing 175 in killed, wounded and
prisoners, after which it encamped at Murfreesboro until June.
In July and August it marched to Cowan, Tenn., and Bridgeport, Ala.; participated in the battle of Chickamauga,
sustaining a loss of 105 in killed, wounded and missing; took an important part in the storming of Missionary Ridge,
making the ascent under a heavy fire and carrying the enemy's position on the crest of the ridge, assisted in raising
the siege of Knoxville, Tenn., and was then on guard duty until Jan. 15, 1864.
On the following day it dislodged the enemy from a piece of woods near Dandridge, and was then assigned to duty
at division headquarters until May, when it joined the Atlanta movement.
On this campaign it was in action at Resaca and near Adairsville; was under fire at Dallas for 11 days; took
part in the operations in front of Kennesaw Mountain; fought at Peachtree Creek, and was then on railroad, guard
and garrison duty until Nov. 1.
It was with Gen. Thomas through Tennessee and Alabama during the fall, fought valiantly at Franklin one of the
severest battles in which the regiment had been engaged and Gen. Stanley said: ''I will not absolutely say the
24th Wis. saved the battle of Franklin, but they had a great deal to do with saving it.''
It participated in the battle at Nashville in December and spent the remainder of the winter at Huntsville,
Ala. It was mustered out at Nashville June 10, 1865.
Its original strength was 1,003. Gain by recruits, 74; total, 1,077. Loss by death, 173; desertion, 71; transfer,
138; discharge, 289; mustered out,406.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 60
Chickamagua after battle report:
Report of Maj. Carl von Baumback, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry.
HDQRS. 24TH REGT. WISCONSIN VOL. INFANTRY
GEN.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the late engagements,
September 19 and 20, before Chattanooga, viz:
On the morning of the 19th instant the regiment marched from camp near Pond Spring at 11 a. m., under the command
of Lieut.
Col. T. S. West, to a short distance beyond Gordon's Mills, where it was formed in line on the right of the
Chattanooga road, fronting the Chickamauga Creek, the right resting on the barricades built by Gen. Wood's division
the previous night, our regiment and the Thirty-sixth Illinois forming the first line, and the Eighty-eighth Illinois
and the Twenty-first Michigan the second line.
In accordance with orders from Brig.-Gen. Lytle, we here sent 1 commissioned officer and 10 men to deploy as
skirmishers along the edge of the creek to watch the movements of the enemy. We had not remained long in this position
before the enemy opened on us with one piece of artillery, but which fortunately did us no harm. We remained in
this position until shortly after dark, when we received orders from Gen. Lytle to move abut 200 paces to the rear
in the edge of a piece of timber, where we bivouacked for the night.
At 3 a. m. on the morning of the 20th the regiment assembled under arms, and shortly after were marched directly
in the rear of the Eleventh Indiana Battery down the Chattanooga road to Lee's Hill, where we formed in line to
the right and rear of Widow Crane's house (Gen. Rosecrans' former headquarters), the Eighty-eighth Illinois and
the Twenty-first Michigan forming the first line, and the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin and Thirty-sixth Illinois the
second line. We remained in this position until half past 10 a. m., when we were moved about one-fourth of a mile
farther down the Chattanooga road at a double-quick, where we formed line on the right of the road facing the Chickamauga
Creek, under a terrific fire from the enemy, our right resting on the Twenty-first Michigan and our left on the
Thirty-sixth Illinois; here we fought the enemy for nearly half an hour, driving him entirely from our front.
We here lost our brave and gallant Brig. Gen. W. H. Lytle, who was shot down while in the rear of the center
of our regiment encouraging the men. About that time the enemy moved a heavy column upon our left flank, and the
regiment on our left having given way, we were exposed to a severe enfilading fire. Our two left companies were
swung to the rear and poured an effective fire into their ranks, but they still moving up in overwhelming numbers
we were at last forced to give way. We retreated in some disorder, but quickly reformed on a hill some 400 yards
to our rear. Our brave and gallant young commander, Lieut. Col. T. S. West, being among the missing, I here assumed
command, and in accordance with orders received from Col. S. Miller, I moved my regiment with the rest of the brigade
down the Chattanooga and La Fayette road, and thence up the Chattanooga and Ringgold road about 5 miles, where
we halted for a short time, and then marched back to Rossville, where we bivouacked for the night.
On the morning of the 21st, in obedience to orders, I marched my regiment to the front and took my position
in line. We her threw up some breastworks and occupied them until about 1 a. m. of the 22d, when I marched with
the rest of the brigade to sour present position near Chattanooga.
I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both officers and men; they advanced and formed into line under
a terrific fire from the enemy with a coolness and celerity that was most admirable, and when driven from their
position by overwhelming numbers quickly reformed and were as eager as ever to be led on again.
Where all did so well it is hard to discriminate, but I would make especial mention of Lieut. Thomas E. Balding,
acting adjutant, for his gallant conduct and efficient aid as acting field officer after I assumed command. I would
also tender my thanks to Surg. H. E. Hasse for his care and attention to the wounded men.
Inclosing a list of the casualties, and tendering in behalf of the officers of the regiment my thank to Col.
S. Miller for his untiring exertions for our welfare and comfort, I have the honor to be, general, your most obedient
servant,
CARL VON BAUMBACH
Maj., Comdg. Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteers.
August GAYLORD,
Adjutant-Gen., State of Wisconsin.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XLII.] THE CHICKAMAUGA CAMPAIGN. PAGE 586-50
[Series I. Vol. 30. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 50.]
Report of Maj. Carl von Baumbach, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry.
HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Chattanooga, November 27, 1863.
LIEUT.; In compliance with orders, I have the honor to submit the following report as to the part my regiment
took in the late campaign:
My command moved from camp at 2 p.m. on Monday, the 23d instant, and took position in line of battle on the
left of the Dalton road. I remained in this position until about half past 2 o'clock the next (Tuesday) morning,
when I moved my command, by order of Col. Miller, by the left flank, and took position about half a mile from my
original one. I remained in this position until half past 11 o'clock Wednesday morning. From here we moved by the
right flank a distance of about one-quarter of a mile to the left and rear of our first position. We remained in
this position about two hours and a half. We then advanced by the right flank directly to the front a distance
of quarter a mile. We then formed line of battle immediately on the left of the Eighty-eighth Illinois Volunteers,
remained in this position about one hour and a half, at the expiration of which time I received orders to advance.
We advanced a short distance at the common step, when the command was given to move at double-quick. My regiment
advanced in admirable line of battle up to the first pits of the enemy. Upon reaching the first line the men were
pretty much exhausted, and unable to move for some time. In about five minutes, however, we moved over the first
pits of the enemy, but after advancing beyond the first line, the line of battle was not regular. The men took
advantage of all obstacles in the way for shelter, and thus advanced steadily toward the top of the ridge. The
fighting fierce and severe, but owing to the formation of the ground my men were able to screen themselves partially
from the deadly volleys were being hurled at us at every step of our advance. In the course of the ascent my men
had to rest several times on account of exhaustion. But at length we succeeded in gaining the crest of the ridge,
after two hours' steady fighting.
My regiment remained on the top of the ridge for about four hours, when my men were provided with rations. We
then moved down the opposite side of the ridge in a southerly direction, halted about 2 1/2 miles from our position
on the top of the ridge, remained in this position all night and until about 10 o'clock Thursday, morning, when
we moved forward toward Chickamauga Station, about 3 miles, where we halted and remained for some hours. From here
we moved back toward our old camp near Chattanooga, where we arrived at sundown.
During the engagement of Wednesday I have to lament the loss of the following officers: Capt. Howard Greene,
who was killed instantly while gallantly cheering on his men. Lieut. Robert J. Chivas was also instantly killed
cheering in the advancing lines. Capt. Richard H. Austin was quite severely wounded on the thigh and neck; never
lived a braver man than the captain. Lieut. Thomas E. Balding was wounded very severely in the right lung. I wish
especially to mention him for his gallantry on the field.
I take great pleasure in stating that all the officers and men did finely, and deserve a great deal of credit.
I would most respectfully mention Adjt. Arthur MacArthur, jr., for his bravery. When the color sergeant was
exhausted he carried the flag in front of the regiment, cheering the men to follow him up the ridge.
Accompanying you will find a list of casualties.
I am, respectfully, yours,
CARL VON BAUMBACH,
Maj., Cmdg. Regt.
Lieut. NIEMAN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brigade.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGA-RINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. PAGE 207-55
[Series I. Vol. 31. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 55.]
Report of Maj. Arthur MacArthur, jr., Twenty-Fourth Wisconsin Infantry.
HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH WISCONSIN VOL. INFTY., Near Atlanta, Ga., September 12, 1864.
LIEUT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the late campaign:
On the 3d of May, 1864, the regiment rejoined the brigade while on the march, having for the previous three
months been on duty at the headquarters Second Division. On the 9th we advanced and took position on Rocky Face
Ridge in front of Dalton; remained in this position with some slight changes until the morning of the 13th, when
it was ascertained that the enemy had evacuated their fortified position. We passed through Dalton and continued
the march in the direction of Resaca, near which place the enemy were developed on the 14th. About 2 p. m. advanced
with the brigade about 300 yards, when we debouched into an open field. Here we were exposed to galling fire of
both artillery and small-arms. Receiving no orders to halt, the regiment advanced at a double-quick step toward
a small elevation, behind which we took temporary shelter. After a short delay we advanced to the crest of the
elevation and engaged the enemy. In crossing the field before mentioned the regiment became detached from the brigade,
the balance of the brigade, with the exception of the Fifteenth Missouri and Thirty-sixth Illinois, not crossing
the field. After being engaged about two hours I went to the rear with the command to replenish ammunition, clean
guns, &c. Toward night I again took position, but was not engaged, night having temporarily put an end to the
fighting. About 2 a. m. on the morning of the 15th I was relieved from this position and retired about 200 yards,
where I remained until daylight. About 8 a. m. on the 15th I again engaged the enemy, but as we were behind works
not any one was injured. Toward noon I relieved some troops on the right of Battery M, First Illinois Light Artillery.
I retained this position until the next morning, when the fact was developed that the enemy had left our front.
During the engagement Lieut. Col. T. S. West was wounded. This devolved the command upon myself. The line of march
was immediately taken up In pursuit of the retiring enemy. Passing through Resaca, we camped on the night of the
16th near Calhoun, through which town we passed the next morning. Toward noon I relieved the Thirtieth Illinois
in support of the skirmish line. The skirmishers advanced without any aid from me of any moment until within a
few miles of Adairsville, Ga. Here the enemy displayed so strong a force that Col. Barrett, commanding the skirmish
line, requested me to deploy three companies on the right of the road to assist his line. In accordance with the
request, I deployed Companies A, F, and D, under command of Lieut. T. T. Keith. Shortly after Col. Barrett requested
me to bring the balance of my command to his assistance. I immediately deployed two more companies on the right
and the remaining four companies on the left of the road. The united efforts of the two regiments made no visible
impression on the enemy. Shortly after the entire brigade became engaged; the fighting was very severe and lasted
from about 3 p. m. until after dark. I have to lament in this engagement the loss of Lieut. Thomas T. Keith, killed,
and Lieut. George Allanson, severely wounded. The next morning the march was resumed, passing through Adairsville
in the direction of Kingston, where we arrived without any interruption of movement on the 19th of May. Remained
in camp near Kingston until the 23d of May, when the march was again resumed and continued without interruption
until arriving in the vicinity of Dallas on the 25th. On the night of the 25th got into position; in the morning
threw up works. Remained in this position eleven days all the time under fire, men being killed and wounded in
the most retired line of works. While in this position Lieut. George Coote was severely wounded.
From the position in front of Dallas we moved toward Acworth, near which place I remained until the 10th of
June. Nothing of moment occurred in my command until the 15th, on the night of which day we threw up works, which
were abandoned on the 16th, and a new line constructed in advance. On the morning of the 17th it was again ascertained
that the enemy had evacuated their position in our front. On the morning of the 18th advanced on the enemy by the
right of companies to the front. This was accomplished with a great deal of difficulty, as the rain was pouring
in torrents and the ground to be passed over almost impassable on account of mud; during the day threw up works
under fire. During the night the enemy again left their position; they were again developed near Kenesaw Mountain.
The next morning (20th) works were constructed which were a valuable protection in the afternoon. During the day
Capt. David Y Horning, Company E, was wounded. During the evening I was relieved from my position by a portion
of the Fourteenth Army Corps. From here I marched about one and a half miles toward the right. After getting into
position works were immediately constructed. On the morning of the 22d I was ordered with my command on the skirmish
line. In accordance with instructions from the division officer of the day, I advanced in conjunction with the
skirmishers of the Twentieth Army Corps. Owing to some misunderstanding the line connecting with my left did not
advance, thus exposing my left to a flank movement and my entire line to an enfilading fire. On this account I
was compelled to retire, leaving 2 of my dead in the enemy's skirmish works. In the afternoon I advanced again
and occupied successfully all the ground that was desired. I was relieved toward midnight, when I retired behind
the works, in which position I remained without anything of moment occurring until the morning of the 27th. In
accordance with directions, I formed my regiment on the First Division, right in front, and directly in the rear
of the Eighty-eighth Illinois. About 8.30 the formation was complete, and the advance ordered; the ground to be
passed over was covered with fallen timber, forming an almost impassable abatis; the men, however, advanced most
admirably. Having advanced three-fourths of the distance between our own and the enemy's works, I was ordered to
halt. The head of the column had reached the enemy's works and on account of our halting began to retire in some
confusion, this was communicated to some extent to the men that were somewhat retired, but was quickly quieted.
I remained in this position exposed to a most galling fire of artillery and infantry for half an hour, unable to
reply on account of the formation. After it had been sufficiently demonstrated that we could not occupy the enemy's
works, I was ordered to retire with my command. I marched my regiment back to the position occupied before the
assault. In this engagement I have to lament the loss temporarily of Adjutant Horace Buchanan, who was quite severely
wounded.
On the night of the 27th I was on picket, on which tour of duty I lost several men wounded.
I remained in the position behind the works until the 2d day of July, when I was relieved from my position and
ordered to a position about a mile to the left of my former one. On the morning of the 3d it was again found that
the enemy had left our front. The march was taken up and continued until about five miles south of Marietta, where
the enemy was found. This position was evacuated on the morning of the 5th of July. The line of march was immediately
taken up in pursuit, and on the night of the 5th we camped on the north bank of the Chattahoochee River. Remained
in this position with a slight change of camp until the 13th, on which day we crossed the Chattahoochee River and
went into camp, where we remained until the 18th. On the night of the 19th crossed Peach Tree Creek and took position
near there the battle was fought the next day. The engagement of the 20th was a very brilliant affair, the enemy
advancing on our works, which were very hastily constructed, and were each time repulsed and driven back in great
disorder. On the 21st I remained quiet all day, and on the 22d the enemy retired; we immediately pursued and got
into position in the vicinity of Atlanta. Threw up works; remained here with a slight change of position until
the 25th of August, on the night of which we retired from our position and marched toward the right; continued
the march without anything of any moment occurring until the 1st of September, when we struck the Macon railroad,
spent most of the day in destroying the road. Toward evening the firing on the right indicated that the enemy were
being engaged by some portion of our army. Took my position in line at double-quick and advanced by the right of
companies to the front. About 5.30 p. m. became engaged; moved across all open field in conjunction with the Forty-fourth
Illinois. In this affair I have to lament the loss of Lieut. Fred Schlenstedt, who was killed. On the morning of
the 2d we advanced without opposition until near Lovejoy's Station. At this place went into position and renamed
here until the night of the 5th, when we retired in the direction of Atlanta, which place we arrived at on the
8th, and went into our present camp.
I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both, officers and men throughout the long and tedious CampaIgn,
and I desire to make especial mention of Lieut. J. W. Clark, for his valuable assistance throughout the entire
campaign.
I remain, lieutenant, your most obedient servant,
ARTHUR MACARTHUR, JR.,
Maj., Comdg., Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteers.
[Lieut. N. P. JACKSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.)
Source: Official Records
PAGE 327-72 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L.
[Series I. Vol. 38. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 72.]
Nashville, TN after battle report:
No. 47.
Report of Capt. Edwin B. Parson, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations November 29-December 1, 1864.
HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, Nashville, December 4, 1864.
CAPT.: In obedience to orders from your headquarters this day I have the honor to make the following report
of the part taken by my regiment in the late battle at Franklin, and the movements from the 29th ultimo to the
1st instant, inclusive:
At 8 a. m., on the morning of the 29th ultimo, in obedience to orders, we broke camp in front of Columbia, and
marched left in front, following the Thirty-sixth Illinois; marching rapidly we arrived at Spring Hill about 11
a. m., moving trough the town at double-quick, and formed line of battle with the Thirty-sixth Illinois on our
right and the Forty-fourth Illinois on our left; advanced about 400 yards, halted and threw up a barricade of rails.
Arrived just in time to prevent the enemy's cavalry from entering the town. We remained in this position until
about 4.30 p. m., when we were ordered to the railroad station; we threw up a barricade and remained all night,
picketing our front and connecting with the pickets of the Forty-fourth Illinois on our right. On the morning of
the 30th, at 4 a. m., in obedience to orders, we marched to the right of the Franklin pike, where we formed in
line with One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio on our right and the Thirty-sixth Illinois on our left, acting as rear
guard. We marched in this manner until we arrived near Franklin, when, the skirmishers being withdraw from our
front, we were ordered to take position behind a stone wall on the left of pike and observe the movements of the
enemy. After remaining in this position three-quarters of an hour we were ordered to move by the flank again toward
the rear; moving a short distance the order was countermanded, and the regiment was deployed as skirmishers; remaining
in this position about half an hour we were ordered to move by the flank into Franklin, which we did, first deploying
three companies as skirmishers to cover the rear. Arriving near the works the regiment was relieved by a regiment
from the Second Brigade. We then marched in with the other regiments of the brigade, went 400 yards to the rear
of the works, where we stacked arms, and the men were allowed to rest and get their dinners, it being now about
2.30 p. m., having marched without breakfast. At about 4.30 p. m. the enemy attacked our lines furiously, and the
troops in the works in our front gave in confusion. We charged forward with fixed bayonets, driving many stragglers
back to the works and retaking a part of the lines, which had been momentarily held by the enemy. The fighting
at this point was for a time hand to hand, one of my sergeants receiving a severe wound in the head from a saber
in the hands of a rebel officer. The regiment remained behind the works keeping up a continual fire until about
11 p. m., when, Maj. MacArthur having been wounded and Capt. Philbrook, acting field officer, killed, I assumed
command of the regiment, and, in obedience to orders, formed it and marched back to town, when we remained about
half an hour, when I was ordered to follow the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio and form line a short distance
in rear of the works to support the line in case of necessity. We remained in this position about three-quarters
of an hour, when I was ordered to follow the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio across the river, marching all night
toward Nashville. Maj. MacArthur was severely wounded soon after the engagement commenced while gallantry leading
his regiment in the thickets of the fight, and Capt. Philbrook, than whom a braver officer never lived, was killed
near me while nobly performing his duty. I deeply regret we re obliged to leave his body in the hands of the enemy.
Our loss in enlisted men was killed, 16 wounded, and 3 missing.
Where all did so nobly 'tis impossible to note each individual case of gallantry without doing injustice to
others. For some seven hours the regiment was under the fire of the enemy, the men volunteering as often as necessary
to go back and bring up supplies of ammunition, and keeping up so constant a fire as to prevent the enemy again
advancing on the works.
I desire to make mention of Sergts. Felix McSorely and Thomas Toohey, of Company F, who assisted in working
the guns of the battery near the right of the regiment after nearly every man had left them, the fire of the enemy
being hotter at this time than any point on the line. I would also mention Corpl. John Miller, of Company B, who
brought off the colors of the Fifty-first Illinois that had been left on the field, carrying them all night he
delivered them to the adjutant of that regiment the next day.
On December 1 we continued our march until about noon, when we formed line and went into camp near Nashville.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
E. B. PARSONS,
Capt., Cmdg.
Capt. R. C. POWERS,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brigade, Second Division.
No. 48.
Report of Capt. Charles Hartung, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.
HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, Huntsville, January 13, 1865.
CAPT.: In obedience to orders I have the honor to report the following part taken by my regiment in that late
engagements in front of Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864:
On the morning of the 15th ultimo, in obedience to orders, the command was in readiness to move at an early
hour, but did not until about 8 a. m., when it followed the Seventy-third Illinois. Moved out of the intrenchments
and to the right of our former position, and closed en masse in rear of the first line of battle. After lying in
this position about two hours the order to move forward was given; halted several times before reaching the first
range of hills. When near the brow of the hill we halted until, the fire from the enemy's battery being so accurate,
the order was given to deploy the regiment and move forward to a fence, where we remained near two hours. We then
moved over the hill through a ravine and to the foot of another hill on which the enemy had a redoubt. Remained
here but a short time getting into position preparatory to making a charge on the works, when we moved forward
at double-quick, and the works were carried without opposition. After reaching the top of the hill we remained
in line about an hour, when we moved to the front nearly a mile by the right flank. The regiment was then ordered
on the skirmish line, and moved forward about half a mile after deploying. It now being dark, we soon struck the
enemy's skirmishers, when brisk firing commenced. Maintained the position until orders were received to retire.
Moved a short distance to the rear, threw up a line of works, and remained all night. At 6 a. m. on the morning
of the 16th the order was received to move forward. Moved cautiously about two miles, when we came upon the enemy's
skirmishers and drove them steadily back to their main line of works, where we remained until about 3 p. m., when
the regiment was relieved by a regiment from Gen. Steedman's command; the regiment then retired a short distance
and awaited orders. Remained in this position nearly two hours, when orders came to rejoin the brigade. After rejoining
the brigade the regiment marched in line of battle about two miles to the font and went into camp.
I have the honor to be, captain, respectfully, yours, &c.,
CHAS HARTUNG,
Capt., Cmdg.
[Capt. R. C. POWERS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.]
Source: Official Records
CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. PAGE 255-93
[Series I. Vol. 45. Part I, Reports, Correspondence, Etc. Serial No. 93.]
