Wisconsin 5th Infantry 1861-1865

Isaac P Drake – Company I

Enlisted 10 May 1864 as a Private

Discharged 21 November 1861 for Disability

 

Data of Town Where Enlisted: Stockbridge, WI

Killed or mortally wounded	12
Died as POW	1
Died of Disease	14
Disabled	22
Deserted	3
Discharged	5
Mustered out	54

 

This regiment was organized in June 1861, with a numerical strength of 1,057. It was mustered in 13 July and left the state on the 24th, being assigned to General 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 Peninsula campaign. It was in reserve at Crampton's Gap, but fought at Antietam where Colonel 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 October 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, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg.

It was then sent to assist in the defense of Washington and was mustered out 3 August 1864.

Reenlisted veterans and recruits, under command of Capt. Chas, formed an independent Battalion consisting of three Companies 13 July 1864 and accompanied the 6th Corps to the Shenandoah Valley. It was in engagements at Snicker’s Gap, Charles Town and Cedar Creek.

The regiment was reorganized by Colonel Thomas S. Allen, was mustered in 1 October 1864, and joined the three veteran companies at Winchester on the 26th. It participated in the three days' engagement as Hatcher's run, in the relief of Fort Stedman and in the final assault on Petersburg, and won warm accolades 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 General 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.