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Per Sam Galyon I am pleased to announce the adjunct effort for the 155th Port Hudson portraying the 4th Wisconsin Co. D. The State Park has not yet announced their dates, but will be posted once announced.
Captain: Sam Galyon
1st Sergeant: Jon Siltman
“Our goal is to bring as many of our friends and colleagues together to create an quality portrayal of Wisconsin Federals at the 155th Port Hudson annual event at the Port Hudson State Historic Site in 2018.
We are currently working on some unique scenarios for the company to take part in, separate of the main event, so that everyone will receive a personable experience for the event.” – Sam Galyon
4th Wisconsin History:
The 4th Wisconsin Infantry was organized at Camp Utley in Racine and mustered into service on July 9, 1861. It left Wisconsin for Baltimore, Maryland, July 15-22, 1861. During its service it moved through Maryland, Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
It participated in the occupation of New Orleans and the battle of Baton Rouge, and led the first assault on Port Hudson. Its colonel, Halbert Paine, was disciplined for refusing to return escaping slaves to their owners and refused to burn the city of Baton Rouge when ordered to. The 4th Infantry was officially changed to a regiment of mounted cavalry on September 1, 1863.
Online Reading on the 4th Wisconsin’s transition to Mounted Infantry:
*start reading at Chapter 3 “Zeal, Daring, and Good Conduct”; https://books.google.com/books?id=BY...eturns&f=false
Company Roster: http://www.4thwisconsin.com/
The 4th Wisonsin at Port Hudson:
General Paine selected two of his most dependable regiments, the 4th Wisconsin Mounted Infantry and 8th New Hampshire Infantry, as his division's (column's) advance skirmishers. Five companies of grenadiers were drawn from the combined 28th Connecticut and 110th New York Infantries. Four companies from the 3rd Brigade would carry the bags of cotton. The remainder of Paine's three brigades would follow the cotton bag bearers. Nims' 2nd Massachusetts' battery and 50 pioneers would bring up the division's rear.
The Badgers awoke Saturday morning to the sounds of heavy skirmishing. After consuming a hastily prepared breakfast the men received orders to send the horses to the rear and proceed to the front. At 11:00 a.m. Banks' artillery and Admiral Farragut's mortar boats commenced a "terrific" bombardment of Port Hudson. The shelling lasted exactly one hour after which Banks sent a message to General Gardner asking him if he wished to surrender:
SIR: Respect for the usages of war, and a desire to avoid unnecessary sacrifice of life, impose upon me the necessity of formally demanding the surrender of the garrison of Port Hudson. I am not unconscious in making this demand that the garrison is capable of continuing a vigorous and gallant defense. The events that have transpired during the pending investment exhibit in the commander and garrison a spirit of constancy and courage that, in a different cause, would be universally regarded as heroism. But I know the extremities to which they are reduced . . . I have at my command a train of artillery seldom equaled in extent and efficiency, which no ordinary fortress can successfully resist, and an infantry force of greatly superior numbers, and most determined purpose, that cannot fail to place Port Hudson in my possession at will . . .
Admiral Farragut thought that there was "little use" in Banks' demand for surrender and he was correct. Gardner's tactful response came back almost immediately. "Your note of this date has just been handed to me, and in reply I have to state that my duty requires me to defend this position, and, therefore, I decline to surrender." At this point a thoroughly perturbed Banks' might have taken a brief moment to assess the current situation. His army of five divisions numbered at most 20,000 men of which, recalled his Assistant Adjutant General Lieutenant Colonel Richard Irwin, "the effective strength of infantry and artillery" did not exceed 13,000 men. While he would certainly have liked more troops at his disposal, Banks still enjoyed at least a 3:1 numerical advantage in men over Gardner. He also possessed a significantly greater number of field, heavy artillery, and mortar batteries. Gardner did, however, have at least one advantage over his Federal counterpart; his army's morale was higher than that of Banks'. A confident lieutenant in the 30th Louisiana Infantry echoed the sentiments of many of Port Hudson's defenders when he stated after the repulse of Banks's first assault, "Had the enemy's fighting on the 27th been weak or irresolute, the garrison would not have felt the pride or pleasure they experienced in having held their position. They knew that their own cool and unflinching stand had alone saved them." Banks had failed once before to take Port Hudson and Gardner and his men saw no reason why his next attempt should end any differently.
General Gardner's refusal to capitulate left Banks no other recourse but to attack. Late that afternoon Banks called a meeting of his general officers at corps headquarters. Together the group hammered out a plan of assault for the following day. Banks had blamed much of the failure of May 27th's assault on the fact that the attacks were uncoordinated. Tomorrow's assault, Banks decided, would again include separate attacks, but this time they would be carried out simultaneously. The columns of attack would be of division strength and include Dwight's 2nd, Paine's 3rd, and Weitzel's 5th Divisions. "We [were] ordered to assault in the morning in three columns," Paine wrote in his diary. "Weitzel's Division on the right, my division in the centre, and Dwight's on the left." Paine and Weitzel's skirmishers were to commence their attack on the central and northern portions of Gardner's fortifications at 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Dwight was to attack the southernmost portion of Port Hudson's defenses at "such time after 3:30 a.m. as [he] deemed most expedient." A heavy fire of artillery was to be opened upon each point of attack 30 to 45 minutes prior to the assaults. General Grover directed Paine to use the Jackson Road as his route of approach. After proceeding some distance the division was to leave the road, cross a once cultivated field south of Mack's 18th New York and Duryea's 1st U.S. batteries, and strike a portion of the fortifications known as the Priest Cap.
As night fell, the Badgers lay down and tried to get what little sleep they could. "We knew very well what the morning had in store for us, and that our regiment would lead the attack," Company B's Knute Nelson would later write his parents. He continued:
We were not unaware of the dangers. We handed such of our little things as might have some value to a few who were sick and could not take part in the attack, and gave them the addresses of our parents and friends so they could write to them if we died and send them all the articles we had left. We did all of this as calmly as you eat your dinner. There is one thing I want to tell you about the soldier: He thinks less about eternity than about home, parents and friends.
At 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, June 14, the 4,600 men of Paine's Division gathered up their muskets and quietly fell into line. The division moved out at the route step, crossed Griffith's field and a hedge lined road 300 yards from the Confederate breastworks, and arrayed itself in assault formation. The 4th Wisconsin, now whittled down to 226 men, and 8th New Hampshire, 217 men strong, moved to the front and deployed as skirmishers. The Badgers took up their position as the first rank and carefully stepped off two pace intervals between one another.
4th Wisconsin Impression Guidelines
Headgear:
1. 1858 Army Hat** (few in number)
2. Forage Cap
3. Brimmed hat of proper construction
Shirt:
1. Federal Issue Contract Shirt
2. Cotton Shirt of Proper Construction
3. Federal Issue Domet Flannel Drawers
Drawers:
1. Federal Issue Drawers of Canton Flannel
2. Documented Drawer Pattern of Proper Construction
Socks:
Period constructed socks of cotton or wool
Jacket:
1. Sack Coat
2. Mounted Service Jacket w/out trim** (few in number)
Trousers:
1. Sky Blue Federal Trousers
Shoes:
1. Brogans
2. Boots of Documented pattern and construction
No camp shoes
Ordnance Equipment
Weapon:
1. 1842/7 Springfield
2. 1853 Enfield
3. 1861 Springfield Permitted
Bayonet:
Correct pattern for your weapon with a functional locking ring required.
Waist Belt:
1857 pattern waist belt with US belt plate required. Belts maybe of bridle, waxed or blackened buff leather.
Bayonet Scabbard:
Two-rivet Gaylord pattern bayonet scabbard preferred. 7 rivet Gaylord pattern bayonet scabbards permitted.
Cap Pouch:
Shield Front cap pouch preferred
Cartridge Box:
1. 1857 pattern .69 Cal cartridge box
2. .58 Cal cartridge boxes are permitted
Personal Items
Canteen:
Federal issue canteen.
Haversack:
Federal Painted or tarred Haversack
Blanket Roll:
No knapsacks. Utilize blanket slings, rifle slings, or a piece of rope to carry your blanket and ground cloth.
Blanket:
Federal Issue blanket in Grey or Brown preferred.
Coverlets Permitted
Ground Cloth:
Federal Issue Gum Blanket preferred. Period Oil Cloths permitted.
Shelter Half:
No tents.
Mounted Items:
Spurs are permitted -- if you don't have them, no need for concern. If you have a pair, feel free to bring them.
Civilian/Federal inspired vests are permitted, as well.
Mess Furniture:
Tin Plate or Canteen Half, Cup and Utensils required. Groups are encouraged to utilize a ‘Mess’ structure to cook over company fires, camp kettles and coffee pots.
Penknives, watches, jewelry, etc. must be of period style. "Comfort items," such as camp hats, balaclavas, scarves, mittens, gloves permitted. NO MODERN EYEWEAR. Period personal hygiene items permitted. Prescription medications/contact lens care items should be concealed in period containers. Smoking items permitted, except for modern cigarettes.
Per Sam Galyon I am pleased to announce the adjunct effort for the 155th Port Hudson portraying the 4th Wisconsin Co. D. The State Park has not yet announced their dates, but will be posted once announced.
Captain: Sam Galyon
1st Sergeant: Jon Siltman
“Our goal is to bring as many of our friends and colleagues together to create an quality portrayal of Wisconsin Federals at the 155th Port Hudson annual event at the Port Hudson State Historic Site in 2018.
We are currently working on some unique scenarios for the company to take part in, separate of the main event, so that everyone will receive a personable experience for the event.” – Sam Galyon
4th Wisconsin History:
The 4th Wisconsin Infantry was organized at Camp Utley in Racine and mustered into service on July 9, 1861. It left Wisconsin for Baltimore, Maryland, July 15-22, 1861. During its service it moved through Maryland, Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
It participated in the occupation of New Orleans and the battle of Baton Rouge, and led the first assault on Port Hudson. Its colonel, Halbert Paine, was disciplined for refusing to return escaping slaves to their owners and refused to burn the city of Baton Rouge when ordered to. The 4th Infantry was officially changed to a regiment of mounted cavalry on September 1, 1863.
Online Reading on the 4th Wisconsin’s transition to Mounted Infantry:
*start reading at Chapter 3 “Zeal, Daring, and Good Conduct”; https://books.google.com/books?id=BY...eturns&f=false
Company Roster: http://www.4thwisconsin.com/
The 4th Wisonsin at Port Hudson:
General Paine selected two of his most dependable regiments, the 4th Wisconsin Mounted Infantry and 8th New Hampshire Infantry, as his division's (column's) advance skirmishers. Five companies of grenadiers were drawn from the combined 28th Connecticut and 110th New York Infantries. Four companies from the 3rd Brigade would carry the bags of cotton. The remainder of Paine's three brigades would follow the cotton bag bearers. Nims' 2nd Massachusetts' battery and 50 pioneers would bring up the division's rear.
The Badgers awoke Saturday morning to the sounds of heavy skirmishing. After consuming a hastily prepared breakfast the men received orders to send the horses to the rear and proceed to the front. At 11:00 a.m. Banks' artillery and Admiral Farragut's mortar boats commenced a "terrific" bombardment of Port Hudson. The shelling lasted exactly one hour after which Banks sent a message to General Gardner asking him if he wished to surrender:
SIR: Respect for the usages of war, and a desire to avoid unnecessary sacrifice of life, impose upon me the necessity of formally demanding the surrender of the garrison of Port Hudson. I am not unconscious in making this demand that the garrison is capable of continuing a vigorous and gallant defense. The events that have transpired during the pending investment exhibit in the commander and garrison a spirit of constancy and courage that, in a different cause, would be universally regarded as heroism. But I know the extremities to which they are reduced . . . I have at my command a train of artillery seldom equaled in extent and efficiency, which no ordinary fortress can successfully resist, and an infantry force of greatly superior numbers, and most determined purpose, that cannot fail to place Port Hudson in my possession at will . . .
Admiral Farragut thought that there was "little use" in Banks' demand for surrender and he was correct. Gardner's tactful response came back almost immediately. "Your note of this date has just been handed to me, and in reply I have to state that my duty requires me to defend this position, and, therefore, I decline to surrender." At this point a thoroughly perturbed Banks' might have taken a brief moment to assess the current situation. His army of five divisions numbered at most 20,000 men of which, recalled his Assistant Adjutant General Lieutenant Colonel Richard Irwin, "the effective strength of infantry and artillery" did not exceed 13,000 men. While he would certainly have liked more troops at his disposal, Banks still enjoyed at least a 3:1 numerical advantage in men over Gardner. He also possessed a significantly greater number of field, heavy artillery, and mortar batteries. Gardner did, however, have at least one advantage over his Federal counterpart; his army's morale was higher than that of Banks'. A confident lieutenant in the 30th Louisiana Infantry echoed the sentiments of many of Port Hudson's defenders when he stated after the repulse of Banks's first assault, "Had the enemy's fighting on the 27th been weak or irresolute, the garrison would not have felt the pride or pleasure they experienced in having held their position. They knew that their own cool and unflinching stand had alone saved them." Banks had failed once before to take Port Hudson and Gardner and his men saw no reason why his next attempt should end any differently.
General Gardner's refusal to capitulate left Banks no other recourse but to attack. Late that afternoon Banks called a meeting of his general officers at corps headquarters. Together the group hammered out a plan of assault for the following day. Banks had blamed much of the failure of May 27th's assault on the fact that the attacks were uncoordinated. Tomorrow's assault, Banks decided, would again include separate attacks, but this time they would be carried out simultaneously. The columns of attack would be of division strength and include Dwight's 2nd, Paine's 3rd, and Weitzel's 5th Divisions. "We [were] ordered to assault in the morning in three columns," Paine wrote in his diary. "Weitzel's Division on the right, my division in the centre, and Dwight's on the left." Paine and Weitzel's skirmishers were to commence their attack on the central and northern portions of Gardner's fortifications at 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Dwight was to attack the southernmost portion of Port Hudson's defenses at "such time after 3:30 a.m. as [he] deemed most expedient." A heavy fire of artillery was to be opened upon each point of attack 30 to 45 minutes prior to the assaults. General Grover directed Paine to use the Jackson Road as his route of approach. After proceeding some distance the division was to leave the road, cross a once cultivated field south of Mack's 18th New York and Duryea's 1st U.S. batteries, and strike a portion of the fortifications known as the Priest Cap.
As night fell, the Badgers lay down and tried to get what little sleep they could. "We knew very well what the morning had in store for us, and that our regiment would lead the attack," Company B's Knute Nelson would later write his parents. He continued:
We were not unaware of the dangers. We handed such of our little things as might have some value to a few who were sick and could not take part in the attack, and gave them the addresses of our parents and friends so they could write to them if we died and send them all the articles we had left. We did all of this as calmly as you eat your dinner. There is one thing I want to tell you about the soldier: He thinks less about eternity than about home, parents and friends.
At 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, June 14, the 4,600 men of Paine's Division gathered up their muskets and quietly fell into line. The division moved out at the route step, crossed Griffith's field and a hedge lined road 300 yards from the Confederate breastworks, and arrayed itself in assault formation. The 4th Wisconsin, now whittled down to 226 men, and 8th New Hampshire, 217 men strong, moved to the front and deployed as skirmishers. The Badgers took up their position as the first rank and carefully stepped off two pace intervals between one another.
4th Wisconsin Impression Guidelines
Headgear:
1. 1858 Army Hat** (few in number)
2. Forage Cap
3. Brimmed hat of proper construction
Shirt:
1. Federal Issue Contract Shirt
2. Cotton Shirt of Proper Construction
3. Federal Issue Domet Flannel Drawers
Drawers:
1. Federal Issue Drawers of Canton Flannel
2. Documented Drawer Pattern of Proper Construction
Socks:
Period constructed socks of cotton or wool
Jacket:
1. Sack Coat
2. Mounted Service Jacket w/out trim** (few in number)
Trousers:
1. Sky Blue Federal Trousers
Shoes:
1. Brogans
2. Boots of Documented pattern and construction
No camp shoes
Ordnance Equipment
Weapon:
1. 1842/7 Springfield
2. 1853 Enfield
3. 1861 Springfield Permitted
Bayonet:
Correct pattern for your weapon with a functional locking ring required.
Waist Belt:
1857 pattern waist belt with US belt plate required. Belts maybe of bridle, waxed or blackened buff leather.
Bayonet Scabbard:
Two-rivet Gaylord pattern bayonet scabbard preferred. 7 rivet Gaylord pattern bayonet scabbards permitted.
Cap Pouch:
Shield Front cap pouch preferred
Cartridge Box:
1. 1857 pattern .69 Cal cartridge box
2. .58 Cal cartridge boxes are permitted
Personal Items
Canteen:
Federal issue canteen.
Haversack:
Federal Painted or tarred Haversack
Blanket Roll:
No knapsacks. Utilize blanket slings, rifle slings, or a piece of rope to carry your blanket and ground cloth.
Blanket:
Federal Issue blanket in Grey or Brown preferred.
Coverlets Permitted
Ground Cloth:
Federal Issue Gum Blanket preferred. Period Oil Cloths permitted.
Shelter Half:
No tents.
Mounted Items:
Spurs are permitted -- if you don't have them, no need for concern. If you have a pair, feel free to bring them.
Civilian/Federal inspired vests are permitted, as well.
Mess Furniture:
Tin Plate or Canteen Half, Cup and Utensils required. Groups are encouraged to utilize a ‘Mess’ structure to cook over company fires, camp kettles and coffee pots.
Penknives, watches, jewelry, etc. must be of period style. "Comfort items," such as camp hats, balaclavas, scarves, mittens, gloves permitted. NO MODERN EYEWEAR. Period personal hygiene items permitted. Prescription medications/contact lens care items should be concealed in period containers. Smoking items permitted, except for modern cigarettes.
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