Events from the Past
Knights Ferry, 1999
Fellow
Black Hat's
WOW The first event of the year has came and gone and what
an event it was: I am very proud of all those who did attend. You ALL did well
new men and old (no offense Gramps).
Congratulations to Sgt. Book and Cpl. Severson on their promotions. I am sure
that they will do the Company proud.
I think that we were all surprised when the company drove up to the Manteca
Police Range and saw our brothers from the "Old Sixth" waiting for us.
At least I was, and I know for a fact that Lt. Rollins was: What a grand
time the live shoot was. Many shots were taken at the glorious banner and when
all was said and done (and out) the flag that the Lt.'s poor old mother worked
on was torn to ribbons, well sort of.
On Saturday morning the colors were unveiled and we took the field of
battle and you could almost sense the fear in the rebels as the Black Hats moved
forward across the field of battle. All were happy to hear the crowd say things
such as "Hey! how come their flag is the only one with holes in it?"
and "They must be shooting real bullets!'" I was proud to follow that
flag into battle and as the flag bearers were shot dead I was one of those to
lift the banner of the 2nd aloft until I was wounded slightly.
I think it's a good time to mention that our brave drummer Brian Gilbert was the
one who, taking it upon himself and without thought to injury, raced with our
colors from the field to prevent their capture.
All in all, it WAS a great event and I was VERY pleased with the performance of
the Randall Guards' I hope to see you all in the field with our sister regiment
down south In April. Until then, keep your powder dry and your bayonets fixed.
1st Sgt. Thomas Muller
Company H, 2nd Wisconsin Vols.
McDowell's Corps, King's Division
Gibbon's BLACK HAT Brigade
Army of the Potomac
First Blood at
Knight's Ferry
The recent battle at Knights Perry took a toll on the man of the 42nd Wisconsin.
The troops were mustered early Saturday morning with full intention of getting
bloody against the rebels that were invading the valley. While not all of the
42nd was able to get to this location we who were there mustered ourselves up
with the 2d Wisconsin and had support from the 69th NY.
That morning started with full promise of getting in and kicking rebel butt, but
when we were advancing on the rebel hold territory there broke out some
deployment confusion among our troops. Taking the order to clear the brush as
appeared in direct conflict to what the Colonel had in mind. It seemed to us he
would rather have the 20th Maine as his front than have the area cleared with a
skirmish.
Being ordered to assemble to the rear, we did. As we made our way through the
wilderness along the river bank our right flank was being shot away by South
Carolina sharpshooters. Those fellas from South Carolina dogged us all day long'
It would have been better if the Colonel had let us flank the right of the
column and go after those boys from S.C.!
After rounding the old mill and getting into the open it was a workout.
Up hill. Down hill, you'd expect we were chasing chickens back home.
Still, there were those
damn sharpshooters picking off the men of the 42nd from the high ground. For
about forty minutes without a break we moved as ordered, taken hits and pushing
forward, it felt as if the world stood still and hell was never going to leave,
then it got quiet.
We were then able to regroup and rest a bit before making another attack on the
rebel held position along the river. Firing from across the river at the Rebs-held
high ground did little to relieve the hail of bullets thrown at us as we crossed
the covered bridge and exited out of the other side. Being ordered into a low
area with rocks as cover the 42nd got separated from the 2nd as we entered the
area under a hail of cross fire. The 42nd held a position close to the road and
maintained a stalemate with the Rebs across from our position.
The fighting was fierce,
rebels were inching their way closer to our position and we were taking
casualties left and right. Then hell open her mighty gates!
Rebels were coming in from five different points on the compass. I had
never seen so many Johnny rebels in one location before and it was frightening I
got grazed in the head sometime during the cross fire, don't remember much.
Happened to come to hours later and made my way back to camp.
I found out we took heavy losses and lost a couple to capture.
That night did little to relieve the aches gained from the days fighting. Two
thirds of the company was hospitalized that evening with the good news that a,
good third returned to active service the next day, although physically beat,
morale was high.
Sunday saw almost a repeat of Saturday's engagement. The attempt as skirmishers
though the woods was weaker due the losses sustained from the prior day and we
no longer had support of the 69th NY. I felt as if it was going to take forever
to get around the mill again and flush out the rebels. Through all push we could
gather, the 42nd made it to the field on the east side of the covered bridge,
but not without a great cost to the 42d.
At two thirds strength we saw this battle to it's end, with a Union
victory.
In retrospect all Union units took a beating, and took it hard. Many soldiers
were hospitalized from any additional action that had taken place later that
same day. The numbers were down. Those of the 42nd have now been tested and
survived, have gained knowledge not taught in schools and will be there when
called upon for by Lincoln and the United States.
Most humbly,
1st. Sgt. Dave
Mascitelli
42d Wisconsin
The
Bridge is Safe
Once again I smile with pride! With our friends from the
42d and 6th we won yet the biggest unit on the field.? Can it be only a year
later? The sound of the people cheering us through the bridge on Saturday
rings in my ears yet and we didn't even run that fast this year. And
how about that flag!
I want to thank the "old Sixth", the 42d Wis. I Mike Wagner of the
14th Ind. (who incidentally may join us again and is looking into another live
shoot in the Valley), and all of the now lads who joined our ranks Saturday and
Sunday. We were huge Saturday!
I would defer to the Top Kick for the numbers , but wow what a show. I
can't wait until Roaring Camp to see those numbers again!
One thing that we have to work on very strongly is our alignments. I know that
the ground where we were was terrible and more prone to guerrilla& fighting,
but we are Gibbon's men and we need to maneuver just a bit better. I have been
reading a bit of material from 1862 and the boys maneuvered even at South
Mountain an if they were on Parade. So, Gentlemen (theres that word Gramps.) be
ready for drill and lots of it. I suspect that the Col. will have some instore
for us and you know what that means-our pride is at stake here. We will be the
best, there is no question in my mind.
For the next events and the rest this year, IF YOU NEED LOANER GUN
contact your Corporals. These are currently Corp. Severson (congratulations) and
Corp. (Elect. should ranks grow or Dave have to leave as he will in Aug.) Travis
Kilbourne. I am too busy to deal with that at the opening of events.
If you have loaner gear, also contact these guys as they will keep track of
the equipment. Remember, it is first come first serve with the newest members
getting priority.
Training will be handled by Sgt. Book, this includes Safety
and Scott's If you are a new member and have
questions about this, ask Rick.
Rick will be given all of the walkons for this training as well. Please do
not bug Rick with other items, he is too busy for that as I am for gear.
Sgt. Mueller will be incharge of the unit functions. If you have any other
questions about what is happening, or schedule then you am to direct your
questions to Jeff. He in responsible for getting you to where you need to be and
when.
I am the Grand Lord Overseer and will not be bothered by your petty needs!
Seriously, for the next event I am the coordinator and may not be in camp except
for drill. I will always drill with you. Even when you guys duck out I cause it
is too hot, just remember who will be out there. I guess someone's Got set the
example.
I want to give a special thank to Dick Jones and Ban Cantu for working with me
to find a site to shoot up our grand flag, thanks to all of the new guys who
shared the loaner rifles and stretcher duty, and a special note to Jonathan
whose brogans hurt him and was shamed enough by me to go out and bust his arse
in stretcher duty (thanks) in the last battle. Remember, hurtin' brogans are no
excuse to leave your brothers out in the field alms.
We also are going to need to buy ammo before the middle of the mouth. There will
be a price increase and this needs to be beat. Fortunately, the money is looking
good.
One final note, I have been experiencing costs in the loaning out of my rifles
and gear. I am now going to start charging $10 per weekend for the use of the
rifles. Sorry, but I can't support you all, even though I would if I could.
Somehow, we need to pay for cleaning fluid and broken parts and wear and tear on
my personal gear. This is the only way that I can figure to do it. If you are
required to share a rifle, you will share the costs and responsibilities with
whomever you share. This is my own personal charge and no money will be given to
the unit, this only goes into cost recovery for damage to my own gear.
Gentlemen (that word again')! Thank, you for a great start and a most wonderful
event this year, things can only get better' Break Ranks - MARCH
On to Richmond
Lt. Nat Rollins
Co. H, 2d Wisconsi
Company H in Madison, Wisconsin
For the "Return of the Second Wisconsin" as they did in 1864
they did again May 1998 in Madison, WI
Company
H,
Return of the Second to Madison
1998
Dear Editor,
This letter is to express my most sincere appreciation to the citizens of your Fair City of Madison, the Citizens of Dane County and all others who turned out in full force to welcome home our battered remains of the Old Second.
I left in the Summer of ’61 under the command of the late Captain Randolph for Washington City. It was with high and stout hearts that we entered to protect our fair banner against those who traitors who might disgrace her glorious folds. We were very young just those three short years ago. Like many of our boys I was caught up in the adventure of it all.
Even after the first Bull Run we still didn’t quite understand our endeavor.
But as we lived through the blood baths of Gainsville, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam through Gettysburg and into the Wilderness, we learned that the casual adventure was more than any of us would have ever imagined.
If we had, would
we still have gone? Perhaps. Our Company Street was long in the beginning, a
hundred able bodied men, the best sons Wisconsin had to offer. Today our ranks
thinned by rebel shot and shell numbered just 17.
Many of those Wisconsin sons were left on the Virginia countryside, in testament
to the seriousness of our endeavor.
We and your sons of the 6th and 7th as well as our brethren in the 19th Indiana
and 24th Michigan showed that Western Boys were willing to fight and die for our
beliefs, personified as the Iron Brigade of the West!
When I arrived in Madison, the depot was quite bustling, the city’s fair maids turned out to see the battered remains of our once gallant regiment. Though our numbers smaller, your citizens welcomed us home equal to that as if we all were present, and perhaps were. You visited our camp at Camp Randall, not by the tens, not by the hundreds, but I am sure by the thousands.
I wonder if was to see just how your relatives might be getting on down south. Never have I seen such a keen interest in our daily lives. Even after hours, the parade ground had to be cleared of visiting dignitaries and public so that we might get some rest before the Grand Review that you held in our honor. The day of the Grand Review broke warm and pleasant. The troops were fed and drilled for one last times. After the noon meal we formed and were given speeches by those who have followed our exploits. The drums beat, and out the gates of Camp Randall we marched. Many a boy was hailed by fair maidens as we passed in review. Many a boy returned the calls with a doff of his battered black hat. As we promenaded on to the Capitol Square thousands of joyous cheering voices arose into the air lifting up into the heavens above, calling to attention those lads who no longer marched with us, but in the ranks of St. Peter. We passed in review, once again with Col. Fairchild in the lead, albeit minus limb, but were for a moment as we were before, young.
As we were ordered into the square, flowers were thrown at our feet by fair young lasses and the beautiful ladies of the city pinned upon our breast a ribbon of white, a token of Wisconsin’s pride.
We were serenaded and given speeches by many a dignitary including Col. Fairchild himself on demand of the boys.
Perhaps the most touching moment occurred when Governor Lewis, while in mid speech proclaimed "and the heavens wept", and with that a spate of rain with large wet drops fell upon the shoulders of all present. I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that there was nary a dry eye among the lads.
For it was then that we knew those not within ranks were present at least in spirit in the heavens above. That evening with much feasting and festivities your citizens once again returned to Camp Randall en masse. Once again the provost had to chase you away in the wee hours. I felt as soldiers of Sparta or Rome must have felt upon their return from battles ancient. May this cruel war soon be behind us and all of the sons of Wisconsin return safely to hearth and home, and to their wives and sweethearts.
I extend my hearty thanks to the Citizens of Madison City, Dane County and the Great State of Wisconsin
Forever Forward! Cpl. William McIntoshFort Point-Event
As the sun rose high in the East and the early morning fog began to burn off,
a formidable building began to emerge, it was Fort Point. Company "H"
was
drawn up in line outside the Sally Port for a bit of morning drill.
That over it was time to post the guards seeing
how we were the Guard for the fort that day. Officer of the guard was Lt.
Bechtold with Sgt. Dunwoody in charge of guard rotation with Cpl. Biagi as his
assistant. In line that day were the
following men : Lt. Bechtold, Sgt Dunwoody, Cpl Biagi, Pvts. Galvin, Jehle,
Kilbourne F. , Kilbourne T. , Poole, and Willadsen. We were aided that day by
reinforcements from the 42nd Wisconsin.
Drill continued all day as did the changing of the
guard. I am happy to report that the guard was not needed to stop any riots that
are becoming more frequent in SanFransico these days. At 5pm the colors were
lowered and Company "H" was honored by being allowed to lower and fold
the colors of Fort Point. After supper we all bedded down for the night. And as
the sun set over the bay, we all wondered when this war would be over and when
we could all go home to Wisconsin and Dane County.
Sgt. Jeff Dunwoody
Company H
2nd Wisconsin Vols.
Black Hat Brigade
Army of the Potomac
The picture was taken at Casa de Fruta and has elements of the 2d Wis. Co H, 42d Wis, and 69th NYV Co B. Lt. Dave Mascitelli is the Sgt. Mjr. of the 42d. Brian Gilbert is the drummer and the Sgt. is Jeff Dunwoody.
Click to see First photos of the Company Fall 1997
Gettysburg
Wow! What an experience!
Well, Gettysburg was billed as the largest gathering of the Blue and Gray since the Civil War and it certainly lived up to all expectations, Despite having over 400 Blackhats, the entire event was just plain awesome! Between the marching, dusty trails, heat, humidity, crummy camp ground and the ticks, I have a lot more respect for the men who donned the Blue Frockcoat and the Blackhat for their country. I know that I would have been one of the stragglers so commonly referred to in the books (Scalawag!-sb.). My black hat goes off to those men who served their country with distinction that we portmy. I would also like to say that our Second Wisconsin Infantry comrades are superb men. We could not have picked a finer organization to belong to (You’re tellin’ me!-sb.). For those of you in the know, I also developed an appreciation for period drawers - some serious chaffing was taking place (need some salve!!!-sb.) Talk about penguin walks! Whew! I would like to let those of you who were unable to attend, that some of us managed to do some sight seeing let me say it was eerie to and very touching to see Culps Hill at sunset, with the entrenchments plainly visible. There was no trail to take you there, but having to march through the high grass and bushes and then seeing the monument to the 6th Wisconsin with a real Blackhat that someone had placed upon it sitting there. The sun was barely cutting through the trees and casting light on the monument while other places were dark. I can only say that the hair stood up on the back of my neck. According to a local who took Jason, Jeff and Scott there, that individual hat his been there for a few months, no one touching it.
Pvt. Rich Biagi, President, Co. H