Civil War Soldier Letter O.C. Macholz 52nd NY Co D Camp CA Illus Letter Sheet 62

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Civil War Soldier Letter O.C. Macholz 52nd NY Co D Camp CA Illus Letter Sheet 62:
$29.99

Civil War soldier letter O. C. Macholz, Sergt 52nd N.Y. Co D, Camp California Alexandria (State of Virginia), Dec 19, 1861, nice and bright illustrated letter sheet of a portrait of George McClellan in fancy frame surrounded by eagle on top and Flags on bottom portion of fancy oval with stars. Short 1 page letter, 4 folds in German deals sending $50 by Adams Express. Although I am sure he is somewhere, cannot find soldier ID. Small portion of text below is signature cut off. Docket on back also partially in German.There were quite a few German born soldiers in this regiment.NEW YORK
FIFTY-SECOND INFANTRY
(Three Years)
Fifty-second Infantry.-Cols., Paul Frank, Henry M. Karples; Lieut.-Cols., Philip J. Lichtenstein, Charles G. Fredenburg, George W. Von Schack, Henry M. Karples, James C. Bronson, Henry P. Ritzius; Majs., Charles G. Fredenburg, Edward Venuti, Henry M. Karples, Henry P. Ritzius, Charles Kronmeyer.The 52nd, known also as the Sigel Rifles, composed of six companies of the German Rangers and four companies of the Sigel Rifles, was recruited in New York city and there mustered into the U. S. service Nov. 5, 1861, for a three years\' term. It left the state for Washington on Nov. 12, with 950 men, went into camp at Bladensburg and was assigned to Sumner\'s division, in the brigade which later became the 3d brigade, 1st division, 2nd corps, Army of the Potomac.Winter quarters were established at Camp California, Va., and there the regiment remained until March 10, 1862, when it moved to Manassas, thence to Alexandria and on April 4 embarked for Yorktown. It participated in the siege of Yorktown, was closely engaged at Fair Oaks, with the loss of 122 in killed, wounded or missing out of 320 engaged.It took part in the Seven Days\' battles and when the army rested at Harrison\'s landing in July the regiment was able to present but 67 men for active duty, having suffered severely during the entire campaign both from wounds and sickness. In August the ranks were greatly strengthened, when the regiment, attached to the 1st brigade, 1st division, 2nd corps, moved to Alexandria and in September to Tennallytown, where it was transferred to the 3d brigade.It reached South mountain after the battle, was closely engaged at Antietam and then encamped at Harper\'s Ferry until Oct. 29, when it moved to Snicker\'s gap and encountered the enemy. On Nov. 17, it arrived at Falmouth, participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, and then occupied winter quarters at Falmouth until April 28, 1863.The regiment was active in the Chancellorsville campaign, returned to camp at Falmouth until June 15, then moved to Gettysburg, where it arrived early in the morning of July 2 and was posted on Cemetery ridge, where it fought gallantly during the battle.Moving southward, the regiment was active in October at Bristoe Station, and Mitchell\'s ford; shared in the Mine run campaign in November and went into winter quarters at Stevensburg. On May 4, 1864, it broke camp for the Wilderness campaign and participated in the constant fighting of that month with heavy loss.At the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, the Po river, the North Anna river, Totopotomoy and Cold Harbor it was prominent on the battle line, then moved to Petersburg, where it shared in the first assault and performed an active part in the arduous duties of the siege.It participated in engagements at the Weldon railroad, Deep Bottom, at Strawberry Plains, and at Hatcher\'s run. In July, 1864, the regiment was transferred to the consolidated brigade, 1st division, 2nd corps and in November, to the 3d brigade, 1st division, 2nd corps.In Sept. and Oct., 1864, the original members not reenlisted were mustered out at New York city. On March 29, 1865, the 52nd was engaged at White Oak ridge with heavy loss, and it was present at the final assault on Petersburg April 2. It was mustered out at Alexandria, July 1, 1865.During the term of service the command lost 153 by death from wounds, 94 by death from accident or disease, and 103 died in prison. In the battles in which the 52nd participated, it lost 752 members killed, wounded or missing. It is numbered among the \"three hundred fighting regiments.\"Source: The Union Army, Vol. 2, p. YorkFIFTY-SECOND REGIMENT OF INFANTRY (VETERAN).Sigel Rifles.(Three Years) This regiment was organized at New York city October 11,1861, but its organization not completed until October 29,1861, when the German Rangers were united with the SigelRifles. The former were in course of recruiting under Col.Emil Von Schoening under authority from the War Departmentdated July 27, 1861; at the time of the consolidation part ofthe Honved Regiment, Col. Edward Count Wratislaw, had alreadybeen merged into the German Rangers. Companies A, B, C, D, E,F and G were formed of the latter, and H, I and K of CompaniesA, C and D of the Sigel Rifles. Company B of the latter wasmerged in Companies H, I and K of the new organization, ofwhich Col. Paul Frank of the Sigel Rifles was appointedColonel. The companies were recruited in New York city andthere mustered in the service of the United States for threeyears, between August 3 and November 5, 1861. At theexpiration of its term of service in August, September andOctober, 1864, the men entitled thereto were discharged, andthe regiment retained in service, but consolidated into sixcompanies, the old Companies E, F, G, H, I and K becoming newCompanies A, B, C, D, E and F, respectively, and a new CompanyG was formed of recruits received in the field. The regiment left the State November 11, 1861; served inFrench\'s Brigade, Sumner\'s Division, Army of the Potomac, fromNovember, 1861; in the same, 3d, Brigade, Richardson\'s, 1st,Division, 2d Corps, Army of the Potomac, from March 13, 1862;in the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 2d Corps, from August, 1862;in the 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 2d Corps, from September,1862; in the Consolidated Brigade, 1st Division, ad Corps,from July, 1864; in the 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 2d Corps,from November 2, 1864; and it was honorably discharged andmustered out, commanded by Col. Henry M. Karples, July 1, 1865,at Alexandria, Va.Source: Phisterer, p. after battle report: Report of Col. Paul Frank, Fifty-second New York Infantry, of skirmish on Antietam Creek and battle of Antietam. HDQRS. FIFTY-SECOND REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLS., September 20, 1862. This regiment arrived Monday, September 15, on a high ground in the first line, and, after the skirmishers had engaged the enemy, it was ordered by Maj.-Gen. Richardson to take position on the right of a flying battery, which then opened fire. About one hour afterward the regiment was ordered to take its place on the right of the brigade, and remained there until Wednesday, September 17, morning. During all this time it was exposed to the artillery fire of the enemy, but fortunately lost only 1 man killed and 1 wounded. Wednesday, 17th, the regiment crossed the creek and was drawn up in line of battle in a corn field, half an hour after which it advanced, forming the right of the brigade. Advancing in close line for about half a mile under a heavy fire, it entered a corn field on the crest of a hill, when I received intelligence that two rebel regiments were on our right, on a lower ground. Col. Brooke, commanding brigade, was in the center of the line, but too far off for me to report for orders. I therefore took the Fifty-second on the high ground to our right and opened fire on the flank of the rebel regiments, the Seventh New York State Volunteers taking position on the left of my regiment, and supporting it most gallantly. After about half an hour\'s fighting the rebel lines broke, and seeing our forces deploying out of a corn field in front of the rebels, I ceased firing, and shortly afterward was ordered back for a fresh supply of ammunition. I used an average of from 50 to 60 rounds per man. Having a fresh supply, I again brought the regiment to the front, where it was in position till Friday, September 19, morning, at which time it was ordered to take possession of an orchard, about a quarter of a mile in front, from which place it was withdrawn during the afternoon to its present camping-ground. During all this time I must say that the Fifty-second, as well as the Second Delaware, behaved very well, and stood firm under the most heavy artillery and musketry fire. It affords me great pleasure to report that the regiment kept up the reputation gained at Fair Oaks. The regiment went into action numbering 12 commissioned officers and 107 rank and file. The casualties are as follows:* I remain, lieutenant, your obedient servant, PAUL FRANK, Col., Comdg. Fifty-second New York State Volunteers. Lieut. CHARLES P. HATCH, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 19. Part I, Reports. Serial No. after battle report: Report of Capt. William Scherrer, Fifty-second New York Infantry. Camp near Morrisville, Va., August 2, 1863. Capt.: In compliance with circular from headquarters Second Army Corps, August 2, I have the honor to report that on July 2 this regiment arrived on the field near Gettysburg at about 10 a. m. At 4 p. m. the regiment, under command of Lieut. Col. Charles G. Freudenberg, was ordered by Gen. Zook, commanding this brigade, to advance toward our left, which was done in double-quick and in good order. Passing in line of battle through a small wood, the regiment finally arrived at a corn-field, where the battle had been already raging for several hours. Here the regiment, together with the brigade, commenced firing, giving the enemy, who was about 100 yards in front of our line, three or four good volleys. The position being too exposed, the regiment advanced on the enemy, who was then seen fleeing in all directions. Driving them about 1,500 or 2,000 yards through the woods and over the rocks, the regiment arrived on the edge of the woods, and was there ordered to halt. About twenty-five minutes afterward the regiment was ordered to fall back, as the enemy had flanked us on our right. During this engagement, which lasted over an hour, the regiment lost as follows: Killed, 1 officer and 1 enlisted man; wounded, 3 officers and 21 enlisted men, and missing, 8 enlisted men. Three enlisted men died since in hospital near Gettysburg. The regiment then organized again, and rested for the night near the Taneytown road. On July 3, the regiment occupied a position on the left of the battle-field, and opposite the enemy\'s batteries, which could plainly be seen. During the shell fire, which commenced soon after 12 o\'clock, the regiment was much exposed, but, fortunately, lost but 2 enlisted men, very slightly wounded by a piece of shell. During the fight on July 2, the officers and men of this regiment performed their duties to their utmost endeavors. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. SCHERRER, Capt., Comdg. 52d Regt. New York Vols. Capt. George W. Jones, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Brigade. Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part I. Reports. Serial No. Report of Lieut. Col. Charles G. Freudenberg, Fifty-second New York Infantry. NEAR CENTREVILLE, VA., October 17, 1863. CAPTAIN: In obedience to circular from headquarters First Division, I have the honor to report that this regiment broke camp near the Rapidan at 4.30 a. m., Saturday, October 10, 1863, and marched to the Culpeper road, where it joined the brigade, with which it has participated in all the recent movements. Early on the morning of the 14th of October, at Auburn, the regiment resting in two lines, the men engaged in cooking their breakfast, the enemy\'s artillery suddenly and unexpectedly opened fire, occasioning a loss of 2 enlisted men killed and 5 enlisted men wounded. Line of battle was immediately formed and the regiment withdrawn behind the crest of the hill. The enemy\'s fire ceasing, the regiment changed front, when shortly after another battery opened a severe and well-directed fire, wounding 2 enlisted men. About 10 a. m. the regiment moved off by the flank under the enemy\'s artillery fire, halting on the road on several occasions to form line of battle. About 2 p. m. it arrived at Bristoe Station, where a spirited engagement was at the time progressing, and it was placed in line of battle on the rear crest of the railroad track, ready for action. Here it was Capt. William Scherrer was wounded by a piece of shell and 1 enlisted man killed. After dark the regiment fell in and moved off by the flank, arriving near its present camping ground toward morning. The conduct of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted men deserves creditable mention, of the latter over 600 being conscripts, with only about 80 veterans. They bore the fatigue of the severe marches admirably, and acted under fire better than could have been expected of recruits. I remain, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. G. FREUDENBERG, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Fifty-second New York Vols. Capt. GEORGE W. JONES, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Source: Official Records PAGE 267-48 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLI. [Series I. Vol. 29. Part I, Reports. Serial No. Report of Lieut. Col. Charles G. Freudenberg, Fifty-second New York Infantry. HDQRS. FIFTY-SECOND REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS., Camp in the Field, December 4, 1863. CAPTAIN: In compliance with general orders received from brigade headquarters, I have the honor to state that this regiment left the camp ground, November 26, and marched with the brigade without interruption. The regiment crossed the Rapidan and was on picket December 1 and 2, during which time 3 men were wounded, the names of whom are below stated.* The regiment had no particular engagement and recrossed the Rapidan again with the brigade, reaching the old camp ground, December 2, about 3 p.m. I remain, very respectfully, yours, C. G. FREUDENBERG, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Fifty-second Regt. N. Y. Vols. Capt. SAMUEL R. BEARDSLEY, Assistant Adjutant-General. Source: Official Records PAGE 711-48 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLI. [Series I. Vol. 29. Part I, Reports. Serial No. Report of Capt. George, Fifth-second New York Infantry. HDQRS. FIFTH-SECOND REGT. NEW YORK VOLS., October 13, 1864. In compliance with Special Orders, No. 209, headquarters Army of the Potomac, August 5, 1864, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the several operations of the campaign: In the first epoch, the crossing of the Rapidan and the battle of the Wilderness, participated this regiment on the 6th day of May, 1864. In the second epoch, the march to Spotsylvania Court-House and the operations in front of that place, participated this regiment on the 10th, 12th, and 18th days of May. In the third epoch, the march to the North Anna and the operations on that river, participated this regiment on the 21st, 23d, and 24th days of May. In the fourth epoch, the march across the Pamunkey, including the operations on the Totopotomy and at Cold Harbor, participated this regiment on the 30th and 31st days of May and on the 3d day of June.* I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE DEGENER, Capt., Cmdg. Regt. First Lieut. GEORGE MITCHELL, A. A. A. G. Source: Official Records PAGE 401-67 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. XLVIII. [Series I. Vol. 36. Part I, Reports. Serial No. Report of Capt. George Degener, Fifty-second New York Infantry, of operations June 13-July 26. HDQRS. FIFTY-SECOND REGT. NEW YORK VOLS., October 13, 1864.* In the fifth epoch, the march across the Chickahominy and the James Rivers, and the operations in front of Petersburg, participated this regiment on the 16th to 18th and on the 21st and 22d days of June, and at Deep Bottom on the 26th [27th] day of July. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE DEGENER, Capt., Cmdg. Fifty-second Regt. New York Volunteers. First Lieut. GEORGE MITCHELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen. Source: Official Records CHAP. LII.] THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN. PAGE 347-80 [Series I. Vol. 40. Part I, Reports. Serial No. Report of Lieut. Col. Henry M. Karples, Fifty-second New York Infantry, of operations March 25. HDQRS. FIFTY-SECOND Regt. NEW YORK VET. VOLS., March 26, 1865. CAPT.: I have the honor to report that my regiment struck camp at 8 a.m. in obedience to orders, and remained under arms until 3 o\'clock when it moved forward with the brigade, and formed line of battle in the rear of the First Brigade, where it remained until 4.30 p.m. when it moved by the flank to the right, then in line of battle forward connecting with the Thirty-ninth New York Volunteers on the right and the One hundred and twenty-sixth New York Volunteers on the left, through a piece of wood-swamp, forming with the brigade in an open field, supporting a section of artillery. The regiment remained there, part of the time under light artillery fire, until 10.40, when it moved by the flank back to its old position, and was dismissed. While under fire one enlisted man was slightly wounded. I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY M. KARPLES, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Capt. E. J. HUESTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen. Source: Official Records CHAP. LVIII.] THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN. PAGE 205-95 [Series I. Vol. 46. Part I, Reports. Serial No. Report of Lieut. Col. Henry M. Karples, Fifty-second New York Infantry. HDQRS. FIFTY-SECOND Regt. NEW YORK VETERAN VOLS., April 16, 1865. CAPT.: I have the honor to submit report of operations. This regiment, in accordance with orders, after being relieved from picket by troops of the Twenty-fourth Army Corps, left its encampment in front of Petersburg March 29, 1865, 10 a.m., and joined the brigade on the south side of Hatcher\'s Run at 2 p.m. the same day. The brigade was in line of battle and threw up breast-works. About 5 p.m. orders to advance were received. The regiment advanced in line of battle with the brigade, second in line, about a mile and a half, through a densely wooded and swampy country, and halted about 8 p.m. in line of battle on the left of the First Brigade and threw up breast-works. March 30, at daybreak the regiment moved forward with the brigade about half a mile, halted and threw up breast-works; advanced again about a quarter of a mile and again built breast-works; halted on a road until the morning of March 31, when we moved by the when we moved by the left flank about two miles, troops of the Third Division relieving us, and took position on the Boydton road, relieving troops of the Fifth Army Corps. The command remained in this position until about 2 p.m., when it advanced in line with the brigade, over the works and through the woods, about one mile, where it met the enemy, who occupied a crest of hills in our front. A charge was ordered, and the enemy driven from his position. The regiment lost 3 commissioned officers killed, 2 commissioned officers wounded, 6 enlisted men killed, 30 enlisted men wounded, and 5 enlisted men missing. It then moved by the left flank, and again by the right flank about one mile, and to the rear about one mile, where we bivouacked for the night. April 1, at 4 a.m. the command returned to its position on the Boydton road, somewhat to the right of the one occupied in the morning, and remained there until 9 a.m., when it threw up a line of works at right angles with the Boydton road. It moved from this position at about 5 p. m., and reoccupied our old position of the same morning at about 9 p. m., gradually extending the lines to the left about one mile, remaining stationary about two hours, when we moved along the works by the left flank until we struck the White Oak road, and joined Gen. Sheridan about 4 a.m. April 2. The command moved down the road at 6 a.m., formed in line of battle in front of the enemy\'s works, advancing over them in line of battle to the left, toward the South Side Railroad, about two miles, until we struck the enemy. A charge was made, but repulsed by the enemy. The troops were reformed on the crest of a hill opposite their old position and slight breast-works thrown up. My horse was shot under me in this charge and I received a painful contusion on the right foot, k which compelled me temporarily to place Maj. Ritzius in command of the regiment. A second charge being subsequently made, was again repulsed. The position was upon a third advance taken. The command lost--commissioned officer slightly wounded, 1; enlisted men killed, 3; enlisted men wounded, 18; enlisted men missing, 12. The regiment advanced over the South Side Railroad and bivouacked for the night, remaining until about 11 a.m. April 3, when we moved forward by the left flank, the brigade being rear guard, and ordered back to repair roads, resuming our march at daybreak April 4 to rejoin the division, which we did at about 10 p.m. the same day, bivouacking for the night. April 5, we resumed our march at 9 a.m., on the Lynchburg road, and formed line of battle with the brigade in reserve. At about 4 p.m. we moved into the front line on the right of the First Brigade, charging the enemy and advancing over Sailor\'s Creek. I was ordered to advance my regiment as skirmishers to the crest of the hill, where I remained until relieved, when I rejoined the brigade and went into bivouac. April 6, the regiment moved forward at 6 a.m. on the road until it reached the Appomattox at High Bridge. I was ordered to the right to effect a crossing, if possible, but found the river too deep, and was ordered back to the brigade, which resumed its march, crossing the river, the enemy having been driven. I was then ordered to advance a skirmish line, consisting of my regiment and Thirty-ninth New York Volunteers, to connect with the Second Division, covering the flank of the Third Brigade, and subsequently ordered to rejoin the brigade. The command then advanced in line of battle, under the enemy\'s artillery fire, changing position several times, until we formed on the left of the Lynchburg road. I was then ordered out with my command and a detail from the Seventh New York Volunteers to relieve the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers on the picket-line that night. I found the enemy\'s position evacuated about 2 a.m., and at daybreak April 7 advanced my line about two miles, when I was relieved and rejoined the brigade, with which the regiment advanced in column, nothing of interest taking place until April 9, when Gen. Lee surrendered his army. The officers and men did their duty fully, under all hardships and privations. Respectfully submitted. HENRY M. KARPLES, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Capt. H. DODT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen. Source: Official Records CHAP. LVIII.] THE APPOMATTOX CAMPAIGN. PAGE 739-95 [Series I. Vol. 46. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 95.]

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