The 4th Wisconsin was raised as an infantry regiment at Camp Utley in Racine and was mustered into Federal service on July 2, 1861.[1] It was first assigned to garrison duty in Maryland, then in February 1862 was transferred to Newport News, Virginia. It became part of the Army of the Gulf and was subsequently sent to New Orleans, Louisiana. During the following year, the 4th Wisconsin participated in several expeditions against Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Port Hudson, Louisiana. It saw action in the Siege of Port Hudson from May to July 1863.[1]
On September 1, 1863, the regiment was reorganized as the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment, which it served as through the remainder of the war.[1]: 507
Total enlistments and casualties
The 4th Wisconsin Regiment initially mustered 1,058 men and later recruited an additional 994 men, for a total of 2,052 men during its service. The regiment lost 9 officers and 158 enlisted men killed in action or mortally wounds, plus another 2 officers and 113 enlisted men who died of disease, for a total of 282 fatalities.[2][3]
Colonel Sidney A. Bean (March 17, 1863 – May 29, 1863) was killed in action at the Battle of Port Hudson.
Colonel Frederick A. Boardman (June 3, 1863 – May 3, 1864) was killed in action at Comite River, Louisiana.
Colonel Joseph Bailey (June 1863) was designated colonel of the regiment by General Nathaniel P. Banks, but the promotion was deemed illegal. Bailey later served on Banks' staff, was promoted to brigadier general, and received an honorary brevet to major general.
William D. Hoard, musician, received a medical discharge but later returned to the service in the 1st New York Artillery Regiment. After the war, he was elected the 16th governor of Wisconsin.
Oscar Hugh La Grange was briefly captain of Co. B, but was transferred to the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment in November 1861, where he rose to become colonel and received an honorary brevet to brigadier general.
Otto Puhlman was a sergeant in Co. C, but transferred to the 19th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment in February 1862, and eventually rose to the rank of captain. After the war, he served in the Wisconsin Legislature and was the first mayor of Plymouth, Wisconsin.
Wilbur M. Root was enlisted in Co. C. After the war became a Wisconsin state legislator, police chief, and sheriff.
