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26th Regiment Michigan Infantry
1862-5
The organization of the Twenty Fifth Regiment having failed
to supply places for all of the companies offered to the
Congressional District regiments, the surplus companies
were organized into the Twenty Sixth Regiment, being ordered
to report to a rendezvous at Jackson. In order to
complete the Regiment, two additional companies, which was
speedily accomplished, after which the Regiment was total on
the 12th. of December 1862.On the 13th. of December the Regiment left its camp for Washington, under the command of Colonel Farrar, having on its muster roll 903 officers and men.
Soon after its arrival in Washington it was ordered to do provost duty at Alexandria until April 20,1863, at which time it was ordered to proceed to Suffolk,VA, to assist in the defence of that place against a suspected assault by the Confederates under General Longstreet. The Regiment was engaged in heavy fatigue duty , constructing defenses and occupying the trenches for 2 weeks, when the threat was ended with the withdrawal of Longstreet's forces. On May 23rd. the Regiment made an expedition into the Black Water region of the Potomac River to Windsor where a brief skirmish took place resulting in the death of Captain John Culver.
On June 20th., the Regiment moved to Yorktown, forming part of the command of General Keyes, which marched to Bottom's Bridge, on the Chickahominy River, then returned to Yorktown, the Regiment being ordered to New York City to help quench the Draft Riots that were threatening to destroy the city. The 13th. of October found the Regiment stationed at Fort Richmond, on Staten Island, there receiving orders to report to the Army of the Potomac, being assigned to the 1st. Brigade, 1st. Division of the 2nd. Corp, to which it belonged for the remainder of the war, being recognized as the skirmish Regiment of the division.
After being shipped to Warrenton Junction on November the 7th., it crossed the Rappahanock River, proceeding to Stevensburg encamping there until the 26th., at which time it proceeded, with the army, on the advance to Mine Run, crossing the Rapidan River at Germania Ford, advancing to Robertson's Tavern on the 27th. Reaching Mine Run on the 29th., they skirmished with the Confederates, suffering 9 men wounded.
The Regiment went into winter camp at Stevensburg, remaining there until the onset of spring, venturing out only once, on February 6th. and 7th. of 1864, to do its usual picket duty. On the 4th. of May, under the command of Major Saviors, they crossed the Rapidan River at Ails Ford, deployed, covering the flank of its division in the march to Chancellorsville, where they bivouacked, resuming the march the afternoon of the 5th., the Confederates were encountered on the road to Orange Court House. The Regiment, being deployed as skirmishers did not become engaged in the fight that ensued, as they were held in reserve.
On the 8th. the Regiment moved to Todd's Tavern, when after constructing earthworks, moved out towards Corbin's Bridge, there to to meet some Confederates, losing 1 man wounded. On the 9th. they crossed the Po River, then advanced to within 2 miles of the Confederate lines at Spottsylvania Court House. In the following morning the Southern men attacked in force, causing the withdrawal of the union forces, the 26th. covering its retreat. On the 12th. of May the Regiment, advanced again, participating in a charge upon the Confederates, along with the whole of the 2nd. Corp., where after a severe hand to hand contest, the Regiments flag was carried into the Confederate line. The Regiment captured a large number of guns, flags and prisoners, but paid a price for them in 27 men killed, 98 wounded and 14 missing.
Leaving Spottsylvania Court House on the 20th., they crossed the North Anna River at Jerico Bridge, under heavy fire, losing 5 killed and 9 wounded. Advancing, they crossed the Pamuncky in the advance on Hawes Shop, reaching the Tolopotomy Creek on the 29th., there to meet with skirmishing Confederates on the 30th. losing 1 killed, 3 wounded.
On the 2nd. of June, the Regiment was at Cold Harbor, and advanced as skirmishers near Gaines Mill, drove the Confederates from their works, then at midnight crossed the James River, arriving in front of Petersburg to take part in several charges against the defending forces. On the 26th., they took part in repulsing a Confederate charge near the Williams House, on the Weldon Railroad, then a general advance was made by the Corp, flanking the whole southern position.
From the 1st. of April to the 6th., under the command of Captain Ives, the Regiment pursued the Confederate army fleeing Petersburg, until on the 9th., it was through their line that General Grant, under a flag of truce, accepted the surrender of General Lee's army.
On May the 2nd., the Regiment proceeded by rail to Washington, there to take part in the Grand Review, then on June 4,1865, was mustered out of service, proceeding to Michigan, arriving at Jackson, to be paid off and disbanded on the 16th.
During their term of federal service, they were engaged at:
Suffolk,Va/ Windsor,Va/ Wilderness,Va/ Corbin's Bridge,Va/ NY River,Va / Po River,Va/ Spottsyvania,Va/ North Anna,Va/ Tolopotomy,Va/ Cold Harbor,Va/ Petersburg,Va/ Deep Bottom,Va/ Strawberry Plains,Tn/ White Oak Swamp,Va/ Ream's Station,Va/ Peebles's Farm,Va/ Hatcher's Run,Va/ Boydon Road,Va/ White Oak Road,Va/ Sutherland's Sta.,Va/ Amelia Springs,Va/ Deatonsville,Va/ Sailor's Creek,Va/ High Bridge,Va/ Farmville,Va / Appomatox Court House,Va
Total Enrollment--998..... Killed in Action--62..... Died of Wounds--39..... Died of Disease--158
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Copyright © 1995, Don Harvey, Revised 13 June 1996