12th Wisconsin

[Spencer Davis]

I have been doing some research on the 12th Wisconsin, and trying to figure out what exactly they were issued. So I am asking that some of you who have a greater knowledge of Civil War accoutrements please take a look at several pictures that I have questions about. You may also find the pictures interesting as I sure have. Thanks for any help.

In the first photo I ask that you look at the rifle in the picture. I know that early in the war they were issued Belgian rifles. But I'm not sure when or what they recieved after that. I only see two barel bands on the rifle.

www.russscott.com/~rscott/12thwis/12thwisa.htm

The next question that I have is that there are two pictures of soldiers with open frock coats revealing a light colored vest. I was wondering what other's opinions are, as far as what color they are (light blue, grey, ? )

www.russscott.com/~rscott/12thwis/jamemcva.htm

www.russscott.com/~rscott/12thwis/franwest.htm

The last phot that I have a question about is

www.russscott.com/~rscott/12thwis/geortuff.htm

First of all, notice the large letter K on their kepis. Where would they come by them? Also I noticed that their slings on their haversacks do not appear to be the same material as the "sack" part of it. And last of all it looks to me as though they are wearing the Wisconsin State Issue sack coats, with 5 butttons.

Also if anyone knows were I could find any more info on the reg. I would love to know. Thanks for any help

Spencer P. Davis

[Brad]

Cool pictures, Spencer.

I know Tom Klas has done some research on the 12th, and I'm sure he could provide more information.

My guess on the rifle musket in the first picture is a 1855 Springfield. It looks to have the raised part on the lock plate for the Maynard primer system.

Hard to say on the vests, both are lighter than their sky blue trousers. I'm guessing they are light gray or even white.

The last picture is really neat. To my untrained eye, they appear to be outfitted with several state issue items, the 5 button blouse, and the state issue haversack.

Good find!

[Robert Braun]

Spencer, Brad is pretty on target with many of his observations.

1. I agree that the musket is most likely a Pattern of 1855 Springfield.
2. It is very difficult tot discern color from a b & w image. However, with respect to Brad's comments, the vests may well be a sky blue kersey or satinette. The difference in shade from the trousers may be due to soiling of the latter. This is admittedly a guess.
3. The 12th apparently was issued uniforms and equipage procured by the state of Wisconsin. You have correctly identified the Wisconsin STate Blouse in the image. The haversack is also state issue: a black painted drilling bag with closure strap and buckle, the whole suspended by a strap of double blue-line material.

The only surviving state haversack of which I am aware is on display at the Wisconsin Veteran's Museum, and ascribed to the First Wisconsin Cavalry.

[Spencer Davis]

Thanks for the replys. I figured that the haversacks were state isssued, but I thought that maybe it was the lighting. Anyway, I found it interesting that the rifle is an 1855 Springfield. Why would they issue them Belgains at the begining of the war then in 1863 give them an 1855 rifle? Also what do you guys think about the large letter K's on their kepis? Thanks again for the replys.

Spencer P. Davis

[Tom Klas]

Hi Spencer,

It is nice to see someone who has interest in the 12th Wisconsin as well.

You have hit on some very interesting questions, that may be furthered by research into the National Archives such as Quartermaster Returns. I have not gone to this length in my local study on the Union Guards but perhaps this will answer some questions.


www.archives.gov/index.html

If you have not tried, I would also look into the State Archives.

Since the title "Hard Heads" is traced to Charles Waldo of Company "D", West Bend's Union Guards, I can also recommend searching the West Bend Post on Microfilm to find out more information locally on the 12th. This can be had at the West Bend Public Library.

You never know what is tucked away in some obscure bin or civil war collection. Some of my best efforts have been by chance such as finding a nice diary of the 29th Wisconsin in a local library in Washington County and an 11th Wisconsin Reunion Book. The 11th Wisconsin boys were the ones who gave Company "D" the name of "Hard Heads". And do not forget local historical societies that may have some additional information such as personal accounts.

I am sure Weed and Mr. Braun can give you precise tips as well on how to narrow your research and what are the best places to find information on uniform and equipage returns.

Good Luck on your research Spencer,

Tom Klas

[Robert Braun]

Spencer, a little more about the weapons...

When Wisconsin raised its regiments, arms came from a variety of sources. The so-calle "Belgian" muskets were regarded as second, or even third-class arms...but it was all that was available. Many of the "Teen" Wisconsin Regiments suffered through their initial arms issue, and using them in actions like Shiloh, until better weapons came along.

A re-issue of arms at around what became the mid-point of a regiment's term of service is not unusual at all, and the change was made for a number of good reasons. Among the most common was to ensure that the regiment had an arm of a caliber more uniform with that of the other regiments in their brigade.

As for the brass company letter, there were many styles and types of commercially available letters and numerals that soldiers could purchase privately. We reenactors only have one style of letter, and one style of numeral that is generally available to us--- a "reenactorism" when the actual field of available non-issued insignia is examined. I suspect that the letters MAY be a private-purchase item.

[Spencer Davis]

thanks again for the replys. very interesting. i am actually planning a trip to the historical society library to do some more research. as far as searching the quartermaster returns on the national archives can you do that online or do you have to do it in person?
i actually have reunion booklet from the 12th from 1923. i have also read several others that are very interesting. my great great grandfather was in Co. B. here in the Reedsburg library they have a reunion booklet from 1909. in it it tells about them all walking downtown and getting their picture taken, and i was able to find the picture and identify my g-g grandfather and his "pard". there is also a great book out there written by Hosea Rood of Co. E that gives a great history of the regiment.

Spencer P. Davis