Papers and photographs, 1862-1993.

ArchivalResource

Wickesberg, Charles, d. 1864. Papers and photographs, 1862-1993.

Papers and photographs, 1862-1993.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/55223940

Letters written by Charles Wickesberg, a Sheboygan County, Wis. native, who served in Company H of the 26th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment (Sigel Regiment) during the Civil War. The letters, many of which were written in German on patriotic stationary, are also transcribed into typewritten German with English translations. Wickesberg writes about marching in a parade for General Franz Sigel, the few opportunities to see women while serving in the Army, long marches through the south, and the lack of food. Also discussed is the length of time between being paid, health concerns, weather, hospital stay after being wounded at Gettysburg, and train ride south. Wickesberg details the fighting at Chancellorsville sending his parents an account from a German newspaper and telling his parents of the many inaccuracies of the news article. He tells anecdotes about drinking and making pancakes out of scarce rations. Also found is a letter from a Captain of the 26th Infantry informing Wickesberg's relatives of his death while fighting at Resaca (Georgia) and the pay still owed to Wickesberg. Alfred Wickesberg, a distant relative compiled the letters into a book (available in the library collection) and the collection includes letters Alfred Wickesberg received from relatives about the book. There are also detailed footnotes that provide historical perspective. One photograph accompanies this collection and shows Wickesberg in full uniform carrying a rifle standing near a tent labeled "26th Sigel Rgt."

Papers : 0.2 linear ft. (1 archives box and 1 oversized folder) and.Photographs : 0.1 linear ft. (2 folders)

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center