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7th Wisconsin Infantry

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this unit’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Muster In: Organized at Madison, Wis., and mustered in September 2, 1861.1
Muster Out: July 2, 18652

Commander(s):
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Finnicum
Commander Image

Lieutenant Colonel Hollon Richardson
Commander Image

Commander 3
Commander Image

First Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | Fourth Division | V Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army3,4,5

Second Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | Fourth Division | V Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army8,9

Third Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | Fourth Division | V Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army13,14

  • Commander: Lieutenant Colonel Mark Finnicum (July 31, 1864)15
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle:

First Brigade | Fourth Division | V Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army (August 1-?, 1864)16

Third Brigade | Third Division | V Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army (August ?-31, 1864)17

  • Commander: Lieutenant Colonel Mark Finnicum (at least August 18-21 and 31, 1864)18,19
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | Third Division | V Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army20

  • Commander:
    • Lieutenant Colonel Mark Finnicum (at least on September 1 and 27, 1864)(Finnicum left with those whose enlistments expired on September 1, 1864)21,22,23
    • ? (after Finnicum left on September 1, 1864)
  • Unit Strength: 214 officers and men PFD (not sure on the date)24
  • Weapons:
  • Note: On September 1, 1864, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Finnicum left the Siege of Petersburg with those men whose enlistments had expired and who refused to reenlist.25
  • Note: On September 19, 1864, the 7th Wisconsin was entrenched on the Weldon Railroad.26
  • Note: On October 13, 1864, the 7th Wisconsin’s camp was “near Fort Howard.”27

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | Third Division | V Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army28,29

  • Commander:
    • Lieutenant Colonel Mark Finnicum (probably at some point from October 14-22, 1864) (thrown from a horse and injured on or prior to October 22, 1864)30
    • Major Hollon Richardson (October ? & 31, 1864)31,32
  • Unit Strength:
    • ~179 officers and men PFD (October 27, 1864)33
  • Weapons:

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | Third Division | V Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army34,35

  • Commander: Lieutenant Colonel Hollon Richardson (December 31, 1864)36,37
  • Unit Strength: 350 officers and men PFD (not sure on the date)38
  • Weapons:
  • Note: The 7th Wisconsin had its camp on the Weldon Railroad at least on November 5, 7, 10, 13, 20 and 23, 1864.39,40,41,42,43,44
  • Note: This regiment participated in Warren’s Stony Creek, or “Apple Jack” Raid to Belfield and Hicksford, Virginia from December 7-12, 1864.45

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | Third Division | V Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army46,47,48,49

  • Commander: Lieutenant Colonel Hollon Richardson (January 31 & February 28, 1865)50,51,52
  • Unit Strength: 220 officers and men PFD (February 6, 1865)53
  • Weapons:
  • Note: This unit is listed in the casualty returns for the Battle of Hatcher’s Run, February 5-7, 1865, implying it was present during the Eighth Offensive and the battle.54

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | Third Division | V Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army55,56

  • Commander:
    • Lieutenant Colonel Hollon Richardson (wounded April 1)(March 31-April 1, 1865)57,58,59, 60, 61
    • ? (after Richardson was wounded)(April 1-2, 1865)62
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Dyer’s/Sifakis’ Compendium Info:
Siege of Petersburg Battles63:

  • Before Petersburg June 16-18.
  • Siege of Petersburg June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865.
  • Weldon Railroad August 18-21, 1864.
  • Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher’s Run, October 27-28.
  • Dabney’s Mills, Hatcher’s Run, February 5-7, 1865.
  • Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9.
  • Lewis Farm, near Gravelly Run, March 28.
  • Boydton and White Oak Roads March 30-31.
  • Forks April 1.
  • Fall of Petersburg April 2.
  • Appomattox Court House April 9.
  • Surrender of Lee and his army.

Bibliography:

    Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

    Sources:

    1. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick H. Dyer (Part 3) ↩
    2. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick H. Dyer (Part 3) ↩
    3. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), p. 225 ↩
    4. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 2 (Serial Number 81), p. 546 ↩
    5. SERIES 1200, Box 37-Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison; Wisconsin State Journal, June 25,1864, p. 2, c. 1-2 ↩
    6. SERIES 1200, Box 37-Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison; Wisconsin State Journal, June 25,1864, p. 2, c. 1-2: Finnicum wrote his official report of the Second Battle of Petersburg, and although it was not published in the Official Records, it was published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 25, 1864. ↩
    7. Volume 14 (Ordnance Returns for the Second Quarter, April-June, 1864); 7th Wisconsin Entry, Page 72; Summary Statements of Quarterly Returns of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores on Hand in Regular and Volunteer Army Organizations, 1862-1867, 1870-1876. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M1281, Roll 7); Records of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, 1797-1969, Record Group 156; National Archives Building, Washington, D.C. ↩
    8. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), p. 225 ↩
    9. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 2 (Serial Number 81), p. 546 ↩
    10. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 2 (Serial Number 81), p. 546 ↩
    11. Young, Henry F. “Laying about loose one & half  Miles from Petersburg Va.” Received by Dear Father, One and a Half Miles from Petersburg, Va, 27 June 1864, Petersburg, VA.: Young indicates the 7th Wisconsin had “130 Muskets” on June 27, 1864 in a letter. Using Steven Newton’s method for converting effectives to Present for Duty strength, we take (130/.93) x 1.065=~149 officers and men present for duty. ↩
    12. Volume 14 (Ordnance Returns for the Second Quarter, April-June, 1864); 7th Wisconsin Entry, Page 72; Summary Statements of Quarterly Returns of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores on Hand in Regular and Volunteer Army Organizations, 1862-1867, 1870-1876. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M1281, Roll 7); Records of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, 1797-1969, Record Group 156; National Archives Building, Washington, D.C. ↩
    13. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), page 256 ↩
    14. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 3 (Serial Number 82), page 733 ↩
    15. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 3 (Serial Number 82), page 733 ↩
    16. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), page 125: “Return of Casualties in the Union Forces (August 1864)”: At some point after the Battle of Globe Tavern ended on August 21, 1864 the Fourth Division, Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac ceased to exist and its units were parceled out to the rest of the Fifth Corps.  The Official Records, XLII, Part 2, page 800 contains General Orders #35 from September 12, 1864 detailing the changes.  However, the table in OR, Vol. XLII, Part 2, page 614 showing the organization of the Army of the Potomac on August 31, 1864 already has the Fourth Division, Fifth Corps broken up.  More research is needed. ↩
    17. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 2 (Serial Number 88), page 616: “Organization of the Army of the Potomac…August 31, 1864” ↩
    18. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 2 (Serial Number 88), page 616: “Organization of the Army of the Potomac…August 31, 1864” ↩
    19. Lt Col Finnicum’s Report (to Wisconsin Adjutant General), Series 1200-Box 33, Wisconsin Historical Society, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    20. Sommers, Richard J. “Grant’s Fifth Offensive at Petersburg: A Study in Strategy, Tactics, and Generalship.  The Battle of Poplar Spring Church, the First Battle of the Darbytown Road, the Second Battle of the Squirrel Level Road, the Second Battle of the Darbytown Road (Ulysses S. Grant, Virginia).” Doctoral Thesis. Rice University, 1970. Print. p. 1300. ↩
    21. 7th Wisconsin Infantry, Regimental Letter & Order Book. NARA.; Consolidated Morning Reports, Wisconsin Historical Society, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    22. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Delia, Near Yellow Tavern on the Weldon R Road, 2 September 1864, Petersburg, VA. ↩
    23. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Father, Near Weldon RR Va, 27 September 1864, Petersburg, VA. ↩
    24. 7th Wisconsin Infantry, Regimental Letter & Order Book. NARA.; Consolidated Morning Reports, Wisconsin Historical Society, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    25. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Delia, Near Yellow Tavern on the Weldon R Road, 2 September 1864, Petersburg, VA.: “The Men of our Regt who did not reenlist were discharged yesterday and Started home under Command of Lt Col Finnicum. You will probably See Some of them.” ↩
    26. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Father, On Weldon R Road, 19 September 1864, Petersburg, VA. ↩
    27. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Delia, Near Fort Howard Va, 13 October 1864, Petersburg, VA. ↩
    28. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 461: “Organization of the Union Forces” (October 31, 1864)” ↩
    29. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), page 157: “Return of Casualties in the Union Forces…Boydton Plank Road, Va., October 27-28, 1864” ↩
    30. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Delia, Near Weldon R Road Va, 22 October 1864, Petersburg, VA.: Lieut Col Finnicum was Severely bruised by being thrown from his horse, he is in the Hospital and is improving. ↩
    31. Major Richardson’s Report(to Wisconsin Adjutant General), Series 1200-Box 33, Wisconsin Historical Society, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    32. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 461: “Organization of the Union Forces” (October 31, 1864)” ↩
    33. Major Richardson’s Report(to Wisconsin Adjutant General), Series 1200-Box 33, Wisconsin Historical Society, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information.  Using Steven Newton’s method for converting effectives to Present for Duty strength, we take (156/.93) x 1.065=~179 officers and men present for duty. ↩
    34. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 1118: “Organization of the Union Forces” (December 31, 1864) ↩
    35. Calkins, Chris. “The Apple Jack Raid: For This Barbarism There Was No Real Excuse.” Blue & Gray Magazine Summer 2005: 18-25 (OOB on page 60). ↩
    36. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 1118: “Organization of the Union Forces” (December 31, 1864) ↩
    37.  7th Wisconsin Infantry, Regimental Letter & Order Book. NARA; Consolidated Morning Reports, Wisconsin Historical Society, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    38.  7th Wisconsin Infantry, Regimental Letter & Order Book. NARA; Consolidated Morning Reports, Wisconsin Historical Society, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    39. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Delia, Weldon RR Va, 5 November 1864, Petersburg, VA. ↩
    40. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Father, Weldon RR Va, 7 November 1864, Petersburg, VA. ↩
    41. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Delia, Near Weldon RR Va, 10 November 1864, Petersburg, VA. ↩
    42. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Delia, Weldon RR Va, 13 November 1864, Petersburg, VA. ↩
    43. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Father, Weldon RR Va, 20 November 1864, Petersburg, VA. ↩
    44. Young, Henry F. “Camp 7th Wis Vet Vols.” Received by Dear Delia, Weldon RR Va, 23 November 1864, Petersburg, VA. ↩
    45. Calkins, Chris. “The Apple Jack Raid: For This Barbarism There Was No Real Excuse.” Blue & Gray Magazine Summer 2005: 18-25 (OOB on page 60). ↩
    46. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 328: “Organization of the Union Forces” (January 31, 1865) ↩
    47. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 742: “Organization of the Union Forces” (February 28, 1865) ↩
    48. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 96), page 66: “Return of Casualties in the Union forces at Hatcher’s Run (otherwise known as Dabney’s Mill, Armstrong’s Mill, Rowanty Creek, and Vaughan Road)… (February 5-7, 1865)” ↩
    49. Report of Lt. Col. Hollon Richardson, commanding 7th WI Regt, Wisconsin Historical Society, SERIES 1200, Box 37; Also appears in SUPPLEMENT TO WAR OF THE REBELLION: OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION & CONFEDERATE ARMIES, Serial #7, PP. 711-713 ↩
    50. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 328: “Organization of the Union Forces” (January 31, 1865) ↩
    51. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 742: “Organization of the Union Forces” (February 28, 1865) ↩
    52.  Lt Col Richardson’s Report(to Wisconsin Adjutant General), Series 1200-Box 37, Wisconsin Historical Society; Wisconsin State Journal, February 27,1865, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    53.  Lt Col Richardson’s Report(to Wisconsin Adjutant General), Series 1200-Box 37, Wisconsin Historical Society; Wisconsin State Journal, February 27,1865, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    54. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 96), page 66: “Return of Casualties in the Union forces at Hatcher’s Run (otherwise known as Dabney’s Mill, Armstrong’s Mill, Rowanty Creek, and Vaughan Road)… (February 5-7, 1865)” ↩
    55. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 95), page 570: “Organization of the Union Forces” (March 31, 1865) ↩
    56. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 95), page 585: “Return of casualties in the Union Forces commanded by Lieut. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, March 29-April 9, 1865” ↩
    57. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 95), page 570: “Organization of the Union Forces” (March 31, 1865) ↩
    58. Chamberlain, Joshua L. “Five Forks.” War Papers Read Before the Commandery of the State of Maine, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Vol. 2, p. 245 ↩
    59.  Lt Col Richardson’s Report(to Wisconsin Adjutant General), hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    60.  Wisconsin State Journal, April 27,1865, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    61. SUPPLEMENT TO THE OFFICIAL RECORDS, Serial #8, pp. 314-319, p. 334, hat tip to 7th Wisconsin researcher Roy Gustrowsky for this information. ↩
    62. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 95), page 570: “Organization of the Union Forces” (March 31, 1865) ↩
    63. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick H. Dyer (Part 3) ↩

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