American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

Gentlemen,

can you tell me, if there was a German Brigade/Regiment or whatever in the Confederate Army?

Thanks in advance!

Regards


BG Thomas Borling

1/2/I/AotP
Robinson's Young Guard

Hi Thomas!

Excerpt from: http://www.awod.com/gallery/probono/cwchas/gla.html

German Light Artillery, Charleston, SC 1861

The German Light Artillery was formed of Charlestonians of German decent in December 1860. On the afternoon of December 27th, one Company of the German Artillery along with several other units occupied Fort Moultrie. A new company was raised incorporating the original German Artillery Militia and new members and on the 22nd of August 1861 the German Artillery was mustered into the Confederate forces as a company of infantry know as the "German Volunteers". This unit was assigned to Hampton’s Legion as Company "H" of the Infantry Battalion. It left Charleston on the 10th day of September 1861, by rail to Virginia.

The company was escorted to the Railroad Depot by other elements of German Volunteer Militia Companies and was presented with a Flag, the handiwork of the German ladies of Charleston. On arrival in Virginia it was found that it was not permissible for a single company to have a flag, therefore the flag was left in Richmond. General Wade Hampton purchased a stand of English Enfield rifles and two rifled Field Pieces at his own expense. He offered the rifles as a prize to the company of his Legion adjudged the best drilled in competitive drill. The contest was narrowed down to the Washington Light Infantry and Company H (German Volunteers). It was adjudged that the former excelled in the skirmish drill and the latter in the other parts of the exercise. It was settled by the rifles being given to company A (Washington Light Infantry) and the two rifled field pieces going to Company H(German Volunteers), which, was transformed into a light battery as company B, Hampton Legion Artillery (The German Light Artillery).

There's quite a detailed History at the Site - worth a visit! [:D]

From: http://www.serve.com/shea/germusa/civilwar.htm

A Site with extensive info on German-American involvement in the ACW.

"Gen. R.E.Lee: "Take the Dutch (Deutsche) out of the Union Army and we'll whip the Yankees easily."

176,817 German-born soldiers fought on the Union side; 5000 G-As were officers ,41 in ranks above colonel.

The German belt from NY & PA extend. through the Midwest provided a number all-German regiments. Many 1848 revolutionaries fought for the Union.-Lots of Civil War letters have been translated; many are still waiting to be trans. Check with your with your local/state hist. society re such letters/diaries."

I hope this helps Thomas . . .

[8D]

Pat.

Patrick G.M.Carroll,
Brigadier General.
Carroll's Corps,(II)
"Spartan Southrons"
Army of Georgia.
C.S.A.Cabinet Secretary (Elect).

" When My Country takes it's rightful place, amongst the Nations of the World, then and only then, let My Epitaph be written. "

There were some almost entirely German regiments at Shiloh. I could look up the details if needed.

Gen. Walter, USA
<i>The Blue Blitz</i>
Reserve Artillery, AoS

Here is a website that mentions Confederates of German heritage:

http://www.1st-texas-cavalry.de/news.htm

It indicates that several Louisiana regiments had a high proportion of Germans. My Great Grandfather being one.

MG Mike Mihalik
1/III/AoMiss/CSA