Thirty-second Indiana Infantry. — Cols., August Willich, Henry Van Trebra, Francis Erdelmeyer ; Lieut. -Cols., Henry Von Trebra, William Schnackenburg, Francis Erdelmeyer, Jacob Glass, William G. Mank, Hans Blume; Majs., William Schnackenburg, Charles Schmitt, Jacob Glass, William G. Mank, Peter Cappell, Hans Blume. This regiment was organized at Indianapolis in 1861, and was fortunate in its choice of a commanding-officer, Col. Willich having been a distinguished officer of the German army. The regiment was mustered in Aug. 24, and left the state in the latter part of September, going to Louisville, thence to New Haven, and shortly afterward to Camp Nevin. It moved for Munfordville in December as part of R. W. Johnson's brigade, McCook's division, and was engaged in picket duty on the south side of the Green river. Four companies of the regiment were attacked near Rowlett's station by Gen. Hindman with 1,100 infantry, 4 pieces of artillery, and a battalion of Texas rangers, but one company forced the attacking party back, while another sustained a similar attack. They were quickly reinforced by the other two companies, and the regiment speedily advanced, driving the enemy back. The Texas rangers then charged at several points in succession, but a hollow square was formed which withstood the cavalry and the subsequent infantry charge, the enemy being compelled to leave the field with 33 killed and 50 wounded. The 32nd lost 10 killed, 22 wounded and 8 missing, and was highly complimented in special orders for its gallantry. It was stationed at Bowling Green and Nashville in Feb., 1862; participated in the battle of Shiloh, having 6 killed, 93 wounded and 4 missing; was next in the siege of Corinth, and later moved to Stevenson, Ala., and Nashville. Col. Willich was appointed a brigadier-general on July 17, and was succeeded as colonel by Lieut. -Col. Von Trebra. The regiment marched with Gen. Buell's army to Louisville, joined the pursuit of Bragg through Kentucky, then moved for Murfreesboro and participated in the battle of Stone's river, losing 12 killed, 40 wounded and 115 missing. It remained at Murfreesboro until June, then moved towards Chattanooga, was engaged at Liberty gap, took part in the battle of Chickamauga, losing 21 killed, 78 wounded, and 17 missing, and also participated at Missionary ridge in November. It marched to the relief of Gen. Burnside at Knoxville and remained in that vicinity until the spring of 1864. In the Atlanta campaign it was engaged at Resaca, Allatoona hills, Dallas, Powder springs, Peachtree creek, and many minor engagements. After the capture of Atlanta, the non-veterans were mustered out at Indianapolis, Sept. 7, and the recruits were organized into a battalion of four companies, in command of Lieut. -Col. Blume. The battalion accompanied the 4th corps to Tennessee and was left at Chattanooga until June, 1865, when it was sent to Texas with the 4th corps. It was mustered out Dec. 4, 1865. The original strength of the regiment was 899; gain by recruits, 484; reenlistments, 503; total, 1,886. Loss by death, 222; desertion, 171; unaccounted for, 50. The original strength of the battalion was 418; gain by recruits, 256; total, 674; loss by death, 32; desertion, 1; unaccounted for, 11. |