WIS2-01N - M. Estell and Friends

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Governor Randal appointed 41 year old S. Park Coon Colonel of this new Regiment, who was a native of
New York, had served as Wisconsin’s 2 nd Attorney General, and was an influential Milwaukee County
Democrat.
The Lieutenant Colonel Henry W. Peck was from Ohip and had graduated from the United States Military
Academy at West Point in 1851. Peck provided some professional military experience and training,
verses the political appointee Coon.
The Regiment formally mustered into federal service on June 11 th 1861. Despite President Lincoln’s
original request for 3 month volunteers, by June the need had become apparent for longer enlistments,
and the 2 nd Wisconsin was mustered as a three year regiment.
The Regiment was transported to Washington DC, and saw its first combat at the First Bull Run in July
1861, in a Brigade under William T. Sherman.
At the battle the men wore state militia grey uniforms, causing the 2 nd Wisconsin to receive friendly fire
from Union troops mistaking them for Confederates.
Due to the 2 nd Wisconsin being involved in many issues of friendly fire during the First Battle of Bull Run,
the uniform was officially changed from the militia grey uniform to the official United Stated Uniform.
The official Iron Brigade uniform in October 1861 consisted of a Hardee Hat, the M1858, 9 button infantry
frock coat, and regulation dark blue trousers. This uniform would be the most iconic uniform utilized by
the 2 nd Wisconsin for much of the regiments service.
According to a veteran of the 2 nd Wisconsin, Cullen B. Aubery, the 2 nd Wisconsin infantry regiment’s
nickname was the “Ragged Ass Second”.
According to Aubery this came “from the fact that the government contractors had run short of good
material when they made the pantaloons”, giving the 2 nd Wisconsin a raggedy appearance when on
parade.
Colonel Coon was never comfortable in his role as a military man, he and Peck were to resign on July 30 th
with Coon returning to politics.

Brand: John Jenkins