5th Michigan Infantry

My GGrandfather Benjamin Frank Bates was originally in Co. A, 3rd Infantry until a reorganization in 1864 transferred him to Co. A, 5th Infantry. His brother, Alfred G. Bates, originally in Co. A, 3rd Infantry also, was a prisoner-of-war at this time and he was discharged after his release.

No family notes have been added.

GGG-Granddaughter

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Enlisted as a Private on 5 August 1861 at the age of 23. Mustered in Company E, 5th Infantry Regiment Michigan on 28 August 1861. Wounded on 6 May 1864 at the Wilderness, VA. Transferred to Company K on 10 June 1864.

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William served from 1861 through 1865. In December, 1863, he was discharged because of a new government regulation and re-enlisted on the spot, in Brandy, VA right after the battles of Mine Run and Payne's Farm. He lived in Vernon, Shiawassee County, Michigan and was wounded during his second enlistment. He was absent for seven months and returned to finish out the war until November, 1864 to be finally discharged in the summer of 1865. He had a wife and 2 children at the time.

Died in the war.