Civil War Pastel Portrait of Major Charles G. Koch Famous 45th NY Infantry

  

Here is an original pastel portrait of Major Charles G. Koch, 45th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The 45th New York, also known as the 5th German Rifles, was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was composed almost entirely of German Immigrants, the majority who only spoke German. Formed approximately five months after the start of hostilities, this famous unit's servicened almost the entirety of the war and saw action in several of the war's noteworthy battles, in both the Eastern and Western Theaters including: Battle of Cross Keys, Second Battle of Bull Run, Battle of Chancellorsville, Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Wauhatchie, Battle of Chattanooga, Battle of Missionary Ridge, Battle of Resaca, Battle of Dallas and Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.

At the Battle of Gettysburg, Captain Francis Irsch of the 45th was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry in flanking the enemy and capturing a number of prisoners and holding part of the town against heavy odds while the Army was rallying on Cemetary Hill. The 45th played a primarily support role in the movements of Sherman's Army, including the actions at Dallas, Resaca and Kennesaw Mountain. Commanders of the 45th included George Von Amsberg, Edward C.

Wratislaw, Charles Koch and Adolphus Dobke. By the end of the War, 4 officers and 31 enlisted men were killed in action, 1 officer and 17 enlisted died from wounds received, 2 officers and 106 enlisted lied of disease or other causes and in aggregate 161, of whom 3 were officers and 19 enlisted men, died in the hands of the confederates. A large monument honoring the 45th NY at Gettysburg is north of the town on Howard Avenue. A marker beside the McLean farm north of Mummasburg Road shows the regiment's advance position on July 1st. Charles Koch entered military service in the first year of the war, on September 9, 1861 as a Captain, Co E, 45th New York Infantry.

His term of service was three years, reflecting the post-Battle of Bull Run grim recognition that the war might be a long one. He was promoted to Major on May 19, 1863. He became regimental Commander at that time. Major Koch was wounded and captured on the first day of battle at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was sent to prison in Richmond, Va.

He was promoted again to Lt. Colonel on January 22, 1864. Towards the close of the war, Charles Koch resigned his commission on January 18, 1865. For some dark reason only known to him, Charles Koch shot and killed himself later that month in Nashville, Tennessee. He was buried in the Nashville National Cemetery on January 29, 1865 and lies in grave number 09615.

Photocopies of Charles Koch's military records obtained from the National Archives describe his service during war including funeral service plans which read All officers of the 45th NY are enjoined to follow the hearses to the grave as a parting salute. All enlisted men of the 45th who are not on duty and are desirous to join in the procession will assemble in front of these Headquartewrs before 10 a. And all are included with his portrait along with photo copies of all of Charles Koch's military records. Photos or portraits of members of the 45th are rare and few exist. From my research, this is the only known portrait of Major Charles G.

The item "Civil War Pastel Portrait of Major Charles G. Koch Famous 45th NY Infantry" is in sale since Thursday, July 26, 2018. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Other Civil War-Related Items". The seller is "celahstreasures" and is located in Idaho Falls, Idaho. This item can be shipped to United States.