George W. Burchell

George W. Burchell was born in England sometime around the year 1829. According to O.B. Curtis (p. 43). George Burchell's grandfather fought at Waterloo. How and when he came to Detroit is not known. In the summer of 1862, he was 33 and a contractor of some repute.

Along with William Hutchinson, he was instrumental in recruiting men for Captain Owen's Company (Company G). In recognition of his efforts, he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant on July 26, 1862. He was reportedly a good friend of Augustus Ziegler, although it is uncertain if this relationship predated the war.

In the aftermath of Fredericksburg Captain Owen resigned. William Hutchinson was promoted to Captain, and George Burchell was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on April 17, 1863 to rank from March 10, 1863. The envelope above is postmarked Detroit, March 7, 1863. Unfortunately the envelope has been separated from its contents, I do not know who sent it to George Burchell.

George was wounded in the shoulder during the fighting at Fitzhugh Crossing on April 29, 1863. One of his prized possession in later life was an obituary printed in the Detroit Tribune announcing his death. The matter was not to be taken lightly, however. The wound was such that a long period of recuperation was necessary. He was probably given a leave to return to Michigan.

The 24th Michigan once again proved its mettle during the first day's fighting at Gettysburg. They did so without the services of George Burchell; he did not return to duty with the Regiment until August 1863.

George Burchell was appointed Captain of Company B on January 29, 1864 to rank from November 21, 1863. It appears that his new company came to respect him, despite his having been transferred in from G. It would take some time before they really got to know him, however. In order to restore some of the Regiment's strength, was assigned to recruiting service in Michigan from March 24 to May 3, 1864. He was late returning to the Regiment, however and was placed under arrest. A Court of Inquiry was held under a tree during the battle of the Wilderness. Since the officers of the court knew his reputation and his services were urgently needed, he was acquitted in short order and re-joined his company.

During the miserable fighting at Spottsylvannia on May 12, 1864, the 24th Michigan was sent in to relieve II Corps units opposing the Salient. The Regiment was thus engaged for several hours. During this action George was wounded for a second time. His wound was apparently not severe and he returned to duty with the Regiment on June 3, 1864.

On June 17, 1864 the Regiment was deployed as skirmishers in front of the enemy's Petersburg entrenchments. It was under the temporary command of Captain Burchell. Confederate opposition was light, and many of the men felt that the works could be carried were an attack to be order. None was, however, and the Regiment held it advanced position until 9 p.m. when it was relieved. The next day, June 18, an attack was ordered. The V Corps attacked early in the morning with some success. Since the rest of the army had not moved, the Corps was recalled back to their starting positions. By the time a full-scale attack could be organized it was mid-afternoon. By then the the confederates were well prepared and the assault was a disaster. Members of the 24th fell within yards of the confederate works. Recognizing the futility of the charge, the men retreated to the cover of a ravine in the middle of "no mans land". At some point during the fighting on June 18th, George Burchell was wounded for the third and final time. Fortunately the wound was not severe and he returned to duty on June 26, 1864.

The armies settled down for a siege. Although there regiment was in action at Dabney's Mill and Hatcher's Run, the hectic pace of Grant's Campaign subsided. The sedentary life allowed time for military necessities that had been ignored during the campaign. George Burchell was appointed to try Regimental Court Martial cases on December 28, 1864.

George Burchell resigned for reasons impaired health and pressing business back in Michigan on January 21, 1865. According to O.B. Curtis (p. 287) Every officer in the Regiment and every man in his company (the few who were left) signed a testimonial in his behalf. He left the Regiment at Camp Crawford in front of Petersburg.

After the war George Burchell was actively involved in veterans affairs and regimental reunions. He attended the dedication of the 24th's monument during Michigan Day at Gettysburg in June 1889. He kept up a correspondence with Colonel Morrow until the latter's death in 1890.

George W. Burchell died on September 10, 1900. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery

George Burchell led his men in the battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvannia, Bethesda Church (Cold Harbor), Assault on Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, and Hatcher's Run. He participated in the Mud March, Port Royal Expedition, Champaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, and the reconnaissances to Raccoon Ford, Yellow Tavern, and Vaughn Road.

The envelope is from the author's collection