Description
Extremely rare id ring belonging to Charles Fifield of the 32nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Not many of these have survived. This example was made to fit the pinky finger and is made of silver. The 31 year old former painter would muster with “K” Company as a private in July, 1862, with a re-enlistment in January of 1864. A promotion to sergeant would come with his re-enlistment. The regiments first real test in battle would come during the assualt’s on Marye’s Heights at Fredericksburg. At Gettysburg, they would be heavily engaged while supporting the 3rd Corps in the vicinity of the Devil’s Den. Of the 227 men that entered the battle, 81 of them would become casualties. Following the Mine Run Campaign, the regiment would enter into winter quarters with most of the men re-enlisting, including Charles. With the opening of the spring campaign of 1864, the regiment would take part in the battles of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, North Anna River, Shady Grove and lastly for Charles, Bethesda Church. Charles would be counted among the wounded following the battle on June 3, 1864. Whatever the wound was, it must have proved to be slight. His records only indicate that he was wounded but do not disclose the nature of the wound. Two months later he would be hospitalized with dysentery. That would be the last of the front lines Charles would see. He would remain in various hospitals for the remainder of the war suffering from the disease until receiving a surgeons certificate in July, 1865. Really great piece!
