Introduction: A complete narrative could
be done on the military service of Julius von Wittke, although the illnesses
from which he suffered seemed to have allowed little opportunity for combat
or other engagements. The regimental histories of the 3rd and 4th New York
Cavalry could be consulted. From the existing records, the following appears
likely.
Following the outbreak of the Civil War, Julius von Wittke volunteered
for service with the New York State Militia. At the time (1861), he was
31 years old, had been married about 7 years, and had no children. He was
at that time pursuing his trade as a woodcarver and furniture maker in New
York City. Perhaps because of his age, education, or standing in the community,
or his family’s record of military service in Prussia, he was made a Lieutenant
in Company C of the 3rd Regiment. [Records of the New York State Militia
could be consulted.]
On 9 December 1861, von Wittke was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant in Company
I, 4th Regiment of the New York Cavalry. He was mustered in at New York
City. According to the records, he was present with his regiment in January
and February of 1862. In later years, his widow recalled that he was hospitalized
in spring of 1862 in the General Hospital in Washington, D. C. The nature
of this illness is not recorded. However records submitted years later
by his widow, seeking a pension, relate that von Wittke said that “he became
enfebelled [enfeebled] in health” and “that he was afflicted with consumption
which he contracted while in the army.” Apparently by May of 1862, von Wittke
was well enough to return to duty. On 19 May 1862, he was enrolled in Co.
A, 4th Regiment of the New York Cavalry. Two days later, he was promoted
to the position of Captain of Co. A. Soon thereafter, von Wittke was apparently
again hospitalized, this time during the months of June through September
of 1862, at the Cumberland Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
By October of 1862, von Wittke had rejoined his Company, but the state
of his health forced him to resign. In his letter of resignation, dated
10 October 1862, at Camp Fairfax Court House, Virginia, he wrote:
"I hereby respectfully tender you my resignation
as Captain of Company A, 4th New York Cavalry. The reasons which have induced
me to take this step are my physical inability to perform the ordinary duties
encumbent upon a Cavalry Officer. Accompanying this, you will find certificates
of Medical Officers under whose treatment I have been."
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This resignation was apparently effective 20 October 1862. It could perhaps
be assumed that following his resignation, Julius von Wittke returned to
his home in New York City. The Muster Roll for his Company for the months
of November and December 1862 list him as “absent.” (It might also be noted
that the birth of his first daughter, Juliane, on 8 August 1863, indicates
his presence at home about November 1862.)
The circumstances are not known, but Julius von Wittke “was re-appointed
Captain on 12 November 1862, by the Governor [of New York].” He reentered
service on 2 December 1862. The January and February Muster Rolls of Company
A, 4th New York Cavalry list him as “present.” Once again, however, for
reasons related to his health and fitness to serve, von Wittke resigned
his commission. His letter of resignation was dated 2 April 1863, from Camp
Potomac Creek Station. He was honorably discharged on 9 April 1863.
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