The Twenty-third Michigan Infantry had its rendezvous at East Saginaw and was filled by volunteers from the Sixth Congressional District and Colonel David H. Jerome of Saginaw was selected by Governor Blair as commandant of the camp, who had charge of its recruitment and organization.

The regiment commenced recruiting on July 16, 1862, and on the 13^th of September was mustered into service.

If left Saginaw on the 18^th of September under command of Colonel Marshall W. Chapin of Detroit and proceeded at once to Kentucky, its muster roll showing a force of 983 officers and men. Soon after its arrival in Kentucky, it was assigned to the 10^th division of General Rosecran’s army and was soon pushed forward to Bowling Green. While stationed at that point, a detachment of the regiment, in command of Lieut. E. G. Wellington in charge of a train for Nashville, was attacked by a superior force of guerrillas, who were repulsed in so gallant a manner as to receive the commendation of the commanding general in orders.

The regiment remained at Bowling Green until 29 May 1863, employed in garrisoning that post and guarding railroad trains. May 31^st the regiment in command of Major Oliver L. Spaulding, arrived at Glasgow. Marching from Glasgow, it proceeded to Tompkinsville, from which place it started June 4^th in pursuit of the rebels under General John H. Morgan. Moving rapidly it arrived at Paris, Kentucky on June 29^th, just in time to save the railroad bridge from destruction and a small force stationed at that point, from capture by a small rebel force that made an attack soon after the arrival of the regiment. The rebels retired after a short skirmish. Leaving Paris, August 4^th, and then serving in the second brigade, second division, twenty-third corps, army of the Ohio, the regiment in command of Lieut. Colonel Spaulding, proceeded via Lexington and Louisville to Lebanon and to New Market.

The Twenty-third Michigan Infantry participated in 24 battles, closing an active honorable career at Goldsboro, North Carolina, March 22, 1865. It being mustered out of service at Salisbury, 29 June, 1865, returned to Detroit for discharge 7 July, 1865.