Frank Bieke Army Records, 1861-1864

So my great-great-grandfather, Frank Bieke (army records list him as Frank Bicke), came over from Germany in 1857 and served in the Civil War. I ordered a copy of his army records from the National Archives. In addition to the three letters (above) there were also 16 muster roll records from his unit, the First Michigan Light Artillery, Battery A. The first is dated May 28, 1861, and follow on pretty much a quarterly basis. On the August 31, 1861 record, he is listed as a blacksmith, which coincides with his pre-war occupation (Johnston's 1861 Detroit City Directory lists him as a blacksmith at 396 Gratiot, which is what I believe is now the N.E. corner at Russell). He is listed as a blacksmith until July 30, 1862, and then is listed as a "Pvt" (Private), until the July/August 1863 muster rolls when he begins to be listed as a "Bugler." My grandpa used have a bugle in his basement that us kids would play with, and he told us this bugle was used in the Civil War at Chickamauga and Chattanooga, and these records are consistent with that. (What I wouldn't give for that bugle now!) Anyway, the muster rolls continue until they list him as "absent" in the Nov/Dec 1863 roll, with remarks: "Sick in hospital Chattanooga Tenn since Dec 11/63." Remaining muster rolls show him discharged with medical disability Feb 22/1864.

In the army file, there is a copy of his orders: "Detroit, Feb 20th, 1864. To Frank Bike Batt A/1st Michigan Artillery, Note A furlough from Chattanooga Tenn 30 days by authority of Maj. Gen. Thomas. Ordered to report to the Medical Officer at St. Mary's Hospital for examination."

Then there is a very interesting handwritten letter in his file: "Detroit, Michigan February 24, 1864. Col., I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note with the enclosures in the case of Frank Bike is to state, that I have made the certificates to conform to the requirements of __ of the ___ to which you have called my attention. This soldier not being an inmate of this hospital, and not under my charge I respectfully suggest for your consideration, that I am not the proper officer to complete the remaining part of the certificate. I will also remark that the man does not wish to be discharged, I made the certificate as a matter of duty when he presented himslef to me for examination. Very Respectfully, Your Obt Servant ____ Lieut, USA To Col J R Smith ___ ____ Detroit."

His discharge certificate (click to enlarge) says he was discharged because: "Necrosis of left clavical and general cathexia contracted in service. He is three fourths disabled and is unfit for the invalid corps."

So now all this begs the question: "How was he hurt?" Was he shot? Kicked by a horse? Fell off a horse drunk? Apparently he was injured some time after the big battles at Chickamauga. How can we ever find out?