The five boxes of muster and descriptive cards comprise the majority of this collection. The cards, arranged alphabetically by the soldiers' surnames, provide a wealth of information about the soldiers' service and the men themselves. The cards confirm that only about half of the Wisconsin men left the country, fewer still saw battle during the war, and that more than 98 percent of the deaths were the result of disease.
Starting on the front of the card, the soldier's name (surname, first name) is listed at the top, with his company and regiment immediately underneath. The middle of the card contains mostly personal information. It lists the man's rank, age, height, complexion, hair and eye color, birthplace, occupation, and marital status. The rest of the card front relates enlistment and muster in information (where, when, by whom).
On the back of the cards, handwritten notes expound upon the men's service. This information can include promotions; leaves taken; illness and injuries suffered; arrests and/or courts martial information; date, place, and cause of death (if applicable); and finally date and place of muster out.
A separate folder contains papers that had been stapled to the cards of the respective men. They are: an official copy of the general order announcing the dishonorable discharge of Willard G. Harris; a statement of service for Stephen Stachowiak; a discharge in true name for Alphonsus B. Sutor, who had served under the name Alfred Sutor; the official rejection of a pension claim for Clarence H. Lowell; an affidavit clarifying the name of Bernt J. Lund, who served under the name Ben Lund; a discharge in true name for Fred Marcey, who served under the name Fred Marca; and a confirmation of the honorable discharge of Lynn B. Graham.
