Treasures of the Civil War
Treasures of the Civil War
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Green Southard, 121st Ohio Infantry, Civil War Diary
Lot # 626 (Sale Order: 126 of 335)
Green Southard enlisted in the 121st Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a 21-year-old private in February 1864. His brother, Wesley, was also in the 121st, having enlisted in the summer of 1862. Green began keeping this diary at the end of February and maintained daily entries until being wounded on December 14. Most days have some entry, but very occasionally he used an ink that has faded with time and is nearly unreadable.
The diary is a bit unusual in that Green was something of a dreamer. Many of his entries are almost poetic, and he often talks about just staring at the stars or the woods while on picket/guard duty. It is probably fortuitous that he did not come under direct attack while on guard duty, since he may not have seen it coming.
March 18 (1864): "Saw the sun rise and as it came over the distant mountains with it[s] sparkling darts; it was sublimely beautiful Presenting a scene pleasing to the eye and instructive to the heart Be[a]utifying all nature and rendering a variety of scenery to man." In a few places he does insert poetry.
He does, however, describe the war. Mar. 13: "At 1 ocl. started for our Reg't. encamped near Rosville (??? of blacksmith shop). Had a view of Lookout Mountain and passed directly over Missionary ridge. Saw where some rebs had burried [sic] rebs and their feet were sticking out of the ground. Pass several camps where the rebs had been. No fences scarcely to be seen dead horses broke wagons show where the armies have been will be seen for ...years..."
By May the regiment had joined the Atlanta Campaign. He gives descriptions of individual battles we hear little about (although they did not have their historical names as yet): Battle of Tunnel Hill (May 6), Rocky Face Ridge (May 7-13), Dallas (Georgia) (May 28). Into June they pass "Lost Mountain" and engage in the Battle of Kolb's Farm (June 22). He confirms the death of Leonidas Polk on June 15.
May 6: "...Received order to be ready to march at daylight with three days cooked rations. In the evening we were drawn up in line and told what was our supposed destination. To take Tunnel hill on the morrow or try it..."
During the summer he becomes ill and spends some time in the hospital. He was apparently helpful there because a friend got him detailed to the Officer's Hospital for part of September. In August his brother was wounded, but taken to a different hospital, although he came to the Officer's Hospital shortly after Green returned to his unit. In early October Green returned to the regiment but was still classed as unfit for field duty. This caused a bit of boredom and anxiety. Many times he was the only one left in camp with no duties and no one with whom to talk. He seems to have gradually worked his way back in. By November he is on the fighting line.
November 30: "Daylight found us at the foot of the mountains awaiting help to get over. Crossed the mountain to Cowan(?) Station and got off. Formed in line of battle along the RR. Stacked arms. Just as we got fixed to sleep for the night the word - fall in came; got aboard the cars and remained till day light. Find the reason why."
December 1: "Soon after sun up we started in the direction of Nashville. Found the Block house Station deserted and troops moving in direction of Murfresboro no telegraph wire cut Stoped a while in Mur. and then for Nashvill wich we made without anything occuring. Camped in front of a battery. Rained." December 2: "Put up tents after the rain was over and soon had to pull down. Went out about a mile formed in two lines and put up one line of works. Picket firing commenced and some artillery in the direction of Murfersboro but no news from there. Some rebs wer visible...". December 3: " Rolled out at 11 AM and stood in line till day light amidst wind and rain and I shook considerably....Fort Negley spoke a few times. No musket firing near..." December 4: "Strengthring [sic] our works. We have very good ones....Some skirmishing and cannonading on our left and front but no sign of an attack from Hood neither do I belive he intends to do so." December 5: "Made a line of pickets (sharpened sticks stuck in the ground) and a line of brush work in our front twenty and fifty steps from the main line. Saw something of Gen. Steadman that I did not like. If he can manage an army he can not his own temper and he that governs his own temper so great than he that gaineth a victory."
Just over a week later Green was wounded in the left shoulder, and the diary stops. He would eventually be discharged for disability, but not until June 1865, after a few surrenders were signed.
An unusual reporting style from the front that one does not often see.
EST $1000 - 1500
Sergeant Job Barnard, 73rd Indiana Volunteers, Civil War Letters, 1864-1865
Lot # 627 (Sale Order: 127 of 335)
Lot of 13 letters written by Job Barnard, ca 1864-1865.
Job Barnard, an 18-year-old college student from Westville, IN, enlisted in August 1862 in the 73rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. K, as a private. He seems to have been rapidly promoted to 1st sergeant. These letters were written to Flora Putnam, a (former) fellow student whom he seems to have met in high school and that was a bit younger than he. Over the course of their correspondence, they seem to have realized that they were in love. Barnard notes in some of the later letters that as soon as he gets out of the army, he is returning to college so he can support a wife and family. Although he does not sign his last name on any of the letters, in the postscript to the June 27, 1864 letter he writes: " Certainly, Flora, my parents will have no objections to your name becoming Barnard ."
Michigan marriage records list Job Barnard and Flora A. Putnam as marrying on September 25, 1867. The 1870 census lists Job and Flora Barnard and their one-year-old son Ralph living in Center, Lake Co., and lists his occupation as a lawyer.
He received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1867, and began private practice from then until 1873. He received an assistant clerkship for the District of Columbia Supreme Court from 1873 to 1876, then returned to private practice in DC for the next two (plus) decades. He was also a professor of law at Georgetown University Law School during this time. He received an appointment to the DC District Court, in which he had clerked decades earlier, from President McKinley in 1899, and served until June 1914, at which time he retired. He died in 1923 in Washington, DC.
This group of letters is from mid-1864 and early 1865. Although his penmanship can be a bit rough, his letters are very readable. He even naturally uses words such as " loquacious ," unusual for a private (or even a 1st sergeant) in the infantry during the Civil War. He is also very knowledgeable in poetry. The letters are almost entirely personal in content. They are from:
HQ Co. K, 73rd Indiana Volunteers, Lavergne, TN, May 20th, 1864
HQ Co. K, " " " Triana, AL, June 20th 1864
ditto....... June 27, 1864
ditto...... July 6th, 1864
ditto....... July 11th 1864
ditto........July 29th, 1864
" Morning of the 3rd Aug ." (n.p., n.y., probably 1864, but could be earlier)
HQ, Co. K, 73rd Indiana, Triana, AL, August 23rd, 1864
Camden, AL, April 8th, 1865
Larkinsville, AL, May 30th, 1865
ditto.............. June 14th, 1865
ditto.............. June 23rd, 1865
Nashville, TN, June 27, 1865
In the last he notes that they are finishing the Muster Out papers and expect to be heading home any day - that day came July 1. He might have made it home by the 4th if all went well! Three covers included, all with Nashville postmarks.
Condition: Most as expected with folds. Very little, if any, toning.
EST $ 500 - 700
Letters From Three Civil War Soldiers, 1st US Infantry and 99th Indiana Infantry
Lot # 628 (Sale Order: 128 of 335)
The first group relates to George M. Alverson, Beloit, WI. Alverson enlisted as a captain on June 19, 1866 for a 3-year term and was assigned to Co. A, 1st US Infantry. He received a brevet major during his service. His discharge paper is included in the lot, although there was a transcription issue and the form is made out to "Alowson." Twelve letters addressed to Mother and/or the "Folks at Home" are included from Alverson, and are written from New Orleans, August 24, September 8 and September 13, 1866; Fort Pike, LA, March 17, 1867 (St. Patrick's Day, which he notes at the top); New Orleans Sailors Home, June 22, July 2, and July 6, 1867; Greenville, September 2, 1867; New Orleans, December 5, 1867; Amite City [LA], December 29, 1867; New Orleans, January 14, 1868; and Sedgwick Barracks, Greenville, October 7, 1868.
The majority of the letters concern family and friends, since the war was over, and this unit was not sent West to fight Indians. It was part of the occupation force of Reconstruction, and most of the activity was guard duty. He does not seem to have been impressed with the South. In his St. Patrick's Day letter, he writes: "There is know [sic] knowing when you will get this letter wether[sic] you will get it at all or not, because the mail don't leave here only by chance and comes by chance. I think it is a God forsaken place anyway."
He also is not impressed with black soldiers and hopes General Hancock will drive them out of the army. On August 23 his tent mate, Nathan Brazier, died of yellow fever. "[I]t was like taken a brother away from me."
The next group of letters may relate to Henry Alverson. Consignor identifies them as relating to John Alverson, but we did not find anyone by that name in the Civil War Database. Henry Alverson, also of Beloit, served in a 100-day unit, enlisting in May 1864 with the 40th Wisconsin Infantry. He received a promotion to commissary sergeant in August. Henry's wife was named Mary, and she applied for a pension from the state of Iowa, suggesting some of these letters could be from this branch of the family. For a listing of the letters, please go to cowans.com.
The third group is related to Hiram B. Mathews (Matthews, Matthew), 99th Indiana Infantry. Mathews enlisted in August 1862, possibly in response to Lincoln's call for troops in June-July 1862.
According to the Civil War Database, Mathews was discharged March 31, 1863. This makes the August letter from Corinth a bit confusing. Things seem to be getting tight at home, since Mira is talking about selling the horse. Hiram wants her to think hard and be sure she can do without him, or use the money to buy another younger horse, but he does not know what they are worth these days.
The 99th Indiana went initially to Louisville, then spent the winter on guard duty. With the new year, it was assigned to the Department of the Tennessee, and in May headed for Memphis, then Vicksburg. It is not clear how much action Private Mathews saw.
Condition: The last group is a bit stained and torn. Most are readable, but there are a couple letters with missing paper, and one had faded and is difficult to read.
EST $600 - 800
Atlanta Campaign Diary, 1864, Private George A. Stolp, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery
Lot # 629 (Sale Order: 129 of 335)
May 7: "...Reveille at 3 O.C. A.M. ...all ready to move before daylight...our forces drew up in line of battle our Batt took position on a rise of ground sheltered by timber...10th...We had just settled down last night for a good nights rest when we were called to the front started at dark + worked our way up to a position in front of the rebs fortifications. We came into position on a very high ridge having to draw our guns up by hand for more than one half mile....Worked till morning throwing up breast works done some considerable firing...12th...Started at six this morning down the valley with our whole Corps to join Hooker some 15 miles below leaving two corps at Buzzards gap to hold the Rebs there. It is impossible for us to take the gap from this side...14th ...There is a family living within twenty rods of our Batt consisting of mother + daughter the father being in the rebs Army...the woman is feeling pretty bad seeing our large Army. She sees that the rebs have but little chance to win. Afterward the man... + two brothers came into our lines...+ gave themselves up + he sent word to this wife + she feels much better..."
May 15: "And such a Sunday I never witnessed before. Ordered out to take position at 8 O.C. A.M. about 500 yards in front of the rebs rifle pits...we were obliged to work on our knees to dig trenches + throw up breast works for a protection against Sharp Shooters we got in position ready for action at 2 O.C. P.M. The rebs are well protected with log breast-works...while I am writing this the bullets are flying altogether too thick for comfort...Our killed + wounded up to last night was estimated at one thousand I do not think to days fighting quite as bloody...yet it may be before night...16th Moved our section after dark last night to a less exposed position...we had just finished our breast work when the rebs made a charge...it was about midnight...so many demons...we gave them the best we had... Gen Palmer says there is not a Battery in the service that ever done better..."
May 17: "...had a little fun + some fresh port this afternoon Secesh hogs mussn't come around our camp...especially if we have been without fresh meat any lengths of time We are getting farther + farther down in dixie hope we have shant stop till rebs are in the dust...18th ...two miles from Rome our troops have possession after about two hours hard fighting our loss estimated 15 killed + 40 wounded..."
For more from this journal please go to cowans.com.
The 2nd Illinois Light Artillery mustered into service on May 23, 1861 and mustered out over several months in 1865 by Company/Battery. Stolp's Battery I mustered out in June in Springfield, IL. Other batteries mustered out from late April into July. Before the Atlanta Campaign this unit fought at other major engagements such as Corinth, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Jonesboro and Bentonville.
An extraordinary battle diary in good condition.
Notebook shows general wear, including short separation of backstrip at head. Rear pastedown separated at hinge but still mostly pasted to rear cover. Missing pages 13-14 (about March 1-3) and 111-112 (June 15-16)
EST $1500 - 2000
Civil War Letter Archive of Cyrene Blakely, 3rd Minnesota Infantry
Lot # 630 (Sale Order: 130 of 335)
Lot of approx. 150 letters, most between Cyrene Blakely and his fiance/wife, Celia R. Leland, including at least 49 war-dated letters from Cyrene to Celia, as well as approx. 64 letters from Celia to Cyrene. The letters date from ca February 1863 through November 1864, with a large gap from March to August 1864 during which time the couple got married. (By late August, the letters are addressed to Celia Blakely rather than Celia Leland.) Accompanied by three letters to Cyrene from his father, " D.B. ," who became ill during the war and died about September 26, 1863. One letter from Cyrene's brother, David, was included in one of Celia's letters. In addition, the collection contains correspondence to and from Celia, including approx. 36 letters dating from May, June, and July 1865 and 1866 from Celia, as well as a letter from her father.
Cyrene H. Blakely enlisted in the autumn of 1861 at Rochester, MN as a 2nd lieutenant. In his letter to Celia of October 6, 1864, he writes: " My first three-years' enlistment expires on the 26th of October - the present month ." This implies he re-enlisted, which he did. And in one of her letters, Celia asks about this, since it apparently was phrased to the effect of another three years, or the length of the war. He was made adjutant in January 1862, along with a promotion to 1st lieutenant. He was commissioned into the Commissary Department in June 1864 and promoted to captain at the same time. He received a brevet major March 13, 1865. The commissary appointment turned out to be quite lucrative. He started sending home thousands of dollars periodically. In one letter he tells her how they are doing it: he has another guy who buys cattle at 3 cents per pound, then the government buys it for 5 cents. They split the profits.
It seems as though Cyrene is trying to shield Celia from the dangers of war. Although he is in the Western Theater, he is engaged in some skirmishes, such as the action in October 1863 at Pine Bluff. In 1862 the unit was engaged at Murfreesboro, where some of the unit surrendered to Forrest. After their exchange, they were sent to Fort Snelling, then to join General Sibley at Fort Ridgely. It spent much time in the Arkansas campaign. About the only thing Cyrene tells Celia is: " A poor fellow is to be hung here on Friday next; he was a spy - found while trying to get through our lines with a perfect profile of the fortification surrounding Pine Bluff ." (September 19, 1864) Much of the communication is (very) personal. Following the war, Cyrene lived a long life, dying in Chicago July 4, 1898. Celia died in 1902, presumably in Rochester where she is interred.
Condition: A number of the letters have a toned line along one fold. They are for the most part readable. Celia has beautiful handwriting and her letters are very easy to read. His get a bit hasty, but at least he can spell.
EST $ 3000 - 5000
Patriotic Cover Collection, Lot of 340+
Lot # 631 (Sale Order: 131 of 335)
Outstanding patriotic cover collection housed in a red leather binder and slip cases. More than 340+ unused covers dating approximately 1861-1865. The vast majority are Union covers, with approximately 15 representing the Confederacy.
A wide range of covers comprises the collection. The following groupings are offered: 4 Jefferson Davis with a rare copyrighted tri-color; 11 Confederate flags and state seals; the complete "Secesh Chain" series, numbered 1-30, by Charles Magnus; 14 traitors including James Buchanan as "Judas," Breckenridge and Bell, with an Everett envelope; 10 Stephen A. Douglas; 12 personalities such as W.G. Brownlow, John Brown, Gov. John A. Andrew, Daniel Webster and more; 16 patriotic featuring Lafayette, John Hancock, Bunker Hill, Lady Justice and more; 16 political satire which includes Russell, Floyd, and CS vs. US, and more; 22 pertaining to "Southern Loan," finances, and political satire with multiple full covered illustrations; 9 Ben Franklin; outstanding group of 34 George Washington; 13 General Beauregard; 22 depicting "King Cotton" and John Bull; 20 satire/cartoons of Virginia and South Carolina; 20 satirical views of the South; and a superb group of 90 covers pertaining to secession.
EST $ 3000 - 4000
Presentation Sword to Commandant of Johnson's Island Prison Camp
Lot # 632 (Sale Order: 132 of 335)
A fancy grade presentation quality sword, owned by General William S. Pierson (1815-1879), Commander of Johnson's Island Prison Camp. Accompanied by a "true copy" of a letter from Lieutenant Colonel William Hoffman, 8th Infantry and Commissary General of Prisoners, 1p, 7.5 x 9.5 in., on Office of Commissary General of Prisoners letterhead, Columbus, OH. December 17, 1861. A letter addressed to Ohio Governor William Dennison, in which Hoffman requests that Pierson be appointed commander of the guard for the " Depot of Prisoners of War at Sandusky, Ohio ." Matted and framed, 13.5 x 15.5 in.
From the Mexican War era, this sword has a double-edged 31 in. acid etched blade with patriotic symbols, scrollwork, and " W.H. Horstmann/ & Sons/ Philadelphia ." Ricasso with crowned head in profile stamp, a Solingen mark. The hilt is in gilt brass and coin silver with coin hexagonal grip with floral and geometric engraving. The pommel is 2.5 in. high full-bodied eagle standing on a dome with gadrooned border. The counterguard, also in gilt brass, is cross shaped, with cast relief Liberty Cap, weapons, and acanthus leaf design on left side and spread-winged eagle atop pike with Liberty Cap, other edged weapons, and acanthus leaves. In the center of the cross guard, a square box is engraved with monograms, " WSP ." A brass chain knuckle guard attached to the underside of eagle's beak. Overall length is 38.5 in. The scabbard is brass with cast scrollwork carrying mounts and drag. One face has nice scrollwork engraving and martial symbols with US shield. Gilt is worn, else excellent.
Pierson, originally a Connecticut native, emigrated to the Firelands of northern Ohio, and at the outbreak of hostilities enlisted as a major in Hoffman's Battalion of the 128th Ohio Volunteers. His rise in the 128th was rapid; he was commissioned colonel, and charged with organizing and overseeing construction of Johnson's Island prison camp located in Sandusky Bay of Lake Erie, just offshore from present-day Toledo, OH. Built on a 300-acre island, the camp was initially built to hold 1000 men; by war's end its population had swelled to more than 3000, including seven Confederate generals.
Provenance: Sword was purchased from a direct descendant of Pierson; formerly part of the Elmer Grimm collection; previously sold in these rooms, November 15 & 16, Historic Americana Auction, Lot 688; consigned by a private collector.
Lot includes provenance information, brief biographical notes on Pierson, and a great deal of information regarding Johnson's Island.
An exceptional presentation grade sword with great history and provenance accompanied by an equally important appointment request.
Condition: Brass scabbard, pommel and guard with nice dark mustard patina. Silver handle with nice untouched patina. Overall excellent.
EST $ 6000 - 8000
Lock and Key from Johnson's Island Prison, Owned by General O.O. Howard
Lot # 633 (Sale Order: 133 of 335)
Steel and brass padlock, 5 x 3.5 in., and key from Johnson's Island Prison in Ohio. Key with unusual S-shaped bit. Accompanied by label on verso of Brigadier General O.O. Howard: " Lock & Key to Johnson's Island Prison, Co. Lee was there when last officers left ." Consignor notes that Lee, no relation to the Confederate General, presented the lock and key to Howard as a gift.
Olver Otis Howard (1830-1909) was born in Maine and graduated from West Point in 1854. A career US Army officer, Howard lost his right arm while leading his men against Confederate forces at the Battle of Fair Oaks/Seven Pines in June 1862, an action which later earned him the Medal of Honor. After the war, President Andrew Johnson appointed him head of the Freedman's Bureau, where he tenaciously supported the rights of African Americans, urging that land be distributed equally to newly freed slaves and advocating for their right to vote. He helped found the historically black Howard University, which is named in his honor. Howard continued to serve in education until his death in 1909.
Condition: Red paint accession numbers on both lock and key.
EST $ 2000 - 3000
Map of Johnson's Island Prison Camp Near Sandusky, Ohio
Lot # 634 (Sale Order: 134 of 335)
Pen and ink drawing, 9.75 x 13 in., by Captain James T. Hogane, Topographical Engineer, CSA. Hogane drew at least three known full-color maps for fellow officers imprisoned at Johnson's Island. Text in top left corner identifies the officer to whom this map was presented: " S.M. Spencer / 2nd Lieut. Issaquena Artillery / Captured at FORT DONELSON Feb. 16, 1862 / By Gen. Grant's Army / Block 1 mess 2 Room 21. " Prison buildings and grounds labeled.
Hogane enlisted in August of 1861 and served as Brigade Engineer 1st District Missouri on the staff of Brigadier General M. Jeff Thompson. He was captured on March 2, 1862 at New Madrid, MO.
Condition: Map has been archivally restored and de-acidified. Minimal fading, with bold color. Minor loss at top left, with dark spots and repaired vertical tear to left third of map.
EST $ 6500 - 7500
Confederate Prisoners of War Autograph Page, Johnson's Island, Incl. General James J. Archer, Captur
Lot # 635 (Sale Order: 135 of 335)
War-date Johnson's Island, Ohio autograph album page, featuring the signatures of six Confederate prisoners of war, ca 1863. Inscribed front and back with period ink, many with hometowns and/or places of capture. Notably among the signatures presented here is that of Brigadier General Jame J. Archer (1817-1864). Archer fought with the Army of Northern Virginia until his capture at Gettysburg and subsequent confinement at Johnson's Island. After one year, Archer was released, but his health had deteriorated in prison and he died shortly thereafter in Richmond. Catalogued by Michael Reese in Autographs of the Confederacy as "a scarce signature."
Front page: three (3) signatures: " J[ames] J[ay] Archer. Maryland, Brig. Genl. P.A.C.S... R[obert] H[arris] Archer, Maryland, A.A. Genl. P.A.C.S. Staff of Brig. Genl. Archer...N[ewton] J. George, Lt. Col. 1st Tenn. Inft., Lincoln County, Tennessee."
Back page: three (3) signatures: " J[ohn] D. Saunders, Lt. 12th Ark. Regt. Inft. Address Holly Springs, Ark...J[ames] K. White Capt., 8th Texas Cavalry, Captured McMinnville, Tenn., Residence Clinton Dewitt Co., Texas...Ed[ward] M. Linzee, Lieut. 12 Ark. Vol. Inft. Port Hudson, La., Bloomington, Mo., July 9, 1863."
Condition: Toning and slight smudging to ink on front page, with some light contemporary pencil notations. Small tear at lower right near bottom edge.
EST $ 1500 - 2000
Confederate Autograph Page from Johnson's Island, Incl. Major Henry Kyd Douglas
Lot # 636 (Sale Order: 136 of 335)
Johnson's Island, Ohio autograph album page, featuring the signatures of five Confederate officers detained there, ca 1863-1864, inscribed with period ink front and back. Names listed with places of capture and/or hometowns and notably include that of Major Henry Kyd Douglas, the youngest member of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's staff and author of I Rode with Stonewall. Douglas was wounded six times during the war and was captured after sustaining an injury at Gettysburg.
Front page: three (3) signatures: " Respectfully W[illiam] Champ McGimsey, 1st Lt. 8th La Volunteers, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Captured Gettysburg...Gus.[tav] A. Dyes, 1st Lt. Eng. Corps. P.A.C.S. Address: St. Charles, Mo... Hry. Kyd Douglas, Major & A.A. Genl. P.A.C.S., Of: Shepherdstown, Virginia, Wounded & Captured - 'Gettysburg.'"
Back page: two (2) signatures: " C.S. Newman, Adjt. 60th Tenn. Gordonsville, Orange, Va., Captured Big Black Miss...Wm. Campbell, Capt. Co. D. 6th Ky Cav., Morgan's Div. CSA, address Harrodsburg, Ky."
EST $ 2500 - 3500
Lieutenant Samuel Boyer Davis, Johnson's Island POW, 1865 ALS, Plus
Lot # 637 (Sale Order: 137 of 335)
Davis, Samuel Boyer. Confederate spy. ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., " Johnson's Island, Sandusky Ohio. " February 1, 1865. Addressed to William P. Trimble, Davis' cousin and son of Major General Isaac Trimble. Written days before he was to be executed for espionage, Davis states in part, " I am condemned to die on Friday 17th of this month. I cannot see the girls but must see you & Dave. . . Good bye."
Lot includes the original envelope, an official Johnson's Island cover, with a " Sandusky O. Feb 2, 65 " cancellation, as well as paperback copy of Davis's memoirs, entitled Escape of a Confederate Officer from Prison. What He Saw at Andersonville, How He Was Sentenced to Death and Saved by the Interposition of President Abraham Lincoln. Norfolk, VA: The Landmark Publishing Company, 1892.
Davis was an aide to his uncle, Major General Trimble, and fought alongside him at Gettysburg, where Davis was severely wounded and captured. He managed to escape from the hospital and returned to the South, where he was assigned to duty at Andersonville Prison. In December of 1864, he undertook a secret mission for the Confederacy, wherein he conveyed important documents through the North to a Rebel base in Canada. During his return, with dispatches for Richmond hidden in his coat sleeves, Davis was arrested, placed in irons, and brought to Cincinnati for trial, where he was charged with espionage and condemned to hang.
On February 2, 1865 he was taken to Johnson's Island to await execution. Davis watched the construction of the scaffold and saw men testing the rope for the noose. A few moments before the execution, however, the prison’s commanding officer came to Davis’ cell with the notice that he had been pardoned by President Lincoln. With his sentence commuted, Davis spent time in prison at Fort Delaware and Fort Warren in Boston. He was finally freed in December of 1865.
Condition: Letter with creasing as expected.
EST $ 2500 - 3500
Confederate POW Letter, Colonel Thomas S. Kenan, 43rd North Carolina Infantry, Johnson's Island
Lot # 638 (Sale Order: 138 of 335)
Kenan, Colonel Thomas S. ALS, 1p, 7.5 x 9.75 in., " US Military Prison, Johnson's Island, Ohio ." September 19, 1864. Addressed to " Professor Kedrick ," one of Kenan's former professors at the University of North Carolina. Kenan's cousin, Dr. Tull, of Philadelphia, PA, knew Professor Kedrick, and in this letter, Kenan asks Kedrick " to exercise your influence for my release from prison. Special exchanges are being made continually. Three officers have recently left this prison on the above terms and should you be so fortunate as to get an exchange for me, & one Federal Officer of my rank, will be equally benefited and you shall be pecuniarily compensated. . . My brother, Capt. Jame G. Kenan, who was a student at our University is also a prisoner here. If you can do anything for him, it will be deemed a personal favor. "
Kenan (1838-1911), a young lawyer from Duplin County, NC, enlisted on April 15, 1861 with Company C of the 12th North Carolina Infantry. He was later commissioned to Company A of the 43rd North Carolina, of which Kenan was elected lieutenant colonel before ultimately rising to the rank of colonel on August 24, 1862. After serving in several key operations, Kenan and his regiment were called to Fredericksburg, VA and acted with the cavalry supports at Brandy Station and Berryville. They then marched into Pennsylvania and reached Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. After gallantly leading his men for several days, Kenan was wounded severely on July 3 and captured the following day with other wounded men in the ambulance train. He was confined to Johnson's Island prison from August 22, 1863 until March 14, 1864. After a transfer to Point Lookout, MD, Kenan was exchanged to Cox Landing, VA and finally paroled in Charlotte, NC on May 12, 1865.
EST $ 900 - 1200
Two Letters Written by Confederate Soldier Thomas C. Hearn, 3rd Florida Infantry, Johnson's Island P
Lot # 639 (Sale Order: 139 of 335)
Lot of 2 letters written by Lieutenant Thomas C. Hearn (1842-1868) during his imprisonment at Johnson's Island. Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Hearn mustered into Company F of the 2nd Florida Infantry on July 9, 1861 and was later transferred to Company F of the 3rd Florida. He was captured in Nashville, TN on December 16, 1864.
ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., " Johnson's Island US Military Prison." December 25, 1864. Addressed to Mrs. M.E. Sutton. Writing to his mother thirteen days after his capture, Hearn states, " For the first time since my capture have I an opportunity of writing. Since my last to you, I have changed my base considerably farther northward, having been captured in front of Nashville on the 16th of this month. Do not grieve over my absence. Am faring splendidly, in good health and am well protected against the cold. Have met over a hundred friends. . . you must not look on the dark side of my capture but remember that everything happens for the best. "
ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., " Blk 8 Mess 1 US Military Prison Johnson's Island ." March 31, 1865. Addressed to Mrs. M.E. Sutton. In his second letter to his mother since his capture, Hearn writes, " It will soon be four months since I was captured and during that period not one word have I heard from home. . . Feel no uneasiness in regard to my welfare. Am comfortably clad, having received clothing from Nashville and get plenty to eat ." Hearn seems somewhat distressed by the slow pace of mail from the South, asking, " Can't you write by 'truce' through Jacksonville? . . . Sherman has played the mischief with the roads so it seems. His time for success I firmly believe is coming surely to a 'finale.' He can't be lucky always. " Hearn also mentions that " quite a number " of his fellow prisoners have " taken the Oath of Allegiance here and been released from prison. None from Florida. . .Exchange progresses slowly and there are yet some fifteen hundred ahead of me. The oldest imprisoned are taken first. "
Hearn himself took the Oath of Allegiance on June 16, 1865. He died three years later in New York.
Condition: Both with staining and small separations
EST $ 650 - 850
Three Letters Written by Johnson's Island POWs
Lot # 640 (Sale Order: 140 of 335)
Lot of 3 letters written by Confederate soldiers imprisoned on Johnson's Island, 1862-1864. Prisoners' letters were limited to one page in length, but each is rich with details about the activities of fellow inmates and the conditions of life on the island.
Chisolm, Lieutenant Benjamin F. (1844-1903). ALS, 1p, 4.75 x 8 in., " Johnson's Island, Ohio." August 3, 1864. Addressed to " Miss Kate ." Chisholm, of Woodville, MS, enlisted with the 16th Mississippi Infantry at the age of 16. He writes, " My room mates are making such a fuss, jumping & laughing & talking loud about the news from Gen. Lee that I can hardly write. I have been quite busy the last week working on my little garden, building a fence and making a gate. . . I have got tomato plants, radish, onions, beets & lettuce, all planted on that little place of about 20 feet square. "
Ferguson, Lieutenant William A. ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 10 in., " Johnson's Island Near Sandusky. " December 21, 1863. Addressed to his wife, Mrs. William A. Ferguson. Originally from Pickensville, AL, Ferguson was a member of Company D, 8th Confederate Regiment Cavalry (also known as the 2nd Regiment Alabama and Mississippi). He was captured at Shelbyville on June 27, 1863 and writes home with descriptions about life on Johnson's Island: " My health was never better although the cold pinches considerably. I have no fears but what I shall be fully able to stand it. The bay is frozen over & the Feds pass to & from the Island on the ice. Lts. Ball, Daso, & Gardner are well. Lt. Wier from Capt. Willet's Co. is here & well. Have you heard from my Company?".
Horne, Lieutenant T.M. ALS, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., " Johnson's Island Sandusky Ohio. " June 30, 1862. Addressed to Mrs. Susan L. Taylor of Newport, KY. A member of Company A, 2nd Kentucky Infantry, the so-called "Orphan Brigade," Horne writes to Taylor listing the needs of several soldiers and describing the living conditions at the prison. Taylor operated a ministry that sent items to prisoners for distribution. He specifically highlights the " Sanitary condition of [the] prison ," noting " we have 29 cases in our hospital, some of whom are sick of typhoid fever, and others of less serious diseases. The rations issued to these persons are not at all suitable for sick men, and hence we raised a small hospital fund with which to supply their actual wants. . . If in your power to contribute something in the way of supplies for our hospital, I know it would be a balm to suffering humanity ." He ends positively, describing a newfound interest in handcrafts: " Like many others here, I have imbibed passion for the Fine Arts and. . . have whiled many wear hours in ring-making." Horne was exchanged later in 1862 but was wounded on December 7, 1862 in Hartsville, TN and died two days later.
Condition: One strip of staining along the left edge of the Horne letter (as though kept in an album). Some toning and expected creasing to the Ferguson letter.
EST $ 800 - 1100
Collection of Johnson's Island Ephemera, Incl. Scarce "Roster of the Dead"
Lot # 641 (Sale Order: 141 of 335)
Lot of 6 items from Johnson's Island POW Camp near Sandusky, OH, including:
McKnight, George. Aide-de-camp to General Loring, popular Johnson's Island POW and poet. Many soldiers copied McKnight's verses, which are sometimes signed " Asa Hartz " to send home to loved ones. 2pp, approx. 6 x 7.5 in., " Johnson's Island, Ohio." December 7th, 1863. Poem entitled " My Love and I " with large applied autograph: " Geo. McKnight, Maj. & A.A. Genl. Staff Maj. Genl Loring C.S.A., St. Joseph, La."
Handwritten lyrics of the song " Goober Peas ," a favorite among Johnson's Island prisoners. At the top of this six stanza song is written " Words by P. Nutz " and " Music by A. Pindar Sung by Charley McCarthy at Johnson's Island, Ohio ."
Handwritten lyrics of a song entitled " Prisoner's Lament ," excerpted from the memorandum book of Reverend E.B. Ramsey, Memphis, TN.
Morning Report document headed, " Head Quarters Depot of Prisoners of War Johnson's Island, O. December 27th, 1864. " Signed by Sergeant Wm. J. Colway of Company C, 5th Regt. V.R.C., 5.25 x 13 in.
CVD portrait of Brigadier General Charles W. Hill, who took command of the prison on May 9, 1864, credited on verso to M. Whitt, Columbus, OH.
Scarce paperback booklet, " Appeal for Pecuniary Aid to Care for and Monument the Remains of the Confederate Dead Buried on Johnson's Island and at Columbus, Ohio. " Cincinnati, OH: Cohen & Co. Printers, 1892. Distributed by the United Confederate Veterans.
Condition: Back cover of booklet missing and loss/tearing to front cover.
EST $ 700 - 900
Andersonville Diary of Sergeant Bradley Alexander, 5th New York Cavalry, 1864-1865
Lot # 642 (Sale Order: 142 of 335)
Bradley Alexander's time as a POW as detailed in this historically significant diary provides clear evidence of the hardship imposed on soldiers after the breakdown in prisoner exchange agreements. His service began, however, when he enlisted on August 24, 1861 at Farmersville, NY, as a private. Records indicate that he was mustered into "E" Company of the New York 5th Cavalry, aka "Ira Harris" Guard, on August 31, 1861, for three years of service. By the start of 1864 Alexander was a veteran soldier, having served with his regiment for over two years in near constant combat including at Gettysburg. Alexander's diary opens on January 1, 1864, with his characteristically well-written descriptions of his day and ongoing military activity: "On picket last night had no Rebels to watch and so watched the new year as she came in...we are relieved of a three day tour of picket duty none are detailed for picket that have reenlisted. Meades Scouts went across the River yesterday and captured eight horses one wagon and a quantity of leather."
Daily diary entries continue in the coming months and include descriptions of multiple engagements such as Ely's Ford, Kilpatrick's Raid to Richmond, Beaver Dam Station, and more. After re-enlisting in February 1864, Alexander received a 30-day veteran's furlough departing on March 14th for home. It appears based on his diary that he had returned to his regiment by April 27 when his regular diary entries resume. In these last months before his capture Alexander would write about participation in Spotsylvania, North Anna, Wilson's Raid on South Side & Danville Railroad, and his final engagement on June 29, 1864, at Ream's Station: "...found the Johnnys in strong force skirmished with them awhile &... was taken prisoner while trying to make my escape to our lines brought back to Stony Creek Station robbed of everything we had." Hereafter, Alexander's diary becomes an enthralling captivity narrative as he describes in plain detail his treatment, his rations, the trials imposed by the heat and the cold, prison conditions and activities, the "Police," the arrival of new "Yanks" in the prison and the departure of others, the deaths of fellow prisoners, his travel between prisons, his ongoing anticipation of a parole, and so much more.
On July 9, Alexander was put into box cars for Andersonville. The following entries are typical of his style and content: Jul 10, 1864, upon first arrival at Camp Sumter, "arrived at Andersonville at ten PM stood in the sun at the Head Quarters of the officer of the interior of the prison about two hours I was then pushed into the stockades where there is about twenty seven thousand fellow prisoners..."October 9, 1864, "a bitter cold night last the suffering cannot be imagined no wood nor clothing. Reorganized and moved to the south side of the Branch put into Detachments of five hundred each one hundred in a mess drew bacon beef beans and bread small rations sick all ordered to the Barracks..." Jan 23, 1865, "Five Hundred Prisoners from Sherman's Army taken when Hood got in the rear of Sherman at Atlanta about one hundred Yanks take the oath and go into the Rebel Army."
By February and March of 1865 Alexander regularly reports on the great excitement caused by news of prisoner exchanges. As the war drew to a close Alexander was moved from Andersonville on multiple occasions presumably both to avoid anticipated Union raids on Confederate prisons and to attempt exchange. "The Colonel Commanding came in and informed us that we would not remain here and the reason of our not going through was the refusal on the part of our government to receive us...". The last months of the war are for Alexander an agonizing period of raised and dashed hopes of parole. Finally, in early May 1865, Alexander travels to Florida and passes under the flag of truce into Union hands. After spending time in a parole camp, Alexander arrives in New York on May 22, 1865, writing that he "marched to the Provost office to be mustered gave us passes instead...and started home on the six o'clock."For more on this Federal soldier, please go to cowans.com.
>Overall the diary is in good condition with expected wear given age. Diary entries are in pencil that is sometimes faint, but all entries are legible.
EST$4000 - 6
W.W. Briggs, 36th Massachusetts Infantry, DOD Andersonville, Tintype Locket
Lot # 643 (Sale Order: 143 of 335)
Engraved gold-filled locket in hunting case watch form containing two tintypes, each 1.625 in. diameter, including a portrait of a mustached soldier in uniform complete with kepi, and a portrait of a young woman, possibly his sweetheart or wife. The subjects' buttons and jewelry are highlighted in gold and their cheeks are lightly tinted pink. Front of case inscribed, " W.W. Briggs ," and back inscribed " Co. H 36 Ms. Inf. "
The locket is identified to Waldo W. Briggs, the Union private depicted in the enclosed tintype. Leaving home in Orange, MA, to enlist as a private in Co. H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry in August 1862, Briggs survived barely eighteen months before he was taken prisoner at an unknown time and place and subsequently died of disease at Andersonville Prison on May 10, 1864. Briggs was laid to rest at Andersonville National Cemetery.
Condition: Images a bit dark, but contrast remains very good. Images not examined outside locket. Some surface wear to locket.
EST $ 600 - 800
Union War Prisoners Association Broadside, Castle Pinckney, Charleston, SC, 1861
Lot # 644 (Sale Order: 144 of 335)
Printed broadside, 26 x 29.5 in., matted to 29.25 x 33.5 in. Union War Prisoners Association, Organized in Charleston Jail December 31st 1861 . New York: Otto Boetticher, copyright 1863. Signatures of imprisoned soldiers along with their ranks and regiments appear in cartouches, with vignettes showing prisons in Richmond, Columbia, Salisbury, Charleston, and New Orleans, organized on grid of criss-crossing chain links. " C. Walter fecit" at lower right.
Condition: Broadside with brittleness, and some creasing/tearing at edges but with recent archival restoration.
EST $ 1200 - 1600
Ca 1863 Island Minstrels Broadside Advertising a Concert for the Benefit of Prisoners Held at Johns
Lot # 645 (Sale Order: 145 of 335)
Printed broadside, approx. 5 x 11.75 in., Island Minstrels! Concert! N.d., ca 1863. Broadside announces a concert taking place on " Saturday Afternoon, Sept. 19th, 1863 ," for the " Benefit of / Prisoners in Close Confinement " at Johnson's Island. Broadside boasts that this will be the " First Appearance of the Celebrated Irish Comedian / Billy Boyd! " Some of the songs to be featured include " Poor Mr. Lincoln ," " Bully for You ," and " Take me home to the South ." Posted admission price is " 25 Cents ."
Condition: Broadside with clear, bold text, some discoloration throughout, a few creases, and some minor holes and tears (holes mainly along vertical crease and tears mainly along broadside edges). There are also three ink "X" marks just before the names of certain performers.
EST $ 2500 - 3500
Libby Prison Engraving, 1864
Lot # 646 (Sale Order: 146 of 335)
Finely detailed lithograph, 22.75 x 31 in., framed to 27 x 35.5 in. Officers of the United States Army and Navy Prisoners of War. Libby Prison, Richmond, Va . Cincinnati, OH: Ehrgott, Foriger & Co., ca 1864. Army officers listed first by rank, followed by short list of naval officers. Penned by Captain Robert J. Fisher of the 17th Missouri Volunteers during his imprisonment. The list is surmounted by a patriotic eagle and is surrounded by the name of each state in the Union. The print features oval vignettes in each corner depicting scenes of Libby Prison, Belle Island, and Castle Thunder, in Richmond, VA. Period ink inscription on bottom adds names of Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid prisoners: " R. Bartley Lieut. and US Signal Officers / Kilpatrick Raiders / in close confinement with negro soldiers / A.C. Litchfield Col. 7 Mich. Cav. / J.A. Clarke Capt. 7 Mich. Cav., E.T. Cooke, Lt. Col. 2 NY Cav." Ehrgott, Forbiger & Co. was a Cincinnati printing company noted for a series of over 70 lithographs of battle scenes that it produced during the Civil War.
Condition: Areas of light brown spotting/staining, with minor creasing at edges. Small raised area near center at left edge.
EST $ 1200 - 1600
Spoon Carved by Confederate POW
Lot # 647 (Sale Order: 147 of 335)
Wooden spoon, 7.5 in. Signed in ink by Confederate prisoners confined at the Old Capitol Prison, also known as Carroll Prison, in Washington, DC. Many signatures accompanied by dates of release.
Names include: " S. Sycle, J. [?] Sycle, M. Wallace, S. Roder, J. Engle, J.L. Gregory, P. Donally, L.C. Oliver, A. Frank, C. Anderson. " Consignor's notes indicate that the spoon was brought home by Samuel Sycal in 1864, likely the " S. Sycle " from the list of inmates.
Old Capitol Prison, so named for its service housing Congress after the Capitol burned in the War of 1812, served as a jail primarily for captured Confederate soldiers, spies, and civilian Confederate sympathizers. The facility was overcrowded and unsurprisingly riddled with disease, bed bugs, and vermin. Cross-referencing prison records verifies the presence of at least three of the individuals listed on the spoon: J. Engle, age 38 of Virginia, was captured near Petersburg, VA on May 11, 1863; A. Frank, a 22-year-old civilian from St. Louis, MO, was captured on September 22, 1862[?], and L.C. Oliver, a clerk in Washington, DC, was captured at the age of 35 on October 17, 1864 and was released on parole in November of 1864 by order of the Secretary of War.
Condition: Wear consistent with use, resulting in fading/blurring of some of the text.
EST $ 500 - 700
Gratiot Street Prison "Cotton-stone" Folk Art Carved Pipe, Missouri
Lot # 648 (Sale Order: 148 of 335)
Carved "cotton-stone" pipe, approx. 1.5 in. tall. Low-relief designs on three sides of bowl show two crossed flags over a shield with foliage, dated and printed with text: " 1862 / CSA "; a flag flying aloft; and a right hand with cuffed sleeve framed with foliage beneath a heart at top. Incised text on three sides of stem reading, " McDowell ," " College ," and " W.R. Harper ." McDowell Medical College in St. Louis, MO was converted to a military prison operated by the Union army in December 1861. The prison, which not only held Confederate prisoners of war, but also spies, guerrillas, and disloyal civilians, was still known as McDowell College until mid-1862, when it was rechristened Gratiot Street Military Prison.
Condition: Staining and wear to designs on either side of bowl, consistent with use
EST $ 1500 - 2500
Camp Ford Texas POW Folk Art Carved Pipe of Lincoln
Lot # 649 (Sale Order: 149 of 335)
Carved wooden pipe, 2.375 in., fashioned after head of Abraham Lincoln. Text incised on bottom: " CAMP FORD / 1863 ." Established in Texas in August of 1863, Camp Ford was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War camp west of the Mississippi River.
EST $ 1500 - 2500
Civil War Folk Art Carved Pipe with Maryland Seal, Possibly Confederate
Lot # 650 (Sale Order: 150 of 335)
Pipe, 1.75 in. tall, probably carved from mountain laurel root. Maryland state seal carved in relief on bowl, featuring a plowman and fisherman on either side of a shield. Raised lip at mouthpiece.
EST $ 500 - 700
