US Model 1817 Rifle by Johnson

.54 caliber, 36" barrel with three barrel bands, no S/N. Browned and color casehardened finish, smooth walnut stock, iron furniture and patchbox. Flint lock marked R JOHNSON in downward arc over a spread-winged eagle flanked by the letters US , over MIDDN CONN in an upward arc and dated 1824 at the tail. Matching 1824 date on breech plug tang, breech marked with US over depressed-P proof over JN inspection. Counterpane with script JN cartouche and block JN at tail. Old brass collection tag with the number "6" is attached to the counterpane as well. Lock in original flint configuration with matching mating mark "x" on all internal parts and hammer neck. Pan fit is perfect, touchhole is unmolested, well centered in the pan and correctly tapered and angled. Retains both sling swivels and original, correct pattern ramrod. Patchbox is void of tools. Robert Johnson received a contract for 5,000 US M1817 Rifles in March of 1819 and delivered 5,002 between 1819 and 1823. Subsequently the firm R & JD Johnson received a contract for 3,000 additional M1817 Rifles in December of 1823, delivering a total of 3,060 between 1824 and 1828. Only 220 were delivered in 1824, the year this gun was produced. The fact that the rifle retains the earlier " R JOHNSON " marking, rather than the more common " R & JD JOHNSON " marking suggests they were using up left over parts on hand for the new contract, a practice well documented on the Deringer deliveries of M1817 rifles. Although Moller notes that only 1,780 of the 3,060 rifles under this contract were browned, based upon extra payments for this finish, and suggests that none of the 1824 deliveries were so finished, it appears that this gun retains much of its original brown finish, and is not in anyway refinished. As no extra payments for browning were included in the Deringer contract, but those arms were browned, the contract price obviously included that finish. No extra payments are noted for R Johnson contract rifles, but surviving examples indicate they were likely browned as well, with the price again included in the contract. This very early R&JD Johnson contract gun, assembled from parts remaining from the first contract, was likely delivered browned as that was the process then in use at the factory at that time. As the contract progressed, bright guns were delivered under the contract terms until it was decided by the Ordnance Department to return to the brown finish. A lovely example of a scarce original flint M1817 rifle with some nice period brown finish on it.

Condition: Very good. Retains some original lacquer browned finish, with flaking, wear and loss, the balance of the barrel and furniture with an untouched, thickly oxidized brown patina. Lock and hammer similarly oxidized with hints of case colored mottling. All markings remain legible, mechanically functional, very good bore is mostly bright with some scattered pitting and old grease. Stock shows wear and use with numerous bumps, dings, mars and a small chip missing on the reverse at the trigger pin. Stock retains good edges and some feathery texture to the grain.

EST $ 5000 - 8000

Pattern 1818 Starr Contract Sword

32" curved, single-edged clip point blade with a single 25.5" fuller. 5" bird's head pommel with reverse-P iron knuckle bow and flat iron quillon terminating in a flat disc finial. Leather covered grooved wood grip. Obverse ricasso marked US / P / JN / N. STARR . Partial leather throat washer, spanner nut pommel cap. Includes blackened metal scabbard with two suspension rings.

Condition: Good. Blade lightly cleaned, with a mostly pewter gray patina and scattered surface oxidation and some age discoloration. Blade with a few minor nicks in the edge. Markings clear. Hilt with an untouched brown patina, grip with wear and significant leather loss. Scabbard good solid with both rings, scattered surface oxidation and some lightly scattered dents.

EST $ 600 - 900

28.25" spear-point, double-edged blade with prominent median ridge. 5.75" cast gilt brass hilt with 5" cross guard cast with martial themes on the obverse and left plain on the reverse. Engraved grip further decorated with a highly detailed serpent with emerald eyes encircling the entire grip with the open mouth serving as the finial of the pommel cap. Blade with frosted etching showing flowing foliate scrolls, martial themes and panoplies of arms. Reverse with an American Eagle with a ribbon that reads E Pluribus Unum in its mouth as the central theme. Gilt brass scabbard with highly detailed mounts and decorations, including delicate beading, floral themes and classical imagery on the drag. The obverse of the scabbard throat is engraved with the following presentation: Presented to / Surgeon Elisha K. Kane, U.S. Navy / by his Friends and Fellow Citizens of / the City of Philadelphia / in honor of his gallantry / when bearer of dispatches / to the Commander in Chief. The reverse of the throat is engraved On assuming the command of his casual / escort at Napaluca Mexico of his skill and / intrepidity on leading it to a charge on a / body of Mexican Lancers which resulted in / the capture of two Generals, other officers and / men - and of his noble humanity on inter- / posing his own person in the heat of battle / to save the lives of his wounded prisoners / form an infuriated soldiery. Sword is continued in a highly figured oval wood case that may be circassian walnut with a red velvet lining and blue satin- covered padding.

Elisha Kent Kane (1820-1857) overcame rheumatic fever as a child and emblazoned his short life as an adventurous naval surgeon who survived the Mexican War and Arctic explorer before dying at just 36. Scion of a socially prominent Philadelphia family, Elisha Kane entered the University of Virginia in 1837 intent upon a career in civil engineering. The following year Kane was stricken by a severe attack of rheumatic fever that caused him to withdraw from school and return home to Philadelphia with a permanently damaged heart. Having sufficiently recovered by the fall of 1839, he began the study of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and after a period of residency at the Blockley Almshouse hospital graduated in March 1842. Ironically, his father John Kintzing Kane, an influential Jacksonian politician and distinguished jurist, sought for his son an appointment as a naval surgeon believing that the young man did not have the stamina to endure the rigors of "a normal medical career." While awaiting word of the commission in May 1843, Kane peremptorily joined the diplomatic mission headed by the newly appointed Ambassador to China, Massachusetts statesman Caleb Cushing, as the expedition's physician. The lengthy sea voyage took Kane to Madeira, Rio de Janeiro, Bombay, Ceylon, Macao and Manila. In the Spanish Philippines Kane explored the recently active volcano of Taal where he was nearly overcome by noxious fumes, and barely escaped. While in the distant Orient Kane witnessed protracted negotiations that culminated in the Treaty of Wanghia (July 3, 1844), the first between the United States and Imperial China then seething in upheaval over concessions forced by the recent Opium War with Great Britain. Kane had taken leave of the legation in June 1844 and oblivious to the dangers traveled extensively while "conducting a hospital boat at Whampoa" for six months. Kane then made his way back home taking a rather circuitous route by way of India, Egypt, Athens and Paris followed by a transatlantic voyage that landed back in Philadelphia in September 1845, literally two years away traveling around the world.

The best remembered part of Kane's short life commenced in 1849 when he petitioned the Secretary of the Navy to accompany a proposed expedition to the Arctic to search for the missing British explorer, Sir John Franklin, presumed lost in the Canadian Arctic since 1845. In May 1850 he received welcome orders to proceed to New York Harbor to join the First Grinnell Expedition as ship's surgeon. For more on his life and history please go to cowans.com.

Provenance: From the Sword Collection of William Koch

Condition: Very fine. Blade retains most of the frosty etching and original polish with some minor loss, scattered dulling and a few speckles of minor surface oxidation. Hilt and scabbard fine with some light handling marks. Case fine with some light handing marks.

EST $30,000 - 50,000

US Model 1840 Medical Officer's Sword

30" double-edged spear point blade with narrow median fuller. 5.75" gilt brass hilt with flowing 4.5" foliate pattern guard. Hilt cast with an American Eagle on the obverse, a blank oval inspection panel on the reverse and with an acorn finial. Obverse langet cast with MS surmounting 13 stars within an laurel wreath, reverse langet plain, as if leaving place for an inscription. obverse of blade etched with foliate themes and United States Medical Staff . Reverse etched with foliate themes, a patriotic panoply of arms and with the motto of the United States within a ribbon. Reverse ricasso marked Clauberg / Solingen in an overall around a standing knight. Browned steel scabbard with gilt brass mounts decorated with foliate themes, upper mount with two suspension rings, middle mount with one.

Condition: Very good. Blade with a dull pewter color, but with etching mostly visible. Hilt with traces of gilt and a nice, uncleaned patina. Scabbard with no finish, moderate surface oxidation and nicely tarnished mounts.

EST $ 1000 - 1500

Springfield Model 1847 Cavalry Musketoon

.69 caliber, 26" barrel secured by to brass barrel bands, no S/N. Bright finish, brass furniture, walnut stock. Lock marked with Spread-Winged Eagle over US forward of the hammer and in three vertical lines behind the lock: SPRING/FIELD/1848 . Breech tang dated 1849, with small V/P/[eagle head] proofs at breech. A script JS cartouche is visible on the counterpane, as is a block W.C.K . inspection with a matching W.C.K . on the barrel flat forward of the bolster. Lock with two-click tumbler, not modified ca 1851-1852. Original configuration captive ramrod with swivel arms in place, as is long sling bar and ring on reverse of stock. Many of the M1847 Cavalry musketoons were either upgraded or modified as the ramrods were found to be troublesome and many locks had a third safety notch added to the tumbler to retain the percussion caps. Many were later altered to "Artillery" (Cadet) configuration and some were even rifled and sighted. This example has escaped all of those later modifications. The presence of the W.C.K. inspection presents a conundrum, as William C. Kirby appears to have worked at Harpers Ferry exclusively. Kirby's mark on barrels is most associated with M1841 reinspected rifle barrels and M1855 rifle musket barrels made at Harpers Ferry. While Moller notes that some US M1842 barrels that had flaws were shortened and used in M1847 musketoons, and that these barrels came from both Springfield and Harpers Ferry, this would only explain the Kirby re-inspection on the barrel and not its presence on the stock. At least one theory suggests that Kirby inspected arms in or for the Benicia Arsenal in California, so this gun may be that missing link that proves that theory as the presence of his marks on an otherwise correctly marked and inspected Springfield arm is truly confusing.

Condition: Good to very good. Metal lightly cleaned with a dull gray patina showing scattered oxidized age discoloration and scattered light pitting. Marks in metal remain clear, weaker in wood. Mechanically functional, good bore with even light pitting. Stock with wear and use and numerous bumps and dings, possibly lightly sanded at one point in time.

EST $ 1750 - 2500

Ninth Plate Ambrotype of Abolitionist John Brown

Period copy of the famous 1857 half plate daguerreotype taken by Whipple and Black in Boston and curated at the Boston Athenaeum. Housed in full pressed paper case.

Condition: Image has some tarnish and discoloration present around edge where mat meets image, along with some spotting to upper portion of image. Case with heavy wear to spine and moderate wear to edges.

EST $ 4000 - 6000

Rare CDV of John Brown's Carbine

Period photograph featuring John Brown's M-1853 Sharps carbine held by a young boy with a letter and envelope at his feet; credited on verso to R. A. Lewis, New York. Ink inscription on verso reads, " The gun taken from the hands of John Brown, at Harper's Ferry, now in possession of H. T. Drowne, New York. The lad holding it, is Drowne's son. / Presented to me by Mr. Drowne, Oct 4, 1870. "

The carbine shown in the photograph was put on display at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park after it was discovered in a family estate in Cooperstown, NY in 1998. With the firearm was a letter written in 1870, that happens to be the very one featured in this CDV. The letter outlines the carbine's history of ownership after John Brown, beginning with General George W. Randolph, who apparently retrieved it from John Brown himself (a fact the letter states can be corroborated by Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise). Written on behalf of General Randolph's widow by Confederate Major Thomas G. Peyton, the letter was intended for a J. Lyttleton Adams. It is believed that Adams could have been an associate of the firearm's subsequent owner, New York's Henry Thayer Drowne, a noted collector of historical artifacts and the man referenced in the inscription on this CDV.

Condition: CDV in good condition, with minor imperfections including light spots of soil on surface.

EST $ 1000 - 1500

Lincoln & Hamlin 1860 Campaign Ferrotype

Brass pendant, 1.125 in. diameter, with " Abraham Lincoln Free Soil & Free Men" surrounding ferrotype portrait of a beardless Lincoln, .75 in. diameter; reverse with " Hannibal Hamlin Free Speech" surrounding ferrotype portrait of Hamlin, .75 in. diameter.

Provenance: From the Rafalski Collection of Lincolniana

Condition: Few very small nicks/scratches on Lincoln ferrotype; heavier abrasions on Hamlin ferrotype.

EST $ 800 - 1000

Abraham Lincoln Kalamazoo Wide Awakes 1860 Campaign Ribbon

Silk ribbon, approx. 2.25 x 6.25 in., featuring a beardless portrait of Abraham Lincoln at center, with black printed text " Kalamazoo / Wide Awakes " above, and " For President, / Abraham Lincoln / Of Illinois " below. Portrait with indecipherable credit at lower right.

Provenance: From the Rafalski Collection of Lincolniana

Condition: Ribbon frayed at both top and bottom edges, with one noticeable separation near top. Print and portrait rather faded through middle section, rendering "Of Illinois" difficult to discern. Ribbon also has soiling/discoloration throughout.

EST $ 1000 - 1500

Group of Lincoln Cabinet Clipped Signatures

Collection of 10 clipped signatures from members of Abraham Lincoln's cabinet, ca 1864. Mounted with printed photographs after original negatives taken by Mathew Brady, 1861-1865 and framed to approx. 15 x 12 in. each. Signatures include Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, Secretary of State William Seward, Secretary of Treasury William P. Fessenden, Secretary of Navy Gideon Welles, Secretaries of War Simon Cameron and Edwin M. Stanton, Attorneys General Edward Bates and James Speed, Postmaster General William Dennison Jr., and Secretary of the Interior John P. Usher.

Accompanied by several modern reproduction photographs for display purposes.

Provenance: From the Rafalski Collection of Lincolniana

EST $ 500 - 700

The Last Photograph of Abraham Lincoln, Large Format Albumen Photograph by Warren, in Rare Largest Size

Albumen vignette portrait published by Henry F. Warren of Waltham, MA, with recto imprint: "The Latest Photograph of President Lincoln / Taken on the Balcony at the White House, March 6, 1865 ." Waltham made three negatives that day, one of which was lost, and they are believed to be the only photographs of Lincoln taken between his second inaugural and death. This pose is cataloged by Ostendorf as O-112. Albumen print measures 10 x 13 in., on 10.5 x 15.25 in. mount. Penciled in the extreme lower right margin, " Original print (not from a copy negative) ." Warren sold this photograph in several sizes. All are rare, but this version is the largest and rarest.

EST $ 4000 - 6000

Directive From General Grant Following Lincoln's Assassination, 1865

Goodrich, W.L. Captain and A.A. General to Major General E.O.C. Ord. DS signed on Ord's behalf, 1p, 7.625 x 10 in., " By Telegraph from Richmond, Va." April 16, 1865. Addressed to " Captain L.L. Langdon, 1st Artillery USA 25th Army Corps Chief of Artillery. "

Dispatch of an order from General Ulysses S. Grant sent directly to Langdon regarding " depredations " committed by enlisted men, " both Black & White Cavalry," following the death of President Lincoln. Some troops exercised their anger over the assassination by terrorizing the civilian population of Petersburg, VA, and Grant's orders outline specific consequences for their actions: " . . . any persons found outraging private houses or plundering persons [shall be] summarily Shot. " Langdon must also " make [his] men rebuild fences destroyed. . . return horses, mules, etc ."

Condition: Creasing as expected, with some foxing and minor loss at bottom third of document, inconsequential to legibility.

EST $ 600 - 900

Rare Pair of Period Copy CDVs Featuring Lincoln's Funeral Procession in Monument Square Pavilion, Cleveland, OH

Lot of 2 albumen prints of mounted photographs featuring the Lincoln funeral procession in Cleveland by Sweeny, Cleveland, OH. One captioned " Monument Square and Pavillion [sic] / Cleveland, O. / Remains of President Lincoln Lying in State ," with pencil inscription " Gilbert Bros / Akron " on verso; the other captioned " Catafalque / Remains of President Lincoln Lying in State, Cleveland, O. " Images feature two different views of Monument Square Pavilion, with the funeral procession and mourners standing by to pay their respects to the deceased president.

Provenance: From the Rafalski Collection of Lincolniana

Condition: Both with some soiling and wear to edges of images and mounts. Both with adhesive residue on verso.

EST $ 500 - 700

Lincoln Mourning Ferrotype

Ferrotype, approx. 0.5 in., mounted on black badge with stickpin backing. Portrait bust of Abraham Lincoln, with " LINCOLN " printed above. Possibly a campaign badge from 1864 converted for memorial use.

Provenance: From the Rafalski Collection of Lincolniana

Condition: Loss to black fabric at top left and lower center edge of badge.

EST $ 400 - 600

Full Plate, Framed Ambrotype of an Armed Militia Officer

Full plate ambrotype housed in gilt wooden frame, 7.5 x 8.75 in. A full-length view of a uniformed soldier sporting a mustache and goatee, standing in a simple studio setting sparsely decorated with a small table and what appears to be a coat rack at left. The officer is shown in a double-breasted frock coat typically worn by militia officers prior to the Civil War, complete with epaulettes and what appears to be a US Pattern 1851 sword belt plate. He poses with his sword in hand, and his dress shako with infantry hunting horn insignia and " D " rests on the table beside him. The subject's cheeks and floral table cloth are lightly tinted pink and red. Ca 1850s.

Condition: Few minor areas of loss to emulsion. Contrast very good. Few scratches on plate. Some wear to frame. Not examined outside of frame.

EST $ 1000 - 1500

Officers of the 38th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Spectacular Half Plate Outdoor Tintype

Anonymous, half plate tintype featuring officers and enlisted men of the 38th Indiana Infantry, taken around Murfreesboro, TN in April of 1863, while the 38th was encamped there following the Battle of Stones River. This spectacular outdoor image shows the men gathered around an open tent, with a captain's desk figuring prominently in the scene. Image housed in a full pressed paper case, fully separated at spine.

Accompanying period label with embossed maker's mark identifies all of the subjects, including Captain George Windell of Co. K, Captain William Leneau of Co. B, and Lieutenant James Low of Co. D. At the time this image was made, it is likely that Low had recently returned to the regiment after recovering from a serious head would received at Stones River. Low eventually took command of the 38th, but was killed at the Battle of Bentonville, NC, before the official commission and subsequent promotion was received. Additional paperwork included with lot provides more detailed biographical information of each subject, referencing official reports, company histories, and post-war memoirs.

The 38th Indiana saw extensive service in the western theater of the war, participating in over a dozen battles including Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Sherman's march, and Bentonville. The regiment suffered heavy casualties during the conflict, losing over 400 men to combat and disease before mustering out of service in July of 1865.

This photograph was published in Shadows of the Storm: Volume One of The Image of War 1861-1865 , edited by William C. Davis and published by Doubleday & Company Inc., Garden City, NY, 1981 (p. 340). A fine image.

Condition: Image in excellent condition, with great contrast and clarity, and no imperfections in the plate, with the exception of a very minor outline of the brass mat.

EST $ 3000 - 5000

Quarter Plate Ruby Ambrotype of an Armed Union Soldier and Father

Quarter plate ruby ambrotype featuring an armed Union cavalryman wearing a mounted services jacket complete with shoulder scales, standing next to an older man, possibly his father. Jacket trim and shoulder scales highlighted in gold. Housed in rare full Union case, Scroll Design with Patterned Center and Stars (see Krainik-42).

Condition: Image with light wipe marks and a few abrasions following a diagonal line near center; mat with some spots of discoloration.

EST $ 800 - 1200

Civil War Daguerreotype and Tintype of an Officer of the 7th New York Infantry Regiment

Lot of 2, including a very rare sixth plate daguerreotype of a Union officer holding a sword. He wears light blue trousers and a standard officer's frock coat, as well as a cap with branch insignia. Of particular note is his sash, worn high across the chest, designating him as Officer of the Day. Image features red tinting on sash and is housed in a half pressed paper case; accompanied by a later sixth plate tintype of the same man, seated with a cavalry saber and full beard. He wears a forage cap, overcoat, and unusual pocket watch fob. Consignor-assigned accompanying label reads "Civil War 7th NY Infantry." Image features gold highlights and is housed in a half pressed paper case.

Condition: Daguerreotype with tarnish around edge. Tintype with a slight crazing effect when viewed from a low angle.

EST $ 600 - 800

Sixth Plate Tintype of a Young Union Soldier

Sixth plate tintype portrait of a young Union infantryman, seated with arms folded, wearing a frock coat and what appears to be a private purchase forage cap complete with regimental, company, and branch insignia, the latter of which seems to be of the false embroidered variety, and what appears to be a bucktail. Soldier's cheeks are lightly tinted pink. Housed in full Union case, of the scarce Farmer's Dream design (See Krainik-138).

EST $ 500 - 700

Cased Images of Identified Ohio Soldiers<br><br><p>Lot of 4, including: Sixth plate ruby ambrotype of S.P. Kezertis, showing him in civilian dress, with what appears to be a pocket watch chain. Marked in pencil inside case " <i>S.P. Kezertis Soldier/Civil War 1861. </i>" A search of the United States National Park Service Soldiers and Sailors Database does not return any results for "Kezertis," or for several alternate spellings of his name. <br><b>Ninth plate tintype of George Mowery, wearing a kepi and what appears to be a state jacket, but Ohio state jackets usually had epaulets. Mowery served with the 168th Regiment, Ohio National Guard, a 100 day unit from May to September 1864, which was organized at Camp Dennision, near Cincinnati and guarded railroads and bridges in Kentucky, mustering out in Cincinnati. It participated in maneuvers against Morgan’s Raid as well as skirmishes around Cynthiana, Kentucky.<br><br>Ninth plate tintype of George M. Parrett, who wears a standard issue sack coat and infantry accoutrements, though his cartridge box sling is missing, with the box attached to the belt. He appears armed with a musket and a revolver, which is probably a photographer’s prop.<br><br>Sixth plate tintype and ribbon of Henry Hole, 51st OVI, presumably shown with his wife, wearing a state-style jacket without epaulets. Hole first served in the 40th OVI until 1864, when he transferred to the 51st. While in the 40th Hole would have participated in the Battles of Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, and Franklin. </p><br><br>Condition: Images are in generally good condition with some wear to corners and edges of cases. Some light cracking and flaking of tintypes may be present, but no serious damage to emulsions on ambrotypes or tintypes.<br><br>EST $ 400 - 600

Sheffield Bowie Knife Presented to G.A. Custer

5.25" spear point blade, bone handle with German Silver escutcheon with period inscription " G. A. Custer " engraved in the escutcheon. German silver guard. Blade marked with " N " shield " Y " on the reverse Sheffield. Red leather scabbard with German silver tip and throat with button. This was purchased during the sale when Dr. Frost purchased the Custer Farm.

A signed and notarized document dated February 16, 1980 stipulates provenance for the aforementioned Sheffield Bowie Knife, to whit: " This knife and sheith (sic) were acquired at public auction from Custer residence in Monroe, Michigan after Mrs. Elizabeth (Bacon) Custer died in April of 1933 by my late Husband Mr. H. M. Wilkinson. The knife was purchased from Mr. Wilkinson by C.E. Baer of Mansfield, Ohio in September of 1949 at the Richmond County Gun Collectors Meeting in Ashland, Ohio. The history of this knife was passed on to Mr. Wilkinson at the time of purchase and has been retained in the Wilkinson Family ever since the knife was purchased 46 years ago. Signed and Witnessed, Mrs. Harold Wilkinson/Mr. Carl E. Baer." Another more recent document dated March 12, 2018 on the letterhead of a Mansfield, Ohio Jeweler attests " that the engraving on this item was performed by hand and not by machine ." Nothing could be found online regarding the 1933 " public auction ."

We posit that this is likely the very blade carried by Custer during the Civil War as his personal side knife. A common knife was then a necessary if innocuous utilitarian item that was every bit as personal as, say, a pair of expensive pistols or high end sword owned by this larger-than-life personality.

Note: The wording suggests that, in fact, Carl E. Baer was the owner from 1949 and that The Wilkinson Family, namely Mrs. Wilkinson, retained only the "history" to which both parties signed the notarized document on February 16, 1980. Carl E. Baer was the husband of the current consignor.

Condition: The knife is housed in a custom made wood case. Overall the knife is in excellent condition.

EST $ 20000 - 30000

George Armstrong Custer CDV

CDV of Brigadier General Custer, published by Anthony after Brady's portrait of the ascendant American icon taken on or about February 15, 1864. Custer presented standing with clasped hands, holding a hat, catalogued in D. Mark Katz's Custer in Photographs (K-28).

EST $ 800 - 1000

General George Armstrong Custer, CDV by E. & H.T. Anthony

Vignetted photographic engraving of a photograph illustrated in Katz' Custer in Photographs [K-77V], dated May 23, 1865 (during the Grand Review), by Mathew Brady & Co. Verso includes E & H.T. Anthony backmark and a canceled two-cent U.S. Internal Revenue Proprietary stamp.

EST $ 300 - 500

Major General George W. Getty and Sixth Army Corps Staff CDV Portrait

CDV of Brevet Major General George Getty and members of his Sixth Army Corps. Eleven men presented in the group portrait, each with a handwritten identification number that corresponds to a name, in most cases. Bottom row, L to R: 1st Lt. John H. Macomber, 1st VT Heavy Artillery; unknown; Captain George W. Bonett, 3rd VT Volunteers; Captain Penrose G. Mark, 93rd PA Volunteers. Middle Row, L to R: unknown; Brevet Colonel Charles Mundee, assistant adjutant-general; Brevet Major General George W. Getty; Colonel Hazard Stevens, assistant adjutant-general. Top row, L to R: all unknown.

George Washington Getty (1819-1901) graduated from West Point in 1840 and served extensively in the pre-war Army, including ample participation in the Mexican and Seminole Wars, and even the troubles in Kansas. As the Civil War broke out, Getty was commissioned into the US 5th Light Artillery and commanded the regiment in engagements near Budd's Ferry in winter of that year. The following year, Getty commanded four batteries at Yorktown, Gaines' Mill, and Malvern Hill, and engaged at South Mountain and Antietam. He was then commissioned into the US Volunteers General Staff as a brigadier general on September 25, 1862, in which capacity he participated in the Rappahannock Campaign, engaged at Fredericksburg and in the defense of Suffolk.

During the course of the war, he was consistently promoted, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel in April of 1863, and being brevetted numerous times for his gallantry at the Battle of the Wilderness (where he was severely wounded), and his service at the Battles of Petersburg, Fisher's Hill, and Winchester. Nearly a year after the war ended, in July of 1866, Getty became Colonel of the 37th Infantry, commanding an array of districts and posts until his ultimate retirement from active service in October of 1883.

Hazard Stevens (1842-1918) enlisted as a 1st lieutenant and was commissioned into Field and Staff, NY 79th Infantry on August 1, 1861. The following month, he was commissioned into US Volunteers Adjutant General Department. He later received the Medal of Honor for action at Nansemond River, VA on April 19, 1863, when he led an assault across the river to capture enemy arms.

Condition: CDV with red ink numbers over each subject, some surface soiling and toning throughout, a few minor abrasions including creases and small tears, and wear to edges; mount with surface soil, wear to edges, and adhesive residue on verso.

EST $ 400 - 600

Drummer Johnny Clem, 22nd Michigan Volunteers, Autographed CDV

CDV of John Lincoln Clem, 22nd Michigan Volunteers. Morse's Gallery of the Cumberland, Nashville, TN imprint on verso.

Clem (1851-1937) of Newark, OH joined the 22nd Michigan as a drummer boy and gained notoriety for killing a Rebel Colonel at Chickamauga. General Rosecrans promoted him to "honorary sergeant" and he remained a staff pet and orderly for General Thomas until September 1864. Clem was commissioned into the regular army in 1874 and retired in 1901 as a brevet Major General. Here, Clem stands wearing sergeant's coat, tall boots, and corps badge with a pistol in his belt. Autographed with his claim to fame: " Johnny Clem / That shot the / Rebel, Colonel. "

EST $ 2500 - 3000

Two CDV Albums Owned by Acting Ensign Stillman W. Ward, USN, USS Eureka

Two albums containing 68 images associated with Ensign Ward, including 16 CDV-sized tintypes and 2 gem-sized tintypes. First album, 5 x 5.75 in., with deeply embossed boards, and " S.W. Ward / USN. " in gilt on front. The album includes 18 images of men in uniform, but only a few are identified: C. Norris, 2nd A??Engineer, USN; D. Ashworth, USN; Henry Y. G...., US Navy, September 1st 1863; G.N. Patohke, USN. Many with backmarks of L.V. Newell's Gallery.

Second album with gilt decorations and " A. Miller " on front, containing 35 images, mostly civilian portraits, two of which are CDV-sized tintypes, along with commercial CDVs of Lincoln and Tad, Mary Lincoln, among others.

Stillman W. Ward was commissioned into the Navy as an Acting Master's Mate in November 1862 and became acting Ensign August 8, 1864. He resigned just after Lee surrendered, in May 1865. Navy materials from the Civil War are rare.

Condition: Both of the albums have pages "broken" into several sections. Ward has spine separated (present). Miller has entire cover separated, but still together (front-spine-rear). Images in good condition for the most part.

EST $ 2000 - 3000

Collection of CDVs of the 44th New York Infantry, Plus

Lot of 23 CDVs, 20 representing the 44th NYV (19 men plus the unit flag), several identified, many credited to Albany, NY photographers, along with the Brady Gallery as well as R.W. Addis and Alexander Gardner, Washington, DC. Identified subjects include: S.W. [Stephen] Stryker, colonel; Morris W. Townsend, surgeon; John B. Weber, corporal in 44th, discharged for promotion as F & S in 116th NYV, then colonel of 89th USCT; A[lbert] N. Husted, lieutenant Co. E, captured 97 CSA POWs at Little Round Top, Gettysburg (per Regimental History); two views of Charles W. Gibbs, Co. I, one as captain, the other as 2nd lieutenant; Lieutenant Charles Kelly, Co. I; Captain Wm. N. Danks, Co. H; and John J. Hardenburg. Accompanied by three images with possible identities: Lucius S. Larrabee (KIA Gettysburg, July 2); Frank M. Kelly, brevet captain for gallantry at Gettysburg; Louis Ferrand (WIA Gettysburg, July 2); plus seven unidentified subjects. CDV of the 44th NY Regiment flag with backmark of Brady's Gallery also included.

Plus CDVs of General J.H.[John Henry] Martindale (signed), Major General Fitz-John Porter (signed), and Major General G.V. McClellan with printed identification on card.

The 44th Regiment was planned as a memorial to Elmer Ellsworth, and was to have men from each town who where unmarried, under 30 years of age, less than 5 feet, 8 inches tall, and with military experience (many of these men served in 3-month units before this one). They were known as "Ellsworth's Avengers." Two companies from Albany Co., two from Erie Co., and one from Herkimer Co. plus scattered squads for elsewhere reported to Albany in response. The regiment joined the Army of the Potomac and participated in many of the bloody battles in Virginia and the adjacent region: Gaines' Mill, Hanover Court House, Seven Days', Malvern Hill, 2nd Manassas, Shepherdstown, Fredericksburg. It participated in Burnside's infamous "Mud March" before returning to winter quarters near Falmouth. In spring of 1863, it saw action at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg losing 111 in defense of Little Round Top, Bristoe Station, Rappannock Station, and Mine Run before wintering at Brandy Station. The regiment veteranized over the winter and in 1864 was involved in the Wilderness campaign, suffering major losses at Bethesda Church. It was then engaged in the first assault at Petersburg in June, then Weldon Railroad and Poplar Spring Church. Losses in killed, wounded and missing totaled 730 of New York State's finest young men.

Condition: Most good. A couple with trimmed corners.

EST $ 2500 - 3500

CDV Collection of Armed Union Officers and Soldiers

Lot of 6 CDVs of soldiers in uniform, posed in a studio setting, most with a sword in hand. All subjects are unknown with the exception of the mustached soldier holding his sword in front of a painted backdrop, identified on mount verso as " Geo. P. Lowry, 2d Mass. Cav'y ." He served with the MA 1st Heavy Artillery and 2nd MA Cavalry. Remaining cartes include a Brady view of a first lieutenant with a medical staff officer's sword; a bearded officer with sword in hand standing together with a young sergeant holding a rifle, (credited to Hollenbeck, Oneida, NY); and three portraits of privates, two displaying their swords (one credited to Marken, Frederic, MD), and the third posed with rifle and bayonet (credited to Keagy, Chambersburg, PA).

Condition: Lowry CDV with spotting along lower edge of mount, few spots on print. Marken CDV with rounded corners. Toning, some scattered soiling/spotting to CDVS.

EST $ 500 - 700

Civil War CDV Collection, Lot of 19

Lot of 19 CDVs, 17 of which are portraits of soldiers in Company H, 30th Wisconsin Volunteers. Almost all inscribed as being presented to Private Elihu H. Fenn of that company. Fenn hailed from Saxeville, WI and enlisted on August 21, 1862. After an initial detail to duty at Green Bay for draft enforcement, Fenn's company was sent on an expedition up the Missouri River to Fort Rice in present-day North Dakota. He was mustered out on September 20, 1865 in Louisville, KY.

EST $ 1000 - 1500

Pair of Derogatory Cartoon CDVs

Lot of 2 CDVs, each featuring parodies of African Americans: one showing an African American man with an unpleasant expression on his face, crouching behind a large wooden fence, with text " Oh my thumbs " printed on the fence and title " The early bird catches the worm " above; the other showing a man beating the mule he is riding, with title below, " Slow but Sure." Neither with any publisher's identification.

Condition: First with toning, creasing, some surface soil, and a few small surface abrasions. Second with light toning and surface soil.

EST $ 400 - 600

Civil War Stereoviews by Alexander Gardner, Lot of Five

Lot of 5 stereoviews from Alexander Gardner's Washington, DC gallery, including four published by E. & H.T. Anthony from the " Photographic Incidents of the War " series: " No. 316. / Hecatomb at Sudley's Church " (copyrighted 1862), " No. 506. / Battle Field of Cedar Mountain. / Panoramic view, the mountain in the distance " (copyrighted 1862), " No. 241. / View of Breastworks on Round Top - The Hill Which Formed Our Extreme Left at the Battle of Gettysburg " (colored, copyrighted 1863), and " No. 728. / Beverly House, Near Spottsylvania Court House, the Headquarters of Gen. Warren, 19th May, 1864 ." Fifth stereoview published by Philp & Solomons from the " View of the Confederate Water Batteries on James River " series, titled " No. 1040. / Extreme Battery, Drury's Bluff - Seven Inch Brooke's Rifle Gun - Portion of Hulks forming obstructions visible near left cheek of embrasure, place where Galena was repulsed in 1862 - 1st Conn. Art. on drill ."

Condition: Stereoviews with some soiling, spotting, and wear to edges.

EST $ 500 - 700

Civil War Stereoviews by E. & H.T. Anthony, Lot of Seven

Lot of 7 stereoviews, including six War Views published by E. & H.T Anthony during or soon after the war, and one published by Taylor & Huntington in the early 1890s from the original Anthony negatives. The war-era views include: " No. 3178 A Dead Southern Soldier, as he lay on the foot passage in the Trenches of Fort Mahone, called by the Soldiers 'Fort Damnation.' Part of a broken Musket and Bayonet stuck in the bank. The marks and spots on his face are blood issuing from the wound in his head" ; " No. 3198 Rebel Prisoners on their way to the rear, captured by Gen. Sheridan at Five Forks, April 3d, 1865. This view was taken April 3d, after the storming of Petersburgh, Va." ; " No. 3231 View in the rear of Dunlop's House, Bollingbrook Street, Petersburgh, showing ruins of Tobacco Warehouses destroyed by shell" ; " No. 3258 Ruins of a Locomotive in the Petersburgh railroad Depot, Richmond, Va." ; " No. 3320 Grand Review of the Great Veteran Armies of Grant and Sherman at Washington on the 23d and 24th May, 1865/ Sherman's Grand Army, Looking up Pennsylvania Ave. from the Treasury Buildings, Maj. Gen. Logan and Staff and Army of Tennessee passing in Review" ; and " No. 3648 The place where Maj. Gen. J.B. McPherson was killed, Atlanta, Ga." The later printing is titled: "951 First Wagon Train Entering Petersburgh."

EST $ 600 - 800

Camp of 31st Pennsylvania Volunteers, 2nd Reserve, 1861, Albumen Photograph by Brady, Plus

Albumen photograph, 15 x 9.75 in., on 17 x 13 in. mount with printed caption: " Brady's Incidents of the War. / (Headquarters, Genl. Graham's Brigade) / Camp. 31st Regt. Penn. Vol. " Brady and his field photographers began the "Incidents of the War" series in the summer of 1861. This print shows the encampment of the 31st Pennsylvania Volunteers, complete with tents, wagons, and other supplies. Members of the regiment are assembled at left, with a row of drummers in front.

Also includes a CDV with Brady studio imprints on recto and verso, presenting an outdoor camp scene of the the 30th PA Volunteers, 1st Reserves, with Brevet Brigadier General William Talley in foreground.

EST $ 800 - 1200

Albumen Photograph of Cooper's Battery B, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Taken in Petersburg by Brady, 1864

Albumen photograph, 7.75 x 4.5 in., mounted, 14.5 x 10.9 in., featuring Cooper's Battery B of the 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery at the Avery Farm in Petersburg, VA, taken on June 21, 1864. The image shows Captain Cooper standing at the right center, closest to the camera, and was taken looking northeastward in the general direction from which the Union forces approached the Petersburg front. This photograph is among the best-known views from Brady's Petersburg series of June 1864, taken by Brady nearly a mile from enemy lines, and only a few days after Confederate forces abandoned the Avery farm.

The 1st Pennsylvania, assigned to the Fifth Corps commanded by General G.K. Warren, arrived at Petersburg on the morning of June 17, 1864, engaging the Confederate batteries commanded by General Beauregard near the Avery house. They built fortifications and remained in position for about a week, during which time Mathew Brady took the photograph featured here. A gunner from the battery, Lieutenant James A. Gardner, who is also featured in this photograph, was interviewed by researchers working on Miller's 1911 volume, Photographic History of the Civil War . His recollections include details about the photograph, including this fascinating detail: "When engaged in action, our men exhibited the same coolness that is shown in the picture - that is, while loading our guns." There were actually at least two photographs of the battery taken that day, and Alexander points out that the one featured here was taken "from a point a little to the left, and front, of the battery."

The Siege of Petersburg lasted from June of 1864 until the following spring, leading to Lee's ultimate surrender at Appomattox. Taken amidst this prominent event, just a mile from enemy lines, the photograph featured here possesses a sense of historical immediacy, reminding viewers of the risk involved in capturing such a compelling image.

Condition: Photograph sharp and clear, with minimal wear including light spotting mostly kept to upper half of image. Mount with spotting throughout and light wear to edges and corners. Pencil inscriptions on recto and verso identify Petersburg as the location of the photograph.

EST $ 500 - 700

Civil War Sixth Plate Tintype of a US Colored Troops Soldier

A rare and striking pose of an African-American soldier of the United States Colored Troops, the unidentified sitter wearing a kepi and blue-tinted greatcoat and looking confidently into the camera. Housed in a patriotic Union case with blue velvet lining. From a Philadelphia estate, from which it is believed it descended from the subject of the photograph.

Condition: Plate with crazing, but free of significant scratches or oxidation. Case very good.

EST $ 6000 - 8000

Civil War-Date Albumen Photographs

Album page with nine photos tipped in. One page includes two views of the " Fairmount Water Works / 1864 / Philadelphia ," both with blue and green hand tinting. Below these is an image of several people picnicking near a stream, camera set up on a tripod a short distance away. On verso are images of National Guards, Philadelphia, the bottom with a photographer and his camera on a tripod. Images of a silver vase from the Philadelphia Sanitary Fair, June 1864, and Union Avenue, [The Great Central Fair, Philadelphia, 1864], decked with flags and banners are also included. (See LOC https://lccn.loc.gov/2015651389 for a stereoview of this same scene.) These Sanitary Fairs were civilian events, organized to raise funds for the US Sanitary Commission (USSC) and other charitable organizations during the war. It became the primary way for citizens to show support for the soldiers and their families.

Condition: Paper chipping right up to the images, which are generally fine. Some toning.

EST $ 800 - 1000

Tintype of Twice Wounded 9th Virginia Confederate Stith Bolling

Sixth plate tintype of a mustachioed Confederate soldier in a jacket and large bow tie, with Virginia state seal belt buckle. Identified as Stith Bolling, Co. G., 9th Virginia Cavalry. Housed in full pressed paper case.

Virginia politician Stith Bolling (1835-1916) was born in Lunenburg County, VA and moved to Richmond as a young man to operate a wholesale grocery business with his brothers. On June 7, 1861, Bolling enlisted as a sergeant in Company G of the 9th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, where he rose to the rank of captain by January 1863. He sustained two serious injuries during the war, including a head wound at Morton's Ford on October 11, 1863. After three months of convalescence, Bolling returned to active duty. At Appomattox, he refused to surrender and led an ambitious attempt to reach North Carolina which ultimately failed, resulting in his surrender and subsequent parole on April 15, 1865. After the war, Bolling returned to Lunenburg County, was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, appointed a brigadier general of the militia, and held positions as both inspector general of tobacco and postmaster of Petersburg, VA. He was an active member of the Republican party and enjoyed popularity among fellow Confederate veterans.

Condition: Spine of case almost completely split. Horizontal scratches near top of plate.

EST $ 1500 - 2500

Sixth Plate Ambrotype of Two Young Confederates Displaying Their Arms

Early Civil War-era sixth plate ambrotype featuring two young Confederates posed with single-barrel percussion fowlers, with one of the boys holding a small knife out in front of his chest. The fellow on the left wears a jacket with a fold-over collar characteristic of North Carolina, while his comrade wears a coat with subtle horizontal bands of braiding on the chest, the two completely different outfits being a great example of the lack of uniformity found in early Confederate photography. Buttons and knife guard tinted gold, and the image housed in full pressed paper case, fully separated at spine.

EST $ 2000 - 4000

Sixth Plate Ambrotype of a Confederate Soldier by a New Orleans Photographer

Sixth plate ambrotype of a seated Confederate soldier with lightly tinted cheeks, wearing an eight-button short jacket with wooden buttons, characteristic of a Deep South regiment. Housed in a full folio case with an advertising card reading " D.B. Griffin, / Photographic Artist. / New-Orleans ."

Condition: Image with some wear including lacquer loss to portrait's upper left corner (as viewed from recto); case with wear including some holes, areas of separation at edges, soiling, and discoloration; card with somewhat faded text, light discoloration at edges, and a small area of paper loss to upper left corner.

EST $ 600 - 800

Pair of CSA Tintypes

Lot of 2. Sixth plate portrait of a seated Confederate soldier wearing a double breasted frock coat, housed in full leatherette case, as well as a ninth plate of another seated Confederate wearing a single row frock coat, accented by a black collar with piping, housed in full leatherette case.

EST $ 1000 - 1500

CDV of CSA Brigadier General Harry T. Hays

CDV bust portrait of CSA Brigadier General Harry T. Hays wearing a Confederate General Officer's uniform with regulation collar insignia; verso features backmark for Anderson & Turner, New Orleans, LA, blue 2-cent revenue stamp, and ink inscription reading " Harry T. Hays ."

Harry Thompson Hays (1820-1876), a Mexican War veteran of the US Army, joined the Confederate Army and was appointed colonel of the 7th Louisiana Infantry in 1861. Hays fought at the First Battle of Bull Run and participated in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862, receiving two wounds at the Battle of Port Republic. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1862, taking command of the 1st Louisiana (Tiger Brigade). He commanded this brigade at the Battle of Antietam as well as Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

At Gettysburg, he led the brigade in a failed assault on Cemetery Hill. After initial success, a lack of reinforcements and heavy casualties forced him to retreat. Hays was captured in 1863 at Rappahannock Station, but escaped in time to participate in the Battle of the Wilderness. He was wounded a third time at Spotsylvania Court House, forcing him to retire from active command to an assignment in Louisiana under the Department of the Trans-Mississippi. He received a promotion to Major General in 1865, however the collapse of the Confederate government prevented any official acknowledgement.

Condition: CDV with spotting and a few small areas of discoloration to image surface (near bottom of portrait), with light wear to mount edges.

EST $ 1500 - 2500

Confederate General William N.R. Beall Signed CDV

Standing portrait of Confederate General William N.R. Beall in full uniform holding his cap. Backmarked for " J. GURNEY & SON 707 Broadway, N.Y.," with handwritten inscription reading, " Regards of / Wm. N.R. Beall / Brig. Genl. P.C.S.A. / Arkansas. "

Beall served with General Van Dorn and commanded a mixed brigade of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana troops stationed at Port Hudson. After they surrendered on July 9, 1863, Beall was imprisoned on Johnson's Island. He was one of seven Confederate generals confined there. By special arrangement between authorities in Washington, DC and Richmond, VA, he was paroled to act as a Confederate Agent to supply prisoners of war with clothing and blankets in Northern prison camps.

EST $ 1200 - 1800

Confederate General James J. Archer CDV

Vignette-style carte de visite of General James J. Archer (1817-1864) in Confederate uniform. Imprint on mount of C.D. Fredericks & Co., New York, NY.

Upon graduation from Princeton in 1835, Archer studied law at the University of Maryland and was admitted to the bar. He served in the Mexican War as an Infantry captain and received the brevet of major for gallantry at Chapultepec. He returned to Maryland and continued with his legal profession until 1855, when he entered the regular army as a captain of the 9th Infantry. He later resigned his commission and enlisted in the Confederate service on November 1, 1861 with the 5th Texas Infantry. He was later discharged for promotion and became a brigadier general on June 3, 1862. As a regimental and brigade commander, he took part in every battle of the Army of Northern Virginia, from the Seven Days Battles to Gettysburg. On July 1, 1863, Archer was captured, along with a large portion of his command. Imprisoned on Johnson's Island for over a year, he was finally exchanged in the summer of 1864. However, his long incarceration was not without consequence to his health: Archer succumbed to illness on October 24, 1864.

Condition: Corners of mount slightly trimmed.

EST $ 700 - 900

Lieutenant Colonel James Patton Brownlow, 1st Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry, CDV

Carte de visite of James Patton Browlow, autographed below, " Your Friend / Jim Brownlow / Lt. Col. Cavalry 1st Tennessee Co. "

Brownlow (1842-1879), son of Tennessee Governor and US Senator William G. Brownlow, enlisted as a captain on April 1, 1862. He was commissioned into Company C of the 1st Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry, where he swiftly demonstrated leadership and keen tactical skills. Promoted to colonel by 1863, Brownlow led several raids and attacks, including daring campaigns in Knoxville and Atlanta. In March of 1866, he was awarded the honorary grade of brevet brigadier general. Here, he is presented in uniform with a sword in his left hand.

Condition: Small tear to image at top, with area of wear/surface abrasion at right side of mat.

EST $ 400 - 600

Lieutenant Colonel William A. Robertson, 6th Louisiana Infantry, CDV

CDV bust portrait of Lieutenant Colonel William A. Robertson of the 6th Louisiana Infantry, credited on verso to T. Lilienthal, New Orleans, LA. Ink inscription on image reads " Wm A. Robertson / Lt Col & [indecipherable] / Buckner's Corps ."

Dr. William A. Robertson enlisted in the Confederate service as a private in Company C of the 6th Louisiana Regiment in April of 1861, though he was quickly promoted to assistant surgeon while serving around New Orleans, and surgeon of his regiment in February of 1862 while serving in Virginia. Robertson would later serve as surgeon of Harry Hays' Louisiana brigade. After being wounded in Virginia, he was sent to establish the Lee Hospital in Columbus, Georgia in February of 1864. Thereafter, Robertson was ordered to the Trans-Mississippi Department, and was made Medical Director of General Kirby Smith's command, ultimately surrendering to General E.R.S. Canby on June 9, 1865.

EST $ 800 - 1200

CDV of CSA Sergeant Thomas J. Dashiell, 9th Virginia, Gettysburg POW

CDV portrait of CSA Sergeant Thomas J. Dashiell (d. 1910) of the 9th Virginia Infantry. Pencil inscription on verso reads, " Sergt T J Dashiell / Old Dominion / Guard / CSA Portsmouth / Va ."

Dashiell enlisted as a private on April 20, 1861 at Portsmouth, VA and mustered into Company K of the 9th Virginia Infantry the same day. His service during the war was tumultuous, filled with hardship and misfortune at nearly every turn. He was listed as a POW at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, confined at Fort Delaware, DE two days later, exchanged on September 18, 1864, wounded at Dinwiddie Court House, VA on March 31, 1865, POW at Five Forks, VA on April 1, 1865, and finally released at Point Lookout, MD on June 2, 1865. Dashiell survived the war and returned to Portsmouth, VA upon its conclusion.

Condition: CDV cut at upper left and right corners, leaving them rounded. Image with heavy soiling and small abrasions including paper loss (not affecting portrait). Mount with wear to edges and soiling throughout (recto and verso).

EST $ 750 - 1000

Confederate Spy Thomas Nelson Conrad CDV

Carte de visite of Thomas Nelson Conrad, an espionage agent with the Confederate Secret Service, autographed on verso: " Mr. Ball & family, with compliments of Thos. N. Conrad. " Credited to Gardner, Washington, DC.

Conrad (1837-1905) was a Virginia native working in Washington, DC at the outbreak of the Civil War. After expressing Confederate sympathies, he was incarcerated briefly at the Old Capitol Prison in 1861. He was later recommended to Jefferson Davis to spy for the Confederate Secret Service and set up his intelligence operation in Washington, where he was instrumental in formulating several nefarious schemes, including the proposed assassination of Winfield Scott, the theft of important documents from the War Office, and the attempted kidnapping of Abraham Lincoln. Here, he appears seated in a chair with his hands folded in his lap.

Condition: Very light toning and soiling.

EST $ 700 - 900

CDVs of Prominent 19th Century Figures from the Collection of Maryland Politician Severn Teackle Wallis

Lot of 70+ CDVs previously housed in the personal album of noted Maryland lawyer and politician Severn Teackle Wallis (1816-1894), as indicated by modern penciled notation on mount verso of most of the photographs. During the Civil War, Wallis, a member of the Maryland Legislature, was arrested and imprisoned for more than 14 months in Fort McHenry, Fort Lafayette, and Fort Warren for not citing a Union Oath before a secession vote. This collection is comprised of Civil War-era portraits of civilians, many unidentified, but almost certainly distinguished citizens of Baltimore, MD, as well as Boston and New York. Most of the cartes are credited to photography studios operating in Baltimore, with the majority produced by the Bendann Bros. Additional Baltimore studios include Israel & Co., P.L. Perkins, R.D. Ridgely, the Southern Photographic Temple of Art, N.H. Busey, E.G. Fowx, Richard Walzl, and more.

Prominent Baltimore subjects include: Maryland Representative and Federal Judge William F. Giles (two CDVs, one signed on verso); politician and Baltimore Police Marshal George Kane; merchant John Christian Brune; architect Josias Pennington; Commissioner Charles D. Hicks; Maryland Representative Henry W. Warfield, who was arrested in 1861; businessman A.J. Albert; jurist and diplomat James M. Buchanan; attorney William H. Norris, who became a Confederate Colonel, and served as Chief Signal Officer and Chief of the Signal Bureau in Richmond; and 31st Tennessee Volunteer Sergeant John D. McKeen.

Condition: Range in condition from near excellent to good. Some with very fine contrast, rich tones. Several have undergone toning, with wear to mount edges/corners. Some have period ink or penciled notations on verso.

EST $ 500 - 700

Confederate Colonel Marshall J. Smith, Salted Paper Photograph

Oval salted paper photograph, 7.5 x 9.5 in., housed in original frame, 10.75 x 13 in. A full-standing studio view of Confederate Colonel Marshall J. Smith, his arms folded, wearing a sash, saber belt with two-piece buckle, a long frock coat with "chicken guts," course woven pants with a single dark stripe, and boots with spurs under his pants. With photographer's blindstamp, " E. Jacobs / N.O. " along bottom margin of photograph.

Marshall J. Smith (1824-1905), born in Warrenton County, VA, lost both of his parents at an early age and was raised by relatives in Fauquier County, VA, before entering St. Mary's College in Baltimore at the age of 13. Following graduation four years later, Smith entered the United States Navy as a midshipman. He traveled to East and West Indian waters before serving aboard US frigates Puritan and Cumberland during the Mexican War.

In the 1850s, Smith became involved with the mercantile business in Mobile, AL, but when the Civil War broke out, he abandoned his business and enlisted as a Confederate colonel. He played a prominent role in organizing the 24th Louisiana Volunteers, also known as the Crescent Regiment. While under Smith's command, the 24th LA was recognized for its actions at the Battle of Shiloh. As a result of poor health, Smith resigned from the regiment and spent his sick leave in Mississippi, only to return to service less than a year later when he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of artillery and ordered to Port Hudson to serve as chief of heavy artillery. He was present in the batteries when Admiral D.G. Farragut's fleet attempted to run by on March 14, 1863 and managed to stop all but the Hartford and a small vessel from passing through during the engagement. Smith was also in command of heavy artillery during the Siege of Port Hudson from May-July, 1863 and ultimately surrendered to Union forces as a result of the fall of Vicksburg and the garrison's sufferings. He was taken prisoner in July 1863 and sent to Fort McHenry, where he would remain in captivity for fourteen months until he was sent to the bay at Charleston for exchange. Smith spent the remainder of the war serving in front of Richmond. Following the war, he ventured to New Orleans, where he engaged in a number of successful businesses through the turn of the century. (Information obtained from June 21, 1905 Mobile Register Obituary for Colonel Smith.)

Condition: Image has lightened, but contrast still very good. Some slight loss to print along top edge. Not examined outside frame. Framed under glass/plastic. Some light spotting on print.

EST $ 2000 - 3000

The Imprisonment of Jefferson Davis in Fortress Monroe

Lot of 4: AMS, Townsend, William C., 2pp, 8 x 12.5 in. Townsend writes out his military history from enlistment on November 7, 1861 in the 14th Maine Volunteer Infantry to his mustering out on August 28, 1865. He fought at Baton Rouge, August 5, 1862 and was " promoted to corporal for meritorious conduct at the battle...at the siege of Port Hudson from May 17, 63 to July 8th 1863 volunteered as one of the Forlorn Hope storming party was promised a gold meddle [sic] but through some neglect of the officers never received it... promoted to 1st Lieutenant of Co. A 14th Regt. March 27th 1865 and took command of the Company was detailed with my company to proceed as guard over Jeff Davis and other prisoners under Col. Pichard [sic] from Augusta, Ga. to Fortress Monroe [then] from Fortress Monroe was sent back to Savannah, Ga. in charge of Ship having on board Mrs. Davis and other Ladies to land at said place.. ." When the steamship Clyde docked at Hampton Roads, Jefferson Davis was taken to Fortress Monroe but his wife, children and the other women in their party were kept on board. They were then sent back to Savannah where Varina Davis was placed under house arrest until the end of the summer.

The second item is the text of a US Military Telegraph, sent for Varina Davis. In the hand of a telegraph clerk. Sent 1:40 pm May 19, 1865. From Ft. Monroe, " to Hon. Montgomery Blair or Col. Archie Campbell, Washington, DC. I am on a Steamboat 'Clyde' destination Washington. Have four small children with me and may require assistance at the landing if convenient you will oblige me by meeting me there . (Signed) Varine [sic] Davis ." Although the Davises and several other families were on board the Clyde , and given nice accommodations and food, when the ship arrived, everyone was kept on board. Finally on May 22, Davis and others were taken from the ship and imprisoned at Fortress Monroe, the women were returned to Savannah, GA and not permitted to leave the state for two years. Varina feared for her children and sent them to Canada to live with relatives. In the meantime she worked tirelessly to get her husband released and to raise sympathy for his situation. Initially prevented from communicating with her husband, eventually she was allowed to correspond with him.

The third article is an envelope, (3 x 5.75 in.) addressed in Jefferson Davis' hand: " For Mrs. Varina Davis, Augusta, Georgia. " lower left corner with additional note by Davis: " To Hon. J. Speed / US Atty. Genl / Washington DC. " In pencil at top: " Was erased when recd. by J.S. "

What Davis was allowed to send while incarcerated at Fortress Monroe was examined by Attorney General James Speed. In a note sent to General Nelson Miles, then commander at Fortress Monroe, E.D. Townsend, AAG, wrote: "Any letters which Mr. Davis desires to send his wife must relate only family matters and be first submitted to the Attorney General's inspection...." (Aug. 18, 1865, ORs Vol. 8, Series 3) While no postmark is on this cover, it is opened along the left end. Although Davis complained bitterly about this indignity, by the end of 1866 Varina and Winnie had moved into the fort with him and writing would not have been very common. It must have been written after August 18, 1865 or in the early months of 1866 once the couple was permitted to communicate and before Varina and Winnie moved into Fortress Monroe.

The last item is a cabinet card, with backmark of William Baulch, Fortress Monroe, Virginia. It has a pre-printed Line with " Scene____ " which has the manuscript note: " Casemate where Jeff Davis was confined and ironed, Fort Monroe, Va ."

Condition: First has a few spots. Ink a bit light. Second is excellent. Third with notes, minor foxing. Cab cd. is a bit toned, but very good.

EST $ 1000 - 2000

Quarter Plate Tintype of Robert E. Lee on Traveller, by A.H. Plecker, 1866

Quarter plate tintype housed in a in pressed paper case, separated at the spine. This view was made by the photographer A.H. Plecker (1840-1929) ca 1866, in western Virginia, while Lee was serving as President of Washington College in Lexington, VA (now Washington & Lee University, where both Lee and Traveller and buried and memorialized). Lee only allowed himself to be photographed a handful of times in the years between the end of the Civil War and his death in 1870, and trusted Plecker with with one two similar images of Lee atop Traveller, ca 1866-1867, the other usually attributed to itinerant photographer Michael Miley (1841-1918). Both poses have been reproduced many times, and are discussed at length in Donald A. Hopkins' Robert E. Lee in War and Peace , with the image offered here published on p. 103.

This image was acquired by the current consignor by a dealer who acquired it from the noted Lincoln collector Lloyd Ostendorf of Dayton, Ohio, in a trade for Lincoln items circa early 1970s. We are aware of only two other period copies, one housed at the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia.

An exceedingly rare and important image in flawless condition, and perhaps the last original photograph of Lee in private hands.

Condition: The plate is flawless, with excellent clarity and contrast, and no scratches or oxidation.

EST $ 30000 - 50000

Rare Albumen Photograph of Robert E. Lee and Joseph E. Johnston in Savannah, 1869, by D.J. Ryan

Oval albumen photograph, 7.25 x 9.25 in., on 10 x 12 in. mount. Taken during Lee's farewell tour in 1869 by Savannah, GA, photographer D.J. Ryan. Copies of this photograph were sold to benefit the Ladies Memorial Association and the Lee Monument in Richmond, VA. The men appear seated at a table, with Lee, at right, holding a pen, poised in the act of writing. This encounter marked the first time that the two generals had seen each other since the war.

EST $ 8000 - 12000

A.J. Russell Salt Print of Lee Family Graveyard

Salt print photograph, 8 x 12 in., mounted, 9 x 13 in., produced by A.J. Russell (1830 - 1902). Titled on mat, " No. 87. - Graves of George Washington Parke Custis and Wife, / Arlington, June 29, 1864. " Image captures the two Custis grave monuments and three standing men, perhaps assessing the construction progress of a wooden fence, with planks in foreground. " Monuments in the Cemet. at Arling / June 29, 1864 " printed diagonally in the negative.

Condition: Minor loss at lower right corner of mount.

EST $ 400 - 600

Albumen Photograph of Civil War Veterans at The Crater, by C.R. Rees, Petersburg, VA

Albumen photograph, 7.25 x 9.5 in., on 11 x 14 in. mount with the imprint of Petersburg, VA, photographer C.R. Rees. Accompanied by inked note reading: " The Crater Farm owned by Y.R. Griffith. I have a stick from the large pine tree shown in this photo & also some peach nuts. All which I got myself Sunday Aug. 31, 1890, Petersburg, VA."

A scarce post-Civil War view of veterans gathered at the site of the Battle of the Crater, which was part of the Siege of Petersburg that occurred on July 30, 1864, involving the Union's abortive attempt to sap the Confederate line at Elliot's Salient on the Petersburg perimeter. Following the massive explosion that instantly killed several hundred, Union soldiers advanced in a frontal assault that ultimately sucked nearly 15,000 Federals into the confined crater fighting. Confederate forces counterattacked and held the blue onslaught in vicious hand-to-hand combat that claimed 4,000 Union and 1,500 Confederate casualties in a single afternoon.

Condition: Toning to print, few minor spots. Some wear to mount, including crease/partial separation in top right corner. Loss to lower right corner of mount, and minor loss to top left corner.

EST $ 300 - 500

Scarce 1858 Virginia Militia Broadside

Printed broadside, 12.5 x 12.5 in. (sight), framed, approx. 19 x 19 in., Attention! To the Militia of the 31st Regiment. Winchester Republican Office, May 11, 1858. Broadside invites men from the 31st Regiment, within the ages of 18 and 45, to help elect a " Colonel, Lieut. Colonel, two Majors, and Company Officers / for the different Military Districts of said Companies within the Thirty-first Regiment ," at Winchester, on May 29, 1858. This call for attendance comes in pursuance of an order from the County Court of Frederick, in accordance with an act passed by the Virginia Legislature, to organize the militia. Broadside undersigned in print by " Robert L. Baker, / Nathan Sherer, / Robert M. Huston, / Commissioners and Conductors ," and " R.M. Huston, / Adjutant Thirty-first Regiment Va. Militia. "

Organized under William Lowther Jackson, the 31st Virginia was mustered into Confederate service in July of 1861, though it mainly fought as part of the Army of Northern Virginia. The 31st saw action at many major events and locales during the war, including Lee's Cheat Mountain Campaign, Jackson's Valley operations, the Seven Days' Battle, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, and even Appomattox.

Condition: Broadside with some spotting and discoloration throughout, one vertical crease at center, and general surface wear throughout. Not examined outside of frame.

EST $ 1000 - 1500

Actual Sales Broadside for Colonel Le Mat's Grape Shot Revolver, Incl. South Carolina Governor Pickens' Handwritten Order for 500 of Them

Printed broadside, 8.5 x 11 in., consists of three flattering testimonials to the excellence of the revolver. It is interesting that in the testimonials, dating March 1859 - August 1860, both future Union and Confederate Officers are listed, many who would be fighting against each other in less than eight months.

This advertising broadside/brochure was sent to South Carolina Governor Pickens on September 3, 1861. On a second page, now that the war has begun, Colonel A. Le Mat, aide-de-camp of the Governor of Louisiana has written in type, "I take the liberty to enclose you herewith the Report of US Army Officers, relative to my 'Grape Shot Revolver', by which it will be seen that it has met with their unqualified approval. Being moreover an arm of Southern invention, intended to be manufactured, if practicable, in a Southern State. I hope it will be adopted to arm our Volunteers in the defense of our Southern Rights."

Below Le Mat's note, Governor Pickens has written the following in ink, "I refer the above to Col. Manigault Ordnance Officer. Record if he thinks that five hundred would be useful for our service. I am writing to contract for them upon the same conditions as the Confederate Authorities have contracted, but I doubt whether we would receive an equivalent benefit. I desire, however, to refer this entirely to Col. Manigault who is better able to decide."

EST $ 1200 - 1500

Exceedingly Rare Confederate Broadside, Embalming the Dead

Printed broadside, approx. 6 x 6.75 in., advertising the embalming services of Virginia Doctors Maclure and Gerhardt. N.d. Bold text near top of broadside reads, " Embalming the Dead. / Preserving / and / Petrifying the Dead. " Text continues, promising that " The undersigned will attend in all the details to the preservation of the bodies of the DEAD entrusted to their charge, and every embalment will be conducted under the supervision of a skillful surgeon. " Maclure and Gerhardt also make an appeal to those far away, claiming, " Persons at a Distance / Desiring to have the bodies of their deceased friends, on the field of battle or elsewhere, disinterred, embalmed, disinfected, or prepared and sent home, can have it promptly attended to by application to the undersigned, at the office of / J. A. Belvin, Undertaker, / Governor and 12th Streets, / Richmond, VA. " It is further noted that " Rousseau Process " will be utilized to guarantee " perfect satisfaction ," and that the procedures will take place at " private residences or upon the field. " Broadside undersigned in print, " Doctors Maclure & Gerhardt. "

Further research on the "Rousseau Process" yielded few results, though there was a reference to an "M. Rousseau" found in the Southern Literary Messenger Devoted to Every Department of Literature and The Fine Arts , Vol. 16, printed in 1850 by Macfarlane & Fergusson. An article in that publication titled, "From our Paris Correspondent," discusses M. Gannal and his new processes for embalming dead bodies and preserving plants. The article continues, "Another process, called after the name of Rousseau, its inventor, is now attracting considerable attention. It consists in the introduction, during the clarifying operations, of a current of carbonic acid gas, which produces, if accounts are to be relied upon, a magical effect."

A truly rare advertisement, which, according to a letter included in this lot, was not able to be located in the Library of Congress Union Catalog Division.

Condition: Broadside with brittleness at edges, including a few small rips and tears, and a number of creases throughout. There is very minor spotting in a few places, not affecting text, and text retains clarity and boldness throughout.

EST $ 3000 - 5000

Signed Act to Authorize the Issue of Stock for the Military Defense of South Carolina After Secession, Lot of Three

Porter, William Dennison "W.D." (1810-1883), President of the Senate, and James Simons (1813-1879), Speaker of the House of Representatives and Confederate Brigadier General. Retained copy of original DS, 3pp, 8.5 x 14 in., Charleston, SC. December 29, 1860. Hand-copied by Deputy Secretary of State James A. Duffus for the records of Governor F.W. Pickens. Signed act authorizing the issue of certificates of stock to provide for the military defense of South Carolina.

According the the act, the State Treasurer was required to issue " four thousand Certificates of the value of one hundred dollars each, bearing interest at the rate of six per-cent per annum. . . payable on the first day of June of each and every year at the Treasury. . . and redeemable thereat ." The certificates were accompanied by coupons which would " become payable in payment of Taxes and other debts due to the state of South Carolina ."

Lot completed by $100 state of South Carolina treasury bond and a CDV of James Simons.

Condition: Creasing as expected. Toning and areas of spotting, with some small tears at creases.

EST $ 1600 - 3000

Hand Colored Drawing of Plaque Mounted on the English Blakely Gun Captured at the Battle of Cheraw in 1864

Hand-colored drawing, 9.5 x 6.25 in., framed, 16 x 14 in., resembling the plaque originally mounted on the English Blakely gun that was presented to the newly seceded state of South Carolina by the citizens of England. Ovate drawing includes colorful handwritten text reading " Presented / to the / Sovereign State / of / South Carolina. / By One of Her Citizens Residing Abroad / in Commemoration of the / 20th December. 1860. " Text along bottom edge, appearing to be clipped and pasted typewriter print, reads " This Plate, Has Been Taken Off of a Rebel Cannon, Captured at the Battel [sic] of Scherew. Sout [sic] Carolina. " Ink inscription featured at bottom left of drawing reads " 1864. "

Given in commemoration of the secession of South Carolina, the English Blakely gun was so remarkable that General P.G.T. Beauregard commented on its superiority over other weapons in an April 1861 report to Confederate Secretary of War, L.P. Walker. An engraving of the gun was also featured in the May 18, 1861 issue of Harper's Weekly, showing the original plaque. The gun also saw important action, being used in the first engagement of the Civil War, and captured at the Battle of Cheraw, South Carolina, in 1864. It was then that the featured drawing was created. The gun was later presented to the Grant Park Commission in honor of President Grant's birthday, and remains at Grant Park to this day, though without the original plaque.

Condition: Drawing with a large stain over right portion and some adhesive residue/soiling around edge. Colored ink also faded in some places (particularly red ink).

EST $ 600 - 800

Major Robert Anderson, First US Artillery, Twice Signed Deposition Concerning the Removal of his Garrison from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, December 26, 1860

Anderson, Robert (1805-1871). Union general during the Civil War, famous for being in command at Fort Sumter. DS as Brevet Major General, 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., Fort Sumter, SC. March 8, 1861. Twice-signed handwritten deposition sworn before Brevet First Lieutenant Truman Seymour, who was present with Anderson at Fort Sumter. Anderson's statement was recorded by a secretary, but he has signed the document in his own hand.

In the document, Anderson testifies that on December 26, 1860, his position at Fort Moultrie grew indefensible, prompting him to order " the evacuation of that Post and the transfer of the garrison to Fort Sumter, SC. "

Kentucky native General Robert Anderson was the commanding officer of US Army forces in Charleston when Confederate forces were ordered to capture Charleston Harbor's Fort Sumter in April of 1861. Thus the very first battle of the Civil War began on April 12, when Confederate forces commanded by Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard (who had been a student of Anderson's at West Point) opened fire on the fort. The battle ended when Anderson surrendered just two days later, realizing he was severely outnumbered. Though this was hardly a victory, Anderson's valiant defense made him a hero in the eyes of his compatriots, leading to his promotion to brigadier general on May 15 of that same year.

Condition: Minor tears, particularly at creases, with off-center brown line running vertically the length of the document.

EST $ 8000 - 12000

Retained Copy of R.S. Ripley Letter Regarding the Fort Moultrie Flag, 1861

Ripley, R.S. (1823-1887). Retained copy of ALS as Lieutenant Colonel, 2pp, 7.75 x 9.5 in., " Head Quarters, battalion of Artillery, S. Ca., Fort Sumter. " May 13, 1861. Addressed to Francis Wilkinson Pickens, Governor of South Carolina, presenting him with the Flag of Fort Moultrie.

This letter, recorded by F.J. Moses, Jr., Private Secretary to Governor Pickens upon receipt, accompanied the Flag of South Carolina that had been presented to the garrison of Fort Moultrie in February by " three ladies of Charleston, Mrs. Charles A. Scanlaw, Mrs. Julia Kunhardt, and Miss Kate Hall. " Ripley notes that during the attack on the fort, the flag was " four times perforated by the shots. . . three of which are still visible. The fourth was cut out by a prominent citizen of Virginia" as proof of the battle.

Accompanied by an envelope bearing inscription: " Copy of Colonel Ripley's letter to Governor Pickens sending the Flag of Fort Moultrie. June 13, 1861 ."

Condition: Light vertical stains near center of both pages, not detrimental to letter's legibility.

EST $ 3500 - 4500

R.S. Ripley ALS and DS Regarding Artillery Ordnance, 1861

Lot of 2 documents, each signed by Brigadier General Roswell Sabine Ripley (1823-1887), regarding artillery ordnance during the operations against Fort Sumter.

ALS as Lieutenant Colonel, 1p, 7.75 x 9.5 in., " Head Quarters Fort Moultrie. " March 31, 1861. Addressed to Colonel Edward Manigault, Chief of Ordance. Here, Ripley reports the need to get heavier handspikes for Mortar Battery No. 2, as they are needed for the heavy 10-inch mortars.

DS as Brigadier General, 2pp, 8.25 x 10.625 in., " Charleston, SC. " April 22, 1861. An invoice of ordnance and ordnance stores delivered to Ripley at Fort Sumter. The document lists twenty different pieces of equipment and is signed by W.G. Eason for Colonel Manigault. With note written on verso dated December 12, 1862 in which Ripley certifies that the listing on the front was " expended during the operations against Fort Sumter. "

Ripley graduated from West Point in 1843 and was brevetted twice for his service in the Mexican War. During the Civil War, he served as a Confederate lieutenant colonel with South Carolina forces, occupying both Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter after its evacuation by Major Robert Anderson in 1861. He was later appointed brigadier general and was charged with coastal defense. Later, he was transferred to field command in Virginia, leading forces at Sharpsburg, where he was wounded in the neck.

EST $ 1200 - 1800

Original Key to the Magazine of Fort Moultrie with Original Brown Ink Tag

Metal key, 6 in., granting access to the magazine at Fort Moultrie. Accompanied by brown ink tag stating that it was taken by sailor John E. Jones, an ensign aboard the USS Mahopac , after the surrender of Charleston, SC, February 18, 1865. Mahopac was a single-turreted Canonicus-class monitor built for the Union Navy during the Civil War and launched on May 17, 1864. Primarily stationed along the James River supporting operations against Richmond, she was ordered to steam to South Carolina in December of 1864 to prepare for the bombardments of Fort Fisher. Once the fort was captured in January, Mahopac was dispatched to Charleston, where she remained on picket duty until early March of 1865.

Provenance: John E. Jones; donation to Wadhams, NY Post GAR; donation to Mattatuck Historical Society; sold at auction.

EST $ 3000 - 4500

Important ALS by Lieutenant Richard Kidder Meade with Photograph Featuring Robert Anderson

Meade, Richard Kidder (1835-1862). Confederate officer, the only one of Anderson's officers to abandon the Union. ALS, 2pp, 4.75 x 7.75 in., " Fort Sumter ." March 21, 1861. Addressed to " My Dear Sister ," Julia E. Meade and accompanied by a photograph of Anderson, Meade, and their fellow officers at Fort Sumter, which was later reproduced in Harper's Weekly .

In the letter, Meade writes with news from the Fort, stating, " the papers for some days just have given out the intention of the Gov. to withdraw the Garrison. . . [though] nothing of importance has transpired since my last letter with the exception of that accidental (?) shot fired from one of the batteries on Cummings Point ."

Of the photograph he has enclosed, Meade writes that it was " taken under disadvantageous circumstances in one of our casemates, consequently not well executed; but you will readily see that the 'good looks' of the subjects amply compensate for the bad execution of the artists. "

EST $ 4000 - 6000

Twice Signed Photograph of Robert Anderson "For Mrs. Genl. Burnside"

CDV portrait of Brigadier General Robert Anderson, twice -signed, with handwritten inscription on verso reading, " For Mrs. Genl. Burnside, with the compliments of Robert Anderson. " Anderson is presented standing in uniform, with his right hand resting on the back of a chair. Credited to Broadbent & Co., Philadelphia, PA.

Kentucky native General Robert Anderson (1805-1871) was the commanding officer of US Army forces in Charleston when Confederate forces were ordered to capture Charleston Harbor's Fort Sumter in April of 1861. Thus the very first battle of the Civil War began on April 12, when Confederate forces commanded by Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard (who had been a student of Anderson's at West Point) opened fire on the fort. The battle ended when Anderson surrendered just two days later, realizing he was severely outnumbered. Though this was hardly a victory, Anderson's valiant defense made him a hero in the eyes of his compatriots, leading to his promotion to brigadier general on May 15 of that same year.

EST $ 1500 - 2000

Two Covers Addressed by Fort Sumter Commander Major Robert Anderson, with Charleston Cancellations, 1861

Pair of covers hand-addressed by Brigadier General Robert Anderson, each with Charleston cancellations from 1861, when Anderson was at Fort Sumter.

The first cover is complete and still bears a red wax seal on its reverse, along with the initials " RA. " Addressed to the Honorable Nathaniel Silster, Boston, MA. Cancellation of " Charleston SC Jan. 27 1861 " with imprinted three-cent stamp.

The second cover is addressed to Anderson's wife: " Mrs. Major Robert Anderson / Brevoort House / New York NY. " The postmark is " Charleston, SC Mar. 24 1861" with cancelled three-cent stamp. Front flap only, no back.

EST $ 900 - 1200

ALS by Christopher Gustavus Memminger Authorizing the Purchase of Powder Later Used in the Firing on Fort Sumter

Memminger, Christopher Gustavus (1803-1888). German-born lawyer and statesman, Secretary of the Confederate Treasury. ALS " C.G. Memminger In behalf of the Governor, " 1p, 5.25 x 8.25 in., Montgomery. Addressed to Colonel M.A. Moore. In the letter, Memminger approves Moore's request to purchase thirty-thousand pounds of gun powder, to be expensed by either the CSA Treasury Office or the Governor of South Carolina. The powder would be used in the firing on Fort Sumter, which took place just months later in April of 1861.

EST $ 700 - 900

Letter from Charleston Written on Rare "Republic of South Carolina" Stationery, March 4, 1861

Reynolds, G.N., Jr. Charleston-based businessman and Major in the Provisional Confederate Artillery. ALS, 4pp, 7.75 x 9.75 in., Charleston, SC. March 4, 1861. Addressed to William Porcher Miles on rare " Republic of South Carolina " stationery. Pictured in the March/April 1987 copy of the Confederate Philatelist.

Reynolds writes to Miles, an ardent states' rights advocate, secessionist, and designer of the first Confederate flag, regarding tariffs. He opens by stating, " I was much gratified at seeing. . . that the delegates from the State were battling in the Southern Congress for a low Tariff. I am not most fully convinced of the necessity of a low tariff. The operations of the Customs here must convince all of the importance of duties, however small." By compelling the Merchant of the Interior to " enter at the Custom House ," Reynolds believes he will be more inclined to purchase in the South and create more direct trade with Europe, eliminating reliance on New York: " chang[ing] the channel of imports by direct trade,. . . we will soon achieve mercantile independence and close forever commercial intercourse with our enemies."

He presents the Colt firearm as an example of the " perfect piracy " committed against the southern economy: " It is well known that the celebrated Colt firearm was the invention of an obscure N. Carolinian; but being poor, proceeded on foot for Washington, and died on his way. Col. Colt obtained it, patented it, and like every speculating Yankee, soon made from it fame and fortune."

EST $ 900 - 1200

Fort Sumter Union Officers Autograph Page, April 2, 1861

Fort Sumter autograph album page, featuring signatures of the ten Union officers stationed there during the bombardment on April 2, 1861. Inscribed on front page with period ink, listed with ranks at the time of signing. Notably among the autographs is that of Robert Anderson, dated and signed as "Major USA," reflecting his brevet promotion awarded during the Mexican-American War. Six of the officers who signed this page would become generals later during the Civil War.

Ten (10) signatures: " Norman J. Hall, Lieut. US Army; S.W. Crawford, Med. Staff; Theo. Talbot, Bvt. Capt. Asst. Adjt. Genl.; R.K. Meade Jr., 2nd Lieut. Engrs.; G.W. Snyder, 1st Lt. of Engrs. USA; A. Doubleday, Capt. 1st Artillery; Fort Sumter, SC, April 2, 1861, Yours Very sincerely, Robert Anderson, Major USA; T. Seymour, Capt. 1st Artillery, US Army; J.G. Foster, Capt. Engrs.; Jef. C. Davis, 1st Lt. 1st Arty ."

EST $ 5500 - 7500

Fort Sumter Letter Written by Samuel N. Kennerly, 25th South Carolina Infantry

Kennerly, Samuel N. (d. 1864). ALS, 3pp, 6.75 x 8.5 in., " Fort Sumter ." April 12, 1864. Addressed to Mrs. Julia Kennerly. Letter accompanied by a partial cover, ripped at top, addressed to " Mrs. J. N. Kennerly " of Orangeburg, SC, with large black " 10 " stamped at upper left and partial cancel visible in upper right corner. Return address reads " S.N. Kennerly / Lt. Col's / 25-S. C. V. "

Kennerly's letter provides interesting details about activities at the fort on the anniversary of the initial engagement of the Civil War, which famously took place there. Kennerly addresses the important date at the beginning of his letter, writing, " Your dear letter of the 6th just came to hand night before last about 12 o'clock while I was on duty looking out for the Yankees; we somewhat looked for the yanks to advance on us, or fire pretty heavily on us about this time, it being the aniversary [sic] of our taking Fort Sumter from Old Anderson in 1861, but they have kept pretty quiet so far...Many of the garrison wish they would make an assault on the Fort. They are very sanguine as to what would be the result, besides they think it might be the means of they getting a furlough ."

Kennerly continues, " The yankees fire occasionally a gun on the city. The shell passes near the Fort on its way to the city some of them fall short. "

After discussing affairs at home and his wife's health, Kennerly gives more details about conditions at the fort. He writes:

I would not mind staying here if it were not so confining, and I had a comfortable place to sleep at. I have to sleep in the Bomb-proof where the air is very foul on account of there not being free sirculation [sic] of air through it. Besides, it is said, there are numerous creapers [sic] in it, although I have not seen any myself, nor felt them, but I have no doubt but that they are here, I think the cause of they being so numerous there are a great many negroes here, and they are quartered near our Bomb-proof. I saw one of the negroes die last night, he was taken yesterday morning and died last night, I am well acquainted with the assistant Surgeon and he got me to look at him when he found him geting [sic] so bad off.

Condition: Letter in good condition, written in bold, dark ink, with two vertical creases and one horizontal crease, and minor spotting. Cover ripped at top with a good deal of paper loss and some discoloration to right edge.

EST $ 900 - 1200

Two CDVs of Fort Sumter Taken After the Surrender of Robert Anderson

Lot of 2 CDVs capturing scenes at Fort Sumter after the surrender of Brigadier General Robert Anderson in 1861.

One photograph of Confederate origin shows the Fort's southern facade. Handwritten, inked inscription on verso: " View of a portion of the south face of Sumter with Sally-Port three days after evacuation by Maj. Anderson ."

The second photograph shows the interior of Fort Sumter, with backmark of E. Anthony, New York, NY. Soldiers are visible in the foreground surveying the damage, with cannon at lower right. According to an inscription on verso, the officers' quarters are to the left of the central gateway. A longer handwritten note accompanies the CDV and provides even greater detail, stating in part, " In the foreground is seen boxes of oyster shells used for making lime. . . near the box on the right is seen the lantern from the light house. . . which Major Anderson removed. " The description also notes that Anderson's quarters were originally located above the gateway but were later relocated to the space above the distributing room of the magazine.

Condition: Small holes, as though for display, on left edge of mat of interior view.

EST $ 600 - 800

Four Original Fort Sumter Medals Minted for the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York and Presented to Those Engaged in the Defense of Fort Sumter

Lot of 5. Besides the personal medals given to Robert Anderson and his men, the Chamber kept several as examples. These are the medals from their collection.

Offered here is a 6 in. medal like the one Robert Anderson received with a profile of himself on the front, with the Guardian Spirit of America on the reverse (only two known examples besides Anderson’s).

Second is a 4 in. medal, the same as the medals given to the nine officers serving with Anderson on Fort Sumter. This medal is of the same design as Anderson’s but of a smaller size. The nine officers receiving this medal were Captains J.G. Forster and Abner Doubleday; First Lieutenants Jefferson C. Davis, George W. Snyder, Truman Seymour (then Brevet Captain), Theodore Talbot (then Assistant Adjutant-General), and Norman J. Hall; Second Lieutenant Richard K. Mead and Assistant Surgeon Samuel W. Crawford.

Third is a non-commissioned officer's medal, 3.5 in., featuring a portrait of Major Anderson on one side and a depiction of Peter Hart raising the Stars and Stripes on the other (see the Peter Hart Collection offered in this auction).

Fourth is the medal given to enlisted men, 2.5 in., featuring Anderson on obverse and the same design as the non-commissioned officer medal on reverse.

Each of the bronze medals was struck by Charles Muller, a sculptor in New York City, as medals are inscribed.

Lot also includes a CDV showing the Sumter medal. This is the only known example of this CDV.

Condition: All medals in excellent condition.

EST $ 9000 - 15000

White Metal and Copper Examples of Privately Issued "Bombardment of Fort Sumter" Medal

Lot of 2, including one white metal and one copper example of the Bombardment of Fort Sumter Medal, approx. 1.25 in. diameter, featuring a depiction of the bombardment of Fort Sumter with text reading " Bombardment of Fort Sumter / April 12 & 13, 1861 ," on obverse, and " FORT SUMTER / Was Evacuated, / With All the Honors of WAR, / After A Most Heroic Defense By / MAJ. R. ANDERSON, / With A Garrison of / 75 MEN, / Against / A Terrific Bombardment / of 30 Hours Duration, / By the So. Ca. REBELS / Numbering / 8000 ," on reverse. White metal example features brass top bar depicting a Union shield, blue ribbon, and brass hanging ring attached.

Condition: Both examples with minor wear. White metal example with light discoloration and some fraying to ribbon, and soiling to top bar.

EST $ 600 - 700

Collection of Fort Sumter Artifacts from Civil War Hero Peter Hart

Lot of approximately 48 relics and ephemera related to Sergeant Peter Hart (ca 1823-1892). Hart served under Major Robert Anderson during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. He then left the service and joined the police force in New York City, NY. As tensions between the North and South escalated, Anderson's wife contacted Hart and requested that he escort her to Charleston, SC to visit her husband, who was stationed at Fort Sumter. Still at Fort Sumter at the outbreak of the Civil War, Hart elected to remain as a civilian to assist his former commander. Indeed, on the afternoon of April 12, 1861, he retrieved and reattached the fallen American flag, dislodged by enemy shelling from its flagstaff over Fort Sumter. When the fort was evacuated two days later, Hart again played a pivotal role: he rescued the flag and kept it with him until February 1865, when it was raised once again over the fort. Collection housed in glass-topped wooden display case, 23.5 x 29.5 in.

Items include:

1 piece of iron, approx. 3 x 2 in., accompanied by a period tag believed to have been written by Hart describing the object: " This piece of iron is brought from Fort Sumter in April 12, 1865. The last time I was in the Fort when I hoisted the same old flag we fought under in 1861. Sergt. Peter Hart. "

3 cannon percussion caps, accompanied by period tag captioned by Hart: " These are percussion caps used to fire off heavy ordnance guns - 120 lb., 64 lb., 32 lb. - brought from Fort Sumter April 13, 1861. Sergt. Peter Hart."

Small grouping of paper cartridges with 2 3-ring minie balls visible, which Hart notes are " Fort Sumter cartridges, April 2, 1861. Sergt. Peter Hart. "

Small red and blue fabric piece of flag, mounted on paper, 4 x 3 in. Captioned in period ink: " From old flag on Fort Sumter. "

6 photographs, including views of Fort Sumter, likely postbellum; an original war-date photograph, 3 x 3 in., capturing the flag raising ceremonies of 1865, in which Hart participated; and a CDV of a well-dressed, bearded Hart credited on verso to Anthony.

2 newspaper clippings announcing Hart's death in 1892.

2 illustrated songs, " The Flag with the Thirty-Four Stars" and " Charleston Fort Sumter, Victory at Last ," both published by Charles Magnus.

2 ten-cent stamps.

Around 30 miscellaneous metal Civil War artifacts, including buttons, cartridges, and a pocket knife, all collected by Hart.

EST $ 5000 - 7000

USS Housatonic Canvas Relic, Recovered from the Naval Assault on Fort Sumter, 1862

Piece of canvas, approx. 9.5 x 15 in. Part of an awning from the Housatonic recovered by William Mason Smith. Stenciled with text reading, " HOUSATONIC. / WHALE BOAT. / AWNING / J.F.B. / NYC / MARCH, 1862. " Lieutenant Smith (1843-1864), of Gaillard's Regiment, the 27th South Carolina Infantry, recovered the awning in the aftermath of the attack against the Housatonic in February of 1864. He was mortally wounded months later in the Battle of Cold Harbor, VA and died at the home of William Porcher Miles in Richmond.

The Housatonic was finished in November 1861 but did not see her first battle until 1863 when Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont attempted to take Fort Sumter. She retreated with significant damage, but in subsequent battles she managed to capture many Confederate ships. On a dark night in February 1864, the crew spotted a curious floating object in the distance. Suspecting it was a log or a porpoise, they paid little attention to it. As it came closer, they suddenly realized it was an enemy submarine, the H.L. Hunley . The crew tried to defend itself against attack, but the ship’s size did not allow it to sink low enough to fight effectively against it. The Hunley rammed an explosive charge into the ship’s starboard side. The Housatonic sank within ten minutes. It was the first and only attack made by the Hunley as well as the first successful submarine attack.

Provenance: Deaccessioned by the South Carolina Historical Society and given to Joseph T. Holleman, 1984. Later sold at auction.

EST $ 1800 - 2500

War Date ALS from Union General George H. Gordon, Folly Island, SC, 1864

Gordon, George H. (1823-1886). Union Brevet Major General, USMA 1846. ALS, 2pp, 7.5 x 9.5 in., " Folly Island, SC." August 26, 1864. Addressed to Hon. Henry Wilson, US Senate.

In his letter to Senator Wilson, Gordon bemoans the costs of war, which he calculates at " more than half a million a day. " His grievances focus specifically on the efforts of General Quincy Gillmore, whose operations " have not rendered the taking of the city of Charleston, possibly Charleston can be taken by Grant better than by Gillmore. Sumter is stronger than ever. . . for this, Gillmore's work has cost the Govt. more than one hundred and twenty millions of dollars ."

He also addresses the use of African American troops, a controversial topic at the time: " Let colored troops garrison such points as it is desirable to hold. Leave a small garrison in Morris Island, and then send from here more than twenty thousand good white troops (veterans) to Grant or Meade. "

Condition: Creasing as expected. Pencil notation on back of second page from auction dated February 1996.

EST $ 900 - 1500

Evacuation of Charleston, Original Manuscript of Confederate Military Orders to Colonel E.C. Anderson, February 15, 1865

Extremely rare original manuscript orders for the evacuation of Charleston, 4pp, approx. 7.25 x 9.5 in., " Hd Qrs 2d & 3d Sub Dists SC / Charleston ." February 15, 1865. Addressed to " Col Anderson / Comdg post at Charleston SC. " Manuscript marked " Confidential " at top.

This order is believed to have been sent by General Hardee, listing thirteen specific steps to be followed during the evacuation, including the following provision:

I desire you to make every preparation for the destruction, early Friday night, of your guns and gun carriages and such powder as may be left in your magazines as may be consistent with a safe retreat. To attempt to burst your guns or blow up your magazines would perhaps be a premature intimation of our intention to the enemy: therefore you will destroy the gun carriages, as far as practicable, by sawing and cutting them to pieces, your guns by spiking and shooting them, and your powder by throwing it into the water.

In closing, he notes that he " shall rely upon your judgement and discretion to give such other instructions as you may deem necessary to accomplish the desired object " of evacuating the city.

Condition: Creasing as expected, with some tearing at fold lines. Some large, round stains to edges, but not detrimental to legibility. Pencil notations to header of letter: "unsigned for obvious reasons" and cover: "PP Mrs. Bertody / 10/24/16." The consignor notes that Mrs. Bertody found this document in 1916.

EST $ 3000 - 5000

Two Important Documents Relating to the Re-raising of the US Flag at Fort Sumter, 1865

Lot of 3, including 2 printed documents relating to the re-raising of the US Flag at Fort Sumter on April 14, 1865. Major Robert Anderson lowered the flag upon the evacuation of the Fort on April 14, 1861, and at the end of the war, the flag was raised once again exactly four years later.

The first document is an original copy of General Order No. 50 from the War Department Adjutant General's Office, dated March 27, 1865. Issued by order of the President and sent by Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. Accompanied by original cover inviting Hon. John H. Clifford to the flag raising ceremony. Cover franked by E.D. Townsend, the Assistant Adjutant General, who was tasked with sending out copies of this General Order. " Fort Sumter April 14 1865 " printed on the left side of the envelope, perhaps by Clifford upon receipt of the invitation.

The Order has four main parts: 1) at noon on April 14, 1865, Brevet Major General Anderson will raise the flag on Fort Sumter, 2) there will be a 100-gun salute " from every fort and Rebel Battery that fired upon Fort Sumter, " 3) Major General William T. Sherman or Major General Quincy A. Gillmore will lead ceremonies, with the Reverend Henry Ward Beecher delivering a public address, and 4) all Naval Forces at Charleston will be invited to participate.

The second document is a program from the ceremony, officially titled, " Programme of the Order of Exercises at the Re-raising of the United States Flag, on Fort Sumter, Charleston, SC April 14, 1865, on the Fourth Anniversary of the evacuation of the Fort," cover and 3 pp, Port Royal, SC: New South Office, 1865. Outlines order of exercises, including prayer, readings, songs, and Beecher's address.

Condition: Toning to cover and staining, spotting, and some creasing/minor tears to program.

EST $ 3000 - 4000

Robert E. Lee to Andrew Hunter, January 11, 1865, Regarding Enlisting Negro Troops in the Confederate Army, Wartime Copy Letter

Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870, USMA 1829). Contemporaneous copy of war-date letter, 4pp, approx. 16 x 10 in., " Head Quarters, A[rmy] N[orthern] V[irginia]. " January 11, 1865. Addressed to Virginia Senator Andrew Hunter. In this letter, General Lee shares his opinion on the use of African American troops in the Confederate Military. It is one of only four wartime copies (headed " Copy" at top left) of the original letter, now lost, known to exist.

Though Lee would " prefer. . . to rely upon our white population to preserve the ratio between our forces and those of the enemy, " he fears this would prove " overtaxing " to Confederate troops. He elaborates further: " Should the war continue under existing circumstances, the enemy may in course of time penetrate our country, and get access to a large part of our negro population. It is his avowed policy to convert the able bodied men among them into soldiers, and emancipate all. . . His people will thus add to his numbers, and at the same time destroy slavery in a manner most pernicious to the welfare of our people. "

Given these conditions, Lee writes that he is of the " opinion. . . that we should employ them without delay. I believe that with proper regulation, they can be made efficient soldiers ." He outlines some regulatory measures for the use of African American troops, noting: " But it is certain that the best foundation upon which the fidelity of any army can rest. . . is the personal interest of the soldier in the issue of the contest. Such an interest we can give our negroes, by granting immediate freedom to all who enlist, and freedom at the end of the war to the families of those who discharge their duties faithfully. . .We should not expect slaves to fight for prospective freedom, when they can secure it at once by going to the enemy. "

Lee believes that this plan would " greatly increase our Military strength ," while simultaneously depriving the Union forces of " the aid they now derive from black troops. " Regardless of the path forward, however, he concludes by saying that " whatever measures are to be adopted should be adopted at once. Every day's delay increases the difficulty. . . & action may be deferred until it is too late. "

Condition: Toning and some splitting at creases.

EST $ 2000 - 4000

Printed Order from General Robert E. Lee Appointing March 10 a Day of "Public Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer"

Printed order, 5 x 8 in. General Orders No. 6. Headed "Head Quarters Army of Northern Va., / March 1st, 1865." Order announces that "The President of the Confederate States at the request of the Representatives in Congress assembled, has appointed the 10th day of March as a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer." Lee invites his soldiers to " bow with patience and deep humility before Almighty God who has sorely chastened us, beseeching Him to turn again and cause His face to shine upon us ." This general order was made to be handed out to leaders of the Army of Northern Virginia. Undersigned in print, " R. E. Lee, / General. "

Condition: Order with two horizontal creases, and minor spotting/soil to surface.

EST $ 600 - 800

Confederate General J.E. Johnston, ALS Written From Harper's Ferry, June 10, 1861

Johnston, Joseph E. (1807-1891). One of the most senior general officers in the Confederate Army. ALS, 1p, Harper's Ferry, VA. June 10, 1861.

Right after the firing on Fort Sumter, the Virginia Militia under orders of the Governor made their move on the US Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, VA and captured it. The Virginia Militia Officer who captured the Arsenal was Kenton Harper, who led the 5th Virginia. Thomas J. Jackson, who would earn the name "Stonewall" one month after this letter was written had Brigadier General J.E. Johnston as his commander, and it was Jackson who would shortly be placed in command of Harper's Ferry and Winchester.

The content of the letter offered here is excellent in that Johnston refers to the need for reinforcements in the Shepardstown area and mentions Colonel Stuart. The letter reads, in part, "The force at Shepardstown being too small for the service requires of it, you will please proceed to that place early tomorrow with the remainder of your regiment and take command. The service required of you, will be the observation of all crossing places of the Potomac between this point and those observed by Col. Stuart."

Condition: The letter is one page written in dark ink with great eye appeal. There is some staining but overall very fine.

EST $ 1500 - 2000

Rare J.E.B. Stuart War Date Signature

Stuart, James Ewell Brown (1833-1864). Confederate cavalry corps commander mortally wounded at the Battle of Yellow Tavern on May 1, 1864. ANS on blue Confederate paper, 3.5 x 3.5 in., " Hd Qrs Cav Div ." February 7, 1863. Note reads " Resp. forwarded & recommended / that Wm Collins be commis- / sioned Captain of Co. H. / 3d Va Cavalry / J.E.B. Stuart / Major Genl / Comdg. " Inscribed in red ink just below Stuart's recommendation is a notation reading " Recd Ansrd / Feb 11/63 / Retd / Mar 4/63. " Inscribed in blue pencil below ink notation is the word " Enclosure ."

A native of Catawba, VA, William Collins, Jr. was practicing law in his hometown when the Civil War broke out. Collins enlisted in the Confederate Army on May 25, 1861 and was soon elected Captain of Company H (Catawba Troop), 3rd Virginia Cavalry Regiment. During the company reelections in April of the following year, Collins was unseated from his office. Possessed of the admirable traits that constitute a brave and disciplined cavalry commander, Collins came under the watchful eye of General J.E.B. Stuart, who vigorously pushed for his reinstatement. In accordance with General Stuart's recommendation, Collins was appointed captain of Company H in the 3rd Virginia Cavalry on March 2, 1863. Three weeks later, Captain Collins was specifically cited in then-Brigadier General Fitzhugh Lee's official report of the Battle of Kelly's Ford, VA as one of the " Commanding officers of the detachments from the various regiments...deserving especial attention ..." A seasoned veteran who had consistently distinguished himself in the line of fire, Captain Collins died of typhoid fever in December of 1864.

Condition: Note in fine condition, with some discoloration/light wear to edges and one notable but light smudge between the "S" and "t" of J. E. B. Stuart's signature.

EST $ 4000 - 4500

A.P. Hill Signed Cover from the US Coast Survey Office, March 1861

Hill, A.P. (1825-1865). Confederate General. Folded blue stationery printed letter and cover from the "Coast Survey Office, Washington, March 15 1861." The printed body of the letter pertains to the 1859 Report of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey and reads, in part, "As there are frequent complaints of failure to receive documents entrusted to the mail, I take this means to advise you of the book being forwarded..." It is signed and typed "W.R. Palmer, Capt. Top'l Engineers."

On the front of the letter A.P. Hill has autographed above the title " Asst. C.S. in charge of Office. " A large Washington, DC March 19, 1861 free postmark is also included.

Autographs of the Confederacy lists Ambrose Powell Hill as a "rare and desirable signature." He was one of the most efficient and hard-fighting officers in the Confederate Army and was killed on April 2, 1865 during the Battle of Petersburg.

Condition: Very fine condition with no fading.

EST $ 800 - 1200

Two War-Date Letters from First Lieutenant George Finley, One with Signature of CSA General Lewis Armistead

Lot of 2 letters written by George Williamson Finley (ca 1839-1909), of Clarksville, VA, including a personal letter to his wife and a letter requesting a leave of absence, signed by General Lewis Armistead on verso, both dated August of 1862.

ALS, 1p with subsequent correspondence notation on verso, 7.5 x 9.75 in., " Head Quarters, 14th Regt, Camp at Osborne [?]." August 5, 1862. Addressed to Captain J.D. Darden, A.A.G. Here, Finley writes to " respectfully ask leave to go to Charlotte, Va. to visit. . . family " for three days. His request is " approved and respectfully forwarded " with the signature of " L.A. Armistead, Br. Genl ." Lewis Armistead (1817-1863) was a career United States Army officer, remembered as the leader of Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg, where he was mortally wounded. Finley's request was ultimately denied, however, by General Daniel Harvey Hill, who wrote " Disapproved, D.H. Hill " at the very bottom of the document.

ALS, 2pp, 7.5 x 9.5 in., " Camp near Falling Creek ." August 9, 1862. Addressed to Mrs. G.W. Finley, his " darling wife. " Writing a few days later, Finley enclosed his rejected appeal for leave, apologizing for his inability to get away but assuring her that " never mind, I shall try again. " He seems to grow increasingly discouraged by the end of the letter, however, writing: " I am low-spirited. . . darling, I can't write this morning. I expected to have seen you before many hours, but alas! alas! Major Genl. D.H. Hill was in the way. "

Finley attended Washington and Lee University and worked as a bank manager upon his graduation in 1858. He enlisted on May 12, 1861 as a captain and was commissioned into Company E, 14th Virginia Infantry. He was absent because of an illness for much of that fall and resigned his commission the following year on November 5, 1862. On April 15, 1863 he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and commissioned into Company K of the 56th Virginia Infantry and was captured at Gettysburg a few months later. After enduring confinement at Fort Delaware, Johnson's Island, Point Lookout, and Hilton Head, Finley took the Oath of Allegiance and was released on May 14, 1865. During his imprisonment, Finley sought refuge in Christianity and decided to become a minister. After the war, he entered the Union Theological Seminary and became a pastor in Augusta County, VA.

Condition: Creasing as expected. Fading to ink on letter to Finley's wife.

EST $ 5000 - 7000

CSA Map, Drawn by General Henry Wise, August 21, 1861

Map hand drawn in ink, approx. 5.25 x 7.75 in., with penciled inscriptions identifying landmarks and important locations including " Carnifex Ferr y," " New River ," " Camp / Aug, 21 ," and others. Ink inscription on verso reads " Sketch drawn by / Genl Wise ," and pencil inscription on verso reads " Sketch drawn by Genl Wise / in the Council of War held / at Picket's Mill at midnight / on Wednesday, Aug 21st 1861. / J.W. Spalding ."

Henry Alexander Wise (1806-1876) was a Virginia native who served his state and his country by holding several important political offices including US Representative from 1833-1844, US Minister to Brazil from 1844-1847, and Governor of Virginia from 1856-1860. As an elected member of the Virginia Secession Convention of 1861, Wise argued for immediate secession and grew concerned with what he saw as inaction on the part of the convention through mid-April. Once Virginia did secede, Wise was commissioned a brigadier general and assigned to the western Virginia region, where he feuded with fellow ex-Governor of Virginia and brigadier general, John B. Floyd. Floyd eventually blamed Wise for the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Carnifex Ferry, which is referenced on the hand drawn map featured in this lot. Wise went on to command a brigade in the division of Theophilus H. Holmes during the Seven Days Battles, and to defend Petersburg during the First and Second Battles of Petersburg. Notably, Wise was also with Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, where he urged Lee toward surrender.

J.W. Spalding served as a naval clerk prior to the Civil War, in which capacity he sailed to Japan with Commodore Matthew C. Perry. After the war began, Spalding enlisted at Richmond, VA on August 20, 1861 as a lieutenant, and was commissioned into Company H of the Virginia 60th Infantry that same day. He was later promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and put in command of his regiment, which was also known as "Wise's Legion." He was killed while attacking Union lines a little over a month after enlisting, and was buried at Shockoe Cemetery in Richmond.

Condition: Map with some damp staining, minor spotting, and a few deep creases.

EST $ 800 - 1200

Confederate General William Dorsey Pender, Rare Signed Cover, Postmarked at Bristoe Station, VA, September 1861

Pender, William Dorsey (1834-1863). Confederate general who entered service as a colonel of the 6th North Carolina Infantry. Mortally wounded at Gettysburg. In the center of this dark yellow cover is the postmark " Bristoe Station, Va., Sep. 4 (1861). " There is a circular " DUE 5 " to the left. In the upper left corner in dark ink is written, "W.D. Pender, Col. 6th NC Troops".

While Autographs of the Confederacy calls this, "A signature impossible to obtain," over the years collectors have been able to find envelopes addressed by Pender to his wife: "Mrs. W.D. Pender, Salem, NC." They thus have the autograph after the prefix of "Mrs." Out of the various covers seen, this is one of the only known with a return address giving Pender's name and rank.

Condition: Excellent condition with small portion of the flap missing in the back.

EST $ 1500 - 2500

Confederate Autograph Page, Incl. Major General Isaac R. Trimble<br><br><p>War-date Johnson's Island, OH autograph album page, featuring four signatures of Confederate POWs, ca 1864. Inscribed both front and back with period ink, including places of capture and/or hometowns. Features autograph of Major General Isaac Ridgeway Trimble (1802-1888). Severely wounded at Second Manassas, he returned to the field in time for Gettysburg, succeeding William Dorsey Pender on the second day, taking command of his division while it was forming for Pickett's charge. Wounded during the charge, he lost his leg, was taken prisoner at Johnson's Island, and not exchanged until February 1865.<br><br>Front page: two (2) signatures: " <i>I[saac] R[idgeway] Trimble of Maryland, Maj. Genl. P.A.C.S., Wounded & Captured at Gettysburg Jul 3, 1863, Johnson's Island Jany. 31st '64...W. Carvel Hall, Maryland, Major Asst. Adjt. Genl. P.A.C.S. Staff of Maj. Gen. Trimble. </i>"<br><br>Back page: two (2) signatures: " <i>Tho[ma]s Hollingsmith, Baltimore, Stuart's Cavalry Division, P.A.C.S...Robert H. Goldsborough of Maryland, A.D.C. Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart. </i>"<br><br><br>Condition: Minor aging in form of toning and slight spotting at edges.<br><br>EST $ 1600 - 2000

Confederate General M. Jeff Thompson Missouri Bank Note

State of Missouri obsolete $2 bank note, 5.75 x 3 in., issued in Jefferson City, MO January 1, 1864 (redated from 1862). Features state seal at right with two standing grizzly bears and boy with a dog and two horses at top. Signed on verso by Confederate General Meriwether Jeff Thompson, who gave it to his friend J.K. Brady as a souvenir. Inscription reads: " This is one of the identical notes paid me for my services. / M Jeff Thompson / Brig. Genl. M.S.G. "

In Missouri, Thompson (1826-1876) organized the "Swamp Rats" to raid Union military posts and towns, which earned him the nickname of "Swamp Fox" of the Confederacy. He was captured in August of 1862 and was one of seven Confederate generals confined at Johnson's Island. Apparently a well-liked inmate, Thompson commanded a brigade in the great prison snowball fight of 1864.

Condition: PCGS certified, with mounting damage at left and right

EST $ 1000 - 1500

Appomattox Court House Parole Pass, 1865

Appomattox parole pass, 7.75 x 3 in., dated April 10, 1865. Pass grants Private Charles E. Kirkman, Co. A, 12th Virginia Infantry, Weisenger's Brigade, " permission to go to his home and there remain undisturbed ." Signed and endorsed by Major Richard W. Jones. Recto features blue ink " Provost Marshal's / Petersburg / Office " stamp; verso features ink inscriptions, a few of which are legible, including " Petersburg ," " Peters ," and " May 1st ."

Condition: Toning/soiling, especially to top edge; originally creased vertically in three places.

EST $ 2000 - 3000

CSA Major Richard Kidder Meade, 1861 ALS with Battle of Big Bethel Content

Meade, Richard Kidder (1835-1862). Confederate officer. ALS, 6pp, 2 sheets, first 10 x 8 in., second 5 x 8 in., " Yorktown." June 14, 1861. Addressed to " My Dear Sister, " Susan Meade Bolling. Nicknamed "Kidder," Meade bears the remarkable distinction of service in both the Union and Confederate armies. After graduating from West Point in 1857, Meade was assigned as an engineer officer in Charleston, SC and tasked with harbor fortifications. He later joined the garrison at Fort Sumter and is purportedly responsible for dissuading Major Robert Anderson from firing back against the attackers of the Star of the West. However, when Meade learned that his home state of Virginia had seceded from the Union, he reluctantly resigned his commission and returned to Richmond, where he became a captain and oversaw the planning of the defenses at Yorktown. During the summer of 1862, Meade contracted typhoid fever and died at his home in Petersburg that July. Here, he writes to his sister from Yorktown and describes the Battle of Big Bethel, June 10, 1861.

He writes in part: " Since i have been here, our scouting parties operating between here and Hampton have succeeded in killing two or three of the enemy and taking six or seven prisoners, and on last Monday (June 10th) we gained a splendid victory over the Yankees at Bethel Church. " He goes on to describe the logistics of the operation, noting that while the Union forces outnumbered the Confederates, they " did not expect to meet with any resistance between Hampton & Yorktown so were very much astonished when they met with such determined resistance at Bethel Church. . . their loss in killed & wounded amounted in all to nearly 300. . . They retreated in the utmost confusion throwing away their knapsacks, canteens and accoutrements to accelerate their flight which have been picked up and will be of great service to our men. "

EST $ 1200 - 1500

Correspondence of Confederate Soldiers from Virginia

Lot of 15 pieces of correspondence related to Confederate soldiers stationed in Virginia, primarily 1862-1864, including twelve war-date letters, written either by or to soldiers; one handwritten obituary of a Civil War veteran dated 1919; one contractual agreement; and one document certifying the appointment of a soldier's attorney.

Identified recipients and letter writers include Private Andrew W. Gillett, Company K, 52nd VA Infantry, wounded at Fredericksburg; Private Daniel Gillett, Company G, 25th VA Infantry; Private John Wesley Gillett, Company K, 52nd VA Infantry, wounded at Fort Stedman and POW; J.P. Jones, Company H, 24th VA Infantry; Private William George Perry, who served with both the 14th and 36th VA Cavalry regiments, POW; Sergeant Albert G. Sigler, Company D, 34th VA Infantry; and Lieutenant J.E. Wood.

Soldiers' letters cover topics such as personal health, conditions at camp, and requests for family news. Sergeant Sigler writes to his family on September 11, 1863 that his regiment has " just received the orders to be ready at a moments notice to march, I have no Eidey wheare to. " The 34th VA served as heavy artillery attached to the Department of Richmond for the duration of 1863, before being assigned to Wise's Brigade as infantry, where the unit participated in the Petersburg siege near the James River. About a month later, J.P. Jones writes to his sister that although " times are verry quiet in Camp [at Taylorsville Station]. . . the intelligence from Lee Army this morning state that he has driven the Yankies back to their fortifications from Manassas & Centerville. There has been some very heavy skermishing with him and Meade but no general engagement up to this time. Future developments will prove all things ." Finally, a letter from an unidentified sender at a camp of occupation in Frederick County, VA writes to his sister on October 3, 1862: " We have halted at this place longer than any point since we left Richmond and have not been here but a short time. Times are very quiet in camp but it is uncertain how long they will remain so. I learn today that the Yankies have again. . . cropped the Potomac and advanced as far as Martinsburg. If that report be correct. . . you will hear of another engagement. I am very much in hopes it is not time as I am indeed very tired of the article you call war. "

EST $ 800 - 1200

CSA Private Warren Ward, 1st Battalion Georgia Sharp Shooters, Battlefield ALS and Cover

Ward, Warren. ALS, 2pp, 4.5 x 7.75 in., " In Line of Battle Atlanta ." August 22, 1864. Addressed to Colonel A.F. Pope. Also included is a turned cover, previously addressed to a " Captain T.S. Gilham " of Lexington, GA, and reused to send letter featured here. It is addressed to Ward's uncle, " Col. A.F. Pope " of Macon, GA, and marked with a red " PAID " stamp at upper right corner and a red cancellation from Lexington, GA at lower left corner.

Confederate Private Warren Ward of Company C, 1st Georgia Battalion Sharpshooters, writes to his uncle from the battlefield, detailing his perilous situation. Ward writes, " I found the Battalion of Sharpshooters to which I formerly belonged disbanded there was so few of them left that the command was ineffectuall [sic] ." He continues, " I am now with my regiment of which there are six companys [sic]. I have had two of my best men killed in this campaign, they wer [sic] noble soldiers. One of my comp has greatly distinguished himself since I left ."

Ward also discusses the mindset of his fellow soldiers, writing, " The boys don't seem to entertain any thought of the enemys [sic] whiping [sic] us here. " He then returns to the reality of their circumstances, explaining, " Our regiment has lost heavily in both officers & men. Prisoners captured speak of our chargin [sic] their works they don't seem to think of chargin [sic] us. I have but little idea that Hood will attempt any such a thing. "

Ward's final commentary on the battlefront comes near the end of his letter. He writes, " Since I reached here my regiment has had a great deal of running about to do for we were acting as reserve but now we are back in the trenches with the Brig. The enemy keep up an irregular shelling all the time and there is a constant pickett firing going on. "

Condition: Letter in good condition, written in dark pencil, with minor soiling and discoloration throughout, some brittleness to right edge, and three horizontal creases. Cover with adhesive residue and discoloration as well as a few small holes.

EST $ 600 - 900

Harvard Student Edward Hartwell Kidder Civil War Archive, Incl. Letters from his Family in Wilmington, NC, 1861-1863

Lot of 10 letters from Edward Hartwell Kidder's Southern family including one from a captain of a blockade runner.

Edward Hartwell Kidder (1840-1921) was a Southerner who led a dual life. He was born in the north, but raised in the south. As a young boy he spent his summers in the north. At the age of 13 he was sent to a Massachusetts school run by Harvard graduate Stephen Weld. Accepted to Harvard in 1859, he seems to be the only Southerner who actually remained and graduated from the college during the Civil War. Meanwhile, his brother George was busy fighting for the south. The men Harvard put into the field were working to squash the rebellion. At Harvard, Kidder was a member of the Delta Psi fraternity and the Hasty Pudding Club. Later in life he became a successful businessman, respected church elder and trustee for several charitable organizations. A member of Manhattan's social elite, he counted among his friends a former vice president and numerous politicians. In 1902 his name was thrust into the national spotlight when he became entangled in his son-in-law's (Paul Leicester Ford) murder. The victim met his fate at the hands of his own brother (Malcolm Webster Ford) and Kidder refused to cooperate with authorities even though he was the first on the scene along with a physician from next door. His life was indeed full of envy, mystery and intrigue.

The archive includes: 4pp, 8vo, written by his mother, Anne (Potter) Kidder, Wilmington [NC], Mar. 8, 1861.

Just days after the bombardment of Fort Sumter, three family members all wrote letters to him - his father, mother and sister, Sue.

4pp, 8vo, written by Miss A.H. Van Sickle, Wilmington [NC]. Apr. 16, 1861.

2pp, 8vo, written by Josie Kidder, Philadelphia [PA], Apr. 22, 1861.

2pp, 8vo, written by his mother, Anne, Wilmington [NC], Apr. 23, 1861.

4pp, 8vo, written by his mother, Anne. Wilmington [NC], June 5, 1861.

4pp, 8vo, written by his mother, Anne. Masonborough [Masonboro, NC] Nov. 10, 1862.

An exceedingly rare Confederate Blockade runner's letter, 3pp, 4to, written by a certain "M." Nassau, NP. Feb. 4, 1863. In part: "I left home on 20th Jany. last in the Schr. A. with cargo and arrived safe on last Thursday. I remained home five months being detained by the epidemic and contrary wind & some vessel that watch us pretty sharp. I brought your letters which I sent the day after my arrival. Some of them are rather old, but no doubt very welcome. Your family are all well....the whole family were at the Sound during the epidemic...700 whites & 300 colored died...the war and pestilence have almost depopulated us.

For additional letter content, please go to www.cowans.com

Condition: The letters are in excellent condition with no evident foxing of toning. Folds as expected.

EST $1000 - 2000

CSA 6th Virginia Cavalry Regimental Account Books

Lot of 2 notebooks, one 8.5 x 12 in. with soft cloth cover, the other 9 x 11 in. with paper cover and cloth spine. Confederate regimental account books kept by Sergeant Rufus H. Owen, Company G, 6th Virginia Cavalry, documenting lost and captured equipment, ca April-December of 1863.

Inside the first is an index page listing the names of the enlisted men in Owen’s unit. The following pages are headed with the name and rank of each soldier, with a ledger kept below recording the dates and quantities of various supplies lost and captured, tallied in either the debit column (“ Dr ”) or credit column (“ Cr ”). Commonly listed items include cartridge boxes, clothing, pistols, saddles, bridles, and other tack equipment, with one loose paper scrap inventorying the number of captured and killed horses. Pages towards the end summarize broader categories, including “ A List of Clothing issued to the men, ” “ Discharged, Killed, and Dead members of Company (G) 6th Va Cavalry ,” an inventory of arms issued to the regiment, payroll, and any balances carried forward by members of the unit. Dates in this book span ca April—June, 1863.

The second book, titled “ Book B ” on first page, covers July through December and appears to have fewer entries for each soldier, though it is organized much in the same way as the first. End reports here capture information such as “ Property Return of Capt. R.H. Owen’s Co. G. ,” “ List of Horses Sent to the Pasture, November 1863 ,” and “ An Inventory of Ord. Stores in Co. (G ).”

The 6th Virginia Cavalry was organized in November of 1861 at Manassas and served with several brigades in the Army of Northern Virginia. It fought in Jackson’s Valley Campaign, as well as at Second Manassas, Brandy Station, Upperville, Fairfield, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor. The regiment was also active in Early’s Shenandoah Valley operations and the Appomattox Campaign.

Condition: Some pages removed, others loose, and many with staining/soiling and notations added at a later date. Pages of the second book uniformly stained along edges, consistent with moisture, though ink is undisturbed.

EST $ 4000 - 6000

18th Mississippi Infantry, Webster's Pocket Dictionary Owned by Private John F. League and Muster Roll with Battle of Ball's Bluff Casualties, 1861

Lot of 2: Muster and Pay Roll, 18th Mississippi Volunteers Captain C[harles]. F. Hamer, Co. D. From August 31 to November 1, 1861. The unit organized in June 1861 at Corinth, Mississippi. Shortly after it was ordered to Virginia in time to fight at First Manassas. It lost 38 in that battle, but the Battle of Ball's Bluff near Leesburg saw losses of more than double that. Then at Malvern Hill it lost 132.

Accompanied by Pocket Dictionary of the English Language , 3 x 4.5 in., identified to John F. League, Co. H, 18th MS Infantry. He enlisted April 29, 1861, mustering in with the 18th in June. KIA second battle at Fredericksburg, May 3, 1863 (Marye's Heights).

Condition: Muster Roll moderately dark, with ink smearing. (Possibly wet at some time?)Dictionary missing frontmatter, but overall not too badly scuffed, etc.

EST $ 1500 - 2500

A Manual of Infantry and Rifle Tactics, 1861, Possibly Identified to CSA Soldier

Richardson, Lieutenant Colonel William H., compiler. A Manual of Infantry and Rifle Tactics, with Honors Paid by the Troops, Inspections - Reviews, &c . Richmond (VA): A. Morris, 1861. 16mo, originally half-leather over marbled paper boards, 360pp. Frontis fold-out of military formation.

On ffep " Geo. W. Thomas, Jr. / Richmond, Va. / July 5th, 1861 ." Other name on second fep, likely later owner. Unfortunately HDS returns over 140 George Thomases, over three dozen of which are George W. More than 30 of the George Thomases are from Virginia.

A rare Southern imprint, put together, as the compiler notes in the preface: " This compilation was undertaken to meet a pressing and urgent call for books of tactics, at a time when none of the more elaborate works, which had been in use, could be procured ."

Condition: Endpapers and frontis weak. Spine has been repaired with cloth tape. Scattered foxing and water stains.

EST $ 300 - 500

April 1863 Edition of Hill & Co's Confederate States Rail-Road and Steam-Boat Guide

Hill & Co's Confederate States Rail-Road & Steam-Boat Guide , compiled by J.C. Swayze, and published by H.P. Hill & Co., Griffin, GA. Copyrighted 1862, this edition dated April 1863. 96 pp, 4.25 x 6 in. Title page lists contents, in part, reading " Time-Tables, Fares, Connections and Distances on all the Rail-Roads of the Confederates States; also, the connecting lines of Rail-Roads, Steam-boats and Stages ."

Condition: Booklet with pages and paper cover still intact, with wear including paper loss at top edge of spine and minor spots of discoloration on front and back cover; water staining present on top half of all booklet pages.

EST $ 1500 - 1800

Confederate Sheet Music, Incl. "Who Will Care for Mother Now?" and "The Southern Cross"

Lot of 2 pieces of illustrated sheet music, each approx. 9.5 x 12 in., including " Who Will Care for Mother Now?" (4pp), and " The Southern Cross " (3pp), both published by Geo. Dunn & Co., Columbia, SC and copyrighted by George Dunn in 1863 " in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Confederate States of America, for the Eastern District of Virginia. " Both songs were favorites among Confederate soldiers.

"Who Will Care for Mother Now? " 4pp, features music written by C.F. Thompson and poetry written by C.C. Sawyer, the author of another popular Confederate ballad, " When This Cruel War is Over. " Lyrics read, in part, " Who will comfort her in sorrow? / Who will dry the falling tear? / Gently smooth her wrinkled forehead; / Who will whisper words of cheer? / Even now, I think I see her, / Kneeling, praying for me! how / Can I leave her in her anguish? / Who will care for Mother now? "

"The Southern Cross ," 3pp, features music written by C.L. Peticolas and words written by St. George Tucker. This was a very famous Confederate song patterned after " The Star Spangled Banner, " attempting to adapt the style of the patriotic ballad to the Confederate cause. Some of the song's most provocative lyrics read, in part, " How peaceful and blest was America's soil, / 'Til betrayed by the guile of the Puritan demon, / Which lurks under Virtue, and springs from its coil, / To fasten its fangs in the life blood of Freemen. "

Condition: Who Will Care for Mother Now? with some spots of discoloration throughout, some pinholes to left edge, and brittleness, including small areas of paper loss, to other edges; The Southern Cross with some discoloration throughout and some small pinholes to left edge.

EST $ 600 - 800

Civil War Letter from General John A. McClernand, Vicksburg, 1863

McClernand, John A. (1812-1900). Lawyer, politician, and Union General. ALS, 2pp, 7.625 x 9.75 in., " Near Vicksburg. " June 5, 1863. Addressed to Wisconsin Governor Edward Salomon. McClernand writes in praise of the bravery of the men from Wisconsin under his command in several recent battles. His laudatory comments read in part: " I am most happy, Sir, to congratulate you, and through you, your noble State, for the victories won by common effort of her brave sons. . . and to bear testimony to the gallantry, bravery, and good conduct of her officers and men in all these bloody struggles. "

According to Boatner's Civil War Dictionary, McClernand wrote not only to Governor Salomon, but also to members of the press, with "congratulatory stories of his victory." The dispatch of such unauthorized communication prompted Ulysses S. Grant to relieve McClernand of his command and send him home to Illinois.

Condition: Creasing as expected.

EST $ 1200 - 1800

General George Meade War-Dated Signed Pass, Plus

Lot of approx. 9 items: Meade, George R. (1815-1872). Career US Army officer and civil engineer. Cardboard pass, 2.75 x 5.25 in., partially printed with War Department at top, and Washington, DC. Dated January 13, 1865. " Pass William Miller to City Point, Virginia, and return. By order of the Secretary of War. Signed C.A. Dana, Asst. Secretary of War." Inscribed on verso: " Mr. Miller is authorised to take with him the necessary materials to enable him to exercise his art.. ." and signed " Geo. G. Meade / Maj. Genl / Cmdr. AP" (Army of the Potomac).

Printed broadside, 7 x 9.5 in., " Gettysburg. Respectfully Dedicated to General Meade. By Robert Morris, Esq. " This edition has fourteen stanzas to a song. Bottom note indicates it is also available with music. The first begins: " The boldest and the bloodiest raid / The Southern Legions ever made, Was when their countless thousand strayed / To Gettysburg! "

Accompanied by the following titles and maps: Minnigh, L.W. Gettysburg. What They Did Here. Cover notes: " The Standard Historical Guide Book on Gettysburg.... " Tipton & Blocher, 1924. 8vo, illustrated soft cover, 168 numb. pp. Folding color map in front. Some toning of cover, but otherwise fine.

Stackpole, Genl. Edward J. and Col. Wilbur S. Nye. The Battle of Gettysburg: A Guided Tour. Harrisburg (PA): Stackpole, 1966 (fifth printing). 8vo, illustrated soft cover, 96pp.

Views Gettysburg Battlefield . 5 x 6 in. with printed red cloth boards. Inside are 17pp of photographs concertina folded. Rear pastedown has identification of William Erb, Co. L., 17th No. Car., 2nd Brigade, 1 Div.

Gettysburg Battlefield Map. Gettysburg: L.E. Smith, 1954. 24 x 27 in. B-&-w map on one side, photos of landmarks with explanations on verso.

American Battlefield Trust. Gettysburg Map set. One with the actions on each of the three days of the battle, July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1863. Full color; same set of three maps issued by Civil War Trust; and map of the first day's battle issued by a local motel near the battlefield.

George Gordon Meade (1815-1872) who fought with distinction in the Seminole War and Mexican War, is best known as the victor at Gettysburg, although he made the mistake of allowing Lee to escape and later relinquished control of the Army of the Potomac to general-in-chief Grant. The steadfast Meade stayed in the field and retained nominal command of the army, taking orders from Grant, and was rewarded with a major generalship at the end of the war. He died prematurely in 1872 unable to fully define his place in history, as much of the postwar reputation of Civil War figures depended on their own campaigning.

Charles Anderson Dana (1819-1897) was a journalist, author and government official. Dana worked for the New York Tribune from 1847 until his resignation in 1862. At that point Secretary of War Stanton gave him the job of special investigator for the War Department. As the "eyes" of the department, he spent much of his time at the front. He was one who strongly recommended Grant for command of all of the armies in the field. After Grant's appointment, Dana was recalled to Washington, where he was made Assistant Secretary of War, a position he held from 1863-1865. After the war he returned to journalism and New York, becoming editor of The Sun from 1868 until his death.

William Henry Miller (1829-1870) was a native of Pennsylvania. After studying law and being admitted to the bar, he practiced in Harrisburg. He also became clerk of the state Senate 1858-59, and was elected to the US Congress where he served from 1863-1865. After the war he resumed the practice of law, dying in Harrisburg in 1870.

Condition: Pass with minor surface soil. Some toning on the first Gettysburg book as noted. Otherwise items are very good.

EST $ 500 - 700

Gideon Welles DS Regarding Rare Civil War Marine Corps Appointment

Welles, Gideon (1802-1878). Secretary of the Navy under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson (1861-1869). DS, 1p, dated Navy Department, Washington, March 13, 1865, giving permission for George H. Thompson to report to Col. Jacob Zeilin, Commandant of the Marine Corps, for examination of qualification for an appointment to second lieutenant. Civil War-era documents related to the Marine Corps are very rare.

EST $ 500 - 700

Chester A. Arthur ALS, 1861

Arthur, Chester Allen (1829-1886). President of the United States (1881-1885). ALS as Engineer-in-Chief of the New York Militia and Assistant Quartermaster General, " C.A. Arthur, " 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., New York, NY. April 22. 1861. Addressed to Robert G. Haws, Comptroller of the City of New York. At the beginning of the Civil War, President Lincoln made an appeal for volunteers, and in this letter, Arthur requests permission to erect a temporary building in Central Park in which to feed the " 1,500 men of the New York Volunteers ." On the reverse of the letter, handwritten notations indicate that Arthur was indeed permitted to enact his plan.

Condition: Creasing as expected, with wear to left edge and small tear in top third of letter.

EST $ 1200 - 1500

Extremely Scarce Civil War Document Completed and Penned Entirely in the Hand of Future U. S. President William McKinley in the Capacity of Brigade Quartermaster Under Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes

Dated July 31st, 1863, and titled “ List of Quartermaster’s Stores, &c. ” this partially printed, otherwise routine one-page document transferring stores and articles from one U.S. Army Quartermaster to another takes on special significance in that not only is it signed by McKinley, it is filled out by him completely, thus elevating the piece considerably in the realm of exceedingly rare William McKinley wartime autograph material of any kind. In overall excellent condition and measuring approximately 8 by 10 inches, document is handsomely displayed in a 12 by 15-inch frame.

Mustered at age 18 as a Private in Company E of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry in June of 1861, enterprising young William McKinley, Jr., soon rose through the ranks with appointments and promotions to Commissary Sergeant, 2nd & 1st Lieutenant, Captain, and finally Brevet Major. Celebrated for his legendary and fearless humanitarian service at Antietam, praised for his part in the capture of Morgan's Raiders at Buffington Island, and promoted for gallantry under fire at the Battle of Kernstown, this vital and enthusiastic Ohio officer survived the Civil War only to succumb to the bullet of an assassin as the 25th President of the United States.

Condition: Creasing as expected, with slight wear to right edge.

EST $ 1000 - 1500

Clara Barton ALS, 1865

Barton, Clara (1821-1912). Founder of the American Red Cross. ALS, 1p, 4.625 x 8 in., " Washington, DC " May 19, 1865. Addressed to Mrs. Cornelia Wilbur of Genesee County, NY. Wilbur had previously inquired about the whereabouts of her missing son, and here Barton replies, asking for " the number of the Artillery to which your son was attached ."

Records indicate that Mrs. Wilbur's son, John R. Wilbur, enlisted as a private at age 18 on December 28, 1862. He was mustered into Company F, 13th New York Heavy Artillery on January 21, 1864 and was later transferred to Company M. Unfortunately, Barton would have the unpleasant task of reporting that Private Wilbur died of disease on April 16, 1865 in Norfolk, VA.

Condition: Creasing as expected, with several dark stains.

EST $ 1100 - 1800

Civil War Letter Archive of Dr. Charles Sackrider

Letter archive of Dr. Charles H. Sackrider (1832-1881), Mason, Ingham County, Michigan, including 35 war-dated letters, most from Dr. Sackrider to his wife, from his service as an acting assistant surgeon in the Union Army, including many from service in the Chattanooga Campaign in late 1863 and elsewhere in Nashville in 1864. Includes several letters with battle content and musings on race relations. Charles Sackrider may have been born in Ontario, Canada ca 1832 or 1833. It appears that he attended the University of Michigan. The History of Ingham and Eaton Counties, Michigan (Durant, Samuel: 1881) describes him as a "popular and successful physician in Mason." They go on to note that in 1855 he began to practice dentistry along with his medical practice, this "rais[ing] it to the dignity of a profession." He applied for membership in the Dental Society of Michigan in 1864 and was admitted. This dual practice likely made him even more valuable to the Union Army during the war.

EST $ 500 - 700

Lot of 10 letters written by Ira Fox Gensel (1831-1862) to Annie Robinson, Rock Island, IL.

Ira Gensel was a shoemaker and a court clerk in Doylestown, PA before April 1861 when he enlisted as a private in the Doylestown Guards, which became Company I, 25th PA Infantry, a 3-month unit. He mustered out on August 1 in Harrisburg, and immediately was commissioned into the US Army 4th Infantry as a 2nd lieutenant on August 15. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant the following August, Co. D, 4th US Infantry. He also served as provost marshal of the company. Gensel was present at the battles of Yorktown, Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Bull Run and Antietam. He was wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg (VA) on December 13, 1862 and died of his wounds on the 28th in Washington, DC. He was returned home and buried in Doylestown Cemetery.

There is one early letter written as a civilian, three as a member of the 25th PA Vol. Infy. and 6 as a member of the 4th US Infantry. In the last letter, dated Sept. 30, 1862, "Camp near Sharpsburg, M.d." he describes the battlefield of Sharpsburg / Antietam: "Yesterday I again rode over the 'Battle field of Antietam' and was impressed with the fact that it was a more terrible and bloody affair than I thought...the terror and havoc of battle was exhibited wherever you turned...the awfulness of death was still visible in many frightful forms. This morning I read the notice of the death of poor Col. [Samuel] Croasdale [128th Penn. Vols.]...I saw him with his regiment at Frederic City the Sunday before his death. Little did I think it was...the last time.... On arriving at Harrisburg Gen. Curtain promoted him to the command of a regiment...earnestly and zealously upon the discharge of his responsible duties...our recent reverses made it necessary that in the campaign in Maryland the new regiment should take the field. In the battle of Antietam...while at the head of his regiment he fell. Now Annie his form is mouldering in the grave. Truly Annie the path of glory heads but to the grave....Ira."

Unfortunately for Ira Gensel, this was all too prophetic. He would be wounded just over two months later at another fierce battle, Fredericksburg. He died of his wounds two weeks later.

Condition: Generally in good condition. Very little foxing or toning.

EST $1000 - 2000

1st Maine Heavy Artillery Appointment, 1864, Plus

Lot of 2. Chaplin, Daniel (1820-1864). Union officer in command of the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment during the Siege of Petersburg. Partially printed DS, 10 x 15 in. March 12, 1864. Appointment commissions Norris N. Pierce as Quarter Master Sergeant of the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery.

One June 18, 1864, Chaplin led the 1st Maine in a calamitous charge against Confederate breastworks at Petersburg. His regiment charged without support and sustained the greatest single day's loss by any one unit during the war, losing over 600 out of approximately 900 men. Chaplin survived the siege but was fatally shot by a sharpshooter at Battle of Deep Bottom later that summer. Norris, originally of Bangor, ME, enlisted in February of 1863 as a private. He, too, survived the charge at Petersburg and mustered out in September after the war ended.

Also includes chrome reunion badge, 3.75 in., of the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery, featuring navy blue ribbon and applied gold crossed cannon. Fastening pin present.

Condition: Staining, but structurally sound. Archival strengthening to creases and edges.

EST $ 1500 - 2000

Union Captain Rufus Putnam Staniels, 13th New Hampshire Infantry, 1864 ALS with Battle of Petersburg Content

Staniels, Rufus Putnam. Captain, Company C, 13th New Hampshire Infantry. ALS, 8pp, 5 x 8 in., " Petersburg, Va. " August 3, 1864. Addressed to " My Dearest Friend, " a woman named Lina. Staniels (1833-1890) enlisted on August 29, 1862 in Concord, NH. He was mustered into the 13th New Hampshire Infantry and was promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1863. Staniels was severely wounded in June of 1864 in Cold Harbor, VA but resumed his service and was promoted to the rank of captain that July. In this letter, written shortly after his promotion, Staniels describes the transition back to his regiment after his injury and the carnage of a mine explosion during the Siege of Petersburg.

Lines of note include: " The field between the two lines was literally strewn with the dead & wounded which had been left upon the field & in some places near the fort, they lay there in piles. Several flags of truce went out from our line during the p.m. & were met midway between the lines by a Reb truce & our officers made every effort to arrange for the burial of the dead & care of the wounded, but for some reason or other it could not be satisfactorily arranged & consequently the wounded were still left to suffer untold agony. . . The smell of the dead was very offensive and it was enough to make one sick at heart to look over that field and see the poor sufferers. . . Rebs carefully raised and gave water to our wounded Negro soldiers who had been left upon the field."

Condition: Creasing as expected.

EST $ 1200 - 1500

Gettysburg Campaign Diary of Private Gilbert McLoon, 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, 1863

Lot of 5, featuring 1863 pocket diary and photographs.

Gilbert McLoon was a 23-year old farmer in Lowell, MA when he enlisted in the 1st MA Cavalry in early October 1861. He was mustered into Co. H October 9 for a three-year term of service. He left in November 1864 rather than veteranizing.

Lot features four photographs showing who appears to be McLoon at various ages, the first, a tintype of McLoon in his uniform holding a bugle and sword. Buttons, shoulder scales, hat device, belt plate gilt highlighted. Identified on the page as Gilbert McLoon, Co. H. 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. The remaining photographs, all CDVs, include an identified view of McLoon holding an infant on his lap with his wife standing beside him, as well as portraits of the subject in his later years.

Also included is a pocket diary for 1863 (3.75 x 6 in.). McLoon has not filled in every date (three per page) and most are filled out in pencil. Spelling is a bit creative (but it is phonetic). At the beginning of the year, the regiment is mostly on guard and scouting assignments. With the spring came the new campaigns, but first a Grand Review. On April 7, he writes: " Grand review of the whole of the Cavalry of the army of the Potomac by President Lincon and his wife the bigest review that ever took place in this army ..." Two days later there was another review for several Generals, some of their wives, the Postmaster General and other officers. Shortly after the regiment started moving. By late April is the lead up to Fredericksburg, although the regiment would not be directly engaged. It then moved to Falmouth, Beal's Station, and other towns along the Rappahannock.

The last week of June the regiment was at Aldie Court House before being ordered toward Gettysburg. July 1: " Our Regt lay in the wood at Manchester M.D. Our Regt D[e]tached to Gen. [blank] got orders to march marched at 8 P.M. we make the march all night ." July 2. It arrived in the middle of the second day's fight. " Passed threw the place called union mills on the Pike Road leading to Geties Burge Pa. passing threw Little Town the Battle was in its hight of rage...we came in fast ." July 3: " The Battle raging still... [at] Geties Burge Our Regt joined the brigade...The Batt[le] was raging at 1 o'clock & died away at 2 o'clock to a mor steady fire ." July 4: " Not much fighting the men wer in gaged in picking up the wounded & Ber rieng [burying] the dead ."

After this, it spent most of the summer on the move. Among the other areas "visited" by the 1st MA Cavalry were Harpers Ferry, Warrenton, Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, Brandy Station, Rapidan Station, and more throughout the Shenandoah region. McLoon is much more sporadic in journal-keeping after the first part of October with only a few entries toward the end of the year.

Condition: One page missing between May 18 and 25. Covers are rough, some toning of page edges. Has been wet at some point, but it was a field diary.

EST $ 3000 - 5000

Lot of 3 diaries written by Union soldiers.

Pocket diary identified to George Hagar, dating from April 27, 1862 to December 16, 1862, on the way to Fredericksburg. Hagar was a 20-year-old paper maker from Pittsfield, MA, who enlisted on the first call, June 14, 1861. He was commissioned as 2nd lieutenant in Co. D of the 10th MA Infantry. HDS shows him as dismissed for disability on November 25, but this diary goes straight through this time without any indication of injury, etc. He was then apparently cleared from disability, and mustered into the 1st MA Cavalry a year later (12/29/63). He was captured in April 1864, and escaped about 11 months later, just a week before Appomattox.

On the first page, Hagar has noted: "Battle of Williamsburg, May 5th/62, Fair Oaks May 31st; Battle of Fair Oaks June 25; Malvern Hill July 1; Antietam Sept 17th." These were not the only battles that the unit saw.

The second pocket diary is unidentified. (Title page references "M.C. Meigs" but this is not the general's diary. This may have been the writer's contact, since he seems to have been associated with the QM Department in some capacity.) The writer does, however, have notes in the back of the diary of individual purchases. For ex: "Jos. Brantenberger Co. H, 5 stpd envelopes, 1 plug tobacco; Andw Lowery, 3 plus tobacco; Joseph Elder, 5 stpd envelopes;" etc. By searching on the more unusual names, and sometimes their company or rank, this unit was identified as the 40th PA Infantry (11th Res.), a 3-year unit from the western part of the state, including Pittsburgh. This unit also formed in June 1861, as did the 10th MA, and at the end of the month mustered into Federal service. We thought maybe the diarist could be identified, but he only notes that he wrote/received letters from "Mrs. Mc" (presumably his wife). While the writer remains anonymous, it is known that the unit served on the Peninsula with McClellan, in General FitzJohn Porter's V Corps. The unit fought at Mechanicsville, but met with disaster at Gaines Mill. The men did not see their enemy surrounding them because of the density of the woods, and although they fought valiantly in an attempt to get back to Union lines, the entire unit was captured with the exception of Co. K which was on detached special duty. That Company then represented the regiment at Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. It later fought at Gettysburg, Bristoe and Rappanhannock Stations, and Mine Run, among many other engagements.

The third journal, 6.25 x 7.5 in, with a leather spine over marbled paper boards and profiles on pastedown, free endpapers, is identified on first free page to "Sergt. Thomas A.B. Rusk, Co. I 7th Regt. P.R.V.C." along with the information "Was Born in Phila. Pa. February the 9th, 1838." In the back is the name Kate Rusk with a Philadelphia address and the date 1879. Her contribution seems to be several pages of verses composed for entries in autograph books. A page showing sketches of chins and their "meanings" drawn by Sergeant Rusk is included.

The 7th PRVC was also known as the 36th PA Infantry. The only personnel listing in HDS is under the latter designation. "Rusk" does not show up there, but is listed as Thomas B. Rush. The original unit (36th) was mustered into Federal service near the end of July 1861. This journal begins on January 1, 1864, near the end of their three years of service and continues through April 17. Rusk/Rush enlisted in mid-June, 1861, and is listed as missing in action in the Wilderness on May 5, 1864, less than three weeks after the last entry. The unit mustered out on June 24, with very few of its original members remaining. This unit also has a hard "slog." They were not engaged until December, being initially assigned to Brigadier General George Meade's reserves. They first headed for action at Dranesville, but arrived too late. It participated at Mechanicsville, then Gaines Mill, Glendale, was in reserve at Malvern Hill, and suffered heavily at Antietam and Fredericksburg. It joined the "Mud March" before going to Washington for rest. The next season it joined the Army of the Potomac in the Wilderness. Approx. 272 men were cut off and taken prisoner in this battle, many of whom never left their southern prisons.

Condition: All with wear as expected for field diaries.

EST $1500 - 3000

Lot of 2 diaries.

Leather pocket notebook, 3 x 6 in., with flap, wallet pocket in back cover, identified to Charles T.S. Pierce, 5th NY Cavalry. The notebook contains entries made in pencil, some from mid-August 1863, a section that appears to be personal lists of correspondents, books, etc., and a Roll of Co. G, 5th NY Cavalry. The military diary begins May 6, 1864 and goes through July 1 (bottom of page notes "other book," which unfortunately is not present). Pages dating from August 10-13, 1863 are missing. Others are loose but present. A number of pages have smeared text.

Although the notebook only contains a couple months of entries from Pierce, they are very detailed and descriptive. May 6, for example: "7:00 AM Canonading commenced this morning at about 5. Gen. Burnside's fore came up this morn and marched directly to the front. 1500 Rebels taken May 5th and this morning two Regiments were taken by surprise and captured. The 109th NYSV [New York State Volunteers] came in with Burnside this AM.
9:30 Heavy musketry firing continuously together with artillery. The Brigade of Rebs were taken prisoner. 10.00: 104 Prisoners taken on the left wing. firing ceased 10.30. the 6th Corps broke and run, were Rallied at Wilderness Church and taken in again. Firing commenced again at 11.00 lasting till 11.40 ceased till 4.45 except one in a while as little and slight skirmishing 4.55 PM Heavy firing commenced again hard fighting ensued several charges made the Prisoners sent in of yesterdays fight amount to 9100
6.15 Charging on the right flank our forces driven back. The wagon train moved back - and artillery forward. Our cavalry was ordered up to stop the men from running back
7.00 All quiet."

May 9: "Gen Sedgwick was killed today. Gen Hooker lost 700 men prisoners & took 1100. Made an exchange of prisoners, 1000 Rebs for 700 Union men ... 18 Penna. Va. made a charge on Spottsylvaina and took 1500 Prisoners."

The second diary is from an unidentified soldier, and is a typical pocket "Diary and Memorandum Book for 1862," 3 x 5 in., with three dates per page and a small space for notes. On one of the "Memo" pages at the end, the author summarizes the year. From the history and events he mentions (especially Captain Ferris taking over a company and General Bullock resigning) plus where the unit was stationed, this would appear to be a member of the 30th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Ferris likely refers to Alexander Marsh Ferris who enlisted in February 1862. The 30th MA had already formed in autumn of 1861, although there was a delay in them mustering in because of conflict between Governor Andrew and General Benjamin Butler, who organized several units with plans to capture New Orleans as part of the "Anaconda Plan" to divide the Confederacy. In addition to the 30th MA, the 26th MA and 9th CT were organized at or transported to Camp Chase, Lowell, MA, then all boarded the USS Constitution for the Gulf, landing at Ship Island.

The unidentified soldier notes on January 2: "Left Camp Chase very cold Gen. Butler presented over colors stood on the common until nearly froze went on board Constitution at 9 1/2 PM."

He does begin each day with a weather update - cold, pleasant, stormy, etc. It would be February 6th before they would leave Fortress Monroe for Ship Island. He notes passing Key West on the 11th and arriving at Ship Island on the 12th. While there he notes many other ships coming and where they are going (and what kind they are - brig, sloop, schooner, barque, etc.), suggesting his home was a New England seaport.

By February 19: "Constitution sailed with 20 of the Mechanics on board." On March 12, the Constitution returned with the 4th WI, 21st IN, 6th MI on board. The troops were gathering for the push up the Mississippi. A lot of activity in early April. He notes in his summary that Forts Jackson and [St.] Philips surrendered on the 8th. These were the primary defenses of New Orleans.
For more samples from both of these journals, please go to cowans.com.

Condition: Both with surface soil and light toning. The first has some loose pages; the second seems to be holding together. Boards not faring quite as well. Second with flaking. But these were working diaries, handled nearly every day.

EST $400 - 600

Civil War Letters, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Plus CDV

Lot of 4 letters written by Private Albert S. Wood and Private Silas Wilbur Wood, both of the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, to their mother, 1861-1864.

In his letter from New Bern, NC dated January 28, 1863, Albert describes a recent expedition to Beaufort, SC and recent events at camp. Regarding their position, he writes: “The rebs are thirty thousand strong about 20 miles from here and we expect an attack soon. ” Despite the loss of four men earlier in the week, Albert notes that his unit “brought in nine rebel prisoners the other day and last night they took a spy. . . I would give all my old shoes if they would come down for if we ever can whip them we can do it here.”

Three letters from Silas spanning 1861-1864 cover topics including conditions at camp - such as the price of cheese – and his plans for life after the war. A letter from January 1863 was originally accompanied by a gift of some kind, salvaged from the Battle of Gaines’ Mill. In the same letter, Silas details the behavioral characteristics of his new horse and regrets not having a picture of the two of them together to enclose.

Silas, born in Hope, RI on May 24, 1841, enlisted as a private on August 25, 1861 and mustered into Battery C of the Rhode Island 1st Light Artillery. Younger brother Albert was born on April 4, 1844 and enlisted on March 24, 1862. He was mustered into Battery F of the same regiment, and following a furlough in July 1864, was promoted to bugler in October of that same year. Silas had already been mustered out in August, while Albert continued his service until June 27, 1865. Both men died in the 1920s, Albert in 1923 and Silas in 1928.

Also includes a CDV of Silas Wood in uniform, standing with a sword. Credited to Mathew Brady, Washington, DC as part of his "Illustrations of Camp Life" series.

EST $ 500 - 700

Lot of 9 letters written by Union soldier Halsey Bartlett (1831-1864) during his time in South Carolina, 1863-1864. A resident of Killingly, CT, Bartlett enlisted on August 21, 1861 as a private. He mustered into Company A of the 6th Connecticut Infantry on September 3. Under the command of Admiral Samuel Dupont and General Thomas Sherman, Bartlett and his fellow members of the 6th were part of the expeditionary forces that captured Forts Walker and Beauregard near Port Royal on November 7, and they remained in occupation at Hilton Head, James Island, and Beaufort until the spring 1864, taking part in several expeditions and battles. Bartlett survived the South Carolina occupation but was killed in action on June 17, 1864 at Bermuda Hundred, VA. Bartlett's letters to his mother and teenage sister, Christina, help reconstruct an important record of the conflict as experienced along the South Carolina coast and islands.

Bartlett writes twice to Christina from Beaufort, SC, once on March 3, 1863 and again on April 2. Prior to Beaufort, the 6th Connecticut had been in Lake City, where they set fire to much of the city upon departing. Bartlett describes "a widow with three small children, that was left there that wanted to come with us. Our boats being so full and crowded, she could not come. I pitied her. . . Poor woman. I was sorry for her. We did not burn her building. All the buildings where there was families in them, we left and did not burn, but two thirds of the city lay in ashes."

From Beaufort, Bartlett and his regiment moved to Hilton Head, where Bartlett is amazed by the Union buildup of the city, which he had last occupied a year ago: "Now what a sight comes to view on landing - a wharf one hundred feet long which we have to pass over before entering the city. . . One church, a large hospital which covers over ten acres of ground, a jail where they put prisoners. . . about thirty stores, eating houses, etc. and about twenty or twenty five dwelling houses. . . There is two long buildings where the contraband occupy or dwell. I never saw so many Negroes together in all my life as there is in these two long buildings. I should think there was all of five hundred blacks."

Next, Bartlett finds himself on Folly Island, SC, humorously describing the voyage there to his mother on May 1, 1863: "We left Hilton head and went on board the Steamer Saxon. . . and was on board till yesterday, nearly two weeks. . . There being very high seas on the boat, pitched and rocked so no one could stand or walk on the deck without falling, and to see the boys, some were very sea sick, and it was fun for me to see the, four or five at a time throwing up or turning themselves inside out and talking to themselves near crazy." Their orders to camp on Folly Island did not specify the duration of their stay, but Bartlett hopes it isn't long, noting the variety of vermin he has already encountered: "I have seen wood ticks, ants, red spiders, sand flies, house flies, mosquitoes, snakes, lizards, and centipedes." Later, in a letter dated May 11, he writes in better spirits, given the recent news: "We hear that Richmond is taken by General Hooker with a loss of thirty thousand men. If this is so, rebellion is near to an end." Unfortunately, that was not to be yet.

By October of 1863, Bartlett is back in Hilton Head and writes to his mother regarding plans for the future: "You may depend upon my being at home in a year from now and staying too. I have thought some of enlisting into the Veteran Corps., but I guess not. . . This will soon pass away." Bartlett did, in fact, re-enlist on December 24, 1863 but was killed just six months later during the Bermuda Hundred Campaign. See also Lot 614. For more from Bartlett's journal, please go to cowans.com.

EST $1500 - 2000

Battle of Fort Wagner Letter, Halsey Bartlett, 6th Connecticut Infantry, 1863

Bartlett, Halsey (1831-1864). Union Private, Company A, 6th Connecticut Infantry. ALS, 4 pp, 9 x 7.25 in., " Morris Island, SC" July 29, 1863. Addressed to Bartlett's mother.

Private Bartlett writes home to his mother for the first time since his arrival on Morris Island: " We have been busy ever since in building Batteries, fighting, etc. on detail every day. . . I told you about building Batteries close to the Rebs on Folly Island, only a creek between. Well, on the 7th of July, our Regt. had to go up there and stay for a reserve in case we were attacked. . . then we were ordered to be ready at 6:00 with one day's provisions to make a charge on some batteries on Morris Island. "

On leaving Folly Island: " In the night our whole Brigade under General Strong marched to Head Quarters and took passage in Surf Boats and halted at the upper end of Folly Island opposite our Batteries. . . we sailed all that night on the night of the ninth. . . and on the morning of the tenth about daylight we were in the same place as before. . . in half an hour after halting, the signal was given and Spang went a gun from our Batteries. . . and for two hours the heavy firing kept up. "

Bartlett continues, describing the brutality of the assault on Fort Wagner: " Our men (two Brigades) made a charge on Fort Wagner. The first and last time I want to make another such. There was about fifteen hundred killed, wounded and missing on our side. . . I could look around me and see them fall and crying for help when no one would come for them. . . When I moved I looked around me and they lie so thick in the Fort (wounded and dead) that I could hardly get around. . . it was an awful sight to behold."

Bartlett, of Killingly, CT, survived this battle and even re-enlisted on December 24, 1863 but was ultimately killed on June 17, 1864 at Bermuda Hundred, VA.

EST $ 1200 - 1500

Bethuel M. Reed, 7th Connecticut Infantry, Civil War Diary

Pocket notebook/diary, approx. 4 x 6.5 in., full leather. Owner's ID on ffep, " Bethuel M. Reed, Co. B 7th Regt. C.V. Hilton Head, SC Jan. 1st, 1863 ."

Bethuel (also spelled Bethewel) Montague Reed (1841-1916) was a resident of Somers, CT. He enlisted in September 1861 in the 7th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry after the first call for three-year units. Their first colonel was Alfred Terry, with Joseph Hawley as lieutenant colonel. Terry was promoted to brigadier general in April 1862 (leaving service as major general). Hawley was promoted to colonel a couple months later, achieving the rank of brigadier general himself in 1864. Many of these men had served in a three-month unit prior to enlisting in the 7th. Between their earlier experience and experienced leadership of Terry and Hawley, the 7th was ready for the field in a very short time after mustering in.

They were sent to Fortress Monroe in October, but heavy storms wrecked some of the transports and scattered the remainder. They arrived in Port Royal, SC about the 4th of November. After capturing Forts Walker and Beauregard, the flag of the 7th CT was the first to fly over southern soil since the secession of South Carolina. The unit then set to work on the fortification of Hilton Head, then moved to Tybee Island.

This diary begins in January 1863 with the unit back at Hilton Head. Through the winter they seem to "island hop," going to Fernandina, FL (Amelia Island) in mid-January. By July, they were on Morris Island, engaged in the Second Battle of Fort Wagner (featured in the movie " Glory "). July 20-21: " They have been bombarding fort Wagner all day and night the gunboats fired some in the day time...they have been bombarding the battery the monitors have been firing most of the forenoon... " Sporadic firing continues right into September.

Some companies go to Folly Island, Sullivan's Island, St. Helena, Seabrook, and back. They frequently return to Hilton Head and Jacksonville. In December they receive new rifles, later (April) new cartridge boxes and other accoutrements. These require target practice on a number of days. Occasionally there are periods in which Reed used ink that faded (or watered down what he had to make it last?). Most can be read, but with some difficulty. The longest period is December 16, 1863 - January 13, 1864, which is difficult, but not much is happening. January is mostly drilling and training the new recruits. Those who veteranized are gone on their furlough.

In early February they are on the move again, and the veterans have returned. February 20: " We get marching orders went toards [sic] lake City We meet the enemy about noon drove their picketts in and opened the engagement with their main force we fought 4 hours and ware [were] obliged to fall back we marchd [sic] to Barbers Bridge we got thare [there] about 2 oclock in the night and stayed thare the rest of the night... " [Feb. 21] We started from Barbers Bridge in the morning and marched to Baldwin we stayed thare the rest of the night. We were rear guard. "

In mid-April they packed up the sick and wounded and boarded ships (again). They headed toward Yorktown arriving on the 18th. April 29 they went out hunting for deserters, finding 27. May 4 they board ships and the next day leave Yorktown for Fortress Monroe. From about the 9th on, they encounter skirmishes. They move up the James River, but their specific location is a bit vague; he only notes they " camped in the woods ." By the 16th they have moved to the front and firing continues through the 21, the big guns open up again May 30-June 1, and on June 8 they cross the Appomattox River. Fighting on some level continues right through June (Bermuda Hundred).

They encounter battles again in mid-August (Deep Bottom, Deep Run) before receiving orders to go to Petersburg (August 24). On September 3, they were ordered to witness the hanging of John Rowley before going into the rifle pits of Petersburg. On the 10th, a man in the 6th CVI had his head shaved and was drummed out of the camp. Two days later his term of service had expired and he was mustered out. He describes a number of " feeds " put on for the men in New York and surrounding area.

The remainder of the diary, up to the end of 1866, concerns his civilian life - threshing, winnowing, purchasing bushels of apples, etc. Bethuel Reed married a woman named Etta and began building a family. In the 1880 census they had four daughters between the ages of 7 and 1. Reed died in Connecticut on the 3rd of September 1916, at the age of 75.

Condition: Covers separated and some signatures starting to come loose. All parts are present. Scattered foxing and staining, but not unexpected for a notebook used every day for four years.

EST $ 500 - 750

Captain William L. Best, Co. G, 16th New York Volunteers, Regimental Archive

Lot of 30 documents related to Captain William L. Best of Company G, 16th New York Volunteers. Includes muster rolls, invoices, allotment rolls, absence and return reports, inventories and transfer lists, return of ordnance and ordnance store reports, and general correspondence. Primarily pre-printed and hand-filled, though some are entirely handwritten. Of particular interest are seven documents signed by General Newton M. Curtis (1835-1910), wounded four times with two wartime brevets and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1893 for his actions at Fort Fisher, NC, 1865; one document signed by Brevet Brigadier General Joel J. Seaver (1822-1899); and one document signed by Indian War General George Morton Randall (1841-1918).

Best enlisted at the age of 26 on May 15, 1861 as a second lieutenant in Albany, NY. He was commissioned into Company G of the 16th New York and was twice promoted, ultimately attaining the rank of captain, before mustering out on June 3, 1863. His regiment left New York for Washington, DC on June 27, 1861 and after fighting at the Battle of Bull Run that July, fulfilled defensive duties around Washington until the spring of 1862. On April 22, the 16th New York was ordered to the Virginia Peninsula, where its members participated in the Siege of Yorktown, West Point, Gaines Mill, Savage Station, and Malvern Hill. Action resumed that fall with the Maryland Campaign, and the regiment remained on duty in Maryland until late October of 1862. From there, Best and his comrades saw action at both Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville before the expiration of term. In total, 5 of the regiment's officers and 106 of its enlisted men were killed or received mortal wounds, while another 86 succumbed to disease during service.

Condition: Condition of individual documents varies. Many with expected creasing, some with toning and loss at edges.

EST $ 800 - 1200

Corporal Charles C. Nichols, 160th New York Volunteers, Civil War Diaries with Battle Content and Description of Lincoln's Funeral Train, Plus

Lot of 7, including:

Two diaries of Corporal Charles C. Nichols, 160th New York Volunteer Infantry, 1864-1865. The 1864 diary is 3 x 6 in., with leather cover; 1865 diary is 3 x 5 in., with oilcloth-type cover that has become sticky over time. Nichols enlisted on September 6, 1862 at Attica, NY as a private. He was mustered into Company G of the 160th New York and was promoted to the rank of Corporal on August 1, 1865. He was mustered out on November 14, 1865 in Savannah, GA.

Most of the first part of the 1864 diary consists of drills, guard duty, fatigue duty, dress parades. The camp is two miles below New Iberia (LA). Out of the ordinary, February 3, 1864: " Our Co. was vaccinated this morning ." He does not elaborate, but likely for smallpox. Also noteworthy in his mind, on February 15, they had soft bread. February 17 saw his 26th birthday. By mid-March they were on the move to New Iberia, then Vermillion Bayou to Opelousas (3-31). Crossed the Cane River after several more days of marching. Battle of Sabine Cross Roads, LA, occurred on April 8, 1864; then Pleasant Hill, LA, April 9 [both part of Red River Campaign]. April 22 he describes more fighting, and on the 30 he is part of a detail to construct pontoon bridges over the Red River.

May 4 they arrested 2 " jayhawkers " who " wished to pass out of our lines ." More fighting May 15-16; on the 19th they cross the Atchafalaya River, reaching the Mississippi two days later. Private Nichols becomes ill about this time and is down sporadically with a fever. In July he mentions chills.

July 4 they were in Algiers. July 9 - 11 the various companies were loaded on steamers headed to reinforce troops in the Shenandoah Valley. They arrived at [Fortress] Monroe on the 18th and started up the James River the following day. Later on the 19th they landed at Bermuda Hundred. More troops kept arriving over the following few days.

August 7 they march to Harpers Ferry, then on the 10th to Charlestown toward Berryville, then to Middletown. On the 14th he notes that a rebel spy was hung near the camp. The 16th they went to Winchester, then back to Berryville. September 3, they saw heavy firing [Battle of Berryville]. September 19 at Opequan, VA their lieutenant was killed along with 14 others; 45 were wounded; 21 missing.

October 6th they moved to New Market. The rebels attacked at daylight on the 19th at the camp near Strasburg. On the 20th the Brigade lost over 400. There is sporadic firing for weeks. Cedar Creek, VA, October 19. Finally, December 13, Nichols writes: " All quiet in the Shenandoah Valley ." Unfortunately it turned cold, and he notes that on the 21st one man in the brigade froze to death.

The dawn of a new year saw more of the same - cold, snowy, inactive. Boredom was setting in. By the end of February, some guerrilla skirmishing was going on, but no full battles. On April 2, he mentions the celebration because of the victory at Petersburg, then the celebrations on the 10th over Grant's victory. The telegraph messages and newspaper reports of Lincoln's assassination and the attack on Sewall and others take up the 15th and 16th. The unit arrived in Washington on the 21st, passing the train with Lincoln's body on it. News that Booth had been caught is mentioned on the 27th.

May 23 saw the Grand Review in the nation's capital. " A beautiful day. A day long to be remembered by thousands of Soldiers. The grandest sight I ever saw. The People of Washington gave the Soldiers a warm welcome. The Streets were crowded for miles, Stars & stripes were plenty across the streets. Many cheered our Regt. We got back to Camp at 4 PM very tired ..."

Then on the 30th they learned they were being sent to Savannah. " The men are all fighting mad ." They did not arrive there for another month. He mentions that it is a nice town, but very warm. July 24 someone died of sun stroke in the brigade. The next few days were spent shooting alligators, killing rattle snakes (another guy was bitten by one) and water moccasins.

Finally on November 14: " Pleasant. This is a happy day to Nichols. I am discharged & tomorrow I will see home & friends. I am no soldier but a citizen of the United States. .."

The diaries are accompanied by two passes, dated July 22, 1865 and September 24, 1865, and a cabinet card with backmark of M.T. Hills, Attica, NY. The subject is not identified, but is presumed to be Charles Nichols.

Condition: Photo with some light surface soil. Diaries as expected. Cover on 1865 rough.

EST $ 2000 - 3000

Albumen Photograph of Colonel James B. Swain and his Son, Adjutant Chellis D. Swain, 11th New York Cavalry, Plus

Lot of 3, featuring albumen photograph, approx. 6.5 x 8 in., of Colonel James B. Swain (1820-1895) and his son Adjutant Chellis D. Swain (ca 1843-1911), both of the 11th New York Cavalry Regiment, also known as "Scott's 900." Colonel Swain received authority in October 1861 to recruit this regiment from throughout the state of New York. The first two years of regimental duty were largely served in the Military District of Washington DC on scouting and patrol. The regiment was then ordered to Louisiana and the Department of the Gulf before being transferred once again in early 1865 to the Department of the Cumberland.Both men have signed under their images. Mounted on 10 x 12.75 in. card.

Accompanying the photograph is the title, Rules, Regulations, Forms, and Suggestions for the Instruction and Guidance of the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry. Prepared by James B. Swain, Colonel Commanding, and 1st Lt. 1st Cav. USA. New York: Baker & Godwin, Printers, 1863. This copy was likely Chellis Swain's personal copy of the tactical guide written by his father as the name " Chellis D. Swain" is written in ink on the title page.

Partially printed pass issued by the US War Department on October 15, 1864 naming " C.D. Swain an Agent of Election duty appointed for Westchester Co. NY to distribute ballots & receive power of attorney and ballots under the laws governing elections of that State... to Armies operating before Richmond Middle Military Division and Department of Washington & return..." The presidential election was held on Tuesday, November 8, 1864, and the pass expired the 11th of November, 1864.

Condition: Scott's 900 photo with some light surface soil and toning, mostly on card. Some damp-staining throughout the "Scott's 900" book, however, all print is legible; it remains intact and in relatively good condition given age and wear.

EST $ 1200 - 1800

Civil War Diaries of Julius Fillmore, 19th New York Cavalry/1st Dragoons

Lot of 2 leather diaries, the first measuring 3.25 x 5.75 inches with 108pp and the second measuring 3 x 6 inches with 119pp. Both war-date diaries belonged to Corporal Julius Fillmore of Co. C, 1st Dragoons Regiment New York. Fillmore was killed on September 19, 1864, at Opequan, VA.

Julius Fillmore (ca 1833 - 1864) enlisted at Attica, New York, as a private on August 8, 1862 at the age of 29. Initially Fillmore enlisted in Co. C of the 130th New York, however, that designation was changed to the 19th NY Cavalry on August 11, 1863, and then again to the 1st Regiment Dragoons in September 1863. Fillmore's first diary begins at Camp Suffolk, VA, on April 6, 1863, and runs through August 20, 1863. The second diary spans August 19, 1863, through January 15, 1864.

Fillmore writes near daily diary entries. The earlier stages of his enlistment as described in his diaries were spent in large part on picket and fatigue duty and he describes his activities at length. He often relates news from the papers of the ongoing war including references to the troop movements of Lee, Grant, Sherman, and others and military engagements. Contemporary reports of John Hunt Morgan's raids and the New York City Draft Riots of 1863 are also referenced. In his first diary Fillmore notes the anticipated change of the regiment into cavalry. Fillmore seems to have worked somewhat regularly with "contraband" who were serving alongside the Union troops. He was not overly sympathetic to their plight, noting on May 26, 1863, that "I made the niggers work like the devil."

After an extended stay in the hospital, Fillmore returns to his regiment in August 1863. As his second diary begins he is in good health and notes the receipt of his cavalry clothing. Horses and additional equipment would arrive in September, along with a promotion to full corporal. Fillmore anticipates battles to come, and notes with awe on October 16 that "...there is troops in all directions one can have no idea of the magnitude of the Potomac army unless they can see it." The October 17 Battle of Manassas Junction in which the dragoons participated is described. The remainder of the second diary contains descriptions of the dragoons movements, including skirmishes and reconnaissances. Overall, Fillmore's diaries provide a well-written and detailed description of his time with the 19th Cavalry/1st Dragoons.

Condition: Good condition overall with usual wear given age. Pencil and ink used. Handwriting is easily legible.

EST $ 1000 - 1500

"Composition"-type book, 7 x 8 in., leather spine over marbled paper boards. Entries date from July 17, 1861 to March 30, 1862. The writer does not specifically identify himself, but a few hints throughout suggest it is one Reverend Coburn, minister of the Unitarian Congregational Society. He mentions that the Baptists do not have a minister (1861) and he meets with the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal ministers periodically. The only other church we can find in Verona (at the time) is Unitarian. Later he notes that "Our prospects as a society ... are very promising" in reference to local religious organizations. He is a native of Vermont, however, and at the end of March 1862, he leaves to return to his boyhood home to care for his aging parents.

Too old for service, Reverend Coburn does what he can to help families in Verona suffering losses during the war, visiting families of the dead and performing many funerals. July 17, the first entry in the diary, "This day completes my forty-seventh year. Several years on the last half of my earthly life are gone...." Not surprisingly he is obsessed with the war. July 21: "The great Battle at Bull's Run or Stone Bridge was fought between the Rebels under Beauregard & Johnson, and the Union forces under Gen. McDowell. Success seemed at first to favor the Union forces. But overpowered by numbers & a senseless panic, a complete rout, eclipsed the brilliant successes of the first part of the engagement..." He goes on to give reported losses, commenting on the perceived accuracy of each.

August 10: "...the tenth of Aug. which will ever be memorable in American History, for the Battle of Wilson's Creek near Springfield Mo. Between the US Government forces, Commanded by Gen. Lyon and the Rebels led by Gens. Price and Ben McCullough - 5000 Loyalists to 25000 Rebels. The latter were beatten [sic] but the former in consequence of the smallness of their forces thought best to retire which they did in good order and the enemy reoccupied the field and entered Springfield which they hold - Great slaughter on both sides - Gen. Lyon killed."

Overall he seems most concerned with the war in Missouri and Kentucky, possibly there were kin in those areas. He also gives fights in the trans-Mississippi more weight than history has seen fit to give them. He keeps track of the navies and actions in coastal forts. For example, later he is concerned with actions at Island No. 10 and Fort Donelson, and notes when a fleet leaves for Ship Island (near the mouth of the Mississippi).

On February 4 he is invited to visit an Oneida (Indian) school to see the progress made by the students. He approves, noting: "Their writing, I think, taking them all together, would surpass any white school in the country."

The following day he takes on slavery: "...Nothing particularly new from the war - The papers are full of the sufferings of the people of 'Secession.' A fearful retribution is already being visited upon the instigators of this wicked Rebellion, and the upholders of the 'sum of all villanies,' American slavery. It is rumored that the Agents abroad of the sham Confederacy, have offered if England will interfere and help establish their Government to abolish slavery. Slavery must die either by act of the North or the South or by Act of both North and South. A return to the old condition of things I regard as impossible and if in consequence of this war slavery shall come to an end, if four millions of God's children shall be lifted from the condition of the most degrading servitude to the condition of freeman, if they shall be brought to the light of education and a pure Christianity. This alone will in some degree compensate for the losses of the war..."

February 6: "...The war news is still unimportant. Long intervals of inactivity seemingly follow every brilliant achievement of the Union forces. The country is heartily sick and tired of this dilly dally way of crushing the Rebellion. If the Government has the power as it claims to have of making this a short but successful war. Why this delay? There is a screw loose somewhere bout the machinery of the government, and the man is yet to be found who has the knowledge, integrity, courage and strength to tighten it...."

February 17: "...If any people ever merited a severe visitation of Divine Judgment it is those who have instigated this foul revolt against so good a government as ours. - A government under which the South has grown strong as well as insolent. She had always received the lion's share - and what ails her now is that she can't always have - in other words that she can no longer rule."

A 2.5 x 5.75 in. piece of the bottom of page with Aug. 26/28 has been cut out. A couple of early signatures coming loose, but all pages present. Front hinge nearly separated, holding by one string.

EST $1000 - 2000

Two Civil Wars Letters from Union Soldiers, with Souvenirs

Lot of 2 letters accompanied by small souvenirs sent home by Union soldiers, 1864-1865. The letter written by Private Samuel Huntington, 100th New York Infantry, contains a button, while First Lieutenant John W. Pollock, 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry, enclosed an unused two-cent Confederate stamp.

Huntington, Samuel. ALS, 4pp, 7.5 x 9.75 in., " Gloucester Point, Va. " April 30, 1864. Addressed to " Dear Loved Wife & Children." Huntington primarily bemoans the conditions of war, writing in part: " There was one white man come in from Richmond. He says the country is in a hard condition. . . it takes all that a Rebel soldier's pay to buy his tobacco. I talked with some of the Negroes. They said they did not have enough to eat when they was at home. The whites out on the picket lines are destitute of everything, provisions in particular. There is but a little farming going on, large and beautiful plantations are laying & idle. . .splendid buildings destroyed. . . This was a splendid country once. All is gone to waste. . . They are reaping the benefits of their secessionism." On a separate piece of paper, 2.5 x 1.5 in., Huntington has attached a small white button that he found on Morris Island, SC. Unfortunately, fifteen days after sending this letter, Huntington was captured at the Battle of Drewry's Bluff, VA, May 16, 1864. He contracted an illness while in prison and died in the Parole Camp in Annapolis, MD on December 21, 1864.

Pollock, John W. ALS, 9pp, 5 x 8 in., Hilton Head, SC. June 18, 1865. Addressed to " Miss Alice Judson ," with original cover. Alice appears to be a friend, with whom Pollock discusses the recent nuptials of several mutual acquaintances and his own matrimony plans, or lack thereof: "if I should want to marry soon & there be no possibility of a chance elsewhere, I think I should do the high strategy on the accomplished daughter of some luxuriant & wealthy old planter. There are many fine 'Gids' who have bestowed upon officers of this command, their pleasant smiles, since last Oct. " He also mentions a recent trip to Savannah, which he found to be a " most lovely old city. " However, he resumes his ruminations on marriage, noting that he " saw some very pretty young ladies also. But upon the whole, I will give Charleston the preference on the lady question. " At the top of the letter, Pollock affixed an unused two-cent orange Confederate stamp, " CSA 8 " with portrait of Andrew Jackson.

Condition: Creasing as expected.

EST $ 700 - 900