579. Fabulous 1863 Civil War recruiting broadside from a cavalry unit that indisputably distinguished itself during the War. The 3rd MA Cavalry was formed from the 41st MA infantry in June, 1863. The new organization remained under the command of Col. Chickering and took part in the siege of Port Hudson. In the spring of 1864 it took part in the Red River expedition, which included the severe action at Sabine Crossroads. After movements in the Shenandoah, it was heavily engaged at the battle of Winchester, losing 104 of 600. It was again engaged at Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek. At War’s end, the regiment took part in the grand review with Sheridan’s cavalry corps. These men served more than 35 months, traveled 15,000 miles, and fought in more than 30 engagements. An impressive broadside, black on yellow, 28 x 41”, it would be very attractive framed. In original state save for a backing done many years ago. A few age spots, blemishes, virtually intact – if professionally restored, would look fabulous. There is a tiny paper loss between the P & A of DEPARTMENT not really affecting the type; areas of the yellow necessity paper have turned white over the last 150 years, and there are wrinkles in the paper in various places. All that said, this handsome piece displays quite well.  (Est. $6,000-7,000)

580. To Arms! To Arms! An early Ohio broadside imploring “All able-bodied men” to join the “Union Blood Rifle Guards,” dated April 22, 1861, only ten days after the firing on Fort Sumter!! Slight loss at usual folds, 13 1/2 x 17” reinforcement labels at verso, overall very nice.  (Est. $3,000-4,000)

581. Kentucky Confederate broadside from Lincoln’s birthplace!! 10 x 11 1/2” from the first month of the war exhorting young men to enlist in the “…Great struggle now upon us.” Residents of Hardin, LaRue and Bullitt Counties are invited to report to Elizabethtown, Pitt’s Landing, or Hodgenville (site of the Lincoln birth cabin!). Organizers James B. LaRue and R. S. Forde were part of the Kentucky infantry. Highly interesting because of the border state origin and “key” date from the start of hostilites. Slight wear at folds; else very fine. GREAT history!   (Est. $3,000-5,000)

582. Civil War Republican circular issued July 27, 1864 by the Union State Central Committee, an arm of the Republican Party. Up to this point, soldiers had to vote in-person, virtually impossible in most cases. The Republicans sought an amendment in Connecticut and other states to change the law to allow soldiers to vote in absentia. A clean example, 13 x 16, archival frame, handsome presentation. (Est. $200-300)

583. Civil War advertising broadside offering help to
soldiers with claims against the Government. Attractive issue from the Capital Pension & Bounty Agency advertising to help recover bounty and back-pay for soldiers; pensions for full disability, as well as a very interesting category called “Horses Lost Or Killed In The Service” including “the loss of a horse wounded in battle”. There is also an interesting note on the verso, December 3, 1863, on business matters. In two-sided archival frame, 12 1/2 x 17”, nice.      (Est. $200-300)

584. 10 3/4 x 8” broadside: Relief from the Draft! Notice is hereby given to all persons subject to Draft, that pursuant to a Resolution of the Board of Supervisors passed this day, that any person subject to Draft who pays into the hands of the Supervisor of his Town, ON OR BEFORE MONDAY, SEPT. 19, 1864, at 12 o’clock noon, the sum of One Hundred Dollars, the County of Greene agrees to procure an acceptable Substitute…  A fine New York recruitment issue, September 15, 1864, printed J.B. Hall’s Power Press of Catskill. Moderate wear, tape-stains and mounting remnants, needs professional conservation and treatment, could be cleaned.   (Est. $250-500)

585. The Olive Branch. Peace and Union. How shall we obtain them? Large pro-Union broadside, 12 x 17” listing how the Rebels and the Democratic Party could achieve peace, “Hold out the olive branch, confess our error in having resented the bombardment of Fort Sumter, propose Peace and Union, and with becoming dignity await an answer which the South cannot fail to give to its faithful ally, the Democratic Party? But that answer we have already.” An early broadside connecting the Democratic Party with the Rebels. Small piece missing on the lower right corner, otherwise in very good condition. ($300-400)

586. The Occupation Of New Orleans – Benjamin “Beast” Butler broadside. A Proclamation, New Orleans, May 1, 1862. 7 x 24”, printed on brown necessity paper, light age toning, else fine. Signed in print by Benjamin F. Butler. This is Beast Butler’s proclamation on the Union occupation of New Orleans. The text of the broadside begins “The City of New Orleans and its environs, with all its interior and exterior defenses, having been surrendered to the combined naval and land forces of the United States, and having been evacuated by the rebel forces in whose possession they lately were, and being now in occupation of the forces of the United States who have come to restore order, maintain tranquility, enforce peace and quiet under the laws and Constitution of the United States, the Major-General commanding the forces of the United States in the Department of the Gulf, hereby makes it known and proclaims the object and purposes of the Government of the United States in thus taking possession of the city of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana, and the rules and regulations by which the laws of the United States will be for the present and during a state of war, enforced and maintained for the plain guidance of all good citizens of the United States, as well as others who may heretofore have been in rebellion against their authority.” This rare broadside delineates specific rules for the military governance of the city under Butler’s command; martial laws included the surrender of arms, a ban on flags other than that of the United States, the requirement of oaths of allegiance, the necessity of returns on pubic property, a suspension on the right to assemble, etc. The provision concerning flags had an immediate result – William Mumford was executed for lowering the flag that Admiral Farragut had raised over the mint prior to Butler’s entering the city. This action, along with Butler’s Order No. 28 (which allowed New Orleans women who showed contempt for a Union officer to be treated as a prostitute), resulted in Butler’s nickname “The Beast”. Few are known extant. A clean specimen, true history! (Est.$2,500-$4,500)

587. One of only four extant… this owned by a soldier with the 17th. 10 x 13” broadside, “The Weldon Raid” written by L. T. Shultz, 124th N.Y. Vols. Goshen, NY: From Chas. Mead & Son’s Job Printing Establishment, n.d. [1864]. A long poem, 120 lines, recounting how Union forces destroyed railroad tracks and burned a village because of murders of Union soldiers. Stirring, patriotic verse, describing Union campaigning near Sussex Court House, VA, and the “murders” of several soldiers there at the hand of Confederate forces, and the ensuing raid into North Carolina, seeking revenge on the town of Weldon and its railroad hub. The poem closes with a tribute to Lincoln, the Union, and its Army and Navy, “My story’s told, rejoice our land, for Lincoln is re-elected, Our country and our President, divinely be protected. Our Army and our Navy too, to both be glory paid. Successful may they ever be, as was the Weldon Raid.” Decorative borders, trimmed to edges, normal folds, inscribed on verso “H. J. Larrabee, Co. H, 17th Regt. Woodbury.” An internet search for examples of this rarity reveals that OCLC locates only two copies (Brown and NYHS) and one currently offered by a Washington, D.C. book dealer for $2,000! (Est. $500-1,000)

Endorsing Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1864.

588. 18 x 28” broadside on thick paper containing a proclamation from Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew both announcing and endorsing Lincoln’s “Proclamation for a Day of Humiliation and Prayer” to be held the first Thursday in August, 1864. Contains the text of both proclamations. A very clean copy with some separation at vertical folds, a tribute to all those suffering through the war while remembering the blessings of the Almighty. An evocative, stirring, period item.   (Est. $500-1,000)

589. Matted and framed Currier & Ives Civil War print “The Soldiers Dream of Home.” Includes legend “Stretched on the ground the worn soldier sleeps, Beside the lurid watch fires fitful glare; And dreams that on the field of fame he reaps, Renown and honors which he haste’s to share.” Bold colors, measures 12 x 9” [sight], in period frame.
  (Est. $100-200)

590. Dramatically vivid Currier & Ives color lithograph of the First Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. The bottom reads: “Gallant charge of the Zouaves and defeat of the rebel Black Horse Cavalry.” Vibrant blues, reds, yellows and greens, trimmed tightly at bottom as shown.
  (Est. $150-250)

591. Jeff Davis and COMPANY! 19 x 11” uncut sheet of Magnus engraved CDVs. Depicts 24 members of the Confederacy, including Jeff Davis, Alexander Stephens, Judah Benjamin, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Braxton Bragg and General Pierre BO-Regard (the name just rolls off the tongue!) Lightly toned and soiled, with a small loss at upper right hand corner. Unusual in this format – the complete set of cartes this would yield sells for well over $1,000.  (Est. $200-300)

No… not “Dixie”, this was the C.S.A.’s anthem!

592. Attractive, multi-colored sheet music, a quite clean example of a rare issue from Baltimore. Published by Miller & Beacham, 1863, in excellent condition, with spine totally intact, 14 x 20”, in archival frame. The C.S.A. enjoyed numerous patriotic songs oft considered “anthems,” “Dixie” most often cited. But none were officially designated as such. “God Save the South” enjoys an anthemaic quality in the music and lyrics, and several period publications of the song refer to it the “anthem”. It was written by a Marylander soon after the Civil War started, George H. Miles, writing under the pseudonym Earnest Halphin. The composer also wrote the music for Maryland’s state song. This song was the first published in the Confederacy and enjoyed 9 editions. The lyrics reference George Washington – an effort to link his role as a “rebel” against the British to the South’s rebellion. A great example!  (Est. $300-500)

593. Confederate coated stock card, 3 1/2 x 2”, printed in red and blue, depicting a seven-star First National Flag, coiled snake and the slogan “Don’t Tread On Us. Death Before Dishonor.” Likely printed in Baltimore early in the conflict. The reverse has a partial ink inscription from an A. W. Moore that mentions Maryland, the Southern Confederacy, and “success to Davis… C.S.A.” Maryland wished to join the Confederacy, but was prevented from doing so by the arrest of state legislators and the occupation of Annapolis. Small hole at top and bottom with light wear. loss to verso inscription, as noted. Sold together with a mounted, miniature CDV of John Wilkes Booth, 3/4” x 1 1/4”, likely owned by the same Southern sympathizer.  (Est. $600-800)

594. South Carolina palmetto secession cockade with provenance, 3 x 1 1/2” made by Mattie Crosby and given to a W. L. Byers. This grouping includes the cockade, a letter from Mattie, of Blairsville, SC, to Byers, and the transmittal envelope addressed to Byers in Richmond, VA, Co. A, Phillips’s Legion Cavalry Battallion Georgia Volunteers. Included is an 1875 resolution on the death of Masonic lodge member John Byers, and a recent photographic reprint of Byers (we assume provided by the family). Interesting and scarce emblem of southern patriotism with the original owner identified!  (Est. $500-750)

595. Pro-Confederate colored song sheet 6 x 12”, the “Southern Yankee Doodle.” Sung to the tune Yankee Doodle, on brown paper with blue lettering and a colored display of Confederate flag and Lady Liberty. In part: The gallant Major Anderson!/ A bold and fearless Ranger-/ He stole a march one starry night,/ And ran away from danger,/ Slip over Anderson,/ Into that Fort so handy,/ And bid them strike the martial strain/ Of “Yankee Doodle Dandy.  Scarce, in excellent condition. (Est. $200-250)

An important Texas item…
Excessively rare Sam Houston Secession issue.

596. 1861 SAM HOUSTON SECESSION BROADSIDE Prohibitively rare broadside, 1p., 5 1/2 x 10 1/2”, Austin: [printer unknown], headed: “REPORT. COMMITTEE ROOM, January 31st, 1861”.  A response to the Texas Committee on Secession from Houston in his capacity as Executive. The top of the broadside bears a report by Texas Secession Convention committeemen to the President of the Secession Convention O. M. Roberts sending Gov. Houston’s response to their meeting with him discussing a secession referendum. Houston’s reply, also signed in type, is printed beneath, in part: “…Getlemen [sic]: The Executive has had the honor to learn at your hands, of the passage of a resolution by the Convention assembled, expressing a desire on the part of that body to ‘act in harmony with the different departments of our State Government,’ upon matters touching with our Federal relations…“. Houston, not a willing secessionist, nevertheless understood the will of the majority and political expediency, and continued: “…I can assure you, gentlemen, that whatever will conduce to the welfare of our people will have my warmest and most fervent wishes. And when the voice of the people of Texas has been declared… no citizen will be more ready to yield obedience to its will, or to risk his all in its defence [sic], than myself. Their fate is my fate, their fortune is my fortune, their destiny is my destiny, be it prosperity or gloom, as of old, I am with my country…“ On Feb. 1, 1861 elected delegates met in convention and authorized secession and Texas became a charter member of the Confederacy a month later. Houston was ultimately evicted from office shortly thereafter for refusing to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy. Some folds at the corners, else very good.  (Est. $3,000-5,000)

597. 8 x 12” mounted albumen of the original, signed manuscript Virginia Ordinance of Secession. Credit of “Lee Photographic Gallery”, no location indicated, but likely Richmond. The reverse has a pencil notation “Bought in Virginia” and a partial, oval gold border, apparently the front of a photographic mount. Excellent condition. The ordinance was passed April 17, 1861 and submitted to a popular vote on May 23, 1861. A great Civil War issue. (Est. $700-900)

Something to take with you into battle.

598. Pocket-sized booklet, “Hymns and Tunes for the Army and Navy,” inscribed with the name James H. Powell and was presented by the Christian Commission. Published by the American Tract Society of New York, it contains 127 pages of Christian hymns and patriotic songs. Its owner, Powell, joined the Union Army at age 30. On 16 September 1864, he enlisted at Avon, NY as a private and mustered into “K” Co., NY 15th Engineers. He mustered out on 13 June 1865 at Fort Barry, VA. Tear on front cover, typical age, a nice relic.    (Est. $100-150)

599. Folding map, Philip & Watson’s Historical and Military Map of the Border & Southern States, 26 x 36” (NY: Gaylord & Watson, 1865). Hand-colored lithograph with red dots marking major engagements of the war. Bound in illustrated wraps (7 x 4 1/2”) with 36pp. booklet being a “Brief Description of Battles and Skirmishes of the War” chronicling the conflict from the first firing on Sumter to the Grand National Review in Washington in May 1865. Separated folds repaired with archival tape, explanatory text foxed with some pages separated, overall very good condition. A very scarce, quite ephemeral item.  (Est. $600-800)

600. Delightful Civil War-era child’s primer, “The Union ABC”, published in Boston by Degen, Estes & Co. [n.y], 12 pp., bound in thread. This patriotic booklet, measuring a healthy 6 x 8 1/2”, is printed in red and blue and was meant to teach youngsters the alphabet and a history lesson, as well. Some of the entries include: H is for Hardtack you scarcely can gnaw, J is for Jig which the Contrabands dance, N is for Negro no longer a slave, P is the President who ruled the great nation, T is a traitor that was hung on a tree, and U is the Union our Soldiers did save. The back cover advertises Toy Books, Games (“Patriot Heroes: Or, Who’s Traitor.”), Union Reward Cards and the Chicken Little Series. Utterly charming; evocative of Civil War society. Cover has two edge tears internally repaired with period paper tape. Generally in excellent condition.  (Est. $200-300)

601. Early 1861 military imprint: “Instructions for Officers on Outpost and Patrol Duty.” 16pp. in titled wraps, illustrated with maps and diagrams and September 2, 1861 message from Sec. of War Simon Cameron stating the purpose of this booklet which was based on European templates, especially the work of Col. Arentschild. Excellent. (Est. $100-150)

Reckless spending to fight a war…
Lincoln’s financial policy!
602. A resounding oration by Hon. David S. Coddington of New York, 5pp., January 23, 1862, on “The Military and Financial Policy of the National Government.” The author criticizes Lincoln and McClellan’s failure to advance on the Rebels while the citizens of the North suffer greatly from an economy debilitated by the war. In part, “The Congress of the United States is sitting within the drumbeat of the American army and with its General in conference. Yet the Congress has not suggested an advance. The smoke of its thousand campfires intercepts the prospect of the White House, and yet its inmate urges no forward movement. The resources of the country have been taxed to their utmost capacity in maintaining the gigantic struggle, yet the people are quiet. Though the banker has been attacked more oftener than the traitor.” Coddington (1823-65) was a wealthy New York lawyer and politician. Mint.  (Est. $80-120)

Start them out young!
(Would you let your 14-year old enlist?)
603. [Apprentice Boys in the Navy] Printed pamphlet entitled Regulations for the Enlistment and Government of Apprentice Boys for the Navy, 4pp. [Washington], May 27, 1864. Signed in type by Sec. of the Navy Gideon Welles. Regulations include the provision for “school-ships” as well as proper clothing, pay, inspection and other matters relative to the use of boys in the navy. Apparently, with permission, kids as young as 14 could serve! Extremely fine condition, RARE.  (Est. $100-150)

The only example to be found.

604. [RARE Confederate Imprint] The C.S.A. Treasury pays for war: An Act To authorize the Issue of Treasury Notes, and to provide a War Tax for their Redemption. pp. [7]-17, 8 1/2 x 5 1/2”, [Richmond] Aug. 19, 1861. Rare. (OCLC identifies just one extant institutional copy – but that example included as part of a Texas imprint on the same issue.) Moderate toning and dampstains, else very good. Important content on how the South financed the C.S.A.’s war. (Est. $400-600)

605. [Confederate Imprints] A set of three (3) imprints, 9 1/2 x 6”, including An Act to Reduce the Currency and to Authorize a New Issue of Notes and Bonds. 4pp. [Richmond] Feb. 17, 1864; Amendment. Strike out the second section of the bill and insert the following: 1 Sec. 2 The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to issue notes of the Confederate States of denominations not less than five dollars… 2pp. [Richmond, n.d.]; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Nov. 9, 1864… A BILL To be entitled An Act to consolidate the public debt… 2pp. Light toning, marginal chips, else very good. Three pieces.  (Est. $200-300)

606. Civil War Broadside Extra: Members of the 51st Pennsylvania Killed and Wounded at Petersburg. Broadside extra from Norristown, Pa., Friday June 24, 1864. “Herald And Free Press BULLETIN!” This scarce broadside lists the killed and wounded at the Battle at Petersburg, Va. detailing names of the men and their condition: Killed; wounded in the head; leg; arm; face, etc. It ends with a report that Brig. Gen. John F. Hartranft was “Slightly touched on the wrist of the left hand… by a ball passing through his clothes across his breast”.  6 x 9” with light typical age, else fine. A rare informative piece of ephemera that would keep the community, and family members, apprised of their loved one’s status.   (Est. $500-$600)

607. 11 x 19” souvenir copy of the famous “wallpaper edition” of the Vicksburg Daily Citizen of July 2, 1862. Occupying Union forces entered the offices of this Southern paper and issued an edition of the paper for several days using type and forms left undisturbed when the Rebels left, printing on the same wallpaper used by the Confederates. The original edition is very rare… these “souvenir” copies were printed shortly thereafter as keepsakes. Inscribed in pencil at top margin: “Price is 10 cents a copy if any one wants to buy.” Likely sold at curio stands in the Vicksburg vicinity. Partial separation at folds, delicate, a clean copy. (Est. $200-400)

608. Civil War “Union Defence Committee” circular, April 24, 1861, New York City, reflecting the eagerness of enthusiastic Unionists to aid the Federal Government shortly after the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter. Prominent Committee members noted on this document include John Dix, Moses Grinnell, Edwards Pierrepont, Hamilton Fish, John Jacob Astor, and others. It reads in part: “Sir: at a meeting of the citizens of New York, held on Saturday, the 20th inst., a committee was appointed to represent the citizens in the collection of funds, and the transaction of such other business in the aid of the movements of the Government as the public interests might require…”. Housed in attractive two-sided archival frame, 27 x 14”.   (Est. $400-600)

A Confederate deserter!
(Remember… a “Confederate desserter” would be someone who likes key lime pie!)

609. Highly unusual partly-printed Document Signed, 8 x 11″ (sight), Richmond, December 23, 1863 addressed to the Commandant of Conscripts, one Col. Phillips that “…The case of Private J[ohn] W Robinson Company B. 8th L[ouisian]a Regiment has been reported to this Bureau as a deserter, with the information that he will be found in Edinburg County, Va. You will proceed to have him arrested and returned to his command…” An unusual format. The Confederacy discovering that reliance on volunteers would not suffice to continue the war effort enacted what is considered the first modern draft in military history. Needless to say, the act was deeply unpopular in the South. The first example of this form we have seen. Folds, light toning and dampstains, else very good. Simply matted, archival framed. (Est. $600-800)

610. Union Army Civil War circular regarding reveille and treatment of horses. Handwritten circular to the 1st PA Cavalry Commanders, January 25, 1864, listing each Company Commander and laying out in detail how to conduct morning reveille, with special attention to the treatment of horses. The script is very neat, clear, and well-defined on blue paper,  11 x 19” in two-sided frame for complete viewing. (Est. $300-400)

611. Civil War Kentucky & Missouri Lottery circular.  A scarce lottery broadside from the only two U.S. states maintaining lotteries that year. This is a very attractive four page, two-sided issue housed for complete display in archival two-sided frame. The type is in varying formats and sizes with details on the method of entry, and prizes for the March 1862 drawing. 21 x 19”, a visually interesting period item. (Est. $250-300)

612. Battle of Gettysburg eye- witness account. An interesting matted and framed assemblage of three items related to the Battle of Gettysburg: a period small lithograph of the flag of the 56th Regiment PA Volunteers; a CDV of Brig. Gen. L. Cutler; and a period-printed copy of a letter written by Cutler, November 5, 1863, to the Governor of Pennsylvania on the upcoming consecration of the Gettysburg Cemetery. Cutler relates his role and the role of the 56th P.V. (who “served in the 2nd Brigade of this division”) in the battle. On July 1st, Col. Hofmann and his men were the first to confront the enemy. After Cutler used his spyglass to confirm their identity, Hofmann “commanded ‘Ready, right Oblique, Aim, Fire!’ and the Battle of Gettysburg was opened… that battle on the soil of Pennsylvania was opened by her own sons…” A fine display.  (Est. $700-900)

613. Group of ten (10) “Town War Scrip. State of New York, Monroe County, Town of Clarkson” from 1864, in different denominations. These were issued as part of a repayment plan for monies advanced to hire substitutes for the war. Each measures 8 1/2 x 4 3/4” with a red image of Lady Liberty on each. Normal aging. (Est. $100-200)

614. Adam’s Express Co. receipt for “One Box” sent to Amos Snell, Camp Parole from Westford, CT. The Adams Express Company exists today as an investment trust but was a freight and cargo transport company in the 19th century. The South was almost entirely covered by the company until the outbreak of war, necessitating the splitting off of another company called the Southern Express. Camp Parole was a “camp of instruction” for 50,000 men established near Annapolis. However it soon became a  camp for paroled prisoners. Hospital facilities and the guard were inadequate and remained so, despite desperate pleas to Washington by the commander. Men lived in tents, huts they built for themselves with lumber stolen from public buildings, and a few hastily erected wooden barracks. Camp Parole was gradually turned into a way station for paroled men and exchanged prisoners. (Est. $50-80)

615. Politically incorrect group of anti-Jeff Davis ephemera. Includes an unused cover of Jeff Davis hanging “On the Last Platform” along with  two small coated-stock cards printed in red and blue. One depicts the rampaging bull of the North chasing Davis away. The other shows the “Secession Cauldron” (shaped like a chamber pot and labeled South Carolina) with Davis, Beauregard and Wise throwing in Theft, Lies, Murder and Perjury. Beauregard has a discharging cannon protruding from his buttocks. Each item has minor mounting remnants on verso otherwise bright and clean.     (Est. $100-150)

616. Interesting group of five (5) Civil War railroad passes and social event tickets. Includes: ticket to Cattaraugus County [NY] Agricultural Society Fair Sept. 1863, ticket to First Annual Hop of the Third Regiment Empire Brigade Sept. 1862, ticket for rail service between Groton and New York (inscribed on verso “Pass Capt. Mantan to New York & return”), Oct. 1863 railroad “commutation” ticket between New York & New Rochelle, and an 1864 ticket on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway. Very fine.   (Est. $80-120)

617. 4 1/2 x 2 1/2” red, white and blue patriotic paper flag inscribed “Richmond Has Fallen!” A neat souvenir of the event that signaled the end of the Civil War. Excellent.  (Est. $300-500)

618. Civil War Advertising. A printed flyer in blue and red, measuring 4.5 x 8” for “Brooks’ Military And Traveling Writing Case, weight but eight ounces.“ Features a motif of flags in blue and red. A fun, ephemeral item!
    (Est. $40-60)

620. Union loyalty oath requirement. On January 29, 1865 Mr. F. Houghton, a native of New York, like other civilians at that time living in the South, was required to sign an oath of allegiance to the U.S. This oath was administered by the Army at Hilton Head, SC, the base of operations for the Union blockade. An interesting, somewhat scarce document, 11 x 9” in an archival frame.  (Est. $250-300)

First responders:
The Philadelphia Greys

621. CURTIN, Andrew. (1817-94) Partly-printed D.S. as Governor of Pennsylvania, 1p. 17 x1 9”, [Harrisburg], Feb. 14, 1861, an appointment of Alexander Thackara of Philadelphia as a “Second Lieutenant of the Philadelphia Greys…” The Philadelphia Grays (also known as the National Greys) were an old Philadelphia militia regiment that offered its services to Governor Curtin on April 9, 1861 and served for 3 months in defense of the Union. Minor fold splits, else fine condition. Offered together with a printed card, 4 x 6”, an invitation to the “NATIONAL GREYS ANNIVERSARY SOIREE” of 1844. Toned, else very good. Together, two (2) pieces.   (Est. $150-250)

622. An intriguing war-date partly-printed Confederate leave of absence, issued to Maj. Francis E. Whitfield, Mobile, [Ala.], Aug. 21, 1863, in part: “we hereby certify, that we have examined Col. [Francis Eugene] Whitfield, provost marshal, Polk’s Corps, and find him unfit for duty because of the effects of gunshot wound of scrotum…“. Made official by examining board President E. H. Kelly and Asst. Surg. J. C. Whiting, the pass is approved by the Medical Director. During the battle of Shiloh, Maj. Whitfield personally captured Col. Wm. T. Shaw, 14th Iowa, at the Hornet’s Nest. Shortly thereafter, he was shot in the [sensitive groin-area]  while leading a line of skirmishers against the Federals. He remained unfit for field duty until after the battle of Chickamauga, where he served as Polk’s provost marshal. Soon after this pass was issued, Whitfield was arrested by Gen. Braxton Bragg who was under the impression that the wounded officer was going to Richmond to plot against him. Returning to duty, Whitfield was again wounded during the battle of Resaca and he ended his military career after being paroled in 1865 as colonel of the 9th Miss. Negligible paper loss at upper margin and corner, else fine. Obtained from CSA Gen. Leonidas Polk’s family papers.   (Est. $300-$500)

623. Pennsylvania Bucktail Documents, a Gettysburg KIA. A great pair of party-printed war-date Union casualty claim documents for a young private of the 149th (Bucktails) PA Vols. who was killed in action on the first day during the battle of Gettysburg “by reason of a Minnie ball through the head.” Both documents, 1p. 4to., Bealton, Va., August 17, 1863 either serve to inventory Urich’s personal effects at the time he was killed or to act as his official military death certificate – signed and made official by his commander Lt. John G. Batdorff who was captured at Gettysburg on the same day. Near fine. (Est. $200-$300)

624. “LINCOLN’S OWN” REGIMENT – Extraordinarily rare letterhead of “The President’s Life Guard” at 596 Broadway, NY, bearing Miss Liberty and Union shield. An ALS by C(harles) K. Whitney, “Major / President’s Life Guard”, 22 July 1861, in which he advises Capt. (Josiah G.) Beckwith of a “telegram from Col. Goodwin… stating that we are accepted by the Secretary of War and ordered to be mustered into service… We will accept your company… if you will join us immediately. We must march to the seat of war… Barracks and rations are all in readiness…” The “President’s Life Guard” was named in Abraham Lincoln’s honor and intended to furnish, at least in part, his personal security. The Life Guard was conceived by New York businessman Richard D. Goodwin, who, after a personal meeting with the President on June 25, 1861, received his promise that when Congress gave him authority to accept regiments for Federal service, he would take the Guard. It was the first unit to be mustered in under Lincoln’s July 4 call for 400,000 volunteers; this letter reflects an order sent by Lincoln to the War Dept. on this very same day stating “Col. Goodwin says he has a Regiment; & if so, let it be accepted.“ The Guard was meant to be composed of “picked men” of “moral character and temperate habits” who would fight “from principle”; as for himself, Goodwin claimed to be “for the Stars and Stripes, not gold nor empty titles.” Although he got publicity, barracks on Fulton Street in Brooklyn, and 1200 volunteers, Goodwin’s organization gradually collapsed due to lack of funds, poor officering, insubordination, fierce competition for recruits, and personal conflict with powerful New York Gov. Edwin D. Morgan. By August, Col. Goodwin was pleading with Lincoln for “protection” in the form of a supply order, and soon after told him that recruiting had failed. Lincoln nevertheless reiterated his pledge to accept the Guard, but by that time it was apparently moot. In October 1861 New York authorities consolidated some incomplete units as the 59th with the “President’s Life Guard” becoming Co. A of that regiment (but it retained, as a nickname, its proud original designation). The vagaries of the “President’s LIfe Guard” and Col. Goodwin’s relationship with Lincoln constitute a unique, unstudied incident in the life of the 16th President. Lincoln’s gratitude for the effort is indicated by his first written assignment to Edwin Stanton when the latter became Sec. of War: he asked that Goodwin be given a clerkship, adding “I am very earnest about this.” Goodwin testified at the drunkenness and disloyalty trial of Gen. McDowell, but is otherwise a ghost in the records of the rebellion. Whitney, the writer, a former New Hampshire militia colonel, was killed at Antietam in Sept. 1862 while a captain in the 59th. Material referring to this singular, little-known regiment is almost non-existent. (Est. $250-300)

625. Manuscript ledger book in marbled boards and deerskin spine, 10 x 7 1/2”, inscribed on the flyleaf “Chas. P. Bailey Comm-Serg’t 1st Mass V.A. Near Petersburg Va.” The original entries were made in the period 1838-1850, but later Sergeant Bailey added some interesting commentary: “Our Father who art in Washington, Uncle Abraham! Give us this day our daily ration of salt horse & Hard Tack.” or, “Here’s health to the sick, Honor to the Brave, Comfort to the wounded, And Freedom to the slave.” The end flyleaf is inscribed “Captured at Sussex C[ourt] H[ouse] Virga. Dec. 11th 1864. Sergt Chas. P. Bailey. 1st Mass. H[eavy]. Arty.” Binding somewhat loose. Bailey likely “liberated” this ledger at Sussex C.H. He was a “jig sawer” before entering military service, serving three years to the day.   (Est. $200-400)

Forget about the war…
in New York, take me out to the ball game!

626. [Civil War Era Baseball] Partly-printed Letter Signed “Chas E. King“ corresponding secretary of the “Oration Club”, 8 x 5” New York, April 7, 1862 To T. F. Norrwood of Newark, N.J. informing him of “A regular meeting of the National Association of Junior Base Ball Players will be held on Wednesday April 23, 62 [at] Mozart Hall 814 Broadway at 7 1/2 o’clock…” Accompanied by original transmittal envelope. The organization was founded in 1860 in reaction to the 1858 decision of the National Association of Base Ball Players to exclude junior clubs from the organization. Launched in 1860, the association was formed by young players (under age 21) from Brooklyn, Manhattan and neighboring areas. The group met several times over the next few years and became a sort of ‘minor league’, supplying the senior league with new players. During the course of the war, playing ball was apparently a great distraction – by 1864, a newspaper commented there were at least 58 junior clubs in the New York metropolitan area! The organization continued in existence until at least 1871. Usual folds, else fine. Likely the only extant example!   (Est. $500-700)