1862 Ambulance Inventory for Corps in the Army of the Potomac
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A well preserved document on a large sheet heavy paper that folds open, listing all Ambulances and Spring Wagons
in the various Corps of the Army of the Potomac.
1862 Casey's Military Tactics Vol. II
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A very popular manual for troops during the war; demonstrates formations, wheeling-reforming, and general rules of engagement. This from "Bureau of Navigation-Navy Dept." Some penciled notes. Good shape. Spine tight.
1862 Children's Book with a $100 Confederate Note Inside
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Within the pages of this children's book was hidden an original 1862 $100 Confederate note! This edition of "Willy and His Dogs" was released by the American Baptist Publication Society in Philadelphia during the Civil War period. One is surely left to wonder why, how, and who?
1862 Missouri Soldier's Letter home with dramatic Letterhead
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Look at the letterhead on this 1862 soldier's letter. the vignette shows a soldier dreaming of home and presents a haunting poem. Think how many men saw these words on their own letters and never returned from the nightmare of war to the sweet reality of their wife and families.. Fames Sherry writes to his sister from New Florence, Mo. in February of 1862. It mentions shooting some rebels the other night and a big fight at Fort Henry.
Golden Leaflets: Small Book of Philosophy
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Small pocket-sized books of philosophy or wisdom called tracts were popular reading and often presented as gifts to family/friends prior-to and during the Civil War. Such philosophy was often carried to war and read in camp at night, particularly during period of long winter inactivity. These small books traveled easily from home in a trunk, backpack or being delivered by wagon later as presents. People at home often sent "care packages" by Express Services, containing jarred foods, dried meats, beverages, stamps, writing paper, socks, scarves, soaps and yes, even books. This is a compilation of poetry edited by J.M. Fletcher and published out of Boston in 1848. It is pencil-inscribed "To Charlie, A New Years Gift from his teacher...January 1860." Tucked in between some pages were bunches of cotton thread, leafs of clover and a small lithograph of a boat, possibly to mark important pages or refer to the readings. Very neat to see the thoughful side of citizen-soldiers at this time. 4 1/2" by 3". Pages: 128. Embossed dewsign on red cover with gold highlight to cover and spine.
1962 Atlantic Monthly: Sanitary Condition of Army
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The October 1862 issue of "The Atlantic Monthly" devotes half its volume to a very detailed report about the health and sanitary conditions of the United States (Union) Army, comparing rates of sickness and death to those of other countries during recent wars as-well-as the varied rates of survivorship in different Union Army Generals' divisions. There is much scientific speculation about cause-and-effect as well as suggestions for improvements which might reduce the horrendously high death rate from water, food and air-borne diseases. In reality, death from disease was higher than death from battle during the American Civil War.
1862 Bayonet Exercizes by McClellan/ Soldier ID'd
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This is a military book from 1862 focused on bayonet techniques written by George McClellan. It is inscribed by Lieutenant Foster Wood, Co.I of the
86th N.Y. Volunteers upon its front leaf. Also, on book's edges are written: "Co.E.","Co.E." and "Co.E. 86 N.Y." Perhaps this was the property of Company E either before or after it came into the possession of Lt. Wood who was with Company I. Many young officers kept such manuals with them for reference during the Civil War.
Two 1862 Tactics Books of 121-Ohio Capt. Blevin
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These are two volumes of the well-renowned Casey's Infantry Tactics books (1862) which were studied and carried along by many Union officers during the Civil War. With worn covers and slightly soiled pages, they show the use of references which were toted from camp to camp through heavy campaigning. On the rear leaf of one of these books is the smeared ink notation: Capt. Williams Bevin Company C Ohio." Indeed, the Civil War Personnel Data Bank reveals a 26 year-old William Bevin who served in the hard-fough 121-st Ohio Regiment from 9/11/62 through 8/18/64 (whereupon he transferred to VV Eng till end of war). Thus, these books accompanied the young officer through some pretty tough battles as the Union Army moved south step by bloody step. Early Field History of the 121-st Ohio: This regiment was organized at Delaware, Sept. 11, 1862, to serve for three years. It entered
Kentucky 985 strong, and participated in the fall campaign in
that state, the most stirring event of which was the battle of
Perryville, in which the regiment engaged at great disadvantage
and of course did not win for itself much reputation for mili-
tary efficiency. It remained in Kentucky doing guard duty un-
til Jan., 1863, when it was ordered to Tennessee. It remained
in that state during the summer and in the second day's fight-
ing became fully engaged at the battle of Chickamauga. In a
charge made by the regiment to save the only remaining road
into Chattanooga, it performed feats of bravery second to no
other in the army and won for itself an enduring name. It met
and vanquished the 22nd Ala. Confederate infantry, capturing
its colors and a majority of the regiment. But the loss of the
121st was severe - 19 killed, 77 wounded and 3 missing, who
were also probably killed. Falling back with the army behind
the entrenchments at Chattanooga, the regiment remained quiet
until the battles of Lookout mountain and Missionary ridge, in
which it took a prominent part. It then remained in camp until
it moved with the army on the Atlanta campaign.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Battle of the Monitor & Merrimac
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This is an original issue of the March 11th, 1862 Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper that recounts the battle of the Southern ironclad warship Merrimac as it wreaked havoc on the standard-wooden Union blockade warships when it was confronted by the plucky little Union "submarine" the Monitor. Technically, the Monitor was not actually submerged but rode so low in the water that only its heavily iron-clad turrent and flat sheathed-decking were exposed to enemy fire. It could thus stand-up against the shells of the iron-covered Southern vessel. Both tossed shells into one another's thick iron plating. A new era in Naval warfare had arrived! And by intimidating the bold Merrimac back into port, the Monitor saved many of the wooden Union frigates that found themselves so suddenly "unprotected" from such iron-vested assault ships... It is so interesting to read the excited "fresh" reports of the Northern newspaper correspondants concerning something that to us is now a quite famous pivotal moment in history: The actual Battle of the Monitor & Merrimac. The days of the wooden sailing ship were quickly coming to an end!
Thompson Independent Rifle Co 1863 PA. Defense
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This is a Wonderful Book that Documents Five Months of records for the: Thompson Independent Rifle Company raised in June 1863 to counter the Confederate push into Pennsylvania. Of course the Rebels were reeking havoc and alarm in south central Pennsylvania, trying to grab Harrisburg and train lines in order to force a Union armistice. So, hasty volunteer compaines were raised. This being one of them. William F. Rich was Captain. He enlisted on 6/29/1863 and was commissioned into "Rich's Company" of PA. Dept. Corps. Infantry. Although the CW Database says he mustered out on 7/8/1863, he is still listed as The Captain of this company through October 1863 when the reports ceased in this book. Also noted is thar C. Burchfield was Sergeant. There were 3 Officers listed in these reports and either 97 or 98 Enlisted Men. The company's Station (location) around the week of Gettysburg Battle is interesting to see written: July 1,2,3 they were in Philadelphia. By July 4th,1863 they were transported to "Camp Dana Curtin, Harrisburg, PA. Then, back to West Philadelphia by July 9th (since the Battle of Gettysburg had been won and the Confederates were retreating through Maryland southward.) An interesting notation tells how they were ordered "to proceed to West Philadelphia. That (we) were relieved from duty in the field to resume duty as Employees of Penna Rail Road Company for the present. That (they) still maintain organized drill weekly and be in readiness to march at an hour's notice." In September, an entry states "Private William Burr arrested by Order of Provost Marshall for dissertion." When mustered out Nov. 2, still under arrest with his Division. After October, the reports stop. The Company's enlistment period had expired and no current threat by Confederates to State of Pennsylvania then existed. There are about thirty blank Morning Report pages following in this book. Unclear when it was bound, but their is a bookplate in front "McLaughlin Brothers, Book and Job Printing; Binding, Ruling and Stationary; 112 & 114 South Third Street, Philadelphia." The spine of the book is broken. Pages are almost free from spine but they are in very nice preserved condition. The leather front & back covers are very good. So this book simply needs to be rebound along its spine someday. An awesome piece of history that ties right into the Emergency Troop Call-Up that was enacted to counter the 1863 Confederate Incursion into Pennsylvania which in essence led to the famed Battle at Gettysburg! Size: A big 15" by 11".
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