1862 Casey's Military Tactics Volume 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 $100 Confederate Bill Placed 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?
Missing 9th Georgia Soldier's envelope: Gettysburg!!!
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From a ledger page of items collected off the Gettysburg battlefield by a Mr. Bellows, a local souvenir hunter: Scouring battlefields immediately after a clash were popular pastimes during the CW, driven by both pure curiosity and sometimes financial motives. This plain envelope, 5" x 3", is marked "Paid 10" and postmarked "Apr. 18....CELLO" I am not sure if that is Monticello or there were other Southern towns with that ending. In any case, it is address to Mr. L. J. Copeland, Richmond, Va. Co. H "9" Regt. Geo. Vols. Archives indicate that Lucius J. Copeland came from Brooks County, GA, enlisting on 6/6/61 as a Private in Co "H" Ga. 9th Infantry, which lost heavily at Gettysburg and thereafter decimated in many battles. No further records of Copeland exist after Gettysburg, so we are unsure of his ultimate fate in those days. Did he die at that conflict or go A.W.O.L.???
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.
1862 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 Phinney's Calendar or Western Almanac
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A farmers Almanac for 1862 published by Breed, Butler & Co. in Buffalo. Tells about the predicted daily weather, the phases of the moon, and even the governing of the human body by the celestial constellations. Has a section of wise sayings and short stories of wry humor. Also, it has ads for current books and cure-all Medicinal products in the back. The ad for the Niagra Railroad Company shows commuters going to work in trolley cars pulled along by white horses!
Engraving: Floating Hospital Ship
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I believe that St. John's Guild is an old English Charity branch of one of the English Protestant Churches. It now seems to care mostly for the blind... Here is an engraving of a Civil War Hospital ship. It flies the flags of "St. John's Guild;" the Union flag; and I think the New York State flag. In nice condition. Image is 4 1/2" by 7", and overall page is: 7" x 10".
1862 Bayonet Exercizes Book by McClellan
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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.
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".
1824 Slave & Horse Tax Receipt Wyeth County
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Times have changed! This is a tax receipt that was issued by the tax collector of Wythe County, Virginia, and serves as a source of proof of the origins of the Civil War.
Issued in Virginia in 1824--36 years before the start of the American Civil War, this receipt verifies that taxes were paid on human property. This historical, partly stamped document acknowledges the receipt of the grand total $5.90 in tax monies for the year 1824 for, among other things, two slaves. And a total of $2.25 in taxes for 637 acres of land!
According to the receipt, the money was received from "Mr. Michael Brown" as tax for
Mr. Brown's name, along with other figures indicating debits and credits, is also handwritten on the back--Michael Brown must have owed some change for something. The document was folded twice times.
This receipt is perfect for framing. Overall measurements are approximately 1.5" x 6.50 inches. It would make an absolutely fascinating keepsake and topic of discussion hanging on the right wall....
An interesting document from a bygone, though difficult, period in American history when men and horses were considered the same kind of property!
1863 Forms Exempting NYC Fireman from Draft
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Original Civil War Signed Documents approving a Substiture sign-off to take the place for war duty for a NYC Active Fireman, who was drafted. This two page document consists of a "Voucher of Foreman and Secretary" for Hook & Ladder Co. #12, To Certify that Michael N. Salman is an active member of said Company performing active duty therein and has been drafted in the 8th Congressional District of the State of New York. Signed Sept. 5th, 1963." Another document that came with it: "Application of Active and Exempt Fireman Doing Active Duty". Signed by a notary and Certifies that, Philip Prendergast has been accepted as a Substutute for (Fireman) Michael N. Salman.
They both have a few very minor tears at folds and edges.
Civil War envelope with sad nostalgic poem
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This is a Civil War envelope sent from a soldier on September 18th, 1861 to his brother Eric Jones at home in Indiana. It has a sad poem about lost life printed on one side. No letter in it. Creepy & cool.
Coffin Family 1600s to 1900s Soldiers Scalps Docs
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This is a box of papers that recounts an amazing American Family's history from the 1600's in Massachusetts through the 1950's. First, we learn of a famous ancestor, Hannah Emerson Dustin who scalped 10 Indians in revenge for the killing of her baby (1697). The family was rich in both soldiers and statesmen. It spawned an original Ohio Supreme Court justice, doctors, and a prominent lawyer in its ranks. The German side of this clan arrived in New York and lived in the notorious "Five Points" section of NYC (see movie The Gangs of New York!) They went into the Civil War. One soldier had his foot blown off at Antietam, another was washed overboard from a troop ship! Most famed was colonial soldier Tristan Coffin who fought in Revolution. Besides the Osbornes fighting in the Civil War, there was physician John W. Coffin serving in The Phillipines during Spanish American War! Books and pamphlets have been written on the Coffin Family. They belonged to DAR and Colonial Settlers organizations. These papers likely came from the Graff descendants in Pittsburgh, PA. It is now being researched by an dedicated author of historical and Civil War books.
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