Included in this large archive are the images of Captain Blinn and his wife as well as a
detailed journal or diary kept by Captain Blinn while in prison. Also included is an archive of letters written while in
prison to his wife as well as the historic and important letter of his witnessing of the assassination of President
Lincoln. The archive is an extraordinary capsulation of this man’s experiences including two wartime diaries, 37
prisoner of war letters written from the actual prisons and of course the spectacular detailed letter about his
witnessing the Lincoln assassination. The Archive includes a great number of other pieces of ephemera and is truly
unique. No other such comprehensive archive involving both prison life and witness to the assassination is known to
exist to our knowledge.
The Captain Leonard Blinn, Archive
Leonard B Blinn (1837-1924)
Best known in the [Toledo] community as the man who caught Mary Lincoln’s handkerchief the night President
Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theater (from online bio)
At a young age he sailed the Great Lakes. In 1859 he married Caroline Seabert. Four children were born to them.
Leonard, Lucy, Carrie Blinn Stiger and Agnes Blinn Dexter.
A fine small leather-bound Bible is inscribed “presented to L.B. Blinn by his wife Carrie M. Blinn” and
beneath that is another inscription” …” he enlisted in the three months service April 1861, and it was
returned to me in September 1863 after he was taken prisoner of war.”
There are 2 large fine albumin photographs of Capt. Blinn, one with his wife and one with another Capt. Ring.
The Civil War began when Blinn worked for the Erie Railroad. He enlisted with the 21st Ohio Infantry at the first call.
He became lieutenant and eventually re-enlisted with the 100th Ohio infantry becoming captain and given command
of Company A, the 23rd Corps of Army of the Cumberland.
An 1863 diary has scattered bureaucratic notes as to supplies for his company but the 1st 30 days while
camped at Danville Kentucky give detailed accounts. Jan 3, 1863…. Just received the president’s
Emancipation Proclamation with the joyful news that Rosecrans has whipped Bragg…. Jubilee in camp!”
In September of 1863 he was captured at Telford Station, Tennessee and sent to Libby Prison until May 1864. While
being transported to Macon, Georgia he and Captain Hunt sawed out of the boxcar they were in. They were
recaptured and taken to the Macon prison. His account of capture and transport and life in prisons is maintained in
the diary from the day he was captured September 8,1863 sporadically till June 20, 1864. There are also 37 letters
he wrote home from various prisons, most with original envelopes and postal marking.
The POW diary: 6 pages of his escape April 16, 1864, 11pm from cars on train near Columbia, SC; He and
companion were on the lam for 5 days, encountered slaves, were given dinner by Confederate widow, whose
husband in the 25th Alabama was killed in battle. She was unaware that they were escaped Yankees,
questioned by Confederates thinking they were deserters, finding out that Sherman was not yet near Atlanta.
Most people they encountered were very despondent about the war. Blinn and his companion had traveled
close to 50 miles but finally while hiding could hear some Confederates looking for them and heard them say
that their dogs were on the track. “We saw very plainly that we were gone cases for when we raised up the
men saw us and we went directly to them, preferring to be taken by human beings than by dogs…. Their
captors were good to them and “he lodged us in jail and gave us a splendid supper. 22nd slept very well last
night and this morning Mr. Wilder[jailor] gave us ham and eggs for breakfast, and took us out under the
shade trees to wait for the train that is to convey us to our prison…23rd got off the train the same night….25th
Macon prison, Ga…. This is a hard looking place; it is worse than Libby.
From Macon he was transferred to another prison in Charleston. A yellow fever epidemic broke out and the prisoners
were moved to Columbia, South Carolina. He escaped again and was recaptured. He finally reached union lines on
Christmas morning 1864.
Captain Blinn was on hand the night President Lincoln was shot in Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C. The
handkerchief he caught that night was returned to the First Lady.
His stunning 1st hand account of Lincoln’s assassination he conveys in a 3-page letter to his wife the
morning of the death.
“Long before this reaches you will have heard of the nation’s calamity in the assassination of that o good
man and the father of our country, Abraham Lincoln. It has so happened that I was one of the spectators…I
saw the president and his wife enter their private box…
….” I heard the report of the pistol, the shrieks of Mrs. Lincoln, and saw the assassin jump on to the stage
and disappear through the rear of the theatre. His works sic semper tyrannis he spoke very distinctly as he
jumped from the box where he committed the murder” …
Such an excitement followed as I hope I may never witness again. It was found out instantly that the
president was assassinated. Women fainted and the police and military authorities were arresting every
suspicious person. The assassin has not been arrested yet. I will know him if I see him again.
The president expired this morning, the city is draped in mourning, bells are tolling and there is great
indignation against all rebel sympathizers…I am heartsick and cannot write more. Death to all traders is
heard on every corner.
…I saw the president after he was shot, also the pistol that he was shot with….”
In addition to the 2 wartime diaries, the 37 prisoner of war letters, there are a couple of other wartime letters, more
than 125 postwar family letters. Also, pre and post war Blinn family photographs.
Blinn wrote to his congressmen and 1867 telling of the atrocities of the Confederates to prisoners of war in detail. A
copy of that letter is in the archive along with transcriptions of letters and diaries, maps showing his positions during
the war.
Photograph of Capt. Blinn with Capt. George Rings also of 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was captured and held
in various prisons together. George Rings went into army with brown hair but came out with white hair due to
deprivations of prison camps for such an extended period.
George Rings enlisted on 8/6/1862, on 9/1/1862 he was commissioned Captain Co C 100th Ohio infantry. Blinn was
captain of company A.
POW 9/8/1863 Limestone Station, TN (Confirmed at Macon, Ga & Columbia, SC)
(Voted in Presidential Election at Camp Sorghum, Columbia, SC)
Monumental archive of POW letters, few comparable. Several Lincoln assassinations letters have sold for $30,000-
$40,000 in past. But no archive of soldier who suffered for over a year and a half in multiple prison of war camps and
such a spectacular 1st hand account of that night at Ford’s theatre exists.
The Perrysburg Blinn family made a lot of history. Clara Blinn is famously remembered as being captured by Indians
in 1868 with her 2-year-old son Will and later found dead by George Custer’s men after battle of Washita. Her
desperate note of capture is another great paper relic. “Clara Blinn Letter” institutionalized in Independence, MO. • The following is a detailed inventory of the Archive.
Grouping of Photographs, Letters, Diaries, Journal and Memorabilia from Captain Leonard B Blinn
Company A, 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 23rd Army Corps. Army of the Ohio -Captured at the Battle of Telford
Station, Virginia Limestone Station, IN, Sept 8, 1863, by Confederate General Jones.
Includes an eye-witness letter describing the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theater.
1) Bible, Copywrite 1859 – Presented to L.B. Blinn by his wife Carrie M. Blinn April 1861. Inscribed, “When he
enlisted in the three-month service, April 1861, and it was returned to me in September 1863 after he was
taken “Prisoner of War”.
2) Diary / Pocket Ledger / Roll Book / Enlistment book from June 8th – November 24, 1863 – for Co. A, 100th
Ohio Infantry -Example Clothes, shoes, etc.
a. Diary is written from Libby Prison – from October 1863 – discuses rations, letter receipts,
Thanksgiving cold weather, General Morgan visit, Confederates holding packages, Union raiders
near, prisoner, Lt Hammond was shot in the head by guard.
3) 1863 Pocket Diary – Starts Jan 1, 1863, at Danville, KY in camp – Jan. 30, 1863, Mentions Emancipation
Proclamation / Rosencrans has whipped Bragg / Captain Blinn very sick and rides in ambulance / bitter cold
March / snowed 15 inches / Court Marshall / mentions several people associated the regiment.
4) Over 125 family post war letters
PHOTOGRAPHS
2 -Large albumen prints of Captain Leonard B. Blinn in uniform and Caroline S. Blinn
Large albumen print of Captain Leonard B. Blinn and Captain Ring in uniform – 1865.
Large albumen print of daughter, Carrie Blinn – Taken in 1866
Large albumen print of L.B. Blinn’s home in Toledo, OH
Care de Visite of Captain Blinn
Carte de Visite of Captain Blinn
2 Post War Bust Portraits of L.B. Blinn
Post war photo of L.B. Blinn’s home
Post war photo of L.B. & Caroline Blinn
Imperial size silver-gelatin print of L.B. Blinn
Caroline Blinn in her later years
War Time Letters
Cover with US Stamp Letter Captain Blinn and another person – Mailed from Frankfort, KY Feb 18, 1863
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Nov. 18, 1863
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Sept. 14, 1863 - Gives names of others from the
100th Ohio that were captured and their status.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Nov. 1, 1863
Update letter - discusses needed food and supplies with instructions on how to send.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Nov. 13, 1863
-List food items needed. Hope of an exchange.
Cover w stamp & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Dec 9, 1863
-3 months since capture - discouraging news of exchange - more instructions on needed food and clothing –
Some insight in his daily life.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Dec. 10, 1863
-Ask wife to write more. Do not send any packages, rainy weather, and thirteen weeks since capture.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Dec. 20, 1863
-Mentions receipt of wife's letter. No prospect of exchange. Hoping for moderate winter. Four months since
capture.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Jan. 1, 1864
-Tells of Christmas & New Years with Captain Hunt. Celebrated by cooking a chicken pie and oysters. Ask
wife for more provisions.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Jan. 20, 1864
-Received four letters from wife. Asked for overcoat. Still hopes of exchange. He describes himself as a ragged
"lousy" (body Lise [sic] looking fellow.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Jan. 24, 1864
-Sunday. Mentions the reading the Bible, bright weather and he would enjoy a long walk. Four men have
died. References them by name.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Feb. 1, 1864
-Receipt of wife's letter. Rebel authorities have issued an order allowing only one letter with six lines.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Feb. 8, 1864
-Lt Ballou of the regiment died in prison. Misses his daughter. Write often.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Feb. 14, 1864
-Receipt of two letters. He has eaten all the corn bread. Ask not to send boxes of provisions because they
are not arriving.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison Feb. 22, 1864
-Ask about property at home to buy. Ask wife's father to be on the lookout.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison March 6, 1864
-Six months since taken prisoner. No hopes of release. Received several letters from wife.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison March 13, 1864
-Haven't received boxes from home. Disappointed that an exchange has not occurred. "I'm as lean as a
racer.''
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison March 21, 1864
-Some officers have been exchanged. Hope he can get home soon.
Cover (U.S. Ship 3 cent) Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison .. March 28, 1864
-Many happy recipients from the contents of boxes of provisions. Seven months since confinement.
Enlistment going well at home.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison April 4, 1864
-Glorious news of exchange. Suppose to occur in less than a month. Hope for a furlough once released.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison April 11, 1864
-Exchange news is discouraging. No letters from home. High water and flooding in the prison basement.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison April 20, 1864
-Hope wife has paid all bills and mortgage on the house. Lt Duncan Forsyth shot dead two weeks ago by an
accidental discharge of a gun in the hands of a rebel guard. His remains were sent to Toledo. Poor fellow had no
warning. I stood but a few feet from him. The ball entered in the left eye and came out at the back of his head. His
brains and skull were scattered all over his chair and the floor. It killed him instantly. He hardly uttered a groan. It was
the most humble thing I ever witnessed.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Libby Prison May 2, 1864
-Eight months since capture. Hoped to be out by now. Growing old very fast. Talks about having the blues
throughout the day.
Cover (Old Comfort, VA post mark) & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Danville Prison No. 3 May 9, 1864
-Removal from Richmond. Quarters are miserable. Expect to be sent to Georgia. Doesn't know how to direct
wife's letters. Instructs wife to write often and direct through Richmond.
Cover (Old Comfort, VA post mark) & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Camp Macon, GA
- May 29, 1864
Left Danville on the 11th for this place. Captain Hunt and Blinn escaped on the train ride by getting
out of a hole cut in the cars . We got out when the train was running. We were out five days when we were
recaptured. We suffered a great deal for want of water and eatables. They caught us by putting the dogs on our
tracks and running us down: If it had not been for the hounds, we would have been home in the middle of June. Asa
got out the same night and he was recaptured. Many officers are sick, and this prison is worse than Libby.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at Prison Yard, Charleston, S.C. Aug. 2, 1864
-Arrived on the 29th of July with 600 officers. Quarters are in the jail. Some officers have been exchanged.
The Confederate officers are courteous and the guard around us are kind set of men.
Hopes for an exchange. Not sure he can survive for much longer.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at C.S. Military Prison, Charleston, S.C. Aug. 13, 1864
-Permitted to write. Three months since receipt of wife's letters. Asked for money to be deposited in City
Bank so he can draw a draft against it. Health improving.
Cover & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at C.S. Military Prison, Charleston, S.C. Aug. 28, 1864
-Four months since receipt of a letter. Health not good. Asked for a $10 gold piece and a $20 green-back.
No boxes allowed.
Cover (Port Royal, SC post mark) Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at C.S. Military Prison, Charleston, S.C.
Sept. 4, 1864
-Still haven't received a letter over four months from his wife. Received letter from Capt. Hunt. Capt.
McWilliams exchanged. Four days shy of his one year anniversary of captivity. Sends love to his wife and daughter.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at C.S. Military Prison, Charleston, S.C. Sept. 13, 1864
-Finally received letters from wife. No prospect of getting released. Gave instructions to his wife for specific
clothing and pain killer, soap paper and envelopes. Haven't received any money yet.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at C.S. Military Prison, Charleston, S.C. Sept. 17, 1864
-Gave an update on officers from home. Asked father for $25 or more. More instructions on how to send
packages.
Cover (Port Royal, SC post mark) & Letter to father from Captain Blinn while at C.S. Military Prison, Charleston, S.C.
Sept. 17, 1864
-Asked father for money and he gave the same list of needed clothing, etc. Health okay considering.
Cover (Port Royal, SC post mark) & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at C.S. Military Prison, Charleston, S.C.
Sept. 28, 1864
-Wrote for clothing and money but none has arrived. $10 gold piece from father made it to him. Two other
offers exchanged but no prospect for Blinn. Sends love to wife and daughter.
Cover (Port Royal, SC post mark) & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at C.S. Military Prison, Columbia, S.C.
Oct. 16, 1864
-Moved to Charleston. Wrote for clothing and in need. Almost naked. Asked for beans and onions. Officer
Asa died yesterday. Very sad news. Hoping to be released soon.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while at C.S. Military Prison, near Columbia, S.C. Nov. 18, 1864
-Hoping wife is able to draw his pay. No money has been received. Asked for a specific box of food items
since packages are no allowed. Also, in need of clothing. Asked for his wife and daughter's photographs.
Cover w 3 cent stamp & Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while in Washington, DC April 12, 1864
-The war department will not pass any person from any southern ports. Blinn hopes he will be returning
home soon. In less than a week or two. Could not get passage.
Letter to wife from Captain Blinn while in Washington, DC April 15, 1864
-Captain Blinn personally describes in great detail the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the
aftermath as the police and military authorities searched for the killer.
Post War letter dated Oct 21, 1867 to Wm. Munger, Findley, OH
- Captain Blinn letter overviewing the treatment while a Confederate prisoner. A very good recap detailing the
treatment, conditions, etc.
Continued
Memorabilia
Reunion handkerchief - 10th annual reunion of the 100th Ohio - Sept. 2, 1885, Reunion Ribbon - Blue- 100th Ohio
Sept. 1885
Post war newspaper clippings
Dry goods receipt Perrysburg, OH 1863
Dry goods receipt Miller & Co. Oct 18, 1865
Merchant Insurance Co. of Hartford receipt August 1863
American Express receipt Sept. 11, 1865
Church Board of Trustees letter
Indenture - Pre-printed April 1862
1860 - Handwritten dry goods receipt
Marriage certificate 1882
1865 - Treasury office Wood Co. Ohio
12+ letters written by or on Erie railroad letterhead letter Five Wartime envelopes
Blueprint of Blinn Farm
Measurement: Custer Medal: 3.5" x 1.125"; Custer Monument Badge: 5.25" x 1.75”;
GAR Medal: 3.25" x 1.75"
Additional Information: Unique gold and blue enamel badge designed by General
Custer in camp [Virginia], 1864 and produced by Tiffany & Co. to his exact
specifications. Custer’s original drawing is found among Custer family affects at the
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. The only recipients of these
medals were directly commissioned to Tiffany of New York by George Armstrong
Custer. Medal is composed of star with “6” representing 6th Michigan Cavalry above
Maltese cross with “CUSTER” emblazoned “TUEBOR” at the bottom from state seal of
Michigan meaning “I Will Defend.” Reverse is engraved “Capt. Henshaw / 6th Mich.
Cav.” suspended from gold crossed sabers on gold ribbon. It would be most interesting
to ascertain why Custer made Capt. Henshaw a recipient of his valor medal, but like the
few other recipients, only two are the citations known.
Capt. Albert T. Henshaw (1835-1913) enlisted on 9/2/1862 at Bowne, Michigan as a
1st Sergeant. He was promoted to lieutenant in May 1863 and to captain July 1, 1864.
He mustered out in July 1865 while fighting Indians as part of Michigan cavalry brigade
in Montana. After his service, Albert worked as a carpenter in Grand Rapids where he
was a member of Custer Post #5 of the GAR. The lot includes: Grand Army of the Republic Veteran's Medal. These were presented shortly after the
Civil War. 5-Point star shape with representation of reconciliation of soldiers on obverse,
army corps badges on reverse. Bronze. Attached to an American flag patterned ribbon.
No pin at top.
Custer Monument 1910 Pinback Button with Gold-Colored Ribbon, June 4, 1910,
Monroe, Michigan, 1.5" diameter (button), 2" x 3.5" (ribbon). This pinback with a profile
of George Armstrong Custer and the dates "1839-1876" was used to commemorate the
unveiling of the Custer Monument at Monroe, Michigan. The button is very good with
foxing and wear. The ribbon is good with typical fraying and fabric losses.
MAPS BATTLE-FIELD OF GETTYSBURG. POSITIONS OF TROOPS
BY JOHN B. BACHELDER (Bachelder, John B. (John Badger), 1825-1894.)
• Map of the Battlefield of Gettysburg, July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1863: First Day's Battle
• Map of the Battlefield of Gettysburg, July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1863: Second Day's Battle
• Map of the Battlefield of Gettysburg, July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1863: Third Day's Battle
Published by authority of the Honorable Secretary of War, office of the Chief of
Engineers, U.S. Army, 1876; Positions of troops compiled and added for the
Government by John B. Bachelder Gettysburg battlefield. Battle fought at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1st, 2d & 3d, 1863 by the
Federal and Confederate armies, commanded respectively by Genl. G. G. Meade and Genl. Robert E. Lee
Bachelder’s maps are a tour de force of Civil War-era mapmaking and difficult to
find in a complete set…let alone bound.
Inspired by European military tradition, U.S. Army Engineers published maps for most
major battles shortly after the war. However, the Gettysburg after-battle maps were not
published until 1876. In comparison to the others, they are quite remarkable. Their
production resulted from the collaboration of a civilian, John Bachelder, and a team of
Army surveyors under the direction of noted mapmaker, Gen. G. K. Warren. These
topographic surveys were so detailed that the resulting maps, issued at a scale of 1-
inch equals 1,000 feet, used four-foot contours and shading to represent the terrain.
Three maps, rather than one, documented the positions and movements of the armies
during the battle. Bachelder’s colored bird's-eye views show the topography of the
battlefield by the perspective of the drawing, shading, and coloring. Drainage,
vegetation, roads, and streets; railroads, bridges, houses and names of residents,
fences, points of interest on the battlefield, including designations of places where
officers were killed or wounded, are indicated. Amazingly locations of the corps,
divisions, brigades, etc. of both armies, with the names of commanding officers, are
given in detail. Badge symbols are used to identify the Federal corps.
Bachelder spent eighty-four days in Gettysburg after the battle. Purportedly U.S.
General-in-Chief Winfield Scott was so impressed by the map that he introduced
Bachelder to President Abraham Lincoln.
Editions of the maps are within the collection of the Library of Congress which describes
it as “Colored bird’s-eye view showing the topography of the battlefield by the
perspective of the drawing, shading and coloring.”
Bachelder became an acknowledged national expert on the battle. He worked with the
Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association in preserving select features of the
battlefield. In 1893 he was appointed to a three-man commission responsible for
marking the battlefield, however he died the following year.
John Bachelder (1825-1894) was a painter, lithographer, photographer, and historian.
Early in his career he produced an important body of work depicting sites and cities in
the northeastern United States. On his own initiative he traveled to Gettysburg
immediately after the battle, where he spent as previously stated no fewer than 84 days
traversing the field, making sketches, and interviewing many eyewitnesses of the
events. Later that year he published the spectacular detailed bird’s-eye view of
Gettysburg. He went on to become the preeminent 19th-century historian of the battle
and for years served as director of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association.
This rare and most important survivor was purchased at a sale of the effects of Major
General Ambrose E. Burnside by well-known artist Charles De Wolf Brownell at Bristol,
Rhode Island in November of 1881.
Two Related Autographed Letters, Signed, on Lined paper, 1864
Ambrose Burnside and Governor K. Warren A fine pair of letters: an autograph letter
signed, "G. K. Warren Maj. Genl Vols.," 7.5" x 9.5", "Hd. Qurs. 5th A.L.," November 2,
1864 to General Lorenzo Thomas in Washington, acknowledging "...the receipt of my
letter of appointment as Major of Engineers..." Together with a letter signed "A. E.
Burnside," 7.5" x 9.5", "Head Qrs. 9th Army Corps Front of Petersburg, Va," June 24,
1864 to Thomas P. Dickerman. Burnside writes in part, "I am very sorry to find that your
increasing ill-health should require you to leave the service, but I am not surprised at the
effect of the fatigue of this severe campaign upon your constitution. If affords me great
pleasure to say to you before you leave, that while with my Head Quarters your
Services have always been more cheerfully and faithfully rendered, and have been in
every way acceptable - I trust that in the change of scene and quite attentions of home
you may find a sure restoration to health..." Both letters are in excellent condition. Nicely
matted together with gold accents and ready for framing.
Burnside Carbine by the Burnside Rifle Company, 54 Caliber percussion Breechloader
Designed by Ambrose Burnside, Treasurer & Partner of Bristol Firearms Company Date/Period: 1860-1862, Serial Number: 1761
Measurement: 21” .54 Caliber barrel
Material: Walnut Stock
Condition: Mostly brown with scattered fading to smoky gray, speckling, smooth action.
Sliver of wood missing from stock [2.75”] above lock. Surface of stock
appears to be original, robust patina. Bore shows roughness, just okay.
Additional Information: This carbine has 21" round barrel with pinched blade front sight, there
is no two-position flip rear sigh. Receiver displays Burnside's patent mark: BURNSIDE PATENT
/ MARCH 25 / 1856. Lockplate marked: BURNSIDE RIFLE CO. / PROVIDENCE R.I., lever
marked: G.S. FOSTER PAT. / APRIL 10TH 1860. Mounted with straight grain, American walnut
stock with carbine buttplate and a sling swivel on bottom, sling bar and ring on left side.
Cabinet Card, Portrait of Ambrose Burnside, Signed Gen. A.E. Burnside
Hurd / 257 Westminster Street, Prov. R.I.
The entire lot, Maps, letters, carbine and cabinet card at $22,825.00
Additional Information: Gold and Gold Quartz Cane, California, c. 1872, the gold knob
top centering an octagonal faceted gold quartz stone, the paneled collar with original
presentation inscription "Martin White/Jan. 25th, 1872/James Mayberry," and secondary
presentation inscription "to Gen. Samuel Breck 1900," on a tapering koa wood shaft
indigenous to Hawaii. The cane terminates with a 1.5-inch ferrule. This is a
marvelous/historic example that once belonged to a West Point graduate, Indian fighter,
Civil War participant, and General.
The large gold and gold quartz knob handle measures 2.5-inches high and 1 1/2”
across the top. Set within the top in a gold bezel containing a 1.25-inch faceted and
polished gold quartz stone containing polished raw gold flecks and is free of cracks or
fissures. The eight panel sides are decorated with elaborate engraving, four of which
have matching engraving. Three panels are inscribed: “Martin White”, “Jan 25th, 1872”,
and “James Mayberry”, which was the first presentation. The fourth panel is inscribed: “To Gen. Samuel Breck, 1900”. (This cane was given to General Samuel Breck after his
retirement from his Adjutant General post in the U.S. Army in 1900. It was originally
presented to Martin White by James Mayberry in 1872.)
Breck was born 25 February 1834; Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
Died: 23 February 1918 (aged 83) Brookline, Norfolk County, Massachusetts
Married to Caroline Juliet Breck. Father of Samuel J. Breck. Graduate of United States
Military Academy at West Point, New York, on July 1, 1855. Served in the Third
Seminole War. Professor of Geography, History and Ethics at West Point. First
lieutenant and captain in the 1st United States Artillery from 1861 to 1862. Assistant
adjutant general under General Irvin McDowell on November 29, 1861. Brevetted
brigadier general on March 13, 1865 for "diligent, faithful and meritorious services
during the war". He served until he retired in 1898, serving the last year as Brigadier
General, and Adjutant General of the Army.
Inscription above, HARTFORD WIDE-AWAKES, two stars centering; center displays a
marcher wearing the uniform of the Lincoln Wide-Awake club, carrying a cane and
lantern. Reverse: inscription above, ORGANIZED, centered by five stars to right and left
above MARCH THIRD; center: a uniformed marcher carrying a torch light; below, 1860.
Struck in Waterbury, Connecticut early in campaign. Brass, reeded edge, 28mm
2.Sullivan AL 1860-41
Obverse. Inscription: HON. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, at the center, beardless bust of
Lincoln to right with ELLIS (engraver) on truncation and 1860 below. Reverse.
Inscription around above, THE RAIL SPLITTER OF THE WEST; at the center, the rural
scene depicting Lincoln and assistant splitting rails, log cabin at right.
Plain edge. Brass; struck by Ellis at Waterbury, Connecticut.
3.Satin Ribbon Commemorating the Unveiling of Connecticut's Civil War
Governor William A. Buckingham’s Statue
A rare ribbon issued in 1884 commemorating the unveiling of the statue honoring
William A. Buckingham on the lawn of the State Capitol in Hartford, Connecticut. The
statute was executed by Olin L. Warner of New York. Governor Wailer uncovered the
statue and an address was delivered by United States Senator Orville H. Platt. The
ribbon is 2 3/8" wide by 6 1/4" in length.
4.Satin Ribbon, Gold Embossed: BUCKINGHAM DAY – JUNE 18, 1884, MAYOR
Measurement: Height: 2.5"; diameter: 7.125"; length at handle: 10"
Material: Copper and brass
Condition: Fine
Additional Information: A straight sided copper bowl of dovetail construction featuring a brass tab handle
with copper hanging ring…the tab impressed “Nettie Walworth Sisson” who was born 9 October 1845 in
New Bern, North Carolina; she married Colonel Henry Tillinghast Sisson in 1864. Nettie Sisson purportedly
nursed wounded and sick soldiers during the Civil War. She died young, at age 22 on March 23, 1868 and
is buried in Union Cemetery, Little Compton, Newport County, Rhode Island.
Henry Tillinghast Sisson (August 20, 1831 – October 19, 1910) was a colonel in the Union Army during the
American Civil War, a lieutenant governor of Rhode Island from 1875 to 1877 serving under Governor
Henry Lippitt, and inventor of the three-ring binder. He was a lifelong resident of Little Compton, Rhode
Island. Sisson was commissioned as a lieutenant and paymaster for the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia
(aka. 1st Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry Regiment) in May 1861 and served until the regiment was
mustered out in August 1861. He participated in the Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1961 under General
Ambrose Burnside. In April 1862 he was commissioned as major of the 3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery
and commanded three companies (B, F and K) of that regiment at the Battle of Secessionville, South
Carolina. On November 5, 1862 he was promoted to colonel and given command of the 5th Rhode Island
Infantry which became the 5th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery on May 27, 1863. Colonel Sisson was
mustered out of service, along with his regiment, on June 26, 1865. Sisson, a Republican was elected to
the office of Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island in 1874 and served from 1875 until 1877.
Nettie Walworth Sisson.
Additional Information: Scrimshawed cow and American flag…dyed. Private Clement
Fenton enrolled in the New Jersey Volunteer Infantry August 25, 1862 mustered in as a
Private in Company B on September 13, 1862. He served through the December 1862
Fredericksburg campaign, and the May 1863 Chancellorsville Campaign; honorably
discharged out of Company A, 4th New Jersey Militia June 27, 1863. He and his wife
Mary had three children. The piece was made for Mary Frances Coy, born 1892.
The decoration ornamenting the interior of sides appears to be original while the eagle,
cross flags and shield was likely added during the Civil War as was the gold leaf
scrolling that conforms to bowed ends of waiter. (24.75" x 17" x 1.5")
This small, 6 by 3.75”, 82-page book, contains the autographs and annotations of approximately 157 Confederate company grade officers held prisoner at Point Lookout, Maryland. Many of the names are those of officers captured at Cheshire, Ohio while serving in General John Hunt Morgan’s division. During this fruitless “raid”, which occurred July 2 – 26th, 1863, most of Morgan’s force was captured, killed or reported missing. There are also the names of officers who were captured at Shiloh in 1862, as well as Gettysburg, Spotsylvania Court House, Petersburg and places in between.
In spite of the miserable conditions they were subjected to, the remarkable spirit of these men shines through in their short messages:
W. Kendall, 1st Lieut., Co.A, 3rd Ky Cav. From Pilot Point, Denton County, Texas had a wife and 3 children “...from whom I have not heard since the 18th of Jan 1863: but am content knowing that they are in the hands of Him by whose aid we expect eventually to succeed in the present struggle for independence...”
Benj. J. Lancaster, Lieut., Co. K, 8th Ky Cav. From Lebanon, Kentucky:
“...When the war is o’er
And not before
Will I go home
Base cowards shrink
Fools stop to think
Till Freedom is gone”
John D. Boyan, 1st Lieut., Co. A, 6th Regt. Ky Cav. From Danville, Boyle Co. Ky.
“...I am twenty six years at age unmarried, but hope soon to see the independence of my country recognized, peace established when I can ask some fair one to accompany me along the remaining portion of life’s journey.”
Francis A Boyle, 1st Lt & Adjt, 32 N.C. I. From Plymouth, N.C.
“There are three things that I desire with an exceeding longing – a Sword, a Wife, and my Freedom”
There is even a note that may clear up how Miss Morfit, a lady living in Baltimore, came to be in possession of this wonderful little book.
Lieutenant Bills of the 32nd Miss. Vol. Regt. Wrote:
“...was captured near Lafayette, Ga on the 10th of Sept / ’63 while on picket – Have been a beneficiary of the generous kindness of the many lady friends of Confed. [sic] Prisoners and feel truly grateful.”
Many, on both sides, regarded Baltimore as a Southern city and there were many living there who sympathized with the Confederate cause. Perhaps Miss Carrie C. Morfit was one of them.
Printed & manuscript document signed by DeWitt Clinton, Governor of New York, March 24, 1821;
embossed seal and signature of secretary; framed with engraved portrait.
Normal folds, very fine condition overall; Frame: 25.5 x 15.5"; document: 11.25 x 8".
Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) graces this cabinet photo with her full-name signature; the
mounted sepia portrait grades near mint, photo measures 4.25” x 6.5”, and features a well-
known profile image of the author in here later years. Stowe’s black-ink script rates “10” and
contrasts beautifully against the white lower margin. A large and attractive imprint on the
reverse advertises photographer “Geo. H. Hastings” of Boston. This item has been examined by
the PSA/DNA…EXCELLENT
Interesting letter by the Mass. Gov who recommended and Commissioned the Mass. 54th of
"Glory" fame, and perhaps the most famous Civil War regiment. Not Transcribed: See images and
read for yourself. 6 x 8" 2 folded pages with writing, two blank pages. Folds, minor tear at fold
seam, but overall good.
Broadside, Civil War. Confederate Song Sheet “When This Cruel War is Over.”
(1862) Civil War Era Confederate Song Sheet titled “When This Cruel War is Over.”, by
Charles C. Sawyer, Fine. This original Confederate Song Sheet measures 9” x 6.5”
published by J. C. Schreiner & Son, Savannah, GA., sold by Horace Partridge, Boston.
Text enclosed by an ornate border. Edge splits along all edges, paper loss at top,
scattered spotting.
-Four Pictorial Envelopes, Unused.
-1864 Commissioner of Pension Report, worn
-Boston Almanac 1860 with folding maps well worn
some splits and tears to maps, rough
-Essay on Man, 1842 universal prayer, worn
2 Sided Partially Printed Document, Obverse: United States of America; An Act for the Government and
Regulation of Seaman in the Merchants' Service; Printed Names of Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg,
John Adams, and George Washington. Obverse is the full Act in 3 columns. Reverse is an agreement
between Ship Masters, Seaman and Mariners filled out by Master, specifically spelling out the terms
of the agreement including the Ship, Destination, Duration, List of all names Master and Crew, Place
and Date of Entry; Names Rank or Role, Witness of Signing (preventing sailors going unwillingly),
Advance Wages, day wage rates, and Full/final wages. In summary, the Ships Master is responsible to
meet the terms of the contract and is likely to be checked at each U.S. Port. This act went a long
way in protecting the rights of the seamen and ensured that they got paid per agreement. An
important piece of Maritime Law. This 2 sided partially printed document is framed so either side
can be displayed and shows handsomely both ways. Not inspected out of the frame, but apparently
legible. Ship Master is Henry Barnard, and also carried a 10-man crew. Fascinating piece of U.S.
Maritime Law and History. Folds, creases include some small losses at folds and some small text
loss. See pictures for detail. Many names to research!
(View area: 11.5" x 15"; overall: 13.5" x 17")
$1,475.00
1039-49
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