A slavery document signed in black ink. This unique document states: "The defendants offer in evidence the record of the First... to prove that the mortgage given by Mrs. Lefebre to her son produced nothing... having absorbed the entire proceeds of the property. It is admitted that at and before and since the sale of the slaves by Mrs. Lefebre to her son, they have lived together and that the slaves were her domestic servants". Signed, "Benjamin". Minor show-through, not affecting the signature.
Inventory Number: 13235
Printed Broadside signed in print by Col.George Lockley of the 1st Michigan Infantry, one page, 6" x 8", July 21, 1865, Jackson, Michigan, headed General Order - No. 15, issued to the troopers upon their discharge and being reminiscent of Robert E. Lee's Order number 9. In part: ""After four years' service we are now about to separate, to resume our duties as citizens. We have made our last march and fought our last fight together. You, my veterans, can go to your homes proudly. You have won a noble and glorious record. You have done your full share in putting down that unholy and cursed rebellion... Let us thank God that while so many of our gallant comrades have been stricken down, He has permitted us to return to those we love... Knowing, as I do, that you will ever conduct yourselves in civil life as you have as soldiers, I bid you farewell... "". The 1st Michigan Infantry saw actuion in the Seven Days battles before Richmond, 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania and the Appomattox campaign. They lost a total of 337 men during the war. George Lockley was 25 years-old when he enlisted in April 1861. He rose through the ranks and by war's end he was the colonel commanding the regiment. An extremely desirable Michigan broadside. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 13231
Civil War Union General. Autograph Document Signed, one page, 7.75” x 9.75”. Headquarters, Military Division of the Mississippi, In the Field, Raleigh, N.C., April 19, 1865. In full, “Major W.F. Haines of Genl Bowens Staff, a paroled officer with a servant & Mule has permission to travel with his horse and personal Baggage to any place within our Lines en route to his home in Missouri.” Signed, “W.T. Sherman/Maj Gen Comdg,” In excellent condition.
Confederate Major William F. Haines served as Quartermaster in the First Missouri Regiment under the command of General John S. Bowen. Just before the fall of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863, Maj. Haines was ordered by Gen. Bowen to destroy all remaining unissued Confederate currency to keep it from falling into Union hands. To relieve him of the responsibility of accounting for the destroyed bills, on February 16, 1864, Pres. Jefferson Davis signed a joint resolution of the Confederate Congress “providing for the relief of Maj. W.F. Haines.” In full, “Whereas, W. F. Haines, Quartermaster of Major General Bowen's division, immediately before the capitulation of Vicksburg was consummated, destroyed a large sum of treasury notes belonging to the Government to prevent said notes from falling into the hands of the public enemy: And whereas, the Treasury Department has no legal authority to give credit for the notes so destroyed: Therefore, Major W. F. Haines to have credit at the treasury for treasury notes destroyed. Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That the Treasury Department give the said Major W. F. Haines, in the settlement of his accounts as said quartermaster, credit for the amount of treasury notes belonging to the Government, which he may show by satisfactory evidence, to have been destroyed by him at Vicksburg, by order of Major General Bowen.” Gen. Bowen, 32 years old, was captured at Vicksburg and then fell ill with dysentery. He was paroled and died in an army ambulance on July 12, 1863.
Inventory Number: 13227
Slave Shackle, made of iron, 13.25" X 4", used to prohibit the free movement of one slave, or to shackle two slaves together, the left ankle of one and the right ankle of the other. Used primarily on slave ships to confine Africans to the lower deck. Acquired from Danny Drain, Curator and President of the Slave Relics Museum, Walterboro, South Carolina. Excerpted from Mr. Drain's letter to us, "...We have purchased a large collection of slave shackles from a South Carolina estate back in the fall of 1996, which also consists of slave collars and other restraints...Please Note: These are not law enforcement cuffs from the 1800's. Some people and even some experts confuse the law enforcement cuffs as being actual slave shackles...Slave shackles were...forged by Europeans or en-slaved Africans on the plantations...The middle passage shackles uses a chain through the rings and will lock at a stationary location on a slave ship...I have handled thousands of slave shackles over the years, and became one of the most reliable sources to authenticate slave shackles or any other restraint that were used on en-slaved Africans." Normal light rusting due to age. Overall, fine condition. Letter of Authenticity from Danny Drain accompanies this shackle.
Inventory Number: 13169
Found February 16, 1972 in Confederate Fort Huger near Suffolk, Virginia. The canister balls are about 3" in circumference. The fort was built by some 1000 slaves and free blacks in 1861. It took ten months to build and was captured 10 months later. Fort Huger was named after Thomas B. Huger, CSN who had served in the US Navy for 20 years before the war. He commanded a battery at Morris Island in Charleston Harbor, SC, in 1861 and was on the CSS McRae in New Orleans' defense. He was mortally wounded on April 24,1862.
Inventory Number: 12960
1" fired bullet. You can tell the bullet has been fired because of how the shape of the bullet is warped. The Minié bullet is a type of muzzle-loading rifle bullet named after co-developer, Claude-Étienne Minié. It came to prominence in the American Civil War. Found February 15, 1972 in Confederate Fort Huger near Suffolk, Virginia. The fort was built by some 1000 slaves and free blacks in 1861. It took ten months to build and was captured 10 months later. Fort Huger was named after Thomas B. Huger, CSN who had served in the US Navy for 20 years before the war.
Inventory Number: 12959
Civil War unexploded 1" siege ball from the U.S. Navy. Ball was found October 1970 in the side wall of Confederate Fort Huger near Suffolk, Virginia. The fort was built by some 1000 slaves and free blacks in 1861. It took ten months to build and was captured 10 months later. Fort Huger was named after Thomas B. Huger, CSN who had served in the US Navy for 20 years before the war. He commanded a battery at Morris Island in Charleston Harbor, SC, in 1861 and was on the CSS McRae in New Orleans' defense. He was mortally wounded on April 24,1862. Siege ball most likely fired between April and May of 1963 during the Siege of Suffolk.
Inventory Number: 12958
Civil War document regarding arms and ammunition ""Return of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores received, issued, and remaining on hand in Company E, 42nd Regiment Mass Vols Infantry, for First Quarter 1863"" Great descriptions of ordnance. ""Springfield rifled muskets, caliber .58, Springfield Smooth Bore Musket caliber 69/100, Bayonet scabbards for sword bayonets..."" and more like this. Includes cartridges, numbers of each, etc., Signed by John W. Emerson, Capt. 42nd Mass. 31 March 1863. Some slight wear but overall in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 12756
Man writes to his sister in Michigan from Grizzly Bear House, CA in July of 1864. He learns of his father's death. He writes of the ice and its affects on the peach trees. In part : The news from the war is verry good but some what to slow to suit me but I don't know as I ought to complain for the hart I take in it is not verry hard just pay taxes and stay at home well taxes is one necessary part of the war and some one has to fight while others pay but I do hope our folks that is the union folks will give the rebels such a thraching that they never will need an other and then there will be peace at home and abroad---- Letter is signed; From your Brother John. Written on a sturdy cream color paper. Has a few splits where at folds, also minor creases and stains, otherwise in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 12729
Civil War DEFENCE OF WASHINGTON DC. ALS 4 pages octavo, Washington DC, April 16th, 1861. Eyewitness account of the frenzied defence preparations and troops rushing to protect the nation's capital three short days after the fall of Ft Sumter and the beginning of the Civil War, written by a man in Washington who had just volunteered in the militia. President Lincoln had called for 75,000 volunteers for three months' service the day before, and our author has apparently heeded the call. He writes in part:
"We have been in a feverish state of excitement here for a week, but things are becoming more settled. People are making up their minds that war must come, and governing themselves accordingly and in stead of being afraid many are eager for the contest... If there is fighting here it will not be in the city but outside and no hostile army can invade it. I consider myself Personally about as safe here as I should be in Appleton... there are soldiers constantly on duty in all parts of the city ready to quell any outbreak, so you need not be anxious about my own safety."
The letter includes some grousing that the author (A. B. Jackson, as determined by other letters in the acquired lot) did not get an officer's appointment in the newly-formed militia unit due to some friction with someone involved. He declares his determination that he will get that appointment "if it takes all summer". Fine contrast with practically no wear aside from a small damp spot on the outside edge of the letter as folded, not affecting any words. A marvelous eyewitness account of the fevered preparations in the first 72 hours of the Civil War.
Inventory Number: 12728
Civil War Antique Traveling Inkwell. The Inkwell measures 2” in diameter by 1 ½” tall and is marked on the inside lid with a double Eagle Head. The leather piece in this Civil War traveling Inkwell is in very good condition as is the glass inkwell itself. The Nickel Plated Brass Case is also very good condition including the leather.
Inventory Number: 12726
Front Page Headline reads "The Bill Abolishing Slavery in the District of Columbia Passed the House." Newspaper "The Detroit Free Press", April 12, 1862. 19" x 26", 2 pages. Has a blow by blow account of the debate among the members of the House and the various amendments associated with the bill. It concludes "The bill was passed, 93 agains 39." Also includes local, national and international news, as well as "News From the South." Some small tears at the left hand margin, not affecting text. A diagonal crease runs across the top half of the paper, and a small piece of yellow tape has adhered to the top margin. Overall in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 12719
Original Civil War half plate (4.5" x 7") tintype showing a Rodman naval and siege cannon with 6 unidentified individuals posing by the cannon. Rodmans were among the heaviest and most powerful guns of the Civil War. Due to their size and weight these cannons were used during the civil war in fixed positions in batteries and forts to protect the waterways. These weapons weighed 42,500 pounds, and could hurl a 450 pound shot over 4 miles.
Rodman's process permitted larger guns to be manufactured, guns that were previously impossible. The Union ordered 8, 10, 13, 15, and 20 inch caliber Rodman Columbiads. The 15 inch Rodman was the largest actually used by the Union during the Civil War. In this tintype we see the backside of the bottle shaped cannon sitting on its metal mount that would hold the 20 ton cannon, with 3 men and a dog sitting posed around it. Rodmans such as the one pictured here, were among the largest of the guns of the period and used in defenses and fortifications. They were capable of firing a large shell or ball up to several miles. Even today these remain some of the largest cannons ever made. A crease runs vertically half way up from the bottom of the image, and a green stain on the bottom margin, likely where it was glued into an album. Nevertheless, in good condition.
Inventory Number: 12638
Group of two partly-printed tax receipts,two receipts collected by Sheriff Farrar of Mecklenburg County and Aylor, Sheriff of Madison. Both receipts are dated 1861. 1 is for "Slaves and money $6.80" and "War Tax of $1.36." Dated August 23, 1861 and signed by Sheriff Farrar. The other is signed by Sheriff Aylor. In excellent condition. A nice group of slave tax receipts.
Inventory Number: 12584
Original Civil War half plate (4.5" x 7") tintype showing a Rodman naval and siege cannon with 6 unidentified individuals posing by the cannon. Rodmans were among the heaviest and most powerful guns of the Civil War. Due to their size and weight these cannons were used during the civil war in fixed positions in batteries and forts to protect the waterways. These weapons weighed 42,500 pounds, and could hurl a 450 pound shot over 4 miles.
Rodman's process permitted larger guns to be manufactured, guns that were previously impossible. The Union ordered 8, 10, 13, 15, and 20 inch caliber Rodman Columbiads. The 15 inch Rodman was the largest actually used by the Union during the Civil War. In this tintype we see the backside of the bottle shaped cannon sitting on its metal mount that would hold the 20 ton cannon. 6 men stand on and around the gun mount. Rodmans such as the one pictured here, were among the largest of the guns of the period and used in defenses and fortifications. They were capable of firing a large shell or ball up to several miles. Even today these remain some of the largest cannons ever made. Somewhat of a crease across the top of the image, and album paper stuck to the bottom margin. Nevertheless, in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 12512
Civil War Photograph from Brady's Album Gallery, dated 1862 Titled on verso: ""Brady's Album Gallery No. 375 - Battery No. 4 - Near Yorktown, Mounting 10 13-inch Mortars, each weighing 20,000 pounds. East South End."" The soldiers are dwarfed standing next to the huge 20,000 pound mortars. An impressive image of union soldiers in uniform with kepi, arms against 3 giant mortar cannons. copyright on bottom of mount reads ""1862, Barnard & Gibson"" , one light, vertical crease at middle. Otherwise in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 11903
Robertson's Horse Artillery. Rare gallery card with albumen photograph, 6 x 4 1/2" sepia toned, by Alexander Gardner, labeled on verso "Brady's Album Gallery No. 439 Maj. Robertson's Battery of Horse Artillery - Near Richmond, June 1862", during the Peninsula Campaign. The image has several canons in the foreground and about 30 mounted calvary officers in the background. Light crease at lower left not affecting image but otherwise in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 11446
A large Civil War 3/4 plate tintype, measures 5" x 7", of a Navy chaplain in full uniform with his sword pulled out of his rapier and in his hand. He has his dress uniform chapeaux with feathers on his head and a white sash with a chaplain medal in the center. There are crosses on his cuffs, sash and belt buckle. A clean image with some minor cracking to the emulation barely noticeable. In an oval matte and original oval wood frame.
Inventory Number: 11351
2 Civil War era Stereoview photographs. Stereoview card bearing a double 6" x 3", sepia toned photograph of 530 Congress Hall, Sarratoga, NY by Stereoscopic Gems of Sarratoga and one sepia toned Stereoview of Senate Chamber by J.F. Jarvis Stereoscopic Views. Some soiling, otherwise in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 11304
Civil War related Stereoview photograph. Stereoview card bearing a double 7" x 4", sepia toned photograph of wounded soldiers in trenches, "From the Chicago Panorama of the Battle of Gettysburg. 1st headquarters of Gen. Geo. G Mead July 2nd". Published by H.H. Bennett. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11300
Union General during the Civil War, famous for his march "from Atlanta to the Sea." Handwritten Autograph Letter Signed, 2 pages, on 912 Garrison Ave, St. Louis letterhead, March 10, 1886. On April 9, 1865. General Lee surrenders to Grant disbanding 28,000 confederates. But most confederate troops were not in Lee's army, so in late April, Sherman and Johnston discuss surrender terms. On the 18th of April 1865, Sherman and Johnston, negotiated a detailed armistice, one that committed the President to recognize existing state governments when the officials took the oath of loyalty, reopened the federal courts, guaranteed property rights, and offered a general amnesty for all confederates. Washington politicians went up in arms over Sherman's terms. So Grant rides over and tells Sherman to take out any political mention in his term of surrender. Johnston met with Sherman and complied with the new terms. It is important to note that Johnston surrendered to Sherman was by far the largest share of the Confederate troops still in the field at war's end, more than Lee and the others combined. So this surrender effectively ended the war. Our Sherman letter to General Hawley, a letter of condolence after the death of General Hawley's wife, recalling his visit to her "en route to Savannah after Johnston's surrender" refers to that historic event that ended the civil war. Staining and usual folds. In very good condition.
Inventory Number: 11256
American statesman and Grant's Democratic opponent in the election of 1868. Carte de Visite, 2.5" x 4", sepia toned image of Seymour. No back mark, in excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11151
Commander of the Army of the Cumberland after the Battle of Chickamauga. Carte De Visite, 2.5" x 4", sepia toned image in Uniform. No back mark, in excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11150
Union General. Carte-de-Viste, 2.5" x 4", sepia toned CDV portrait in military uniform. Jacket is open with stars on shoulder. Very nice contrast, no backmark. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11148
Union admiral. Credited for ordering, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" Carte-de-Viste. 2.5 x 4", sepia toned bust image of Farragut in Uniform . No back mark, in excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11146
U.S. abolitionist and Radical Republican. Carte de Visit, 2.5" x 4", sepia toned, CDV photograph of Sumner seated at a desk in profile. No back mark, name imprinted below image. In very good condition.
Inventory Number: 11136
Civil War Naval Commander. Carte de Visit, 2.5x4", sepia toned. Image of Porter in uniform, head and shoulders. No back mark. Stain slightly affecting image. otherwise in good condition.
Inventory Number: 11133
Confederate general. Sent to replace Stonewall Jackson. Carte de visite photograph, 2.5" x 4", sepia toned. Name imprinted on bottom, no back mark. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11130
Civil War related stereoview photographs by the Kilburn Brothers, Littleton, New Hampshire, Libby Prison, with large sign ""LIBBY PRISON"". In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 11111
Carte de visite of four gentlemen in an outdoor camp scene. ID on verso on Brady paper mount ""GROUP -PRINCES' SERVANTS."" In very good condition. Matthew Brady image number 444.
Inventory Number: 11027
Union admiral. Credited for ordering, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" during the battle of Mobile Bay. Captured New Orleans, and opened up the Mississippi for the Union. First American in the U.S. Navy to hold the rank of Admiral. Carte-de-Viste. 2.5 x 4", sepia toned image of Farragut in Uniform . back mark of Fredericks & Co. Clipped bottom corners, otherwise in excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 10991
Original 19 century photograph: Union Soldiers Albumen photograph, 9" x 7", of four Union soldiers watching a train from atop a hill as supplies are loaded. Imprint at bottom image indicates the negative is by Barnard & Gibson from a positive by Alexander Gardner entered according to act of Congress in 1865. Matted to overall 14 x 11". General toning, in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 10686
2 Civil War Documents. General Orders No. 2 signed by Leander Blanden ("L. Blanden") as Col. 95th Ill. Infty, "Head Qrs. 2nd Brig. 3rd Div...Camp 'Battle field' Near New Orleans," Feb. 24, 1865., regarding reports to be sent to headquarters, including "Descriptive List of Deserters." Show-through from mounting strip on verso. Second document is a pay order from U.S. A. Genl. Hospital Readville, Jan. 28, 1865, to Col. William Fitch, Paymaster-General of Connecticut, to pay $10 to Charles S. Higgins of Co. B. 2nd Reg. Ct. Vols. In excellent condition.
Inventory Number: 10556
Ambrotype photograph of Horse & Carriage . 3 x 4", This is a very attractive image of a family seated in a carriage and 2 horses being attended to. Housed in a scarce leather book style case with red velvet interior. In very good condition.
Inventory Number: 9956
19 century Stereoview card bearing a double 6" x 3" photograph taken from near the Gettysburg battle area: Theological Seminary shortly after the battle of Gettysburg, showing the northwestern portion of the town. Published by Tipton and Myer's, Gettysburg, on peach mount. Very light wear to edges, overall very good.
Inventory Number: 9437
19th Century Stereoview card bearing a double 6" x 3" photograph showing the rocks of Devil's Den at Gettysburg with dead soldiers with rifles in the image. Verso identifies the scene as: "Dead at Little Round Top, position of Berdan's Sharpshooters". Published by W. H. Tipton, Gettysburg on yellow mount from an original negative by the Weaver brothers in late 1863. Minor edge wear, with upper left corner crease, minor soiling, overall very good.
Inventory Number: 9435
19th Century Stereoview Photo bearing a double 6" x 3" photograph showing Confederate dead awaiting burial near the Rose Farm at Gettysburg. No photographer's imprint on orange mount, minor edge wear with mount loss to upper left and lower right corners, slight soiling, else very good. A famous image that portrayed the incredible human loss of Gettysburg.
Inventory Number: 9434
One Dug Civil War Gilted Eagle "C" Cavalry Button with shank in Coat size. Nice, smooth chocolate brown patina with no dents , pushes, or repairs with nice upright shank . Gold Gilt outlining design. It does have some ground action, but still a nice looking Cavalry button. Dug at battle site.
Inventory Number: 8440
One Dug Civil War Gilded Eagle ""A"" Artillery Button in Coat size. Nice, smooth chocolate brown patina with Gold Gilt outlining design. It does have a punch over the Eagle's left wing, but still a nice Civil War Artillery button. Dug at battle site.
Inventory Number: 8439
Union major general who fought at Antietam and Second Bull Run. He was later accused by Pope for "disobedience and disloyalty" and relieved. Good grouping of two Handwritten Autograph Letters Signed, octavo, New York, 1869-1893, to fellow Gen. Henry L. Abbot, some with excellent content, in part: "Graydon is finishing his efforts to raise companies on his guns - his shells & his fuses...Please tell me...if you consider Lieut. Graydon's system of torpedo defense - with wire cable, anchors, steam boilers & engines & c practicable and likely to lead to any application..." Comes with an ALS, 3 pages, octavo, 1892 from his daughter requesting an autograph. 3 items, overall in very good condition.
Inventory Number: 8118
Union General during the Civil War, famous for his march "from Atlanta to the sea." 4" x 7" Signed Cabinet Photo in uniform. Photographer's stamp on front reads "Gen. Sherman - Napoleon Sarovy 1888" Sepia toned cabinet photograph of Sherman seated in his full military uniform regalia. Sherman signs on front lower border "W. T Sherman -General - 1889". And again on verso inscribes and signs again; "To Miss McNamer...With kindest compliments W.T. Sherman, General. New York, March 26, 89." In very good condition.
Inventory Number: 7340
