Offering a lot related to three Civil War heroes who were
involved in the battles of Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Antietam,
Stonewall Jackson’s Campaign at Port Republic, Siege of Port Hudson, the
battles of Forts Jackson and St. Philip and the capture of the British blockade
runner Perthshire loaded with cotton near Pensacola, FL.
COL. JAMES GAVIN performed gallantly in the Battle of
Port Republic, which was fought on June 9, 1862, in Rockingham
County, VA, as part of Stonewall Jackson’s Campaign in the Shenandoah Valley.
Port Republic presented a fierce contest between two equally determined foes
and was the costliest battle fought by Jackson’s Army of the Valley Campaign.
Gavin’s home was in Greensburg, IN, and it was there that he
enlisted as Lieutenant Colonel on September 13th 1861, and commissioned into Field &
Staff of the 7th Indiana. He was promoted to full Colonel in
November 1861. Later, he
was Colonel of the 134th Indiana.
During the Battle of Port Republic when Confederate fire forced
the Hoosiers to fall back a short distance to an open cornfield near the bank
of the river, Col. Gavin performed gallantly in holding the 7th Indiana. A witness reported that the Colonel
“rode cooly up and down the lines, giving word of command and cheering the men.
After 5 bullets hit his horse, Gavin strode about on food animating the
defense.
One page, 2 ½” x 7 ½” Autograph Endorsement Signed, which includes
rations for prisoners, possibly from the Battle of Port Republic. “The Quarter Master will issue rations
for 20 men – Provost Guard—and for 19 prisoners. –C.W. Hutchin, Provo Marshal –
July 27, 1862.” Notation below reads “Approved. Jas. Gavin, Col. Comd’g.”
A list of rations supplied appears on verso, including pork,
bread, beans, coffee, sugar, soap, butter.
Document is in ink on rag laid paper. Tiny hole at centerfold and
some show through, but not affecting Gavin’s endorsement.
Gen. JOHN COALTER BATES (1842-1919) was commissioned a first lieutenant and assigned
to the 11th Infantry, May 1861. He served in the 11th with the Army of the
Potomac during the Civil War, including the battles of Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, and as aide to General George
G. Meade. Bates was promoted to captain in May 1863. In August 1864, he received
the brevet of major for faithful and meritorious service in the field and was
brevetted lieutenant colonel for gallant and meritorious service in operations
resulting in the fall of Richmond and surrender of Lee's Army in April
1865.
Bates was transferred to the 20th Infantry in 1866 and served on
the Indian frontier from junior officer to regimental commander. He
commanded the troops that captured insurgent Creek Indians during Indian
Territory disturbances, 1883; was promoted to major (1882), lieutenant colonel
(1886), and colonel (1892).
Autograph of Bates with title Maj. Genl. U.S. Vols.
Expected toning. Else in very good condition.
MELANCTON SMITH (1810-1893) was a United States Naval
Officer who served during the Seminole Indian Wars and the Civil War. At
the outbreak of the Civil War, Smith commanded the Massachusetts and on June 9,
1861, he captured the British blockade runner Perthshire with cargo of cotton
near Pensacola, Fl. He also took part in the battles for Forts Jackson and St.
Philip in April 1862 and was later appointed Captain. He took part in the Siege
of Port Hudson and was commissioned Rear Admiral on July 1, 1870.
One page, 4 ½” x 6
¾” South Oyster Bay, June 16th, 1888, to Mrs. E.J. Richards, United
States Hotel, Boston.
“In accordance with
your request of the 9th inst, I herewith forward my
autograph.
“I presume the
application comes from the Mr. Richards that I met in New Orleans during the
War.
“With respect yours
truly,
“M. Smith”
In excellent
condition with one fold.
Everything we sell
is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day
return policy. If you discover a problem with anything you purchase from us,
please contact us immediately (617-236-4893). Our goal is to please every
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Club, The Manuscript Society and The Ephemera Society. [CW 102]