Civil War Officers Fought at Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Antietam, Stonewall Jackson's Campaign

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 13^th 1861, and commissioned into Field & Staff of the 7^th Indiana.  He was promoted to full Colonel in November 1861.  Later, he was Colonel of the 134^th 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 7^th 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 16^th, 1888, to Mrs. E.J. Richards, United States Hotel, Boston. 

“In accordance with your request of the 9^th 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.

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