General Cleaveland J. Campbell's Kepi

25 y/o New York lawyer Cleaveland J Campbell enlisted in the 44th NY Infantry, at Albany, NY, as a private, within two months he was commissioned into the 1st NY Cavalry as a 2nd Lt. 12/12/1861. He was then discharged for promotion on 11/3/1862 when he was commissioned into the Field and Staff of the 152 NY Infantry as Adjutant. On 4/22/1863 he was discharged again for promotion to Captain of Company C, 121st NY Infantry. On 3/20/1864 he was discharged for promotion as Colonel of USCT 23rd Infantry and then promoted to Brigadier General 3/13/1865 for faithful and meritorious service.

He was wounded at Petersburg 7/30/1864 as Colonel of the 23rd USCT during the Battle of the Crater.

He would later die of sickness, most likely as a result of his wounds on June 13, 1865.

His kepi, from the military supplier Shuler, Hartley and Graham, is finely made, of beautiful indigo broadcloth, with a black velvet band along the bottom, which undoubtedly matched velvet collar and cuffs on his frock. There is a small single star as befitting his final rank of Brig. General on the front. The interior is lined with glazed/polished cotton, but the pasteboard disk is not covered, though stamped with the maker's mark. The patent leather chin strap is secured with staff officers buttons, the kepi was most likely used as both Colonel and brief Generals dress.

That one appears to be in really good condition. Love kepis and forage caps.

Do you think the star is a rank insignia? It was not too common to wear such insignia on the cap during the Civil War.

Package4 said:

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25 y/o New York lawyer Cleaveland J Campbell enlisted in the 44th NY Infantry, at Albany, NY, as a private, within two months he was commissioned into the 1st NY Cavalry as a 2nd Lt. 12/12/1861. He was then discharged for promotion on 11/3/1862 when he was commissioned into the Field and Staff of the 152 NY Infantry as Adjutant. On 4/22/1863 he was discharged again for promotion to Captain of Company C, 121st NY Infantry. On 3/20/1864 he was discharged for promotion as Colonel of USCT 23rd Infantry and then promoted to Brigadier General 3/13/1865 for faithful and meritorious service.

He was wounded at Petersburg 7/30/1864 as Colonel of the 23rd USCT during the Battle of the Crater.

He would later die of sickness, most likely as a result of his wounds on June 13, 1865.

His kepi, from the military supplier Shuler, Hartley and Graham, is finely made, of beautiful indigo broadcloth, with a black velvet band along the bottom, which undoubtedly matched velvet collar and cuffs on his frock. There is a small single star as befitting his final rank of Brig. General on the front. The interior is lined with glazed/polished cotton, but the pasteboard disk is not covered, though stamped with the maker's mark. The patent leather chin strap is secured with staff officers buttons, the kepi was most likely used as both Colonel and brief Generals dress.

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Wow great info and rich detail, thank you, First Sarge!

Your post hits close to home, I have 2 cousins in the 44th NY and 8 cousins in the 152nd and and 8 cousins in the 121st NY (and several kin who were officers in USCT units, but not the 23rd)...

Thanks, Clay

The Yankee blue has not faded a bit. True indigo dye is a deep, rich, beautiful color.

Great condition and a wonderful historical relic.

major bill said:

Do you think the star is a rank insignia? It was not too common to wear such insignia on the cap during the Civil War.

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I tend to think so, but you are correct, it is very rare, it could have acquired the star in post war years by a family member. Cleaveland died just after the war, so it would not have been added for reunion or GAR functions.

major bill said:

Do you think the star is a rank insignia? It was not too common to wear such insignia on the cap during the Civil War.

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My thoughts as well....

Package4 said:

View attachment 124070
25 y/o New York lawyer Cleaveland J Campbell enlisted in the 44th NY Infantry, at Albany, NY, as a private, within two months he was commissioned into the 1st NY Cavalry as a 2nd Lt. 12/12/1861. He was then discharged for promotion on 11/3/1862 when he was commissioned into the Field and Staff of the 152 NY Infantry as Adjutant. On 4/22/1863 he was discharged again for promotion to Captain of Company C, 121st NY Infantry. On 3/20/1864 he was discharged for promotion as Colonel of USCT 23rd Infantry and then promoted to Brigadier General 3/13/1865 for faithful and meritorious service.

He was wounded at Petersburg 7/30/1864 as Colonel of the 23rd USCT during the Battle of the Crater.

He would later die of sickness, most likely as a result of his wounds on June 13, 1865.

His kepi, from the military supplier Shuler, Hartley and Graham, is finely made, of beautiful indigo broadcloth, with a black velvet band along the bottom, which undoubtedly matched velvet collar and cuffs on his frock. There is a small single star as befitting his final rank of Brig. General on the front. The interior is lined with glazed/polished cotton, but the pasteboard disk is not covered, though stamped with the maker's mark. The patent leather chin strap is secured with staff officers buttons, the kepi was most likely used as both Colonel and brief Generals dress.

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Beautiful historical item! Thanks for sharing!

Package4 said:

I tend to think so, but you are correct, it is very rare, it could have acquired the star in post war years by a family member. Cleaveland died just after the war, so it would not have been added for reunion or GAR functions.

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The star seems small and- from what I can see- unusually placed. We'll probably never know....