Lost and Found

[Tom Elmore]

Part IX

Two Testaments were found after the battle by George E. Klingle of nearby Littlestown, one bearing the inscription "John W. Millard's Book, presented by the Rev. W. S. Smart, Chap. of the 14th Vt., 1862;" and the other "A present made by William S. Smart to William S. Robert. (National Tribune, April 19, 1894, p. 6) [Comment: William Stevenson Smart was chaplain of the 14th Vermont at Gettysburg – see previous mention of him in Part II. Sergeant John W. Millard served in Company K, while Private William S. Roberts was a member of Company F. Both came through the battle unharmed and were mustered out on July 30, 1863.]

A book with the name of "Capt. Isaac McBride, Philadelphia Fire Zouaves" was found on the battlefield on July 4 by William G. Black of Barlow, Pennsylvania. (National Tribune, June 28, 1894, p. 6; August 8, 1863 letter from Isaac McBride to William Yates; https://www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/articles/history/stories/reflections/barrlow.htm) [Comment: Captain McBride served for 22 months in Company F, 72nd Pennsylvania, until he was crippled with a knee wound at Antietam, which compelled his resignation in early 1863. As of August 8, 1863 he was residing in Philadelphia. Perhaps McBride had presented the book to a comrade in the regiment who in turn lost it at Gettysburg. At the time of the battle, Barlow was called Horner's Mill and was located on Rock Creek southeast of the Round Tops. The Black family had owned the mill there until 1838, when it was sold into the Horner family.]

The Rev. A. S. Hoyt, of Madison, Ga., has a small pocket Bible, picked up on the battlefield of Gettysburg, which he is anxious to restore to the family of the owner, who was a Confederate soldier. Inscribed upon the Bible are the words, "Father to Son – Christmas Gift. Joseph Milton Keller, 1856." (Clinch Valley News, February 17, 1888, Virginiachronicle.com, Library of Virginia)

The Albany Argus tells this story of a Union veteran who fought at Gettysburg. Just before entering the action he took his canteen from his shoulder and hid it in the crevice of a rock. Then came that fiery hail of shot and shell that swept down regiments like fields of wheat before the reaper. At the close of the battle the soldier forgot all about his canteen, nor did it ever occur to him again until he visited the field at the late reunion. Then it flashed through his mind, and after a few minutes' search he found it where he had left it on that momentous day. (South Branch Intelligencer, September 28, 1888 – Romney, West Virginia)

Seeks Owner of Historic Sword. In Pickett's charge at the battle of Gettysburg, a fine Revolutionary sword was left on the field by a member of a North Carolina brigade that engaged in the charge on Pickett's left flank. It was picked up and delivered to Captain Winfield Scott, of the 126th New York, who was in the thick of the charge. It was a beautiful sword, with the name of R. E. Grant inscribed on the hilt. Captain Scott recognized it a sword with a history, and, having been in the Revolutionary war, consequently he prized it and kept it with care. A few years ago Captain (now Chaplain) Scott saw the ordinance of secession passed by Virginia and there saw the name "R. E. Grant," the same name in the same handwriting that was on the sword. Spending a day and night with me a few days ago, Chaplain Scott told me the story of the sword, and said that if I could find the owner, he would gladly restore it to such person. … I shall be glad to correspond with anyone in reference to this matter and will appreciate any assistance anyone will give in placing this sword where it belongs. Respectfully, C. Wardlaw, Safford, Ariz. (News Leader, April 8, 1907)

 

[ErnieMac]

Part I

B. F. Eberly wrote that his father-in-law, Augustus Reinoehl, found a Testament a few days after the battle in the trough of a stable near Cemetery Hill. Written on the front and back fly-leaves was the following: Joseph L. White, Co. F, 12th N.J. (The 12th New Jersey was posted along the stone wall extending south of the Brien barn on July 2 and 3. Company F was also part of an attack made upon the Bliss buildings around 7:30 a.m. on July 3, but White is not listed among the casualties of the battle.) [Source: B. F. Eberly, The National Tribune, October 10, 1889, p. 5]

Find A Grave link to Sergeant Joseph L. White, Company F 12th New Jersey. He died in New Jersey in 1922.

Sgt Joseph L. White (1844-1922) - Find a Grave...

Civil War Union Soldier. He was enrolled in the 12th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry on August 11, 1862, and was mustered in as a Private in Company F on September 4, 1862. He was promoted to Corporal on March 1, 1864, and to Sergeant on February 18, 1865. He served through the conclusion of the...

www.findagrave.com

 

[ErnieMac]

Part II

Private Charles Shotten of Company C, 143rd Pennsylvania, described picking up a small Testament on July 2, in which was written "Orang. Hart, Co. B, 14th Vt., 1863." On the fly leaf was also written "Orang. M. Hart, Co. B, 14th regiment, Nov. 21. Mr. W. Smart, 14th regiment." Shotten posted this information in The National Tribune of March 10, 1898, presumably with the goal of reuniting the testament with its original owner, but it is not known if he succeeded. Private Orange M. Hart was indeed a member of Company B, 14th Vermont, but he was not a casualty of the battle. The regiment's chaplain, William Stevenson Smart, a Congregationalist, was present at Gettysburg. Some Vermonters lost knapsacks to pilfering when they were left behind before going into battle, but perhaps Hart accidentally dropped his Testament - we may give Private Shotten the benefit of the doubt. For the record the 143rd Pennsylvania was not far from the 14th Vermont on both July 2 and 3.

Orange Hart mustered out with his regiment on July 30, 1863. He died in Wisconsin in 1895. Vermont record and Find A Grave links attached:

Vermont Civil War, Lest We Forget

Orange McCluer Hart (1838-1895) - Find a Grave...

Name: Orange Hart Residence: Tinmouth, Vermont Enlistment Date: 27 Aug 1862 Side Served: Union State Served: Vermont Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 27 August 1862. Enlisted in Company B, 14th Infantry Regiment Vermont on 21 Oct 1862. Mustered Out Company B, 14th Infantry...

www.findagrave.com

 

[Tom Elmore]

Part X

"Seeking to Recover Uncle's Missing Sword. To the Editor of the Times-Dispatch: Sir, I am trying to locate a sword belonging to my uncle, Lieutenant P. F. Ford, which was given to A. L. Pitts of Arvonia, Va. by my father, the late Captain Theodore H. Ford, of Buckingham County, to be placed on exhibition at a Ladies' Bazaar held in Richmond in the year between May 1891 and May 1892. Mr. Pitts fails to remember the exact date. The sword was sent to the bazaar, as hereinbefore stated, with the understanding that it was to be ultimately placed in the Confederate Museum, at Richmond, but for some reason this seems not to have been done. Upon investigation, the ones in charge there claim the sword was never received and have no record of it. Thinking it was safe in the museum, none of the family made inquiries in regard to it until recent years, after my father's death. This was a pearl-handled sword, with indents, apparently from bullets, in the side of the case. It had my uncle's initials, so I have heard my father say, cut in the pearl handle with a pen knife, but hardly discernible with the naked eye. There were no other marks of identity on it, as far as I know. I think there was some kind of scroll work on the blade. My uncle, Lieutenant P. Fletcher Ford, belonged to the Fifty-seventh Virginia Regiment, Armistead's Brigade, and was killed in Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, and the sword was taken off him and sent to my father by one of his comrades, I think Emmett Williams from 'Buckingham Institute,' who was in the same company. I would appreciate it very much if anyone who reads this could in any way assist me in locating this sword or give me information as the date of this 'bazaar' and any other information which might be of value in locating it. Respectfully, W. Fletcher Ford, 320 Fillmore Street, Petersburg, Va." (Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 2, 1915, virginiachronicle.com, Library of Virginia) [Comment: Junior 2nd (3rd) Lieutenant P. Fletcher Ford, of Company A, 57th Virginia, was killed on July 3. I cannot identify Emmett Williams. A Private James E. Williams served in Company A, but he was taken prisoner on July 3.]

"Restored a Portfolio Found on the Field of Gettysburg. The following clipping from a California paper has been sent the County News for publication. J. H. McCutchan, for nearly 40 years a resident of California, who fought in Company H, Twenty-fifth Virginia regiment at the time of the battle of Gettysburg, has succeeded in finding the owner of a portfolio containing many of the incidents of the war. It contained the name of Edward W. Moore, Company B, Second Wisconsin regiment. After the war, Mr. McCutchan endeavored to locate Moore, but failed. A few weeks ago, he met a man at Long Beach who knew Moore in Wisconsin and gave McCutchan the address. Through this it was learned that Moore had died at Rock Island, Ill. eight years ago, but that his widow, now Mrs. Frank Young, still resided there. After a short correspondence the portfolio was sent to Mrs. Young, who has just acknowledged receipt, and has expressed her intention of publishing a number of the recorded incidents which appear to shed additional light on some of the great events of the Civil War. Mr. McCutchan found the portfolio 46 years ago, July 1st, 1863. Some of his old friends and comrades will recognize in J. H. McCutchan a soldier who served the Confederacy throughout the Civil War in a Rockbridge company recalled as Captain Curry's company. At the date of his finding the portfolio he was on the battlefield of Gettysburg, and he picked it up by the side of a wounded soldier." (Rockbridge County News, November 4, 1909, virginiachronicle.com, Library of Virginia) [Comment: Private Joseph H. McCutchan was present at Gettysburg in Company H, 25th Virginia per his service record (Fold3). Private Edward E. Moore of Company B, 2nd Wisconsin was listed as missing at Gettysburg, but subsequently returned to his command (Union Casualties at Gettysburg, by Travis W. Busey and John W. Busey). Jones' brigade, with the 25th Virginia, was briefly halted near the northern edge of the town on the early evening of July 1, and my best guess is that McCutchan obtained the portfolio either while straggling, or if he briefly left the ranks to explore adjacent dwellings where Moore had taken refuge during the retreat.]

"A War Relic. The following letter was addressed to Gen. McDonald, Adjutant General of the State, and by him referred to Col. A. W. Harman. … Waterbury, Conn., April 11, 1885. General – … The excuse for addressing you is that I have in my possession the broken and battered stock of a musket, which was picked up on the field of Gettysburg after the battle. On the butt are the letters and figures, G. R. H. 5th Va. Written backwards … I am very curious to learn the name of the soldier who bore this musket in that fight. It may be that he was killed there, for the stock has marks which seem like blood stains. Any information you can give will be most thankfully received. Respectfully, Lucien F. Burpee. …" (Valley Virginian, April 30, 1885, virginiachronicle.com, Library of Virginia) [Comment: The only candidate is Private George R. Hight (variant spellings Hite or Hyte), Company E, 5th Virginia. His service record (Fold3) indicates he came through the battle unscathed and survived the war. Perhaps he discarded the weapon – likely an Enfield – if it was damaged, but after a hard fight more than a few exhausted soldiers abandoned their weapon on the field. Union soldiers scouring the field afterwards would preserve such weapons if in good condition, but often destroyed the rest, so finding a broken and battered stock does not necessarily mean it was damaged in combat.]

 

[Tom Elmore]

Part XI

"The Soldier's Bible. Mr. J. W. Sweat [sic], a subscriber in North Girard, furnishes the following interesting account of a Bible which he has had in his possession for twenty years past, but which he returned to its original owner on the last day of May. 'I was a soldier in the late war, a member of Company F, 15th [sic] Georgia infantry regiment, attached to General Gordon's brigade. At the close of the battle of Gettysburg, Penn., this brigade covered the retreat as a rear guard, and while waiting for the artillery and wagons to get in front, our boys were looking over the battle ground near where we had halted. They found, where a North Carolina brigade had been encamped, a number of knapsacks which had been thrown aside. A comrade of my company picked up from the debris a nice Morocco bound polyglot pocket Bible, which had fallen from one of these knapsacks, and bringing it to me, asked if I wanted it. I told him I did, and removing a plain Bible from my pocket gave it to a friend and placed the fine one in its place in my pocket, and during the hard marching of the grand old army during that year, I found time to read it through. I kept it till the close of the war and brought it home with me as a memento of Gettysburg. On looking at the flyleaf of the Bible I found this inscription, 'Greenburg [sic] Suther, Concord, N.C.' and thought often I would write and see if I could hear from him. This I did about a month ago, and soon received a reply, asking me to send his Bible and tendering many thanks for the care I had taken of it during the past long twenty years. I expressed it to him on May 31st, 1883, and hope it may reach him in due time.'" (Columbus Sunday Enquirer-Sun, June 3, 1883) [Comment: James W. Sweatt of Company F, 13th (not 15th) Georgia was a private or corporal at the time of the battle. The Bible belonged to Private Greenbury Suther of Company A, 52nd North Carolina, who enrolled in the army at Concord in Cabarrus County. I think it likely that his Bible and some knapsacks were left behind on Herr Ridge prior to Pettigrew's advance at 3 p.m. on July 1, and to learn that Gordon's brigade was near that location on July 4, until early on July 5, is an interesting revelation, because it served as the rearguard for the army.]

Major Thomas W. Osborn, commanding the Eleventh Corps artillery brigade, wrote that during the July 2 night assault against Cemetery Hill, 1st Lieutenant Salem [Sahm] was captured and taken to the edge of town. However, in the confusion of the Confederate retreat, Salem managed to escape, although not before relinquishing his sword. On the sword he had crudely etched his name, rank and battery. During the following winter, along the Rappahannock River, the Confederate officer who was wearing the sword was captured. The sword was sent to the War Department, which returned it to Salem, who was then at Bridgeport, Alabama. (The Eleventh Corps Artillery at Gettysburg, The Papers of Major Thomas Ward Osborn, ed. by Herb S. Crumb, Hamilton, NY: Edmonston Publishing, Inc., 1991, pp. 27, 29.) [Comment: 1st Lieutenant Nicolas Sahm (not Salem) was second-in-command of Battery I, 1st New York, under Captain Michael Wiedrich. The battery was overrun by Hays' Louisianians at nightfall on July 2. Osborn apparently references the Mine Run campaign of late 1863, when the Confederate officer who bore Sahm's sword was captured. What surprises me is that the War Department took the trouble to restore an item of private property to its rightful owner.]

"Jas. H. Fall, 29 White street, East Boston, Mass., has in his possession a diary of 1863, which he found on the battlefield of Gettysburg. On the flyleaf is inscribed: 'W. M. Wellman, Co. I, 1st Regt. Minn. Vols. Camp near Falmouth, Va.' Comrade will be pleased to return same to owner or any of his friends." (National Tribune, July 2, 1885, p.7) [Comment: James H. Fall was a private or corporal in Company E, 11th Massachusetts at Gettysburg. Corporal Wilbur Fix Wellman presumably lost his diary during the epic charge of his regiment on July 2. In that charge Wellman received a mortal wound; he succumbed in an area hospital on August 2, 1863, and occupies grave A-8 in Gettysburg's National Cemetery. What became of Wellman's diary is a mystery – it would be a pity if it was lost to history.]

 

[observator]

IN 1864 Lt Haninbal Johnson wa captured by the 12 SC.
In1875 Johnson sword was returned to him

Capt John Christian Bookter Smith (1839-1900) -...

Born to John Alexander Smith (1817-1891) & Judith Bookter Smith (1817-1848). John Christian Bookter Smith was a Civil War Confederate Officer. He enrolled at age 22 into Captain Edwin Faust Bookter's Company on August 20, 1861. This command, also known as the Richland Guards, was re-designated...

www.findagrave.com

 

[Tom Elmore]

Part XII

A set of spurs owned by Georgia politician Robert A. Toombs, and which reportedly dated to the Mexican War, were presented to a Confederate Lieutenant Cosson at the outset of the Civil War. The rowels were made from Mexican silver dollars. When Cosson was captured at First Bull Run (First Manassas) by William W. Dudley of the 19th Indiana, he was not permitted to keep the spurs, but Dudley agreed to take and wear them unless captured, when he would see that they were returned to Cosson. Lieutenant Colonel Dudley found himself a prisoner at Gettysburg on the first day. When he encountered Colonel Abner Smead, Inspector General of Ewell's Corps, Dudley turned over the spurs and requested Smead deliver them to Cosson. (The Savannah Morning News, October 29, 1883, p. 1)

Private William L. Nichols of Company C, 1st Maryland Battalion, received a terrible gunshot wound at Culp's Hill, a compound fracture of his left tibia. He was taken back to the widow Elizabeth Weible's place, over two miles behind the front lines. There, he expected to die and be buried near the barn or house. But later in the month, he was transported to Camp Letterman General Hospital, where he was attended by Dr. John Richard Thomas Reeves. Dr. Reeves, who went by Thomas, had arrived soon after the battle from St. Mary's County, Maryland, to care for the wounded as a volunteer surgeon. Just before Nichols' death, which occurred on July 31 or in mid-August, he handed a ring to Reeves, requesting it be given to his sister, Harriet. Reeves duly prepared a letter for his sister in which he enclosed the ring and gave it to Chaplain Joseph W. Murphy of the 32nd North Carolina for delivery. In mid-October, Murphy was able to notify Harriet of news of her brother's passing and made arrangements to return the ring to her. [See also Part IV above for a separate story involving Dr. Reeves and the return of a sword retained for Lt. James I. Metts of the 3rd North Carolina.] (October 14, 1863, letter of Chaplain Joseph W. Murphy to Mrs. Harriet H. Strayhorn, The North Carolina Historical Review; https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134298007/john-richard_thomas-reeves)

At the conclusion of the July 3 attack against Cemetery Ridge, Colonel John A. Fite of the 7th Tennessee surrendered and handed over his sword and scabbard to Captain Samuel A. Moore of Company F, 14th Connecticut. Moore was eventually promoted to lieutenant colonel, while Fite remained a prisoner at Johnson's Island, Ohio, until his release just weeks before the surrender. After the war, Fite resumed his law practice and became a circuit judge. In 1890, Moore sought to return the sword as a "token of good will and brotherhood." The Nashville American commented that: "Neither Judge Fite nor his friends have any doubt that he is the person sought in the letter and will write Col. Moore." Presumably Fite soon took possession of his sword. He had plenty of time to admire it, since he lived to be 92 and died in 1926. He was a world traveler, but in 1912 fortunately passed on an opportunity to take an ocean voyage on the Titanic. (History of the Fourteenth Regiment Connecticut Vol. Infantry, by Charles D. Page, Meriden, CT: The Horton Printer Co., 1906; North Georgia Citizen, August 28, 1890, p. 4; Col. John A. Fite, The Confederate Prisoners of Gettysburg, by Roger Long, Gettysburg Magazine, issue 2, January 1, 1990, pp. 107-108)

The following article appeared in a North Carolina newspaper in late 1881. "The Adjutant General has received a letter from Geo. H. Perkins, Adjutant of Joe Hooker post, No. 32, Grand Army of the Republic, at Atlantic City, N. J., which is as follows: I have been instructed by this post to ask if you can furnish any information that will enable us to find the following named person or some of his relatives. The Post has in its possession a sword picked up on the field at Gettysburg, which is marked on the scabbard, as I have made it out, 'Capt. H. M. Cox, Company A, 16th North Carolina.' The post desires to return the sword to its owner, if living, or to his relatives, who probably would prize it very highly, as a memento of him who has passed away." (The Daily Review, Wilmington, N.C., December 23, 1881, p. 1) [Comment: I could not identify any H. M. Cox in service records of the 16th, 6th or 26th N.C., nor with variants like Fox or Box. The closest possibility was a Lieutenant Milton H. Cox of Company A, 6th N.C.]

On July 2, 1st Lieutenant William S. Provost of Company B, 11th New Jersey received a gunshot wound to his right elbow. He soon removed his blouse to tend to his wound and gave it to a passing soldier who became lost in the crowd. In March 1880, he received a letter from a Mr. Castner from Philadelphia who explained he had items that had belonged to a Lt. Provost, and so the latter met with Castner in Philadelphia and was handed a large envelope containing his lieutenant shoulder straps, his commission in the 11th New Jersey signed by Gov. Olden, a letter from a lady and a lady's photograph. (The Evening Visitor, Raleigh, North Carolina, March 25, 1880)

 

[observator]

Lost and Found
two Pictures Found at Gettysburg
One from unknown soldier 31st george Regiment on William Blocher Farm..a woman and two children {4 account message #10)
One of an Unkown woman picked up by a soldier of 14th Connecticut Infantry

Can You Help Solve These Gettysburg Photo Mysteries?

The Amos Humiston story resonates like few others from Gettysburg. On July 1, 1863—Day 1 of the epic, three-day battle—a local resident discovered the body of the 154th New York Infantry sergeant near John Kuhn’s brickyard, north of the town square. The soldier clutched in his hand an image of...

shop.historynet.com

 

[observator]

Part III

Lieutenant A. A. Freeman of Company C "Floyd Rifles" from Macon, 2nd Georgia Battalion, carried into the second day's fight an engraved sword that had been presented to him by his company. Being badly wounded, Freeman afterwards entrusted his sword and two others to a slave for safekeeping. However, the slave was captured and the sword became the property of William F. Bloor of the 25th Ohio. In 1868, Bloor encountered a Mr. Ricks from the Georgia Weekly Telegraph, a Macon newspaper. Bloor mentioned the sword and inquired about Freeman. When it was determined that Freeman was alive and well, the return of the sword was promised. It arrived along with the following note, which read in part: Columbus, Ohio, July 16, 1868 … The blade has a history other than that attached to it when it first came into my possession, and for which you will, I trust, prize it none the less. In order to retain possession of it, I threw my own away, and from the 4th of July 1863 to the 4th of July 1864 I carried it, bearing it through the siege of Wagner and Gregg, South Carolina. Since then, it has hung in my bedroom – a sad remembrance of the bloody field of Gettysburg. Hoping that, when again our swords are needed, we may stand side by side, and shoulder to shoulder in behalf of a common cause, and that cause the Constitution and our whole country, I am very respectfully your obedient servant, Wm. F. Bloor. (Georgia Weekly Telegraph, Macon, August 28, 1868, p. 6, vol. XLII, no. 45)

A small pocket Testament belonging to a New York Captain was left at the battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863. On May 5, it was recovered by Private O. Thompson of Company A, 24th Georgia. Thompson deserted his unit at Gettysburg on July 2, and on July 12 he was captured at Hagerstown, Maryland. Being transferred to Hammond Hospital in October 1863, Thompson evidently wound up at the Point Lookout prison. In 1864, J. Edwin Nye of Company E, 3rd Maine recovered the Testament at Point Lookout. On the fly-leaf was written: "This book was found two and one-half miles above Fredericksburg, on the battlefield, the 5th day of May, 1863. 24th Georgia regiment, Wofford's brigade, McLaws' division. Private O. Thompson." On the inside of the last cover was the name of Captain Wheeler, Company A, 130th New York regiment. (The National Tribune, May 1, 1884; Compiled Service Record of O. Thompson)

During a trip to Gettysburg in 1878, Henry M. Mingay, a former soldier of the 69th New York, found an ambrotype buried with the remains of a Confederate soldier, thought to have been a member of the 31st Georgia. Found on the property of David Blocher near the Carlisle road north of town, the ambrotype was still clear and distinct. It showed a mother and two beautiful daughters, about 12 and 7 years of age. (The Albany (Georgia) News, August 22, 1878)

On July 1, 1863 Philip Keller, from Westminster, found a soldier's badge or medal on the road leading from Westminster to Manchester, Maryland, on which was inscribed on one side: "Maj. Gen. Hooker," with a bust of the general and "I. P. Clifford, Co. E, 2d Reg't Vt. Vols., Chelsea, Vt.;" and on the reverse, "War of 1861. Bull Run, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Days, Richmond, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg." (The National Tribune, November 3, 1892, p. 4)

On July 1, Captain Mahlon B. Briggs of Company D, 75th Ohio was carrying a small prayer book called, The Soldier's Textbook. During a brief halt in Gettysburg, he apparently encountered a young lady who wrote hastily in his book, "Capt. Briggs, Don't forget, God's will be done. Go forward into the fight. Think of friends and home. God is with you. I pray God protects you. Sincerely, Kate W., Gettysburg. Glory and safety to the Seventy Fifth Regiment." Briggs was seriously wounded later that day; he died on July 3 and was buried on the Almshouse farm. Following the battle, a traveler found the book. The identity of the young woman was believed to be Kate Wattles, single, age 22 (the same age as Capt. Briggs), who lived with her family on West Middle Street. She likely walked to Washington Street, a half-block to the east, to watch the Union soldiers pass by, and encountered Capt. Briggs there. Kate would eventually marry a Gettysburg man and raise a family. (Article by Glen Hayes, The Civil War News, July 2004, p. 4a)

Picture found by Mingay

Can You Help Solve These Gettysburg Photo Mysteries?

The Amos Humiston story resonates like few others from Gettysburg. On July 1, 1863—Day 1 of the epic, three-day battle—a local resident discovered the body of the 154th New York Infantry sergeant near John Kuhn’s brickyard, north of the town square. The soldier clutched in his hand an image of...

shop.historynet.com

 

[observator]

more lost and found stories
Confederate Veteran 1893 p.159

Confederate veteran v.1(1893).

Story: "He Deserved His Sword" {Captured Lt col US With a wooden leg Battle of the Crater Petersburg sword and pistol:
possibly General W.F. Bartlett https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Francis_Bartlett)

File:Gen. William Francis Bartlett - NARA - 528713.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Confederate Veterans 1895 p.335

Confederate veteran v.3(1895).

Pistol captured at Manassass which had belonged to capt C.F. Baldwin 14th NYSM

Captain C. Baldwin 14 NYSM/84th NY Infantry | Civil War Potpourri

photo and memorial http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Baldwin&GSfn=Charles&GSby=1836&GSbyrel=in&GSdyrel=all&GSst=36&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=10298985&df=all& Service record at page 759 http://dmna.ny.gov/historic/reghist/civil/rosters/Infantry/84th_Infantry_CW_Roster.pdf His...

civilwartalk.com

Maj Charles F Baldwin (1836-1912) - Find a Grave...

Civil War Union Army Officer. Major of the 14th New York Regiment

www.findagrave.com

Confederate Veteran 1907

Thirty-Four Year Journey of a Confederate Sword from Culp’s Hill to Virginia | Gettysburg

The following item appeared in the December 1907 issue of Confederate Veteran magazine: "H. E. Jones, Agent Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, Cucharas, Colo., writes of an old sword or saber in his possession which was sent home during the war by his uncle; also a cavalry saddle. The name of Lieut...

civilwartalk.com

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

Imagine being in the cellars listening to the pounding going on upstairs and the running footsteps, etc!

This makes me think about the Carter family at Franklin!

 

[observator]

1863 Captain W.Adams of the 89th Ohio Infantry was captured at Chickamauga; in 1916 he wrote the Confederate Veteran trying to located his sword

Confederate veteran [serial] : Confederated Southern Memorial Association (U.S.) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Description based on: v. 2, no. 1 (Jan. 1894); title from cover

archive.org

COL Wesley Rowe Adams (1838-1923) - Find a Grave...

CIVIL WAR SOLDIER 27th Ohio Infantry Residence was not listed; 23 years old.Enlisted on 8/1/1861 as a Sergeant.On 8/1/1861, he mustered into Co. A, 27th Ohio Infantry.He was discharged for promotion on 9/16/1862. 89th Ohio Infantry On 9/16/1862, he was commissioned as a Captain into Co. K, 89th...

www.findagrave.com

 

[observator]

8th New Hampshire Infantry Regiment flag(s?)

In 1896 Lt John J Nolan color bearer of the 8th N.H. wrote to confederate Veteran magazine about the loss of the regimental and state colors which had been captured at Sabine Cross-roads April 9. 1864 trying to find both of them

https://archive.org/details/confederateveter04conf/page/208/mode/2up

In fact one of them did servive
1866 photograph of a 8th N.H. Color...

https://www.loc.gov/item/2021636724/

 

[on again]

Charles F Manderson of the 19th OVI Lost both his pistols captured by wheelers cavalry...years later he recovered them

The twin seven-shooters : Manderson, Charles F. (Charles Frederick), 1837-1911 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

v, [5]-54 p. 25cm

archive.org

The twin seven-shooters : Manderson, Charles F. (Charles Frederick), 1837-1911 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

v, [5]-54 p. 25cm

archive.org

one was recovered in Alabama'

The twin seven-shooters : Manderson, Charles F. (Charles Frederick), 1837-1911 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

v, [5]-54 p. 25cm

archive.org

One was given back to MAnderson by a Southern Congressman constituant 28 years after the war

The twin seven-shooters : Manderson, Charles F. (Charles Frederick), 1837-1911 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

v, [5]-54 p. 25cm

archive.org

 

[on again]

Part XII

A set of spurs owned by Georgia politician Robert A. Toombs, and which reportedly dated to the Mexican War, were presented to a Confederate Lieutenant Cosson at the outset of the Civil War. The rowels were made from Mexican silver dollars. When Cosson was captured at First Bull Run (First Manassas) by William W. Dudley of the 19th Indiana, he was not permitted to keep the spurs, but Dudley agreed to take and wear them unless captured, when he would see that they were returned to Cosson. Lieutenant Colonel Dudley found himself a prisoner at Gettysburg on the first day. When he encountered Colonel Abner Smead, Inspector General of Ewell's Corps, Dudley turned over the spurs and requested Smead deliver them to Cosson. (The Savannah Morning News, October 29, 1883, p. 1)

Private William L. Nichols of Company C, 1st Maryland Battalion, received a terrible gunshot wound at Culp's Hill, a compound fracture of his left tibia. He was taken back to the widow Elizabeth Weible's place, over two miles behind the front lines. There, he expected to die and be buried near the barn or house. But later in the month, he was transported to Camp Letterman General Hospital, where he was attended by Dr. John Richard Thomas Reeves. Dr. Reeves, who went by Thomas, had arrived soon after the battle from St. Mary's County, Maryland, to care for the wounded as a volunteer surgeon. Just before Nichols' death, which occurred on July 31 or in mid-August, he handed a ring to Reeves, requesting it be given to his sister, Harriet. Reeves duly prepared a letter for his sister in which he enclosed the ring and gave it to Chaplain Joseph W. Murphy of the 32nd North Carolina for delivery. In mid-October, Murphy was able to notify Harriet of news of her brother's passing and made arrangements to return the ring to her. [See also Part IV above for a separate story involving Dr. Reeves and the return of a sword retained for Lt. James I. Metts of the 3rd North Carolina.] (October 14, 1863, letter of Chaplain Joseph W. Murphy to Mrs. Harriet H. Strayhorn, The North Carolina Historical Review; https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134298007/john-richard_thomas-reeves)

At the conclusion of the July 3 attack against Cemetery Ridge, Colonel John A. Fite of the 7th Tennessee surrendered and handed over his sword and scabbard to Captain Samuel A. Moore of Company F, 14th Connecticut. Moore was eventually promoted to lieutenant colonel, while Fite remained a prisoner at Johnson's Island, Ohio, until his release just weeks before the surrender. After the war, Fite resumed his law practice and became a circuit judge. In 1890, Moore sought to return the sword as a "token of good will and brotherhood." The Nashville American commented that: "Neither Judge Fite nor his friends have any doubt that he is the person sought in the letter and will write Col. Moore." Presumably Fite soon took possession of his sword. He had plenty of time to admire it, since he lived to be 92 and died in 1926. He was a world traveler, but in 1912 fortunately passed on an opportunity to take an ocean voyage on the Titanic. (History of the Fourteenth Regiment Connecticut Vol. Infantry, by Charles D. Page, Meriden, CT: The Horton Printer Co., 1906; North Georgia Citizen, August 28, 1890, p. 4; Col. John A. Fite, The Confederate Prisoners of Gettysburg, by Roger Long, Gettysburg Magazine, issue 2, January 1, 1990, pp. 107-108)

The following article appeared in a North Carolina newspaper in late 1881. "The Adjutant General has received a letter from Geo. H. Perkins, Adjutant of Joe Hooker post, No. 32, Grand Army of the Republic, at Atlantic City, N. J., which is as follows: I have been instructed by this post to ask if you can furnish any information that will enable us to find the following named person or some of his relatives. The Post has in its possession a sword picked up on the field at Gettysburg, which is marked on the scabbard, as I have made it out, 'Capt. H. M. Cox, Company A, 16th North Carolina.' The post desires to return the sword to its owner, if living, or to his relatives, who probably would prize it very highly, as a memento of him who has passed away." (The Daily Review, Wilmington, N.C., December 23, 1881, p. 1) [Comment: I could not identify any H. M. Cox in service records of the 16th, 6th or 26th N.C., nor with variants like Fox or Box. The closest possibility was a Lieutenant Milton H. Cox of Company A, 6th N.C.]

On July 2, 1st Lieutenant William S. Provost of Company B, 11th New Jersey received a gunshot wound to his right elbow. He soon removed his blouse to tend to his wound and gave it to a passing soldier who became lost in the crowd. In March 1880, he received a letter from a Mr. Castner from Philadelphia who explained he had items that had belonged to a Lt. Provost, and so the latter met with Castner in Philadelphia and was handed a large envelope containing his lieutenant shoulder straps, his commission in the 11th New Jersey signed by Gov. Olden, a letter from a lady and a lady's photograph. (The Evening Visitor, Raleigh, North Carolina, March 25, 1880)

Col Fite Tenn died 1925

Col John Amenas Fite (1832-1925) - Find a Grave...

7th Tennessee Infantry CSA Lawyer,Soldier,Jurist. Tennessee, Death Records, 1908-1958 Name: John Armenus Fite Gender: Male Birth Date: 10 Feb 1832 Birth Place: Alexandria, DeKalb, Tennessee Age: 93 Death Date: 25 Aug 1925 Death Place: Lebanon, Wilson, Tennessee Father's Name: Jacob Fite Father's...

www.findagrave.com

Lt Provost NJ died 1890

William Provost (1846-1890) - Find a Grave...

Find a Grave memorial for William Provost born 1846 and died 30 May 1890. Buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States of America, North America

www.findagrave.com

Lt Cox 6th NC died 1906

LT Milton Harmon Cox (1839-1904) - Find a Grave...

Father: Nathan Wild Goose COX b: 2 Feb 1809 in NC Mother: Eleanor Nellie Ellenor Ellender BOOKOUT b: 1804 in NC Marriage 1 Margaret Martitia MCMASTERS Married: 18 Sep 1865 in Randolph Co., NC 3 Children Cora Etta COX b: 1 Jun 1866 Edward Ulrich Ed COX b: 17 Sep 1870 Aaron Lester Aron COX b...

www.findagrave.com

 

[on again]

1907
request for return of sword of Ely Taylor Conner sword lost at Malvern hill

Confederate veteran v.15(1907).

Eli Taylor Conner (1832-1862) - Find a Grave...

Eli T. Conner served as Lieutenant Colonel of the 81st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Col. Conner was promoted from Major on June 1, 1862. He was killed at Malvern Hill, Virginia, on July 2, 1862. Conner also served as Captain of the 6th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry...

www.findagrave.com

return of Bailie Peyton sword

Confederate veteran v.15(1907).

1LT Balie Peyton Jr. (1833-1862) - Find a Grave...

BALIE PEYTON JR. FIRST LIEUTENANT COMPANY A 20TH TENNESSEE INFANTRY CONFEDERATE ARMY SON OF CONGRESSMAN BALIE PEYTON SR. KIA, MILL SPRINGS, KENTUCKY 1862

www.findagrave.com

 

[Tom Elmore]

Part XIII

"In the Atlantic Constitution of May 28th, 1904, was published a communication of Mr. N. M. Heikes of Albion, Me., stating that he had in his possession a copy of the New Testament inscribed as follows: 'C. R. Conaway's book, Comp. H, 49th Georgia Regt., God in Thee I put my trust, June 14th, 1863'; that said book was picked up on the battlefield of Gettysburg, and that the writer of the letter would deliver it to the owner or whoever may be entitled to it. C. R. Conaway and J. M. Conaway, brothers, enlisted here in Sandersville in Co. H, 49th Ga., on 4th of March, 1862. Both were killed during the war. Major Newman wrote to Mr. Heikes, that the Conaways were dead, and that there is no one of that name in the county now, but if he would send that book to him, that he would ascertain of the Duggan families, who is the next of kin of the dead soldiers, that he would deliver it to him or her and mail to him their receipt of it. Last Monday he received the book inscribed as above …" (A War Relic, The Sandersville Herald, Sandersville, Ga., June 9, 1904, p. 1) [Comment: Service records (Fold3) indicate C. R. Conaway enlisted on March 4, 1862, was present at Gettysburg (paid June 30, 1863), and was killed May 6, 1864. J. M. Conaway enlisted in the company on March 4, 1864, not 1862, and was killed the same day as his brother, on May 6, 1864.]

Thomas B. Fargason of Company D, 14th Alabama, found a small Testament on the battlefield of Second Manassas that had belonged to Private Stephen Warren of Company K, 13th Massachusetts; it had been presented by the ladies of Westborough, Massachusetts. Fargason carried that Testament through the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, where, as a 2nd lieutenant, he was captured on July 2 while attacking Cemetery Ridge. Sent first to Fort Delaware, he was soon transferred to Johnson's Island, Ohio. Fargason recalled: "From there I wrote Warren that I had his Testament, and that if he wanted it, I would send it to him. My letter reached him at Frederick City, Maryland. And it was there that I sent him the Testament." In return, Warren sent Fargason a small Bible. (The Golden Age, Atlanta, Ga., April 12, 1906, p. 10) [Comment: Private Warren remained on the sick list at a Frederick hospital from September 14, 1862 until June 6, 1864, when he was finally able to return to his regiment – compiled service records, Fold3]

Nurse Emily B. Souder was assigned to a Union Second Corps hospital. In a letter to her husband dated July 18, 1863, she wrote: "[Picked up] an Old Testament, still perfect, though wet and somewhat soiled, with 'H. K. Campbell, 145th Reg. P. V.' written in pencil on the blank leaf." (Leaves from the Battlefield of Gettysburg: A Series of Letters Written from a Field Hospital and National Poems, by Mrs. Edmund A. Souder, Alexandria, VA: Caxton Press of C. Sherman, Son & Co., 1864, p. 29) [Comment: Private Hiram K. Campbell of Company H, 145th Pennsylvania, in Brooke's brigade, was captured on July 2, presumably near the Wheatfield. Afterwards paroled, he died at the parole camp near Annapolis, Maryland on January 8, 1864, per Union Casualties at Gettysburg, by Travis W. Busey and Hiram W. Busey, 2:972. Reportedly his body was brought home by his father.]

In 1890, a citizen of Shiloh township in North Carolina found a silver badge about an inch and a half square, on which was inscribed: "Chancellorsville, Sergt. Jas. Kenny, 26. Co. C, 26 P.V. Gettysburg." On May 20, 1861, James Kenny mustered in as a private with Company C, 26th Pennsylvania. Promoted to sergeant, he was dangerously wounded in the abdomen at Gettysburg, but he recovered and after his three-year obligation was done, transferred to the 99th Pennsylvania on May 30, 1864. Discharged at the end of the war, he died on March 21, 1930. How his identification tag ended up in North Carolina is not known. (Greensboro North Star, Greensboro, N.C., August 28, 1890; Union Casualties at Gettysburg, by Travis W. Busey and John W. Busey, 2:789)

In 1891, while "Miss Winter, of Emmitsburg, Md., was overlooking her childhood's treasures, she came across an old Testament which she found on the site of a soldier's camp near there during the war, after the soldiers had left for the field of Gettysburg. On examining the book her eyes fell on the name 'Samuel Wolcott, Griffen's [sic] Mills, Erie County, N. Y.,' and Miss Winter decided to write to the address, thinking the owner would like to recover the book. In a few days she received a reply from Mrs. Weaden, of Clinton, N. J., stating that she was a sister of the soldier and the only living member of a large family. She said her brother had returned home from the army in 1863, and died in 1864, and Miss Winter's letter had been forwarded to her as his nearest of kin. Mrs. Weaden seemed much pleased at the idea of recovering this long-lost memento of her dead brother, and Miss Winter sent the testament to her." (The Wilson Mirror, Wilson, N.C., December 23, 1891, p. 2) [Comment: Samuel A. Wolcott enlisted at the age of 28 on August 30, 1862, and a few days later was mustered into the Union army as a private in Company H, 136th New York. In the Gettysburg campaign, his regiment reached Emmitsburg at 4 p.m. on June 29 and remained until the morning of July 1, when it departed for the battlefield. On May 12, 1864, Wolcott was discharged for disability at Lookout Valley, Tennessee. He died on Christmas Day of that same year and was interred in Griffins Mills Cemetery in Erie County.] (Roster of the 136th New York, New York Military Museum; https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18930100/samuel-a-wolcott)

 

[on again]

In 1862 the Flag of the 1st Maryland Regiment US was captured by the 1st MAryland Regment CSA

Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 13., An incident of Stonewall Jackson's Valley campaign-capture of a flag by <a target="_blank" onclick="openPopupWindow(this); return false" href="entityvote?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0001&auth=tgn,7007516&n

After 22 years it ended up with the Assocation of the MAryland Line

Nancy Antrim “Nanny” McKay Rust (1848-1924) -...

www.findagrave.com

The flag

Flag | American Civil War Museum

Of interest

Battle of Globe Tavern - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

NP: May 3, 1905 Winnsboro (SC) News and Herald: Hagood’s Brigade at Globe Tavern, August 21, 1864

Editor’s Note: This article was provided by and transcribed by K. S. McPhail (New Kent County History and Thread the Rude Eye). The author of this story,

www.beyondthecrater.com

NP: February 5, 1880 Anderson (SC) Intelligencer: Hagood and Dailey at Globe Tavern, August 21, 1864

Editor’s Note: This article was provided by and transcribed by K. S. McPhail (New Kent County History and Thread the Rude Eye). TWO STORIES OF BRAVE M

www.beyondthecrater.com

Captain Dailey

Dennis Burke Dailey (1839-1898) - Find a Grave...

Dennis Burke Dailey was born on 15 November 1839, in County Galway, Ireland as the son of Patrick Dailey and Ellen. He married Mary Elizabeth Warren on 28 September 1874, in Niagara, Lincoln, Ontario, Canada. They were the parents of seven children. He registered for military service in 1861. He...

www.findagrave.com

General Hagood

Johnson Hagood (governor) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

apparently the 27th SOuth Carolina infantry Flag

 

[on again]

Col Fite Tenn died 1925

Col John Amenas Fite (1832-1925) - Find a Grave...

7th Tennessee Infantry CSA Lawyer,Soldier,Jurist. Tennessee, Death Records, 1908-1958 Name: John Armenus Fite Gender: Male Birth Date: 10 Feb 1832 Birth Place: Alexandria, DeKalb, Tennessee Age: 93 Death Date: 25 Aug 1925 Death Place: Lebanon, Wilson, Tennessee Father's Name: Jacob Fite Father's...

www.findagrave.com

Lt Provost NJ died 1890

William Provost (1846-1890) - Find a Grave...

Find a Grave memorial for William Provost born 1846 and died 30 May 1890. Buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States of America, North America

www.findagrave.com

Lt Cox 6th NC died 1906

LT Milton Harmon Cox (1839-1904) - Find a Grave...

Father: Nathan Wild Goose COX b: 2 Feb 1809 in NC Mother: Eleanor Nellie Ellenor Ellender BOOKOUT b: 1804 in NC Marriage 1 Margaret Martitia MCMASTERS Married: 18 Sep 1865 in Randolph Co., NC 3 Children Cora Etta COX b: 1 Jun 1866 Edward Ulrich Ed COX b: 17 Sep 1870 Aaron Lester Aron COX b...

www.findagrave.com

William Wade Dudley - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Stryker65]

C

This is interesting since the 130th New York wasn't near Fredericksburg but was rather stationed around Suffolk. In August 1863, it was reorganized as the 19th New York Cavalry and then redesignated the 1st New York Dragoons. In addition, I couldn't find a Captain Wheeler on their roster.

Ryan

I was hoping someone also noticed this! Only relevant Captain Wheelers I can find are Captain Park Wheeler of the 149th, William E. Wheeler of the 72nd, Alger M. Wheeler of the 21st, and Stephen W. Wheeler of the 5th...