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Item No. 5105932
A fine CDV portrait of Colonel John Ross Mendenhall, from the family album of U.S. Army surgeon and Medal of Honor recipient Bernard J. D. Irwin. The photograph bears the imprint of G. Grelling, Detroit, Michigan, and is accompanied by a matching portrait of Mendenhall’s wife, Sophia Elizabeth Mix Mendenhall. Irwin and Mendenhall both served at Detroit’s Fort Wayne around 1867, Mendenhall with the 4th US Artillery and Irwin as post surgeon. The two also likely were acquainted during the Civil War, serving the divisional command circles of the Army of the Ohio and Army of the Cumberland in 1862 and 1863.
Mendenhall graduated from West Point in 1851 and served as a Regular Army artillery officer on the frontier before the Civil War. He married Sophia Elizabeth Mix in 1858. As captain of the 4th Artillery, Mendenhall distinguished himself at Shiloh and was brevetted major for his service there. His most notable moment came at the Battle of Stones River, where, as chief of artillery of the Union left wing, he rapidly concentrated more than fifty guns at McFadden’s Ford and used their massed fire to shatter John C. Breckinridge’s Confederate assault. He again distinguished himself at Chickamauga and received a brevet promotion to lieutenant colonel. Mendenhall remained in the Regular Army after the war, eventually commanding the Department of Alaska in 1876-77 and rising to colonel of the 2nd US Artillery. He died in 1892 and was buried at West Point.
Item No. 8166065
A group of eight letters with associated postal covers, all related to Company D, 1st South Carolina Cavalry—the “Chester Troop.” Nearly all concern the status of men on medical furlough and date between July and September 1862. Included are:
A short note from Dr. Ira S. Scott dated September 7, 1862, stating that Private J. B. McWaters was “under treatment…for an attack of fever” and did not believe McWaters could “report for duty to his Co…in a less time than 20 days.” Includes the original cover with a pair of 5-cent Confederate stamps.
An undated note from Lieutenant R. S. Lewis indicating that “poor Sam has his all in that country and is almost crazy to get there & see what has become of his property.” Includes the original cover addressed to Captain William A. Walker, suggesting this is an early-war letter when Walker still commanded the company.
A letter dated July 26, 1862, by A. F. Anderson of Chester, South Carolina, stating that Private Waters Pedergrass “is down very ill with fever and I fear of a Typhoid type. It is difficult to say definitely when he will be able to return to camp. If it is practicable, I think his furlough should be extended indefinitely.” On the reverse, Captain William A. Walker writes to the regiment’s adjutant, Lieutenant F. A. Sitgreaves, to “ask that the furlough for the within named private—W. Pendergrass, be extended for thirty days.” Includes the original cover addressed to Lieut. John S. Wilson of the company, with a pair of nice 5-cent blue Jefferson Davis stamps.
A short letter dated August 8, 1862, and written by Private Hiram Anderson. Writing from home in Chester, South Carolina, Anderson asks for “an extension of furlough on account of my health,” concluding that “If I am able at the expiration of the ten days I will come to my post.” Includes the original cover with a pair of 5-cent blue Jefferson Davis stamps.
In an August 31, 1862, letter, Private T. F. Johnsey writes to Captain Walker to let him know that he is “mending very slow,” having “I took the fever after I come home. It helt me ten days.” He states, however, that he intends to return to camp the following week, citing that he would “rather stay in camp as in Chester.” Includes the original unstamped cover.
Lieutenant N. J. Martin writes in an August 12, 1862, letter written from Wilson’s Springs, North Carolina, that his “health has been improving ever since I came to the Springs.” He adds that “The Physician thinks I should stay 15 days longer. As soon as I get able for duty, I will come back.”
Treating one of the Wilkes men in the company, S. W. B. N. Lurkin writes to Captain Walker on August 20, 1862, “I cannot see what me, a soldier having typhoid fever and confined to his bed all the time, would be in camp. I saw Mr. Wilkes the next day after he came home and have been attending to him regularly ever since. His is a well marked case of typhoid fever and I am certain that if we would haul him to Chesterville and place him in the cars and send him to Regt. Hd quarters that his convalescence would not be more speedy than at home.”
Writing to Captain Walker from Chester, Lieut. John S. Wilson writes: “I hereby certify that Sergt W. B. Robinson of Company “D” 1st Regt. S.C. Cavalry, now at home in this District on furlough, is quite sick and will not be able to return to his company at the time specified in his furlough. And therefore, respectfully recommend that he have an extension of his furlough for ten days from the end of his present furlough.” Docketed on the reverse.
Also included are two additional postal covers addressed to Walker and Wilson, one of which carries a 10-cent Jefferson Davis stamp.
Item No. 8906415
An original 19th-century example of one of the most famous and highly sought-after Bowie knives of the Civil War era: the legendary “Rio Grande Camp Knife,” manufactured by William Jackson & Co. at their Sheaf Island Works in Sheffield, England.
This specific pattern occupies a prominent place in American history due to its infamous association with the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Both John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirator, Lewis Powell, carried this exact model of the Jackson spearpoint Bowie during their coordinated attacks on April 14, 1865. Known for its imposing presence and robust construction, the Rio Grande Camp Knife was widely imported into the United States during the 1850s and 1860s, becoming a favorite sidearm among soldiers on both sides of the war.
The ricasso is marked “Wм JACKSON & Co / SHEAF ISLAND WORKS / SHEFFIELD.” And then on the blade itself, near the spine, is marked “RIO GRANDE CAMP KNIFE.”
The knife features a formidable 10-inch steel spearpoint blade, which was the standard maximum size produced for the model. The heavy full-tang construction is paired with beautifully stag horn scales. The grip retains its original blank German silver nameplate inlay. The stag has matured to a rich, warm honey-yellow color from generations of handling. The scales are tightly affixed to the tang by the original, flush-cut German silver pins.
The blade is in untouched “as-found” condition, displaying a deep, dark gray historical patina, localized pitting, and scattered oxidation. The cutting edge shows old sharpening wear and several minor flea-bites from period use. The robust German silver crossguard fits loosely and will slide up the ricasso when held, but remains in place nicely when on display. No sheath is present.
Item No. 1095633
A nice quarter plate ambrotype studio portrait depicting a family of four—father, mother, and two young daughters—housed inside a thermoplastic Union case. The image shows wonderful clarity and composition, capturing the parents seated with their daughters dressed in matching period attire, set within a heavy oval preserver mat with a stamped photographer's mark in the lower corner for the Metropolitan Gallery of Indianapolis. The image appears much more crisp in person than the scans suggest.
The case itself is a highly desirable Union case featuring the “The Parting of Hafed and Hinda” motif (Berg 1-29 / Krainik #35) in excellent condition. No cracks or repairs and only the slightest corner wear.
Item No. 1525408
Standard issue Union pattern 1839/1861 lead-filled brass oval “US” waist belt plate. Excavated in the historic Hempstead area of Waller County, Texas—a vital Confederate military hub during the Civil War hosting major recruit training camps, a supply depot, and Camp Groce (a key POW camp holding captured Union soldiers). Measures 85mm.
Authentic dug relic condition with a dark, uncleaned earthen patina and partially intact lead backing. Exhibits typical ground wear, bending, and outer edge loss. The reverse retains imprints of the original hardware. From the estate of a Texas relic hunter.
Item No. 8447810
A revealing letter from Wellwood Gillespie of the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry, written from Lynchburg, Virginia, on July 27, 1865, as the regiment prepared to return home at the expiration of their enlistments. Writing to Emma Smith, whom he would soon marry, he writes, “We expect to leave here in the morning for home. We shall go from here to Richmond, there turn in our horses &c., thence to Harrisburg via of Fortress Monroe & Washington.” He planned to “remain about one week” at home, then travel to see her in Pine Creek.
Even though the war was over, men were still dying, as Gillespie relates in an awful incident that occurred after his regiment had merged with the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry:
Last night, two of our boys were shot. It appears that one of the 16th Pa. Cavalry had a fight with two of our boys, and the one of the 16th shot the other two. One died in a short time & the other cannot live throughout the day. Thus two young men, who have risked their lives for 4 long years in defense of their Country, had to be murdered by our own man, just as we were about ready to return home. If it had of been my fate, I would rather of died on the field of battle.
Gillespie then describes how an old friend, likely William N. Monies formerly of the 136th Pennsylvania, paid him a visit:
My old friend Capt. Monies, that you have often heard me speak of, was here the other day to see me. He had business in Richmond and come 180 miles out of his way to see me. He made me promise on my return from the Army to come home before going elsewhere, so of course I shall make my promise good. Go home for a few days, then make my visit afterwards.
Gillespie grew up in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and had previously served with Battery G, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, enlisting in 1861 as a corporal and ultimately being promoted second lieutenant. An accidental injury resulted in his discharge. However, upon recovering in 1864, he reenlisted as a private in the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He and Emma married after the war, settled in Morris, Pennsylvania, and had at least five children.
The letter was written on four pages of a 5” x 8” letter sheet. Light foxing and toning. Creased at the original folds. The full transcript appears below.
Camp of the 8th Pa. Cavalry.
Lynchburg Va.
July 27th 1865.
Ever Friend Emma,
We expect to leave here in the morning for home. We shall go from here to Richmond, there turn in our horses &c., thence to Harrisburg via of Fortress Monroe & Washington. I am unable to inform you as to the exact time of our discharge, but we think about the 15th of August.
I shall go home from Harrisburg and remain about one week, then come to Pine Creek. I will assure you we are glad to think our term of service is so near out.
Last night, two of our boys were shot. It appears that one of the 16th Pa. Cavalry had a fight with two of our boys, and the one of the 16th shot the other two. One died in a short time & the other cannot live throughout the day. Thus two young men, who have risked their lives for 4 long years in defense of their Country, had to be murdered by our own man, just as we were about ready to return home. If it had of been my fate, I would rather of died on the field of battle.
I have never in all my life suffered so much from heat as I have this summer. Truly it is warm. But Emma, we will soon be in a colder clime than this, I hope.
My old friend Capt. Monies, that you have often heard me speak of, was here the other day to see me. He had business in Richmond and come 180 miles out of his way to see me. He made me promise on my return from the Army to come home before going elsewhere, so of course I shall make my promise good. Go home for a few days, then make my visit afterwards.
Emma, you need not write to me again, for in all probability I would not get the letter. I will write you again from Richmond, and after I get home, so you will kow about the time I will be at your place. Give my ever true regards to all of your folks. Also tell Lizzie that I will either write to her from here or from Richmond. We must have that long promised dance when I come up.
Hoping soon to see you all. I am as ever your true friend.
Wellwood
Item No. 1004381
Two young men pose in a humorous scenario in this 1866 image by photographer G. Moses of Quincy, Illinois. The boys, identified on the reverse as Will Bull and Ned Parker, are seated with one boy holding a CDV photograph, presumably of a young lady, and the other boy pointing intently at the image. On a large poster-size parchment displayed in front of them is a clever verse derived from Chaucer’s “gray goos” proverb in The Canterbury Tales:
There never was a goose so gray
That did not, soon or late,
An honest gander come that way
And take her for his mate.
On the reverse is the Moses imprint along with he period-ink identifications and the year 1866. Above the imprint is a rectangular area of residue where a revenue stamp was once attached.
The image has a couple minor rough spots along the edge and has been trimmed very slightly to about 2 1/4” x 3 7/8”.
Wanted!
Recruitment Broadsides, Meeting Notices, Handbills, and Other Printed Advertising of the Civil War Years
The Bernard J. D. Irwin Collection of Union and Confederate General Officer Portraits
Read about the incredible CDV collection compiled by the Medal of Honor’s earliest recipient.
Understanding the various sizes of nineteenth-century photographic images and their union cases.
A union case is a great way to protect and display an antique image. The most commonly seen sizes are, from smallest to largest, sixteenth plate (not pictured), ninth plate, sixth plate, quarter plate, half plate, and full plate (not pictured). There are also several “CDV-size” styles, two of which are shown here. Union cases are made from a variety of materials, the most common being thermoplastic (as shown), paper, and leather.
Click on the image to the left to see a larger version.
Item No. 1074566
An early nineteenth-century American militia belt assembly featuring the rolled brass “Star of Stars” plate (O'Donnell & Campbell #161). The plate features a spread-wing eagle with a national shield over a variety of arms, including crossed cannon barrels, bayonets, pikes, and six cannonballs. Above the eagle is a large five-pointed star made up of 20 smaller six-pointed stars, celebrating Mississippi’s admission as the 20th U.S. state in 1818. O’Donnell and Campbell identify it as being in use between 1818 and 1830.
The reverse retains its original applied brass attachment tongue and belt loop bar. It remains mounted on its complete original heavy black leather belt with period stitching, fold lines, and adjustment holes.
Non-excavated condition with sharp die detail and nice brass patina. The leather belt is intact and somewhat stiff, but retains some flexibility. It has light surface cracking expected for its age. Plate measures approximately 69 x 70 mm. Overall length of belt as seen in the first picture: 16 inches.