Lot 53 (To see an enlarged
picture just click the photo.)Continued
from Page One
Lot, Description
Lot 53 (To see an enlarged
picture just click the photo.)
53,
THE CAPTAIN SAMUEL WATSON VANNUYS (1841-1864) CIVIL WAR DIARY
& LETTER GROUPING. A rare and historic ephemera grouping from a Civil
War officer of the 4th U.S. Colored Regiment, killed in action.
Consisting of over 170 individual items. Lot features 110 hand written letters
by Vannuys to his parents covering the years 1863-1864 many containing
exceptional content including commentary on seeing President Lincoln, commanding
colored troops, playing baseball, politics, conditions and various other
interesting topics. Additionally four period hand written and identified pocket
diaries belonging to Vannuys covering the period of September 4, 1861 up to
September 20th 1863. Furthermore lot includes a 1/6 plate tintype of
Captain Vannuys together with 2 other Union officers, a 10” x 7.5” silver
gelatin print of Vannuys in Union officer uniform and a quarter plate tintype
depicting Vannuys little sister Mollie to whom at the close of each letter he
writes “a kiss for Mollie.” Also 48 letters to Vannuys from his parents and
friends many with very appealing subject matter including some with clippings
from hometown papers. One letter includes a very rare printed copy of a speech
delivered by the Honorable Andrew Johnson of Tennessee on the Expulsion of Mr.
Bright. Delivered in the Senate of the United States, Friday, January 31,
1862.” Printed by L.Towers & Co. Washington D.C. The speech centers on a
controversy, which arose from a letter written in 1861 to Jefferson Davis by
Senator Jesse D. Bright, a senator from Vannuys home sate of Indiana. It was
proposed that the letter was evidence of Senator Bright’s disloyalty to the
Union. This lot further includes a moving letter written to Vannuys parents from
a fellow officer and companion of Vannuys regarding his death it reads in part;
“My Dear Sir: It is an extremely painful duty to write you. You have no doubt
received my dispatch announcing the death of your son. What can a stranger say
to comfort those dearest and nearest him? But one thing I can assure you that
you and your lady have the heartfelt sympathies of every officer left in the
Brigade for “Van” as we called him, was universally esteemed as a man and as
a soldier…” The letter closes; “If he died young, he fell as a patriot,
and may the blood of his young heart poured forth so lavishly at his country’s
altar, help to bind together again our Union stronger than ever.” Also
contained in this important grouping is a testament written by Vannuys just
three days before his death and apparently recovered by a Confederate soldier
and then mailed to Vannuys father. Written on stationary of “Headquarters 3rd
Brigade 3rd Division 18th Army Corps, Dutch Gap Virginia,
September 27, 1864. It reads; “This Testament belongs to Captain
S.W. Vannuys, acting Asst. Adjt. General 3rd Brig. 3rd
Div. 18th A.C. Should I die upon the field of battle for the sake of
a loving Mother and Sister inform my father- John H. Vannuys, Franklin Indiana
of the fact” Written on the bottom section & continuing on the
reverse in another hand is the writing apparently of the Confederate soldier who
recovered this from Vannuys body and forwarded it to Vannuys father by post.
Continued on next page Continued from previous page LOT 53 The
inscription reads; “Mr. John H. Vanings it is my painful duty to inform
you that your son was killed on the 29th of the last month near
Chaffins Farm Va. I have his testament I will send if you wish it from your
Enemy one of the worst rebels you ever seen L.B.F.” Testament comes in
the original envelope post marked OCT 10th OLD POINT COMFORT VA. And
addressed to Vannuys’ father in Franklin, Indiana. Lot also contains an
original copy of Vannuys hometown paper “The Franklin Jeffersonian” dated
October 22, 1864 and featuring his obituary which mentions his body had been
stripped by rebel forces while it lay on the battlefield; “Although not
more than 20 minutes elapsed between the retreat and the return of the attacking
party-the enemy had robbed him of his watch, money and clothes.” All of
Vannuys’ letters together with his diaries have been transcribed, and the
transcriptions are spiral bound and come together with this lot. Vannuys knack
of the narrative allows the reader to acquire an in depth perspective of both
the author and his time. His rise from a private in Company F of the 7th
Indiana Volunteers to his appointment as Acting Adjutant General of the 4th
U.S. Colored Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 18th
Army Corps offer’s a truly unique and one of a kind perspective into many
issues that confronted the Union soldier including race. His letters and diaries
make mention of a variety of interesting subjects to any student of the period.
One frequently mentioned activity is baseball and there are many others
including getting ones picture taken, express delivery services, politics and of
course war. A brief sampling includes; “July 1, 1863 at 4PM reached battle
filed near Gettysburg Penn. Found our brigade had been engaged and many killed
and wounded. Gen. Reynolds our Corp Commander killed.” “July 2, 1863
Musketry heavy, balls whistled fiercely over our heads but we repulsed them
handsomely.” “July 3, 1863 Our men took 2000 prisoners and captured
General Longstreet of the rebel army.’ “July 5, 1863 …busy all day
burying the enemy dead and collecting arms left on the field by them…The
stench is almost unbearable.” February 15, 1863 “I find the boys do
not approve of the proclamation generally nor of Uncle Abes idea of arming the
Negroes. They are for anything to stop the war but have not much faith in such
measures accomplishing it.” “April 5, 1863 Pratts Landing Va….Our
Division was reviewed by Genl. Hooker and staff. Old Joe of course was the
center of attraction, he is a much younger and healthier looking man than I
expected to see.” “April 12, 1863 Pratts Landing Va……Last
Thursday our Corps (1st) was reviewed by President Lincoln and
Hooker. Uncle Abe is as homely as his pictures represent him in fact the ugliest
man I ever saw….” Perhaps
one of the most interesting aspects of Vannuys writings is seeing his attitude
towards African Americans change from one of superiority to that of equals. In
April of 1863 the topic arises in a letter home to his parents; “There has
been a good deal of excitement among the boys of late, on the Negro question.
Some of our officers propose furnishing enough volunteers from our Regt. to
officer a Regt. of darkies; they have sent a petition to the Sec’y of War, and
the names of those willing to take commissions…..I was urged to give my name
for a 2nd Lieutenancy but refused for several reasons. I ant hardly
an abolitionist yet to go that far…..What would the people of Johnson County
think of a fellow who would descend so low as to command “Niggers?” A
few weeks later in response to a letter from his father he writes; “You say
Morton and Noble offered me for a commission in an African Regt and ask if I
would be willing to accept such a position. I would prefer a white Regt. but
would take a place in an African Regt if offered. Three months later in a
letter home he writes; “I received my appointment as 1st
Lieutenant in the 4th Regt. U.S. Colored Troops….I have only been
here one day. The Negro are rather dull and will require drilling to make
soldiers, but not more than a company of raw whites”. And two weeks later
on August 16th 1863 he writes; In point of size and intelligence
my company is equal to any in the regiment. I have a number who can read and
write. Most are from the country and the darkies from the country are much
easier to manage than the town Negro’s…..Last Monday evening the colored
people of Baltimore presented the regiment with a beautiful flag All niggerdom
turned out to witness the ceremony. Never saw such a collection of darky faces
before. After the speeches were over they had a glorious sing; They sang some
really beautiful pieces and wound up of course with “John Brown.” A few
days later on August 23rd: “I expect in the case I am taken
prisoner to be treated as a “prisoner of war.” There are too many colored
troops now in the field and too many rebel prisoners in our hands for them to
butcher & hang us indiscriminately. I think Old Abes proclamation
will have the desired effect. August 30th, 1863: The officers take
pride in pushing things as fast as possible and the men as a general thing take
pride in surpassing each other-but we have some lazy sniffling rascals who are
worse than donkeys. They have learned to obey and consequently can be more
easily managed than whites. You can kick and cuff them as much as you please and
they will not resent it but I do not think that the best way to manage them.
Captain Mayer pursues that plan and as a consequence has 10 absent without leave
and from 2 to 6 daily in the guardhouse. I treat mine as men, but at the same
time with firmness…... Ma wants to know of how I like the idea of living with
darkies. I confess I did not like it all at first but association is fast
wearing away my prejudice. You know we are all creatures of association.
September 20, 1863 “We have a Chaplain a colored man. He is pastor of a
wealthy and aristocratic church in Baltimore. He preached as fine a sermon last
Sabbath as I ever heard from any Chaplain.” October 9, 1863 “We got
into camp last night at about 10 o’clock-marched 25 miles…The
darkies-“coons” they call themselves, stood the march very well. Better I
believe than any Regt I ever saw.” December 13, 1863 The officers of
our regiment and the 6th are getting a petition to Congress asking
that the pay of the Colored troops be made equal to that of whites…”
April 24, 1864 “Guarding the prisoners pleases the darkies greatly. They
get off some amusing expressions “Well Sam you guarding Massa over der eh? Got
him pinned up like a drove of pigs-dats a helluva note aint it?” Regarding
his troops first encounter with the enemy on June 4, 1864 he writes: Officers
from old regiment (white) who were watching us say they never saw a skirmish
line do better than ours.” Two months before his death, Vannuys writes
home to his father about an engagement at Petersburg that apparently went awry. “Everything
worked splendidly at first with proper management we would not only have taken
Petersburg but most of the rebel forces this side of the river. The blame I
presume will be shuffled on to the Colored Troops, because their color happens
to attract notoriety. But I know they behaved as well, if not better, than any
white troops….” The lot further comes with original death certificate,
invoices for embalming and shipping body home, together with other clippings and
related material. A rare and historically important grouping of the type rarely
offered for sale. Estimate $5,000-$7,500
Lots 54 & 55
54, THE WILLIAM WESLEY PROPST CIVIL
WAR GROUPING. Consisting of 20 different items relating to Propst
of Company K, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Group contains the following: a
beautiful cased 6th plate tintype of Propst in full uniform and
wearing slouch hat with brass bugle and cord, matching gilt-brass shoulder
scales, cartridge box with belt sling, waist belt with oval belt plate, leather
percussion cap box, holstered pistol, rifle with fixed bayonet, and uniform
coat. Oval patriotic gilt brass matt depicting canons, flags, ships etc. Lot
further contains a model 1839 early brass oval U.S. belt plate with puppy-paw
studs, long tongue, pair of matching brass shoulder scales (as shown in
photographs of Propst), a nice “KINSEY” marked leather belt pouch containing
24 mini balls, a sling style leather powder flask (not pictured), a GAR
Officers-Post Commanders badge with enameled blue brooch, blue bordered ribbon
and bronze planchet, a GAR hat wreath with post number “11”, a round tin
container with “No. 12 PERCUSSION CAPS” maker “SHEFFIELD”, a wood
handled shot and powder measure, a large hand tinted cabinet card image of
Propst, 3 small cased tintypes of Propsts’ mother & 2 sisters, four
CDV’s of Union soldiers including 3 officers, 1 being a General and apparently
signed by him as “Gen’l Branan Comdr. 3rd Div. 14th
A.C.”, also a seated CDV image of a Captain & 2 others probably officers,
also the illustrated volume “The Book of Anecdotes and Incidents of the
Rebellion, inscribed to Propst in fly leaf, a percussion lock mechanism, a lock
of Propst’s hair, a wood handle tin mess spoon, and photocopies of 2 of his
letters home while in service. Provenance:
William Wesley Propst, thence by decent through his family.
Estimate..............................................................................
$1,500-$1,750
55, INTERESTING CIVIL WAR
CONFEDERATE OFFICERS LETTER. A two-page hand written letter from Colonel John G.
Bohannon, 61st Regiment, Virginia Militia to then Secretary of War
for the Confederate States of America, George W. Randolph. Dated May 12, 1862.
The letter chronicles the brief history and hardships of the Colonels regiments
since it was mustered into service July 18th 1861. It goes on to
relay to the Secretary Of War how his Regiment has had groups of men and
artillery borrowed without being returned. How the remaining men who have not
deserted have not been paid for over 7 months. He asks the Secretary what he
should do since his regiment, which originally numbered 520 men, is now down to
71 men. He ads a postscript tendering his resignation and asks if he can allow
the remaining men in his charge to join whatever branch of the service they
wish. An interesting letter to Randolph who held the position of Secretary of
War for only seven months. Estimate $75-$100
Lot 56
56, A FOLIO OF 34 CIVIL WAR PERIOD
LITHOGRAPH PRINTS depicting Political & Military figures.
Originally bound into a hard cover book, each sheet measures 16”x12” and
depicts a notable figure rendered in stone lithography. Published by “Ehrgott;
Forbriger & Co.” circa 1863. Some with minor staining. All suitable for
framing. Good period images. Estimate.............................$250-$400
Lots 57-73
57, UNION CAVALRY SABER BELT,
with eagle belt plate with 1 piece silver wreath (no numbers), keeper; one
suspension ring bears short suspension strap with hardware, the second ring has
a C.W. Cavalry Sword knot attached. Belt and sword knot crazed. Estimate.............................$150-$250
58, 19TH CENTURY TRADE
AX, pipe style, cast iron. Never finished, overall rust patina. Fine
Original Specimen. Estimate.............................$50-$75
59, U.S. CIVIL WAR CARBINE
CARTRIDGE BOX, woodblock bored to hold 22 .54 cal. cartridges. Complete
except for two vertical belt loops. No maker’s identification visible. Appears
to have been made without hold down tab on main flap. Surface crazed. Shows use,
but solid overall. Estimate.............................$75-$150
60, INTERESTING CIVIL WAR U.S. OVAL
BELT PLATE, has Minie bullet impacted into the “U”. Mounted into
walnut frame. Estimate.............................$25-$50
61, CONFEDERATE CIVIL WAR S.C. OVAL
BELT PLATE, arrowhead prongs. Minor light surface dings. Great patina
front and back. Estimate.............................$250-$400
62, CIVIL WAR U.S. OVAL BELT PLATE. Arrowhead prongs, many light surface dings, cleaned.
Estimate $100-$200
63, A FINE 19TH CENTURY FLATTENED
HORN POWDER FLASK with brass collar
slightly curved and with suspension loops. Estimate.............................$75-$125
64, CIVIL WAR U.S. CAVALRY CARBINE
SLING, 2 3/8” wide, complete with all hardware (buckle, tip,
rivets and snaffle hook). No maker’s marks on snaffle hook. Surface of sling
is crazed but leather is supple. Estimate.............................$200-$300
65, 2 BAYONETS,
A U.S. Trapdoor, blued blade and socket, with light rust spots. Scabbard has
early brass belt hook. together with a U.S. for Trapdoor rifle, blued blade and
socket with some small rust spots, Scabbard has the brass belt hook. Estimate.............................$100-$200
66, CIVIL WAR SWORD,
U.S. M1860 Cavalry, Ricasso marked “U.S. DFM 1864” and “Trenton, NJ”
address of Emerson & silver. Blade and scabbard cleaned, grip has original
wrap, scabbard has few shallow dimples. Estimate.............................$200-$300
67, EXCEPTIONAL CIVIL WAR SWORD,
U.S. Foot Officers, Ames marked blade and scabbard throat. Ricassos marked 1851
and U.S. / RPB 99% original gilt on hafting and scabbard fittings. Leather
scabbard about perfect, perfect etching on blade. One small rub mark on rayskin
wrap. J.W.R. inspector’s initials on pommel cap. B on drag. Missing the small
screw that holds the tip to the scabbard. This is a near perfect sword. Probably
never issued. Estimate.............................$800-$1200
68, NAMED CIVIL WAR U.S. STAFF
& FIELD SWORD, M1860 smooth blade without makers markings, rayskin
wrap, lacks wire to grip, one folding langet with stand of arms, fixed langet
bears Federal Eagle. Gold bullion sword knot shows wear. Scabbard retains 90%
original nickel plating, 2 small, shallow dents to scabbard which is inscribed
“John Stewart Summerhayes” in script between the ring mounts.
Estimate.............................$250-$400
69, PISTOL FLASK,
Horn curved, flattened, works. Estimate.............................$75-$100
70, 19TH CENTURY SMALL
SHEATH KNIFE. Privately made, flat 4” steel blade with 4 ¼” grip,
distal half is the base of a deer horn, balance is oak. Shows age and use.
Estimate.............................$50-$75
71, A FINE 19TH CENTURY KNIFE,
"E.M. Dickinson, Sheffield, England". 6 7/8" single-edged drop point blade has some light
staining, light rust pitting on
spine, scales are slabbed, jigged horn, held by 4
steel pins to tang. Hilt is ovoid German-silver plate. Heavy brown
leather scabbard made without belt loop, cuffed at throat with simple
impressed-line design following the edges of the body.
Stitching sound. Estimate.............................$100-$200
72, A 19TH CENTURY
DAGGER, 10 ¼” overall length, 6 7/8” double-edged blade shaped
like a triangular cross-sectioned spearhead. 3” cross-guard, quillions have
ball ends. Grip is solid horn with a crude spiral design and small copper disc
for the pommel. Wood scabbard covered with composite leather and oilcloth.
Estimate.............................$75-$125
73, 19TH CENTURY HOLSTER, for large frame revolver, Western style, pebbled grain,
open top. Estimate.............................$25-$50
Lot 74-82
74, PENNSYLVANIA RIFLE,
Flintlock, ½-stock, tiger-tail figured maple w/brass ornate patch box cover,
toe plate, crescent butt plate, heel plate, trigger guard, belly plate full
length of forend, heart, teardrop star inlays, key escutcheon plates, stock
ramrod ferrule. 40” oct 56 cal. brl. converted to percussion w/drum
conversion. Heavily engraved floral pattern to lock plate & hammer. Pewter
forend cap. Estimate.............................$300-$450
75, A Fine PENNSYLVANIA RIFLE, flintlock, .45 cal oct. 37¾”
brl. Plain maple full stock has a sharply dropped butt original crescent brass
butt plate. 8 ovals, stars & acorn brass inlays in stock. Circular patch
box. Lock has triangular pan w/ fence, swan-necked hammer. Pistol grip style
brass trigger-guard with single trigger. Brass r.r. ferrules. No identifying
markings, old open sights. Estimate.............................$400-$600
76, PENNSYLVANIA RIFLE,
Flintlock full stock, percussion conversion. Has been rebuilt, tiger-tail wood,
long patch box, brass crescent butt plate and toe plate. 1¾” wide brass band
around old break through wrist, fixed with iron screws. Iron trigger guard &
double-set triggers. Drum conversion to 36” oct. .40 cal. brl. has open
sights. Lock plate shows some engraving. Copper r.r. ferrules, old r.r. brl.
dark patina. Estimate.............................$300-$600
77, PENNSYLVANIA RIFLE,
percussion ½ stock, Bench gun, late 19th century. Heavy oct. 36 ½”,
.45 cal brl. Alliron fittings including small circular patch box. Double
set-triggers. Heavy plain walnut stock with pewter fore cap. Full-length iron
under rib with 2 brass ferrules; pewter stock r.r. ferrule. Open sights. Brl.
marked “S.A. Nordheim”. Brass lock screw escutcheon plate. Good hickory r.r.
Estimate.............................$200-$300
78, PENNSYLVANIA ½ STOCK,
percussion, .45 cal, 33” oct brl. with steel under-rib with wood ramrod, brass
cap box in butt, brass crescent butt plate and toe plate. German silver
decorations, tiger-stripe maple stock has orig. finish. Fancy brass trigger
guard. G. Baker lock, brl. Marked “Spangler & Williams makers Monroe,
Wis.” mechanically sound. Estimate.............................$300-$400
79, A FINE OLD PENNSYLVANIA RIFLE,
½ stock, .40 cal, 10 ½ lb. Oct. brl., marked “J.H. Rector, Syracuse, NY”
Back-action lock marked “C. Baker”. Dbl. set triggers. German silver
furniture with engraving. Walnut stock with checkered wrist. Traditional sights.
Estimate.............................$300-$500
80, PLAINS-TYPE RIFLE,
New reproduction made in Italy for Armsport, FL, .50 cal double set triggers.
Adjustable open sights. 28” oct. brl. ornate patch box and fittings all brass.
Factory r.r. Estimate.............................$75-$150
81, PENNSYLVANIA RIFLE,
percussion ½ stock, oct. 38 cal brl. “S.P. Hendrickson, Dansville, Mich.”
on top flat. Original somewhat ornate open sights. Crescent butt plate, toe
plates and trigger guard. Lock plate has engraved hunting scene. Dbl. set
triggers. Estimate.....................................................................................
$150-$250
82, A GOOD PENNSYLVANIA BOYS RIFLE,
percussion, full stock, oct 29 ¼’ .36 cal brl. Birdseye maple stock with
sheet brass forend cap. Brass crescent butt plate, toe plate, trigger guard and
lock screw escutcheon. Double set-triggers, open sights. Back action lock with
etching on plate and hammer. Large ornate oval patch box. Good r.r. functions.
Stock spliced midway of forend. Estimate.............................$200-$300