| National Museum of American History

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by William R.

Description: Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by William R. Pywell, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; This sketch represents a portion of the field of the battle of Bull Run, fought on the 21st of July, 1861, by the forces under Gen. McDowell and Gen. Beauregard. In a general order, issued on the 20th, Gen. McDowell said: "The enemy has planted a battery on the Warrenton turnpike to defend the passage of Bull Run; has seized the stone bridge, and made a heavy abatis on the right bank, to oppose our advance in that direction. The ford above the bridge is also guarded, whether with artillery or not, is not positively known, but every indication favors the belief that he proposes to defend the passage of the stream. It is intended to turn the position, force the enemy from the road, that it may be re-opened, and, if possible, destroy the railroad leading from Manasses to the Valley of Virginia, where the enemy has a large force." General McDowell commenced operations with the divisions of Tyler, Hunter, Heintzelman, and Miles-33,000 men; 18,000 of whom were engaged. The strength of the enemy was about the same, and was all engaged. The plan of the attack was for Tyler's division to threaten the passage of the bridge, Miles to make a demonstration at Blackburn's Ford, two miles below, and the divisions of Hunter and Heintzleman to move up the stream ten miles, and by a flank movement surprise and overwhelm the enemy while occupied with the two other divisions.; The country at that time was densely wooded, and the entire portion shown in the sketch occupied by the Confederates. It was expected that Hunter and Heintzelman would strike the left of the enemy at daylight on the 21st, but owing to unforeseen obstacles, failed to reach the designated point until after ten o'clock. This delay revealed the movement to Beauregard, who immediately disposed his forces to meet it by extending them obliquely across the turnpike, facing the bridge, at a distance of about two miles. Hunter, Heintzelman, and Tyler, who had crossed the bridge, attacked the enemy, and the engagement became general; our forces, after a severe struggle, driving him in great confusion from the field, and occupying the turnpike. The fighting had nearly ceased, and Gen. McDowell was expressing his thanks to some of his officers for their services, when Johnston's reinforcements from Winchester suddenly appeared in rear of our right, and threw our lines into utter confusion. A feeble attempt was made to repulse the attack, but the regiments rapidly broke to pieces, and forming a mass of terror-stricken fugitives, rushed from the field down across the bridge, which soon became obstructed by wagons, and to prevent pursuit by the enemy was destroyed. A portion of this ground was fought over in the battles of Gen. Pope in 1862, and hundreds of acres still bear evidences of those fearful scenes.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1862-03

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0334.07
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0334.07

Physical Description1/4-scale model, wood with plastic parts.General HistoryOn April 21, 1861, Virginians claimed an abandoned navy yard at Norfolk, Virginia. There they found the sunken hull of the burned USS Merrimack.

Description: Physical Description; 1/4-scale model, wood with plastic parts.; General History; On April 21, 1861, Virginians claimed an abandoned navy yard at Norfolk, Virginia. There they found the sunken hull of the burned USS Merrimack. The Merrimack was raised and on June 23, 1861 the Honorable S. R. Mallory, Confederate secretary of the navy, ordered it to be converted to an ironclad. That ironclad was christened the CSS Virginia.

date made: ca 1960
associated date: 1862

maker: Arthur G. Henning Inc.

ID Number: AF.58728N
accession number: 235954
catalog number: 58728-N

Currently not on view

Location: Currently not on view

referenced: Washington, George

ID Number: PG.66.25.35
accession number: 263090
catalog number: 66.25.35

Shell jacket worn by Private Alexander Hunter of the 17th Virginia Infantry, Army of Northern Virginia.

Description: Shell jacket worn by Private Alexander Hunter of the 17th Virginia Infantry, Army of Northern Virginia. The jacket was originally issued to a private in the 8th Virginia Infantry, but when that man was killed at the Second Battle of Manassas, August 31, 1862, his sister gave it to Hunter, who was wearing a tattered jacket at the time. Hunter continued to wear the jacket throughout the war, including his service with the 4th Virginia Cavalry, the "Black Horse Cavalry," and was wounded twice while wearing it. The single-breasted medium gray wool shell jacket has seven button holes down the front. The jacket is fully lined with green and brown brocade, with its sleeves lined in natural cotton. There is a breast slit pocket on the left side.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: ca 1860-1862
associated date: 1861-1865; 1862-08-31

wearer: Hunter, Alex

ID Number: AF.4717
catalog number: 4717
accession number: 21203

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.The Confederate Arsenal at Richmond was one of the most extensive establishments of the kind in the South.

Description: Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; The Confederate Arsenal at Richmond was one of the most extensive establishments of the kind in the South. At the commencement of the war the rebel authorities took possession of a large number of private buildings, such as tobacco and cotton warehouses, and manufactories, and transformed them into Government shops. The masonry shown in the photograph formed the abutment of the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad bridge. The depot was immediately at the end of the structure, and became a portion of the arsenal. In the background are the ruins of the Franklin paper mill, and on the right those of the carbine manufactories. The space occupied by shells, stone, and blocks of iron formed the yard of the shops, in which the ordnance was made. In the foreground are piled up eleven-inch shells. In the middle distance are thirty pound shells, near which are half a dozen charges of canister and a large number of grape shot, each bundle of rings enclosing about thirty pounds of balls, and constituting a charge for a gun. Scattered over the yard, and standing near the base of the arch, are seen the elongated one hundred pound shell for rifled cannon.; The arsenal was destroyed by the great fire, at the evacuation of Richmond. The Tredegar Iron Works, where the Confederates manufactured a considerable portion of their artillery, were situated a short distance to the left of the ruins shown here, and escaped the conflagration.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1865-04

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0283.41
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0283.41

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.

Description: Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; In such rude manner did the lusty artificers of the corps carry on their needful trades, doing much good work under the scorching rays of the southern sun. At one time the majority of these hardy workmen were detailed from the ranks, with extra pay and allowances, but when every soldier was needed behind his musket, skilled men were hired for such duty, and some of the soldiers ordered back to their regiments. On the right of the view is the stocks, a neat contrivance, to facilitate the shoeing of mules, an operation which those self-willed animals had a decided objection to undergo. Time being precious, the farriers could not be expected to waste much in the exercise of their persuasive abilities. The refractory mule was led into the stocks, often by the seductive display of a peck of oats, suddenly to find himself suspended in air upon a huge belly-band. Four stout fellows seizing his feet, fastened them securely with thongs in the required position, and while impotent rage convulsed his frame, rapidly nailed on the shoes, finally releasing the hybrid in a state of wretched uncertainty as to the intents and purposes of his masters.; The tent fly, with its partial walls of loose bricks, covers the forge. Around it are the wheel and harness-makers, evidently resting, with pleasing expectations of forming a prominent feature of the photograph, while the contrabands have assumed positions of determined fixedness, worthy of the occasion.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1864-02

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0283.20
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0283.20

Black and white photograph of Lt. j.g. Robert G. Hall's daughter, Nancy when she was about three years old. She sits in a rocking chair with a doll at her feet. She wears a dress and a bow. An inscription reads, "doll angel."Currently not on view

Description: Black and white photograph of Lt. j.g. Robert G. Hall's daughter, Nancy when she was about three years old. She sits in a rocking chair with a doll at her feet. She wears a dress and a bow. An inscription reads, "doll angel."
Location: Currently not on view

Date made: 1944

ID Number: 2006.0199.05.01
accession number: 2006.0199
catalog number: 2006.0199.05.01

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.

Description: Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; This wagon park represents the transportation of all that portion of the Quartermaster's Department, which included the various field repair shops, carpenters, saddlers, harness-makers, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, wagon builders, and the like, belonging to the Army of the Potomac. When in full operation it was a very extensive establishment, and one of much importance to the army. Thousands of mules and horses were here shod every month, and almost an equal number of disabled wagons, ambulances, &c., repaired, the rough usage to which the trains were subjected breaking down even the strongest-built army wagons. In addition to the repairs done here, there were made tables, seats, and desks, for office furniture, required by the various departments in camp. Indeed, it would be difficult to say what the Quartermaster might not have to construct or mend at a moment's notice. Sometimes Col. Pierce, the officer in charge, would find a whole division of cavalry upon his hands, in the most unexpected manner; just in from a raid or a fight, their own proper depot out of reach, and all in want of shoes to their horses and repairs to their equipments. Then there were lively times at the repair shops; harness-sewers working to distraction, and blacksmiths punishing their anvils day and night, while the cry was "still they come." At other times, while the summer campaigns were in progress, there would be little to do but keep the mules harnessed for a start, and lounge upon the ground, or around the sutler's wagon.; This train numbered about two hundred and forty wagons – no trifling command to move with precision and safety over a country almost destitute of paved roads; but when compared with the entire transportation of the army, it was a small matter. For the carriage of ordnance, commissary and quartermaster stores, the baggage of the troops, and for transporting the sick and wounded, nearly six thousand wagons and ambulances had to be put in motion, requiring at least sixty miles of road to string out upon. Moving upon dirt roads, generally cut up by the wheels of over three hundred guns, the same number of caissons, the accompanying forges and battery wagons, and a pontoon train or two – the labor required by the draught animals was excessive. As for the swearing done by the teamsters, no words can describe its amount, nor can any memory do justice to its variety and originality. But for these immense trains, and their cumbrous movements, many a battle would have remained unfought, an engagement sometimes being absolutely necessary for their preservation. One of these was the battle of Bristow Station, where the rebel army made a flank attack upon the Second Corps, hoping, by a vigorous assault, to drive our men, and cripple the army by destroying its train, moving under cover of the column of infantry.; When collected in one encampment, the sight of the vast parks of wagons was very imposing. On one occasion, two days before the battle of Bristow, almost the entire transportation of the army was accumulated in the vicinity of Bealton, covering the fields in all directions as far as the eye could reach with white covers, all stamped, with the badge of their respective corps, division and brigade.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1863-05

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0283.14
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0283.14

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.Here is represented one of the establishments of the Sanitary Commission in the army.

Description: Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; Here is represented one of the establishments of the Sanitary Commission in the army. The object of the Commission was to alleviate the hardships of soldier life to afford physical comfort to the sick and wounded, and supply such of the well as were needy with under-clothing, &c. The Departments, or Special Bureaus were established at Washington, New York, Louisville, New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Annapolis, and City Point, in addition to which there have been the Departments of Western Virginia, of the South, and Texas. The funds of the Commission were raised by means of Sanitary Fairs in the principal cities, and by voluntary subscription. The report of the Treasurer shows that from June 27th, 1861, to July 1st, 1865, the receipts were $4,813,750.64, and the disbursements $4,530,774.95, leaving a balance in the hands of the Commission of $282,975.69. In 1863 a Protective War Claim Association was established, and made subordinate to the Commission, for the purpose of making direct applications for pensions, arrears of pay, bounty and prize money, and for giving general information and advice relative to military and naval matters. No charges were made for these services, thus saving to the widows and representatives of the soldiers the usual fees of claim agents, which in these cases would have amounted to about $240,000.; The Relief Bureau of the Commission closed on the 1st of July, 1865. At that time there were vast stores and material on hand, all of which were turned over to General Howard's Bureau for the benefit of the freedmen. The Claim Bureau will close on the 1st of January, 1866, and turn over to the Central Bureau at Washington all the papers and documents in its possession. From that time forward, the Commission will devote itself to the preparation of a historical record, a final and full report, and the settlement of its affairs in closing up the several agencies. What will be done with the surplus funds has not yet been determined, but it is expected that they will be transferred as an endowment to some institution devoted to the interests of soldiers and of their families.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1863-11

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0283.01
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0283.01

Physical DescriptionThis blue wool coat is part of a suit of regimentals made for George Washington in 1789.

Description: Physical Description; This blue wool coat is part of a suit of regimentals made for George Washington in 1789. It has a buff wool rise-and-fall collar, buff cuffs and lapels, and buff lining; there is a row of yellow metal buttons on each lapel, as well as on each cuff.; The waistcoat and breeches are matching buff wool, with gilt buttons.; Specific History; This uniform consisting of coat, waistcoat, and knee breeches was initially donated to the Columbian Institute; in 1841, it was transferred to the National Institute and housed in the Patent Office. It came to the Smithsonian in 1883 from the Patent Office collection, and has been on display almost continuously. (From the years 1942 to 1944, during World War II, the Smithsonian packed up many of its treasured artifacts, including this uniform, and sent them to the Shenandoah Valley for safekeeping.); This uniform was worn by George Washington from 1789 until his death in 1799; the small clothes, or breeches and waistcoat, date from the revolutionary period.; Washington often posed for life portraits during this period, and was often depicted wearing this uniform. An example is the watercolor portrait on ivory painted by John Ramage in 1789; it is the first known depiction of this uniform in a portrait of Washington.; In December 1798, Washington was recorded wearing this uniform when he visited Philadelphia on Provisional Army duty. He wore a similar uniform when he was commissioned by the Continental Congress as commander in chief of the Continental army.; None of his uniforms from the Revolutionary War period are known to have survived.; General History; When George Washington was an aide to General Edward Braddock he paid special attention to the way the British general maintained his rank and deportment. Washington believed that in order to command effectively, an officer must convey character and leadership through appearance as well as action. As the leader of the Continental army, Washington wanted these troops to present themselves as a professional military organization and a proper uniform was one way of showing a unified front. In commemoration of Washington’s attention to detail, the colors of blue and buff remained the accepted pattern for U.S. Army uniforms until the beginning of the Civil War.

Date made: 1789
associated date: 1780 - 1785

wearer: Washington, George

ID Number: AF.16148
accession number: 13152
catalog number: 16148

Physical Description:This .54 caliber smoothbore flintlock 2nd Model pistol was made by the Virginia Manufactory. It was modeled after the Harpers Ferry Model 1805. It has brass mountings, a walnut half stock and is wedge fastened.

Description: Physical Description:; This .54 caliber smoothbore flintlock 2nd Model pistol was made by the Virginia Manufactory. It was modeled after the Harpers Ferry Model 1805. It has brass mountings, a walnut half stock and is wedge fastened. It has an iron rib under the barrel with a wooden ramrod with swelled tip.; It is stamped “VIRGINIA” and “RICHMOND/1812” on the lockplate. “P” is stamped inside the lockplate and so is “VIII” and “8”. The walnut stock is stamped “RI”.; History:; The Virginia Manufactory is also known as the Richmond Armory and the Virginia State Armory. It was established by the Act of 1797 to manufacture arms for the state militia. It was built along the James River and was initially in production from 1802 through 1820. The man who was in charge of the armory was James Haslett. He was formerly employed by McCormick. He was recommended for the job by Colonel John Shee, a surgeon from Philadelphia who served in the Third Pennsylvania Battalion. He wrote to the Governor of Virginia that they would “be enabled to engage Haslett…for the Richmond Armory.” The Armory reopened in 1860 for production during the Civil War.; It is a rare pistol type made with a hickory ramrod. Fewer than 300 wooden ramrods were made after 1812 because the iron swivel type was favored. There are cuts in the iron rib to make it easier to get the ramrod.; References:; Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.; Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 200.; Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 242.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1812
associated date: 1812

maker: Virginia State Armory

ID Number: 1987.0014.22
accession number: 1987.0014
catalog number: 1987.0014.22
collector/donor number: P114L

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of five star General George C. Marshall.

Description: Oil on illustration board. Portrait of five star General George C. Marshall. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Unknown Ribbon (purple, possibly the purple heart), WWI Victory, Philippine Congressional, American Defense Service, Légion d'honneur, Unknown Ribbon (alternating bands of red and black), Unknown Ribbon (mostly white with a large band of red at the end and a small band of blue in the middle), Commendation Ribbon, Army Wound Ribbon, Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, Unknown Ribbon (equally sized bands of white, blue, and red), Unknown Ribbon (solid black with a small red band in center), Unknown Ribbon (orange with two bands of gold stripes, Unknown Ribbon (solid white), Unknown Ribbon (solid green with red band in center). Marshall wears a five star General's pin and possibly a War Department General Staff Identification pin on his shoulder loops. He also wears two officer pins and two Gerneral Staff Corps pins on his lapel. Marshall wears a black tie.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1945
associated date: 1941 - 1945

associated person: Marshall, George C.
artist: Chase, Joseph Cummings

ID Number: AF.46977
catalog number: 46977
accession number: 166217

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.On Sceaturday [sic], the 23rd of April, 1861, the questionable policy of destroying this Navy Yard was enforced.

Description: Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; On Sceaturday [sic], the 23rd of April, 1861, the questionable policy of destroying this Navy Yard was enforced. The crews of the Cumberland and Pawnee, assisted by some volunteers, landed at nine o'clock, threw the shot and small arms into the river, spiked the guns, and made arrangements for firing the shops and warehouses, extending over a space of nearly two hundred acres. The marines, as early as ten o'clock, had evacuated and fired their barracks, and soon after two A.M. the whole yard was in a blaze, as well as the old three-decker, the Pennsylvania, the Ohio, New York, &c. The Cumberland and Pawnee, proceeded to Hampton Roads, the former shortly to go down before that formidable iron-clad, the Merrimac, which was fitted out at this yard. When the Merrimac was blown up, and Norfolk evacuated by the rebels, they did what additional damage they could to the Navy Yard and its docks.; Its accessibility made it a most convenient place as a depot for the North Atlantic blockading fleets, the James River flotilla, and Gen. Graham's army gunboats.; Some of the shops were rebuilt, and the place presented a curious spectacle of industry in the midst of ruin; while the constant arrivals kept the adjacent waters filled with vessels, including magnificent frigates and sloops-of-war, renowned in many exploits, as well as gun-boats and purchased vessels of every build and tonnage, not to mention hosts of sharp Clyde-built blockade runners, long, low, and raking, brought here by their successful captors, previous to being taken North for adjudication and translation into ships-of-war for the capture of their fellows.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1864-12

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0334.18
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0334.18

Physical DescriptionLead minie balls, fused on impact.Specific HistoryThese two minie balls from opposing sides met head-on during fierce fighting at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in December 1862.

Description: Physical Description; Lead minie balls, fused on impact.; Specific History; These two minie balls from opposing sides met head-on during fierce fighting at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in December 1862.

ID Number: AF.237846
accession number: 45871
catalog number: 237846

Text and photograph fromGardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.When this picture was made, the Third Corps was yet an independent organization, under the command of Gen.

Description: Text and photograph fromGardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; When this picture was made, the Third Corps was yet an independent organization, under the command of Gen. French, whose Chief Quartermaster was Lieut. Col. J. B. Howard. The distinguishing flag of the Colonel's command, which adorns the side of his dwelling, carried the historical diamond of the Corps, in red, white, and blue, with the words "Chief Quartermaster." The adjoining canvased-roofed but was the Colonel's business office, the patched addition in front, warmed by a stove, serving the purpose of an ante-room where orderlies could wait in comfort. In the first but there was a fireplace worthy of a New England mansion house. Oak logs, supported on camp-made fire dogs, gave a cheery blaze, and spread a genial warmth through the apartment. The floor was of plank, and the ceiling of canvass. On the walls, partly covered with hanging blankets of various colors, and partly papered with illustrated weeklies, there hung maps, field glasses, arms, &c. Pine chairs of the simplest pattern, a desk full of pigeon holes, crammed with papers bound with red tape, and an iron safe, completed the list of furniture, The adjoining room was gorgeous with the luxury of a carpet, while a comfortable bed and toilet arrangements gave a homelike air to the apartment. In these quarters the Colonel's wife and little daughter found sufficient attraction to detain them several weeks; and round the blazing hearth, on many a sullen winter night, the ennui of camp were forgotten in pleasant re-unions of the General's staff.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1863-12

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0283.02
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0283.02

Currently not on view

Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1819
associated date: 1819

maker: Virginia Manufactory

ID Number: AF.256990
catalog number: 256990
accession number: 50774
maker number: D1819
serial number: 2

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II.

Description: Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Wood & Gibson, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; At Cumberland Landing, one of the most magnificent spectacles ever seen in the army was presented, when the combined forces, massed upon the bank of the river, converted the barren fields, as if by magic, into an immense city of tents. From the hill above Toner's house the scene was truly grand. Division after division, closely compacted, they stretched away, until, in the distance, the white tents were mere specks against the dark frame of woods. On one side the slow Pamunkey, like a mirror, reflected the immense fleet of transports, with their convoy of gunboats. Winding among the tents, long strings of animals were continually passing to drink of its brackish waters. Along the shore piers formed of barges, side by side, were thronged by commissaries and their assistants, while strong arms rapidly discharged the cargoes of meat and bread into the waiting wagons. Prominent in the picture was the camp of General McClellan's headquarters, which had just narrowly escaped capture, through taking, a wrong direction. Another striking object was the park of the pontoon boats drawn through the bottomless roads of the lower peninsula, with so much labor.; Our picture, interesting as it is, gives but a small portion of the gorgeous whole. The prominent object is a mud-bespattered forge, the knapsacks and blankets of the farriers carelessly thrown on the ground beneath. In the middle-ground are some mules picketed around the wagons, hard-working, much-abused creatures, and so humorous in their antics that they were often termed the comedians of the army. Farther on, a guard, their muskets stacked and knapsacks laying around. Past these, a cook sitting on a mess chest, close to the ashes of his fire, near which are the camp-kettles and a pile of firewood. On the edge of the wood the Fifth New York Volunteers, Warren's Zouaves, have encamped, and in front of them a regiment of infantry are drawn up in column of companies. As these are formed in open order, it is most likely that they are on inspection drill. Such pictures carry one into the very life of camp, and are particularly interesting now that that life has almost passed away.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1862-05

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0334.16
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0334.16

Physical DescriptionStar-shaped brass medal suspended from red-and-white striped silk ribbon.Specific History1896 Pattern Medal of Honor awarded to Daniel Butterfield, “for distinguished gallantry in action at Gaines Mills, Va.

Description: Physical Description; Star-shaped brass medal suspended from red-and-white striped silk ribbon.; Specific History; 1896 Pattern Medal of Honor awarded to Daniel Butterfield, “for distinguished gallantry in action at Gaines Mills, Va. June 27, 1862”; General History; Perhaps best known as the composer of the bugle call "Taps," Daniel Butterfield began his Civil War service as a sergeant in the Washington, D.C., militia. Two weeks later he transferred to the 12th New York Militia as a colonel. He was commissioned brigadier and major general of the Volunteers and he commanded a division of the 5th Corps. He fought at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. Butterfield was wounded at the Battle of Gaines' Mill, during the Peninsular Campaign; it was also at Gaines' Mill where he seized the flag of the 3rd Pennsylvania and rallied the troops, an act which eventually earned him a Medal of Honor. Butterfield later commanded successfully at Second Bull Run and Antietam, and also saw action at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. During those campaigns he served as chief of staff, Army of the Potomac.; Butterfield is also credited with designing the system of corps badges, an idea which began with Major General Philip Kearney's order to his troops to sew a two-inch patch of red fabric to their hats in order to identify each other during the confusion of battle.

associated date: 1862 06 27

associated person: Butterfield, Daniel

ID Number: 1979.0425.078
accession number: 1979.0425
catalog number: 1979.0425.078

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II.

Description: Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; When fatigued by long exercise in the saddle, over bottomless roads, or under the glowing Southern sun, John's master would propound the query, "What do I want, John Henry?" that affectionate creature would at once produce the demijohn of "Commissary," as the only appropriate prescription for the occasion that his untutored nature could suggest.; A legend was current at headquarters that J. H. had been discovered hanging by his heels to a persimmon tree. It is needless to state that this was a libel, originating in a scurrilous picture of that African, drawn by a special artist. In point of fact, he came into notice at Harrison's Landing, in the summer of 1862. An officer's hat blew off; John raised it, and with a grin (which alarmed the Captain, lest he should be held responsible if the head should fall off), politely handed it up. The rare intelligence exhibited in this act naturally made a deep impression, and suggested an unusual capacity for the care of boots and other attentions, seldom rendered, although occasionally expected of camp servants. "Would you like to take service with me?" said the Captain. "Yees, sir," answered John. "Then follow me to camp." "I can't keep up, sir." "Catch hold of the horse's tail, then." In short, John Henry was installed body servant to Captain H, quartermaster of headquarters, and took his position as an unmistakable character.; Although his head resembled an egg, set up at an angle of forty-five degrees, small end on top, yet his moral and intellectual acquirements were by no means common. His appreciation of Bible history was shown on many occasions. For instance, he always considered Moses the most remarkable of quartermasters, in that he crossed the Red Sea without pontoons, and conducted the children of Israel forty years through the desert without a wagon train.; With wisdom such as this he would enlighten his sable compeers. Meanwhile, the Captain became a Colonel. Richmond was evacuated, and John Henry became a resident of the rebel capital. Here freedom burst upon him in a new light; he formed new associations – principally with the other sex – to raise whose spirits he would appropriate his employer's. As his mind expanded, boots became monotonous, manual labor distasteful, and a dissolution of partnership inevitable. The Colonel went to another scene of duty. John Henry remained, whether owing to inducements offered by the Provisional Government is not yet definitely known.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1862-11

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0334.27
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0334.27

Physical DescriptionMetal-and-bone knife and fork and a metal plate.Specific HistoryThis knife, fork, and plate was issued to prisoner of war Colonel John S.

Description: Physical Description; Metal-and-bone knife and fork and a metal plate.; Specific History; This knife, fork, and plate was issued to prisoner of war Colonel John S. Crocker, 93rd Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers, by the commandant of Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia, and used by him at Libby and Salisbury prisons, 1862.; General History; Libby Prison's three buildings were designed and built as a warehouse by John Enders, who died before putting them to use. Following his death, the warehouse sold to Luther Libby from Maine, who erected a sign "L. Libby & Son, Chip Chandlers". At the beginning of the war, Libby was given 48 hours to vacate the building so it could be used as a prison. The only thing Libby left behind was his sign; the building became Libby Prison. During the war, Libby held over 125,000 men, mostly Union officers. On February 9, 1864, the most bold and daring of prison escapes happened at Libby. One hundred nine Union army officers managed to escape by crawling through a fireplace, sliding down a chimney, and slithering through a 53-foot-long tunnel. The escape came after months of digging with tools smuggled into the prison by a Northern sympathizer, Elizabeth Van Wert, a.k.a. Crazybet. Libby was vacated just before the Union army captured Richmond, and spent the rest of the war empty.

date made: 1862
associated date: 1861 - 1865

user: Crocker, John S.

ID Number: AF.75529M
catalog number: 75529M
accession number: 296035

Currently not on view

Location: Currently not on view

date made: ca 1893
associated date: 1863 04 02
copyright date: 1893

maker: Kurz & Allison-Art Studio; Kurz & Allison-Art Studio

ID Number: AF.58134M
catalog number: 58134M
accession number: 204114

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.On the evening of the 7th of April, 1865, General Grant first forwarded, under a flag of truce, a letter to Gen.

Description: Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; On the evening of the 7th of April, 1865, General Grant first forwarded, under a flag of truce, a letter to Gen. Lee, demanding the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, in order to avoid the further effusion of blood. That army had re-crossed the Appomattox river at High Bridge and Farmville, closely pressed by Sheridan's cavalry and the Armies of the Potomac and James. On the 8th, some correspondence passed between the two Commanding Generals, the one army retreating towards Lynchburg, followed by the Second and Sixth Corps, whilst the cavalry and the Fifth and Twenty-Fourth Corps made forced marches in order to pass around and gain the front of the enemy. About noon on the 9th, the head of the Second Corps, when within three miles of Appomattox Court-House, came up with the rear guard of the enemy; and at the same time, Gen. Lee, in person, appeared with a flag of truce, and, by letter, asked for a suspension of hostilities, pending negotiations for a surrender. About four o'clock in the afternoon of that eventful Sunday, the glad tidings was announced throughout the Union Armies that the Army of Northern Virginia had surrendered. The excitement among our troops was unparalleled, officers and men uniting in the most extravagant demonstrations of joy. The photograph represents the house in which the terms of capitulation between Generals Grant and Lee were signed. The apple tree (about half a mile from the Court-House) under which they first met, has been entirely carried away in pieces, as mementoes, not even the roots remaining.; It is a singular fact that the owner of this house, Mr. McLean, was living on the first Bull Run battle-field at the time of that engagement, and afterwards removed to this place for the purpose of being secure from the visitation of an army.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1865-04

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0283.49
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0283.49

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.Gaines' Mill is the place from which the battle of June 27th, 1862, takes its name.

Description: Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.; Gaines' Mill is the place from which the battle of June 27th, 1862, takes its name. Situated near the centre of our line, it was the scene of severe fighting, and at the close of that bloody day, the building was used as a hospital. All of the structure that would burn, was destroyed in one of the raids around Richmond, leaving only the brick superstructure, above which, scorched by the fire, the dead trees spread their blackened branches. In front, the partially exposed skeleton illustrates the hasty manner of the soldier's burial, it being by no means uncommon for the rains to wash away the shallow covering, and bring to view the remains of the dead. The owner of the mill did not have a creditable reputation in the army. Returned prisoners, captured at his house, state that when our troops left the neighborhood, he turned out the sick and wounded from his barns and outbuildings, and held high carnival, with his friends of the rebel army, digging up his buried wine for their delectation. If this is true, he suffered no more than his deserts, in the destruction of his property. It is more than probable that his house would have fared no better than the mill, if our advance at Cold Harbor, in June, 1864, had been successful in forcing its way to the positions formerly occupied by our army.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1865-04

maker: Gardner, Alexander

ID Number: 1986.0711.0283.43
accession number: 1986.0711
catalog number: 1986.0711.0283.43

Physical Description:This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock First Model pistol was made by the Virginia Manufactory for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is iron mounted and fastens at the forend with a double strap barrel band. This pistol has a large gooseneck hammer.

Description: Physical Description:; This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock First Model pistol was made by the Virginia Manufactory for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is iron mounted and fastens at the forend with a double strap barrel band. This pistol has a large gooseneck hammer. It also has a brass blade sight brazed to the lower strap of the barrel band. The ramrod is iron with a bulbous head. It has been reconverted from percussion.; This pistol is stamped “VIRGINIA” under the pan and “MANUFACTORY” is script under Virginia. “RICHMOND/1808” is stamped at rear of lockplate. There is a raised “P” on the pistol.; History:; The Virginia Manufactory is also known as the Richmond Armory and the Virginia State Armory. It was established by the Act of 1797 to manufacture arms for the state militia. It was built along the James River and was initially in production from 1802 through 1820. The man who was in charge of the armory was James Haslett. He was formerly employed by Robert McCormick. He was recommended for the job by Colonel John Shee, a surgeon from Philadelphia who served in the Third Pennsylvania Battalion. He wrote to the Governor of Virginia that they would “be enabled to engage Haslett…for the Richmond Armory.” The Armory reopened in 1860 for production during the Civil War.; This specific type of pistol is the largest American martial handgun ever made. The Virginia Manufactory cut down defective musket barrels from the iron mountings for these pistols. The raised “P” is in the place of typical Virginia regiment mark “4,V,A, REGT.”; References:; Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.; Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 200.; Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 240.
Location: Currently not on view

date made: 1808
associated date: 1808

maker: Virginia State Armory

ID Number: 1986.0024.08
accession number: 1986.0024
catalog number: 1986.0024.08
collector/donor number: P47L

Military

Plate 7. Ruins of Stone Bridge, Bull Run

CSS Virginia Model

Troops at Mt. Vernon

Confederate shell jacket worn by Alex Hunter

Plate 91. Ruins of Arsenal, Richmond

Plate 70. Army Repair Shop

Nancy Hall

Plate 64. Wagon Park

Plate 51. The "Shebang," Or Quarters Sanitary Commission, Brandy Station

George Washington's Uniform

Virginia Manufactory Pistol Second Model

George C. Marshall

Plate 18. Ruins of Norfolk Navy Yard

Fused Minie Balls

Plate 52. Residence of Quartermaster Third Army Corps

Virginia Manufactory Model 1819 Percussion Conversion Musket

Plate 16. Camp at Cumberland Landing, on the Pamunkey

Daniel Butterfield's Medal of Honor

Plate 27. What Do I Want, John Henry? - scene near Washington

Knife, Fork, and Plate from Libby Prison

Fall of Petersburg

Plate 99. McLean's House, Appomattox Court-House, Where Grant and Lee signed the Capitulation

Plate 93. Ruins of Gaines' Mill, Virginia

Virginia Manufactory Pistol 1st Model