Military

Frank Brownell's Medal of Honor

The Museum's superb military collections document the history of the men and women of the armed forces of the United States. The collections include ordnance, firearms, and swords; uniforms and insignia; national and military flags and banners; and many other objects.

The strength of the collections lies in their enormous depth. Some 3,000 military small arms and 2,400 civilian firearms document the mechanical and technological history of the infantryman's weapons from the beginning of the gunpowder era to the present. Among the 4,000 swords and knives in the collection are many spectacular presentation pieces. The collections also include Civil War era telegraph equipment, home front artifacts from both world wars, early computers such as ENIAC, Whirlwind, and Sage, and materials carried at antiwar demonstrations.

Date: 1810s

Plate 28. Scouts and Guides to the Army of the Potomac

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.The scouts of the Army undergo more hardship and brave greater peril than any other class.
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 scouts of the Army undergo more hardship and brave greater peril than any other class. Secrecy being their only safety, their heroic deeds pass unrecorded, and when the necessity for their services has ceased to exist, with rare exceptions the brave men are altogether forgotten. Volumes might be written of their heroic deeds, and the historian of the rebellion will have failed in his duty if he neglects to chronicle the instances of their great exploits. Every army had its scouts, but none proved more efficient than those of the Army of the Potomac. The individuals in this group were attached to the Secret Service Department of the Army of the Potomac when conducted by Major Allen Pinkerton. Their faces are indexes of the character required for such hazardous work. Men of iron nerve and indomitable perseverence, they braved the halter with perfect consciousness of their peril, and seldom failed in an undertaking. During the campaign of the army in front of Fredericksburg, they proved of incalculable value.
Each man was provided with a pass from the Commanding General, written with a chemical preparation that only became visible when exposed to solar rays, and on the back of which was pencilled some unimportant memoranda, to deceive the enemy, should the scout fall into his hands. If captured, he could drop this paper, apparently by accident, without exciting suspicion; and if successful in his expedition, the pass, after a moment's exposure to the light, enabled the bearer to re-enter our lines, and proceed without delay to headquarters. They generally passed as foragers within our own lines, always coming in with vegetables, poultry, and the like, and with the enemy assumed such characters as the occasion might require. They were really spies, and often spent many days within the Confederate lines. The Union people of the South sheltered them, and furnished information that frequently led to the discovery of the designs of the enemy in time to enable our commanding officers to wholly frustrate them. A number of the scouts were taken prisoners, some of whom were executed, while the survivors, scarcely less fortunate, wasted in cells, long, weary months. A few are still retained in the employ of the Government, and have proved no less faithful servants in peace than when confronting the dangers that surrounded the military spy.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-10
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.28
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.28

Hall Breech-Loading Pistol

Physical Description:This .50 caliber breech-loading percussion smoothbore pistol was made by John Hall. It was converted from flintlock to percussion.
Description
Physical Description:
This .50 caliber breech-loading percussion smoothbore pistol was made by John Hall. It was converted from flintlock to percussion. It has a brass barrel and breech, a checkered grip, and a pin fastened full walnut stock.
There are no visible stamps.
History:
John H. Hall shares a joint patent with William Thornton for the breech loading flintlock rifle on May 21, 1811. Because of this patent, this pistol had to have been produced after the invention. Hall was employed by many different armories including Harpers Ferry from 1816 through 1840. There is a possibility that this pistol was made at Harpers Ferry around 1820.
While this particular pistol has a brass barrel, typically Hall barrels are bronze or iron. This type is extremely rare. There are only four known bronze barrels in existence today.
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. 82.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1810
maker
Hall, John H.
ID Number
1987.0014.15
accession number
1987.0014
catalog number
1987.0014.15
collector/donor number
P122L

Thomas French 1814 Contract Pistol, Navy

Physical Description:This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock Navy Pistol was made by Thomas French of Canton, Massachusetts between 1812 and 1814. The pistol is pin fastened with a walnut stock and has a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip.
Description
Physical Description:
This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock Navy Pistol was made by Thomas French of Canton, Massachusetts between 1812 and 1814. The pistol is pin fastened with a walnut stock and has a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip. Its brass mountings include a brass butt cap. The unmarked barrel and belt hook are iron. The pistol is a bag grip.
“T. FRENCH” is stamped at the rear of the lockplate and an eagle over “US” is stamped under the flash pan. A horizontal “V” is stamped on the left side of the stock to the rear of the brass sideplate.
History:
In 1808, Thomas French and two other men received a contract to produce 4,000 Model 1808 muskets. By March 4, 1818, the Committee of Claims declared the contract had been fulfilled. During this time, French was also manufacturing pistols. Because of an inspector in Boston, French’s arms had to be “superior weapons” no matter the cost. The Committee of Claims ultimately issued a voucher to French for the additional cost in the production of these firearms.
The Model 1814 French Navy Pistol was manufactured for the U.S. Navy and American privateer merchant fleets in Massachusetts. It bares the same marks as the Model 1808 Muskets that were issued by the government, so it is likely they were used by the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812.
References:
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 262.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, 69.
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Physical Description:
This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock Navy Pistol was made by Thomas French of Canton, Massachusetts between 1812 and 1814. The pistol is pin fastened with a walnut stock and has a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip. Its brass mountings include a brass butt cap. The unmarked barrel and belt hook are iron. The pistol is a bag grip.
“T. FRENCH” is stamped at the rear of the lockplate and an eagle over “US” is stamped under the flash pan. A horizontal “V” is stamped on the left side of the stock to the rear of the brass sideplate.
History:
In 1808, Thomas French and two other men received a contract to produce 4,000 Model 1808 muskets. By March 4, 1818, the Committee of Claims declared the contract had been fulfilled. During this time, French was also manufacturing pistols. Because of an inspector in Boston, French’s arms had to be “superior weapons” no matter the cost. The Committee of Claims ultimately issued a voucher to French for the additional cost in the production of these firearms.
The Model 1814 French Navy Pistol was manufactured for the U.S. Navy and American privateer merchant fleets in Massachusetts. It bares the same marks as the Model 1808 Muskets that were issued by the government, so it is likely they were used by the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812.
References:
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 262.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, 69.
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1814
maker
French, Thomas
ID Number
1982.0785.13
accession number
1982.0785
catalog number
1982.0785.13
collector/donor number
P44D

Springfield Armory Model 1816/1817 U.S. Percussion Conversion Musket

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1817
associated date
1817
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
AF.247429
catalog number
247429
accession number
47226
maker number
38 D1870
serial number
63

Stevens Snare Drum

This drum was made by Abner Stevens in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1812.
Description

This drum was made by Abner Stevens in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1812. The wood drum shell has been cut down approximately 3 inches from each end and features an image of the American bald eagle on a flag shield with a banner inscribed “LIBERTY OR DEATH.” It has black painted hoops and metal hooks laced with rope through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. The drum is currently disassembled. The paper label inside the shell is inscribed:

AMERICAN DRUMS
ABNE[R] [S]TEVENS,
HA[S] FOR SALE
TAMBOREANS, BASS & COM[ ]
DRUMS,
MADE IN THE BEST MANNER
At his Factory in the center of the town of
PITTSFIELD, (Ms.) 1812.

The donor provided the following information:

”This drum was carried during five years of the Civil War by Henry K. Bevier, father of donor, who was drum major of the 72d New York Zuaves. He carried the drum through many engagements of the Civil War including the Battle of Gettysburg and also in the Victory Parade held in Washington, D. C. at the close of the War. The family tradition is that this drum was originally purchased by his grandfather who carried it during the war of 1812.”

”Henry K. Bevier was born on December 1, 1843 at Jerusalem in Erie County/New York, the son of Samuel and Rhoda Taylor. On August 5, 1869, he married Mary M. Taylor and in 1873 settled in Elisabethtown, Bartholemew County, Indiana. He later moved to Nebraska and was at the time of his death in his 90's the oldest surviving Civil War veteran in Nebraska."

”Some time after the Civil War, Bevier cut three inches off the top of the drum body and three inches off its bottom and made a new drum which he gave to one son. The remaining center portion, was made into another drum and given to another son, which is the drum donated to the museum.”

Henry K. Bevier (1843-1938 ) [recorded in roster as Brevier] enlisted on May 28, 1861. He was a musician with the 72nd New York Infantry, Company D. He was mustered in June 20, 1861. Bevier was mustered out June 19, 1864.

date made
1812
maker
Stevens, Abner
ID Number
MI.066621
accession number
232886
catalog number
66621

Springfield Armory Model 1817 Pistol

History:Because of the “1818” stamps on the lockplate and barrel, this pistol has been inaccurately called the Model 1818 Springfield Pistol. It actually originated in 1807 at Secretary of War Henry Dearborn's request for the mass production of pistols at the Springfield Armory.
Description
History:
Because of the “1818” stamps on the lockplate and barrel, this pistol has been inaccurately called the Model 1818 Springfield Pistol. It actually originated in 1807 at Secretary of War Henry Dearborn's request for the mass production of pistols at the Springfield Armory. Three months later, Springfield Armory produced 300 locks, 400 barrels and one sample pistol for Dearborn. While Dearborn thought “the pistol [was] a good piece of work, the [.69] caliber [was] too large” (Smith, 278) and production ceased on the project.
The locks and barrels were primarily untouched until 1817 when the Superintendent of the Springfield Armory at the time, Lieutenant Colonel Roswell Lee, wrote to the Ordnance Office in Washington because he believed “it would be a saving to make [these locks and barrels] work into pistols” (Smith, 278). After receiving approval, Lee ordered the production for this particular pistol and many other U.S. Model 1807 pistols.
References:
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760 – 1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 279.
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1818
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
1982.0785.12
accession number
1982.0785
catalog number
1982.0785.12
collector/donor number
P39D

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

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

Virginia Manufactory Pistol Second Model

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

Plate 18. Ruins of Norfolk Navy Yard

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

Harpers Ferry Model 1795/1810 Percussion Conversion Musket

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810
associated date
1810
maker
Harpers Ferry Armory
ID Number
AF.247412
catalog number
247412
accession number
47226
serial number
23885
maker number
D1810

Military Drum

This drum was made by an unknown maker in Europe, around 1808-1817. It has a brass shell with a cast coat of arms with a crown and the initials “FWR,” and skin heads.
Description

This drum was made by an unknown maker in Europe, around 1808-1817. It has a brass shell with a cast coat of arms with a crown and the initials “FWR,” and skin heads. The wood hoops are painted red and white and drilled with 10 holes each for rope which is laced through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. The shell is stamped below the vent hole:

GABLER
IN
BERLIN

(And on what appears to be a snare mechanism):

2A
2B 14 LR4

The attribution date for the drum is subject to study.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1808-1817
ID Number
1980.0399.0027
accession number
1980.0399
catalog number
1980.0399.0027

Plate 52. Residence of Quartermaster Third Army Corps

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

coatee

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1812
ID Number
AF.U-059
catalog number
U-059
1980.0399.0913
accession number
1980.0399

Virginia Manufactory Model 1819 Percussion Conversion Musket

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

Model 1807/18 Flintlock Pistol

Physical Description:This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1807 pistol was made by the Springfield Armory.
Description
Physical Description:
This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1807 pistol was made by the Springfield Armory. It is iron mounted with double barrel bands, a stock that extends past the band, a brass blade front sight on forward strap, a hickory ramrod with swelled tip and a threaded metal ferrule.
It is stamped “U.S.” under an eagle and “SPRING/FIELD/1818” on the lockplate.
History:
On April 26, 1782 Congress approved the construction of the Springfield Armory as a “good and efficient magazine for the reception of the public ammunition.” It began manufacturing pistols for U.S. government use in 1807.
Production of this pistol was started in 1807 but stopped in 1808 when military pistols were changed to .54 caliber. In 1815, some of these pistols were sent to Harpers Ferry and finished. The rest were not finished in Springfield until 1817 and 1818. They were the first to be made in quantity at the Springfield Armory.
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. 185.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 280.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1818
associated date
1815
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
1987.0014.17
accession number
1987.0014
catalog number
1987.0014.17
collector/donor number
P119L

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

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

Model 1808 Boarding Pistol

Physical Description:This .64 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. reconverted boarding pistol was made by Thomas French of Canton, Massachusetts under Massachusetts state contract. It has a full walnut stock and a wooden ramrod with a flared brass tip.
Description
Physical Description:
This .64 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. reconverted boarding pistol was made by Thomas French of Canton, Massachusetts under Massachusetts state contract. It has a full walnut stock and a wooden ramrod with a flared brass tip. It is pin mounted with gooseneck hammer, brass mountings, iron flash pan, and an iron belt hook. It also has a distinct teat at rear of lockplate.
It is stamped “T. FRENCH” under an eagle over “US” on the lockplate. The barrel is stamped “WNY” and the stock is stamped “MARSH/MA/V.”
History:
In 1808, Thomas French and two other men received a contract to produce 4,000 Model 1808 muskets. It is likely this pistol was most likely made for use during the War of 1812 during the fulfillment of this contract. Because of an inspector in Boston, French’s guns had to be “superior weapons” no matter the cost. The Committee of Claims ultimately issued a voucher to French for the additional cost in the production of these firearms.
This particular pistol however is unique because of the “WNY” stamp. It stands for the Washington Navy Yard. The stamp “MARSH” is thought to be an abbreviation of an inspector’s name. This same stamp appears on many Washington Navy Yard pistols made during this time period.
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, 69.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 260.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1814
maker
French, Thomas
ID Number
1986.0024.21
accession number
1986.0024
catalog number
1986.0024.21
collector/donor number
P121L

Confederate flag captured near Nashville, Tennessee

Confederate Artillery Flag captured near Nashville, Tennessee in 1864. The cotton flag has a blue field with 13 stars arranged in the form of an "X" to the left of three solid bars, alternating red and white. The flag bears an ink inscription: "Battery flag. Rebel.
Description
Confederate Artillery Flag captured near Nashville, Tennessee in 1864. The cotton flag has a blue field with 13 stars arranged in the form of an "X" to the left of three solid bars, alternating red and white. The flag bears an ink inscription: "Battery flag. Rebel. Captured by Andrew J. Sloan, Private, Co. H. 12th Iowa Infantry at the Battle of Brentwood Hills, near Nashville, December 16th, 1864". This object is part of the General Edward D. Townsend Collection of relics of the War of 1812, Mexican War, and Civil War. Townsend was the principal executive officer of the War Department during the American Civil War.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861 - 1862
ca 1861 - 1865
1864 - 12 - 16
ID Number
AF.18967 [dup1]
catalog number
18967
accession number
62555

medal

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1812
ID Number
NU.NU84150
catalog number
NU84150
accession number
257688

Andrew Jackson's Sword and Scabbard

Physical DescriptionForged steel with metal scabbard.Specific HistoryAndrew Jackson carried this sword and scabbard while commanding the American forces, which included Tennessee militia, U.S.
Description
Physical Description
Forged steel with metal scabbard.
Specific History
Andrew Jackson carried this sword and scabbard while commanding the American forces, which included Tennessee militia, U.S. regulars, and Cherokee, Choctaw, and Southern Creek Indians during the Creek War and in the War of 1812.
General History
The Creek War began on August 30, 1813, when a faction of Creek known as the Red Sticks attacked a contingent of 553 American settlers at Lake Tensaw, Alabama, north of Mobile. The British were believed to be a main ally of the Indians.
In response to the Alabama attack, Jackson led 5,000 militiamen in the destruction of two Creek villages, Tallasahatchee and Talladega. The fighting lasted into the next year, culminating in Jackson’s troops destroying the Creek defenses at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. On March 27, 1814 the battle ended with 800 Creek warriors killed and 500 women and children captured.
On August 9, 1814, Major General Andrew Jackson signed the Treaty of Fort Jackson, ending the Creek War. The agreement provided for the surrender of twenty-three million acres of Creek land to the United States. This vast territory encompassed more than half of present-day Alabama and part of southern Georgia.
used date
1812
user
Jackson, Andrew
ID Number
AF.32012
catalog number
32012
accession number
68016

Louis XVIII to Kaablukoff

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1818
associated person
Louis XVIII King of France
ID Number
NU.NU84299
catalog number
NU84299
accession number
257688

Springfield Armory Model 1816/1817 U.S. Percussion Conversion Musket

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1817
associated date
1817
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
AF.247428
catalog number
247428
accession number
47226

Plate 49. General Post-Office, Army of the Potomac

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.The Post-Office at the Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac was a great institution.
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.
The Post-Office at the Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac was a great institution. Thousands of letters passed through it every week, and in the movements of the army, its welfare was regarded as almost of as much importance as any other department. Each regiment had a post boy, who carried the letters of his command to brigade headquarters. There the mails of the different regiments were placed in one pouch, and sent up to division headquarters, and thence to corps headquarters, where mail agents received them and delivered them at the principal depot of the army, to the agent from General Headquarters. When the army was encamped around Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg, the corps mail agents delivered their mails to the headquarters agent at Falmouth station, the latter agent going through by rail and steamer to the General Post-Office at Washington. During the Petersburg campaign the mails going North were consolidated at City Point. As the mails passed to and from the army daily, the work required a large number of men, nearly all of whom were private soldiers detailed for such duty.
The photograph shows the tent used by the Post-Office Department at General Headquarters. The cases for the letters were made of rough boards, which on a march were packed away in the bottom of an army wagon, one being sufficient to carry the whole establishment, including the tent and its furniture. So systematically was this department conducted, under the supervision of Wm. B. Haslett, Postmaster, that a letter which left Boston on the morning of the first of the month, reaching Washington on the night of the second, would generally be delivered to the private soldier in the trenches at Petersburg on the night of the fourth. At times, however, the mails would accumulate in the office at Washington, necessitating a delay of several days before they could be assorted and placed in the several army pouches, one of which was kept for every corps, and detached command of the army.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863-12
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.49
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.49

Harpers Ferry Model 1795/1810 Percussion Conversion Musket

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800
1810
maker
Harpers Ferry
ID Number
AF.273341
catalog number
273341
accession number
54537
serial number
23885

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