Energy & Power

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  Confederate Army Lieutenant John Singleton Mosby's Frock Coat

  Description

  This frock coat was worn by Confederate Army Lieutenant John Singleton Mosby. Confederate cavalry leader John Mosby is among the most romantic characters in the Civil War, and with good reason. From 1863 to the end of the conflict, Mosby's raiders were a constant headache for the North. The raiders usually acted in small detachments of several dozen, though more than 1,000 men served under Mosby. They sacked supply depots, attacked railroads, and harassed federal troops. They seemed to move behind enemy lines almost at will. Their most celebrated exploit occurred when Mosby himself rode into Fairfax Station, Virginia, in the dead of the night and kidnapped a Union general.

  Double-breasted gray wool jacket which originally had two rows of seven large gilt eagle buttons down the front. Five buttons are missing on left and two on right. There are two buttons at the back waist, and thread remains of two buttons on coattails. Both sides of the jacket have button holes. Above the cuff there is a single braid 1/4" gold lace insignia called an Austrian knot; the single braid indicates that Mosby was a lieutenant when he wore this coat. The collar and cuffs are faced with buff wool. There is a deep pocket in each coattail. The body of the coat and parts of the coattails are lined with dark green cotton-wool mix fabric. The sleeves are lined. The front of the jacket is lightly padded and quilted.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  associated date

  1861-1865

  wearer

  Mosby, John Singleton

  ID Number

  AF.4409(A)

  catalog number

  4409(A)

  accession number

  20063

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Slouch hat

  Description

  Like many soldiers on both sides, Colonel Robert Harper had both a kepi and a comfortable slouch hat. This felt hat also did a better job of protecting the wearer from glaring sun or pouring rain.

  associated date

  1861-1865

  ID Number

  AF.42580

  catalog number

  42580

  accession number

  163704

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Battle of Franklin

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1891

  associated date

  1864 11 30

  copyright date

  1891

  maker

  Kurz & Allison-Art Studio

  Kurz & Allison-Art Studio

  ID Number

  AF.58142M

  catalog number

  58142M

  accession number

  204114

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Designating Flag, Artillery Brigade, 18th Army Corps

  Description

  Wool bunting pennant flag. Red field with white cross bottony in the center of the flag. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "Brg/Art'y 18th Army Corps R C Toy 49 N. 9th Phila." Machine-stitching; flat-felled seams.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1890-1897

  maker

  Robert C. Toy

  ID Number

  AF.25248B

  catalog number

  25248B

  accession number

  64127

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  diary

  Location

  Currently not on view

  associated dates

  1863 01 01+ / 1863 01 01+, 1863 12 31- / 1863 12 31-

  ID Number

  1993.3005.01

  catalog number

  1993.3005.01

  nonaccession number

  1993.3005

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Designating Flag, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 24th Army Corps

  Description

  Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with a blue border around all three sides. Red heart in the center of the flag. White hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "R C Toy 49 N 9th Phila 24 Army Corps 3rd Brg 1st Div."

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1890-1897

  maker

  Robert C. Toy

  ID Number

  AF.25254G

  catalog number

  25254G

  accession number

  64127

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Frank Brownell's Medal of Honor

  Description

  Physical Description

  Brass-colored metal on ribbon.

  Specific History

  Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to Frank E. Brownell, private, Company A, 11th New York Infantry. On May 24, 1861, Brownell killed James W. Jackson, who killed Brownell's commanding officer, Colonel Elmer Ellsworth. Ellsworth was the first Union officer killed in the Civil War. He was shot by Jackson as he lowered a Confederate flag flying from the Marshall House Inn in Alexandria, Virginia. Seconds later, Brownell shot and bayoneted Jackson. Brownell received two Medals of Honor; the first one issued to him was inscribed on the reverse: "The Congress to Sergeant Frank E. Brownell Co. 4 11th New York Volunteers." Brownell was not pleased with the inscription and sent the medal back. He was given a new medal with an inscription he had written himself: "The Congress to Sergt. Frank E. Brownell, 11th N.Y. Vol Inf'y for gallantry in shooting the murderer of Col. Ellsworth at Alexandria, VA, May 24, 1861."

  date made

  ca. 1863

  recipient

  Brownell, Frank E.

  referenced

  Ellsworth, Elmer E.

  ID Number

  AF.6955

  accession number

  30411

  catalog number

  6955

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Designating Flag, Chief Quartermaster, 5th Army Corps

  Description

  Physical Description:

  Wool bunting tapered swallowtail flag. Blue field with two diagonal white stripes, or bends, that extend from either end of the hoist to the end of each tail. The stripes cross at the fork of the swallowtail. Surmounting the stripes is a red number "5". White cotton canvas hoist. Machine stitching. The inscription on the hoist reads "5 ARMY CORPS Chf. Qtr. Mr. HORSTMANN./PHILADELPHIA."

  General Description:

  Fifth Army Corps (18 May 1862 - 28 June 1865)

  The ensign representing the Fifth Corps, a Maltese Cross, was prescribed by General Joseph Hooker on March 21, 1863. The appearance of the cross on Fifth Corps flags varied.

  The "Gallant Fifth" was created in March of 1862 as an element of the Army of the Potomac under General George B. McClellan. Soon afterwards the Department of the Shenandoah was created and the Fifth Corps transferred to it. By May 1862, the Fifth Corps of the Potomac was recreated; it remained in existence until June 1865.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1865

  maker

  William H. Horstmann & Sons

  ID Number

  AF.25266A

  catalog number

  25266A

  accession number

  64127

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Designating Flag, Headquarters, 3rd Army Corps

  Description

  Wool bunting swallowtail flag. Blue field with a large white hand-stitched diamond in the center of the flag. A red cotton number "3" is hand-stitched to the white diamond. White cotton canvas heading with a metal grommet at either end. Flag panels and hoist are machine stitched. Flag panels have flat-felled seams. Stitched using brown, white, and undyed cotton thread. Inscription on hoist reads "3RD ARMY/CORP HEADQUARTERS".

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1876

  ID Number

  AF.25264A

  catalog number

  25264A

  accession number

  64127

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Congressional Medal of Honor

  Location

  Currently not on view

  recipient

  Trogden, Howell G.

  ID Number

  2009.0160.01

  accession number

  2009.0160

  catalog number

  2009.0160.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Presentation Sword and Scabbard

  Description

  In November of 1861 Capt. Charles Wilkes, in command of the USS San Jacinto, stopped the British ship RMS Trent and arrested two Confederate diplomats, James Mason and John Slidell. While the British Government demanded an apology and the U.S. Government disavowed Wilkes' action, the people of Boston decided to reward Wilkes with this beautiful presentation sword.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1862

  user

  Wilkes, Charles

  maker

  Shreve, Stanwood and Company

  ID Number

  AF.14946

  catalog number

  14946

  accession number

  56944

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Designating Flag, 1st Division, 8th Army Corps

  Description

  Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with a large red six-point star inset in the center of the flag. White heading has a metal grommet on either end. Reinforcement squares of fabric on each hoist corner. Machine-stitched with flat-felled seams; some hand-stitching in the insert. Inscription on hoist reads "8TH ARMY/CORPS 1ST DIVISION".

  Location

  Currently not on view

  ID Number

  AF.25269B

  catalog number

  25269B

  accession number

  64127

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Chapeau

  Description

  Chapeau worn by Frederick Forsyth of the Portland Rifle Company, late 1850s. Little is recorded in the museum files about Forsyth, but we do know he was commissioned as a Captain of Company A, 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Volunteer Militia, State of Maine. He resigned his commission on April 26, 1861.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  associated date

  1856

  associated person

  Forsyth, Frederick

  ID Number

  AF.35633(1)

  catalog number

  35633(1)

  accession number

  96111

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac

  Description

  Wool bunting pennant flag. White field with an orange (or faded red) cotton applique of two crossed swords in the center of the flag. On the hoist edge of the flag is a wide blue border. White cotton hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "[illegible] Phila CAVALRY Corps Army POTOMAC 2nd Brg 1st Div." Machine stitching; flat-felled panel seams.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1890-1897

  maker

  Robert C. Toy

  ID Number

  AF.25229F

  catalog number

  25229F

  accession number

  64127

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Designating Flag, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 19th Army Corps

  Description

  Pre-1863 design. Rectangular wool bunting flag. Horizontal triband design. The top and bottom band are blue; the middle band is white. In the center of the white band is a black cotton number "2" applique. White cotton canvas hoist with no grommets. The inscription on the hoist reads "3rd Div 2nd Brig 19 Army Corps Prior to 1863." The flag is machine-stitched with white cotton thread.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1890-1897

  design date

  before 1863

  maker

  Robert C. Toy

  ID Number

  AF.25249L

  catalog number

  25249L

  accession number

  64127

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Designating Flag, 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps

  Description

  Physical Description:

  Rectangular wool bunting flag. White field with faded yellow fringe around all sides except for the hoist. In the center of the flag is a blue cotton arrow applique; the arrow is horizontal and points toward the fly. There are reinforcement squares of fabric at both hoist corners. White cotton canvas hoist with a metal grommet at each end. The inscription on the hoist reads "17 ARMY/CORPS 3RD DIVISION." The flag panels and reinforcements are machine-stitched. The hoist is hand-stitched using overcast stitch. The applique and fringe are hand-stitched using running stitches.

  General Description:

  Seventeenth Army Corps (18 December 1862 - 1 August 1865)

  The Seventeenth Army Corps flags, authorized in late April, 1865, bears the arrow badge emblem adopted by the corps the previous month. The arrow was chosen because it denotes, "its undeviating course in the march, the swiftness of its attack, it's surety of striking where wanted, and its destructive powers when propelled properly against the enemy." (Myhall, Fig BB)

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1865

  maker

  William H. Horstmann & Sons

  ID Number

  AF.25276D

  catalog number

  25276D

  accession number

  64127

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Plate 94. A Burial Party on the Battle-field of Cold Harbor

  Description

  Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.

  This sad scene represents the soldiers in the act of collecting the remains of their comrades, killed at the battles of Gaines' Mill and Cold Harbor. It speaks ill of the residents of that part of Virginia, that they allowed even the remains of those they considered enemies, to decay unnoticed where they fell. The soldiers, to whom commonly falls the task of burying the dead, may possibly have been called away before the task was completed. At such times the native dwellers of the neighborhood would usually come forward and provide sepulture for such as had been left uncovered. Cold Harbor, however, was not the only place were [sic] Union men were left unburied. It was so upon the field of the first Bull Run battle, where the rebel army was encamped for six months afterwards. Perhaps like the people of Gettysburg, they wanted to know first "who was to pay them for it." After that battle, the soldiers hastened in pursuit of the retiring columns of Lee, leaving a large number of the dead unburied. The Gettysburgers were loud in their complaints, and indignantly made the above quoted inquiry as to the remuneration, upon being told they must finish the burial rites themselves.

  Among the unburied on the Bull Run field, a singular discovery was made, which might have led to the identification of the remains of a soldier. An orderly turning over a skull upon the ground, heard something within it rattle, and searching for the supposed bullet, found a glass eye.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1865-04

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0283.44

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0283.44

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Plate 59. Battery A, Fourth U.S. Artillery, Robertson's Brigade

  Description

  Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.

  This is one of the celebrated horse batteries of the Army of the Potomac. In the batteries designed for cavalry service, every man was mounted, except in action, when the cannoniers necessarily served the guns on foot. The picture represents the four 12-pounder light brass pieces "in battery," with limbers and caissons to the rear, and on the left the battery wagon, forge, ambulance, and wagons for transportation, embracing the entire equipage of a light battery in the field. Beyond, another battery is seen in camp. The horses being hitched in, and limber chests open, would seem to indicate that an inspection is about to be made. Just in the edge of the woods is brigade headquarters.

  When General Pleasanton commanded the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac, in 1862, Captain Robertson (now General) was his Chief of Artillery, and was in the van of the forces, in the campaign which terminated at Antietam. The Captain aided materially in driving the rebels out of Frederick City, after a severe artillery fight. Following them closely, he fired the first shot at the battle of South Mountain, keeping the rebels engaged till the arrival of General Burnside's command. Again, at the battle of Antietam, his batteries were busy doing great execution. He was promoted subsequently, and held a command in the reserve artillery, for some time, always with the reputation of being a thorough artillery officer.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0283.09

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0283.09

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Plate 38. Interior of Breastworks on Round Top, Battle-field of Gettysburg

  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 sketch represents a portion of the breastworks on the left of our line at Gettysburg, occupied by the Fifth and Sixth Corps, and against which, in the second day's fight, the Confederates under Longstreet repeatedly and so impetuously dashed. This position is on a steep ridge known as Little Round Top, on which was stationed General Warren, Chief Engineer of the Army of the Potomac, with a signal officer, for the purpose of communicating to the commanding General the movements of the enemy. In front and to the left open fields stretched away, with here and there a small grove, which afforded shelter to sharpshooters, who annoyed our officers at the signal station excessively. Sickles, with the Third Corps, had opened the fight in the afternoon, considerably advanced in front of this position, with his left exposed, and the approach to the ridge entirely open to a flank movement. While the battle was raging fiercest in front, Longstreet, with fifteen thousand men, suddenly emerged from the woods into the open fields on our flank, and moved rapidly down upon Round Top, the occupation of which must inevitably have resulted in our defeat.

  General Warren sent an aid to General Meade for a corps from the right, but the commanding General could not be found. A second staff officer was sent down to Sickles for some of his troops, but he could spare none, and another officer was hurried off to bring up any command that could he found, while the enemy still pressed nearer, threatening to overwhelm us. Sickles' left was turned, his Corps pressed slowly back, and the Confederates commenced clambering up the rocky sides of the ridge, when the tramp of the Fifth Corps, on the double quick, was suddenly heard coming up through the woods to the rescue, and in a moment our colors flashed out from the foliage. Both armies reached the crest at the same time, the battle opened like a thunder-clap, and raged with terrific fierceness. After the first volley, our whole line charged with the bayonet, struggled with the enemy for a moment breast to breast, and then, with shouts and cheers, drove him in disorder down the slope to the shelter of the groves and stonewalls in the fields. Breastworks of stones and timber, shattered by the shells, were instantaneously thrown up, and after a brief interval the fight was renewed. Each change in the lines, by the fluctuations of battle, was marked by defenses of stone, our troops never neglecting thus to protect themselves from the withering fire of the enemy. When night closed upon the field, these breastworks were stretched along like winrows marking the shifting tide of the struggle, between which the dead lay in countless numbers, and to-day the visitor traces by them, the steps of our advancing lines, which, though frequently repulsed, finally rested in triumph at the front.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1863-07

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0334.38

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0334.38

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Plate 33. Evacuation of Aquia Creek

  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 sketch was taken a few hours previous to the abandonment of Aquia Creek in June, 1863. The Army of the Potomac was along the Rappahannock before Fredericksburg, fifteen miles distant, and had used this point and Belle Plain, a similar landing, seven miles below, as a base of supplies. The movement commenced on Saturday morning. The President was expected to visited the army on that day, but the advance of the Confederates into Pennsylvania admitting of no delay, Gen. Hooker, in the afternoon, telegraphed Mr. Lincoln not to come, and immediately made preparations to leave. At daylight, Sunday morning, the whole army was in motion, and an immense throng of sutlers and other camp followers collected at Aquia Creek for transportation to Washington. By 10 A. M. the camps between this point and Fredericksburg were all deserted, and the civilians, in constant apprehension of an attack from the Confederate cavalry that might follow up the army as it passed the landing on its march to Washington, crowded on to the boats in the greatest confusion. The steamers were already heavily laden with stores, wagons, &c,, and the evacuation was attended with scenes that would have been regarded as ridiculous but for the general alarm.

  The barges anchored in the stream were locked together for the transportation of the cars on the wharf, and were towed to Washington by the steamers loaded with passengers. All of the supplies had been removed from the buildings, and the latter, erected at great expense by the Quartermaster's Department, were committed to the flames. A gunboat lay out in the river for the protection of the place until all could get away; but no enemy appeared, and in a short time nothing remained of the busy village but smoking embers and half-burned wharves. Aquia Creek has been used three times as a base of supplies; once for McDowell, in 1862; next for Burnside, after the Antietam Campaign; and finally during Grant's operations at Spottsylvania. Nearly a hundred steamers have been collected here at one time, while sailing vessels anchored in the river nearly obstructed its navigation. The wounded were brought here from Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spottsylvania, to be sent to Washington; and in nearly all of the operations of the army in Eastern Virginia the place has borne a conspicuous part. The Confederates had formidable batteries on the bluffs which commanded the river previous to our occupation of Fredericksburg in the spring of 1862, and at the same time sheltered in the stream that runs down between the hills, the once notorious iron-clad Page.

  The landing is now used by the Washington, Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad Company, but will probably never be more than an ordinary station. Fever and ague prevail during the summer, forbidding the growth of a village, and with the completion of the railroad to Alexandria, the place will doubtless sink into oblivion, except as connected with the military operations of the great rebellion.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1863-06

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0334.33

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0334.33

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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