Military

• 

  Plate 55. Headquarters Guard of the Army of the Potomac

  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.

  Soon after the breaking out of the war, a company of Zouaves, formed upon the French model, was organized in Philadelphia, with Capt. Collis as commander. They became body guard to General Banks, and did good service. Subsequently, Capt. Collis obtained authority to increase his small command to a Regiment, altering the costume from the old red Zouave bags–not at all suited for service in the woods of Virginia–to trousers of the same color. The affection of the soldiers for color is extraordinary; no statistics, showing the large increase of casualties to showy uniforms, could induce the Zouzous to part with theirs, and in this dress the 114th--attached to the Third Corps–participated in some of the bloodiest battles. At Gettysburg, their gallant Lieutenant Colonel (Cavada) was taken prisoner; with a number of the Regiment, fighting bravely against odds.

  When the army lay in winter quarters around Culpepper [sic], they relieved the 93d New York, in the duties of "Headquarters Guard" to General Meade, near Brandy Station. The photograph represents morning guard mount in front of the picturesque camp, a good specimen of the soldiers' architecture; the huts, with the barrel chimneys on the slope of the hill, are the quarters of the men; the larger ones on the ridge belong to the officers, while on the extreme right the tent in which the Sutler keeps store, is pitched. The entire space was a portion of a dense wood, almost impassable when first chosen for headquarters, and filled with rabbits, quail, hawks, owls, and other game. Soon all was cut down save the little grove on the top of the hill, reserved by Capt. Sleeper, of the 10th Massachusetts Battery, who had pitched his tents there, on what was once the rebel General Stuart's headquarters.

  The duties of the guard of headquarters, which also formed part of the provost brigade under Gen. Patrick, included, besides furnishing the regular camp guards for the protection of the officers' quarters, the care of the valuable wagon train of army headquarters, both in park and on the march, and the custody of rebel prisoners and deserters, detained for a time at the Provost Marshal's. In summer time, when the tents were shaded and embowered in branches of the green pine, a highly dramatic picture would be presented by the Regiment, marching out from the trees to evening dress parade, their muskets glittering brightly in the setting sun, white turbans and blue and scarlet uniforms contrasting strongly against the dusky background, while the officers of camp grouped around, smoking their pipes in the pleasant coolness of the evening air, listened to the "Faust March," by the Zouave band.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0283.05

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0283.05

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 69. Pontoon Bridge, Across the James

  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 sketch represents one of the pontoon bridges across the James River, at Powhattan Point, near Harrison's Landing, and not far from Charles City Court-House; and which was used by Gen. Grant's army, in his march from Coal Harbor to City Point. The bridge was laid down on the fourteenth of June, 1864, and the troops commenced crossing the next day. Gen. Warren's Corps moved from its position, one mile in rear of Coal Harbor, and marched across the Richmond and York River Railroad, taking the Long Bridge road over the Chickahominy and down to the James, followed by Hancock, Wright and Burnside; the Eighteenth Corps having already occupied Bermuda Hundreds, on the north side of the James, several miles above the pontoons. The enemy made no attempt to interrupt the movement, confining himself to the defences of Richmond. The passage of the James River was effected without the loss of a gun or wagon, Wilson's Cavalry covering the rear from attack, and enabling the army to cross without any undue haste. After the infantry had passed over, the immense wagon trains crossed, followed by the cattle herds, and finally by the Cavalry. The scene at this point during the passage of the river by the army was most spirited. The stream was crowded with gunboats, transports and sailing vessels, as far as the eye could reach, while on both sides of the river a long cloud of dust marked the line of march across the level country. Simultaneously with this movement of our troops, the rebels left their defences [sic] north of Richmond, and marched through that city towards Petersburg, in front of which the first engagement took place on the fifteenth, resulting in the capture of the enemy's entrenchments and the occupation of the city by our Cavalry. Unfortunately the advantage thus gained was not held, the cavalry falling back upon our Infantry, which failed to get up in time to prevent the rebels from reoccupying the city.

  During the passage of the army across the James, the mails and passengers were brought on steamers from Washington to these bridges, and transferred by means of small boats, to steamers above the pontoons, thus enabling them to reach City Point and Bermuda Hundreds without much delay. No better summary of these few days' events can be given, than in the despatch of Gen. Grant to the President, on the seventeenth. He says, "The Ninth Corps crossed this morning, carried two more redoubts, forming a part of the defences [sic] of Petersburg, capturing four hundred and fifty prisoners and four guns. Our successes are being followed up. Our forces drew out from within fifty yards of the enemy's intrenchments, at Coal Harbor, made a flank movement, of about fifty-five miles march, crossing the Chickahominy and James Rivers – the latter two thousand feet wide and eighty-four feet deep at the point of crossing – and surprised the enemy's rear at Petersburg. This was done without the loss of a wagon or piece of artillery, and only about one hundred and fifty stragglers were picked up by the enemy. In covering this move, Warren's Corps and Wilson's Cavalry had frequent skirmishing with the enemy, each losing from fifty to sixty killed and wounded, but inflicting an equal if not greater loss upon the enemy."

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1864-06

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0283.19

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0283.19

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 13. Battery No. 1, Near Yorktown - No. 2

  Description

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

  This, the best constructed of all the works thrown up for the bombardment of the rebel lines, was built in the orchard of the Farinholt House, near Yorktown, and was so completely concealed behind the little crest rising from the shore of the York river, as to be quite undistinguishable from the enemy's lines, except when the smoke of the guns revealed its existence. The ordnance consisted of five 100-pounders, and one of 200, all Parrot guns. The rebels;in trying to return the deadly fire of this artillery, burst one of their largest rifle guns, with fatal effect upon the cannoniers. That the fire of battery "NUMBER ONE" contributed largely to the reasons for evacuating the stronghold, there can be no doubt, the rebels wisely reasoning that if one battery could accomplish so much, what might not be the result if all opened. This earthwork was occupied by the Zouaves, Fifth Regiment New York Volunteers, commanded by Colonel, afterwards General, G. K. Warren.

  While in camp at Baltimore they acquired under that officer the magnificent drill and soldierly bearing they afterwards showed upon so many battlefields. On Federal Hill, in Baltimore, they built the strong fort of that name, thus acquiring a knowledge of engineering, and, in addition to a wonderful precision in the manual and bayonet exercise, were well drilled in the use of heavy and light artillery. Attached to the division of regulars in the Fifth Corps, their record has been almost without comparison, as good and staunch soldiers. New York may well be proud of them: As a proof of their standing in the army, it was invariably their part to be chosen for an exhibition of military proficiency when distinguished visitors came to see the troops at the front. On one of these occasions they had to go through the exercises encumbered by heavy overcoats, rendered necessary by the unpresentable condition of their red breeches.

  The Farinholt House commands a fine view of the river up to Yorktown, and Gloucester opposite. With a spy-glass it was easy to overlook the rebels working upon the lines at Gloucester Point, and the fortifications on this side. Schooners, constantly coming and going, brought ammunition and stores to the wharves at Yorktown, and occasionally the battery participated, at long range, in engagements brought on by gunboats venturing too far up the river.

  The oysters of the York are celebrated for their excellence. In front of this house is one of the finest oyster beds in the river.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1862-05

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0334.13

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0334.13

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 81. View of the Petersburg Gas Works

  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.

  Showing in the roof, and in various other places, the damage sustained from General Grant's lines, which, during the year 1864, were advanced to within a mile and a half of this spot. A noble smoke-stack, upwards of eighty feet high, built of brick, and standing in advance of the structure, was so terribly mutilated by shot and shell, as finally to totter completely to the ground, where it now lies a mass of rubbish. Forming, as it did, a sort of target, at which the Federal batteries were in the habit of taking aim, the consequence was that most of the houses hereabouts, and particularly those in Bollingbrook and Lombard streets, suffered more severely than in any other portion of the city, many of them being entirely demolished.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1865-05

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0283.31

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0283.31

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 36. A Harvest of Death, 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.

  Slowly, over the misty fields of Gettysburg – as all reluctant to expose their ghastly horrors to the light – came the sunless morn, after the retreat by Lee's broken army. Through the shadowy vapors, it was, indeed, a "harvest of death" that was presented; hundreds and thousands of torn Union and rebel soldiers – although many of the former were already interred – strewed the now quiet fighting ground, soaked by the rain, which for two days had drenched the country with its fitful showers.

  A battle has been often the subject of elaborate description; but it can be described in one simple word, devilish! and the distorted dead recall the ancient legends of men torn in pieces by the savage wantonness of fiends. Swept down without preparation, the shattered bodies fall in all conceivable positions. The rebels represented in the photograph are without shoes. These were always removed from the feet of the dead on account of the pressing need of the survivors. The pockets turned inside out also show that appropriation did not cease with the coverings of the feet. Around is scattered the litter of the battle-field, accoutrements, ammunition, rags, cups and canteens, crackers, haversacks, &c., and letters that may tell the name of the owner, although the majority will surely be buried unknown by strangers, and in a strange land. Killed in the frantic efforts to break the steady lines of an army of patriots, whose heroism only excelled theirs in motive, they paid with life the price of their treason, and when the wicked strife was finished, found nameless graves, far from home and kindred.

  Such a picture conveys a useful moral: It shows the blank horror and reality of war, in opposition to its pageantry. Here are the dreadful details! Let them aid in preventing such another calamity falling upon the nation.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1863-07

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0334.36

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0334.36

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 63. Breaking Camp

  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 the deserted quarters of Gen. Sharp, Chief of the Secret Service of the Army of the Potomac, at Brandy Station, Virginia. The tents have been removed, and the sketch depicts the scene when the camping ground, which had been occupied by headquarters during the winter, is being abandoned for the spring campaign. In the back-ground are the stalls for the staff horses, and the stockade or "bull pen" for prisoners arrested by the Provost Marshal General. The photograph possesses interest only as an illustration of the mode of life of the army in winter. No sooner is it known in camp that the quarters are likely to be permanent, than every man commences the erection of substantial quarters, which, in the winter season are made as comfortable as any village. Floors are laid in the tents, log huts are built, and their inner walls neatly covered with illustrated papers, and chimneys with capacious fire-places erected, rendering the winter home of the soldier, if not desirable, at least a very pleasant residence. Storms and frost are unheeded, and the long evenings pass in mirth, with no care for to-morrow's hardship or future perils.

  What sad reflections crowd upon the mind in visiting these relics of the past! All through the South in many a lonely waste such columns stand as mournful monuments of forgotten joys and aspirations; sealed volumes, whose unwritten lore none can interpret save those who made the record. Fragments of a sorrowful era, and witnesses of events which the world may pray shall never be re-enacted, the visitor beside each wreck will ask:

  "Why standest thou, lone mark?

  Gray ruins, mist and mould

  Are dripping where thy spark

  Glimmered in the times of old.

  Within thy bosom now

  The snake hath made his home:

  The owl, from 'neath thy brow

  Hoots [sic] in nightly gloom."

  "The chirping cricket's song has ceased,

  The silent spider spreads his feast;

  Here did thy winter welcome shine,

  Where darkly creeps the poison vine.

  So hopes too bright forsake the breast,

  And canker comes a constant guest.

  Old fragment! perish with thy lore,

  Nor longer memory implore."

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1864-05

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0283.13

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0283.13

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  cartridge box

  associated date

  1861 - 1865

  ID Number

  1980.0399.0138

  catalog number

  1980.0399.0138

  accession number

  1980.0399

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver

  Description

  The Model 1851 Navy was Colt’s most popular percussion revolver. Nearly a quarter million of the iconic .36 caliber six-shot model were produced between 1850 and 1873. The term "Navy" refers to the caliber of the revolver, not necessarily the branch of service. The .44 caliber revolvers are called "Army" and .36 caliber revolvers are called "Navy." The 1851 Navy was used by a number of famous soldiers and lawmen as well as infamous outlaws in American history.

  date made

  1861

  licensee

  Colt, Samuel

  maker

  Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company

  ID Number

  1980.0399.0696

  accession number

  1980.0399

  serial number

  103554

  catalog number

  1980.0399.0696

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 76. A Fancy Group - Scene in Front of Petersburg

  Description

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

  The monotony of camp life was relieved by every variety of amusement that was known, or could be devised. During the periods of inactivity, base ball, cricket, gymnastics, foot races, &c., were indulged in to a great extent, and on holidays horse races, foot races, and other games were allowed. Sometimes the men would put up a greased pole, with a prize on the top, for anyone who succeeded in climbing up to it, and not unfrequently a pig would be turned loose with a shaved and greased tail, for the men to catch. Any grip but a "tail hold" was illegitimate, but he who seized and held the pig by this appendage, carried it off in triumph to his mess.

  Cock fighting, however, was quite unusual, and seldom permitted, except when some of the contrabands incited their captured Shanghais, or more ignoble fowls, to combat. Such displays were always ludicrous, and were generally exhibited for the amusement of the mess for whom the feathered bipeds were intended. Horses and mules perished by hundreds from ill-usage, but with thin exception it would be exceedingly difficult to cite an instance of cruelty to animals in the army. Fowls, dogs, kittens, and even wild animals, were made pets of, and were cared for most tenderly. Sometimes a regiment would adopt a dog, and woe to the individual who ventured to maltreat it. Several of the Western regiments carried pet bears with them, and one regiment was accompanied by a tame eagle in all its campaigns.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1864-08

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0283.26

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0283.26

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Confederate Shoes

  Description

  Physical Description

  Brown leather boots with buckle.

  General History

  Next to the food shortage, the shortage of shoes was one of the most pressing problems for the Confederate Army. The Rebel army was a walking army. Many times they were without shoes but still marched into battle.

  associated date

  1861 - 1865

  ID Number

  1980.0399.1600

  accession number

  1980.0399

  catalog number

  1980.0399.1600

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  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

• 

  Plate 75. Mortar Dictator

  Description

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

  This monster mortar, cast by Mr. Charles Knapp, at his celebrated iron works in Pittsburg, Pa., was used for a short time in the summer of 1864, during the siege operations in front of Petersburg. Owing to its immense weight, 17,120 pounds, it was transported from City Point on a railway truck along the City Point and Petersburg Railroad, to a point in the ravine in rear of what is now generally known as Battery No.5, near the Jordan House, a side track from the main road being constructed especially for the purpose of moving it. The position selected from which to fire it, was admirably concealed from the ever-vigilant eye of the enemy. The truck was so strong and substantially built as to answer as a platform for the mortar.

  The Dictator is a 13-inch mortar, firing a shell weighing two hundred pounds, with a charge of twenty pounds of powder. At an angle of elevation of forty-five degrees the range is set down in the Ordnance Manual at 4,325 yards; but, if it is true that the shell thrown by it reached Centre Hill, in Petersburg, as the writer was informed by a very reliable gentleman of that city, then it must have been carried at least 2.7 miles, or 4,752 yards. The bursting of the shell was described as terrific, an immense crater being formed in the ground where it fell, and earth, stones, and sod being scattered in every direction, much to the consternation of the inhabitants of the place.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1864-10

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0283.25

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0283.25

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 79. The Pulpit, Fort Fisher, N.C.

  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.

  Upon the failure of the attack of December 24th, 1864, on Fort Fisher, near Wilmington, a second military force was detailed, composed of about eight thousand five hundred men, under the command of Major General A. H. Terry. This officer arrived off Fort Fisher on the 13th of January. Offensive operations were at once resumed by the naval force, and the troops were landed and intrenched themselves, while a portion of the fleet bombarded the works. These operations were continued throughout the 14th with an increased number of vessels. The 15th was the day decided upon for an assault. During the forenoon of that day forty-four vessels poured an incessant fire into the rebel forts. There was, besides, a force of fourteen vessels in reserve. At 3 P.M. the signal for the assault was made. Desperate fighting ensued, traverse after traverse was taken, and by 10 P.M. the works were all carried, and the flag of the Union floated over them. Fourteen hundred sailors and marines were landed, and participated in the direct assault.

  Seventy-five guns, many of them superb rifle pieces, and nineteen hundred prisoners, were the immediate fruits and trophies of the victory; but the chief value and ultimate benefit of this grand achievement consisted in closing the main gate through which the insurgents had received supplies from abroad, and sent their own products to foreign markets in exchange. Light draught steamers were immediately pushed over the bar and into the river, the channel of which was speedily buoyed, and the removal of torpedoes forthwith commenced. The rebels witnessing the fall of Fort Fisher, at once evacuated and blew up Fort Caswell, destroyed Bald Head Fort and Fort Sbaw [sic], and abandoned Fort Campbell. Within twenty-four hours after the fall of Fort Fisher, the main defence of Cape Fear river, the entire chain of formidable works in the vicinity, shared its fate, placing in our possession one hundred and sixty-eight guns of heavy calibre.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1865-01

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0283.29

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0283.29

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

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

  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

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Poster seeking draft substitutes for Citizens' Volunteer Substitute Committee

  Description

  Poster advertising a $650 bounty for men to serve as substitutes for draftees during the American Civil War. The poster, published by the Citizens' Volunteer Substitute Committee, appeals to "Veterans and Aliens about to volunteer" promising a $650 bonus on top of any government bounty for enlistment if they apply enlist as a substitute for a draftee.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca. 1863

  associated date

  1861 - 1865

  ID Number

  1978.0010.16

  accession number

  1978.0010

  catalog number

  1978.0010.16

  85363M

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Great Seal of the Confederacy

  Description

  Physical Description

  Medal with an equestrian portrait of George Washington, surrounded by a wreath composed of the principal agricultural products of the Confederacy including cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, wheat, and rice. Embossed around the edge, "The Confederate States of America: 22 February, 1862" and the motto Deo Vindice, or "God will vindicate." The medal rests in a wooden box covered in leather and lined in maroon velvet and green simulated watered silk.

  General History

  The date on the Confederate Seal commemorates the inauguration of Jefferson Davis as president of the Confederate States, and the establishment of the permanent government of the Confederate States of America in Richmond, Virginia. When the seal was completed, it was delivered to James Mason, a confidential agent of the Confederacy in England. He selected Lieutenant R. T. Chapman of the Confederate navy to bring it to America. In order to avoid the naval blockade, Lt. Chapman was forced to take a long and circuitous route. He went from England to Halifax, Nova Scotia, then to the island of Bermuda, and finally to Wilmington, North Carolina. When the Confederate government evacuated Richmond in April of 1865, Mrs. William J. Bromwell, the wife of an official of the Confederate State Department, smuggled the seal from the doomed city. Together with an important part of the Confederate archives, the seal was hidden from federal forces in a barn near Richmond. It eventually made its way into the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, where it can be seen today.

  ID Number

  1979.0425.102

  accession number

  1979.0425

  catalog number

  1979.0425.102

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Illustration of soldier in the French Zouaves, 55th New York Volunteers

  Description

  Illustration of a man wearing a zouave-style uniform and holding a rifle. The man is wearing a red dickey and blue jacket with yellow tape in decorative patterns. He is also wearing red breeches and yellow leggins, and a red fez with a blue tassel. The print is labeled "French Zouaves / 55th Reg. Col. Le Gal."

  Location

  Currently not on view

  ID Number

  1978.0010.06

  accession number

  1978.0010

  catalog number

  1978.0010.06

  85353M

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Illustration of De Kalb zouave soldier

  Description

  Illustration of a man wearing a zouave-style uniform and holding a rifle. The man is wearing a blue dickey and jacket with red tape in decorative patterns and yellow tape in a distinctive sleeve design. He is also wearing blue breeches with a red stripe, white and yellow leggins, and a red fez with a blue tassel. The print is labeled "De Kalb Zouaves / N. Y. St. Vol. Capt. Duysing".

  Location

  Currently not on view

  ID Number

  1978.0010.04

  accession number

  1978.0010

  catalog number

  1978.0010.04

  85351M

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Tintype with hardtack frame

  Description

  This innovative piece of memorabilia consists of a tintype of Augustus B. Hayes in a hardtack frame. At the age of 18, Hayes enlisted in the 1st Regiment Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery Battery B on August 8, 1862. Hayes was wounded on December 31, 1862 in the Battle of Stones River. Despite this he served three more years and was mustered out June 16, 1865.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  associated date

  1861-1865

  ID Number

  1979.0916.02

  catalog number

  1979.0916.02

  accession number

  1979.0916

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  G.A.R. Cap

  Description

  This Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) cap was worn by John Doran-Donahue during organization meetings. The GAR and its counterpart, the United Confederate Veterans, were organizations in which veterans and their families joined to remember the dead and salute the living. These groups were an important facet of veteran life that supplanted wartime camaraderie.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  user

  Doran-Donahue, John

  manufacturer

  Ridabock and Company

  associated user

  Grand Army of the Republic

  maker

  Ridabock and Company

  ID Number

  1979.1267.001

  accession number

  1979.1267

  catalog number

  1979.1267.001

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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