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UNION LETTERS FROM THE 72ND PENNSYLVANIA INFANTRY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
UNION LETTERS FROM THE 72ND PENNSYLVANIA INFANTRY

ORIGINALLY KNOWN AS PART OF THE CALIFORNIA BRIGADE & OTHER CIVIL WAR EPHEMERA INCLUDING A SIGNED LETTER BY GENERAL GEORGE G. MEADE.
1) LETTERS. This group includes 6 letters from Private Paul Bridger of the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry. The 72nd PA was originally 1 or the 4 regiments making up the California Brigade in August of 1861. Shortly after the Battle of Balls Bluff, these regiments became part of the Philadelphia Brigade. The regiments were originally organized by Col. Edward D. Baker who was a great friend of President Lincoln. Col. Baker has the distinction of being the only US senator to die in battle during the Civil War. The regiment consisted primarily of Philadelphia firemen & was alternately known as Baxter’s Zouaves or Philadelphia Fire Zouaves. Their uniform was an attractive Americanized version of a French Zouave uniform. Private Bridger joined the unit on August 10, 1861 & fought until August 24, 1864. Major battles that Bridger saw service in include the Battle of Ball's Bluff, Savage's Station, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg & the Overland Campaign. The letters range from October 26, 1861 to June 23, 1863. Throughout most of his enlistment, Private Bridger was a hospital steward. The letters are generally lengthy & quite newsy. They talk of camp life, battles, wounded & killed men & much more. Some notable names & places mentioned include Chain Bridge, Gen. Baker, Col. Wistar, Ball’s Bluff, Gen. Burns, Sibley Tents, Adamstown, Poolesville, Manocacy, Potomac, Fort Donaldson, Leesburg, Fredericksburg, Copper Heads, Libby Prison, Honest Old Abe, Paddy Owens, Gen. Hancock & many, many more. There are also photocopies of 4 other letters written by Bridger included for reference & research purposes. CONDITION: the letters are well written in a good hand & easily read. Paper has expected light staining & minor discoloration but the writing remains crisp & legible.
2) CIVIL WAR EPHEMERA. Items in this group include a letter written on “Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon & Hospital PHILADELPHIA” stationary. The letter is dated June 1, 1863 & signed by, “Arad Barrows Chairman”. The letter talks of proceeds from the upcoming fair, free tickets for the fair & the need to replenish the Treasury of the Refreshment Saloon. / A short letter written & signed by General George G. Meade. The letter reads, “Please accept my grateful thanks for your polite attention in sending me the photograph of the Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon and Hospital which I will preserve as a _ _ _ _ute of the pleasant reception I and the soldiers had on the 10th.”. The letter is signed, “Respectfully Yours Geo. G Meade Maj. Genl. U.S A”. Letter has tape repairs on the reverse. / A partial document that may be a photographic copy of another document that reads in part, “I certify that the above photograph is taken from the original in my possession in which I at the sale of effects of the late General Adam Badeau in whose abode _ _ General Grant wrote the telegram.” Document is not complete. / A partial document that may be a photographic copy of the telegram that Gen. Grant sent announcing the surrender of Gen. Lee. The document appears to read, “Headquarters Appomattox C. H Va. April 9th, 1865, 4:30 PM Honorable E. M. Stanton Secretary of War, Washington General Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia this afternoon on terms proposed by myself. The accompanying additional correspondence will show the terms fully. U.S. Grant Lieut.-General”. / A clipped signature that reads, “Lieut W M S Moorehead (1862) Co K. 76th Pa Vet Vols”. / 1 Patriotic envelopes, 1 addressed to Moorehead & 1 addressed to Moorehead’s wife. / 4 Unused patriotic envelopes w/ staining. / 1 Ticket to a “Reception & Campfire in Honor of Comrade U.S. Grant, by the Grand Army of the Republic, of Philadephia.”. The ticket is dated December 18th, 1879. / A pension qualification document for Julius Oehme, a private in Company B of the 12th Regiment of Maryland Volunteers. Paper is dated January 1908. / A blank membership form for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. / A lg. 9 1/2" x 6 1/2" envelope w/ 2 red GAR medals on the front & the words, “150th Penna. Vol. Infty. Bucktail Brigade”. / 1 North Caroline 1 dollar note dated January 1st 1863. / 1 Confederate 20 dollar note dated February 17th 1864 w/ an “IN MEMORIAM” message printed on the reverse. CONDITION: all items show light wear & minor staining except as noted. (02-15341-9/BF). $600-800.