Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
Rare war-date single lined sheet, 1p. 4to., entitled at top, "Head Quarters 'Keystone Brigade,' Washington, N.C., May 28, 1863." A farewell address to the officers and soldiers of four Pennsylvania regiments that comprised the "Keystone Brigade" from Brigadier General Spinola. In part: "I avail myself of this opportunity of saying to the officers and men of the Keystone Brigade that the time has arrived for me to take my leave of you; and, as your term of service will soon expire, many of you, I presume, will abandon the scenes and excitement of the battle-field again to assume your usual pursuits of industry." .... Spinola mentions the locations in North Carolina where the brigade saw action, including New Bern, Mill Creek, White Oak River, Blount's Creek, Swift Creek Village, and the siege of Washington, and commends then for their valor, in part: "Your conduct throughout has been of a character that has placed the Brigade in an enviable position: intemperance and immoral practices, as well as vice in its various forms, have been strangers to the Officers and Soldiers of the Keystone Brigade....No cause can fail my Countrymen, when supported by such men as constitute the Keystone Brigade! You have done your whole duty to your country, to your State, and your families, in a manner that no man among you need be ashamed to acknowledge that he is one of the Keystone Brigade." ... Francis Barreto Spinola (1821-1891) served as commissioner of New York Harbor when the Civil War began. He volunteered in a New York regiment and was commissioned an officer. Between July and October 1862 Spinola recruited a brigade comprised of four regiments, known as the Empire Brigade. In 1863, he was sent to North Carolina to take command of a brigade of Pennsylvania militia regiments known as the "Keystone Brigade." After North Carolina, the brigade was ordered to Fort Monroe and then to pursue the forces of Robert E. Lee after the Battle of Gettysburg. In July 1863 Spinola was assigned to the command General Sickles Excelsior Brigade. He was wounded at the Battle of Manassas Gap in July 23, 1863. Uneven toning, with some ink stains with small separations including one that has been repaired with tape on verso. Scattered foxing and stains, else VG.
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