Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
Albert Henry Campbell (1826 - 1899) was born in Charleston, WV where he lived until he entered Brown University, Providence, RI in 1844. He studied civil engineering and was engaged in surveys for a number of railroads west. In 1857 he was appointed General Superintendent in charge of constructing wagon roads from Fort Kearny to the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern portion of California, and the road from Ft. Ridgely in Minnesota to South Pass. When the Civil War erupted, Campbell cast his lot with the Confederacy. He secured an appointment as Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, and was later promoted to Captain, then Major. He eventually would head the Topographical Department of the Army of Northern Virginia, and spent many hours with General R.E. Lee (who was himself a more than adequate topographer), becoming a personal friend of the General. He was with Lee the entire day during which he surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House, and broke the first twig from the legendary apple tree (See the following lot) under which Lee rested before the signing of the surrender. During the war, Campbell was initially appointed Clerk in the CSA Post Office on May 15, 1861. In June 1862 he was promoted to Captain of Engineers and appointed Chief of the Topographic Department. In September 1862 Campbell was appointed assistant to Lt. Colonel W.H. Stevens, Corps of Engineers, CSA and promoted to Major a month later. This lot contains nine items to include; A darkly stained walnut box, 13.5 x 5.5 x 3 in. containing a large drafting set, with dozens of pens, compasses, etc., a few with ivory handles. In bottom are a surveying (?) tool [brass with scale of degrees and bubble level on a heavy brass base, in its own velvet-lined case]; a small box of pen nibs; a pocket watch, Swiss made for the American market, .80 silver case, with hours and minutes displayed in windows on the face, numbered 283210 / 7 / 2; and a brass compass with barometer on other side, approx. 56mm diam., Keuffel & Esser Co., NY, marked "Made in England." Although the drafting set is unidentified, the family relates that this was likely used by Campbell. ... plus, Two-stage spyglass, outer barrel wood, inner, brass. Both ends with sliding lens covers; length 14 in. open; 8.25 in. closed. ... plus, A diploma from Brown University, for Campbell (Albertus Henricum Campbell): September 1, 1847, 13-3/4” x 18-3/4”, fine. ... plus, Confederate States of America appointment as Major of Corps of Engineers, Oct. 28th 1864. this document is signed by Secretary of War, James A. Seddon (dark and sharp). Document is VG. ... plus, Map, “Fac-Simile of the Confederate map of the Vicinity of Richmond and Part of the Penninsula, Which Was Issued to Gen’l. Robert E. Lee ...” . . Letter from T. Sewell Ball to Albert Campbell dated March 14th 1892 is tipped in to front cover presenting this copy of the map to Campbell ... plus, 2nd letter from Mr. Ball dated April 14, 1892, and printed advertising flyer with the history of the map.. ... plus, A pair of glassine maps, the first titled "Preliminary Map of South Side of James River," 12-3/4” x 15”. In the mid-right side is the approval signature “Approveed October 17, 1864, Albert H. Campbell. Capt P. Engrs in Charge Top Dept DNV”. The second, another part of the James River survey, mostly title and key, 12-1/2” x 13” Each credited lower right, "Chief Engineer's Office D.N.V. Capt. A.H. Campbell in chge. Topl. Dept." These maps are delicate, repairable fold splits present.
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