A Wisconsin Gets A Home Made Pistol And Springfield Rifle

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008

A nice war-date Union soldier's letter written in ink by Quarter Master Sgt. John P. DeMerit, 29th Wisconsin, 4pp. 4to., Camp Randall, Madison, Wis., Oct. 22, 1862. "…I am enlisted for three years or during the war just as I wish to be for if the war is not to end I do not wish to cease aiding in putting down the Rebels…I was very glad Father had decided to send me a pistol…How much pride - honest pride I shall take in exhibiting it & carrying the best shooting pistol in the Regt. and of my Father's make…Since I wrote (I think) our guns have come. They are the latest Springfield pattern and the best ever given to his troops so we are very lucky…". With postwar note penned in 1st page margin "The pistol came to Wisconsin after I left …I carried it all thro the service & have it now. Father took no pains to make it nice except inside & said I should soon get it rusty & spoilt…JPD 4/23 1900."VG.

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