Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
War-date Confederate partly-printed Document Signed by Cornelius Boyle, Provost Marshal, 1pp. oblong octavo, September 16, 1861, Headquarters Camp Pickens, Manassas Junction, for Lt. Diffendoffer to travel to Winchester. Fine condition. Cornelius Boyle was wealthy landowner with a thriving medical practice in the District of Columbia. Before the war, as tensions increased between the North and South, he founded a pro-Southern militia unit, known as the National Rifles. When he was questioned before a Congressional Committee (on February 1, 1861) concerning his and the group's loyalties, Boyle asserted that it was a social marching club. When war broke out, he set aside his professional practice and marched his volunteers to the state of Virginia, becoming a Major in the Confederate Army. He was made provost marshal and post commander at Gordonsville, a critical position due to the railroads. The key location allowed him to pass messages quickly to and from the Headquarters of the Army of Northern Virginia, and he became an important Confederate agent. General Robert E. Lee is reported to have said when it was suggested that Boyle be moved to another area, "Major Boyle was commissioned specifically for the service in which he is now engaged. I know of no one who can take his place."
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