2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
Union Autograph Manuscript Document, 1pp., signed by "Langhorne Wister"who enlisted on 6/4/1861 as a Captain and was commissioned into "B" Co. PA 42nd Infantry . He was wounded 7/1/1863 Gettysburg, PA (Wounded in face). Promoted Brig-General 3/13/1865 by Brevet. Datelined Camp Malvern Hill, Va., June 30th, 1862. In large part, "I certify on honor that on the 30th day of June 1862 at Charles City x Roads Va., the stores enumerated below were lost under the following circumsatnces. The regiment to which my company belongs was directed to hold a certain position. In so doing, three Privates were killed, Five Privates were severely wounded, and two Privates were taken prisoners by the enemy. The arms carried by all there men were left on the field as we were repulsed and they could not be recovered." Wister continues by listing the lost material which includes 10 Springfield Rifles and Bayonets Cal. 58; 10 Cartridge Boxes & Plates Cal 58; 10 Waist Belts & Plates ....ect. Without a doubt, the Bucktails are Pennsylvania's most famous Civil War unit. Officially designated the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, the unit was also known as the 13th Pennsylvania Reserves, the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles, and the Kane Rifles. The regiment also fought at Second Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. By that time, heavy casualties had so reduced the strength of the Pennsylvania Reserves that the division was detached from active duty and sent back to Washington to rest and refit. When Lee's army in June of 1863 crossed the Potomac River and Union troops moved north in pursuit, the Lincoln administration sent reinforcements from the Washington garrison to bolster the strength of the field army. Two brigades of the Pennsylvania Reserves, among them the Bucktails, marched to join the Army of the Potomac. Led by Brigadier General Samuel W. Crawford, the Reserves became the Third Division of the Fifth Corps. The Bucktails went into action at Gettysburg late in the afternoon of the second day.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.