2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
A rare war-date presentation piece being a hardbound bayonet exercise book given by Brigadier General Hiram Burnham to his brother. The book, entitled: "MANUAL of BAYONET EXERCISE. Prepared for the use of the ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES, by GEORGE B. MCCLELAN", published by Lippincott, Philadelphia, 1852. The front-end page bears the ink inscription: "Capt. G. W. Burnham, Co. G, 6th Regt. Me. Vol., Cherryfield, Me., 1863. Presented by Col. Hiram Burnham, 6th Regt. Me. Vol,, Cherryfield, Washington County, Me." Interestingly, the presentation is not in the general's hand, but is definitely war-date and must have been inscribed by George. Hiram entered the Civil War as lieutenant colonel of the 6th Maine on July 1, 1861. He was promoted colonel at the end of the year and fought alongside his men through the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg to name a few. On April 27, 1864, he was promoted to a full rank brigadier general. While leading a brigade in the 18th Corps he was killed in action at the battle of Fort Harrison, Va., September 29, 1864. His brother George also joined the 6th in July 1861, enrolling as a corporal. By 1863, he had risen to captain, but was wounded Nov. 7, 1863 at the battle of Rappahannock Station, Va., during the Mine Run campaign. On March 20, 1864, he resigned his commission because of his wound. It is no doubt that George coveted his brother's gift. The book contains 117 pages of text and is heavily illustrated with twenty-five full-page illustrations of soldiers showing the proper technique to be used in the text's instruction. Good honest wear to the corners and spine showing use in the field. Overall very good.
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