Description

Transfer of Horses Before Overland Campaign – 1st New York Light Artillery Offered for your consideration is a partly-printed document acknowledging the transfer of horses to a light artillery battery one month before the opening of General Grant’s Overland Campaign. The top section of the document states that it is a “ List of Quartermaster’s Stores, &c., transferred by Capt. WM. H. D. COCHRANE, Assistant Quartermaster U. S. Vols., to Capt Nelson Ames, Batty G, 1 st NY Arty U. S. Army, at Camp M Stevensburg Va on the 2 nd day of April 186 3 4 . ”. This is followed by several lengthy columns indicating the quantity, type, cost, and condition of the items being transferred. Only one entry is present on this document – “ 12 Twelve Horses ”, with the cost being “ Unknown ” and their condition listed as “ Good ”. The closing section guarantees this transfer as official with the statement that “ I certify that I have this day transferred to Capt N Ames Batty G, 1 st NY Arty U. S. Army, at M Stevensburg Va the articles specified in the foregoing list. ”. The signature of “ Wm. H. D. Cochrane ” in his capacity as “ Captain Assistant Quartermaster / Arty Brig, 2 nd AC ” appears at the conclusion to validate the transaction. The back of the document features a short, partly-printed recap of the transaction, indicating the number, date, and location of the transaction, as well as who made the transfer (this was done to facilitate the locating of forms when they were folded for storage). The transfer of these horses was probably being made to prepare the battery for the projected movement by Union General Grant into Virginia, leading to the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, and Cold Harbor, as well as the siege of Petersburg and the Appomattox Campaign (Battery G, 1 st New York Light Artillery was present at all of these actions). Sadly, given the mechanized nature of modern warfare, we tend to forget the importance of horses to the Civil War armies. They were present on virtually every battlefield, whether with the artillery, cavalry, or with the infantry as mounts for their officers (they also pulled all of the munitions and provisions for the soldiers). An interesting document, worthy of further research. The presently offered document exhibits signs of period use, with fading probably associated with less than ideal long-term storage. Light toning is noted across the entire surface, somewhat darker at the edges and along the horizontal storage folds. These folds have adversely affected the integrity of the paper, leading to weakness and slight tears at the edges. An additional tear, not associated with either fold, is present along the right edge, leading to some minor paper loss (there is a small area of loss at the lower left, as well). Sadly, significant fading is noted at all of the manuscript additions, except for Cochrane’s signature, which remains relatively sharp (all of the manuscript additions, however, can be deciphered with a little effort). Measuring approximately 7¾ x 9¾ inches, this piece would frame nicely with a period illustration of a light artillery battery, though to slow further fading it should not be displayed in direct light. Any additional questions regarding condition should be addressed before purchasing. We offer free shipping on this item. If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing. Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2 nd Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows. American Coins and Collectibles Shreveport, LA