CDV – Signed By 5th U.S. Cavalry Officer At Hospital Annapolis Md – SOLD

Description

CDV – Signed By 5th U.S. Cavalry Officer At Hospital Annapolis Md.  Dickerson in civilian clothing.

Signed “F.W.Dickerson, 5th Cav’y” on the front mount, and again on the reverse, “Officers Hospital / Annapolis, Dec. 9th 1864 / F.W. Dickerson / 1st Lieut. 5th Cav’y / U.S.A.”  Frank wrote his father in Belfast, Me in January of 1865, “I have made up my mind not to give way and go to bed entirely as long as I can walk. I am taking Cod Liver Oil.” When Frank was at an Officer s Hospital in Annapolis, Md., he received orders for “light duty” in Madison, Wisconsin.” (Maine History Vol 28.)

Photographed by Israel & Co., Baltimore.  Partial revenue stamp.

“Frank Wilberforce Dickerson, born March 21, 1841; he was in March, 1862, commissioned 2d Lieut, in the 5th U. S. Cavalry, regular army. He participated with distinction in the battle of Antietam and other severe actions that occurred soon after he entered the service. In the first great cavalry fight of the war at Beverly Ford, June 9,1863, he commanded the squadron which received the first shock of the enemy, and was badly wounded in the head by a minieball. Eager for action he returned to his regiment before his health was sufficiently restored and was presently appointed second in command of General Grant’s body guard, and the ranks of Capt. and Major by brevet were conferred on him for meritorious service. When disease rendered him no longer equal to great exertion, he unwillingly accepted more retired, but responsible, posts of duty, first in Maryland, and afterward at Nashville, Tenn. At length wasted by sickness, he was met on his way home by his father in New York, and died of consumption on board a steamer, in Boston Harbor, February 17, 1866, while en route for Belfast. Frank is buried in the Grove Street Cemetery, Belfast, Maine.” (Selections fr Selections from Frank Dick ank Dickerson’s Civil W s Civil War Letters ar Letters, Maine History, Vol. 28).

Very good condition.

Gil Barrett Collection.