Identified 1812 Era New York Militia Grouping – SOLD

Description

This impressing grouping of material from the War of 1812 period, was once used by John Milton Wheeler who was born and raised in Dutchess County New York, and served in the 29th Regiment of Militia for several decades.  The period represented in this material ranges from 1813 into the 1820’s, and includes Wheeler’s chapeau de bras in its large wallpaper box, painted and personalized canvas knapsack, Id’d round travel/stage trunk, socks, and documents relating to his military service and personal matters, etc.

The chapeau is typical wool felt, with bound edging of black material that may be a fine cotton, possibly silk, now worn and faded.  The hat is embellished with a plain silver one piece button and ‘V’ shaped silver bullion tape on the left side. There appears to have been a silk cockade once in place at the top of this ‘V’ near the upper edge. It is at this location where the original white feather plume on baleen stem is held by a leather sleeve sewn to the rear.  The felt shows wear to the wool at the corners, and could use some restoration, but looks fine as it is; some discoloration and wear to the wool, as well as other worn spots overall.  The original linen sweatband show its age, but is present.  Height of the hat is approximately 7 1/2 inches.   UP-DATE , DAMAGE TO CORNERS HAS BEEN RESTORED, ETC.

The wallpaper hat box is 20 inches at its widest, and 12 inches high from the center arch. The maker of the hat box is Joseph Piggot, of New York, and on the label attached to the inside lid, he advertises making and selling all kinds of band boxes and trunks. The cardboard constructed box is covered in a patterned paper in yellow and blue-green colors predominately, with a patterned red, and blue border used on the edge of the lid. The box is in good shape, with older repairs with thread to hold sections together. Certainly could be improved upon.

The canvas knapsack is complete, with all of the shoulder and chest straps, and the flap straps and buckles on the underside of the painted section. The knapsack is painted in its original color, being a orangey brick red and white painted letters and numbers. The knapsack is personalized to Wheeler with is initials ” JMW” painted in block letters  above, followed by “29th Regt.” centered below. The painted service shows a good deal of chipping of paint from the course canvas with approximately 60 percent or better remaining, having been rolled up in the trunk for 200 years. Canvas and straps are in fine condition in unpainted state, and a single one piece button is used to secure the breast strap once the knapsack is slipped onto the shoulders.  These knapsacks were scarce when I came into the business back in the early 80’s, and rarely do you see them offered for sale at all; most without history and of the later 20s-40s period. The size of this knapsack is close to 18 inches square.  UP-DATE, THE LETTERING FOR INITIALS AND REGT NUMBER HAVE BEEN ENHANCED PROFESSIONALLY AND ARE MORE CLEAR.

Wheelers socks are in fine condition with some age discoloration overall and little damage to the material. His initials are woven into the upper edge of both socks; from the top to the heel is 18 inches.

The documents and letters with this grouping are both military and personal related.  For military, are  1. Wheelers appointment to sergeant major in the 29th Regiment dated, 8 October, 1817, in the county of Dutchess, signed and sealed by the commanding officer of the regiment, Colonel Anthony Wheeler, yes, John M. Wheeler’s father.  2. Next is a commission for John M. Wheeler making him a captain in the same regiment on 13 April, 1822, and signed by Governor Dewitt Clinton, and secretary J.V.N. Yates (John Van Ness Yates).  On the reverse is a testament to Wheeler having signed before David M.Radcliff, deputy clerk, of the oath of office.  The document has a stamped state seal, and a clear signature of Dewitt Clinton.  3. There is another appointment for another individual in the 29th regiment dated 4th of July, 1842, by the colonel George R. Winchill. At what capacity Wheeler serves in the regiment at this time I do not know, but was kept with is papers, and military material so it goes along. Condition is very good, with an opening in the fold affecting the illustrated vignette.  4. Finally, for military paper, is a letter dated 1813, written to then Major Anthony Wheeler (father) at Amenia, (NY) by Adjt. Dakin. The 3 page hand carried letter, is dated Poughkeepsie, 7 August, 1813 and is signed by General John Brush, commander of Dutchess County Militia.  Subject matter is division orders to the four regiments (29th, 84th, 111th, and 141st) in the 2nd Division, requiring a detachment of 500 Infantry ordered for the defense of the state. The letter names the field officers of the four regiments, their strengths officers and men.  “Also all companies of light infantry, Grenadiers, and Riflemen within the respective Regiments except those who have served in 1812 are directed to be in readiness…”  more information included.  “Every Soldier must furnish and take with him a musket or rifle, knapsack,cartridge box, canteen, three flints and a watch coat-  Those who are unable to equip themselves with muskets, cartridge boxes, knapsacks or canteens will be supplied from the public deposit.”  The letter goes on to state that troops will be required to serve three months after they Rendezvous unless sooner discharged and will receive equipage, rations, and other accommodations as the regular army.  More included..  Signed by Brush as the brigade major (assuming it to be the 20th).  Not knowing when John Wheeler entered the service of the 29th, I can only say this was among his possessions; whether it was a item given by his father as a souvenir later on, or if he came into possession of regiment documents with making Sergeant Major in 1817. The document is legal sized paper, and in very good condition.

The remaining paper is made up personal matters, such as land deeds, school documents, etc. and seems to be nearly all Dutchess County related. A dozen or better in the pile. All are contained a a period thin cardboard fold and the edges are finished with green silk trim, all done by hand stitching.

In the group was an early 19th century wooden writing kit, that had compartments for pens, pencils, seal wax, and other implements needed when traveling.  A name is cut in on the bottom for a “E.A. Bassett” and the “s'” are done backwards.  On of John Wheeler’s daughters married a Bassett much later on. It is 9 inches long, 2 inches high. The top compartment has a slide off lid, and a single wood screw holds the three sections together.

The last item is the round trunk, hide covered and brass tacked, and finished with leather trim work. Wrought iron handles applied to each side. The trunk has a lock, but no key. Wheeler’s initials are tacked in on the top led “JMW” in a diamond shape tack design.  In good shape with wear to hide (most hair gone), a few small tears to hide and leather trim missing sections overall.  The interior was finished with period newspaper, that shows a good deal of wear. The trunk itself is constructed of pine, and is all tight, just the lid hinge (hide) seems a little loose.  Size is 2 feet long, 1 foot high.

I have found little on John Milton Wheeler, other than spending several hours on the internet, and taking what I can from the paper in the collection.  Wheeler was born in 1796, and died in 1861, at 65years, 9 months and 1 day old. He may have been originally from Amenia, NY but settled in North East, NY at some point later. He married a Hannah Peck, and had 5 daughters, Selina H. Wheeler Brown, Mary Peck Wheeler, Henrietta Marie Wheeler Mason, Jane A. Wheeler Travis, and Caroline Antoinette Wheeler Bassett.

Whether he had any service in the militia prior to 1817, I don’t know, and I have no idea how long he stated associated with that 29th regiment. Certainly research will be fun.

It’s hard obtaining grouping such as this these days, as they suffer neglect, moths, discarded by families and many other calamities that can befall such material.

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