1861 15th New York Engineers Officer’s Commission & Shoulder Straps Etc. SOLD

Description

1861 15th New York Engineers Officer’s Commission & Shoulder Straps Etc.

The lot belonged to Charles P. Bacon, commissioned into the 15th New York Engineers on August 10, 1861, into company F. He was discharged on July 14, 1863.  He was promoted to regimental quartermaster on April 15, 1863.

Here is a brief history:

".....picket and guard duty in the vicinity of Fairfax 
seminary until August, when it was transferred to Franklin's 
brigade; in September to Newton's brigade, and in November the 
original purpose of the organization was carried out and it was 
ordered to Alexandria to receive instruction in engineering.

Here the regiment remained until March 19, 1862, at which time it 
was ordered to Fairfax seminary in the 1st corps under Gen. 
McDowell.  It participated in the siege duties before Yorktown, 
rendering effective service in bridge building, etc.  After the 
close of the campaign on the Peninsula, the 15th encamped at 
Harrison's landing and was then returned to Washington, joining 
the Army of the Potomac in the field Nov. 17, 1862.

Work on the bridges by which the army crossed to Fredericksburg 
was next undertaken; in Jan., 1863, ensued the "Mud March," when 
the men were engaged in the construction of roads; the remainder 
of the winter of 1862-63 was passed in camp at Falmouth, and 
during the Chancellorsville campaign the engineering brigade, of 
which the 15th formed a part, was instrumental in building 
bridges.

The regiment remained with this branch of the service until the 
middle of June, when the two years' men returned home and were 
mustered out at New York city, June 25, 1863."  (CivilWarData)

Included in the lot are:

• Bacon’s staff shoulder straps for a 1st lieutenant; double bordered in fine gold bullion with black velvet background. Mothed heavily on the sides and underneath , but overall in fine condition with some toning to bullion.
• 1861 commission signed by the Governor, E.D. Morgan (1811-1883). 21st governor of NY 1859 -1862 & U.S. Senator from 1863- 1869. Also signed by the State adjutant general. In very good condition with some separations at the cross folded areas. Very clean.
• General Orders No. 14, Headquarter Engineer Brigade, Camp at Falmouth, Va., May 13, 1863. The commanding general, H.W. Benham is testifying to the gallant conduct of the brigade in their “unwearied labors” in assisting the army to cross the Rappahannock River, etc.
• 3 CDVs – Bacon’s father in wheel chair and one other, and one other well dress gent with signature to a Mrs. Frelinghuysen.

All making a nice presentable lot.