74th New York National Guard (30 Days) Officer’s Presentation Sword – SWORD

The Buffalo Daily Republic, July 1865, recorded the presentation of this sword…..”-Lieut. Jacob Miller of Co. B. 74th Regiment, was presented with a splendid sword, sash and belt by the members of his company, at the Arsenal, on Wednesday evening. The presentation was a very pleasant affair.”

Lt. Miller’s sword is this Staff & Field sword with blue lacquered metal scabbard, with the presentation appearing on the upper mount. The pommel, and scabbard mounts are chased and punch decorated improving what was an un-embellished sword of fine quality. The hilt, and all the other mounts have been lovingly maintained over the years by family, but leaving little of the original gilt, except that in protected areas. The grip is sharkskin and in fine condition with the original twisted wire.  The 31.5 inch etched blade has no markings, and may be an import. The etching is typical with floral patterns mixed with panoply of arms, “U.S.” and federal eagle with E Pluribus Unum in riband above.  Most of the bright and frosty etching remains with some mixing of blemishing moving toward the tip. A fine blade overall.  The Japanning on the scabbard has some scratching, rubs , etc. but fine.

A pleasing looking presentation sword.

Jacob Miller had mustered initially on June 18, 1863, as the 2nd Corporal, to serve 30 days. The regiment was ordered to Harrisburg, Pa for duty, comprising 9 companies. it served at Mount Union, Pa and then mustered out on August 2, at Buffalo.  During there service in Pennsylvania  took part is a skirmish with Confederate troops.

A diary maintained by 2nd Lt. Dixon Bean of Co. A, 74th NYNG, recorded the events of the 74th in the first mustering and movements to Pennsylvania. They left Buffalo on the 19th of June, having been issued uniforms, accoutrements, camp equipage, and 450 Springfield rifled muskets in very bad order, that had been first used by 9 month Pa volunteers. Once reaching Harrisburg, they began guarding various bridges and aqueducts. Soon after the regiment was sent toward Clear Springs, Maryland where Union cavalry was engaging Confederate General Imboden’s Rebel cavalry. General Lee’s army was 7 miles away…three men wounded, and one of them died the next day. The regiment was ordered to guard mountain passes and water crossing so as to warn Union forces of Confederate movements. Some of the companies were ordered to New York due to rioting in that city. Jacob Miller was with the regiment during both deployments.

Again the regiment was mustered in November 16, 1863 for one month protecting the frontiers of the State. Also the regiment guard food, and the armory at Buffalo.  Mustered out December 16, 1863 as Corporal.

In May of 1864, Jacob Miller was ordered to pull cartridges from the armory for Special Police at general elections.  Miller was appointed Military Storekeeper at The State Armory at Buffalo.  He was promoted from corporal (perhaps sergt.) to 2nd lieutenant on  June 28, 1865.  Other copied records show that Jacob Miller remain active both in military duties, and private business and other organizations in Buffalo.

Before the war, Miller had been involved with the Wide Awakes, and after the war, got involved in the Republican Party.

There is a good amount of copied records pertaining to Miller’s military service and more.