Civil War Discharges for Private Allen Cook – Purnell’s Legion Maryland SOLD

Allen Cook enlisted as a private in Purnell’s Legion of Maryland Infantry in September of 1861, and mustered out in October of 1864. He then transferred to Co. G of the 13th Maryland Infantry in April of 1865, mustering out on May 25, 1865.

Purnell’s Legion was somewhat unique in that the legion was comprised of infantry, cavalry and light artillery. This organization was difficult to work into the Union Army structure, having these three elements of combat arms, and finally in February of 1862, the legion was broken up.

There history began in the Dept. of the Shenandoah, with defending Harper’s Ferry, and took part in the Battle of Cedar Mountain, and Pope’s Campaign in Northern Virginia, and the 2nd Battle of Bull Run.  In the Maryland Campaign the Legion was engaged at South Mountain and Antietam.  By mid June of 1864, with action at Cold Harbor, and the First actions at Petersburg.

Allen’s first discharge shows he was in Boyles company H, and discharged near Petersburg, on the 21st October, 1864. It is signed by Captain William Thomas Gentry, 17th U.S. Infantry as the mustering officer.  Gentry, a West Pointer, remained in the Regular Army and once had command of Fort Snelling, Minn. serving with the 25th (Black) U.S. Infantry. He died at Fort Snelling in 1885. The document is showing its age, and was repaired long ago with another paper backing, and lightly trimmed on the borders.

His discharge dated 29 May, 1865, in Co. G. 13th Maryland Infantry is signed by R. H. Offley, Capt. 1th U.S. Infantry, was wounded in action Vicksburg, where he had command of a battery of 30 lb siege guns. He remained in the army after the war and retired as a colonel. The discharge is also signed by Cook’s company commander Thomas J. Evans, who also had transferred over from the Purnell”s Legion (1st Maryland Infantry).  Much better condition with some loss of paper on right margin.

A scarce lot relating to Purnell’s Legion.