LOT #47110 |
Sold on Feb 26, 2026 for: Not Sold
"Chester Troop," Co. D, 1st South Carolina Cavalry Archive....
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Description
"Chester Troop," Co. D, 1st South Carolina Cavalry Archive. Approximately 60 letters and documents addressed to officers William A. Walker and John S. Wilson, successive officers of Company D ("Chester Troop"), 1st South Carolina Cavalry, one of the most active mounted commands raised in the state during the Civil War. Composed primarily of letters dated from April 10, 1861 to May 19, 1864; with the majority being written in the years 1861 and 1862.Although "Chester Troop" was not mustered into Confederate service until October 2, 1861, two letters from April addressed to Wilson request information about joining the company being raised. As men were being pressed into service, these letters give view to the machinations in play as they sought a place in a preferred company.
There are letters and documents regarding pay, securing horses, company transfers, and reports on illnesses, with occasional letters from home. An October 15, 1861 letter from John McWatters asks Wilson for a letter of recommendation for employment as an overseer.
Also of note is a four-page letter dated June 8, 1862 to Walker with news of a tragic occurrence of multiple casualties resulting from friendly fire on John's Island. In part: "You are aware that a fight has been expected on Johns Island for several days. On Saturday evening Donovan's & Mean's Regts were posted on the Road and Bob Crawford was sent out with 24 pickets to decoy the enemy into the trap. The Yankee Cavalry got after them and a part of the pickets came past Means Regt and reported the enemy as being right on their heels, and consequently when the balance of the pickets came dashing up the Regt. fired on them killing Babb of Nesbits Company and mortally wounding Mahon & Cathcart of the same Co and Watt Thomas of Owens Company. All have since died. There are 7 or 8 others wounded of the cavalry and three of Means men among among them..."
Letters from home convey whiskey, medicines, and news of local men dying on other battle fronts. A soldier in the company writes to Walker on October 2, 1862 reporting on his recovery from "chronic inflamation of the liver." He writes: "I have been under the influence of mercury for the last three weeks until the last four days past my mouth was kept continually sore and finally my teeth became loose and face swollen from the effects of it..." He asks Walker to send fifty dollars, "if you cant get it from the Quartermaster please lend it to me and you can reserve it out of my pay...unless you can do something for me my family will be compelled to suffer..." Signed, "S.A. McCluney."
The materials shed light on the formation of the company, as well as the personal and administrative dimensions of Confederate cavalry service, including the hardships suffered by the men as the war continued.
Condition: Overall condition is good, with usual mail folds and occasional foxing and soiling.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2026
26th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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25% of the successful bid per lot.
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