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Civil War Archive of Brevet Colonel David T. Bennett, 7th Maryland Infantry. ...
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$1,875.00
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Description
Civil War Archive of Brevet Colonel David T. Bennett, 7th Maryland Infantry. An archive of seven letters dated May 2, 1864 to January 18, 1865; four postwar letters dated May 13, 1865 to July 29, 1867; two original transmittal covers; one undated account book, two receipts dated August 23, 1863 and April 6, 1860; one set of minutes from the Department of Maryland meeting dated November 4, 1889; one set of building specifications dated February 6, 1862; nine special orders issued from January 2, 1862 to March 14, 1865 related to Bennett's service; three commission certificates dated August 21, 1862 to July 2, 1864; and twelve regimental documents. Documents are written in pencil and ink and measure, on average, 7.5" x 10". Bennet enlisted on August 21, 1862 as a second lieutenant and was commissioned into Company E of the 7th Maryland Infantry. During his time with the 7th Maryland, Bennett was promoted to captain, lieutenant colonel, and brevet colonel. He mustered out on May 31, 1865.Active from August 1862 to May 1865, the 7th Maryland Infantry assisted in numerous major battles throughout the war. For the first few months of their service, soldiers defended Washington along the Upper Potomac until they received orders to join the Middle Department in the Shenandoah Valley. Beginning in July 1863, the regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac. Immediately after, the 7th Maryland played an important role in the Battle of Gettysburg. Although forced to retreat from Peach Orchard on the second day, they were one of the units that repelled Pickett's Charge on the final day of battle. One year later, the regiment participated in the Siege of Petersburg, suffering heavy casualties, but continued to Weldon Railroad. As a recognition of their service, the 7th Maryland Infantry was invited to march in the Grand Review in Washington on May 23-24, 1865.
The documents featured here center on Bennett's illustrious military career. The letters include items written to, from, and relating to Bennett. In a letter dated July 6, 1864, Charles E. Phelps congratulated Bennett on his most recent promotion to lieutenant colonel, writing, "I congratulate you in your promotion which, by the enclosed letter, you will see is at last secured. Being under the impression that you had gone to the front, I had your commission forwarded direct to Col. Dushane. I learn today that when last heard from, you were at Annapolis. I therefore direct to you there, as Capt. Bennett still, to prevent mistake in your receiving it. I hope your wound will soon be sufficiently recovered to allow your taking command of the Regt. I was in hopes of getting there myself before this time but the Dr. said yesterday fragment of the bone is working out and the arm still requires dressing and bandageing [sic]."
On May 5, 1864, Bennett was wounded in his jaw at the Battle of the Wilderness. One of the bloodiest draws in the Civil War, the Wilderness witnessed more than 17,500 Union casualties over two days of battle. Despite the heavy losses, Union General Ulysses S. Grant continued to advance on Confederate troops, leading to the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.
Three months later, Phelps again wrote to Bennett to reassure him of his new command. On October 4, 1864, he wrote, "You need have no apprehension as to maintaining your position in the Regt. from all I can hear, the Regt. is anxious to have a change of command and will give you an enthusiastic support. Nothing would be tried against you with the Governor. He will not issue a Colonel's Commission at present upon the grounds that the number is below the standard."
In addition to correspondence between Phelps and Bennett, this collection includes nine special orders surrounding Bennett's command. One order issued on July 2, 1864, recalled Bennett for jury duty, writing, "The following named officers will report without delay to Major Genl. Augur. Commanding Department of Washington for court martial duty. Captain David Bennett 7th Md. Vols."
In addition, this group includes certificates for three of Bennett's promotions: captain, second lieutenant, and lieutenant colonel. These are accompanied by regimental documentation such as two muster rolls dated February 1862 and "Fourth quarter 1862." This is a wide-ranging archive that includes logistical documentation, military honors, and personal correspondence.
Condition: All documents creased along folds. Some documents have separations along creases, affecting text. Minor toning and staining throughout. Bennett's appointments to captain and second lieutenant are heavily toned with significant paper loss, the former is missing the upper right-hand portion and has cello tape along creases of recto and verso. Muster roll dated February 1862 separated along creases into five segments with heavy paper loss, affecting text.
Auction Info
2023 September 21 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6272 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
September, 2023
21st
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
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