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CIVIL WAR ARCHIVE AND FLAG, WILLIAM NEIL, 29TH OVI

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
CIVIL WAR ARCHIVE AND FLAG, WILLIAM NEIL, 29TH OVI
AND BROWN WATER NAVY SHIPS COMMANDER. Interesting archive from descendant of William Neil (1824-1904), a Scottish immigrant who served in the 29th Ohio volunteer infantry. He was captured at the battle of Port Republic & was imprisoned at Libby, until released several months later, promoted to 1st Lt.& served until taking a position as Ensign in the Navy. To gain his release, he signed a document stating he would not re-enter service in the army, but would join the navy. William served on several vessels, including USS Conestoga, Juliet, Hastings, Baron DeKalb, & finally, as commander of the gunboat USS Gamage w/ rank of acting Master. Family history, as told by Margaret Manning, believes this flag was the flag flown on the Gamage. There are over 125 documents, mostly war time, including several appointments signed by Gov. David Tod of Ohio, 1867 letter of recommendation signed by Ohio Gov. J. D. Cox, former Civil War General. Naval appointments signed by Gideon Wells, Admiral David Porter, Admiral Samuel P. Lee as well as others. Wartime documents include misc. ordinance returns & reports, various Naval bureaucratic documents. USS Gamage was a large converted merchant steamer acquired by the Union Navy in Dec. 1864, Mound City, IL, converted to a gun boat & commissioned March 1865 w/ acting master William Neil in command. The Gamage was first assigned to look for escaping Confederate president Jefferson Davis, March 30th 1865. Jefferson Davis had gone south & was finally captured in GA. in May. W/ the War ending, the Gamage was part of a joint expedition on the Mississippi & its tributaries to receiver surrendered Confederate vessels & goods. The Gamage continued service assisting the Army along the Red River as needed until arriving in Natchez July 7th, she was decommissioned July 22nd at Mound City, where she started her career as one of many of the forgotten “Tin-Clad Navy” vessels. CONDITION: flag is good as framed, good colors. Numerous sm. reductions from use. There are numerous sm., contemporary repairs as noted. Archivally tacked to muslin backing in shadow box style frame. Frame measures 72x51". Frame is very good w/ attached plaque stating service on U.S.S Gamage. Documents are mostly very good overall, though some are soiled, cracked w/ reductions. PROVENANCE: Descent of William Neil’s granddaughter Margaret Manning , family member of granddaughter Margaret Manning. (02-15051/JS). $8,000-12,000.