LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

74370

Commission Documents Soldier in the 5th NY Cav.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Commission Documents Soldier in the 5th NY Cav.
<B>Commission Documents for a Soldier in the 5th New York Cavalry.</B></I> A pair of commissions to Elmer J. Barker who enlisted on September 17, 1861 as a sergeant at Crown Point, New York. The first commission, one page on vellum, 14.75” x 9.75”, dated October 4, 1862, at a camp near Alexandria, Virginia, appoints Barker to Orderly Sergeant. The commission is signed by Lt. Col. Robert Johnstone, commander of the 5th New York Cavalry (cashiered on December 12, 1863) and James A. Penfield, acting adjutant. The document has been folded, else it is in very good condition. <BR><BR>The second commission, one page on vellum, 15.5” x 11”, dated November 15, 1864, appoints Barker to the rank of major. This commission is signed by John T. Sprague, adjutant general and Horatio Seymour, governor of New York. The document has been folded and there is moderate cockling overall, else it is in very good condition. <BR><BR>Barker is mentioned in the official history of the 5th New York in conjunction with an action that occurred on May 30, 1863 against a group of Mosby's raiders. Mosby's guerrillas had just destroyed a train carrying supplies and had retreated towards Warrenton, Virginia. Pursued by a detachment of the 5th New York, the fleeing rebels turned their artillery around and commenced firing on Barker's men. “'That gun must be silenced or captured,' cried Lieut. Barker, of Company H, 'and who will volunteer to charge it with me?' About thirty brave men promptly responded, and suiting the action to the words, 'charge boys!' he rushed furiously forward at their head, but fell severely wounded before a murderous discharge of grape and canister, which killed three men and wounded several others.'”<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Large (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot