American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Hand-engraved cover with very elaborate lettering, to “Mrs. Dr. J.L. Brown, Green Spring[s], Seneca County, Ohio.” Postmarked [Mar?]tinsburg, VA, __64.” We only found one possibility for this: Josiah L. Brown, enlisted 4-14-63 as Asst Surgeon, commissioned F&S OH 116 Infy, POW 6-15-63 Winchester VA, Returned 12-18-63; resigned 10-28-64. In spring 1864 the regiment started up the Shenandoah Valley under Gen. Sigel. It fought at Piedmont, Snicker’s Ferry, Halltown, Berryville, Opequan, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek.

Bill of Lading for Old Colony and Fall River Railroad Corporation, Boston Sept. 3rd, 1862. “Hospital Stores, care of S.S. Day, Washington DC, Via C & A RR. / 2 casks, 3 boxes, 1 trunk” Nice graphic of steam engine locomotive and a few cars upper left. 7 x 8-1/2 in.

Partial indenture/deed. Sale of land by Daniel, Jacob & Valentine Reichard to Simon Long. Upper half missing. Certified by clerk 9 Feb. 1864. Monmouth, Illinois. With seal for Warren Circuit Court.

Pass, 5-3/8 x 7-3/4 in. “Pass and repass Mr. Rapp daily into the Fort & upon the ramparts until further orders.” Signed by “W.W. Morris, Col. Comg Port” Nov. 11, 1861.

Last will and wishes of F. Tilghman Sr.  Feb. 12, 1845. 1pg., 7-3/4 x 9-3/4 in. Mr. Tilghman indicates “I wish the following instructions to be strictly adhered to – 1st – My friends will have me dressed in a full sit of cloth clothes “shirt, stockings, drawrs, pantaloons, vest, coat, collar & stock(?)” / 2nd not to bury me is less than 72 hours after my death - + 3rd My coffin to be lined on the inside with flannel & on the outside with black cloth – 4th Prince to be immediately set Free and my other slaves to serve as long as my wife may direct. 5th- All my property of every description to go to my wife to be disposed of as she may think proper.” Along the side “To be buried [missing] the Episcopal burying ground.” On verso: "To be read immediately after my Death."

ALS, Summit House, Nov. 14, ’62. 2pp, 5 x 7-3/4 in. Mr. G.H. [illeg]? From Jos. Clark. Summit House Hospital, King Sessing P.O., West Philadelphia. Joseph is asking his father to come to his hospital “..he could get me either discharged furloughed or transferred to some New Jersy Hospital.” He gives the ticket prices, both direct and if one makes several transfers (the cheaper option).

Two pages of accounting for a farm, nothing to indicate owner’s name. One entry: “Ry[e] destroyed oats destroyed / hay taken bi the Rebels.” 

Newspaper clipping, framed: $200 Reward. Ran Away from the subscriber, on the night of the 15th of October, 2 likely young Negro fellows, viz. Armistead, a black fellow, about 5 feet 10 inches high, square built, short hair, a scar on one of his cheeks and has a long head. Henry, a youth of about 18 years of age, of very brisk motion & sprightly countenance, and is very easily alarmed…”

Legal document, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Kenton Circuit Court, 15 Sept. 1856. 4pp, 7-3/4 x 12-1/4 in. Concerning money owed by James Gedge, Christian Gedge and William Gedge (“Gedge & Brothers”) to Mary Rich ($2043.49).  (areas of darkening to various degrees; surface soil)