American Historical Ephemera & Photography

FOSTER, James. Document signed ("Jas. C. Foster"). Memphis, TN, 3 April 1865. 5 x 8 in. printed document (creased, with some discoloration). Document from the Office Chief of Outposts, Post, and Defenses of Memphis outlining instructions to officers on picket duty. -- War escutcheon honoring the 59th Regiment, U.S.C. Infantry. 17 7/8 x 22 in. printed document (chipping and water damage to edges, significant tears extending from top and bottom edges). Major James Foster is listed under Regimental Officers. -- Grand Army of the Republic appointment of James Foster as Aide-de-Camp. Rockford, IL, 2 July 1895. 16 x 23 in. partly printed certificate accomplished in manuscript (creasing, wear to edges). -- Grand Army of the Republic appointment of James C. Foster as Colonel. Chillicothe, OH, 1 July 1889. 14 x 17 in. partly printed certificate accomplished in manuscript (creasing, light surface soil, chipping to edges). -- Together, 4 documents related to the Civil War career of James C. Foster. Each document has been stored rolled cylindrically and features wear resulting from that storage method.

[With:] 17 1/4 x 22 3/4 in. printed copies of a family tree.

James C. Foster enlisted as a sergeant in August of 1861, mustering into Company C of the 33rd Ohio Infantry Regiment that same month. He was transferred to Company F of the 53rd Regiment two months later in October, and served with that regiment through two promotions, to first and second sergeant. He was discharged for promotion in July of 1863, being commissioned Captain of Company A, 59th United States Colored Troops. He was promoted to major within that regiment in January of 1864.

In Foster's account of the Battle of Guntown, which appeared in the National Tribune in May of 1887, he gave the black soldiers who served with him full credit for halting the enemy.