American Historical Ephemera & Photography, Featuring Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana & Historical Documents

8vo (7 1/2 x 9 3/8 in.). Approx. 48 albumen photographs of faculty and classmates. (Occasional spotting). Embossed morocco, spine in 5 compartments with 4 raised bands, gilt lettering in 3 (minor scuffing).

A remarkable yearbook featuring Bowdoin faculty and students, including several prominent Mainers and many would go on to serve in Maine regiments during the Civil War. Owned by Sewall C. Charles, who was planning on entering the legal practice, enlisted in the 12th Maine Infantry, his life was cut short, however, by illness contracted while still in camp at Portland.  

Each photograph is signed by the subject, except for 3, 1 of whom is labeled "Dead." Additionally, there is no photograph for John D. Stetson. Faculty include: Joshua S. CHAMBERLAIN, 2 July 1858; Alpheus S. PACKARD (1798-1884); Lenard Woods, President (1839-1866, 4th President of Bowdoin); Parker Cleveland, 30 June 1858; Frank W. Drew (b. 1837, Captain/Major 15th ME, brevetted to colonel); and Francis Fessenden (b. 1839, 25th & 30th Maine Infantries, 19th US Infantry, WIA Shiloh).

Most of the classmates, in addition to signing their names, wrote extensive inscriptions, some several pages long, including: J.P. Cilley (Captain 1st Maine Cavalry, was promoted to lieutenant colonel and brevetted brigadier general; WIA Winchester and White House Landing, POW  and paroled May 1862); Lysander Hill, 10 June 1858 (Cpt. 20th ME); Charles K. Hutchins (Cpt, Co. C, 16th ME); Edw. B. Nealley, 11 June 1858 (Chief Clerk, Bureau of Engineering, Navy Dept.); W.A. Savage, 10 June 1858 (Captain 17th ME); and Ellis Spear (Captain 20th Maine, known for anchoring the left flank at Gettysburg). 

[With:] Bowdoin in the War. [Maine?]: N.p., [ca 1870]. 8vo. Original wrappers (light soil, minor toning). SIGNED BY CHAMBERLAIN TO FRONT WRAPPER. 

FIRST EDITION honor roll of Bowdoin alumni who served in the Civil War, organized by class year.

Joshua Chamberlain (1828-1914) was a college professor from Maine who volunteered his services and became a Brevet Major General, a Medal of Honor recipient, a four-time Governor of Maine, and president of Bowdoin College. Here are offered two items closely tying Bowdoin and Chamberlain to the war both before and after.