ARTHUR, Chester (1830-1886). Document signed (“C. A. Arthur”), as Quartermaster General, New York, [ca January 1863].

One page, 504 x 483mm, on lined ledger sheet, ruled in red, docketed on verso. (Reinforced along horizontal centerfold causing slight loss to some letters, a little toning at folds and edges); slipcase.

The document comprises an abstract of stores issued by Arthur’s department to various New York regiments and forces in the field, including pails, brooms, handcuffs, shackles and straw issued over the period from July to December in 1862. The recipients include Corcoran’s Irish Brigade, the 1st New York Volunteer Sharpshooters, the 1st New York Volunteer Mounted Rifles, and numerous others. The docket on verso reads: “Abstract ‘K’ of Issues of Quartermasters Stores by Brigr. Genl. Chester A. Arthur. Quartermaster Genl., State of New York. From July 10th 1862 to December 31st 1862.”

As a young New York City lawyer Chester A. Arthur had become involved in Republican Party politics and joined the New York militia before the Civil War. After war was declared, Arthur was commissioned as a Brigadier General and Assistant Quartermaster General of the New York militia, and was responsible for feeding, sheltering, and provisioning thousands of Union troops passing through New York City on their war to battlefronts. It required a mastery of logistics, finances, and record-keeping which Arthur excelled in. He was promoted to Inspector General of the New York militia just a month later, in February 1862, and to Quartermaster General of the New York militia in July 1862. In addition to ensuring the quality of barracks, food, and equipment, Arthur was also involved in recruitment. His term ended in January 1863, after the election of Democrat Party candidates. Arthur would serve as Vice President of the United States from March through September 1881, and as President between September 1881 and March 1885.

Property from the Patrick Atkinson Collection, Minneapolis, Minnesota