American Historical Ephemera & Photography Online

A pair of scarce Confederate "11th Reunion Orphan Brigade" ribbons, Paris, Kentucky, 28 September 1892. One ribbon is pink with CSA battle flag at center and "Comrade" below flag, approx. 8 x 2 1/2 in. (fraying to edges, light soil, several blue spots, pin holes); the other ribbon tan with CSA battle flag at center and "Family" below flag, approx. 8 x 2 3/4 in. (light soil, toning, pin holes).

The Orphan Brigade, or First Kentucky Brigade, was the largest Confederate unit to be recruited from Kentucky during the war, and was originally commanded by John C. Breckenridge. 

[With:] Two letters written by "J.A. Jackson" of Lexington, Virginia. The first dated 1 March 1907 is addressed to "Mr. M.A. Caldwell" of Paris, Kentucky, and indicates that Jackson has attempted to reach his friend without success in the past. The second letter is written to Mrs. Edward Caldwell of Paris, Kentucky, and conveys Jackson's sympathy on the passing of "Alick" as well as a story of his close association with Alick before, during, and after the war. HDS indicates that a Matthew Alex Caldwell of Craig County, Virginia, and John A. Jackson (residence not listed) enlisted on 3/14/1862 at Richmond, Virginia and mustered into Virginia Crenshaw Light Artillery. Caldwell was wounded at Gaines Mill, Antietam, and Gettysburg, while Jackson was wounded at Chancellorsville. Both men took the Oath of Allegiance on 4/15/1865 at Lynchburg, VA.