American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

HAWKINS, Rush. ALS addressed to Brigadier General J. T. Sprague. New York, 31 May 1864.

One page, 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 in., laid down on mat, some discoloration, spotting.

Hawkins recommends Captain W. G. Barnett, formerly of the 9th New York Infantry Regiment, "Hawkins' Zouaves," to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Colonel Jardine, 17th New York Volunteers, writing, "He is a most excellent officer in every respect and has earned promotion."

CDV standing portrait of Rush C. Hawkins in uniform (toning, creasing, discoloration and wear to mount edges and corners). New York: Brady, ca 1861. Mount recto bears printed identification along with copyright statement. Verso bears Anthony/Brady imprint.

CDV standing portrait of a first lieutenant of the 9th New York Infantry Regiment, "Hawkins' Zouaves" (toning, minor spotting; mount with soiling and wear to edges/corners). New York: Rintoul & Rockwood, ca 1861. Verso bears photographer's imprint along with penciled inscriptions "John" and "June, 1861."

Together, 2 CDVs.

[With:] Engraved portrait of Rush C. Hawkins after Brady, with facsimile signature beneath illustration (minor spotting, toning). 8 3/8 x 11 in. sheet. New York: J. C. Buttre, n.d.

Rush C. Hawkins (1831-1920) was a complex character of manifold experiences and interests, including those of the military variety. He enlisted in the 2nd United States Dragoons at the young age of 15, during the Mexican-American War. Upon returning from the battlefield, Hawkins studied and practiced law in New York City before helping to raise the 9th New York Volunteer Infantry as the Civil War began in earnest. He was appointed the regiment's colonel in May of 1861 and blazed an impressive trail through North Carolina as part of Butler's expedition to capture Fort Hatteras in 1861 and General Burnside's North Carolina Expedition including the Battles of Roanoke Island, New Bern, and South Mills in February, March, and April of 1862, respectively. On Roanoke Island, Hawkins also served as post commandant of the Freedmen's Colony established there, enforcing labor wages and provisions for "contrabands" seeking refuge on the island while his regiment occupied it after the battle.

A wound in the left arm at South Mills left Hawkins unable to return to the battlefield until just before the Battle of Fredericksburg where he commanded the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, IX Corps. After mustering out with his old "Hawkins' Zouaves" on 20 May 1863, Hawkins continued his military service, eventually receiving a promotion to the rank of brevet brigadier general in the New York militia shortly after the war ended.

Hawkins' postwar life was filled with hobbies and interests far removed from the battlefield. He got involved in politics, serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, and became an avid collector of rare books and 19th-century American art, eventually accumulating 225 incunabula and an impressive collection of early and modern paintings. His marriage to wife Annmary Brown also forged an important connection between Hawkins and Brown University, where he and his wife are buried and his collections are curated to this day.