American Historical Ephemera & Photography

33-3/4 x 15 x 10 in. On front "Parr's Patent American / Camp chest / Patented June 25 [th 18]61." On one end "Co. C. 77th Reg't. N.Y.S.V." When new, this would have contained three folding stools, various pots and pans, cooking and eating utensils, sugar bowl, table cloths, towels, fuel for stoves, a hatchet, a saw, and more. When opened, it contains legs, and with the legs extended, forms a table for four. 

This has been identified by our consignor to Benjamin F. Judson, Capt. Co. C, 77th NYV. Judson enlisted in September 1861 with 85 men he recruited. He had health issues, primarily respiratory problems, and received a furlough for three weeks to go home to Saratoga Springs, NY to recover. Apparently, it was not enough. Capt. Judson resigned 26 March 1862, effective the first of April.

The unit left New York in late November 1861 and spent the winter in the defense of Washington. In March it became part of Smith's division on the Peninsula. It was active at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Mechanicsville, and in the Seven Day's battles. In May it joined the Maryland Campaign at Harrison's Landing and suffered its first heavy loss at Antietam. It then went to Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville where it lost 83 on Marye's Heights. It went to Gettysburg, but was mostly in reserve. It remained in the Eastern Theater, and a large number veteranized in January.