American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Two pages of accounts in the Sailmaker's Department of the USS Nyack, off Fortress Monroe, Oct. 16 and 23, 1862. These accounts indicate how much hemp twine, and duck cloth, etc. was used. Interestingly, much of the cloth was used for flag and pennant bags and duffel bags, as well as flag backs. Both of these forms signed by H.W. ["Walton"] Grinnell (1843-1920). Grinnell continued his service in the Navy, eventually becoming rear admiral and Inspector General of the Imperial Japanese Navy. He was discharged as an admiral at the end of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95. (His sister married a man who would become an admiral in the Royal British Navy.) Grinnell's father was involved in shipping and had contacts with much of the trading world. In 1851 the company owned the Flying Cloud, at the time the fastest clipper in the world. 

[With:] EMMERSON, CLARKE N., Justice of the Peace. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Berkshire. July 4, 1864. 11 pages (8 x 12.5 in.) Plaintiffs James and Elizabeth McGough/McGue report that their son, Peter, enlisted in Co. E, 2nd New Hampshire Volunteers in November 1863. At the time he was only 17 years, 3 months, and 19 days old and did not have their permission to enlist. Includes a number of witness statements from people who knew Peter and confirmed his minority. The War Department finally discharged Peter on May 31, 1865.

Clipped signature "F. Sigel" (Franz) (1824-1902),  "Late Maj. Gl. of Vols. / Williamsburg January 9th 1869." 1.25 x 4 in.

Clipped signature from document "Edwin M. Stanton," over printed "Secretary of War."

Clipped signature of "E.D. [Edward Davis] Townsend, over printed "Assistant Adjutant General."