Private William March, Company A, 23rd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, KIA at Falmouth, VA. A group of items highlighted by remnant of March's Model 1858 forage cap, recovered from the arsenal explosion that killed him.
4 3/4 in. forage cap crown (areas of loss to fabric). Retains original company and regimental insignia, "A" and "23." Recovered by William's brother, John March, and sent home to their mother. Accompanied by browned ink note inscribed by William's sister, Effie March Murray, reading, "The top of cap worn by William march, who was killed in Civil War at Falmouth, Va. 1862 while on guard at an Arsanal, [sic] The building was blown to pieces. And Wm with it, John sent this top to Mother, / E.M.M."
[With:] March, John. Autographed letter signed to Alice March. Falls Church, 15 February 1862. 4 page, 4 7/8 x 7 7/8 in., creased, with tearing to creases. Dated prior to the arsenal explosion, John's letter reassures his sister of William's wellbeing: "Bill is all rite [sic] he ses [sic] he will write soon." Both brothers were in Company A of the 23rd New York State Volunteers.
[Also with:] 2 postally used patriotic illustrated covers addressed to Miss Alice March of Avoca, Steuben Co., NY.
The circumstances of Private William March’s death are also described in the book by Edmund J. Raus, Jr., Banners South - A Northern Community at War. On page 131, Raus writes, "…An accidental spark had ignited a munitions magazine in a detached brick building about 150 yards from the train station. The blast destroyed the structure and shattered the glass in the adjacent buildings. The sentry on duty, Southern tier private William March of Co. A, had both legs torn from his body in the explosion, which killed him instantly……”
The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca
