The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca

13 1/4 in. starched white linen collar (discoloration spots  and areas of fabric wear). Pencil inscription on collar reads, "Latest Dispatch from B. Hall Jr." Accompanied by 2-page autographed note from Hall dated 6 September 1862. Hall writes, in part, "We left Camp in a hurry, we Left Boston in a hurry we are going to war in a hurry...We are on the Perham Excursion train to Washington...I leave this Collar, for they ain't in style." 3 7/8 x 6 1/4 in. (creased with a few pinholes to top and some discoloration and wear to edges/corners). Note retains pin with which it was attached to collar.

A 36-year-old Expressman from Natick, Massachusetts, First Sergeant Benning Hall, Jr., left behind, literally on his way to war, a most unique and unusual item of clothing - his starched white linen collar. He likely gave the two items to someone aboard the train to hand deliver on his behalf. Sergeant Hall would be discharged for disability on 8 February 8 1864 in Washington, DC.