Description:

BENJAMIN F. DAVIS
(1832-1863) Union colonel of the 8th N.Y. Cav. who led his regiment in the famous escape from Harper's Ferry, not losing a single man and capturing an ammunition train while en route. Killed in action in 1863 at Brandywine Station. Rare, fine content war-date manuscript D.S. ‘Benj F Davis', 3pp. 4to., ‘Head Quarters 8th N.Y.V. Calvary Camp Near Bell Plains Va.', Jan. 17, 1863. Less than five months before his death, Davis writes to Adjutant General of New York, John Titcomb Sprague, requesting promotions for five men: ‘2nd Lieutenant Charles D. Follett…1st Lt. Albert L. Ford…1st Sergeant James Bliss…1st Sergeant James E. Reeves…1st Sergeant Muganzey Hopkins…'. He then protests the appointment of a sergeant who, for political reasons, was appointed first lieutenant, stating: ‘…It is unjust that 2nd Lieutenants of the Regt…several of whom have distinguished themselves in action…should be [passed over] by a non-commissioned officer who has never seen the enemy…'. Sprague (1810-1878) was Brevet Brigadier General who fought against the Seminoles, Chief of Staff to Alexander Pope, and later Military Governor of Florida. Near fine condition.

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June 16, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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