206. PVT. JOSEPH P. BEARSE ARTIFACT GROUPING A fine grouping of the personal effects of Pvt. Joseph P. Bearse of Co. D, 45th Mass. Vol. Infantry. Bearse was mustered-in on Barnstable, Mass. on Sep. 26, 1862 and appears on every muster roll of the nine-month unit until he was discharged at Boston on July 7, 1863. Among the items offered is his roll-up "Hathaway's Patent" writing kit. When unrolled, the inside of the tube-like kit exhibits Bearse's name "Joseph P. Bearse Hyannis Mass.". It measures 9" x 2 1/4" with a rubberized sheet protecting the contents (presumably letters) and wooden slats which allow letter-writing on any surface. Also included is Bearse's brass, coat-size uniform button, a 3" long pencil stub use by him during the war, a G.A.R. membership badge, a small pocket booklet titled "Soldier's Text Book" bearing inspirational and Biblical passages, and a 1938 letter from his daughter attesting to the authenticity of the items and further noting that her father had used the pencil during the conflict. She closes: "Grandpa came home sick from the War and was sick from it until death...". Overall very good condition. $1,500 - 2,000