Annotated Catalogue of Relics in Memorial Room
Capt. Thos. Espy Post No. 153
G.A.R.
Library Building: Carnegie, Penna.
1911

Please note that annotations in red type FOLLOW their catalogue numbers.

51. Grape shot, bullets and breast plate. Were picked up by W. H. H. Lea in 1881 while visiting the old battlefields in Virginia. The bullets were taken from the Union breast works, grape shot near Fort Steadman, breast plate near Fort Hill, Petersburg, Va. Have been in possession of W. H. H. Lea 25 years. Secured from him January, 1906, for Memorial Hall.

Mounted on old collar box: 1 piece grape shot, 1 .58 minie, 1 .57 Enfield, 2 spent bullets. Location: Section C, Case 3. See image at entry number 80.

[sword] [sword]
[sword] [sword]

52. Sword. Presented to Lieut. Samuel H. Davis by Company I, 112th Regiment, Pa. Vet. Vols., February, 1863. Lieut. Davis was killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864. The sword was covered with his blood. Lieut. Thos. C. Sharp, while keeping the sword to be shipped to Lieut. Davis's parents at the first opportunity, was killed at Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864, while wearing the sword, and was covered with his blood. The sword was then shipped to Mr. George Davis, father of Lieutenant Davis, by Adams Express Co. to Pittsburg, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. George Davis being noted rebel sympathizers, refused to pay the express charges of one dollar on the sword of their loyal son who gave his life for his country. The sword was sold by Adams Express Co. at their office, Fifth Avenue, Pittsburg, Pa., as unclaimed goods in 1864. All trace of the sword was lost until 1884, when, through the earnest efforts of Enoch P. Holland and W. H. H. Lea, the sword was located in the possession of Benjamin Snively of Green Castle, Franklin Co., Pa., whose son, Isaac Snively, had purchased the sword at the sale. One dollar was then sent Mr. Snively by W. H. H. Lea, the amount paid at sale. The sword has been in the possession of W. H. H. Lea 22 years, and secured from him for Memorial Hall, January, 1906, who was also a member of Lieut. Davis's company, P.S. This sword had passed through the campaigns of the Wilderness, Chancellorsville, North Ann River, Cold Harbor, Va., and siege of Petersburg, Va., to June 17, 1864.--W.H.H.L.

Engraved sword blade is inscribed “Eisenhower” and “E. Pluribus Unim” on hilt. Presentation plate on scabbard: Presented to Lt. S. H. Davis by Co. I, 2nd Regt Penn Artillery Vol. Feb 1st 1863.

RETURNED JUNE 2007!

53. Walnut. After the war, the mine constructed and used by the Union army in blowing up the rebel fort, July 30, 1864, at Petersburg, Va., directly between the two lines, caved in, leaving a trench some 10 feet deep. From the bottom of this trench a walnut tree grew, and from this tree this walnut was taken by W. H. H. Lea in September, 1881, while visiting the battlefield. Over this ground the Union troops charged at time of blowing up the fort. Has been in the possession of W. H. H. Lea 25 years. Secured from him January, 19906, for Memorial Hall.

MISSING!

54. Granite. Is a chip off the boulder on top of Little Round Top, Gettysburg, Pa., over which Colonel Vincent fell dead, and a few minutes later Captain Hazlett fell dead across the body of Colonel Vincent. Secured by W. H. H. Lea while at Gettysburg, 1884, at the time they were chipping off the top of the boulder to place the Vincent and Hazlett monument. Has been in the possession of W. H. H. Lea for 22 years. Secured from him January, 1906, for Memorial Hall.

Chip off Hazlett/Vincent monument boulder at Gettysburg. Good condition. Location: Section C, Case 3. See image at entry number 31.

55. Cavalry saber. Was carried and used by Samuel Wallace, Co K, 1st Penna. Cavalry, from the time of his enlistment in 1861 to his discharge on surgeon's certificate in 1862. Has been in his possession until his death, September 11, 19905, at the age of 79 years. Secured from his son, Wm. J. Wallace, February, 1906, for Memorial Hall.

MISSING!

56. Pipe. made from laurel root, cut near General Grant's headquarters, near City Point, Va., by John Kumpf, Co. E, 61st Regiment, Penna. Vols. Pipe was made by him in front of Petersburg, Va., in 1864. The only tools used were a penknife and blacksmith's augur. Mouthpiece was procured after returning home. Has been in his possession 42 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, January, 1906.

MISSING!

57. Shell. Was procured by John Kumpf, Co. E, 61st Reg., P.V., near General Lee's headquarters, Gettysburg, Pa., while at Gettysburg in July, 1888. Has been in his possession 18 years. Secured from him for Memorial hall, January, 1906.

MISSING!

58. Confederate bond. Was presented to W. H. H. Lea, December 27, 1904, by Chas. D. Barker of Atlanta, Ga., his father being a Union soldier. Mr. Barker guarantees this bond to be a genuine bond issued by the Confederate government in war times, and was in his possession over 40 years. Was presented to Capt. Thos. Espy Post, 153, by W. H. H. Lea, February 26, 1906, for Memorial Hall.

MISSING!

[wallpaper] [wallpaper]
Left: Most of the text (except that obscured by glare on glass) visible in the much larger image.
Right: Inscription is clearly visible on pattern side (Click on images for another one, and then once more for extra large images.)

59. The Daily Citizen of Vicksburg, Miss. When General Grant's army entered Vicksburg, Miss., July 4, 1863, the soldiers found in the office of the Daily Citizen the type all set up and wall paper cut, as they had made the last issue July 2. The Union soldiers added the note to the lower right-hand corner, and printed this paper from the type as found in the office on July 4, 1863. This copy is one printed July 4, 1863, and was secured by Thomas Jamison, 7th U.S. Cavalry, who was present when printed, and was in his possession 41 years, and was presented to W. H. H. Lea in 1904 by Thomas Jamison. Presented to Capt. Thomas Espy Post, 153, for memorial Hall, February 26, 1906, by W. H. H. Lea.

Written on pattern side: This paper was seized by Thos. Jamison after the capture of Vicksburg. Thos. Jamison is the only one eyed man who was enlisted in the U.S.A. He served under Gen. Custer after the Civil War & was discharged a short time previous to "Custer's Last Charge." He served throughout the Civil War in Kilpatrick's Cavalry, 7th Reg. Cav.

See also American Centuries--search for 'daily citizen'. Fragments of a second sheet of this wallpaper are in the Espy Post!

Newspaper printed on wallpaper, 14 1/2" x 20", in oak frame; hung next to window; card on lower left corner "presented by W. H. H. Lea." Fair condition. Location: F.

60. Clay from Dutch Gap Canal, Va. Taken from the canal bed by Thomas N. Lea, Q.M. Sergt., Co. I., 112th Reg., Pa. Vet. Vols., in 1864, and was in his possession until the time of his death, March 4, 1899. Secured from his wife, Ada Lea, February 11, 1906, for Memorial Hall.

Chunk of clay "taken from Dutch Gap by T. N. L." Fair condition. Location: Section C, Case 1. See image at entry number N26.

61. G.A.R. badge. This badge as presented to Casius M. Lea, Co. G, 87th Regiment, Pa. Vols., by Capt. Bardele Galliseth, Captain Co. F, 5th Pa. Cavalry, in 1894. Is a souvenir badge of the National encampment at Pittsburg, 1894. Presented to Post by C. M. Lea, February 26, 1906.

MISSING!

62. Cap. This cap as worn two years in the army by John Flinner, Co. B, 74th Regiment, Pa. Vol. Inft. Was worn by him through the battles of Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 3, 4, 1863; Gettysburg July 1, 2 3, 1863; Seabrook, S.C., November 15, 1863, and Johns Island, S.C., February 9, 10, 11, 1864. Has been in his possession 43 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, February 13, 1906.

MISSING!

63. Drum and stick. Was presented to Zacharias T. Benedick, drum boy of Co. A, 126th Ohio Vol. Infantry, by the members of his company, February 5, 1863. The drum was carried by him until his discharge at the close of the war, 1865. The drum and drummer boy passed through the following battles: Manases Gap, Va.; Warenton, Va.; Foxes Ford, Va.; Bristo Station, Va.; Keyses Ford, Va.; Locust Grove, Va.; Mine Run, Va.; Wilderness, Va.; Spottsylvania, Va.; Cold Harbor, Va.; Petersburg, Va.; Weldon Railroad, Va.; Winchester, Va.; Fishers Hill, Va.; Cedar Creek, Va., back to Petersburg, Va., and Sailors Creek, Va. On this drum was sounded the first long roll, calling Sheridan's army to arms at Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, when Sheridan was 20 miles away. The cap box and belt plate were used by him. Have been in his possession 43 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, February 15, 1906.

Wood drum; 16" diameter, 10" deep; top head is broken and split; rings intact; bottom head intact; tensioner (1 strand) is broken; one ebony stick missing. Red-tagged as N8. Fair condition. Location: Section C, atop display case.

[drum]
© 2005 Michael L. Klein

64. Colt's revolver. Was carried and used by James R. Safford, 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant of 10th Indiana Cavalry, from 1863 to 1865, during the campaigns in Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia, and in General Wilson's Cavalry Corps under Gen. Geo. H. Thomas. Has been in his possession 43 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, February 20, 1906.

MISSING!

[coat]

65. Sword and coat. Worn by George S. Drake, 1st Lieut. Co. B, 77th Regiment, Pa. Vet. Vols. Was worn by him in the campaigns in Tennessee and Texas. Was in his possession until the time of his death, September 28, 1897. Secured from his son, W. Samuel Drake, for Memorial Hall, February 20, 1906.

SWORD MISSING! Coat is probably one pictured to right, which replaced Capt. Espy's original coat (see #103).
[sword] [sword]

[sword] A SWORD WAS RETURNED IN JUNE 2007 AND MAY BE EITHER NO. 65, 67, 69, 167 (a colonel’s sword?) or 176—more likely 65 or 67! The returned sword is marked “Schuler Hartley & Graham” and “New York”; “W Clauberg” and “Sj[o?]lingen surround a figure of a knight in armor.

66. Rifle. This gun was in the possession of Mr. White, now deceased. Then came into possession of his son, who, at this time, is residing in Ireland. (Address unknown.) He gave it to John Hayes of James Street, Carnegie, Pa., and by him given to DR. R. L. Walker, Sr. This gun has no doubt been in the Confederate army, as the gun bears the English crown and is stamped "Tower 1862." At this time we are unable to get any reply from Mr. White as to complete history of the gun. Secured from Dr. R. L. Walker, Sr., for Memorial Hall, January, 1906.

MISSING!

67. Sword. Was secured by George B. Forsyth Co. H, 100th Reg., Penna. Vols., on the field of the second battle of Bull Run, Va. In his possession 40 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, in June, 1906.

MISSING!

68. Revolver. Was secured by George B. Forsyth Co. H, 100th Reg., Penna. Vols., on the field of the second battle of Bull Run, Va. In his possession 40 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, in June, 1906.

MISSING!

69. Sword and sash. Worn by W. H. H. Lea, Lieut. Co. I, 112th Regiment, Pa. Vet. Vols. Presented to him by his Captain, Wm. S. Fiss, of Philadelphia, Pa. Has been in his possession 42 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, January, 1906.

MISSING!

70. Bayonet. Was found among the boulders on the side of Little Round Top, Gettysburg, Pa., in 1884, by W. H. H. Lea, while visiting the battlefield. Has been in his possession 22 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, January, 1906.

MISSING!

71. Cane. Was cut from the timber on the battlefield of Piedmont, Va., by Capt. Charles Bolar of Stanton, Va., who served in Stonewall Jackson's Brigade in the Confederate army. Was by him presented to his old friend, Wm. E. Yates, of Carnegie, Pa. Secured from Mr. Yates for Memorial Hall, March, 1906.

Walking stick. Good condition; some cracks from drying. Location: Section A, Case 1. See image at entry number 118.

72. Rebel canteen. Confederate canteen, made of wood picked up on the battlefield on the Wilderness, Va., by John P. Hultz, Co. H, 62d Regiment, Pa. Vols., in 1864. Has been in his possession 42 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, February 26, 1906.

MISSING!

73. Canteen. Was carried and used by George Thompson, Jr., Co. K, 1st Regiment, Pa. Cavalry. After his discharge the canteen was painted to keep from rusting. Has been in his possession 44 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, February 26, 1906.

MISSING!

74. Wood with bullet. Cut from tree on the battlefield of Cedar Mountain, Va., by Eli Wilkenson and presented to James B. Riley, Co. F, 6th Regiment, Pa. Heavy Artillery. Has been in his possession 18 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, February 26, 1906.

MISSING!

75. U.S. belt buckle. Found on the battlefield of Bell Plains, Va., by James B. Riley, Co. F, 6th Pa. Heavy Artillery, in 1864. Has been in his possession 42 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, February 26, 1906.

Affixed to velvet; cardboard holder with crossed silver muskets? on top. Poor condition. Location: Section C, Case 2. See image at entry number 31.

[bridle bit]

76. Bridle bit--U.S. Was found on the battlefield of Bull Run in 1865 by Peter Hartz, Battery G, 5th Reg., Pa. Artillery, while re-burying the Union dead. Has been in his possession 41 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, March, 1906.

Brass; two rosettes stamped "U.S."; large ring on one end; appears to be intact. Fair condition; pitted.





[2 swords, sraps]
Items top to bottom are straps (110) and swords (N38 and 77).

77. Sword. Was found on Bradocks Field battlefield by Elijah Sanders, and by him given to his grandson, Henry C. Sanders, of Green Tree, Pa., by him given to John Wise of Scott township. Has been in possession of Mr. Wise over 30 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, April 9, 1906.

French and Indian War period; blade 20 1/2"; tip broken off; grip is wood, split its entire length; hilt is iron (cross guard too). Poor condition. Location: Section G, Case 1.


78. Cavalry saddle bags. Were found on the battlefield of Bull Run in 1865 by Peter Hatz, Battery G, 5th Reg., Pa. Artillery, while re-burying the Union dead. Has been in his possession 41 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, March, 1906.

MISSING!

79. Declaration of Independence. Presented to Memorial Hall by John R. Knepper, editor of the Valley Signal, April, 1906.

Framed facsimile of Declaration of Independence in 1 1/2" wide mat and black wood frame 16 1/2" x 22"; photo in lower left corner from magazine. Good to fair condition; top of frame is chipped. Location: Section G, Case 3.

[various artifacts]
Items include shell (80), grape shot, bullets and breast plate (51), pieces of shell, grape, etc. (47) and petrified wood (38).

80. Shell. Found on the battlefield of Bull Run, Va., by Moses M. Bell, Co. A, 100th Reg., Pa. Vet. Vols., in 1891. Has been in his possession 15 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, April 18, 1906.

Hodgkiss bolt shell; stamped patent Oct. 9th, 1855 (Man. date May 14, 1861); has lead expansion ring, deactivated. Excellent condition. Location: Section C, Case 4.

81. Shell. Found on the battlefield of Bull Run, Va., by Moses M. Bell, Co. A, 100th Reg., Pa. Vet. Vols., in 1879. Has been in his possession 27 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, April 18, 1906.

MISSING!

82. Three-pound solid shot. From the first battle of Bull Run. This shot passed through the knapsack of M. M. Bell, Co. A, 100th Reg., Pa. Vet. Vols. Has been in his possession 44 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, April 18, 1906.

Good condition: Location: Section C, Case 5. See image at entry number 108.

83. Haversack. Carried by M. M. Bell, Co. A, 100th Reg., Vet. Vols. Has been in his possession 41 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, April 18, 1906.

MISSING!

84. Harper's Ferry rifle. Rifle, with sword bayonet, made at Harper's Ferry, Va., 1861. Secured at Harper's Ferry, Va., 1864, by M. M. Bell, Co. A, 100th Reg., Pa. Vet. Vols. Has been in his possession 42 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, April 18, 1906.

MISSING!

[pine wood with bullet]

85. Pine wood and bullet. Wood was cut from the battlefield of Cold Harbor, Va., in 1889. Bullet was found while working into flooring boards at the planing mill of Thomas Stagg, Cary Street, below 14th Street, Richmond, Va., in 1890. Was worked by a Confederate soldier, and by him turned over to D. E. McLean of Wilcox Street, Carnegie, who was working in the mill at the time. Has been in D. E. McLean's possession 16 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, May 10, 1906.

Tongue-in-groove molding, approximately 2" x 4". Good condition. Location: Section A, Case 1.


86. Two silver badges. Presented to Nicholas Hopper, 57th Regiment (English army), by Queen Victoria in 1854, for bravery at Sebastopol and New Zealand. Mr.. Hopper came to this country some years ago. Before his death he gave the badges to Dr. R. L. Walker, Sr. Secured from Dr. Walker for Memorial Hall, May, 1906.

MISSING!

[rifle]

87. Rifle and bayonet. U.S. rifle, made at Harper's Ferry, Va., in 1859, found on the battlefield of Gettysburg, Pa., at the close of the war by James J. Brown, Co. K, 12th Regiment, Pa. Vols., and by him presented to Dr. R. L. Walker, Sr. Has been in his possession 16 years. Secured from Dr. Walker for Memorial Hall, May, 1906.

Musket; lock plate stamped "U.S. Harper's Ferry, 1859"; breech of muzzle stamped 1858; lock plate missing Maynard automatic priming system; also missing screw that holds on lock plate; stock is stamped "L.A." under the lockplate bolts; wood is broken near nose cap; ramrod is missing; has patch box; breech is also stamped "V.P." with very tiny eagle below; viewed and proofed. Location: Section C, top of display.


88. Twentieth Corps badge. Silver badge belonging to Edmund Alfred Ames, 7th Ohio Vol. Inft., 20th Army Corps. Was found by A. C. Hughey, Co. D, 100th Reg., Pa. Vet. Vols., on railroad crossing in McKees Rocks, Pa. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, April, 1906.

MISSING!

89. Pine knot with grape shot. Pine knot with grape shot embedded was found on the battlefield of Chickamauga, Tenn., in 1900, by A. B. Pitkens of Providence, R.I. Was by him presented to James J. Brown on March 26, 1900. Several years later, when Mr. Brown [was] removing south, he presented it to Dr. R. L. Walker, Sr. Secured from Dr. Walker for Memorial Hall, May, 1906.

Pine knot, 6" long x 6" high with grape shot in it. Good condition. Location: Section C, Case 2. See image at entry number 20.

90. Bridle belt. Owned by Col. O. H. Rippey, 61st Regiment, Pa. Vols. Was from the bridle used by the Colonel when he was shot from his horse at noon, May 31, 1862, at Fair Oaks, Va. The bit was secured at the time by George Richard, suttler of the Regiment, by him presented to Alexander Thompson, Co. B, 61st Reg., Pa. Vols., of Murraysville, Pa., in May, 1906. Mr. Thompson presented it to Col. W. J. Glenn, who was Captain Co. E, 61st Reg., Pa. Vols., and was Sergeant Major of the Regiment at the time of Col. Rippey's death, and was near the Colonel when he fell from his horse, dead. Presented to Memorial Hall by Col. W. J. Glenn, May 28, 1906.

Looks to be non-military, no stamping, insignia. Good condition. Location: Section C, Case 3. See image at entry number 31.

91. Cape. This cape belonged to two complete sets of uniforms for two regiments. Presented to the U.S. government by the French government in 1861. The outfits were to go to the two best drilled regiments in the Army of the Potomac. The 62d Regiment, Pa. Vols., and the 83d Regiment, Pa. Vols., secured the outfits. The uniforms being of the Zouave pattern and very heavy material, were only worn by the regiments several times. This cape was worn by George W. Freeman, Co. H, 62d Regiment, Pa. Vols. Was in his possession until 1870, when removing to California, turned it over to his friend, Matthew Andrews, Co. C, 6th Wis. Vols., and has been in his possession 36 years. The fact that this cape was presented to the U.S. by the French government makes it a relic of great value. Secured from Matthew Andrews for Memorial Hall, June, 1906.

Dark blue wool; 4 buttons (pewter?) with eagle stamped; buttons seem to be bent; hood is moth damaged; small repair on left side near lowest button. Fair condition. Location: Section B, Case 2.

92. Flint lock revolver. Was secured by George Muenz from a dealer in old iron. Was in his possession for a number of years and was presented to G.A.R. Memorial Hall, 1908.

MISSING!

[rifle]

93. Rifle. Was carried and used by John Bowles, Co. I, 187th Regiment, Pa. Vols. Was brought home by him at close of the war, in 1865, and has been in his possession 42 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, October 22, 1906.

Contract musket "E Robinson New York," 1864; rear sight is missing; stock and barrel cut just above 3rd band spring; rammer missing. Very poor condition. Location: Section C, on top of shelving case.

94. Confederate money. This Confederate money was secured by W. H. H. Lea from Wm. P. Mansfield, Washington, D.C., in 1906. Was carried by his father, Wm. H. Mansfield, Sheriff of Spottsylvania County, Va., from 1861 to the close of the war, 1865. The little silk Confederate flag in center of frame was secured in Vicksburg in March, 1906. Tobacco, cotton, rice and peanuts are used in completing the case. Arranged and presented to Memorial Room by W. H. H. Lea in 1906.

MISSING!

95. Battle of Gettysburg. Presented to Memorial Hall by W. H. H. Lea, December 10, 1906.

Framed varnished print depicting Battle of Gettysburg 1-3, 1863; 3" light wood frame, 30 1/2" x 3'9". Title of print cut out and pasted on mat. Should be cleaned; shows artillery in foreground, infantry on left has routed infantry on right; infantry on right is U.S. Location: F wall, below Confederate flags (#10).

96. Picture of Espy Post. Enlarged from a picture of the Post, taken May 30, 1903. Enlarged by Carnegie Lodge of Elks and presented to Memorial Room, March, 1906.

97. Belt. Worn two years by M. H. Sage, Co. D, 3d Ill. Cavalry. This belt passed through the battles of Nashville, Franklin and Pontca, Miss., under General Greasson in General Thomas's army. Was brought home by him and has been in his possession since. Comrade Sage also served as a scout in Kentucky for 5 months and used this belt. Procured from him for Memorial Hall, February, 1907.

MISSING!

98. Grape shot. Was presented to E. W. McCort by John Livers of Gettysburg, Pa. Was found by him on the battlefield over which Pickett charged July 3, 1863. Presented to Memorial Hall by E. W. McCort, January 14, 1907.

Grape shot ball. Poor condition. Location: Section C, Case 3. See image at entry number 108.

99. Carbine. Was found on the battlefield of Gettysburg, Pa., by John Fitz, Co. G, 17th Pa. Vols. Has been in his possession 41 years. Secured from him for Memorial Hall, March, 1907.

MISSING!

100. The Old Flag. Published by J. P. Robens, First Lieutenant, 176th, N.Y. Vol. Inft., while a prisoner in Camp Ford, Tyler, Smith Co., Texas. Each sheet was an issue of the paper. The printing was all done with pen and ink, while inside the prison stockade. These sheets were secured by A. Bennett Frishie, Co. H, 102d Regt., Pa. Vol. Inft., at the time of publication in 1864. Were in his possession until 1872, when he presented it to his sister, Mrs. William Davis, of Carnegie, Pa., and by her presented to G.A.R. Memorial Hall, 1911.

MISSING!



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