Document originated from the report books that Captains would fill out with information on the soldiers in their regiment. This form is titled, ‘VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTIVE LIST AND ACCOUNT OF PAY AND CLOTHING OF-“. Following this, the soldier’s name is hand written in period ink, “WILLIAM HEFFENFINGER, COMPANY C. 149^TH PA VOLS.”. The document was filled out by Captain Bassler with the items that Private Heffenfinger purchased along with the cost of each item. It was then signed and dated by Captain Bassler on December 3, 1862.

Reverse of document is hand inscribed in period ink, “DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF WM. HEFFINGER, PRIV. CO. C 149^TH PENN, DISCHARGED BY FINAL STATEMENT DEC. 11 1862”.

Document measures 10” x 21”. Paper has slightly yellowed with age and has crease marks where it was folded. Top edge has some chips and pin holes.

John h. Bassler (1834-1916), was a native of Pennsylvania. He attended Myerstown Academy and was in the Lancaster County Normal School in 1857-58. Prior to the war, he was principal of Myerstown Academy. During the summer of 1862, Bassler assisted in the recruitment of men from the county and formed the Jackson Guard. In August of 1862, The Jackson Guard was mustered in as Co. “C”, of the 149^th PA Volunteer Infantry Regiment and Bassler was commissioned Captain. He and the regiment were assigned to the defenses of Washington until Feb. of 1863 and fought in the Battle of Chancellorsville from May 2-5, 1863, where they were part of Col. Stone’s 2^nd Brigade of General Doubleday’s 3^rd Division of Gen. Reynolds’ I Corps. During the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, Bassler and the 149^th PA were part of Col Stone’s 2^nd Brigade of Gen. Doubleday’s 3^rd Division of General Reynolds’ I Corps. Not far from McPherson’s barn, Captain Bassler was severely wounded in the leg. In Col. Dwight’s report of the first day he wrote, “Where all did so well, it is impossible for me to discriminate in favor of any single individual, however, of the line officers, I would particularly speak of Captain John H. Bassler of Co. ‘C’, severely wounded early in the fight. His coolness and bravery are unquestionable”. Bassler was discharged for his wounds on December 18, 1863. After the war, Captain Bassler worked for the railroad in both Pennsylvania and California. In 1880 he returned to Pennsylvania where he opened a creamery business.

At the Gettysburg Battlefield there is a monument to the 149^th PA Infantry across the Chambersburg Pike from the statues of Reynolds and Buford. McPherson’s Woods is behind it in the distance.   [SM]

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