The Clothing Book, used for the years 1861-1865, contains the handwritten records of clothing items that were given to the soldiers, such as socks, pants, drawers, shirts, jackets, blankets, ponchos and boots. These records list the items as well as the date of issue, monetary value of the items, and the soldier’s signature.

This book is cloth-bound, with red leather on the spine and corners. The binding on the book is distressed, with the front hinge being cracked at the bottom. The corners of the book are bent and the leather is worn away. There is gilt lettering on the spine which reads, “PENN, CLOTHING BOOK COS. A. & B., 53^RD INFANTRY, R. & P. OFFICE”. The pages are intact with none that are loose. This book are in great condition considering it’s age and amount of use it received. The pages of the book are yellowed, but in remarkable shape with no tears. Book measures approximately 16-1/2” X 10- ¾”.

Order books such as this are very collectable and rare to find.

Regimental History of the 53^rd Pennsylvania Infantry

The regiment was organized at Camp Curtin in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1861, with John R. Brooke, of Pottstown, Montgomery County, as commissioned colonel on August 21. Brooke had previously served as a captain in the three-month 4th Pennsylvania Infantry, and he immediately commenced recruiting his own regiment. By late September, the first companies had been organized and the first company was mustered into the service of the United States on September 28 at Camp Curtin.

Ten companies were eventually formed, raised in the following counties:

Company A, Montgomery County

Company B, Chester and Montgomery Counties

Company C, Blair and Huntingdon Counties

Company D, Centre and Clearfield Counties

Company E, Carbon and Union Counties

Company F, Luzerne County

Company G, Potter County

Company H, Northumberland County

Company I, Juniata County

Company K, Westmoreland County

The 53^rd was engaged in the following prominent battles- Seven Days, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Sayler’s Creek, and also participated in the Grand Review in Washington, D. C.

Casualties-

Killed and mortally wounded: 5 officers, 195 enlisted men

Died of disease: 1 officer, 193 enlisted men

Total: 6 officers, 388 enlisted men

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