This unique and magnificently engraved ID badge belonged to 2^nd Lieutenant Nelson Fletcher of Company F. 2^nd Michigan Infantry killed at Ox Ford along the North Anna River on May 24, 1864.

The badge is made of high quality gold and is in the shape of a seven-pointed star. Each point of the star is delicately chased with an intricate scroll-work design. The scrollwork on all seven points ends half-way down each arm when it reaches the edge of a smooth riband. Each of the seven ribands is engraved with the name of a battle that Lieutenant Fletcher participated in. The fine engraving on each riband is filled in with black enamel that is still strong in color and in excellent condition. Starting at the top of the star and moving clockwise around the badge the battles listed are “YORKTOWN.” “FAIR OAKS,” “MALVERN HILL,” “CHANTILLY,” “BULL RUN,” “GLENDALE” and “W’MSBURGH.” Only part of the letter “O” in “FAIR OAKS” shows any enamel loss and it is slight.

At the center of the star is a wonderfully executed bust of Union Major General Phil Kearny. The General is shown in profile to the right. This bust is surrounded at top by a red enameled border while around the bottom the border is blue. These colors are rich, deep and strong. On each side of the bust, where the red and blue borders meet, are the two stars of a Major General. At bottom of the bust are two shaking hands with a riband beneath them that reads “2^ND MICH. INF.” Most of the enamel in the letter “C” and some of the “H” is missing but this in no way detracts from the beauty and artistry of the piece.

Flanking the bust of General Kearny are two long flowing US flags. The waving folds of the flag frame the lower section of the bust and are expertly done with the finest detail. These flags fill the space between the riband listing Fletchers battles on the lower four points of the star and the shaking hands and regimental riband at bottom of the bust. Very fine scroll-work engraving fills the area at the top of the bust between its border and the battle riband of the three top points.

The reverse of the piece has a slightly bent horizontal “T” bar pin across the center. There is also a small gold loop attached to the back of the top point of the star. A look at the back center reveals that the bust of General Kearny on the front is actually a removable panel that is held in place by two small gold arms that can be swung back to release the panel. The back of the panel is engraved “KILLED IN AMERICAN WAR 24^TH MAY 1864 LIEUT. NELSON FLETCHER AGED 32.”

The badge comes housed in the original leather case with a gold inscribed lid and a deep blue crushed velvet interior. The base of the case has been formed to the contours of the badge. The clasp still works and holds the box closed to safely store the badge.

Nelson Fletcher was born in Argyll, Scotland in 1832. He was the son of Angus Fletcher who was the brother of the 4^th Laird of Bernice. The family came to America in 1849 and settled in Arbela, Michigan in a home they named “BERNICE.”

When the Civil War began Nelson Fletcher was 27 years old and working as a lumber dealer. He enlisted as 7^th Corporal in Company F, 2^nd Michigan Infantry at Flint on April 23, 1861. At the time of his enlistment he is described as 5’ 8 ½” tall with a light complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.

Fletcher went with his regiment to Washington, D. C. and in July took part in the fight at Blackburn’s Ford and covered the retreat from Bull Run. The regiment spent the winter in camp and on March 6, 1862 Fletcher received his first promotion to Sergeant.

During the campaign on the Peninsula the 2^nd Michigan was assigned to Kearny’s Division of the 3^rd Corps and saw action at the siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Charles City Crossroads and Malvern Hill. The regiment also saw action at 2^nd Bull Run and Chantilly where their beloved Division Commander, Phil Kearny was killed.

Fall and winter brought many changes for both the 2^nd Michigan and Fletcher. In late November the regiment was transferred to the 9^th Corps and Fletch himself received some quick promotions. He was promoted to 1^st Sergeant on September 16, and to Quartermaster Sergeant on December 1^st and finally on December 6^th he was appointed 2^nd Lieutenant in Company I.

After the fight at Fredericksburg the 2^nd Michigan went west with its Corps and served in Kentucky and in the Vicksburg campaign. In October of 1863 Fletcher was detached from his regiment for service at Corps Headquarters where he remained until April of 1864. Fletcher applied for leave in early April which was granted but due to some confusion he was accused of being absent without leave. Fletcher was cleared of these charges and returned to duty. He saw action in the Wilderness and at Spotsylvania in early May.

During the fighting at North Anna River along Ox Ford Lieutenant Fletcher was killed by a bullet that entered his back near the spine and pierced his heart. His medical records state that it was the last day of his three-year service. His body was returned to his wife and buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Millington, Michigan where he rests today. Throughout his service the only days he was absent was his short 15 day furlough in April of 1864.

From the inscription on the back of the badge and the fact that it originally surfaced in an auction house in England the badge must have been sent by Fletcher’s wife back to Scotland where the engraving on the reverse was done. It has since made its way back to the United States and is now offered here.

This is a first class museum quality item identified to a loyal and hard fighting Union officer.

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