LAP WRITING DESK – PRESENTED TO GENERAL BUTLER, 1864 (EX-TEXAS MUSEUM COLLECTION)

LAP WRITING DESK – PRESENTED TO GENERAL BUTLER, 1864 (EX-TEXAS MUSEUM COLLECTION)

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$8,500.00

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Item Code: 1268-1014

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Perhaps no popular figure of the Civil War is as controversial or contradictory as General Benjamin F. Butler.  One of the political generals to survive well into General Grant’s tenure as overall commander, he was as reviled as he was beloved across the country.  From his early promotion to a Major General through his co-sponsorship of the Civil Rights Act of 1875-76, he was known for his service as much as for his keen eye for less than scrupulous business opportunities.

By 1864, Butler had already made quite the name for himself and, despite the lack of confidence in his tactical and logistical abilities, was in command of the US Army of the James.  Playing an important role in the first coordinated strategy against the Confederacy of the war - Butler was tasked with landing his 33,000-man force at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia, to sever rail and supply lines running into Petersburg in the Spring of 1864.  A promising start gave way to hesitation from Butler and a smaller Confederate force was able to push Butler’s army back and hold it in check, effectively ending any advances from that area for the rest of the war.  By May 20-21, Butler had been defeated at Ware Bottom Church and forced to entrench.  Before being pulled and re-directed to Petersburg with reinforcements diverted from Bermuda Hundred, Butler was gifted this lap writing desk “BY THE MEMBERS OF THE BAR OF SUFFOLK COUNTY IN RECOGNITION OF HIS SERVICE TO THE UNION”.  The tacked brass tag further lists the recipient and owner as “MAJ. GENL BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, USV” and the date as “JUNE 3 1864”.  In just a few weeks, Butler would again be back in heavy action near Petersburg and then Fort Fisher.

The lap desk is comprised of a two-piece design with slanted joining edges and two brass hinges along the reverse.  A Mahogany veneer remains in a mostly complete and nice condition across the entire box, which measures 18” long x 10” wide x 6” in height. Several dents and scuffs are noted in the veneer layer of the lid/top piece but are scattered, small, and not conspicuous. A 1.5” x .5” section of veneer is missing at low left front.  The interior is lockable via key (not present) and features multiple accessories and storage options.  The desk areas of the top and bottom halves form the lids of the main storage compartments and are trimmed in a navy-blue velvet.  Pull tabs help to open the compartments and reveal unfinished wood in virtually perfect condition.  A small envelope is labeled “Screws from Butler’s desk” and holds several older, small screws. A tray along the outer front edge holds two removable ink wells, leaves an empty space for assorted needs, and a writing implement tray.  The implement tray lifts away with a downward press of its right side along sloping interior grooves. An original Fairchild pen is included with a matching Fairchild dipping nib. Each tray section measures 2.2” x 1.9”, 1” x 2.5”, and 2.2” x 1.9” – the implement tray measures 2.35” x 9”, with a compartment depth of 3.5”. Each included inkwell is clean and free of structural cracking or damage; however, mild chipping is noted along the edges of the lids.

As a lawyer, politician, businessman, and Major General, Benjamin Butler made history with countless pen strokes and a bustling administrative operation.  This desk is undoubtedly worthy of a place amongst even the most discerning collections as a direct link to one of the Civil War’s most recognizable players and his consequential actions.  [cm] [ph:L]

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