THE BLOODY PILLOWCASE (AND MORE) OF CAPTAIN GOULD – MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT; 5TH VERMONT INFANTRY

THE BLOODY PILLOWCASE (AND MORE) OF CAPTAIN GOULD – MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT; 5TH VERMONT INFANTRY

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$7,950.00

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Item Code: 1268-755

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The principle and poignant artifact in this grouping is a plain linen "hospital issue" pillowcase stained with the blood of Congressional Medal of Honor winner Captain Charles Gould Company H 5th Vermont Infantry.  This incident which occurred on April 2nd, 1865, at Petersburg Virginia was immortalized in a dramatic work done by the artist Don Troiani and an article published in a March 2005 issue of America's Civil War entitled "A Day of Carnage & Bloody" by M.C. Hardy.

Charles Gilbert Gould, a well-educated and privileged citizen of Washington DC entered military service as a private in the 11th Vermont Volunteers. Here he rose through various ranks over the next two years to that of 2nd lieutenant. In June of 1864 he accepted a captaincy in Company H 5th Vermont Volunteers. It was with the 6th Corps and the 5th Vermont that he fought in a host of battles culminating in his last action on the morning of April 2nd, 1865; this was Grants grand push to break Lee's lines at Petersburg. Please click on this link (The Third Battle of Petersburg: April 2, 1865). For this action Captain Charles Gilbert Gould of Company H was awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation reads that he was “Among the first to mount the enemy’s works in the assault, he received a serious bayonet wound in the face, was struck several times with clubbed muskets, but bravely stood his ground, and with his sword killed the man who had bayoneted him.” He managed to crawl back to his lines and a field hospital. He was soon on the mend and received a Major's brevet for gallantry in the action that almost resulted in his death.

The grouping includes: The pillowcase; The Book of Common Prayer; an eagle button and knife and fork. The pillowcase is certainly that of the kind common to military hospitals both North and South. It is made of a course unbleached cotton of a medium weight. It is all hand stitched. It measures 28 inches by 18 inches. It is 95% intact with scattered minor holes; some have old patches. It has dozens of human blood stains particularly on one side; typically, great age has turned these a deep brown color. Attached to this by means of a safety pin is a cuff size eagle button stamped on the back "SCOVILLS & Co" and " EXTRA". This was evidently from Gould's vest. At one time there was an old tag with this button but sadly it has been lost. Mention and pictures of this tag is with paperwork that passes with the grouping. Also, the group includes a fine copy of THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER published by "N.Y. BIBLE AND COM. PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY" in 1862. Inscribed in pencil on the first blank page when opening the book is: "G. W. Gould Capt. Co. H. 5th Vt. Vol." this is over " Patrick Sta. Va. Nov. 30th, 1864 Issued by I.S. Eills R.Q.M.". The condition of this book is excellent. Finally, there is a knife and fork of issue mess kit quality made by Worman & Ellis of Philadelphia. These in the paperwork are identified as belonging to Gould.

Originally, this grouping was sold on eBay in 2007 to Mr. Ray Richey of the famous Texas Civil War Museum. Here it was prominently displayed for years.  In the paperwork Mr. Richey states that the descendants of Gould visiting his museum in 2012 were shocked to see that this family grouping had been sold and that they knew it well! It is certainly worthy of a museum again.  [pe][ph:L]

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