William Elkanah Richardson was just 18 years old when he enlisted on April 1^st, 1862.  By May 2^nd, he had mustered into Company K of the 50^th Virginia Infantry.  Just two months later, on July 1^st, the young man died of disease at Rocky Gap, Virginia – a small town near the border of present-day West Virginia.

In this 2-page affidavit, James Richardson attests to William being his son.  His sworn statement confirms William’s birthdate and volunteer service in Company K, under Captain J. T. Lawson, and is being provided to secure the benefits due him after having lost his son in Confederate service.  He has appointed an attorney, mentioning him by name and goes on to name his other son, Gabriel, as the beneficiary of any payments due.  Gabriel is noted as serving in the same Company and Regiment as William. His attorney is named as the trustee for the claim and all subsequent payments. The reverse of the first page features a second affidavit by “Wm. Lee”, saying James’ account is true to the best of his knowledge and that the boy grew up “within half a mile” of his residence. Several signatures are present in the blank spaces between folds, with a partially-legible, handwritten heading by James noting them as additional proof of his son’s service and death. The document is logged as received on June 13^th, 1863 and listed as “Soldiers Claim”.

The reverse of the second page appears to have been used for disconnected notes – mostly names, including a few recognizable ones like “Roger A Pryor” and “John C. Calhoun” – neither of which match signature examples.  Several other names and phrases are listed in various states of legibility.  Each page measures 7.9” x 9.9” with no tearing or separation along the folds.  All writing is in bold, black ink that has given to a darker brown tone with age.

This is a document with true gravity – a grieving father attempting to secure his surviving son’s prosperity.  Quite the piece of ephemera for any collector.  [cm][ph:L]