This exciting document is dated January 19^th, 1862 and gives a full accounting of each regiment in the brigade under his command at the time – the 2^nd Rhode Island, 7^th Massachusetts, 10^th Massachusetts, and 36^th New York. As with morning reports, it lists the strength of each regiment through a grid with adjustments noted from the previous report. The serviceable horses column tallies 97 for the brigade, and the remarks read “Rec’d from A. Q. A. P. 50 Blanks for Morning Rept. The men absent without authority from the Brigade are supposed to be in Washington – probably a few have deserted. David Wheeler Priv. Co. A (36^th New York) Disch. For Disab. / Matt. Hamilton Priv. Co. E Deserted”. The report originated from Couch’s Headquarters at Camp Brightwood, the area of Washington DC between Silver Spring and Columbia Heights, where the brigade assisted with the construction of Fort Stevens. It is signed by General Couch as “D. N. Couch, Brigadier General.” The folded heading section on the reverse intended for easy of filing and reference reads “CONSOLIDATED MORNING REPORT OF/Brigade (written)/COMMANDED BY/D.N. Couch, Brig. Gen (written)/Station: Camp Brightwood (written)/Date: January 19^th, 1862 (written).” When unfolded, the document measures a lengthy 25.2” x 8.6”. It is virtually free of defects or wear, with clear writing and clean paper surfaces.  Very small sections of the left corners measuring less than 0.25” are creased but intact.  For wartime paperwork, the condition of this piece is about as good as one can hope to find.

Darius Nash Couch was a prominent Union general during the American Civil War, who served as a corps commander with the Army of the Potomac in the Eastern Theater and as a division commander with the 23rd Army Corps in the Western Theater. He is most famous for his work as a naturalist and leading an expedition for the Smithsonian Institution in the 1850s.

Darius Nash Couch (1822–1897) was a military officer from New York. Graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 1846, he served in the Mexican-American War, earning recognition at the Battle of Buena Vista. After leading an expedition for the Smithsonian Institution and a brief stint in civilian life, Couch joined the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of Major General. He played key roles in campaigns like Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Nashville. Following the war, he held civic positions in Connecticut and remained involved in the militia.

This document is a fascinating item with many layers of history and extenuating connections to the Civil War – from the early days at Fort Stevens to the destruction of Hood’s Army at Nashville and most points between. Perfect for the collector of autographs, with plenty of interesting context from the months prior to the famed Peninsula Campaign.  [cm][ph:L]

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