William’s residence was not recorded when he enlisted at 19 years old, as a 2^nd Lieutenant on 4/22/1861.  8 days later, William commissioned into Company E of the 12^th Ohio Infantry.

He was discharged for promotion to 1^st Lieutenant on 6/18/1861 and commissioned into Company B. He was Mustered Out on 10/4/1861.

Though his service was brief, he was regiment as it made its way into Western Virginia to fight several of the war’s vicious early battles (now West Virginia).  After leaving Columbus, OH, the regiment joined Jacob Cox’s Kanawha Brigade and, before William’s muster out date, participated in the actions at Scary Creek, W. Va. on July 17, 1861; the Battle of Carnifex Ferry on September 10; Operations in the Kanawha Valley, W. Va., and New River Region from September.  The 12^th maneuvered on campaign at Gauley River - September 12; Wilderness Ferry - September 14; Hough's Ferry - September 16; the Advance to Sewell Mountain -September 24; and to Sewell Mountain - September 25.  As William prepared to muster out, his regiment was withdrawing to take up a long-term position at Hawk’s Nest after a long period of rainy weather, logistical challenges, oppressive humidity, and rampant disease.

William’s sword is a M1850 Foot Officer Sword, manufactured by Horstman and Sons of Philadelphia. The blade shows a darker patina, with mild pitting in a few localized areas (primarily near the tip and the base of the narrow fuller as shown), and light, localized surface oxidation. Sporting a flat grind, the blade edge remains quite sharp - as does the point.  All brass parts have a mellowed hue with localized areas of very light tarnish.  The knuckle bow/quillon remain tightly fitted with no play between the parts.  Grips are covered in the original black leather with light crazing. Original wire wrapping is complete, with several twists having unwound.  An oversized replacement washer was added long ago and is made from a thin, wool fabric – stained and faded by age and exposure.  The feature of the piece is a deep engraving on the top round of the pommel reading “Wm. H. Hivling”.

Also included are the remains of the leather scabbard.  The center seam is still stitched in areas, but the leather has dried and crazing is noted throughout.  The scabbard is missing its top mount/locket, middle band, and associated sword mounting rings. The drag is loosely attached to a separated section of the body (retains the screw) that matches the larger section.  Some type of paint overspray has left pinpoint white spotting, primarily on the inward-facing side of the base of the sword blade, the knuckle bow, and scabbard.  The length of the sword without scabbard is 35.5” without accounting for the slight curve.

Overall, an absolutely unique sword with ties a young junior officer from Ohio, and the under-appreciated but desperately important early campaigns of the Civil War in West(ern) Virginia.  [cm] [ph:L]

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