IDENTIFIED CRUTCH – 2nd LT. SAMUEL MCKEE, 143rd/147th PENNSYLVANIA - WIA CHANCELLORSVILLE, KIA ATLANTA CAMPAIGN

IDENTIFIED CRUTCH – 2nd LT. SAMUEL MCKEE, 143rd/147th PENNSYLVANIA - WIA CHANCELLORSVILLE, KIA ATLANTA CAMPAIGN

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$2,750.00

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Item Code: 1268-712

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Samuel McKee enlisted on 10/18/1862 as a 2nd Lieutenant and was mustered into Company I of the 143rd Pennsylvania the same day.  In December of ’62, Sam was transferred to the 147th Pennsylvania under the command of famed Colonel Ario Pardee. In March of 1864, Sam was promoted to the rank of Captain, which he held until his death a few months later.

The 147th’s baptism by fire came at the Battle of Chancellorsville, where Samuel McKee suffered his first wounding. Though a head wound, walking unaided proved difficult enough for Sam to need this crutch.  According to records, the 147th was brought up to relieve a line of breastworks that had come under attack and eventually vacated.  On the 2nd, the 147th was part of an effort to retake the position but came under heavy fire and were forced back by a superior enemy force.  Before falling back to the Plank Road, the 147th stood their ground and lost 13 men killed, 59 wounded, and 25 missing. Records indicate Sam was struck in the head but the severity and specific nature of the wound is a mystery.

The 147th were among the regiments of the 12th Corps sent West in October of 1863 and their service continued through Sherman’s March to the Sea. Near a place called Noses Creek, along the route of the Confederate retreat from New Hope Church, the near constant skirmishing of the opposing forces continued.  On the 19th of June, the regiment lost 5 men on the skirmish line while tangling with rebel rear guards.  On the 20th, the regiment lost only one man mortally wounded, our own Captain Samuel McKee.  Tragically, he was shot by one of his own men but clung to life for 5 days.

A period tag affixed to the crutch reads “Used by S. F. McKee / Wounded at Chancellorsville”.  If any doubts remain as to the provenance, Sam took the time to carve his name into the body of the crutch and trace the letters with small brass tacks. The finish is dark, with light wear to the column edges and corners and obvious signs of use at the foot.  The crutch pad is wood, covered with heavy carpeting fabric secured by nails.  Aging and use are evident in the pulled threads and fraying at the edges. The softer fabric padded layer beneath the carpeting material is visible in small areas. The pad is mated to the column by a mortise and tenon joint and nail with expected slight wobble.

A truly unique item with ties to an officer who did not shy from sharing in the combat experience of his men.  Sure to be a highlight of any Civil War collection.  Ex-Texas Civil War Museum. [cm] [ph:L]

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