The last will and testament of Dr. David Putney Goodhue dated the 12th day of January 1911 states in part: "I give and bequeath to my son...my uniform and sword I had when I was in the U.S. Navy and the rifle I got at Fort Fisher North Carolina...I also bequeath him my U.S.N. Cutlass I got at Richmond Virginia.".  This large collection of Civil War US Navy material belonged to acting assistant surgeon David P. Goodhue of New Hampshire. Here in brief, and in his own words, is his service record.  "I first reported for duty at Boston (January 4th, 1864) and was then ordered to the 'North Carolina,' at Brooklyn navy yard, where I was until the United States ship 'Chenango' went into commission; was on the 'Chenango' at the time her port boiler exploded, when about forty men were scalded so that nearly thirty died; was then ordered to the United States ship 'Nereus,' when we went on the blockade off Fort Fisher for a time, and then came to New York and went as convoy to one of the California mail steamers to Aspinwall and back. The 'Nereus' then went out of commission, and I was ordered to the United States ship 'Maumee,' (The gunboat participated in the two attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, in December 1864 and January 1865, that ultimately stopped blockade running in that area.) and went on the blockade again; was in both attacks on Fort Fisher and on shore duty a few days after the fort was taken. We then went up the river to Wilmington and then came to Fortress Monroe and up the James River to City Point, where we were at the time of the battle of Petersburg. The next day we went up to Richmond, where we remained for a time and then came around to Philadelphia, when the 'Maumee' went out of commission and we were given leave of absence, and after coming home, I was honorably discharged (October 9th, 1865). After the war he had a successful medical practice and was highly respected for his abilities. I refer you to this link: #7 - History of the New Hampshire surgeons in the war of rebellion, ... - Full View | HathiTrust Digital Library

The group consists of many elements which I will break down into several headings.

THE CAP: This hand sewn example is made of navy-blue wool broad cloth. The exterior is nearly perfect with a couple of tiny moth holes and tears. It is the Model of 1864 regulation cap but has the robustness of the Model 1861.  On the front the 3-piece rank insignia consisting of a silver metallic leaf and below this a gold metallic wreath all embroidered into a black, turned brown, velvet rectangular patch measuring 3 3/4 inches by 2 inches. This is the regulation badge for an acting assistant surgeon. The metallic elements are perfect while 20% of the black cloth backing is gone due to insect action. The 2 regulation Naval officer cap buttons are tin backed and have never been resewn; these date from 1852 through the Civil War. The 1/2-inch patent leather chinstrap is in place. The leather-bound patent leather/tarred peak is 2 3/4 inches deep. A broadcloth welt covers the junction of peak and cap. The leather surface on the bottom of the peak is green. The height of the cap is 3 3/4 inches, the top diameter is 8 inches, and the hat size is about 7 1/2. The 2-inch-tall leather sweat band is hand sewn in place and is 99% intact with a couple of clean tears. The cap is lined in a fine tan colored leather to waterproof it. This cap shows real use but no abuse.

THE FROCK COAT: Assistant Surgeon Goodhue's double breasted regulation frock coat is made of blue, almost black, broadcloth. The collar is the regulation fold down type. The front has 18 minty gilt US navy eagle buttons all back marked: "D. EVANS & CO. ATTLEBORO, MASS.".  The cuff is non-functioning and never had buttons. On the base of each sleeve, that bulges to 9 1/2 inches at the elbow, is a double row of 1/2 inch gold bullion flat fall tape signifying the rank of assistant surgeon. The body of the frock is lined in a green glazed cotton which is quilted at the breast area. The sleeves are lined in a tan glazed cotton. There is a pocket with a horizontal cut in the left breast. The rear has two cotton lined pockets. These have an 8-inch vertical opening and are surmounted by two large naval officer's eagle buttons. Down almost at the skirts' end is a navy eagle officer's button this is on the left side the right button is gone. On each of the shoulders is an assistant surgeon's straps. These rectangular 5 inch by 1 1/2 straps have a dark blue velvet backing and have a circumference of gold bullion. They have a single silver "pip" at each end, again correct for an acting assistant surgeon in the US navy. The condition of these is excellent with minimal loss. The size of the frock coat is about 38.

THE VEST: This white naval officer’s vest is in perfect condition. The exterior is heavy white cotton duck, which is cream color. It is very solid, with no tears or rips. It buttons all the way up the front with nine small navy officer’s eagle buttons all back marked: "HORSTMANN. NEW YORK". They are attached through sewn grommet holes by split rings for ease of removal during cleaning of the vest or polishing of the buttons. It has a short stand-up collar. It has three external pockets on the front, two at waist level at either side, and one smaller one slightly higher on the wearer’s right.  The interior lining and back of the vest is simple white cotton. The fit was adjusted by two short belt sections sewn at either side. These are complete and full length with a small wire frame brass buckle that links and adjusts them. The condition is excellent. There are some tiny brown age spots overall on the vest and no losses.

THE SURGEON'S JACKET: Unbelievably rare! This knee length smock is cotton. It is single breasted with a 5-button front (1 button is missing). The buttons are cuff size eagle buttons. There is a single pocket at the exterior left breast and 2 pockets at the hips left and right side. There is an internal pocket on the right side. The lapelled collar naturally folds down. The condition is perfect with the color now a "parchment" white. Pinned to the inside pocket is a tag that says: "SURGEON'S JACKET WORN BY DR. DAVID PUTNEY GOODHUE".

THE TROUSERS:  The US Navy both allowed white linen trousers in warm weather for officers and men. This heavy "duck" or glazed linen trousers are not naval issue and typical of what might be bought privately, as all officer’s uniforms, gear, and weapons were.

They show typical Civil War period construction with white thermoplastic buttons to fasten them and hold suspenders, a horizontal front pocket on either side, a small watchpocket at the left front. There are no back pockets, and size adjustment made by a short belt of fabric at the rear waist adjusted by a typical brass "Patent 1855" buckle with a double prong. The fabric is a natural color, now an off-white, and tight weave, appropriate for warm weather. They are just cotton lined along the waist. The legs are wide and not tapered, nor are they bell bottomed. The upper back is made with a shallow V and slit for adjustment by the fabric belt and buckle.  The condition, other than some age staining, is perfect.

THE SOCKS: We know from both historical records and literature like Little Women that sock knitters were also important during the Civil War of the 1860s. After this war, sock production was increasingly mechanized due to inventions like the circular sock knitting machine, in which a person could turn a handle and crank out a knitted tube. But wartime would still require hand knitters. An elaborate cable knit was executed on these 24-inch-long cream-colored wool size 10 socks (a pair). There is some wear at the heals but otherwise they are 95% intact as made by a relative or perhaps a sailor onboard the war ship Maumee.

THE SEA BAG: This original, tubular device made of canvas is known in contemporary slang as a ‘sea bag’. During the Civil War era, this article was a mainstay of personal equipment carried and stored by all seafaring men. The sea bag was utilized by the individual to keep all his personal effects such as extra clothes, shoes, coats, paper items, letters, etc. in one place that could be stored easily on-board ship. The sea bag resembles a large, closeable tubular sock and is made from extremely heavy and course, beige-colored canvas. The canvas is covered overall with light to moderate surface grime and some dirt staining from real world use. There are a few scattered small holes. This bag is very strong and measures over 50 inches long by 26 inches wide and of course has a 26-inch diameter opening. There is a separate canvas lid with a heavy rope handle that has 10 whipped eye holes that looped ropes pass through to facilitate closure.  Bag is made from 3 vertical strips of canvas each strip is overlapped and then double-stitched together with heavy thick white twine. Bottom of the bag has a circular piece sewn on with heavy twine it also has a heavy rope handle. Beautifully painted in rich black stylized Gothic letters that range from 1 to 2 inches is: " D. P. Goodhue" over " U. S N.". The work is worthy of the best sign painter.

THE SWORD AND SWORD BELT. Gorgeous both! This is the regulation US naval Model 1852 pattern with a fire gilt brass mounted hilt featuring cast foliate decoration and ribbon bearing “USN” on the guard. The close to perfect white fish skin grips have a triple brass wire wrap. The mint slightly curved 30” single-edged blade with broad and narrow fullers is finely etched over its upper half with foliage, anchor, trident, and “USN” in ribbon on one side and “IRON PROOF” a capstan, stands of arms, and US flag on the other side. The ricasso on the left side is stamped with “CLAWBERG(Sic) SOLINGEN" in an oval around a standing knight and etched with “SCHUYLER HARTLEY & GRAHAM NEW YORK” on the other side. The etching is very clear and 100% of the blade retains its original frosted finish. The black leather scabbard has fire gilt brass mounts and double carry rings. The lockets for the rings are a rope pattern. The three mounts have 90% gilt remaining. The drag is a sea serpent.  The leather is excellent with no breaks and has tight stitching. It was flaking but is now stable after treatment by our restorer and has 85% of its scattered black surface intact. The original red cloth pad/washer is intact where the scabbard throat meets the hilt. Also with the sword is its doeskin storage bag. This is 95% intact and usable.

The patent leather sword belt with both its original sliding hangers and sword suspension clips (for the above naval sword) is in near perfect condition. It has 95% of its original surface. It has an outstanding example of the two-piece, tongue and wreath slim cast brass buckle which was then gold washed. The crisp wreath, the female portion, is decorated with an oak leaf and acorn pattern while the cast brass disk part of the tongue, or male segment, features an eagle perched on an anchor with an arc of stars. The tongue has a mating number "4" stamped on it. Neither tongue nor wreath have been off this belt.

Please see amongst the scans a photograph of Assistant surgeon Goodhue taken in 1864. Here he is wearing the exact frock coat and cap we are offering. This is a spectacular set to a doctor who, after the "Holocaustic" assault on Ft. Fisher, went ashore, no doubt wearing much of the regalia offered by us, to treat the wounded both North and South. This was the centerpiece of Mr. Ray Richey's Civil War Navy display at the Texas Civil War Museum.  [pe] [ph:L]

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