FRENCH IMPORT UNIFORM GROUPING INCLUDING EXTENSIVE DIARY ARCHIVE (1861-1863) IDENTIFIED TO A MEMBER OF THE 62ND PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY – SGT. ROBERT M. MARTIN

FRENCH IMPORT UNIFORM GROUPING INCLUDING EXTENSIVE DIARY ARCHIVE (1861-1863) IDENTIFIED TO A MEMBER OF THE 62ND PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY – SGT. ROBERT M. MARTIN

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$20,000.00

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Item Code: 1179-259

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Presented here is a most extraordinary and identified Civil War grouping that consists of an original Federal uniform, wartime letters and journal that were brought home after the war by Robert Newton Martin. Included in this Civil War multi-item grouping are Martin's colorful French-inspired uniform tunic complete with its original baggy uniform trousers, black leather shako and leather gaiters, as well as a batch of Martin's wartime letters plus Martin' wartime journal.

This is a noteworthy example of the colorful infantry uniform purchased in quantity from France at the outbreak of the Civil War, worn by Sgt. Robert N. Martin, Co. M, 62nd Pa. Vol. Infantry. The set consists of a short-skirted, dark blue woolen broadcloth tunic with yellow piping along the collar, outer seam and cuffs to which is fastened the original yellow and green cloth epaulets. The front closes with nine pewter buttons decorated with an eagle/shield/stars design specially manufactured for these America-bound uniforms. Eight of the original buttons remain on the front, with two smaller ones at each cuff and another smaller one holding a belt loop at the left side. Four large buttons, more piping and two small yellow wool "bugles" ornament the coat tails. The quilted white canvas interior is soiled but otherwise perfect with the name "R N Martin" inscribed in ink, along with some miscellaneous French manufacturer's markings.

The trousers are made from medium blue wool with voluminous legs, pleated around the waistband and gathered at the cuffs, which are closed by a simple tin button. There are two hip pockets in the outer seam and a watch pocket at the waist. A narrow belt adjusts the trousers at the back and the interior is unmarked except for the vestiges of a French manufacturer's or inspector's stamp. Added to the set is a French Model 1860 infantry shako as imported with these uniforms. The stiff black leather headgear stands approximately six inches tall and has a large gold-washed ornamental plate featuring a spread-winged eagle, oak and laurel leaves and other devices stamped in relief. Above the plate is a round metal red/white/blue rosette. The chinstrap, which extends from the interior of the cap, is also in place. Added as well is a pair of brown leather leggings similar to those worn with this uniform.

In 1861 the U.S. Government contracted with the Godillot firm in Paris for 10,000 sets of infantry clothing based on that worn by the French light riflemen. Delivery was made in December and the sets were first issued to the 62nd as well as the 83rd PA and the 18th MA infantry regiments. Sgt. Martin fought with his distinguished unit from enlistment in August, 1861 to discharge in August, 1864. As part of the V Corps it participated in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, taking particularly severe casualties at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg.

The uniform is accompanied by an extensive manuscript diary spanning the regiment's organization through the Chancellorsville campaign. Together the grouping documents nearly two years of a single soldier's Civil War service in his own hand and his own uniform — a combination rarely found intact.

 

THE DIARY ARCHIVE

Click here to access a complete transcription of Martin’s diary.

The manuscript material consists of the following, all in the same hand and clearly identifiable as the work of Sgt. R.N. Martin:

Bound pocket memorandum book: Diary entries dated March 14–23, 1862, interspersed among mechanical/technical notes. Covers the destruction of the Loudon & Hampshire Railroad, an eyewitness account of the ambush of Gen. Robert Schenck's train near Vienna, VA, and the regiment's embarkation for the Peninsula aboard the steamers Flushing and R.B. Donaldson, including a solemn ceremony passing Mount Vernon.

Loose diary sheets, multi-section archive: Comprising:

A condensed memorandum record, August 1861–May 1862, tracking the regiment's organization, individual enlistments, picket duty, target practice, and the march down the Peninsula.

“Diary No. 6,” Camp Winfield Scott, VA, April 20–May 12, 1862 — a detailed, nearly daily account of the Siege of Yorktown, including picket duty under fire, the discovery of Yorktown's evacuation, and the subsequent occupation of the works.

Continuation, May 13–20, 1862 — the advance to West Point and the march toward Richmond.

An undated fragment describing the pursuit up the York River and a later railroad-guarding operation near Warrenton Junction and the Rappahannock.

November 6–10, 1862, Snicker's Gap and Rectortown, VA — including a verbatim manuscript copy of Gen. George B. McClellan's farewell address to the Army of the Potomac upon relinquishing command to Gen. Burnside.

A retrospective (post-battle) narrative of the Gettysburg campaign, describing the 62nd Pennsylvania's action at Little Round Top and the Wheatfield on July 2, 1863.

A page-numbered diary (“No. 8”), 24 pages, April 26–May 25, 1863 — a sustained, detailed account of the Chancellorsville campaign, including the forced river crossing at Kelly's Ford, the flanking march, night action of May 2–3, and the retreat across the Rappahannock.

HISTORICAL NOTE: A period photocopy of two related letters (originals not present in this archive, having been sold separately) further documents Sgt. Martin's later service: a letter written “in line of battle near Gettysburg” dated July 2, 1863, and a lengthy retrospective letter written from College Green Barracks and Camp Parole, Annapolis, MD, in October 1863, describing his capture during the retreat from Gettysburg, imprisonment at Belle Isle, Richmond, and subsequent exchange and parole. These letters are referenced here for historical context only and do not form part of the present lot.

CONDITION: The diary material is in generally good, legible condition with expected wear; several individual sheets are fragile, torn, or incomplete at the margins as noted in the working transcription.

 

PROVENANCE: By descent in the Martin family. Ex – John Henry Kurtz Collection.

 

Robert Martin was a twenty-one year old resident of Blair County, PA when he enlisted in Harrisburg on April 20, 1861 with Co "A", 3rd PA Infantry, a three-months unit. He mustered out on July 29, 1861 and a week later mustered into "M" Company, 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry regiment. The 62nd PA initially spent time in Washington DC and then crossed the Potomac to Fort Corcoran, VA being assigned to the Army of the Potomac's 5th Corps, 1st Division, 2nd Brigade. What followed were combat operations in the battles at Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, the Mine Run Campaign, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River and Petersburg. Three years later in July 1864, this hard fighting Pennsylvania infantry regiment mustered out at Pittsburgh after losing a total of 258 officers and men. Martin survived the service and mustered out as a 1st Lieutenant on August 15, 1864. Sgt. Martin fought with his distinguished unit from his enlistment in August 1861 to his discharge in August 1864, including action at Gettysburg.  The following year he was promoted to first lieutenant, surviving the war and living until 1912. During the period described in his diary, Martin's regiment belonged to the First Division of the Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac. Robert Martin survived to muster out a first lieutenant on August 15, 1864. A keen observer and competent writer, Martin's diary is a compelling account of life as an infantry soldier.

A unique and identified grouping of Civil War items complete with an original uniform together with a diary and documents written by a Pennsylvania combat veteran. [ss] [ph:L]

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