This Union bull's eye canteen was at the site of the bloody Battle of the Crater. It was either recovered shortly after that horrific contest or was donated by an actual survivor. The Battle of the Crater took place on Saturday, July 30, 1864. Indeed, nicely painted on it in period white paint is: " Battle of The Crater Petersburg, Va. July 30th 1864". Surmounting this is the badge of the 9th Corps and most interestingly it is painted with a green background which designates THE FOURTH DIVISION formed April 19, 1864! All the infantry regiments in the 4th Division, 9th Corps were black. These "Colored Troops" were the following: 27th US, 30th US, 39th US, 43rd US, 30th Conn., 19th US, 23rd US. These men suffered horrendous casualties at The Crater!

The canteen was at one time on loan to the Charles Sumner Post #25 in Chestertown, Maryland. Its condition is excellent with minimal rusting and no corrosion. Typical of GAR Hall items it was overpainted in gold of which about 50% of it remains. The canteen is suspended from a "period" red and blue cord.   [pe] [ph:L]

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