February 23rd, 2012
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2012
A fine assortment of personal effects belonging to an Army of the Potomac officer. David Ayers mustered in as the 2nd Lieutenant, Co. "I", 27th New Jersey Infantry on September 4, 1862. Serving through Fredericksburg in this capacity, Ayers would be promoted to 1st Lieutenant. On April 13, 1864 he became Captain of Co. "I", 5th New Jersey Infantry. In September of that year Ayers transferred to Co. "G", 7th New Jersey Infantry, mustering out of the service on July 17, 1865. The 5th and 7th New Jersey Volunteers were heavily involved in the operations around Petersburg and Richmond. This lot to include: Quarter-Plate Ruby Ambrotype of Ayers, circa 1862, no case…plus; Pocket Diary covering the period between September 16, 1862 and May 6, 1863. Excerpts read, "(December 12)…Were shelled during the afternoon by rebel batteries…(December 13)…Moved at daylight to a position further down the river. Battle commenced about 9 o'c, closing at dark. Our regiment not engaged…(December 15)…Hostilities were not resumed, the day being principally occupied by our corps in transporting the wounded…(May 1)…Proceeded to Monticello, our cavalry driving the rebs before them. Skirmishing at the latter place. Formed line of battle and posted artillery…". Lacking some pages, worn covers and somewhat faded text….plus; A pair of infantry captain's shoulder straps, soiled yet intact…plus; Bullion infantry bugle hat badge, soiled yet intact…:plus; Four State of New Jersey officer's commissions, 1862 - 1864, signed variously by Governors Olden and Parker. Folds, else Good - VG…plus; Muster-In Roll as Captain, 5th New Jersey, April 13, 1864. Splits along folds, good condition…plus; Manuscript document granting Ayers leave, November 17, 1864. Good condition…plus; Partially printed discharge form, July 17, 1865. Stains, good condition…plus; Three official, un-stamped postal covers addressed to Ayers. Poor - good condition. ...plus, Document, 20” x 17,” signed by New Jersey Governor Marcus Ward, July 4, 1866, being an Honorable Testimony issued to David Ayers for his war service. Very ornate, some edge roughness, previous folds, VG. ... plus, Color Printed “Military Register” 19” x 24,” for the Seventh New Jersey Volunteers, listing Company E soldiers. Repairable tears at top infringe on graphic else about good.
ADDENDUM February 4th, 2012 On the Quarter-Plate Ruby Ambrotype of Ayers, there is very attractive hand tinting of the image. However, the glass has been cracked and repaired affecting the image from Ayers' left knee and left leg. PLEASE VIEW additional images.
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