Raynors HCA 2016-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/17/2016
A good war-date Confederate archive consisting of five manuscript documents related to Pvt. William M. Chew, Co. E, 31st Virginia Volunteers. First is a ca. May 1863, 2pp. 4to., manuscript muster roll listing sixty members including Chew accounting for the present or absence of each of Chew's comrades, including: "…1st Lt. J. C. Matheny still absent…16. Chew, Wm. M. at hospital…21. Gwin, H. H. at home wounded…57. Waggoner, J. M. absent without leave…58. Wilson, J. E. on Extra duty, April 25, 1863…". PLUS; a manuscript furlough document, 12mo., written by Chew's commander, Lt. J. C. Matheny, Monterey, Va., Sept. 10, 1864, in part: "I…represent that Wm. M. Chew a private of Co. 'E' 31st Va. Regt who is now absent from his company & Regt on account of wound in foot was never while I commanded said company absent without leave and always performed his duties as a soldier…and at this time…unfit for field service…". PLUS; a war-date manuscript receipt where Chew was apparently selling a captured Federal cavalry horse! 12mo., from Wm. H. Wood, April 22, 1865, in part: "Received of Wm. M. Chew…he value of one horse, with U. S. brand on left shoulder, about fifteen hands high…". PLUS; a barter claim receipt, 12mo., written by Capt. J. S. McElroy, Nov 24, 1861 issued to one of Chew's family members for payment for rice with a note indicating, in full: "1861, Nov. 27th Recd the above & one box clothing of Wm. M. Chew left by Capt. McElroy…". PLUS; a 12mo. Dec. 9, 1861 receipt for: "a Blk overcoat" sold to Chew which he no doubt wore on picket duty during that winter. Chew enlisted in the famed 31st Virginia on Mar. 31, 1862. He served throughout the war with this regiment and was twice wounded during service, once at McDowell and next at Bethesda Church, Va., on May 30, 1864. He did not surrender at Appomattox, and he was still a Confederate soldier when he sold his captured Union horse to a neighbor! This would have been an illegal act if he had been paroled at Appomattox. He did not surrender until May 1865 and was paroled at Staunton, Va., on May 18, 1865. All VG to near fine.
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