Nov 25, 2014 - Sale 2368

Sale 2368 - Lot 81

Price Realized: $ 625
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
"IT HAS DONE THE MOST DELICATE OF THEM GOOD TO ROUGH & TUMBLE A LITTLE" (CIVIL WAR--NEW YORK.) Archive of Pierson family letters on the 7th Regiment New York State Militia--the Silk Stocking Regiment. 7 letters, various sizes and conditions; and one booklet. Vp, 1860-61

Additional Details

John Frederick Pierson (1839-1916) and his brothers Henry and Charles served in the 7th Regiment New York State Militia, known as the Silk Stocking Regiment for the elite background of its members. At the outset of the war, John Frederick joined the 1st New York Infantry as captain; he was later brevetted as brigadier general. This collection includes: future general Egbert L. Viele's letter to J.F. Pierson on 7th Regiment letterhead ordering him to report for duty, 26 June 1860 Pierson's copy of the 7th Regiment by-laws, 1860 Sister Helen Pierson's letter to Charles, New York, 6 June 1861: "We saw the gallant seventh return, Henry being immediately in front. . . . I could distinguish very few others, they all looked so brown or dusty, quite a contrast to the fair faces that marched down Broadway on the 19th of April that memorable day. . . . I think it has done the most delicate of them good to rough & tumble a little while." Brother Henry L. Pierson Jr.'s letter to J.F. Pierson reporting on his impending visit and his efforts to raise $500 for the 1st's regimental band, New York, 10 June 1861 Three letters from brother Henry L. Pierson Jr. to his father while visiting the 1st Regiment camp, Fort Monroe, VA, 19-20 June 1861: recounts political struggles within the regiment at length, but assures that Fred's main concern is to "do his duty like a worthy son of patriotic ancestors." Letter from Charles Pierson to brother J.F. Pierson. New York, 13 September 1861, describing his recent visit to Washington, his call upon Secretary of State William Seward, and his efforts to obtain gloves and a saddle for his brother.