(CIVIL WAR WEST VIRGINIA) Manuscript map of the Battle of C

Sale 2517 - Lot 84

Price Realized: $ 1,188

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Estimate: $ 1,500 - $ 2,500

(CIVIL WAR--WEST VIRGINIA.) Manuscript map of the Battle of Carnifex Ferry, with a drawing of General Floyd's captured banner. Pencil map and drawing, 11 x 7 1/4 inches, on an opened sheet of patriotic "Columbia, Columbia" letterhead, unsigned; folds, minimal wear. [Nicholas County, WV], 10 September [1861]

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The Battle of Kessler's Cross Lanes on 26 August 1861 began with a surprise Confederate attack on an encampment of the 7th Ohio Infantry. The Ohio men were routed, though some managed to escape. The Confederate forces under Brigadier General John B. Floyd then set up a defensive position along the Gauley River. This set up the 10 September Battle of Carnifex Ferry, in which Union Brigadier General William S. Rosecrans led a larger force which dispersed the Confederates. This manuscript map, apparently drawn by a Union soldier, shows the layout of the Confederate camp by the river, including their headquarters, entrenchments, and "mask'd battery." North of the Confederate lines are a clearing, house, wagon roads, and corn field. One spot is noted as "where Lowe fell"--Colonel John W. Lowe of the 12th Ohio Infantry was killed instantly by a musket ball to his forehead during the battle.
Below the map is a drawing of a Confederate battle flag reading "Floyd Guard: The price of liberty is the blood of the brave." It is captioned "Representation of Secession Guard captured at Cross Lanes, Sept. 10th." This banner from General Floyd's headquarters was captured on the field by the 30th Ohio Infantry in a well-known incident of the battle, but we have seen no other visual representation.