Ephemera & Telegram Lot Richard Batchelder Chief Quartermaster Civil War Potomac

Description

Ephemera & Telegram Lot Richard Batchelder Chief Quartermaster Civil War Potomac
Description:
Collection of Ephemera and Telegrams Belonging to Richard N. Batchelder, Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac. 1863-65. Five pieces total, including a circular, an inviation, and five telegrams. The latter were handwritten on printed stationery headed "U.S. Military Telegraph" on the receiving end and given to Batchelder to read. At this time Batchelder was the Chief Quartermaster of the entire Army of the Potomac. The telegrams discuss moving weapons and supplies out of Appomattox (including captured Confederate wagons), the sourcing of mourning drape after Lincoln's Assassination, wagon A bit toned, with hole punches along left margin where they were later bound. Includes the following:
April 16, 1865: Lt. Col A.L. Thomas sends a 2pp message from Farmville, VA where the Fifth Corps was camped; Farmville, located along the Appomattox River, was the location of the Battle of Sayles Creek on April 6, where 1/4 of Lee's army was killed, wounded or captured prior to his surrender at Appomattox Courthouse three days later. Thomas mainly discusses dealing with moving weapons and wagons from Appomattox after the Confederate surrender. He mentions captured wagons; it is also possible that these weapons were captured as well: "I have 30 pieces of cannon & 3000 muskets sent by RR from Appomattox...Major Cochran sent me word that he had left 36 pieces cannon on the road..Lt Dwyer report to you with some 500 captured wagons..."
April 27, 1865: 1pp message from E.E. Camp, Assistant Quartermaster at City Point, Va regarding the sourcing of mourning drape in the aftermath of the Lincoln assassination: "will you please inform me how much drape in addition to the 250 yards already furnished you will need to drape the flags of the army of the potomac in mourning. There is 1000 yards that can be purchased at this depot."
Three telegrams, each 1pp, dated April 29th, May 1st, and May 5th, from Roanoke and City Point, VA. These concern movement of troops and supplies. The latest telegram is from General Rufus Ingalls, Chief Quartermaster for all the armies acting around Richmond, from his supply base at City Point. Ingalls discusses moving the field hospital from City Point to Alexandria, requesting Batchelder to "please ask Genl Meade if he can spare an officer for this service..."
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac October 9th, 1863; Circular. 8 x 10", carbon copy on translucent yellow paper. A message by Major General Mead ordering the army get ready to move "at very short notice--The five days rations heretofore directed...will be immediately issued and placed in the knapsacks." The order immediately precedes the events of October 13-15, when Batchelder distinguished himself defending the II Corps' wagon train from Confederate raiders between Catlett and Fairfax, VA, earning the Medal of Honor for his heroics.
Engraved invitation headed "Head Quarters 2nd Army Corps" making invitation to a ball given by corps officers on February 22nd, 1864, listing General Mead and General Winifield Scott Hancock among the soiree's "Honorary Committee" and Lieut Col. Batchelder among the "Committee of Arrangements." Folding creases and hint of toning.
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