1860 Camp Equipage Receipt – Future CS General William S. Walker Sig.

Description

1860 Camp Equipage Receipt – Future CS General William S. Walker Sig.
Offered for your consideration is a pre-Civil War manuscript document for the receipt of camp equipage from a future Confederate general, signed at the conclusion by another future Confederate general. The document states that there was “
Received at Fort Wise K. T. December 4
th
1860 of Capt. Geo: H. Steuart, 1
st
Cav: the following C & G
(Camp & Garrison)
Equipage
/
viz:
/
1 One Sibley Tent Stove
/
3⅓ pounds Stove pipe
”. The signature of the receiving officer “
W. S. Walker
” follows, with his rank and unit, “
Capt 1
st
Cavly.
/
Comdg. Co. G.
”, below. The back is blank, except for a small box in which is written “
Voucher No. 4
/
Camp & Garrison Equipage
/
4
th
Quarter 1860
/
Capt: Geo: H. Steuart
/
1
st
Cavalry”
(this was done for filing purposes). The body of the document and the filing notation on the back appear to be accomplished in the same hand, distinctly different from the signature and rank. Though not a particularly hard-fighting leader, Walker saw service in the United States Army during the Mexican-American War and was severely wounded in the service of the Confederacy. While not exceedingly rare (or popular), Walker is not common in the marketplace. This is a great opportunity to add one to your collection, especially with the association to another future Confederate general.
William Stephen Walker
was born on April 13, 1822 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Mississippi and Washington, District of Columbia. He was raised by his uncle, Robert J. Walker, Secretary of the Treasury under President James K. Polk. He was appointed first lieutenant in the infantry on February27, 1847 and assigned to the 1
st
United States Regiment of Voltigeurs and Foot Riflemen on April 9, 1847. He was brevetted captain for his role in the Battle of Chapultepec, fought on September 13, 1847. Walker was discharged from the service on August 31, 1848, but returned as a captain of the 1
st
United States Cavalry Regiment on March 3, 1855. Walker resigned from the U. S. Army on May 1, 1861 and was appointed captain in the infantry of the Army of the Confederate States (some sources say the appointment was prior to his resignation). His first service was as a mustering officer for Southern soldiers, though soon he was promoted colonel and acting inspector general of the Department of South Carolina and Georgia. He was in immediate command at the First Battle of Pocotaligo, South Carolina, fought on May 29, 1862. Walker was promoted to brigadier general on October 22, 1862. He served in various sub-districts in North and South Carolina, before being called to assist General P. G. T. Beauregard defend Petersburg on May 17, 1864. Three days later, at the Battle of Ware Bottom Church during the Bermuda Hundred Campaign, Walker was severely wounded and captured while leading a charge into the Union line (he was shot by a rifle volley after refusing to surrender). Wounded in the left arm and leg, Walker believed he was mortally wounded, but he was saved by a Union surgeon who amputated his leg. He was exchanged on October 29, 1864, after which he served in North Carolina until the close of the war, being paroled at Greensboro on May 1, 1865. After the war, Walker moved to Georgia. William S. Walker died on June 7, 1899 in Atlanta, Georgia, and was buried in that city’s Oakland Cemetery.
The presently offered document exhibits signs of very light period usage, with only the expected toning and folds present. This toning has imparted to the paper an off-white to beige hue, with light soiling at the edges. The contrast is sharp and bold, with the signature and rank being slightly lighter (it is, however, fully legible). The document is penned in period ink, on blue-lined white paper. Minor ink show through is noted when the piece is viewed from the back (there is some minor show through on the front at the lower left as a result of the filing notation on the back). The top and left edges are ragged, while the right and bottom are straight. Measuring approximately 4⅞ x 7¾ inches, this interesting piece would make a great addition to any autograph collection or a wonderful display if framed with a portrait of Walker (you could also include a photograph of George H. Steuart).
A charge of .95 will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
If you have any questions concerning this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA