1863 Union Provost Marshal’s Pass – Knoxville, Tennessee

Description

1863 Union Provost Marshal’s Pass – Knoxville, Tennessee
Offered for your consideration is a partly-printed Union pass, issued in Eastern Tennessee in the autumn of 1863. Headlined “
Provost Marshal’s Office
/
Knoxville, Tenn.
” and dated “
Oct 9
1863.
”, the body of this document states that the “
GUARDS will pass
J. Washam & family
(?)
Grey
(?)
eyes,
dark
hair,
5
feet
9
inches high,
46
years of age,
light
(?)
complexion, through the lines, on
Taswell
road.
”. The pass is authorized and signed by “
J F Riddle
” in his capacity as “
Cap’t & Ass’t Provost Marshal.
”, though from other examples of this signature, it appears that they may have been signed secretarially (it is also interesting to note that a cursory search of the records has failed to locate an officer by that name). A notation at the upper left indicates that this pass was only “
GOOD FOR ONE DAY
”. The back of this pass features a printed “
Oath of Allegiance
” which states that “
This pass is given and taken with the condition that the bearer hereof solemnly swears to bear true faith and allegiance to the United States Government, and that he will conduct himself in all respects as a loyal citizen of said Government. For the faithful observance of this obligation he pledges his property and life.
”. This is followed by the manuscript name of “
J Washam
” (?), who actually signs with an “
X
”, for “
his mark
”. This piece is printed in black ink on low grade white paper, with the manuscript additions being accomplished in period iron gall ink. Sadly, much of the manuscript information is difficult to read due to the poor penmanship of the writer. A great research project for a local or Civil War historian. One of the many different types of passes produced and issued during the war. Could be framed with other passes or with a period illustration of the Taswell (Tazewell) Road.
The presently offered document exhibits signs of significant period use (as expected), followed by many years of less than ideal storage. Toning is noted across the entire surface, imparting a tan to light brown appearance to the paper. This toning is somewhat darker at the edges and along the folds, as well as in scattered patches throughout the piece. A significant area of attaining can be seen on the back, obviously on the outside when this piece was folded and carried at the time. Ink corrosion is noted at the various manuscript additions, though none of the paper has been lost at this time. As noted in the general description, the penmanship on this piece leaves something to be desired, making it quite difficult to determine what is ink transfer and what is poorly written. Numerous multi-directional folds are present, with several areas of associated wrinkling. The left, bottom, and top edges are slightly irregular, while the right one appears reasonably straight. Minor wrinkling and a few small tears are noted along the bottom edge, with a small piece of paper missing at the lower left. Measuring approximately 2¾ x 6¾ inches, this piece, while not in the best condition, is certainly representative of this type of document, and the abuses to which they were exposed. Any additional questions regarding condition should be addressed before purchasing.
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If you have any questions regarding 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