1865 4th U. S. Colored Infantry Verification of Death Document

Description

1865 4th U. S. Colored Infantry Verification of Death Document
Offered for your consideration is a very interesting and unusual document, issued soon after the close of the Civil War, certifying the death of a soldier by disease. Written from “
Head-Quarters 4
th
U. S. Colored Infantry,
/
New Berne, N. C.
” and dated “
August 1
st
1865
”, the body of this document states that “
I hereby certify that from the official records kept at these Head Quarters private Wm J. Kane Co E 4
th
U. S. Cold Inf Died of Disease at Ft. Monroe Va. Date of decease not known.
”. It is signed at the conclusion by “
Wareham C Hill
” in his capacity as “
Major Commdg Regt.
”. The document was accomplished in period iron gall ink on blue lined white paper, with the header being pre-printed in black ink. The back is blank. Apparently, someone had requested this information, though that individual is not mentioned on the document (it is possible that a government official may have needed this information for their records or for a final payment). It is interesting to note that though Major Hill did not have the date of death for this soldier, someone apparently did, as that information was discovered in a cursory search of internet records. Though the exact reason for this document is not known, it is interesting nonetheless. This is the first one of these documents that we have handled. Would make a great addition to any Civil War document collection.
Cursory research indicates that
William J. Kane
enlisted on July 28, 1863, with no residence listed (possibly an escaped slave). He was mustered into Federal service as a private in Company E, 4
th
United States Colored Infantry on September 1, 1863. Records state that he died of disease on December 20, 1864.
This same source indicates that
Wareham C. Hill
enlisted on August 14, 1863, also with no residence listed. He was commissioned as a 1ts Lieutenant in Company D, 4
th
United States Colored Infantry on September 1, 1863. He was promoted to captain of Company B on July 1, 1864, and major on July 18, 1865 (he was promoted colonel by brevet on March 13, 1865). Wareham C. Hill was mustered out of Federal service on May 4, 1866.
The 4
th
United States Colored Infantry was organized in Baltimore, Maryland between July and September, 1863. They saw garrison duty at Yorktown until May, 1864, after which they participated in several short expeditions. They participated in the operations before Petersburg, including the actions at the Crater, Chaffin’s Farm, New Market Heights, and Fair Oaks, before joining the two expeditions to Fort Fisher, North Carolina (the lest leading to their participation in the assault and capture of the fort). They were subsequently transferred south and saw action in the advance on and occupation of Goldsboro, and were present at Bennett’s House for the surrender of General Joe Johnston’s army. The unit was mustered out on May 4, 1866. During its term of service, the 4
th
United States Colored Infantry had 3 officers and 102 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, while 1 officer and 186 enlisted men died of disease (Private Kane among them).
The presently offered document exhibits signs of expected period use, as well as long-term storage (possibly as part of a collection). Toning is present across the entire surface, imparting to the paper an off-white to beige appearance. The edges are somewhat darker, especially at the top and along the left margin. Two horizontal folds are present, significantly weakening the paper along the length of the folds (there is also toning and soiling along the folds). Separations are noted at the ends of the folds, each strengthened with a piece of tape (two of these are archival, the other two do not appear so). A line of glue residue can be seen along the top of this piece, with paper adhering over half the length (this may be from having been mounted in an album at some time). Measuring approximately 7⅝ x 9¾ inches, this piece would look great framed with a period illustration of this unit (there are a couple of different views) or one of their battle-flag (presented by the ladies of Baltimore). Worthy of further research.
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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