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Lot #219
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr

Holmes, a 21-year-old first lieutenant, reports on prisoners punished with “bread & water” during the Peninsular Campaign

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Holmes, a 21-year-old first lieutenant, reports on prisoners punished with “bread & water” during the Peninsular Campaign

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1841–1935) from 1902 to 1932. Extremely early manuscript DS, signed “O. W. Holmes, Jr., Lt. Main Guard,” one page, 10 x 13, no date, but circa August 7, 1862. A “List of the Prisoners,” filled out in another hand, listing seven soldiers, the arresting officer, charges, and sentences. A sample of the offenses are: “Welsh…Drunkeness…24 hours solitary,” “Hallacey…[Insubordination]…Guard house till Saturday 5 pm, hands in irons, bread & water,” and “J. Reilly…Exceeding leave…Guard house & bread & water.” In the lower portion of the document Holmes writes: “There were no arrests except that Matthew Swilte, Co. D., was put in the guard tent, for exceeding leave & c, at 2:45 P.M. & released at tattoo by order of Lieut. Perry the arresting officer. John Dolan Co. K. was Also put in the guard tent by Lieut. Tilden. The men were in general orderly & quiet.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 16 x 19.5. Light show-through from printing on reverse, scattered light toning, and some light surface marks probably from a removed entry, otherwise fine condition. An uncommon document with excellent Civil War content dating from the dawn of the celebrated jurist’s illustrious life. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #372 - Ended June 15, 2011





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