1865 Provost Marshal’s Oath – Petersburg, Virginia For Sale

1865 Provost Marshal’s Oath – Petersburg, Virginia
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1865 Provost Marshal’s Oath – Petersburg, Virginia:
$395.00

Offered for yourconsideration is a small document issued from the “Hd. Qrs. Provost Marshal’sOffice” in “PETERSBURG, VA.” on“May 111865”. It states that “I do herebycertify that on the Eleventh day of May 1865, at Petersburg the oathprescribed by the President of the United States, in his proclamation ofDecember 8, 1863, was duly taken, subscribed and made matter of record by J A Pace (Page?) of Prince Go Co”, and is signed at the conclusion by “S RCowles” in his capacity as “Major10th N. Y. Art. Provost Marshal”. A dark blue oval stamp reading“PROVOST MARSHAL’S / OFFICE / PETERSBURG VA” has been applied in the mostly blank area at theupper left. The verso of this piece is unaccomplished. Sadly, the manuscriptadditions are somewhat difficult to read (especially the recipient’s name) dueto the less than accomplished handwriting, and what appear to be corrections inthe spelling of several of the words. An interesting document, that withfurther research may yield the recipient’s name and biography.

Seneca Roe Cowles, thesigner of this document, enrolled in what became the 10th New YorkArtillery (Heavy) on July 26, 1862, at Wilna, New York. He was mustered in as acaptain on September 11, 1862 (commission dated November 20, 1862) to serve forthree years, and advanced to major on April 6, 1864 (commission dated May 18,1864). He was mustered out with the regiment on June 23, 1865 at Petersburg,Virginia. During its term of service, the unit saw action in the defenses ofWashington, DC, Cold Harbor, Cedar Creek, and the assault of Petersburg. Lossesamounted to 47 men killed or mortally wounded in battle and 220 who died ofdisease or other causes.

The presently offereddocument exhibits signs of expected period use, followed by years of relativelygood storage. Toning is present across the entire piece, imparting a beige orlight tan hue to the document. One hard, horizontal fold bisects the piece,significantly affecting the integrity of the paper. Several smaller folds arenoted, though these do not dramatically affect the quality of the paper. Theink corrections noted in the main description (as well as Cowles signature)have resulted in erosion of the paper, though no corresponding paper lossappears to have occurred. The blue stamp can be lightly seen when the piece isviewed from the back, though again, no paper loss has resulted from theprocess. The contrast is relatively good within the printed text, while severalletters of the stamp are not complete. This piece measures approximately 3½ x5½ inches, with the bottom being slightly angled. Overall, an interesting item,rarely encountered in today’s marketplace.

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