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THBCorporal Alonzo Hedden, 15th New Jersey Volunteers, Collection Incl. 1865 Diary, Relics, Corps Badge, GAR Ribbons, and More
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
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| $500 | $50 |
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About Auction
LiveJun 9, 2017 - Jun 10, 2017
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (392)
- Lot Description
Lot of 25+ items identified to Alonzo Hedden of the 15th New Jersey Volunteers, featuring 1865 diary mentioning fall of Petersburg, Appomattox campaign, Lee's surrender, and Lincoln's assassination; personal Bible inscribed by Hedden and Henry H. Bickley, Co. E, 10th NJ. Both were wounded at Spotsylvania and seem to have been in the same hospital. Bickley died of his wounds, while Hedden survived and kept possession of the Bible until his death in 1915; 1888 Gettysburg monument ribbon for the 15th NJ Veterans, approx. 7.25 in. ln.; 2 wood fragments, each approx. .75 x .25 in., accompanied by penciled note identifying them as Richmond relics, one from Libby Prison, the other from the Rebel Capitol building; Hedden's 6th corps badge; New Jersey Memorial service certificate, 18 x 14 in.; and GAR 1st New Jersey Brigade membership card. Hedden's "Memorandum" book with 2pp of entries, 9 personal family photos and snapshots, a fire insurance policy, and other personal papers also accompany the lot.
Prior to his journal entries, Alonzo Hedden had a bloody term of service. He enlisted in the army on August 8, 1862 as a private and mustered into the 15th New Jersey Infantry, Co. F, later that month. He and the regiment began their service in the thick of battle at Fredericksburg, losing 30 men. At Chancellorsville, the regiment fought into the night and lost a devastating number of 159 men, either wounded, killed, or missing. Mercifully, the regiment was present at Gettysburg, but was not heavily engaged. That changed, however, at Spotsylvania Court House. After fighting for several days and losing more than 100 men, the regiment pressed on, with many marching to their deaths against the enemy. The commanding officer led what was left of his troops and saw only 75 sets of eyes staring back at him. The remaining 40 bodies, nearly one fifth of the regiment, lay on the breastwork, in the ditch, or on the narrow open space in front. The bloodshed did not stop there. It continued through the fighting at Cold Harbor and Winchester, but not to the same extent.
It was a miraculous accomplishment for Hedden to make it as far as Petersburg and to witness the fall of the Confederacy during the Appomattox Campaign. In his journal, he wrote, Start on the march go about 13 miles halt a flag of truce Went out soon heard that Lee had surrendered emence cheering go in camp for the night… (April 9, 1865). The celebrations soon quieted after the sombre news was received that their President and Commander-in-Chief died. Nothing going on on account of presidents death even to division head quarters, wrote Hedden (April 19, 1865). He continued to be silent in the last pages of his diary and only occasionally scribbled in the margins.
Condition
Toning of the ribbon and the pages of the diary, Bible, and other works on paper. Some weakening of the binding from the Bible and diary, as well as some separation of the diary with some of the pages.
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