Menu
EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THBFirst Sergeant James S. Campbell, 83rd Illinois, KIA, Civil War Archive
Lot 147
About Seller
Cowan's Auctions
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
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$400 - $600
Absentee vs Live bid
Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Cowan's Auctions
Nov 21, 2014 - Nov 22, 2014
Set Reminder
2014-11-21 10:00:00
2014-11-22 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : American History
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-history-279
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (301)
- Lot Description
First Sergeant James S. Campbell, 83rd Illinois, KIA, Civil War Archive
Lot of 5 letters connected to 1st Sergeant James S. Campbell, including one from J. (John) A. Gordon, likely a family friend, regarding Campbell’s 1862 death in battle.
James Shield Campbell, the son of Mungo and Mary (Maben) Campbell, was born in Westmoreland County, PA, February 20, 1836, and journeyed with his parents to Monmouth, IL, in 1856. In 1858, he entered Monmouth College graduating with the class of 1862. He enlisted in Company C of the 83rd Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, July 21, 1862, as a 1st sergeant. Campbell served with that unit until his death on February 3, 1863, in the Second Battle of Fort Donelson (Dover, TN). This was the unit’s first serious battle, and early on in the fighting, Campbell was shot through the heart and killed instantly. He never married and was survived by his parents and five siblings. He is buried in Monmouth Cemetery in Monmouth, Warren County, Illinois.
The Illinois 83rd Infantry was organized at Monmouth, IL, on August 21, 1862, and mustered out June 26, 1865 at Nashville, TN. During service the unit lost five officers and 116 enlisted men for a total of 121 fatalities. The regiment served in the Western theater of the war for its duration. It is best known for the Battle of Dover or Second Fort Donelson on February 3, 1863, where Colonel Abner Harding repulsed the forces of Generals Joseph Wheeler and Nathan Bedford Forrest. It was one of the few defeats for Forrest and bitterly set him against Wheeler. The Union victory kept the Cumberland River open to traffic during the remainder or the War. As an interesting side note Wyatt, and Virgil Earp (of OK Corral fame) lived in Monmouth and Virgil served as a private in this Regiment.
Four of the letters are principally connected to family news and the early maneuvering of the Regiment in Tennessee. The final letter, dated February 8, 1863, from Corporal John A. Gordon to Campbell’s parents is a brave but sorrowful recounting of James’ death in battle: Providence…has vouchsafed to the Federal arms another victory at Fort Donelson. Yet his is indeed a sad office who communicates to you, bereaved parents, the details of that battle. James Campbell is dead. Alas, the desolate hearts bereft of their jewels by this cruel event; fountains of tears unsealed-aching voids which this world can never fill…We were exposed to scathing fire and were ordered to fall back under cover of the hill. While executing this movement, James was struck by a rifle ball, which passed through or near the heart killing him instantly…He was endeavoring to get the boys collected when he fell. He died at his first, noble heroics…In him you have lost a son, nobler than which, was never dedicated to the cause of humanity.
Campbell was buried initially at Ft. Donelson and later returned home to Monmouth.All are handwritten in ink and signed by the authors. Four letters are single sheets folded to four pages, one (Gordon’s) is two sheets folded to eight pages. They are in very good condition. One stamped envelope is included.Condition
- Shipping Info
-
SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
-
- Buyer's Premium
