Sixth Plate Daguerreotype of Civil War & Indian Wars-Era Officer Lawrence Sprague Babbitt

Lot 27

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American History Auction by Cowan's Auctions

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American History Auction

By Cowan's Auctions

Nov 18, 2016 - Nov 19, 2016

Set Reminder 2016-11-18 10:00:00 2016-11-19 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American History Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-history-auction-1870 Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com

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Lot Description

Sixth plate daguerreotype of Lt. Lawrence Sprague Babbitt 1839-1903, as identified on typed paper label affixed to cover glass, wearing a fitted nine-button frock coat, the buttons highlighted in gold, housed in full case. Ca 1861.

Colonel Lawrence Sprague Babbitt came from impressive military lineage. Born in Boston, MA, February 18, 1839, he was the son of Brevet Brigadier General Edwin Burr Babbitt, who served in the Mexican and Civil War, and was responsible for the repair of the Alamo chapel and barracks; grandson of Surgeon Lawrence Sprague who served in the War of 1812; and the great-grandson of Major E.B. Babbitt who commanded troops at the Siege of Louisbourg. Expanding his impressive bloodline, he married Francis McDougall, the daughter of Brevet Brigadier General Charles McDougall. Three generations of Babbitts attended and graduated from West Point, including his father Edwin Burr (1826), his only surviving child Major General Edwin Burr (1884), and himself (1861).

Immediately after graduating from West Point in 1861, he enlisted as a 2^nd lieutenant and was commissioned into the 3^rd US Light Artillery. He quickly earned a promotion to 1^st lieutenant by brevet the next month after brilliantly fighting in the Manassas Campaign and at the Battle of Bull Run. In October, he transferred to the US Army Ordnance Department and worked as an assistant ordnance officer at several forts including the Ordnance Depot at Yorktown during the siege and the Washington Arsenal. He earned a promotion to captain by brevet on March 13, 1865 and was officially commissioned as a captain on December 22, 1866.

After the War, he ventured west and earned a promotion as major for meritorious services against the Nez Perce and Paiute Indians. He commanded Ft. Monroe Arsenal, VA until 1887 when he became Chief of Ordnance at Department of Texas and took control of the San Antonio Arsenal. He became a lieutenant colonel in 1890 and commanded the US Arsenal in Benicia, CA, equipping the First Philippine expedition. He remained there until 1899 when he transferred to the US Powder Depot near Dover, NJ. After 26 years of service, he retired in 1903 and died shortly after.

His son, Edwin Burr Babbitt graduated from West Point in 1884 and from the Heavy Artillery School in 1889. He was commissioned as 2nd lieutenant, June 15, 1884, and was promoted to Brigadier General of the National Army on October 2, 1917; Brigadier General of the US Army, February 12, 1918; and Major General of the US Army, April 14, 1923. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. He retired on in 1924 after 40 years of service. Both father and son are buried at an adjacent site at Arlington National Cemetery.

Sources: 35th Annual Reunion of the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy, June 14, 1904. Saginaw, MI: Seeman & Peters, 1904, pp. 126-127.

Condition

Excellent condition, has been cleaned and restored.
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