Presentation Field Desk of Oliver P. Gooding, 31st Massachusetts Infantry 

Burl walnut wood box 10 x 17.75 x 7.25 in. high closed. Top of lid has a Presentation plaque: Presented To Col O. P. Gooding (31st Reg MS VOLS) (By The Officers Of The Reg)Feb 1862. Includes original ink wells and quill. Indiana born Oliver Paul Gooding (1835-1909) graduated from the USMA in July 1858 and was commissioned brevet 2nd lieutenant, 4th US Infantry. In February 1859 Gooding transferred to the 5th Infantry gaining rapid wartime advancements to 1st lieutenant in May 1861 and captain in June 1862. Gooding became Colonel of the 31st Massachusetts in February 1862 and received this field desk from "the officers of the regiment." He commanded the regiment in the field until his term of service expired on November 26, 1864. The 31st Massachusetts was assigned to the 19th Corps, Department of the Gulf, and commenced operations against New Orleans in April 1862 being the first Union regiment to enter the captured city. Later in the year the 31st participated in the siege of Port Hudson following by garrison duty at Baton Rouge. In December the regiment was reorganized as the 6th Massachusetts Cavalry Regiment and joined in numerous scouts and skirmishes leading up to the start of the Red River Campaign in March 1864. Following several months of arduous service that including a number of expeditions and smaller engagements the regiment returned to New Orleans where the veterans left on furlough and the non-veteran and recruits guarded Rebel prisoners. His term having expired Gooding resigned the colonelcy and reverted to captain before he left the regular army four months later in March 1865. At the same time Colonel Gooding received two brevet promotions to brigadier for “meritorious service” and major general for “gallant conduct in the assaults on the enemy works at Port Hudson in 1863 and for gallant and distinguished conduct throughout the Red River campaign of 1864.” After the war Gooding became a “lawyer, police commissioner, and author of religious works.” He died at Washington D.C. on September 19, 1909 and was buried in Park Cemetery, Greenfield, Indiana (1st Addition, Bock 8, Lot 16). 

The Ed Steers Lincolniana & Civil War Collection

There are some age cracks in the top of the lid. Otherwise in excellent condition.