Fantastic group of items related to Johnny Clem, the “Drummer Boy of Chickamauga," who rose to fame during the Civil War for both his young age and acts of heroism. As the legend goes, the 9 or 10 year old Clem threw his lot in with the 22nd Michigan Infantry, who eventually “adopted” him into the regiment as a drummer. Clem was said to have been wounded twice during his service, and more famously allegedly shot a Confederate Colonel who tried to capture him. Regardless of what really occurred, the cherubic Clem became a star to the American public, who marveled that such a child could be so brave under fire. Photos of Clem were sold throughout the country, songs were inspired, and for his part the young soldier relished in the attention both during and after the War.

What is often overlooked because of his celebrity is that Clem spent much of the balance of his long life in the service of the United States, rising to Brigadier General upon retirement in 1915. While some of young Clem’s exploits may have been exaggerated for patriotic effect, no one could question his genuine devotion to his country. He made such an impact that in 1916, he was promoted again while retired, this time to Major General.

The items in this lot belonged to James Walker Dickie, a Scottish immigrant who served with Clem in the 22nd Michigan Infantry. Perhaps feeling nostalgic, Dickie wrote Clem in 1903 when Clem was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. Clem, now considerably older than the typical drummer boy, wrote back in very neat and legible ink. He thanks Dickie for reaching out, reminisces about their War service (including a reference to the two of them brawling with a nasty officer) and laments how many of their old comrades have “answered the final roll call” since the Civil War. He closes by telling Dickie about a gift: “Will send you in this a photograph taken in Chattanooga in 1864.”

The photograph from the letter is included, portraying a young Clem in perhaps his most famous pose: armed with a musket nearly twice his size, and looking defiant. The verso contains a biography of Clem, and is personalized in ink to Dickie: “Your Comrade, Jno. L. Clem/To J.W. Dickie Co. C. 22 Mich.”

Also included in this lot is a first-edition copy of the 22nd Michigan’s regimental history, an 1880s cabinet card of Dickie, his naturalization documents, a mounted photo of a simple log home, and other assorted early 20th century paperwork from the Dickie family, who settled in Wyoming after the war. Condition of all items is very good, including the Clem photograph and letter, which exhibit only minor wear. It is very difficult to find Clem-related material that is this personal, and helps demonstrate that he made an impact on his comrades in the regiment that lasted long after the War.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate]