[CIVIL WAR]. 4th Rhode Island Infantry kepi identified to Captain Martin Page Buffum, POW at Petersburg. [With:] ALLEN, George H. Forty-Six Months with the Fourth R.I. Volunteers. 

Visor to crown 3 1/2 in. dark blue wool felt kepi with tarred and bound leather visor, leather chinstrap with 14 mm brass Rhode Island state seal buttons with "Robinson Makers" marks to reverse, leather sweatband, and brown cotton lining (light mothing, soiling, significant wear to sweatband and lining); 2 x 1 3/8 in. 1851 pattern infantry insignia with gold bullion horn and silvered regimental number "4" embroidered on black felt. Underside of visor stamped: "Capt. M. Buffum."

[With:] ALLEN, George H. Forty-Six Months with the Fourth R.I. Volunteers, in the War of 1861 to 1865. Providence, RI: J.A. & R.A. Reid, 1887. 8vo. Illustrated. (Toned, spotting.) Original red cloth gilt (soiling, especially to spine). FIRST EDITION regimental history with Buffum listed with his Civil War and post-War military history. 

Buffum enlisted as a private at the beginning of the war on 17 April 1861, mustering into Co. C of the 1st Rhode Island Infantry on 2 May 1861 for three months service, mustering out on 2 August 1861. He re-enlisted, now as a captain, and was commissioned into Co. B of the 4th Rhode Island Infantry and saw several promotions, to major on 10 October 1862, lieutenant colonel on 24 December 1862, and colonel by brevet on 13 March 1865. He was captured as a prisoner of war on 30 July 1864 at Petersburg, VA, confined at Macon, GA, and Columbia, SC, released on 8 December 1864. Shortly after his release, he resigned for a time of apparent convalescence. He again re-enlisted and was commissioned into Field & Staff as a lieutenant colonel of the 9th Veteran Volunteer Infantry (Hancock's Corps) on 1 June 1865, serving until 10 May 1866. After the war, he continued his military career, brevetted 1st lieutenant on 2 March 1867, and promoted to captain on 2 March 1867. In the regimental history, the author notes that in April 1884, Buffum "committed suicide in Texas, by reason of dissipation." 


The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann