(ABRAHAM LINCOLN.) Group of 3 orders to a Pennsylvania officer from the time of the Lincoln procession in Philadelphia. 2 printed and one manuscript order, various sizes; folds, minimal wear. Philadelphia, 21 to 23 April 1865 John Emery Parsons (1837-1914) served as a captain in Pennsylvania's 149th and 187th Infantry regiments, and was promoted to lieutenant colonel in January 1865, serving in the brigade's field staff. Offered here are three orders issued shortly after Lincoln's assassination:
Headquarters, District of Philadelphia, General Orders No. 5, by order of General Ferry. Printed order assigning units commanded by six officers "comprising the Escort at the Obsequies of the late President," including Parsons as commander of the 187th Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, 21 April 1865.
187th Pennsylvania, General Orders No. 11, issued by Parsons. Printed order issued the same day as the above, pledging to have "no soldier occupying a position in this command who is unworthy or incompetent." Philadelphia, 21 April 1865.
Headquarters, Rendezvous for Drafted Men, Special Orders No. 73, issued by General Cummings. Manuscript order detailing the 187th Pennsylvania"for duty as an escort to the remains of the late President from Independence Hall to the Kensington Rail Road Depot." Philadelphia, 23 April 1865.
WITH--7 other documents relating to his military career, including two orders dated 1864; an undated summary of money in the 187th Regimental Fund; a testimonial recommending the reinstatement of two captains from the 187th dated 25 March 1865; and 3 postwar letters, 1870-1898.