The complete regulation Virginia militia uniform attributed to Lt. Henry B. Davenport, who was involved in the capture of John Brown at Harper’s Ferry in October 1859, almost assuredly wearing the uniform offered here as it conforms to the 1858 State of Virginia regulations for officers’ militia dress. Following the trial and hanging of John Brown, in which Lt. Davenport and his company were in attendance, he was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in the newly formed Company A, 2nd Virginia Infantry (subsequently part of the famous Stonewall Brigade). Davenport was present at the Battle of Manassas or First Bull Run in July 1861, likely still wearing this uniform, later taking command of his company following the wounding of Captain John W. Rowan. Available records do not provide the date of his discharge but Davenport’s wartime regiment was engaged in all major battles of the Army of Northern Virginia until surrendering at Appomattox Courthouse with just 9 officers and 62 men remaining.

Henry Bedinger Davenport (1830-1901) was a member of a prominent Virginia family and attended the University of Virginia before entering military service. His father, Braxton Davenport, was the presiding magistrate of the court which committed John Brown to jail following his raid. Interestingly, Henry B. Davenport was also the brother-in-law of fiery abolitionist and friend of Abraham Lincoln, Representative Cassius M. Clay. The competing factions of Davenport’s family presents a fascinating dichotomy that mirrors the tensions and divisions that characterized the era in which he lived. This lot includes Davenport’s frock coat, kepi, and trousers.

The dark blue frock is cut from a finely-finished wool broadcloth and fully lined throughout the bodice and skirt with a high quality silk lining showing minor signs of honest wear and repair. The chest and side panels are quilted throughout, the stitching continuing into the front facing. The interior chest pocket bag is brown cotton while the sleeve lining is cut from white cotton sheeting. The cut of the frock is typical of pre to early Civil War patterning, exhibiting “en gigot” sleeves with gathering at the sleeve cap (shoulder) and wide elbows that taper to a narrow cuff. Nine large Virginia state seal buttons close the front of the coat. Six small buttons, also Virginia state seals, trim the cuffs. Simplified 1st Lieutenant shoulder boards (added during conservation), made from silvered bullion wire and gold flat-woven metal braid, on a field of dark blue matching the frock cloth, are affixed on each shoulder; this style being typical of pre and early war militia organizations.
The trousers, in a classic period pattern, are cut from dark blue broadcloth matching that of the frock coat and trimmed on the out-seam with a 1/8” braided gold bullion cord. The interior fly facings are cut from brown polished cotton (buttonhole side) and white linen (button side). Fly closure contains five buttonholes and corresponding buttons. The rear “curtain” is cut from white linen. The pocket bags, watch pocket bag, and waistband linings are cut from cotton drill. The entire top of the waistband and watch pocket opening are trimmed on the outside with black silk tape (faded to brown in some areas of wear). Pockets have French style pointed openings that close with buttons/buttonholes (buttons missing). Waistband has all black-painted metal buttons intact.

The forage cap, again made from cloth matching that of the frock and trousers, is cut with a tall body and large crown typically seen in pre and early war militia units. Brown linen body lining is intact with minor wear on the quilted crown. The enameled leather visor is bound around the edges. A two-piece enameled leather chinstrap of a style typical to militia and some private purchase military headgear is connected by a stamped brass slide buckle and affixed to the cap with small three-piece Virginia state seal buttons. The sweatband is missing but it’s absence reveals a lower body stiffener of leather and all of the usually unseen interior basting and hand stitching.

All three items constitute an important uniform grouping that was likely worn by Lt. Davenport at John Brown’s raid/trial, and during the battle of First Bull Run. Even if this uniform was not associated with an officer of pedigreed military service as Davenport, it would remain a valuable artifact in its own right. Few articles of early Virginia military uniforms survive at all, let alone a complete set as well-preserved as the example offered here.

The consignor relates this grouping descended in the Davenport family and was documented as such in a 2012 auction (which also offered a First National flag associated with Davenport). Serious parties are encouraged to request a copy of this grouping's conservation report and documentation.









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