This is a historic archive and partial transcribed memoir of Major General John Ellis Wool (1784-1869). The archive contains a complete US canteen including the canvas cover, cork, and chain, letters, and part of a transcribed memoir. The archive came to us from the descendants of General Wool's assistant who transcribed the memoir.

Gen. Wool holds the distinction of being the oldest serving general in the American Civil War. Over his long career, he served in the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. He also participated in the Rogue River Indian War and the Trail of Tears ethnic cleansing of Native Americans. He was one of the four general officers of the United States Army in 1861, and was the one who had the most service. When the war began, Wool, age 77 and a brigadier general for 20 years, commanded the Department of the East.
On August 1, 1863, President Lincoln sent an order retiring Wool from service after 51 years in the Army. At the age of 79, he was the oldest general officer to execute active command in either army during the war. Wool, who believed he was still healthy and fit enough for duty, was stunned and outraged at his dismissal and wrote a series of letters to the War Department in protest, but to no avail. He continued sending letters for the remaining few years of his life to the then President Andrew Johnson and Ulysses Grant, again without effect.
Wool lived in Troy, New York for the remaining five years of his life. He died on November 10, 1869. He was buried there in Oakwood Cemetery.
The canteen is 8" diameter. The largest paper is 11 x 8"

3.5lbs