Exceptional grouping related to Algernon S. Morrisette (1839-1864) of 41st Virginia Infantry. Morrisette served as both an enlistedman and officer during his service before he died from disease in 1864. The 41st Virginia was a heavily engaged regiment that participated in nearly every major battle of the Eastern Theatre during the Civil War, including the Battle of Gettysburg. A highlight of this grouping is Morrisette’s detailed description of the Battle of Gettysburg (included in the journal).

This lot is accompanied by a letter of provenance written by a descendant of Morrisette, from whom these items originated.

The lot includes:

1. Algernon S. Morrisette’s foot officer’s sword, complete with leather scabbard (missing drag), manufactured by the Virginia firm, Boyle and Gamble. Though unmarked, this example bears all the hallmarks of a Boyle and Gamble product. The sword features an unstopped fuller and unmarked blade. There is evidence of use from actual service during the War.

2. Journal chronicling Algernon S. Morrisette’s first-hand account of his wartime experience. This record is likely near-contemporaneous to the Civil War and was produced from Morrisette’s diaries/letters by a relative. The book begins with a piece of Confederate currency affixed to a page and a hand-drawn, colorized Confederate flag with the notation “CSA vs. USA.”

The 70+ page journal begins by describing the organization of the 41st Virginia and the unit’s subsequent movement. In great detail, Morrisette describes the battles of Drewry’s Bluff, Seven Pines, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, and Mine Run, as well as other skirmishes and the everyday life of a soldier. Morrisette is meticulous in recording troop movements and gruesome episodes. He also occasionally mentions interactions with civilians, which offers insight into the homefront experience of average citizens.

Enthusiasts will likely be most interested in Morrisette’s narrative of the Battle of Gettysburg, which is recorded in great detail beginning on page 58. This is a significant account that has never been published.

On July 1st, 1863 Morrisette wrote that “we were ordered towards Gettysburg” and that he had marched past the “Caledonia Iron Works” owned by Congressman and abolitionist, Thaddeus Stevens.

This description will be updated on April 16th, 2024.


[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Swords, Arms, Armaments, Militaria, Guns, Uniforms, Accoutrements]