WORN AT BATTLE OF SHILOH BY LIEUT JAMES P BOWMAN120. [CONFEDERATE OFFICER'S CAPE] Gray cape worn during the Civil War by 1st Lieutenant James Pirrie Bowman (1832-1926) 3rd LA Cavalry. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 3rd LA Cavalry, which at this point was part of Co. A, Woods-Adams Cavalry, CSA. At the Battle of Shiloh on Apr 6-7, 1862, Woods-Adams Cavalry Regiment was heavily engaged. When General Beauregard suspended operations, this regiment helped to cover the Confederate retreat. According to family history, Lieut. Bowman wore this gray cape during this major battle where he was wounded, using a crutch for some period of time. It is not certain if Lt. Bowman returned home immediately or was taken prisoner. It is known that most of the regiment's wounded were captured and later exchanged in November 1862. There is some difference of opinion as to whether Bowman resigned his commission after Shiloh to become a medical corpsman after his recuperation at his plantation home at Rosedown or held his rank and returned to duty. However, Bowman signed his Parole, copy accompanying, at Gainsville, AL, in May 1865 with stated rank as Lieutenant. By the time he returned to service, Colonel Isaac Harrison had formed the 15th Battalion LA Cavalry of which the 3rd LA Cavalry was then a part. Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, Bowman was master of Rosedown Plantation in Louisiana and was a successful cotton and sugar planter in Pointe Coupee Parish. It is recorded that years later, the old veteran would reminisce to friends and visitors at Rosedown about the time when Union scouts searching the countryside for what they could commandeer, steal, destroy or burn, on seeing the marble urns and statuary at Rosedown, fled from the place thinking that they had invaded a cemetery. His family papers reside at the Louisiana State University, Special Collections Department. Detailed Provenance and copy of military records included.

Provenance: The cape is constructed of two layers of fabric, a heavy gray wool outer fabric and a much lighter weight gray cotton/wool lining, and was designed to button onto an overcoat with six buttons around the collar. Measuring 29" at the center seam with 25½" front bodice, the cape is machine sewn except for the attachment of the lining to the outer fabric, which was hand-sewn. There are no pockets. The cape evidences much wear, especially around the first two buttonholes and around the collar. However, there are is also evident damage from clothes moths and carpet beetle resulting in loss of wool with three holes in outer cover and lining from rodent or insects. This cape is of a style similar to capes illustrated in the publication Echoes of Glory and, according to noted conservator Fonda Thomsen, whose analysis accompanies, supports the family history and other researcher's opinions. A very desirable Confederate relic from an old Louisiana family. MB: $12000

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