Civil War
1865 Broadside of Brevet Brigadier General H.M. Plaisted’s “Farewell !” to the 11th Maine Volunteers
March 25, 1865-Dated Civil War Period, Printed Broadside, Brevet Brigadier General H.M. Plaisted’s Farewell to the 11th Maine Volunteers, Very Fine.
Original Printed Broadside, Signed in Print as Colonel 11th Maine Volunteers, and Brevet Brigadier General. It measures 8.5” x 5.5” and is folded with some expected light fold tone and slight fold intersection split at center, headed “Headquarters 3d Brig., 1st Div., 24th A.C., - Army of the James, - Before Richmond, VA., Mar. 25, 1865.” Plaisted (1828-98) takes leave of his command, commending his troops for their bravery and loyalty, and naming many of the historic Civil War battles in which they took part. The address concludes: “Farewell ! - To the 11th Maine: My old Companions, farewell !”

This document also makes mention of the August 16, 1864 battle at Deep Bottom, specifically at Fussell's Mill, VA. This battle was part of the attack on Richmond, VA. The 11th Maine Volunteer Infantry took part in the battle, in which Luther Lawrence of Pownal, Maine was killed and his brother James wounded. Harris M. Plaisted went on to become the future Governor of the State of Maine. A very rare original Broadside “Farewell” Address with only one other copy located, this example being the first we have offered.