Lot 129 email save

A Commission into the "Chivalry"

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BONHAM, Milledge Luke (1813-1890) Confederate general who commanded Morris Island at war’s start and a brigade at 1st Manassas, member of the Confederate Congress, and Governor of South Carolina in 1863-64. Partly printed Document Signed, "M.L. Bonham" as Governor, no place; dated post-facto 1 January 1865. One page, oblong folio, on blue paper, marginal loss affecting lost letter of signature, light aging, minor mounting traces on verso, very faint blinds tamped seal partially over signature. Obviously created by federal soldiers who had found a signed but otherwise unissued military commission, this document is nothing less than an appointment as "Colonel of the First Regiment of Chivalry from the State of South Carolina" and has been made out to Samuel Brown Wheelock. Printed for use when South Carolina was still in the Union, the form bears original manuscript changes to "Confederate" in a few spots, and one to the dateline, making it read in the - year of the Independence of the State of South Carolina." A partly printed oath on verso, dated 1 0 January 1865 and personally signed by Wheelock, binds him (by its waggish alterations) to "not be faithfu1. .. to the State of South Carolina ... and ... not to the best of my abilities, discharge the duties thereof, and preserve, protect and defend, the Constitution of this State, and of the Confederate States - So help me Jeff. Davis!" Wheelock's signature has been "witnessed" by one reading "Grand Mogul." Wheelock, an officer of the 149th New York, was cited several times in reports by his superiors during the Atlanta and Savannah campaigns. General John W. Geary made him his Acting Assistant Adjutant General upon assuming command of Savannah, 23 December 1864.

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