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Civil War Sword Presentation Speech, 1863

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Civil War Union Documents

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1863 Civil War Antietam and Fredericksburg... At Gettysburg "Sword Presentation" Speech to Colonel William S. Tilton

Oct. 1863, Ceremonial Sword Presentation Speech, after Gettysburg, Choice Extremely Fine.
Manuscript Speech, 8" x 5", 5 page, War-date, written by 1st Lieut. Edwin C. Bennett, of the 22nd Massachusetts Vol., in period ink. The speech is given on behalf of the regiment to Col. William S. Tilton during the presentation of a sword, sash, and spurs as a token of their appreciation for his service. "I have been deputed by the officers of this regiment to address you in a complimentary... tenor, and to present you tokens... of their high appreciation of your merits as a man and officer... Wounded and captured at Gaine's Mill you rejoined us as Lieut. Col... and conducted us through.. Antietam and Fredericksburg... At Gettysburg, where the 5th Corps... roll[ed] back the tide of invasion in wreak and dismay... I request you accept this sword..." Both men served faithfully throughout the remainder of the war. Tilton reached the rank of brevet brigadier general while Bennett achieved the rank of brevet lieut. colonel before the war's end. The speech has some minor folds, but otherwise in extremely fine condition.

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