LUXURY ASSET AUCTION

Civil War Archive of Brevet Major Edwin F. Barstow, 77th US Colored Troops Edwin F. Barstow, 110th NYVI & 77th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops A very interesting and possibly unique archive of letters, documents, photographs, and books of Major Edwin F. Barstow, a medical student from an Abolitionist family who left college to enlist in the 110th New York Volunteer Infantry in 1862, and who was commissioned in the 5th Corps d’Afrique, later designated the 77th US Colored Troops and later the 10th USCT Artillery. Barstow, after gaining his Doctor of Medicine eventually moved to California, where he was among the founders of the town of Corning where he was active in civic life and politics. This is an extremely extensive archive containing more than 90 original letters between Edwin F. Barstow and Emma Blodgett, later his wife. There are also a few letters to his mother, as well as to others in his family. Of particular interest are his hand-written copies of letters made before sending, some of which detail action during his time as an enlisted man, and his service as an officer with the US Colored Troops, of whom he writes extensively and positively. Additionally there are letters to a school friend, Anthony Coit who was serving with the 16th Michigan. Many of the letters are in their original envelopes with Civil War postage stamps. Along with the letters are a number of period photographs, both of Edwin Barstow, of which there are five carte de visites in the archive: two of him as a student before the War, one of him as an enlisted man in the 110th New York, and two of him as an officer. There are also two images of his brother Manley Barstow, also of the 110th New York, who enlisted with Edwin, but died at Fortress Monroe in July of 1863. One photo is a full length CDV, and the other is a larger albumen print portrait. There are 14 documents relating to Barstow’s time in command of Company E, 77th USCt, several in their original envelopes. Barstow’s discharge from the 110th New York to be commissioned in the 5th Corps d’Afrique. Three legal documents relating to rental or business arrangements between Barstow and various parties. Barstow’s insurance policy of 1867. A warrant as First Sergeant to William E. Stephens of the 110th New York. Edwin F. Barstow’s diploma as a Doctor of Medicine from Hudson College in Ohio. Emma Blodgett Barstow’s State of New York credential as a “Teacher of Youth.” Scholarship document of the State of New York to Emma Blodgett. Edwin F. Barstow and Emma Blaodgett’s Marriage Certificate An 1865 leather bound pocket diary carried and written in by Major Barstow. Edwin F. Barstow’s pocket anatomy book. A small wartime diary of Edwin F. Barstow started during his time as an enlisted man. The Life and Speeches of Stephen A. Douglas, with Edwin F. Barstow’s bookplate. A Bible belonging to Edwin J. Barstow, father of Edwin F. Barstow, apparently carried by Major Barstow during the Civil War. Two newspaper clippings from “The Corning Observer” from Corning, California with articles and memorials regarding the deaths of Edwin F. and Emma Barstow in 1924 and 1926. There is also a small silver colored metal soap container, probably carried by Major Barstow. The written material in the letters, documents and diary is of great interest to historians of both the Civil War and African-American history. Barstow describes his experience under fire with the 110th New York in detail, as well as his experiences between battles in camp and on the march. While stationed at Fortress Monroe he describes visiting his brother Manley, who was soon to die in that same hospital. When he accepts his commission in a “Colored” regiment, he writes with pride of his men, and describes their readiness to learn and dedication to their cause- a cause that he shares. The many documents from his time commanding Colored Troops also paint a picture both of his careful duty to his men and his Country, but also of the daily life of his command. This archive is genuinely remarkable in its completeness, and may well be unique as a representation of Civil War service with a Colored Regiment.