Grouping of Items and Transcribed Letters of Josiah Quincy Grimes, 15th NJ Infantry / SOLD

Wonderful grouping belonging to Josiah Quincy Grimes, an abolitionist who enlisted in the 15th New Jersey in August 1862 and died of disease on September 8, 1863. The lot includes the cartridge box he carried during the war and his pocket New Testament, as well as a period autograph book that his sister used to painstakingly transcribe every letter he sent home. The family copy of the 1883 regimental history is also included, as well as a 3-ring binder full of typewritten transcriptions of his letters and photocopies of enlistment papers and muster rolls. 

Grimes’ cartridge box is the 1855 pattern, in good condition but shows evidence of hard use in the field. Half of the leather closure strap is missing but is otherwise complete with all straps and roller buckles. The inside of the closure flap is clearly marked “15” in stenciled ink, and the implement pouch still contains 2 pieces of emery paper for polishing the musket. Grimes describes in his letter home after the Battle of Salem Church that his cartridge box sling was shot away during the action, but he never received a scratch. 

The 1862 pocket Testament has a red Moroccan leather cover and closure tab and contains a patriotic insert from the Morris County Bible Society on the inside of the front cover. The front page is inscribed “Quincey Grimes Co. E 15th Reg NJV, 1st Brig 1st Div 6th Corps.”

 Quincy Grimes

Enlisted on 8/11/1862 as a Private.

On 8/25/1862 he mustered into "C" Co. NJ 15th Infantry

He died of disease on 9/8/1863 at Warrenton, VA

(Died of chronic diarrhea)

Inventory Number: GRO 031 / SOLD