Identified Civil War Hardtack / Sold

Civil War Hardtack - Inventory Number: IDE 104 / SOLD

The staple food of the Civil War soldier, this large example, also referred to as a ship cracker is identified to Captain Alvin H. Alexander 103rd PA Infantry Co. “A”.  This example was purchased from George Lower of the Gettysburg Sutler in the 1970’s and the catalog listing and tags from the original sale accompany this piece for provenance. 

Captain Alexander was from Clairon County PA; a 20 year-old Clerk. Enlisted on 9/7/1861 at Callensburg, PA as a 1st Lieutenant.  On 9/7/1861 he was commissioned into "A" Co. PA 103rd Infantry. Promoted to Capt. 1/25/1863.  Wounded 12/14/1862 Kinston, NC. POW 4/20/1864. Plymouth, NC (Confined at Columbia, SC) 2/2/1865 Columbia, SC until Paroled 2/21/1865 Libby Prison, Richmond, VA. He was Mustered Out on 6/25/1865 at New Berne, NC.

Alvin H. Alexander:

Residence Clairon County PA; a 20 year-old Clerk.

Enlisted on 9/7/1861 at Callensburg, PA as a 1st Lieutenant.

On 9/7/1861 he was commissioned into "A" Co. PA 103rd Infantry

He was Mustered Out on 6/25/1865 at New Berne, NC

He was listed as:

* Wounded 12/14/1862 Kinston, NC

* POW 4/20/1864 Plymouth, NC (Confined at Columbia, SC)

* Confined 2/2/1865 Columbia, SC

* Paroled 2/21/1865 Libby Prison, Richmond, VA

Promotions:

* Capt 1/25/1863

He was described at enlistment as:

5' 8.5", florid complexion, brown eyes, brown hair

Other Information:

Born in Callensburg, PA

(Attended ceremonies at dedication of memorial at Andersonville, GA in 1905.)

Federal Pension Information:

He applied for a pension on 6/30/1880 application # 403,606

After the War he lived in 28 Main ST, Clarion, PA

PENNSYLVANIA 103RD INFANTRY (Three Years)

     One Hundred and Third Infantry.-Col., Theodore F. Lehmann Lieut.-Col., Wilson C. Maxwell; Maj's., Audley W. Gazzam, James F. Mackey.  The 103rd was composed mainly of men from the counties of Armstrong, Allegheny, Butler, Clarion and Indiana, and was recruited in the autumn and early winter of 186l, the men reporting at Kittanning.  On Feb. 24, 1862, it left for Harrisburg, where its organization was completed and it then proceeded to Washington.  It was assigned to Keim's brigade, Casey's division, Keyes' corps, and participated in the siege of Yorktown and the engagements at Williamsburg and Fair Oaks.  It was inactive during the Seven Days' battles, being on the left of the line, and was in reserve at Malvern hill, its losses during the campaign having been very heavy. It was stationed for a time at Suffolk and in December was ordered to New Berne, N. C., and joined the expedition to Kingston after which it returned to New Berne, where it remained for the rest of the winter.  In the spring of 1864 it aided in the relief of Little Washington, was next quartered at Plymouth, being stationed there when the town was attacked by a large force of the enemy and captured in April 1864.  With the exception of one company, which was on duty at Roanoke island, the 103rd regiment joined its comrades of the 101st in prison and 132 of its members died in Andersonville alone.  In March, 1865, eight new companies were added to the regiment, but never became incorporated with it, and the regiment was mustered out at New Berne June 25, 1865, only 81 of its original muster being present.

Inventory Number: IDE 104 / SOLD