Identified Confederate Slouch Hat and Blankets John P. Boyd 2nd Georgia State Line
This fantastic Confederate grouping consists of 2 blankets and a slouch hat belonging to John Patterson Boyd. He was born on April 10, 1824 in Chester, South Carolina and enlisted in the Newton Guards, which formed Company G of the 2nd Regiment, Georgia State Line. The first blanket is constructed of 2 pieces of cream-colored wool with two red stripes, a brown stripe, and a blue stripe woven into each end. Two separate, very old ink inscriptions identify the blanket to John P. Boyd. Whether the writing is Boyd’s or a family member’s is unknown. This exact blanket is published on page 39 of Don Troiani’s book: Civil War Soldiers. “Confederate Blanket Carried by John P. Boyd, who enlisted in the Newton Guards. That Unit formed Company “G”, 2nd Regiment, Georgia State Line, C.S.A. On the South, cotton looms of the era were narrow generally 48 inches wide, hence blankets and other cloth material of the period were pieced or sewn together. This blanket of two-piece construction is burgundy with blue stripes and is heavily patched from rigorous duty.”
The second blanket is the same size and construction, but each end has four alternating stripes of dark brown and burgundy. An ink inscription of the same age and handwriting identifies the blanket to John Boyd. Both blankets are in strong condition with sections of wear from extensive use, and both have period sewn repairs and patches.
The grouping includes a stunning example of a Confederate slouch hat that also belonged to John Boyd. It’s constructed of sturdy brown felt with a telescoped crown and wide brim, exhibiting scattered mothing and evidence of heavy wear in the field. The hat measures 15 inches wide with a 3.5-inch crown. This exact hat is published on Page 78 of Don Troiani’s book: Civil War Soldiers – “Confederate slouch hat worn by Private John Boyd of Georgia. From the crest hill covered with dead and wounded, swords, guns, and other paraphernalia of War, Lieutenant Lot D. Young of the Kentucky Orphan Brigade C.S.A., at Atlanta, remarked, “I found here the thing I needed and coveted most… a fine black sombrero, which furnished me ample protection thereafter from the intense rays of the August sun. I swapped my spoon billed cap with the fellow who had worn this hat, to which he, of course, raised no objection.”
Unique in origin and service, the two regiments of the Georgia State Line were conspicuous among the local defense forces raised in Confederate Georgia. Indirectly brought into being by the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, the State Line was raised to protect Georgia and serve only within her borders. Its military career began with the coastal defense of Savannah in February 1863 and continued until the surrender of Georgia's forces in May 1865. During their tour of duty, the Line's men served both as bridge guards and construction crews on the Western and Atlantic Railroad. They fought alongside the Army of Tennessee during the final four months of the Atlanta Campaign at Kolb’s Farm, Peachtree Creek, and Atlanta. They saw action under Lieutenant General William J. Hardee during Sherman's March to the Sea, resisting Sherman’s advance at Griswoldville, and repulsed the Union assault at Honey Hill, South Carolina. Finally, men of the State Line fought at Columbus, in one of the last battlefields of the war.
The lot is accompanied by a 3-ring binder with genealogy records on John P. Boyd and two of his brothers that fought for the Confederacy. At exceptional Confederate grouping that would make a great centerpiece to any collection.
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Inventory Number: IDE
122