Identified Officer's Sword Belt Plate William Kirkland Bacon Killed at Fredericksburg / Sold

Identified Officer's Sword Belt Plate William Kirkland Bacon Killed at Fredericksburg - Inventory Number: IDE 220 / Sold

This is the sword belt plate worn by commissioned officers in the Union Army and by more than a few Confederate officers. Features an American eagle on the front with wings spread high grasping a banner in its beak that reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. The wreath is solid cast brass as is regulation for officer’s belt plates. An attractive example.  

On the back of the plate is an original old ink tag attributing the plate to “Adj. Bacon”.  Research indicates that Adjutant William Kirtland Bacon was first a volunteer with the 14th NY regiment and later joined the 26th NY from Utica, NY.  He was killed at the Battle of Fredericksburg. VA. The plate is accompanied by some history on Bacon from internet research. 

"William Kirkland Bacon--Late Adjutant of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment of New York State Volunteers, slain at Fredericksburg, December 16, 1862".

On the field of battle at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, "Seeing no other alternative, [Colonel Peter] Lyle ordered his regiments to abandon the railroad and retreat."

"The Southerners descended on Lyle's withdrawal ' yelling like perfect devils at their heels,' and the Federals fended them off during their slow retrograde. Firing farthest to the rear and coaxing his men to stand was the youthful adjutant, William Bacon, firmly keeping the 26th New York to its work. Suddenly the officer toppled to the ground and turned an ashen gray. A minie ball had splintered his upper thigh."

"Soldiers flocked to the hurt adjutant, then sheepishly looked over at Major Wetmore. The major had read Burnside's orders to the men that morning which forbade any soldier to leave the battle line to care for the wounded. The commander suppressed his tears and deliberately turned his back to the crowd. The infantrymen took their cue and removed the bleeding man to the rear. William Bacon evenly told his bearers that 'he had fought his last battle.' Bacon died soon afterward, just as he had predicted."

From " The Fredericksburg Campaign Stonewall Jackson at Fredericksburg The battle of Prospect Hill December 13, 1862" page 163 By Frank O'Relly.

Comes housed in a 8 x 14 inch display case with black velvet backing and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: IDE 220 / Sold