Instruction for Field Artillery ID’d to Alfred Luther 1st Rhode Island Volunteers and Battery C, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery Lost Right Arm at Gaines’ Mill / SOLD
Instruction for Field Artillery ID’d to Alfred Luther 1st Rhode Island Volunteers and Battery C, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery Lost Right Arm at Gaines’ Mill - Inventory Number: HIS 160 / SOLD
1861 edition of Instruction for Field Artillery published by J.B. Lippincott & Co. of Philadelphia. The inside of the front and back covers bear the ink inscription “Alfred Luther 4th Battery R.I.V.” The bottom edge of the pages is also inscribed “Alfred Luther.” Luther enlisted in April 1861 in the 1st Rhode Island and was attached to the 4th Battery. After the Battle of Bull Run the 1st Rhode Island’s 3-month enlistments expired, and Alfred Luther enlisted in Battery C, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery. During the savage fighting at Gaines’ Mill on June 27, 1862, Luther was loading a shell into the barrel of his 10lb. Parrott Rifle when the round prematurely discharged, shattering his right arm and severely burning his face and eyes. His right arm was amputated below the elbow and was soon afterwards captured and spent 22 days in a prison pen in Richmond before being exchanged. He was discharged in October and spent the rest of his life as a bachelor, frequently applying for pension increases for his worsening disabilities until his death in 1899. In addition to Alfred Luther’s manual, the grouping includes three binders of pension document copies, Luther family genealogy, a 1994 article manuscript on Alfred Luther by the previous owner. Several ribbons and flags from a 1996 grave rededication ceremony in memory of Luther by the Sons of union Veterans are also included. This is a wonderful Identified Civil War item with a rich personal history.
Alfred Luther - Residence Warren RI; Enlisted on 4/17/1861 as a Private. On 5/2/1861 he mustered into "B" Co. RI 1st Infantry. He was Mustered Out on 8/2/1861 at Providence, RI. Enlisted on 8/25/1861 as a Private. On 8/25/1861 he mustered into "Batty C" Co. RI 1st Light Artillery. He was discharged for wounds on 10/25/1862 at Providence, RI. Missing 6/27/1862 Gaines' Mill, VA (Returned).* Wounded 6/27/1862 Gaines' Mill, VA (Absent hospital, until discharge).