Tintype and Reunion Grouping of Private Perry Smith, 105th Pennsylvania “Wildcat Regiment”. Suffered 50 Percent Casualties at Gettysburg / SOLD
Excellent grouping of items owned by Perry Smith, who enlisted in August 1861 as a private in the 105th Pennsylvania Infantry “Wildcat Regiment.” Smith was a veteran of the battles of Fair Oaks, Gaines’ Mill, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Second Manassas, and Fredericksburg. He was discharged for disability at the end of December 1862. The Wildcat Regiment suffered 50 percent casualties fighting Barksdale’s Brigade along the Emmitsburg Road at Gettysburg and served in every major battle of the Army of the Potomac to Appomattox.
The lot includes a 1/6th plate tintype with great clarity of Smith in uniform with a female friend, possibly his future wife Caroline. The silver badge with Smith’s name, regiment, and 3rd Corps badge measures 2¼” in length. Smith was very active in the Grand Army of the Republic, as evidenced by his membership badge and G.A.R. 1st Lieutenant post rank badge. A variety of pins and reunion ribbons collected by Smith from 1892 to 1924 are included in the lot. This is a wonderful grouping from a veteran of a notable Civil War infantry regiment.
Perry Smith - Enlisted on 8/28/1861 as a Private. On 8/28/1861 he mustered into "D" Co. PA 105th Infantry. He was discharged for disability on 12/31/1862.
PENNSYLVANIA 105TH INFANTRY (Three Years)
One Hundred and Fifth Infantry.-Cols., Amor A. McKnight, William W. Corbett, Calvin A. Craig, James Miller, Lieut.-Cols., William W. Corbett, Calvin A. Craig, J. W. Greenawalt, L. B. Duff, Oliver C. Reddie; Majs., Mungo M. Dick, J. W. Greenawalt, Levi B. Duff, John C. Conser. James Miller. The 105th was raised mainly in the counties of Jefferson, Clarion and Clearfield; was organized at Pittsburg in Sept. and Oct., 1861, and mustered into the U. S. service for a three years, term. It was ordered to Washington in October and assigned to the 1st brigade, 1st division, 3rd corps, in camp near Alexandria. Leaving camp on March 17, 1862, the regiment took part in the siege of Yorktown and the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks. In the latter engagement the troops fought like veterans, holding their position unsupported until nearly surrounded. Three companies were on special duty at the opening of the action and being unable to reach the regiment in its exposed position fought with the 57th Pa. After a month spent on picket duty the 105th was again in action at Glendale and Malvern hill, and by the time it reached Harrison's landing the ranks were so reduced by wounds and sickness that less than 100 were fit for active duty. While posted along the railroad between Manassas and Warrenton Junction, Cos. B, G and H were captured by the enemy. An engagement resulted at Bristoe Station, by the 1st and Hooker's divisions, on Aug. 29, and the following day of the entire army at Bull Run, where once more the gallant work of the 105th resulted in the loss of many of its bravest. The regiment was specially complimented by Gen. Kearny for its gallantry. September and October were spent at Washington which place the command left on Oct. 28, and after some scouting near Leesburg arrived at Falmouth on Nov. 24. Its next battle was Fredericksburg, after which the winter was spent in camp near Brandy Station. At Chancellorsville in May, 1863, the troops were warmly engaged and many won the Kearny medal of honor. The first two weeks of June were spent at Banks ford and then the troops started northward. At Gettysburg many fell and after the return to Virginia engagements followed at Auburn, Kelly's ford, and Locust Grove in the Mine Run campaign late in November. At the end of that campaign the camp at Brandy Station was occupied for the winter, and on Dec. 28, 1863, nearly the entire regiment reenlisted. At the Wilderness and Spottsylvania in May, 1864, the regiment did its share of the fighting and then moved to Petersburg with the army, where it took part in the operations of the 1Oth corps in August and the movements upon the Weldon railroad in October and December. On Sept. 5, the remainder of the 63rd was added to the regiment and in March, 1865, about 300 new recruits were received. At Sailor's creek the 105th was actively engaged, after which it returned to Alexandria. It participated in the grand review at Washington and was mustered out in that city on July 11, 1865. Out of a total of 2,040 the regiment lost 309 members by death from wounds or disease and 199 were reported missing, but its record through all its long term of service was one of unwavering devotion to the cause, combined with heroic courage.
Comes housed in an 18 x 24 inch display case with black velvet backing and descriptive card.
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Inventory Number: GRO 066 / SOLD