A Civil War Veteran’s Cache of Personal Papers, Retained by Pennsylvania Soldier William Bantom, including Four Autograph Letters from Major General Alexander Shaler, Bantom’s Comrade-In-Arms at the Second Battle of Marye’s Heights

A small collection of personal papers and associated materials retained by William Bantom, a Union soldier who served in the 23rd and 82nd Pennsylvania Volunteers infantry. Bantom had a distinguished military career and was wounded twice: on May 3, 1863 at the Second Battle of Marye’s Heights, and on April 6, 1865 at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, the last major engagement of the Civil War. The collection consists of a large commemorative color lithographic poster with hand-lettered calligraphy that documents Bantom’s complete Civil War service from 1862-65, two cabinet card portraits (of Bantom and his son Charles), four letters by Alexander Shaler (who was awarded a Medal of Honor for his actions at the Second Battle of Marye’s Heights), together with three medallions and a silver spoon engraved by the "Survivors Association; 23d Penna. Vols. 1888" to Bantom’s son "Chas. Gettysburg Shaler Bantom." The collection documents William Bantom’s "40 year" friendship with Alexander Shaler. They likely first met during the Chancellorsville Campaign in May 1863 at the Second Battle of Marye’s Heights where Bantom was wounded and Shaler earned the Medal of Honor. Bantom named his son, born on August 4, 1886, after Gettysburg and Shaler (Charles Gettysburg Shaler Bantom). In the letters Shaler refers to him as "Young Gettysburg," and included among the medallions is a silver cross medal dedicated both to Charles and the Gettysburg monument to the 23rd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. An attractive cache of a Civil War soldier’s associated post-war materials with a story to tell. A detailed list is available. …