[Humorous Civil War Broadside, Florida]: Order of Exercises for the Celebration of the 86th Annniversary of American Independence , at St. Augustine, Fla., by The Fourth Regiment N. H. Volunteers, July 4th, 1862. [With related material]

(WENTWORTH, Stephen J.)

Published by The Fourth Regiment N. H. Volunteers, St. Augustine, Fla, 1862

About this Item

Broadside. Approximately 6" x 12". Old light folds, faint foxing. else near fine. Largely comical and facetious names are assigned to the speakers and other participants, for instance: "The Procession will be headed by the Celebrated Knockemhigherthanakite Band! under the direction of Herr Sawmynoseoff." and "Oration will be delivered by Professor Twistemstraighter. After which Dr. Sawbones will present a Magnificent Crownometer to the most intellectual looking soldier in the ranks." After these shenanigans they get down to the serious stuff: announcing competitions to be held in catching a greased pig, climbing a greased pole, a blindfolded wheelbarrow race, and a potato race. The conclusion of the event: "The Evening will be enlivened by a Grand Display of Fireworks on the Green near the Fort." [With]: a muster roll dated in January, 1864, recording the muster of 2nd Lt. Stephen J. Wentworth of the Fourth Regiment, N. H. Volunteers; near fine. [With]: a sixth plate tintype of Stephen J. Wentworth in uniform, in a contemporary elaborate "protector" frame, but lacking the case. The tintype is a little dark, and has the uniform buttons highlighted slightly with gold paint as was frequently the custom, and is overall very good. Wentworth was eventually promoted to 1st Lieutenant, but lost his life on August 15th, 1864 at the age of 20 at the Second Battle of Deep Bottom in Virginia. The Fourth Regiment N. H. Volunteers participated in the Expedition to Florida beginning in January 1862, and were garrisoned at St. Augustine from April through September. Despite their sojourn in Florida, the Regiment saw significant battle activity throughout the war, including at Fort Wagner, Cold Harbor, The Crater, Petersburg, and elsewhere. Presumably entertaining garrisoned troops was a significant undertaking, and the traditional celebration of the 4th of July and the accompanying hijinks, was a welcome distraction. *OCLC* locates three copies over two records.

Seller Inventory # 584652

Bibliographic Details

• Title: [Humorous Civil War Broadside, Florida]: Order of Exercises for the Celebration of the 86th Annniversary of American Independence , at St. Augustine, Fla., by The Fourth Regiment N. H. Volunteers, July 4th, 1862. [With related material]
• Publisher: The Fourth Regiment N. H. Volunteers, St. Augustine, Fla
• Publication Date: 1862
• Binding: Unbound
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine