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SUBTITLED: The Story of the Sixteenth New York Infantry together with Personal Reminiscences. BOOK DESCRIPTION: 8vo, xix, 384 pgs, portrait plates including frontis. Original decorative blue cloth with a red cross on cover and with gilt titled cover and spine; top edge gilt. Inscribed by author on front preliminary and with additional material relating to the author, the ownership of this particular presentation copy and its subsequent transfer to a third collector. The additional material includes two typed, signed notes from Gen. Curtis, and a rare original, printed pamphlet from his memorial service in NYC held on Jan 8, 1910; and a typed, signed letter from that family to a second collector transferring ownership. CONDITION DESCRIPTION: Minor rubbing to covers, light soiling to spine; else gilt bright. Interior is clean and tight. With clear, mylar wrapper. CONTENTS DESCRIPTION: Gen. Curtis enlisted and assisted in the organization of the 16th NY Infantry and subsequently elected captain. He fought in the Peninsula Campaign and was wounded in a minor engagement at West Point, Virginia. On October 23, 1862, he transferred to the 142nd New York Volunteer Infantry, serving as lieutenant colonel until his promotion to colonel on January 21, 1865. As commander of the 142nd New York Infantry, he fought in the Bermuda Hundred Campaign of May 1864. He took command of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, X Corps, during the Siege of Petersburg. Curtis received a brevet promotion to brigadier general on October 28, 1864, for his actions at the Battle of New Market Heights. His brigade became part of the expedition against Fort Fisher in December 1864 and were among the first troops to attack the fort. Curtis was wounded at the head of his brigade and received a full promotion to brigadier general of volunteers; he also received the Medal of Honor. He remained in the army until January 1866, receiving a brevet to major general of volunteers on March 13, 1865. His post-war career included serving in the US Congress. Here is a great collector's copy with informative additional material. REFERENCES: DORN NY 245; NEVINS I pg. 77: "A standard, authoritative source by an officer who later served three terms in the Congress; Curtis made much use of official and public documents."; COULTER 106: "The narrative is based on personal records and public documents, and indicates respect for the former enemy." EICHER 1077: "This volume offers a history of a skilled fighting unit of the Army of the Potomac, along with the author's entertaining and often humorous recollections of army life. The author's background and raising of the regiment are described, followed by a detailed chronological journey of the 16th up through the time of Chancellorsville. The book offers more of value in the minor incidents and anecdotes related by Curtis. Much of the feeling for the lives of ordinary soldiers and of the relationship between privates and their field officers emerges in these scenes.". Seller Inventory # 0224032
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