Private purchase US foot officers' sword by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, presented to 1st Lieutenant/Quartermaster Fred R. Mundy of the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry, known as 'The Ellsworth Avengers.' This is a handsome sword measuring 36 1/4″ overall, with a 30 1/2″ slightly curved, single-edged blade having single wide fullers. The steel retains a mostly bright polish with small spots of minor freckling scattered along both sides of the blade. The blade has extensively decorated, etched panels along the forte, repeated on both sides: laurel leaves, liberty cap, and American eagle, with "Stand by the Union" and crossed US flags just above the ricasso. The brass hilt has an overall dark, yellow-ochre patina with paler metal on the exposed areas, as well as on the pierced counterguard. The shagreen grip has light surface wear along the seam, and has an intact braided wire wrap. The sword is housed in its original brass and steel scabbard, which has an overall freckled gray patina on the body, and lightly cleaned brass on the throat, hanger band, and chape. The throat itself has a clear and legible presentation inscription: "Presented to Fred R. Mundy, Quarter Master, 44th Reg't N.Y.S.V., as a mark of the Esteem & Confidence of his fellow townsmen, Seneca Falls, N.Y., Oct. 5th, 1861."
Fred R. Mundy was 22 years old when he was commissioned the regimental quartermaster for the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry (3 Year) from the unit's inception in 1861 to its final mustering out in 1864. The regiment, known as "The Ellsworth Avengers" (after Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, a New Yorker, and the first Union officer killed in the war) was formed at Albany and formed part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps. The regiment faced combat at Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, 2nd Bull Run, was held in reserve at Antietam, and fought at Fredericksburg, and the Chancellorsville Campaign. At Gettysburg, the regiment was rushed to Little Round Top in order to counter Hood's attack, and took part in the defense that culminated in Chamberlain's legendary bayonet charge into the shocked remnants of Laws' Texans and Alabamians. Mundy, as quartermaster, would've shuttled back and forth between the regimental staff commanding on the hill, and the supply train near the artillery park on the Spangler Farm behind and to the north of their position.
Following Gettysburg, the regiment took part in the Wilderness Campaign and eventually made it back to Albany where the regiment was honorably discharged. Of the 1,061 men who marched off to war in 1861, only 184 returned. Mundy was fortunate to be one of them, and this sword had been with him throughout the years of hard service. After the war, Mundy went to work for the American Express Co. and was instrumental in the development of their Express Money Order system. He also instituted similar systems for the US Express Co., and the Pacific Express Co. He passed away in 1896 in New York City. This is an excellent presentation Union officer's sword that was present at some of the greatest battles in American history and belonged to a capable, intelligent officer.
Additionally includes a scarce 1863 letter to Governor Horatio Seymour by Lucius Larrabee, a noble captain in the 'Ellsworth Avengers' who was killed at Little Round Top: Civil War-dated LS signed “L. S. Larrabee, Capt. 44th N.Y.S.V.,” one page, 8 x 12.25, April 1, 1863. Letter to Governor Horatio Seymour of New York, in full: "This is to certify that Sergeant James S. Gould has been a member of the 44th reg't N.Y.S.V. since its original formation & has been a faithful & gallant soldier. He was wounded at the battle of Hanover Court House and also at Groveton. We know him to be a man of ability, capable of taking a position among officers & would recommend him as a gentleman, a soldier and a patriot, for a position in some regiment about to be organized." Signed at the conclusion by Lucius Larrabee, C. E. Royce, and J. C. Rice. In fine condition, with repairs to splits along the folds.
From Jeff Kowalis' book, Died at Gettysburg: 'In memory of Colonel Ellsworth, [Larrabee] resigned from the 11th New York to join the 44th 'Ellsworth Avengers'…On the afternoon of July 2nd, Larrabee was in command of the skirmishers for Company B at Little Round Top. While waiting to advance into battle, Larrabee had an unusual sense that his life would soon be ended, and made his feelings known to Captains William R. Bourne and Benjamin K. Kimberly: 'Since our last battle I have known that I would be killed the next time I was under fire.' While the line formed on Little Round Top, he gave up his watch and valuables along with his brother's address in Chicago. When he was ordered to take his company and deploy skirmishers, Captain Bourne wished him luck. Larrabee replied with a certainty of his impending death, 'Good-bye, Billy, I shall never see you again.' After advancing not more than 200 yards, Larrabee fell at the enemy's first volley at the age of twenty-four. Following his death, it was said that 'No braver soldier, no purer or truer spirit took its flight from that blood-drenched field.''
