A fascinating archive of material related to the military career of Colonel Peter T. Swaine (1831–1909), highlighted by a remarkable collection of six ALSs by William T. Sherman, totaling 13 pages, dated between 1878 and 1881. These contain fabulous content—much related to Sherman’s later work with the Smithsonian—bridging a friendship forged on the battlefield and carried into post-war America, with interesting references to both.
The earliest is in pencil, September 19, 1878, in part: "We reached Prescott in two days as estimated…As Captain Rucker will return he can explain the condition of the road…Will you be kind enough to ask your trader to order a small navajo blanket, of very bright colors large enough for a table cover, but not for a bed…Draw on me at Washington for the cost."
The second, in part: "I endorse a bill on New York for $30 for the blanket—I have a letter from Mrs. Truman in rapture over the beautiful navajo blanket which she prizes highly…I do apprehend unfriendly legislation from the called session of Congress, with its Democratic majorities—and the party is in caucus ruled by Southern members who naturally do not love us for our past careers—Still I hope that this course will be checked by a combination of Northern Democrats & Southern liberals."
Third, in part: "I wish you would be perfectly satisfied with the samples of petrifactions before going to any trouble…or before I have given instructions for shipping them to the Smithsonian when the reach the railroad…There is no hurry at all. I had the petrified bones sent me by Mr. Kearns examined and they proved to belong to some species of serpent or lizard of the Silurian Period—I sent Mr. Kearns the report of the 'expert.'"
Fourth, in part: "The case of your son who is an applicant for a 2nd Lt. commission, His name was on the…list out of which the President in person made his selections…It is awfully hard to discriminate in this…and I am glad the responsibility of selections does not rest with me—It is impossible for you to comprehend the nature and kind of influence which centers on the President—He feels very friendly to the Army, but does not ignore other hearsay facts. I will do all I can for you should a new batch of names be attempted, the propensity of which I doubt, with Congress committed to reduce the Army and with a class at West Point claiming a lawful & equitable right to existing vacancies."
Fifth, in part: "When at the Smithsonian a few days ago, Mr. George W. Hawes in charge of the branch asked me to procure as full a history of the two fossil trees sent here by you more than a year ago—Describe the locality where found, the nature of the country, rocks &c, how hauled to Fort Wingate—and how transported to the Railroad. If you do not have personal knowledge ascertain the facts from the officers of your regiment who do know. These fossil trees will have a conspicuous place in the new National Museum."
Sixth, in part: "I sent it to Prof. Rains without keeping a copy—I have written to the Professor now…and when received I will send it to you." Also includes an 1882 letter sent to Sherman by Spencer F. Baird, the Smithsonian Institution's first curator, asking that thanks be sent to Col. Swaine on his behalf; this is endorsed on the reverse in pencil by Sherman, "For Col. Swaine, W. T. S." Letters are in overall fine to very fine condition, and all are accompanied by their original hand-addressed mailing envelopes.
Also included is a wonderful period matte-finish 10 x 12 head-and-shoulders portrait of Peter T. Swaine in military uniform which hung on the wall at 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Headquarters at Fort Hood, Texas, 1999–2009; in very good condition, with significant chipping to edges of photo. Additional accompaniments are: an 1862 officer's commission signed by Ohio Governor David Tod, appointing Swaine as a colonel in the Ohio Volunteers; two 1866 presidential appointments bearing stamped facsimile signatures of Andrew Johnson and Edwin M. Stanton, granting Swaine brevet promotions in recognition of his gallantry at the battles of Shiloh and Murfreesboro; two printed copies of Swaine's complete military record; a program from an 1879 concert held to honor Swaine; an 1884 letter to Swaine describing a reunion of his Civil War regiment; an 1891 letter recommending him for a promotion; a letter to his family; the deed to his cemetery plot; and a funeral program.
Swaine and General Sherman had known one another since the Civil War, during which they participated in the Battle of Shiloh and the subsequent advance against Corinth. At the time of these letters, William T. Sherman was serving in Washington as commanding general of the US Army and also on the Smithsonian Institution's board of regents. It was in the latter role that, in 1879, he sent Swaine on an expedition to obtain specimens of fossilized trees from the 'Lithodendron' formation in Navajo country. Successfully accomplishing this unusual task with a team of ten men and two wagons, Colonel Swaine sent back two choice samples of the petrified wood to be put on display at the Smithsonian. This unique content combined with passing references to their days in the war in regards to current politics—“the party is in caucus ruled by Southern members who naturally do not love us for our past careers”—as well as discussion of the Army’s current enlistment issues, make this a truly remarkable set of letters. RR Auction COA.
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