Civil War Confederate Engineer Archive Historic Virginia Photo Southern Cross
This is a rare opportunity to own some historic items that belonged to a Confederate Engineer during the Civil War, Charles Withrow. Withrow graduated from the University of Virginia in 1860, and moved to Natchez, MS to teach. He joined the 2nd Company of the Richmond Howitzers in 1864. He served until the end of the war at Petersburg, the Wilderness and Appomattox before surrendering with General Lee. 1 The first item is an original photo of Withrow and other veterans at the Gettysburg reunion, most likely in 1913. 2 With it, his original United Daughters of the Confederacy Southern Cross of Honor, which he is pictured wearing in the image, including the one offered. 3 Next is a dusty, dirty, 11x17 albumen or CDV of the fortifications and a blockhouse at Petersburg, Virginia.
Petersburg is misspelled on the back, which makes me think Withrow did not write it. Still, a great image and causes you to wonder if Withrow played a role in those fortifications?
It does have tears on the cardboard that do not affect the photo. Rare outdoor period image from the collection of a soldier that was there!
This lot also includes Withrow's promotion documents. The three documents have been glued to cardboard on their corners, but this does not affect their presentation or importance. 4 Withrow's January 1864 promotion to Chief of Ordinance signed by James Seddon, on CSA letterhead. 5 Hand written on plain blue paper, subsequent transferred to the regiment of Engineers in January 1864. This item is signed by Josiah Gorgas and Edward Smith.6 Withrow's promotion to Ordinance Officer of the old Ropers' Brigade, on CSA letterhead signed by William Taylor and George Booker. This is an uncommon group of personal items from a well respected and historic Confederate Ordinance Officer and Engineer. They don't come up often, so don't miss them!