29

Archive of Michael L. Houts, 96th O.V.I.

framed group including includes a cased 6th plate tintype of Houts holding a Colt revolver (possibly M1869 Richards Conversion) in one hand and a M1860 cavalry saber in the other, wearing kepi with gilt highlights to badges and buckles. Interestingly he has a M1860 Staff & Field officers sword scabbard at his belt, and it appears quite likely that all these accoutrements were provided by the photographer. The images include the original paper-covered wood case with penciled identification behind the image (image removed from case to allow viewer to see inscription). This lot also includes his 4-part pinback ladder badge in nickel with 3 scrollwork bars attached with rings from top to bottom engraved Co. H/96/Ohio and shield-shaped terminal piece engraved with crossed rifles and Vol. Inf., 2" x 3.25" long, PLUS a gold-plated finger ring with M.L.H. scratched on the blank planchet top, AND a photo copy of a partially printed claims document, Memorandum From Prisoner of War Records, listing Houts as prisoner in Richmond Nov. 3, 1863, paroled Feb 29, 64 (captured Grand Coteau, La.).

The 96th Infantry was organized at Camp Delaware, Aug. 19 and 22, 1862 to serve for three years. Its first service was in Kentucky, occasioned by the Kirby Smith raid, but in November it was sent to Mississippi, where it took part in the first attack on Vicksburg at Chickasaw Bluffs. On Jan. 10, it landed near Arkansas Post and took an active part in the attack upon that fort on the subsequent day, with a loss of 10 killed and 26 wounded. It returned to Young's Point, LA, accompanied the army in its flanking movement to the rear of Vicksburg, and took part in the operations and siege of that city until its surrender. It then marched to Jackson, MS, and took part in the siege of that place up to its evacuation, then marched to Bryan's station and Dry creek, and thence to Vicksburg. It then moved to Louisiana and, in the desperate fight at Grand Coteau, lost 9 killed, 33 wounded and 68 taken prisoners. It engaged in the battle of Sabine cross-roads, with a loss of 6 killed, 24 wounded and 26 taken prisoners, and in that terrible and ever-memorable retreat to the Mississippi River it was fighting and skirmishing most of the way. It formed part of the forces in the siege and capture of Fort Gaines, then moved to the rear of Fort Morgan and engaged in the siege of that fort until it fell. It was engaged in the operations around Mobile, taking part in the siege of Spanish Fort until its evacuation and in the capture of the city. The regiment was mustered out on July 7, 1865, numbering at that date 427, including one company that had been transferred to it from the 42nd regiment (Ref. American Civil War Research Database).

Condition:Image a touch dark and hinge on case separated; badge EXC; ring with wear to gold plate, else VG; document VG.

Estimate: $600 - $800
Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium
$805
11/16/2006

 

Have a Similar Item?

Consign With Us