RICHMOND Va. JUN 28 (1864) circular datestamp (Powell type 5f) with matching DUE 10 (type P) on cover to Mrs. W.T. Field, Arnold’s Mills So Ca. Mandated soldier’s endorsement From W.T. Field Co. (K) Hampton Legion SC Vols. Slightly reduced at top and top back flap missing. Contemporary docketing on verso “June 20 1864 after battles.” Several pencil post-war content docketings, for example “J.H. Field death, Mose Hendricks wounded” plus a couple others too light to easily read. Ex Harry Muldrow. $125.

Dr. William Thomas Field (1836-1904) was listed as a musician as well as a 1st lieutenant and commander of his unit. That seems unlikely but it could be another man’s records were intermixed with his. His home state was South Carolina but he was educated at the University of Virginia 1856-57, and Medical College of South Carolina, Class of 1858. On February 2, 1861, by then a 25 year old physician in Pickensville, he enlisted as Sergeant, Company H, 4th South Carolina Infantry. He was elected 3rd Lieutenant on December 3, 1861. They became the 4th Infantry Battalion (also known as the 13th) when the Regiment consolidated to five companies in the Spring of 1862 and he was appointed First Lieutenant of Company C. He became 1st Lieutenant, Company K, of the Hampton Legion (Infantry) when his decimated battalion was dissolved and absorbed as two companies into the Legion after Sharpsburg. He served to the end of the war. He returned to Pickens and took over his family's farm after the war. He was elected to a term in the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1868 and was an officer of the Hampton Rifle Club at Pickens Courthouse by 1876, a quasi-military group (among many similar), which intimidated Republican political opponents with violence. He was also elected to two terms in the State Senate (1882-1890).