[Rarebooks] FS - Signed by Civil War general: scarce war history set

[GREENFIELD BOOKS]

*JOHNSON, Robert Underwood and Clarence Clough Buel (eds.). /BATTLES AND 
LEADERS OF THE CIVIL WAR/*. Complete four volume set, with numerous 
black-&-white illustrations and photographs (some taken by Matthew 
Brady). Published by The Century Co., New York City. 1884-1887. 1st 
edition. Heavy 4to. Pagination: Vol. I, pp. xxiii, 750. Vol. II, pp. xx, 
760. Vol. III, pp. xx, 752. Vol. IV, pp. xx, 829.
     
Bound in full wine-red cloth, embossed in blind to the boards, with gilt 
lettering to the spine. This is an important association item, as each 
of the four volumes is *clearly signed in ink, on the front free 
endpaper, by Civil War general Stephen Thomas*.

Thomas (1809-1903) was born in Bethel, Vermont, and apprenticed in the 
woolen industry. He entered state politics at age 29, and was a Democrat 
at the outbreak of the Civil War. He was commissioned a colonel of the 
8th Vermont Infantry in November, 1861, and saw action in the Occupation 
of New Orleans, and battles at Raceland, Boutee Station, the Third 
Battle of Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek,and Newton (VA). In 
1865, Thomas was appointed Brigadier General, Volunteers, and mustered 
out in August, 1865. In 1892, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for 
"distinguished conduct in a desperate hand-to-hand encounter, in which 
the advance of the enemy was checked" at Cedar Creek in October, 1864 
(see www.vermontcivilwar.org). By the time he returned home he had 
become a Republican. He refused to stand for Governor of Vermont, 
although he did serve two terms as Lieutenant-Governor. He returned to 
business life in his native state, and died at Montpelier, Vermont, in 
1903. Below his signature is written (in the same hand) "Montpelier 
Sept. 16th 1889 $5.00 per Vol", although vol. IV has the added comment: 
"$20 for 4 vols".

Each volume is bumped at the corners, the front hinge of vol. III is 
starting, the spines are a bit sunned, and there is light scuffing and 
very light soiling to the boards. Contents clean and otherwise tight. A 
very good set.

Price: $850.00.

Terms of sale - The price is in US funds, and is a special price to the 
list. This set is offered subject to prior sale. Payment by check or 
credit card. This is a /very/ heavy set. Postage and packing charge will 
be $20. Returnable within seven days of receipt (prior notice, please) 
if not as described.

 
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