Thirteen-piece archive, including a one-page ALS signed “Abner Doubleday, Bvt. Major Genl, U.S. Army,” one lightly lined page, 8 x 10, May 29, 1890. Doubleday writes on behalf of Milo Loomis. In full: “This is to certify that Milo Loomis of Floyd, Oneida County, New York, although not an enlisted soldier served with my command and displayed the greatest gallantry acting as an orderly at Cedar Mountain, at the action of Rappahannock Station, at the Battle of Second Bull Run, at the battle of South Mountain, and at the Battle of Antietam. He came very near being captured in the second Bull Run battle where, being in the very front of the action, he was greatly exposed. I hope the government will remunerate his services in some way; particularly as he could not draw any pay for what he did, as he was not on the rolls.”
Also included in the archive is Loomis’ original petition to Congress, documentation from the War Department, the report of Congress, a copy of House Bill 795, a letter from Captain Halstead to Congress, various correspondence from the House of Representatives and associated parties, and original carte-de-visite photos of Doubleday, Loomis, and Captain Halstead.
In very good condition, with scattered toning and soiling, and expected handling and age wear.
Loomis joined the staff of E. P. Halstead, Assistant Adjutant General of the First Division of the Army of the Potomac, in the fall of 1861. Halstead advised Loomis not to submit his name to the muster roll as an enlisted soldier, because he wanted Loomis to act as a ‘servant’ to take care of staff horses. Loomis would turn out to be anything but a servant. From the fall of 1861 through February 1862, he served under Halstead and, thereafter, on the staff of General Abner Doubleday.
“Although not an enlisted soldier served with my command [Loomis] displayed the greatest gallantry acting as an orderly” at numerous battles, Doubleday later wrote here. As Loomis was never officially mustered, he was not compensated for his service—or his heroism. Supporters, like Doubleday, looked to remedy that oversight and supported Loomis’ petition for redress. “I hope the government will remunerate his services in some way,” the general notes. Although the House Committee on Military Affairs recommended a bill to Congress that would have brought Loomis his money, the legislation failed to pass and he was never paid by the government. A fascinating grouping detailing military and governmental bureaucracy at its worst, highlighted by an uncommon Doubleday letter with excellent Civil War content!
Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity (for the signed letter) from James Spence Authentication (JSA).