1858-1860 University North Carolina Autograph Book Confederate CIVIL WAR Soldier

Compiled by James Augustus Graham, Class of 1860. Hardcover in full black morocco leather, decorated in gilt and blind. The outer binding is in good shape overall, with secure hinges and fully intact attached boards and very little wear to the outer leather. Internally quite sound as well, though there are several leaves that are pulled and starting to detach.

The text is entirely in manuscript, in the hand of each individual who signed and inscribed the book. Small occasional stains to some pages, but nothing that affects the content or legibility. The autograph album contains single page autographs and biographical information from 152 different students (including the owner, James Graham). The single-page entries for each student (very strictly one student per page) all seem to follow a simple format, or slight variation thereof, with each documenting their name, hometown, expected year of graduation, field of study or anticipated profession, fraternity (representing by the Greek Letters), debating society membership, along with other various anecdotes or quoted sayings.

Interestingly some also include their school nicknames. Some entries do have what appear to be later notes added either by the compiler (or someone later) that typically note their Civil War service or other later in life achievements, with many notes indicating whether or not the student died or was killed in the war.

Of the students represented here that later fought in the Civil War, the vast majority fought for the Confederacy in North Carolina units. However, the students were from many other states including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and even Texas. Of those that fought, many became officers, including one Brigadier General Robert D. Johnston, five colonels, three lieutenant colonels, four majors and over 30 captains. There were also many that became surgeons and even chaplains during the war. Based on the notes within and further research, it appears that thirteen of the students in the book were either killed or mortally wounded in combat. While a great deal of attention is given to these young men's military service, the group here also played very prominent roles after the war, with many of them going on to careers in politics, law and medicine. He signed the first entry in the book, on the blank endpaper that preceded the "Hayes & Zell" title page.

James graduated with the class of 1860 and became captain of Company G, "Orange Guards" of the 27. He served the entirety of the war, from April 1861 all the way through to the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Among the battles he served in were: Sharpsburg (Antietam) The Wildreness, Bristoe Station, Mine Run and the Siege of Petersburg. He later became famous as the author of the History of the 27.

He also later published his war letters, papers and an account of his service in a separate publication (along with post-war materials) in The James A. The autograph book is a true time capsule of the youth that studied at UNC and later played such a prominent role in the nation's conflict and recovery. This item has been in the possession of direct family descendants since the late 19. Century and is now being offered for sale for the first time here. A complete list of the students contained within is available upon request, but some notable or recognizable names include Henry Burgwyn Colonel 26.

NC Infantry, Killed at Gettysburg; James Turner Morehead, Jr. Lawyer, Legislator & Confederate Office 53.

This item is in the category "Books & Magazines\Antiquarian & Collectible". The seller is "crottsy" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada.

Binding: Leather
Special Attributes: Inscribed, Manuscript, Signed
Topic: Civil War (1861-65)
Subject: History
Year Printed: 1858
Original/Facsimile: Original