Named Gettysburg Sprague Lot

A Gettysburg Tragedy, A Family's Legacy: The Pvt. George Sprague KIA Lot

This is more than just a collection of artifacts; it's a deeply moving and intensely personal journey into the life and tragic end of Private George Sprague, a shoemaker from Grafton, Massachusetts, who answered the call to duty with the 13th Massachusetts Volunteers and ultimately paid the ultimate price at the Battle of Gettysburg. Offered here for the first time, passed down directly through the Sprague family, this lot provides an incredibly intimate connection to a soldier's experience during the Civil War.

Mustered into service in July 1861, Pvt. Sprague became part of a regiment that would see significant action in some of the war's most brutal engagements. From the Battle of Bolivar Heights at Harper's Ferry to the bloody fields of Cedar Mountain, the Second Battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, Sprague witnessed the escalating violence and the unwavering determination of both sides.

However, it is his own words, penned in his pocket diary, that truly bring his experience to life. The poignant entry for July 1st, 1863, simply stating "Started for Gettysburg. Met the enemy and engaged them," foreshadows the devastating events to come. His subsequent entry, "Was wounded in two places. Through breast and shot through arm," chills the reader with its stark simplicity. The following day's entry, "Still on battlefield. Our wounds not treated," speaks volumes about the chaotic and overwhelming nature of the fighting at Gettysburg. For three agonizing days, Sprague lay wounded on the field near Oak Ridge, a silent testament to the brutal realities faced by countless soldiers.

In a remarkable twist of fate, on July 4th, as Lee's Army began its retreat, Pvt. Sprague received a handwritten battlefield pardon from the Confederate States Forces. Signed by a First Lieutenant in Randolph's Co. Cavalry, this document offers a fleeting moment of humanity amidst the carnage. Following the retreat, he was moved to Christ's Church, which had been converted into a makeshift hospital, but his wounds were too severe. George Sprague succumbed to his injuries on July 15th, 1863, at the age of 27. Initially buried at Gettysburg, his remains were later returned to his home in Grafton, Massachusetts, a final, sorrowful journey.

This extraordinary lot includes tangible pieces of George Sprague's life and his wartime experience:

• A cased ¼ plate tintype: This poignant image captures Pvt. Sprague in an encampment, clutching his British musket. His brimless cap, the slung cartridge box, and the bayonet at his side offer a direct visual connection to the Union soldier. The background scene of camp life, with a fellow soldier in a pyramid tent, provides a glimpse into his daily existence.

• His 1863 "Perpetual Diary": This small, oilcloth-covered diary is a treasure trove of firsthand accounts. From a grand review by President Lincoln to his final, heart-wrenching entry on July 3rd, it offers an unfiltered look into the mind and experiences of a soldier in the thick of the war's most significant battles.

• Artifacts sent home to his wife Mary: These incredibly personal items, accompanied by Sprague's own handwritten notes, reveal his desire to share his experiences and preserve mementos for a future he would sadly not see. A splinter from the site of their "first fight," a piece of the bell destroyed at Harper's Ferry, thread taken from a "Secesh store," a stone from a destroyed bridge, and stones picked from the "Bloody Angle" at Gettysburg – each tells a story, imbued with personal meaning and historical significance. The inclusion of a letter from his wife Mary, dated just weeks before his death, adds a layer of profound sadness.

• His printed and signed Confederate parole document: This fragile piece of paper, a testament to the chaotic aftermath of Gettysburg, bears witness to his capture and the brief hope of survival.

  
  

Beyond these core items, the lot includes a tintype of a possible cousin, a poem from his mother, letters from his father to his son after the war, and notes on his birth and death. The inclusion of research materials and a copy of "Three Years With Company K" further enhances the historical value of this collection.

This KIA Named Gettysburg Pvt. George Sprague Lot is not just a collection of objects; it is a tangible link to a young man's life, his service, his love for his family, and his ultimate sacrifice at one of the Civil War's most pivotal battles. It offers a unique and deeply moving opportunity to connect with the human cost of war and to preserve the memory of a brave soldier whose story has been passed down through generations. The winning bidder will not only acquire historical artifacts but will also become a steward of George Sprague's enduring legacy.

This item is lot #1043 in our Upcoming Civil War Auction on May 3 at Donley Auctions.