ARCHIVE OF PVT. EPHRAIM C. CAREY, 34TH MASS.
A great grouping of relics from Union Pvt. Ephraim C. Carey (also spelled "Carrey"), Co. I, 34th Mass. Carey, who enlisted on July 23, 1862, served for the balance of the war, seeing action at Piedmont, Opequan, Cedar Creek, Hatcher's Run, and in the run to Appomattox. Perhaps the most interesting item is a copy The Great Rebellion, Vol. I, by J. T. Headley, Hurlbut, William & Co., Hartford, 1862, leather covers, showing much wear with spine loosened and first few pages starting to separate. Incredibly, this book was captured by a Confederate on the battlefield and then recaptured by Carey! On the page opposite the front pastedown are three notations in two different hands, all in very light but legible pencil. The one at center reads: "Captured by Dr. W. A. Bickens Asst. Surg. 6th N.C. Regt. on the battlefield of Frederick City July 9th, 1864". Bickens apparently gave the volume to his superior, who noted the fact that Bickens had captured the book, then adds his ownership signature: "Richard Wat. York Capt. 6th N.C. Regt. Hokes Brigade Ramseurs Division, Early's Corps, Army of the Valley". At bottom, the victorious Carey exclaims: "Recaptured by Ephraim E. Carey at the battle of Cedar Creek October 19th 1864". At a later time, either Carrey or likely his namesake son practiced signing his name across the page affecting York's inscription. On the verso of that page is a later penciled note, affixed with sealing wax, transcribing the attribution penciled on the preceding page. Carey signs again on the next page, again in pencil. York was wounded twice in the war, at Gaines Mill and Fishers Hill. Also included are two of his G.A.R. badges and three G.A.R. buttons, a button from his uniform, a belt buckle, musket ball and coin he recovered during the war (the buckle appears to be quite oxidized), a G.A.R. bookmark and invitation, and a watch fob. With the twice-captured book, a fine grouping of items.