Research Opportunity! Original Civil War Letter Written by William Henry Noble
Own a rare piece of history with this original Civil War letter penned by Colonel William Henry Noble on November 27, 1863, from Folly Island, South Carolina. The letter references two of the war’s most pivotal battles — Chancellorsville and Gettysburg — and was written shortly before Noble’s capture later that year. This firsthand account offers invaluable insights for historians, collectors, and Civil War enthusiasts alike.
About William Henry Noble
William Henry Noble was commissioned Colonel of the Seventeenth Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, a unit famously known as the “Fairfield County Regiment,” comprised mostly of local men. Under his command, Noble led roughly 1,000 men, including Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine, who enlisted though he did not serve due to age and health.
The 17th Connecticut was mustered on August 28, 1861, at what is now Seaside Park and quickly deployed to Washington D.C. The regiment fought fiercely at the Battle of Chancellorsville, where Noble’s horse was shot from under him, and he sustained serious wounds to his arm and knee. Despite his injuries, he later rushed to Gettysburg to join his men, who had suffered heavy losses.
Noble’s service extended to South Carolina and Florida, where he commanded the Second Brigade during foraging raids. He was captured on Christmas Eve 1864 in Florida’s dense pine woods and endured the infamous Andersonville Prison Camp as the highest-ranking officer imprisoned there. His survival and recollections of this “snakepit” remain a haunting testament to his resilience.
After the war, General Ulysses S. Grant brevetted Noble as a brigadier general. Noble returned to civilian life as a lawyer in Bridgeport, where he assisted veterans with pension claims and contributed to his community as chairman of the Board of Parks Commissioners, city councilman, senior warden of Christ Church, and state representative. He lived in a historic 1795 homestead where he found solace watching the sea — embodying the longing for peace and home shared by many soldiers after the war.
This letter is an extraordinary artifact, offering a vivid glimpse into the life and trials of a notable Civil War officer. Don’t miss the chance to add this authentic piece of American history to your collection.
Own a rare piece of history with this original Civil War letter penned by Colonel William Henry Noble on November 27, 1863, from Folly Island, South Carolina. The letter references two of the war’s most pivotal battles — Chancellorsville and Gettysburg — and was written shortly before Noble’s capture later that year. This firsthand account offers invaluable insights for historians, collectors, and Civil War enthusiasts alike.
About William Henry Noble
William Henry Noble was commissioned Colonel of the Seventeenth Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, a unit famously known as the “Fairfield County Regiment,” comprised mostly of local men. Under his command, Noble led roughly 1,000 men, including Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine, who enlisted though he did not serve due to age and health.
The 17th Connecticut was mustered on August 28, 1861, at what is now Seaside Park and quickly deployed to Washington D.C. The regiment fought fiercely at the Battle of Chancellorsville, where Noble’s horse was shot from under him, and he sustained serious wounds to his arm and knee. Despite his injuries, he later rushed to Gettysburg to join his men, who had suffered heavy losses.
Noble’s service extended to South Carolina and Florida, where he commanded the Second Brigade during foraging raids. He was captured on Christmas Eve 1864 in Florida’s dense pine woods and endured the infamous Andersonville Prison Camp as the highest-ranking officer imprisoned there. His survival and recollections of this “snakepit” remain a haunting testament to his resilience.
After the war, General Ulysses S. Grant brevetted Noble as a brigadier general. Noble returned to civilian life as a lawyer in Bridgeport, where he assisted veterans with pension claims and contributed to his community as chairman of the Board of Parks Commissioners, city councilman, senior warden of Christ Church, and state representative. He lived in a historic 1795 homestead where he found solace watching the sea — embodying the longing for peace and home shared by many soldiers after the war.
This letter is an extraordinary artifact, offering a vivid glimpse into the life and trials of a notable Civil War officer. Don’t miss the chance to add this authentic piece of American history to your collection.