Presented here is a most extraordinary and identified Civil War grouping that consists of an original Federal uniform, wartime letters and journals that were brought home after the war by Lieutenant Robert Newton Martin. Included in this fresh Civil War multi-item grouping are Martin's colorful French-inspired uniform tunic complete with its original baggy uniform trousers, black leather shako and leather gaiters. A batch of Martin's wartime letters plus Martin' wartime journal.

Robert Martin was a twenty-one year old resident of Blair County, PA when he enlisted in Harrisburg on April 20, 1861 with Co "A", 3rd PA Infantry, a three-months unit. He mustered out on July 29, 1861 and a week later mustered into "M" Company, 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry regiment. The 62nd PA initially spent time in Washington DC and then crossed the Potomac to Fort Corcoran, VA being assigned to the Army of the Potomac's 5th Corps, 1st Division, 2nd Brigade. What followed were combat operations in the battles at Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, the Mine Run Campaign, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River and Petersburg. Three years later in July 1864, this hard fighting Pennsylvania infantry regiment mustered out at Pittsburgh after losing a total of 258 officers and men. Martin survived the service and mustered out as a 1st Lieutenant on August 15, 1864.

Included with this grouping is Sgt. Martin's original, single-breasted, French Zouave-style imported uniform, a noteworthy example of the colorful infantry uniform purchased in quantity from France at the outbreak of the Civil War. The set consists of a short-skirted, dark blue woolen broadcloth tunic with yellow piping along the collar, outer seam and cuffs to which is fastened the original yellow and green cloth epaulets. The front closes with nine pewter buttons decorated with an eagle/shield/stars design specially manufactured for these America-bound uniforms. Eight of the original buttons remain on the front, with two smaller ones at each cuff and another smaller one holding a belt loop at the left side. Four large buttons, more piping and two small yellow wool "bugles" ornament the coat tails. The quilted white canvas interior is soiled but otherwise perfect with the name "R N Martin" inscribed in ink, along with some miscellaneous French manufacturer's markings. Trousers are medium-blue wool with voluminous legs, pleated around the waistband and gathered at the cuffs, which are closed by a simple tin button. There are two hip pockets in the outer seam and a watch pocket at the waist. A narrow belt adjusts the trousers at the back and the interior is unmarked except for the vestiges of a French manufacturer's inspector stamp.

Added to the set is a French Model 1860 infantry shako as imported with these uniforms. The stiff black leather headgear stands approximately six inches tall and has a large gold-washed ornamental plate featuring a spread-winged eagle, oak and laurel leaves and other devices stamped in relief. Above the plate is a round metal red/white/blue rosette. The chinstrap, which extends from the interior of the cap, is also in place. Included with this uniform is a pair of light brown leather leggings.

In 1861 the U.S. Government contracted with the Godillot firm in Paris for 10,000 sets of infantry clothing based on that of the French light rifleman. Delivery was made in December and the sets were first issued to the 62nd PA, the 83rd PA and the 18th Mass. infantry regiments.

Sgt. Martin fought with his distinguished unit from his enlistment in August 1861 to his discharge in August 1864, including action at Gettysburg.  The following year he was promoted to first lieutenant, surviving the war and living until 1912.

In addition to the above items is Martin's multi-page diary 65 pages, unbound, sheet sizes range 5" x 7" to 8" x 12", variously written in pen and pencil, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania locations, 1862-1863. Although the diary is war date, some of it is written after the fact. Martin joined Co. "A" 3rd Pennsylvania Volunteers on April 20, 1861, re-enlisting in Co. "M", 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry on August 9, 1861. During the period described in his diary, Martin's regiment belonged to the First Division of the Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac. Robert Martin survived to muster out a first lieutenant on August 15, 1864. A keen observer and competent writer, Martin's diary is a compelling account of life as an infantry soldier.

Excerpts include: "(Camp Winfield Scott, Virginia, April 24, 1862)...in front of the Rebel fort we have a good view of one of our masked batteries mounting five 32 pounders...we had an excellent view of the Rebels & their works...(Sharpsburg, Maryland, September 17, 1862)...at daybreak we heard the artillery at their work while we were getting our coffee...the engagement soon became general...their round shot flew in our neighborhood but did no damage...(Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 1, 1863)...a little farther we see the balloons. At the same time heavy firing on our Right & countless shells explode...My company was thrown in the woods as flankers relieving L company...we reached a point 2 miles distant from our original line when a furious cannonading commenced accompanied with terrific volleys of musketry. The Rebs cheering loudly they are making a desperate attempt to break our lines...night set in the moon shone brilliant giving the Rebs the opportunity of continuing his attack. From where I stood I could see the flash of each piece of artillery that showered the grape & canister in to the Rebel Ranks...it sounds dreadful in daylight but how unnatural it seemed at night...".

All paper very good condition with just light toning. No foxing and some marginal creases with a few edge chips.

If one seeks a unique and identified grouping of Civil War items complete with an original uniform together documents written by a Pennsylvania combat-veteran, look no more - you have found it here.