Probably the most extensive and important Civil War sutler archives known to exist. During the American Civil War, the sutler was a civilian merchant, operating under government contract, to sell certain necessities to the soldiers which the army itself did not provide. His wagon was his warehouse and his tent his store. He stocked just about anything the soldier might find need in his daily routine. The sutler followed the army into the field setting up shop in the large army camps. His prices were deemed high by some, but they were not out of line when one considers the risks taken by him in transporting these goods into the field. All things considered, the sutler's profits were hard-earned. 

This grouping is highlighted by a horizontal quarter-plate tintype view of sutler George Hobbs behind the "counter" of his operation. The soldiers in front appear to be toasting the proprietor, their trousers tinted blue. Really one of the rarest Civil War tintypes we've ever seen. Very fine quality and condition in a full floral leather case. Three account books, one 5 ½" x 12 ¼", one 5 ¾" x 15", both quarter leather with hard boards, and one 8" x 12 ½" loose leaf, all filled with ink script entries, covering 1862 and 1863. The hardbound ledgers are filled with the monthly purchases of individually named soldiers, primarily on credit. Many hundreds of entries and a remarkable insight into not only the operations of a sutler, but the daily life of a Civil War soldier. The 58-page loose-leaf ledger, also with hundreds of entries with monthly totals of purchases by individually named soldiers by company. All in excellent condition, with all entries in ink, bright and crisp. As a whole an extremely important Civil War document.

 Also included is a group of eleven receipts, covering the period Jan. thru April 1863, from Alexandria, Va. wholesalers, including several from "Hallet & Hinckley" stating "Sutlers Supplied At Short Notice", for large quantities of supplies purchased by Hobbs for his operation, all excellent. 7" x 12" hand colored litho of "Camp Seward 27th Regt. Me. Vs" dated 1862. Archival mounted and framed, very good with some toning and foxing. A 4" x 8 ½" manuscript "chit" from Capt. S. E. Bryant, 27th Me., dated April 18, 1863 acknowledging a debt to Hobbs of $2.00 and authorizing Hobbs to deduct it from his pay. Archival mounted and framed along with a nice full length CDV of Bryant in uniform, both excellent. A 7" x 8" manuscript document headed "Camp Genl Casey Vis. January 1st 1863", signed by eight officers of the 27th Me., recommending that Hobbs be appointed sutler for the regiment. Archival mounted and framed and in excellent condition. A group of ten manuscript "invoices" to officers in the regiment listing the items they purchased in Jan./Feb. 1863, all about perfect. 

The 27th Maine gained renown in June 1863, when, as the result of a clerical error all 864 men in the regiment were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, with nearly all of the awards being revoked in the MOH review. Also included is an article titled "Above and Beyond the Call / George Hobbs/ Civilian, Sutler, Patriot" written by the late Civil War collector, James Stamatelos. 

A unique slice of Civil War history. Ex-John Henry Kurtz collection.