Standard combination kit by sold by “Naugatuck” Co., to countless union soldiers, w/company marking stamped on Knife and fork ricassos. This two piece, wooden-handled set slides together and apart, w/folding brass spoon, & knife & two pronged fork. Exhibits light wear and slight tarnish, but is in otherwise excellent condition.

The piece is accompanied by a handwritten letter of attribution, in three pieces, dated “1 Webster St. Newark, NJ Feb 23^rd 1913. Text:

“This set was given to me by cousin Jossiah (Josiah). It was carried by him all through the Civil War and through his imprisonment at Libby Prison 30 days, Andersonville four month…Libby prison to Talaoose (Tallahassee) Florader…then to Andersonville Ga.—was prisoner 6 mos. 12 days. Was near when Lee surrendered and entered Richmond & was in the Grand Paraqde 21-22-23 May 1865 at the disbanding of the Army…paroled at Savanna, and entered Richmond & was sent out with 27 others as Sharpshooters, was near to Lincoln at Richmond.”

Online research reveals 87 men named “Josiah” on Andersonville POW rolls. Of these four were paroled at Savannah, GA. Of these, one served as POW for a year, another for 3 months, and a third escaped aboard ship. According to civilwardatabase.com, the fourth POW, Josiah Clark, 101 PA Vols., was captured at Plymouth, NC, 4/20/1864, and paroled at Savannah on 11/30/1864, and discharged 15 June 1865. When his POW time is added up, this fourth Josiah (Clarke) served as prisoner for just over 7 months, which is close to the “6 mos. 12 days” cited in the cousin’s note. Also, Clarke returned to the Army in time to have seen Lincoln in Richmond and at the Grand Review.

The key to identification hinges on Clarke’s post-POW service with the 27 sharpshooters cited. Most of his 101^st PA was captured at Plymouth, NC, in April 1864; those uncaptured were garrisoned at Roanoke Island and mustered out at New Berne, 25 June 1865, which does not tally with June 15^th mustering out date given by civilwardata.com. Clarke’s service folder in the National Archives would likely resolve the issue. An intriguing mystery, inviting further research.  [jp]

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