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BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED HOMEMADE SADDLE VALISE USED BY 31ST MASSACHUSETTS OFFICER WITH TAG FROM FAMILY

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This handsewn canvas valise was made for George V. Bristol when he served as a lieutenant in the 31st Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Bristol, whose profession was "merchant tailor," may well have created it for himself.

The valise measures approximately 7" in diameter and 16" long. The body is lightweight tan canvas on which is sewn borders of medium brown worsted tape outlined with dark brown yarn embellishments.

On each circular end is a large "US" in a shield and the name "G Bristol" is sewn in script on the top.

Access is gained through a reinforced slit opening which is secured by three brown composite buttons. Two handles, also trimmed with dark brown tape, are affixed to the top.

Pinned to the valise is an old paper tag which has been reinforced with a thin sheet of heavier paper. On it is written in red ink: “FANCY SADDLE PACK USEDBY MY FATHER GEORGE BRISTOL DURING THE WAR WHEN A VOL. OF THE 31^ST MASS. INFTY. – B. J. BRISTOL.”

George V. Bristol ran a tailoring business in Pittsfield, Massachusetts until late 1861 when he was offered the position of 1^st lieutenant and adjutant of the 31^st Massachusetts Infantry. He accepted and joined the regiment on February 10, 1862.

The 31^st left the state for Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico on February 20, 1862 and while on the trip down, aboard the transport “MISSISSIPPI,” he exchanged places with Lieutenant E. H. Fordham and became part of Company A on March 1, 1862.

In April of 1862 after the fall of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the 31^st moved into New Orleans and was the first regiment to enter the city.

Bristol was mustered out by order of Major General Benjamin Butler on June 26, 1862. There was some disagreement between General Butler and Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew concerning the raising and commissioning of the officers in the 31^st. Apparently, Bristol was never commissioned by the Governor and was honorably discharged.

After his service Bristol returned to his wife and family in Pittsfield but later moved to Quincy, Illinois where he was a successful businessman as well as a long time Mason.

Bristol died in Quincy of apoplexy in 1882. His body was returned to Massachusetts where he was buried in Lee.

Records accompany the item. [ad] [ph:L]

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