JF Wilson Jacket, Cobbs Legion

[woodsda]

Found this surfing the internet, thought was interesting, not sure if it has been discussed here. If not, enjoy.

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/confederate-frock-coat-and-kepi-jf-wilson-co-d-cobbs-legion

[Eric Tipton]

Re: JF Wilson Jacket, Cobbs Legion

Great find Don. Here is the description from the web site:

"A well made short jacket of cadet grey wool having 6 brass Georgia state seal buttons with the back mark of English maker Van Wart, Son & Co. (see Tice, 1997: 270, GA212A1) and 3 state seal buttons stamped Horstmann. Base of collar edged with a thin welt of dark navy blue piping. Interior lined with raw cotton and secured by quilted tan cloth. Kepi with silk lining and indented crown is made of identical cadet grey wool having thin welts of blue-black piping down either side and back denoting an officer. Thick, black leather visor (possibly replaced) is crudely hand stitched to body of the kepi with leather chinstrap partially secured by two brass state seal buttons stamped Horstmann. Tice notes that the imported Van Wart buttons were `made all around 1864-1865 to run through the blockade` indicating that this jacket was being worn by Captain Wilson as late as 1864. Horstmann and other Northern makers supplied quantities of state seal buttons to the Georgia militia up until the start of the war."

Here is the picture so everyone can see it here:

[woodsda]

Re: JF Wilson Jacket, Cobbs Legion

Found some additional information on Captain Wilson. Helps date the jacket to at least summer of 1864.

James F. Wilson had joined Company D, also known as the "Mell Rifles," as first sergeant in September 1861 and was later promoted to 1st lieutenant in November 1862 and captain in November 1863. Cobb’s Legion suffered heavily at Antietam and Chancellorsville and marched with the army to Gettysburg where losses were about 10%. Lieutenant Wilson missed the Gettysburg campaign, being listed as "absent, sick in General Hospital #4, Richmond" from June 2, 1863, rejoining his unit on July 8, 1863. Afterwards, the Georgians accompanied Longstreet’s Corps west as strategic reinforcements, but was not engaged at Chickamauga.

After winning an empty victory at Chickamauga, Longstreet sought independent command and detached his corps to Knoxville where he campaigned with little to show for the suffering during the dismal winter. Cobb's Legion returned to the Army of Northern Virginia in time to participate in the grueling summer campaign of 1864 fighting at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor.

Captain Wilson resigned his commission on August 11, 1864 citing his age and the rigors of prior service. Interestingly, records show that Wilson was still deemed a combatant by Union authorities and held briefly as a POW at the end of the war before being formally paroled on May 5, 1865.

Information retrieved from Cowens Auctions.