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UNCOVERED! COULD THIS BE.......? ROBERT E. LEE’s SADDLE??
About a year ago this saddle surfaced from another collection and was purchased by my great friend and established collector John Ashworth. The aged documentation (detailed below) that came with it presented it as a saddle owned by the great Southern chieftain Robert E Lee. Interesting enough by itself however, our curiosity was really tweaked when this was juxtaposed with some other information that I had by coincidence gathered many years ago on two saddles made for Lee at the end of the war. Naturally, Mr. Ashworth, his friend historian Russ Pritchard Jr. and myself were intrigued and so as a matter of course Mr. Pritchard spent the next several months trying to run down additional information, documentation, sources, etc. to establish its veracity. Sadly, in the end our results were largely circumstantial and inconclusive but,....no less thought provoking and intriguing to say the least! Much of the historical data below was gathered and written by either Mr. Pritchard or myself. For the very first time, I am publishing our findings here on the AC for your enjoyment and comments.
First, check out the photos of the saddle. Although missing stirrups, stirrup leathers and other components you will note that it is a classic Richmond Arsenal, officer’s “Hooded Jenifer”as made at the Ord. Dept’s. Clarksville Harness Shops 1. According to my research, the “Hooded Jenifer” was the Richmond Arsenal’s “high-end” officer’s private purchase saddle made of the finest materials, workmanship and including a full leather covering that was apparently made to be easily detachable from the tree of the saddle (I can only speculate why). It sometimes came with a quilted hog skin seat but regardless, it was certainly the most expensive saddle and the least often manufactured by the Ordnance Harness Shops during the war. You will note its similarity to another, more complete one pictured below that was made for Jefferson Davis and today found at the Chicago Historical Society. This is only the third one of its kind that I know of still in existence.
When purchased by Mr. Ashworth, this saddle came with an old, yellowing inventory tag (see below) bearing an accessions number and date assigned by the Camden (NJ) County Historical Society and a corresponding copy of an accessions page (see below) confirming the number and bearing the description: “The saddle of General Robert E. Lee captured by Union forces from his baggage train and presented to Dr. H. Genet Taylor.” 2.
Dr. Henry Genet Taylor, was a descendant of a prominent New Jersey family. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1860 and set up practice in Camden. On Sept. 14, 1861 Taylor joined the 8th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry for three years and was appointed assistant regimental surgeon. He served with distinction until after the battle of Antietam in Sept, 1862 when he was promoted to surgeon of the Artillery Brigade of the III Corps subsequently serving on the staffs of Maj. Gen’l’s Hooker, French and Sickles in that capacity. Dr. Taylor resigned from active service on a Certificate of Disability in March 1864 and returned to Camden to become Asst. Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment for his Congressional District which placed him in charge of examination of volunteers and draftees until the close of the war. Apparently Dr. Taylor placed -such high regard in this war souvenir that he kept it in his home in Camden for the remainder of his life. Upon his death in 1916 the saddle passed to his eldest son Henry Genet Taylor, Jr. who presented it to the Camden County Historical Society sometime between Oct 17, 1923 and January 15, 1924. The saddle remained in the collections of the Historical Society for nearly three quarters of a century until Nov. 25, 1997 when it was transferred to the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pa. Subsequently, in 2000, that institution de-accessioned the saddle and it then passed into private hands. 3.
Lets talk semantics. Lee’s more well known saddle is his Grimsley-McClellan transition saddle currently on display at the Museum of the Confederacy. Indeed, it is a very nice saddle and if memory serves me correct according to the M.O.C. it was likely made in St Louis and bought by Lee very early in the war. This is a well made, fancy and heavy saddle. Given that, and its condition (it shows little wear even today) it is doubtful Lee rode only this one saddle throughout the war.
Moreover, like many officers of the Confederacy, Lee also had more than one horse. In fact, he owned several during the war including “Traveller”, “The Roan”, “Richmond”, “Lucy Long” and “Ajax”. At the very end of the war he apparently had with him just two, the well known Traveller and Ajax. As a matter of routine, his horses were kept with him at his headquarters wagon under the care of his servants or orderlies who likely also rode the horses when on the march, etc. So, given the above it is reasonable to assume Lee had more than one saddle. As a matter of fact, it is known he at least two more in the winter of 1864-65.
In August 1864, Colonel Charles Marshall, one of Lee’s aide de camps, inquired via the Army of Northern Virginia’s Ordnance officer, Colonel Briscoe Baldwin, about Lee purchasing an officer’s saddle and bridle from the Richmond Arsenal. On August 24th, Colonel Baldwin wrote to Captain James A Dinwiddie in charge of Ordnance Stores in Richmond inquiring about the cost of this equipment. “Col. Marshall ADC to Gen'l Lee requests to ask you the price of an officers saddle and bridle of the new Confed pattern. Ge'l Lee is also desirous to get on fair leather- perfectly plain with pockets on- as light as possible. What would be the price of such a saddle for the General.”4.
In his characteristically efficient manner, Chief of Ordnance Josiah Gorgas read and endorsed this correspondence but stepped in to order two saddles made for General Lee. On November 23, 1864 Dinwiddie notified Gorgas the saddles were ready for delivery. Gorgas then inquired of Colonel Baldwin if General Lee would accept one of the saddles as a present from the Ordnance Department.
“My dear Colonel, Would the General object to receiving one of these saddles as a present from the Ordnance officer on duty here? Is he opposed to such presentations in general.” Baldwin subsequently replied by endorsement that, “General Lee would I think be very well pleased to receive the saddle in a quiet way. He does not like newspapers or fancy presentations. I sounded him out on the subject and he said that he already had a good saddle and the country was so much pressed for material of every kind "but his size was no-"!” 5. General Lee no doubt received the two saddles, one as a gift, one paid for, at his winter quarters sometime in December 1864. It is not clear if Lee also received a bridle or “pockets” (saddle bags) with the order although both were routinely included in such orders by the arsenal.
So, if this saddle is the same as noted above how did it get to Dr. Taylor? On April 2, 1865 the Petersburg lines were broken and the order to evacuate Richmond was issued. General Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia began a frenetic withdrawal west that would end six days later at Appomattox Court House. During the march the baggage train of the army, presumably including some of Lee’s personal equipment, consisted of over one thousand wagons that stretched for some 30 miles- a plumb target for the marauding Federal cavalry. Davies Brigade with the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry in the lead attacked the train on April 5th and burned two hundred ammunition and Headquarters wagons. The next day General G.A. Custer and his cavalry including the 1st New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, destroyed between three hundred and four hundred wagons while taking many trophies. 6. One of the trophies taken was this hooded Jenifer saddle. While unclear, it was during this chaotic period that General Lee would have ostensibly lost some of his baggage or personal belongings such as this saddle. Most certainly, he went home to Richmond a few days later riding Traveller with one headquarters wagon and two ambulances but what other equipments he had (or failed to have) with him is not recorded. In any event, sometime in the weeks or months just after the close of the war, old army comrades, veterans of the attack on Lee’s baggage train, presented this captured saddle as General Lee’s own saddle, to Dr. Henry Genet Taylor.
Could this and Lee’s presentation saddle be one in the same? Unfortunately, we cannot be sure. Nevertheless, while circumstantial the possibility of this saddle being one of the two made for Lee is further evidenced by several coincidental though tangible points. First, its obvious pattern and expensive quality was reserved only for the most special orders. In fact, direct orders by the Chief of Ordnance in June of 1864 positively dictated that no saddles except a plain skeleton saddle to be made unless under the authority of special order. Second, the techniques of its construction is evidently late war. Notably the abbreviated skirts (a common late war Confederate adaption) and the use of higher quality and, at the time more abundant, imported English fair (London) leather rather than domestic tanned or black skirting leather- which were both discontinued about that time. 7. Finally, while age has made it infirm and fragile it shows little use or wear. All of which suggest albeit inconclusively, that this saddle is a late war Richmond Arsenal officer’s saddle.
In summary, the documented evidence is strongly suggestive but nevertheless circumstantial. So, there remains but one final question: Was this really one of Lee’s saddles or another Confederate officer’s?
You be the judge. Your comments are welcome!
Ken R Knopp
FOOTNOTES:
1. Confederate Saddles & Horse Equipment, By Ken R Knopp, Publisher Press, Orange Va, 2001, pg 89-90.
2. See Photos
3. Brief prepared by Russ Pritchard Jr.
4. Aug. 25, 1864 B. Baldwin (ANV Ordnance Officer) to Capt. James Diwiddie, (Richmond Arsenal Ordnance Officer) NOTE: “new Confederate pattern” was the McClellan. However, bureau economy under Gorgas would not permit waste. So long as the very abundant supply lasted Jenifer patterns saddles continued to be made at the arsenal as officer’s saddles to the end of the war.
5. Nov. 23, 1863 Jas. D “Wiarddio” (Capt. James D. Dinwiddie) to Gorgas, (Confederate Chief of Ordnance) “I have the honor to report the two (2) saddles for Gen'l Lee are ready for delivery.”
(over on back....)
My dear Colonel,
Would the General object to receiving one of these saddles as a preset from the Ordnance
officer on duty here? Is he opposed to such presentations in general. (originals on file in the Gorgas Collection, Hoole Special Collections Library, Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Nov. 28, 1864 Baldwin to Gorgas. Vol. 91 or 91 1/2 (All Downer letters sent after Jan. 19th 1864 and all Dinwiddie letters sent are in this file.) National Archives, Chapter IV, Group 109: War Department Collection of Confederate Records. Richmond Arsenal and Clarksville Depot. Containing correspondence sent and received, contractor’s vouchers and receipts.
6. OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, vol., 46, Part 1, Pages 632 and 1145.
7. The following excerpts were taken from Vol. 91 or 91 1/2 (All Downer letters sent after Jan. 19th 1864 and all Dinwiddie letters sent are in this file.) National Archives, Chapter IV, Group 109: War Department Collection of Confederate Records. Richmond Arsenal and Clarksville Depot. Containing correspondence sent and received, contractor’s vouchers and receipts.
June 8, 1864 Din to Kane:
The order of the Chief of Ordnance is positive that no saddles except a plain skeleton saddle to be made unless under the authority of special order.
June 6, 1864 Din to Kane:
During the month of April I find a bill returned from Clarksville in favor of Kimble & co. for furnishing Eng skirting into black harness leather. Please finish up no more in this way; but work the skirting fair as it is. The blacking only injures the leather and does not add to the looks of the saddle.
June 10, 1864 Din to Kane:
Cavalry saddles will hereafter be made with crupper, but without leg guards or covered stirrups-- No difference must be made in the saddles for officers, unless perhaps the materials may be more carefully selected.
About a year ago this saddle surfaced from another collection and was purchased by my great friend and established collector John Ashworth. The aged documentation (detailed below) that came with it presented it as a saddle owned by the great Southern chieftain Robert E Lee. Interesting enough by itself however, our curiosity was really tweaked when this was juxtaposed with some other information that I had by coincidence gathered many years ago on two saddles made for Lee at the end of the war. Naturally, Mr. Ashworth, his friend historian Russ Pritchard Jr. and myself were intrigued and so as a matter of course Mr. Pritchard spent the next several months trying to run down additional information, documentation, sources, etc. to establish its veracity. Sadly, in the end our results were largely circumstantial and inconclusive but,....no less thought provoking and intriguing to say the least! Much of the historical data below was gathered and written by either Mr. Pritchard or myself. For the very first time, I am publishing our findings here on the AC for your enjoyment and comments.
First, check out the photos of the saddle. Although missing stirrups, stirrup leathers and other components you will note that it is a classic Richmond Arsenal, officer’s “Hooded Jenifer”as made at the Ord. Dept’s. Clarksville Harness Shops 1. According to my research, the “Hooded Jenifer” was the Richmond Arsenal’s “high-end” officer’s private purchase saddle made of the finest materials, workmanship and including a full leather covering that was apparently made to be easily detachable from the tree of the saddle (I can only speculate why). It sometimes came with a quilted hog skin seat but regardless, it was certainly the most expensive saddle and the least often manufactured by the Ordnance Harness Shops during the war. You will note its similarity to another, more complete one pictured below that was made for Jefferson Davis and today found at the Chicago Historical Society. This is only the third one of its kind that I know of still in existence.
When purchased by Mr. Ashworth, this saddle came with an old, yellowing inventory tag (see below) bearing an accessions number and date assigned by the Camden (NJ) County Historical Society and a corresponding copy of an accessions page (see below) confirming the number and bearing the description: “The saddle of General Robert E. Lee captured by Union forces from his baggage train and presented to Dr. H. Genet Taylor.” 2.
Dr. Henry Genet Taylor, was a descendant of a prominent New Jersey family. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1860 and set up practice in Camden. On Sept. 14, 1861 Taylor joined the 8th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry for three years and was appointed assistant regimental surgeon. He served with distinction until after the battle of Antietam in Sept, 1862 when he was promoted to surgeon of the Artillery Brigade of the III Corps subsequently serving on the staffs of Maj. Gen’l’s Hooker, French and Sickles in that capacity. Dr. Taylor resigned from active service on a Certificate of Disability in March 1864 and returned to Camden to become Asst. Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment for his Congressional District which placed him in charge of examination of volunteers and draftees until the close of the war. Apparently Dr. Taylor placed -such high regard in this war souvenir that he kept it in his home in Camden for the remainder of his life. Upon his death in 1916 the saddle passed to his eldest son Henry Genet Taylor, Jr. who presented it to the Camden County Historical Society sometime between Oct 17, 1923 and January 15, 1924. The saddle remained in the collections of the Historical Society for nearly three quarters of a century until Nov. 25, 1997 when it was transferred to the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pa. Subsequently, in 2000, that institution de-accessioned the saddle and it then passed into private hands. 3.
Lets talk semantics. Lee’s more well known saddle is his Grimsley-McClellan transition saddle currently on display at the Museum of the Confederacy. Indeed, it is a very nice saddle and if memory serves me correct according to the M.O.C. it was likely made in St Louis and bought by Lee very early in the war. This is a well made, fancy and heavy saddle. Given that, and its condition (it shows little wear even today) it is doubtful Lee rode only this one saddle throughout the war.
Moreover, like many officers of the Confederacy, Lee also had more than one horse. In fact, he owned several during the war including “Traveller”, “The Roan”, “Richmond”, “Lucy Long” and “Ajax”. At the very end of the war he apparently had with him just two, the well known Traveller and Ajax. As a matter of routine, his horses were kept with him at his headquarters wagon under the care of his servants or orderlies who likely also rode the horses when on the march, etc. So, given the above it is reasonable to assume Lee had more than one saddle. As a matter of fact, it is known he at least two more in the winter of 1864-65.
In August 1864, Colonel Charles Marshall, one of Lee’s aide de camps, inquired via the Army of Northern Virginia’s Ordnance officer, Colonel Briscoe Baldwin, about Lee purchasing an officer’s saddle and bridle from the Richmond Arsenal. On August 24th, Colonel Baldwin wrote to Captain James A Dinwiddie in charge of Ordnance Stores in Richmond inquiring about the cost of this equipment. “Col. Marshall ADC to Gen'l Lee requests to ask you the price of an officers saddle and bridle of the new Confed pattern. Ge'l Lee is also desirous to get on fair leather- perfectly plain with pockets on- as light as possible. What would be the price of such a saddle for the General.”4.
In his characteristically efficient manner, Chief of Ordnance Josiah Gorgas read and endorsed this correspondence but stepped in to order two saddles made for General Lee. On November 23, 1864 Dinwiddie notified Gorgas the saddles were ready for delivery. Gorgas then inquired of Colonel Baldwin if General Lee would accept one of the saddles as a present from the Ordnance Department.
“My dear Colonel, Would the General object to receiving one of these saddles as a present from the Ordnance officer on duty here? Is he opposed to such presentations in general.” Baldwin subsequently replied by endorsement that, “General Lee would I think be very well pleased to receive the saddle in a quiet way. He does not like newspapers or fancy presentations. I sounded him out on the subject and he said that he already had a good saddle and the country was so much pressed for material of every kind "but his size was no-"!” 5. General Lee no doubt received the two saddles, one as a gift, one paid for, at his winter quarters sometime in December 1864. It is not clear if Lee also received a bridle or “pockets” (saddle bags) with the order although both were routinely included in such orders by the arsenal.
So, if this saddle is the same as noted above how did it get to Dr. Taylor? On April 2, 1865 the Petersburg lines were broken and the order to evacuate Richmond was issued. General Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia began a frenetic withdrawal west that would end six days later at Appomattox Court House. During the march the baggage train of the army, presumably including some of Lee’s personal equipment, consisted of over one thousand wagons that stretched for some 30 miles- a plumb target for the marauding Federal cavalry. Davies Brigade with the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry in the lead attacked the train on April 5th and burned two hundred ammunition and Headquarters wagons. The next day General G.A. Custer and his cavalry including the 1st New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, destroyed between three hundred and four hundred wagons while taking many trophies. 6. One of the trophies taken was this hooded Jenifer saddle. While unclear, it was during this chaotic period that General Lee would have ostensibly lost some of his baggage or personal belongings such as this saddle. Most certainly, he went home to Richmond a few days later riding Traveller with one headquarters wagon and two ambulances but what other equipments he had (or failed to have) with him is not recorded. In any event, sometime in the weeks or months just after the close of the war, old army comrades, veterans of the attack on Lee’s baggage train, presented this captured saddle as General Lee’s own saddle, to Dr. Henry Genet Taylor.
Could this and Lee’s presentation saddle be one in the same? Unfortunately, we cannot be sure. Nevertheless, while circumstantial the possibility of this saddle being one of the two made for Lee is further evidenced by several coincidental though tangible points. First, its obvious pattern and expensive quality was reserved only for the most special orders. In fact, direct orders by the Chief of Ordnance in June of 1864 positively dictated that no saddles except a plain skeleton saddle to be made unless under the authority of special order. Second, the techniques of its construction is evidently late war. Notably the abbreviated skirts (a common late war Confederate adaption) and the use of higher quality and, at the time more abundant, imported English fair (London) leather rather than domestic tanned or black skirting leather- which were both discontinued about that time. 7. Finally, while age has made it infirm and fragile it shows little use or wear. All of which suggest albeit inconclusively, that this saddle is a late war Richmond Arsenal officer’s saddle.
In summary, the documented evidence is strongly suggestive but nevertheless circumstantial. So, there remains but one final question: Was this really one of Lee’s saddles or another Confederate officer’s?
You be the judge. Your comments are welcome!
Ken R Knopp
FOOTNOTES:
1. Confederate Saddles & Horse Equipment, By Ken R Knopp, Publisher Press, Orange Va, 2001, pg 89-90.
2. See Photos
3. Brief prepared by Russ Pritchard Jr.
4. Aug. 25, 1864 B. Baldwin (ANV Ordnance Officer) to Capt. James Diwiddie, (Richmond Arsenal Ordnance Officer) NOTE: “new Confederate pattern” was the McClellan. However, bureau economy under Gorgas would not permit waste. So long as the very abundant supply lasted Jenifer patterns saddles continued to be made at the arsenal as officer’s saddles to the end of the war.
5. Nov. 23, 1863 Jas. D “Wiarddio” (Capt. James D. Dinwiddie) to Gorgas, (Confederate Chief of Ordnance) “I have the honor to report the two (2) saddles for Gen'l Lee are ready for delivery.”
(over on back....)
My dear Colonel,
Would the General object to receiving one of these saddles as a preset from the Ordnance
officer on duty here? Is he opposed to such presentations in general. (originals on file in the Gorgas Collection, Hoole Special Collections Library, Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Nov. 28, 1864 Baldwin to Gorgas. Vol. 91 or 91 1/2 (All Downer letters sent after Jan. 19th 1864 and all Dinwiddie letters sent are in this file.) National Archives, Chapter IV, Group 109: War Department Collection of Confederate Records. Richmond Arsenal and Clarksville Depot. Containing correspondence sent and received, contractor’s vouchers and receipts.
6. OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, vol., 46, Part 1, Pages 632 and 1145.
7. The following excerpts were taken from Vol. 91 or 91 1/2 (All Downer letters sent after Jan. 19th 1864 and all Dinwiddie letters sent are in this file.) National Archives, Chapter IV, Group 109: War Department Collection of Confederate Records. Richmond Arsenal and Clarksville Depot. Containing correspondence sent and received, contractor’s vouchers and receipts.
June 8, 1864 Din to Kane:
The order of the Chief of Ordnance is positive that no saddles except a plain skeleton saddle to be made unless under the authority of special order.
June 6, 1864 Din to Kane:
During the month of April I find a bill returned from Clarksville in favor of Kimble & co. for furnishing Eng skirting into black harness leather. Please finish up no more in this way; but work the skirting fair as it is. The blacking only injures the leather and does not add to the looks of the saddle.
June 10, 1864 Din to Kane:
Cavalry saddles will hereafter be made with crupper, but without leg guards or covered stirrups-- No difference must be made in the saddles for officers, unless perhaps the materials may be more carefully selected.
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