Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Glasses, Field |
Catalog Number |
0985.02.00065 |
Description |
Binocular optic device of brass. No markings/inscriptions. No case. |
Material |
Metal/Glass |
Dimensions |
W-4.75 L-6.25 D-2.75 inches |
Owned |
unidentified Union POW; Robert A. Harris |
Owner Regiment |
Wheat's Battalion Louisiana Infantry, "Louisiana Tigers" |
Event |
Battle of First Manassas / First Bull Run |
Provenance |
A Union POW gave the field glasses to Major Robert A. Harris after the First Battle of Manassas in 1861. These glasses were used by Generals Beauregard, Jackson, Richard Taylor, D. H. Maury, and Ewell. Harris was a Major in Wheat's Battalion, "Louisiana Tigers." History of the glasses, as provided by the donor, Robert A. Harris: "It the first battle of Manassas in the afternoon, when the fight was over, Gen’l Beauregard ordered me to connect Gen’l Elzey’s command across Stone Bridge so as to enable him to go towards Cub Run and intercept the retreating Federals. He instructed me to hurry back so that he could send me with another command across Bull Run to form a V with Gen’l Elzey. On my way back I saw an officer in blue, in the woods and called to him to come out. He did so. I told him to hurry up as I had to go back to the General. At this time I saw some of our men going towards the Lewis House and turned the officer over to them. As he bade me good bye he pulled off these field glasses and handed them to me remarking that they might do me some good but that they would be of no further service to him." |
People |
Harris, Robert A. Jackson, Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) Taylor, Richard Scott (Dick) Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant (P. G. T.) Maury, Dabney Herndon Ewell, Richard Stoddert |
Search Terms |
Optics items taken from Union soldiers |
Subjects |
POW's Prisoners of war Optical devices gifts |