Civil War Manuscripts Project
Manuscript Examinations

by K. Nolin, M.L.I.S., Assistant Library Director

Internet Design and Implementation Stephan Yearl, Digital Resource Administrator

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*General Information*
[Compiled, edited and transcribed by K. Nolin, M.L.I.S., Assistant Library Director, The Connecticut Historical Society]

• Edward Blake graduated from Yale University, class of 1858.
• The 5th Connecticut Infantry formed a part of Crawford's Brigade, General Banks's Division in August 1862.
• During the Spring of 1862 until July 1862, Blake served as Assistant Adjutant General on the staff of General Samuel Wylie Crawford.
• Blake was killed in action at the battle of Cedar Mountain, 9 August 1862.

*Papers*

Collection also includes a printed map (1862) of Virginia that traces the movements of the 5th Connecticut Infantry in manuscript notations from October 1861 to July 1862. Map citation: "Lloyd's official Map of the State of Virginia: from actual surveys by order of the executive 1828 & 1859, Corrected and Revised by J. T. Lloyd to 1862, from surveys made by Capt. W. Angelo Powell, of the U. S. Topographical Engineers of Gen. Rosencrans' Staff."

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Blake's papers contain much correspondence between his family and military personnel (including General Crawford) regarding his "disappearance" during the battle of Cedar Mountain. Blake was initially reported as twice wounded and taken prisoner. There are many letters from members of the 5th Connecticut, Edward Rice among them, explaining what they saw of Major Blake during the battle. Among this material are several sketches or maps depicting the battlefield that attempt to pinpoint Blake's gravesite. One map is cited thus, "Sketch of the plan of the battle of Cedar Mountain Va fought Aug 9, 1862. Made by Sergeant Bissel and given by Dr E W Blake to E W Blake jr. April 6, 1866." Another map is cited, "Sketch of the Battle Field of Cedar Mountain. Aug 9th '62," and was submitted to the Blake family by James Keef, 5th Connecticut Infantry, on 25 November 1862. A third map is cited, "Sketch of plan of battle of Cedar Run, fought Aug 9th 1862.

An interesting sketch of an arctic region populated with polar bears and bearing the slogan, "Frozen Out" is among Blake's papers.

*Letter*

My Dear Madam

I rec'd your note of the 12th inst. at Fortress Monroe while on my way from Richmond to this place. Although very much weakened and enfeebled from my rigorous imprisonment, I hasten to reply, trusting that you will forgive my writing in pencil, as I am unable, yet, to hold a pen.
I most sincerely grieve to tell you that my noble and beloved friend, Maj. Blake, was shot dead while gallantly charging with his Reg't at the battle of "Cedar Mountain" on Aug't 9th. Col. Chapman (who was near him when he fell) says that he died instantly. Col. C. would have written himself to apprise you of the circumstances, but has been, and is still, to unwell to write.
He desires me to tell you that in losing your brother, his Reg't and the service, have sustained a loss that cannot be supplied. I know that his death will be lamented by the whole Division; for he was loved, admired, and respected wherever he was known. It is consoling to know that from his christian character and shining, fervent piety, we may feel assured that the summons of death did not find him unprepared."

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*James Mason Documents*

One item appears to be the roll of a volunteer company in the process of formation entitled, "Knights of L. D. Trust us!!!" and dated 5 August 1861.

Another item is a note from T. A. Hollenback, Assistant Quartermaster, 13th Virginia Infantry, regarding the return of horses and cart, Romney, VA, 29 June 1861.

One interesting document in the guise of "Special Orders" reads:

House of the Hon James M. Mason
Headquarters 5th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers
Special Orders No 31
First Brigade General Banks Division
Winchester Va March 18th 1862

The Colonel Commanding announces the following rules for the government of the Vandals occupying the house of the Hon James M. Mason, kindly furnished during his absence in Europe.

1 The Regimental Officer of the Day shall hereafter provide an Orderly Drummer
for these Headquarters who shall sound the Reveille, Dinner Call, Tattoo, and Taps, at the regular hours.

2 At Taps, all Field and Staff Vandals will cease vociferous and boisterous talking and singing, and will take off their boots, substituting slippers therefor.

3 Hereafter all tumbling through the ceiling into the room below, is strictly forbidden

4 Teamsters will see that the order prohibiting boisterous singing is strictly obeyed by their mules.

By order of Chief Vandal
Edward F. Blake
1st Goth & Adjutant