General’s Presentation Sword

By John Sexton · Originally published August 2019 · pp. 28–29

Alpheus Starkey Williams (September 29, 1810 – December 21, 1878) was a lawyer, judge, journalist, U.S. Congressman, and a Union general in the American Civil War. (Library of Congress)

I received a phone call from the owner of a presentation sword given to General Alpheus Williams just prior to 2018 hurricane that threatened the South Carolina coast with mandatory evacuation. The sword had been in the family for five generations. I was asked if this sword should be taken inland and saved from potential storm damage. Since that call last year, I’ve been called back and asked the best way to market the sword after the family was informed that indeed the sword was valuable. The most transparent and reliable way to maximize money is usually an auction, the recommendation I usually suggest. This sword will be offered in the Poulin Auction, Fairfield, Maine, October 20. The sword has not been seen by the public for a very long time and is totally unknown to the collector community. It is indeed a beautiful sword retained in its original casing with two sword belts and two regulation buff general’s sashes. The sword was made by Bailey of Philadelphia though an agent mark of Canfield Brothers, Baltimore, with a Collins, Hartford, Conn., blade etched in a Tiffany style with four battle honors: “RAPPAHANOCK / ANTIETAM” and “WINCHESTER / CEDAR MOUNTAIN.” General Williams’ war record is extensive. He served as a brigade commander, division commander, and corps commander in the Army of the Potomac. He and his troops

Overall view of this unique and exceptional sword and scabbard. Etched panoply of arms on blade.

Exquisite etched blade, very typical of Tiffany high grade presentations.

Alpheus Starkey Williams (September 29, 1810 – December 21,

saw battle at Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Winchester, and Gettysburg. Williams was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland in October 1863 as commander of the 1st Division of the XXth Corps. During the Atlanta Campaign, Williams and his men saw battle at Resaca, New Hope Church, Kolb’s Farm, Peach Tree Creek, and in the siege and capture of Atlanta. In November 1864, Williams was made commander of the XXth Corps, the first troops to enter Savannah. On January 12, 1865, Williams was breveted Major General. In the Carolinas Campaign, Williams fought in the battles of Averasboro and Bentonville.” Williams was not a West Point graduate, and was often passed over for promotion, but consistently earned the praise of his superiors, and is widely considered among the best non-professional Civil War generals. He was a quiet and unassuming man, who refused to put himself forward or lobby for personal advancement. To his soldiers, he was “Pap” Williams, a nickname he earned because he treated his men like they were his sons. Gen. Williams wrote his daughter January 27, 1863, from winter quarters in Stafford, Va., concerning presentation of the sword:

….some sixty officers, Colonel Knipe, now commanding the brigade, received me with a very flattering speech, opened the box, and took out a most magnificent sword and a belt and sash, which he presented on the part of the officers. I was so taken by surprise, so affected by the manner in the mode the testimonial was made, so filled with recollections of the past several months that this gallant brigade has been under my command, of the many changes that death has made, that I fairly broke down and for the 2nd time since I have been in service, tears flowed freely. You can hardly realize how attached I have, too many of these officers who have been with me through so many trials, privatizations, and dangers. Of course it makes me very happy to know how they love me, as I know they do, sincerely. The sword is the most gorgeous thing I have seen, costing nearly $400. Nobody but the officers of my old brigade was permitted to subscribe…..

Original “royal purple” lined sword case displaying General William’s sword and accessories including regulation general’s buff sash and bullion embroidered hat cord.

Preview for new 2019 biography by Jack Dempsey: Michigan’s Civil War CitizenGeneral: Alpheus S. Williams:

The battle honors commemorate General Williams’ actions at the Rappahannock River and Antietam. (Jack Melton)

Engraved presentation on scabbard between mounts reads: PRESENTED / TO / GENl. A.S. Williams. / by the Officers / OF THE OLD THIRD BRIGADE.

Regulation Civil War general’s sword belt with three bands of gold bullion on red Moroccan leather. “Detroit’s Alpheus Starkey Williams never tired in service to his city or his country. A veteran of the Mexican-American War, he was a preeminent military figure in Michigan before the Civil War. He was a key link in forwarding the “Lost Order” before Sharpsburg, and served well at Gettysburg, the March to the Sea, and the Carolinas Campaign. His generalship at Antietam made possible the Emancipation Proclamation, and Meade and Sherman relied on his unshakable leadership. A steady hand in wartime and in peacetime, Williams was a Yale graduate, lawyer, judge, editor, municipal official, militia officer, diplomat, and congressman who stood on principle over party. With vivid battlefield accounts based on extensive primary research, award-winning author Jack Dempsey’s masterful biography tells the amazing story of this unsung hero.”

John is an certified appraiser with International Society of Appraisers specializing in Civil War memorabilia. He authenticates and evaluates other rare and valuable historic items as well. His website is www.civilwardealer.com. He is coauthor of the book Confederate Bowie Knives (2012) by Jack Melton, Josh Phillips and John Sexton, that was published by Mowbray Publishing, Inc.

Send “Ask The Appraiser” questions and photographs to [email protected].