behind AotW

Both of my readers will know that one of the things I collect is poorly done modern headstones for my guys – veterans of the Maryland Campaign of 1862.

Today I found this one:

It’s for John William Crabtree of the 4th Texas Infantry. It says he was in the 19th Brigade, but that seems unlikely. Consider this impressive document:

Given that the “Brigade” (a military district of 4 Texas counties) was just beginning enrollment of Companies on 22 July 1861, and our man Crabtree had enlisted in Company I of the 4th Infantry on 17 July, I’m skeptical. Even if he had – however briefly – been enrolled in the Militia, it’s sad that his grave marker doesn’t credit his main service.

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The gravestone photograph was contributed to his Find-a-grave memorial by Frank Everett.

This copy of General Orders No. 1 was sold by Heritage Auctions in December 2007.