1862 - A Union cavalry detachment refreshes its issue uniforms and blankets in preparation of for General Burnside's ill-fated attack on Fredericksburg by 1st Massachusetts Cavalry - 1862

Hagerstown, Maryland, 1862. Very good. This uniform receipt measures approximately 10" x 8½'. In nice shape.

It is undated but summarizes the issue of new uniforms and blankets to a detachment from the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry made at Hagerstown, Maryland during the month of November 1862 following the unit's skirmishes in the Shenandoah with Confederates at Snicker's Gap, Markham Station, and Manassas Gap.

"4 Four pr Boots
2 Two per Pants
5 Five Cotton T-Shirts
4 Four pr Cotton Drawers
3 Three Caps
2 Two Blue Blouces
1 Rubber Blanket
1 Woolen Blanket
3 Three pr Wolen Socks"

. Simultaneously, President Lincoln was in the process for relieving General McClellan for his lack of progress. In his stead, Lincoln appointed General Burnside to lead the Union Army. In complete opposition to McClellan's timidity and inaction, Burnside rushed the Union Army headfirst into Virginia and the Confederate defenses at Fredericksburg where it suffered one of the most lopsided defeats of the war. After suffering more than twice the casualties of the Confederates, Burnside withdrew. Lincoln, more disconsolate than ever, relieved Burnside from command a month later.

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