[Civil War] Scott's 900 - James B. and Chellis D. Swain Archive 

A small archive of twenty letters and documents related to New York cavalrymen James B. Swain (1820-1895) and his son, Chellis D. Swain (Ca 1843-1911). James and Chellis were commissioned into the 11th New York Cavalry in 1862 and both survived the war. The 11th Cavalry, known as "Scott's 900" was organized at New York City and mustered into service for a period of three years. Initially attached directly to the 1st U.S. Cavalry, they were later redesignated the 11th New York Volunteer Cavalry. Assistant Secretary of War Thomas A. Scott, for whom the unit was named, wanted this regiment to act as scouts and to aid in the interception of spies and rebel sympathizers. As part of Washington, D.C.'s defense system, they were to act generally as the eyes and ears of the government. For a period, the regiment also acted as a cavalry escort and bodyguard for President Lincoln (1862-1863). The documents and letters included in the archive date from 1863 to 1892, and are in very good condition. The accompanying photograph is a reproduction. With expected folds and creasing, along with a few areas of separations where weakness occurred. Varying degrees of toning, foxing, soiling, and dampstaining. Please refer to the photographs for further condition information.

The archive consists of a Scott's 900 Regulations booklet, appointment documents, special orders, letters, and other papers. Highlights are as follows:

- "Scotts 900: Rules, Regulations, Forms, and Suggestions for the Instruction and Guidance of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry" by James B. Swain. New York: Baker & Goodwin, Printers, 1863. Signed on the title page "Chellis D. Swain." 96pp with regulations on obedience, cleanliness, guard duties, inspections, punishments, exercise, etc., along with cooking recipes.

- Scott's 900 21st Annual Reunion Pamphlet. Gettysburg, July 3, 1913.

- Chellis D. Swain Discharge Certificate as Adjutant of 1st Regiment of Frontier Cavalry. Albany, July 7, 1865.

- Group of Special Orders: No. 133 (Washington, D.C., June 10, 1863); No. 108 (Washington, D.C., March 1, 1864); No. 75 (New York, March 28, 1865); No. 30 (Albany, April 28, 1865); No. 34 (Albany, June 21, 1865); No. 35 (Albany, June 22, 1865); and No. 14 (Albany, June 24, 1865).

- Headquarters of the Department of the East DS. New York City, March 20, 1865. Addressed to the Governor of New York, regarding the organization of the 1st Regiment Frontier Cavalry.

- Letter Signed "Chellis D. Swain". Ogdensburg, New York, June 21, 1865. Addressed to Bvt. Col. Frederick Townsend, asking if the mustering officer at that post could muster three officers to save a trip to Albany.

- Letter Signed "W.G. Field". Albany, July 8, 1865. Certifying that he is in possession of a box of Records pertaining to the 1st Frontier Cavalry.

- Mrs. Laura Dunbar Swain (Chellis' wife) ALS. New York, Ca. 1872. Writing for the first time to her estranged father.

- War Department DS. Washington, D.C., March 15, 1892. Addressed to Chellis D. Swain, denying his claim to payment as a veteran. With an endorsement by H.H. Taylor, asking for additional clarification and proof of service and promotion prior to March 3, 1865

- James B. and Chellis D. Swain Reproduced Photograph, undated.

This is just a sampling of what is included in the archive, which deserves further research into the lives of this father and son pair who served their country.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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