Ames Staff and Field officer’s sword given to Captain Thomas K. Barrett of the 90th Illinois (Irish Legion). Barrett, an Irish immigrant, was the publisher of a newspaper before the war that catered to the Irish Catholic community in Ottawa, Illinois. His officer’s commission was revoked after he wrote a scathing letter to the “Chicago Tribune” that criticized military top brass and the Lincoln administration, in part for deciding to raise regiments of African American soldiers. Published on the front page of the paper, Barrett’s letter was perceived by some to be a defense of the Irish Legion. Nonetheless, he was summarily dismissed from service by the Adjutant General, an action that received national attention. After the war, Barrett was an officer in the Fenian Brotherhood during their raids into Canada.

Barrett’s presented Staff and Field officer’s sword is a nearly pristine example that retains a high-degree of its original gold wash. The sword’s blade is fine, its etched patriotic design is entirely present and “frosty.” Presentation on the inner mount reads “Presented by the citizens of Ottawa, Capt. Thomas K. Barrett, as a token of their esteem and appreciation, at Camp Dune, September 4th, 1862.” Made by Ames, the sword has an appropriate stamp on its scabbard and etched maker’s mark on its blade. This example’s condition is such that even if it were not presented to a Civil War officer with a compelling history, it would have significant value in its own right.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Sword, Saber, Clauberg, Ames, Ball and Black] [Abraham Lincoln] [Emancipation Proclamation, Slavery, 13th Amendment]