1st Ed. Memorial Book Dedicated to 19-Year-Old "Lieut. George H. Walcott, Late of the 30th U.S. Colored Troops"

A first edition copy of Charles Mellen Tyler's "Memorials of Lieut. George H. Walcott, Late of the 30th U.S. Colored Troops" (Boston: Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society, 1865). The hardcover copy has purple embossed covers. The front loose endpaper is pencil-inscribed by a former owner as "M.L. Gott." The spine and front cover are moderately sun-faded. Expected wear including toning, scattered foxing, and a few isolated chipped edges, else very good to near fine. 106pp. 4.125" x 6.125" x .5." 16mo.

The book is about George Henry Walcott (1844-1864), a white Union officer who died (probably of typhoid fever) in a Philadelphia military hospital on July 10, 1864 at age 19. Besides providing a basic biography of Walcott, the book includes excerpts of many of George's diary entries and letters, as well as the recollections of his contemporaries, fellow soldiers, and family members.

The objectives of publishing this account were twofold: to celebrate the faith, patriotism, and character of Walcott; and to inspire others to emulate him. The author C.M. Tyler wrote: "The resolve is taken, therefore, to gather these reminiscences together, and to commit this little volume to the charitable regards of all who admire a young Christian officer…These simple annals of a brave young Christian may kindle in some of our young men a manly purpose and Christian aspiration… " (p. 11; p. 106).

George Henry Walcott was born in Natick, Massachusetts. As a late teen, he experienced a religious awakening--he was a fervent Congregationalist--and had aspirations to go to college. Walcott put these plans on hold in order to enlist. Walcott was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the 30th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops in early March 1864. Walcott and the 30th Regiment traveled to Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, guarding the flanks of the Army of the Potomac during the May 8-21, 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania. Walcott fell ill of a "fever and disease of the bowels" after only three months of service, and died five weeks later. According to regimental records, only two officers of the 30th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops including Walcott was killed by disease.

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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