Thomas Jefferson's Guide to Parliamentary Practice Doubles as a Civil War Trophy

Jefferson, Thomas. A Manual of Parliamentary Practice, for the Use of the Senate of the United States (Washington City: Davis & Force, 1820), 18mo (6-1/2 in.), three-quarter calf, gilt title and rules on spine, the front free endpaper pencil inscribed, "This book was found by Col B Dornblaser, 46th lll in the deserted mansion of Col Martin (?) in the city of Jackson Miss July 17th, 1863. Jackson was evacuated by the Rebel army on the night of July 16th 1863."

This volume is very rare, with the most recent auction record we found being from 1916.
A Pennsylvanian by birth, 33 year-old Benjamin Dornblaser enlisted in the 46th Illinois Infantry, as a Field & Staff 1st Lieutenant and became the regiment's colonel only a year later. While the war raged on in Virginia, Dornblaser found his own corner of hell in western Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. His actions at Shiloh, Vicksburg and beyond positioned Dornblaser to be named a Brevet Brigadier General in February 1865 and a Brevet Major General the following month. He was mustered out of the service in January 1866 with an enviable war record that spoke of his devotion to duty.


By descent through the family
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Top board disbound but present; pencil inscription quite worn; foxing and damp stains.