Unique and pleasing original sheet music, composed by a Union musician for another musician in his regiment. The author, Sullivan Whiting, enlisted in the 4th Maine Infantry in the spring of 1861 and apparently composed this music for his friend Francis M. Gilman of the same regiment. Both men were a part of the regimental band. The original work includes the somewhat cryptic lyrics:

“When as returns this solemn day/Man comes to meet his God/What rites what honors shall he pay/How sound his praise abroad?”

An inscription on the top right corner of the page reads:

“This tune was composed by S.K. Whiting/a member of the regimental band of the/4th regiment of ME on the 9th of September 1861/in camp near Alexandria/and respectfully dedicated to F.M. Gilman.”

F.M. Gilman served the with the 4th Maine until September of 1862, when he was discharged. During that time he saw hard fighting, particularly during the Seven Days’ Battles. Whiting’s history is a bit murky; he is listed as a deserter in some official records. Prior to leaving the Army, he composed a hit: “McClellan's Serenade”, which was published and achieved success during the War. He was also a member of the Freedman’s Bureau, becoming superintendent of Petersburg, Virginia schools after the War.

Clearly, this composition represented a token of affection between two musicians for the Union. It is a unique window into a sometimes overlooked part of Civil War service. The document itself is in very good condition, with fold lines visible from when it was originally folded.






[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Paper Ephemera, Musician]