Present Arms

Colt-arme-1860-p1030159

Colt Army Model 1860

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper, presumably sometime in early 1863:

Presentation to Capt. McDonald.

Capt. JAS. H. MCDONALD, of the 50th Regiment, received on Monday evening, a very substantial present at the hands of his fellow-citizens, for gallant and meritorious conduct as a soldier. The presentation took place at Union Hall and was witnessed by a large number in attendence [sic]. The meeting was organized by selecting A.J. GOFFE, Esq., as chairman, after which Hon. BENSON OWEN, in a speech suitable to the occasion, presented the Captain with a pair of Colt’s Revolvers, of the best and most improved patern [sic]. A purse of $50 was also presented. Capt. MCDONALD replied in a brief, modest and appropriate speech, thanking his fellow-citizens for the flattering testimonials presented. It will be remembered that Capt. MCDONALD was seriously wounded while throwing a pontoon bridge accross [sic] the Rappahannock the day previous to the battle of Fredericksburgh, his left arm being pierced by a musket ball. He has not entirely recovered from the effects of the wound. He left, however, for his Regiment on the noon train Wednesday.

Rappahannock Station, Virginia. Officers of 50th New York Engineers (by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, 1864 Mar; LOC: LC-DIG-cwpb-04077)

Captain McDonald in the picture? 50th NY officers in 1864

Major McDonald was mustered out in June 1865.

The image of the revolver is licensed by Creative Commons.

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