Description
Superb dead letter cdv which is ironically identified as Phillip A. Reigle of the 66th Illinois Western Sharp Shooters. Originally designated the “Birge’s Western Sharpshooters”, the unit was a multi-state, Federal unit organized at St. Louis and mustered into federal service on November 23, 1861. Initially two companies were raised in Ohio, three in Illinois, one in Michigan, and four were organized at St Louis’ Benton Barracks of Missourians and detachments of volunteer candidates sent by recruiting officers from Iowa, Minnesota and other western states, thus forming a regiment that represented every state in the west. It was re-designated first as the “Western Sharpshooters-14th Missouri Volunteers”, and later re-designated again as the “66th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Western Sharpshooters”. While federal and state authorities repeatedly changed the formal designation of the unit, the regiment was commonly referred to as the “Western Sharpshooters” (or simply “The Sharpshooters”) for the duration of the war. After the war, autographs by former members often included the appellation W.S.S as does the back of this carte view. Phillip, an Ohio native, would muster with “H” Company in November, 1861. He would re-enlist on Christmas Day of 1863 and would serve until July, 1865. Armed with Dimick Long rifles and Henry repeating rifles, the men would see extensive service. They would take an active role in nearly 30 engagements! While this is a dead letter cdv, it bears a period ink inscription on the reverse. The front of the card bears the unmistakable dead letter ear marks with the two pin holes and red ink id number. The reverse of the card is inscribed “P. A. Reigle Co. H. W.S.S. 66th Ills Vols Camp Davies, MS Aug 8th”. Hard to find unit and a dead letter cdv to boot!
