Description
Seldom seen pair of war date crutches attributed to George Bonny of the 143rd New York Volunteer Infantry. At 33 years of age, George would initially muster as a corporal in Company F with the 56th New York Volunteer Infantry in August, 1861. The following February he would be discharged for a disability while in Washington. At some point George enlisted with the 143rd New York Infantry, although I could find no record of him serving with the regiment. The original surgeons affidavit attesting to George’s wounding states in the first line “Lt. George Bonny of the 143 NY Regiment of Infantry…”, however his service with the regiment is a bit of a mystery. The crutches themselves are made from white oak and measure 49″ tall. The arm rests are held in place with wood pegs. A square nail has been stuck into the bottom of each crutch to help prevent slipping. One of the crutches has a crack running down the length and you can see where it had been taped for a very long time is an attempt to prevent the crack from running the length of the crutch. As mentioned before this does have George’s original doctor’s affidavit attesting to his wounding in the leg. Written by Doctor John D Watkins and dated September 16, 1864. The affidavit states that George was wounded on July 20, 1864 after a ball passed through the right leg splintering the fibula. On July 20th, 1864, the 143rd New York would be engaged at Peachtree Creek where the regiment’s after battle report indicates that there was one officer killed and one wounded from the regiment. This one certainly warrants further research. Also included in the group is a signed statement from Chief Park Ranger, Deryl Stone who acquired the crutches from the family back in June of 2011. Interesting grouping.
