Desk, Campaign

Object Name:

Desk, Campaign

Object ID:

2003.027

Date:

1863-1864

Description:

Desk used by Rev. William Harrison Thomas, chaplain in 4th Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. 1860s resident of Laconia, N.H. Exterior of case is covered with cotton canvas sewn together with cotton string. Stenciled on right end of canvas, "REV. W.H. THOMAS / 4th NH VOL." Paper shipping label printed "CADM __' / THOMAS CO[RN]ELL, / BAGGAGE EXPRESS, / FREIGHT, PARCEL and___Express, / __with steamers Dan'l Drew; C_____Tho's Cornell, and / __or & Worcester Line, CITY __ / Offices, ___ / _DAY LINE OF ____." Other side is stenciled "W.H. Thomas / Chaplain / 4th N.H. V." Leather strap handles on both short ends. Leather strap and buckles on right end.Beneath canvas is what appears to be a brown leather trunk, though it opens on the short right end rather than a long end. Top of trunk has three lengthwise wooden straps and five depthwise iron straps (including ends); a hole in each of the four corners (which may be for dowel legs); and eight decorated leather panels. The four corner panels have an "X" decoration, and remaining four panels have a diamond with double ended arrows filling panel. Iron straps held down with brass tacks and wooden strips on top. Long sides of lid each have four panels with "X" design. Black enameled L-brackets on both sides of left end. Lid is hinged on left end with two iron hinges. Opening lid reveals several canvas surfaces framed in oak, and attached with hinges. Frames are mortise and tenon construction; brass sliding locks hold frames in; there is a series of angled holes on underside of frame. Canvas on left side opens to reveal cloth-lined desk space. Right side has two canvases. Opening the upper one reveals second one, which then folds out to reveal a frame with black oil cloth edged in red with brass tacks. Two screw eyes at end, function not known. Angle arms on sides that can hold the panel either level or up. Upper panel folds back into place and has locks on both sides that lock into the edges of the trunk. Interior of right side is lined with cloth. Exterior of trunk has iron lock on right end with oval escutcheon. In bottom of trunk is a loose drawer with porcelain handles and constructed with wire nails (the purpose of this 20th-century drawer is not known).

Material:

Leather
Metal
Textile
Cotton

Dimensions:

H-21.5 L-31 D-21 inches

Provenance:

Field (Campaign) Desk of the Rev. William Harrison Thomas, chaplain in the 4th New Hampshire Regiment, during the Civil War. Thomas served at Gettysburg. Thomas resided in Laconia, N.H., briefly in the early 1860s. Donor is a great-great-granddaughter of William Harrison Thomas.

Credit Line:

Gift of Felicia M. Robinson and the descendants of the Rev. William Harrison Thomas

People:

Thomas, William H. (1840-1917)

Subjects:

Civil War, Religion