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Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) [Coat button from General Semmes's uniform]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00572.38 Author/Creator: Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Object Date: circa 1860s Pagination: 1 button : brass ; diameter 2.3 cm. Order a Copy

Brass coat button with eagle emblem. Complete with shank. Stamped on back, "Horstmann & Allien NY."

Semmes was a Georgia banker and plantation owner who served as agent for the State of Georgia during the preparations for the Civil War. He served as colonel of the 2nd Georgia in the Confederate Army at the outbreak of the war and was promoted to brigadier general in March 1862. He was assigned to a brigade in McLaws' division of Longstreet's corps fighting in Crampton's Gap, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Salem Church, and Gettysburg, where he was mortally wounded.

Semmes, Paul Jones, 1815-1863

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