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It goes on to note, “Such was the respect shown him that no soldier was
placed under arrest during his command, and three Companies, commanded respectively by Captains Bigly, Gillis, and Dunbar presented him as a token of their regard, an elegant sword and belt, with a magnificent silver trumpet, and spy-glass...Though his sword is at present inactive and has never been drawn except in an honorable cause, yet should the opportunity occur, as his long service for our country’s honor deserves he will buckle it on once more to keep step to the music of Union and Liberty.” Mid-July of 1861 falls at the end of a three month enlistment for the two companies formed under Captain Davidson at Fort Constitution. George H. Gillis and Jonathan R. Bagley elected as the company captains. Bagley commanded the Manchester Mechanics’ Phalanx, and George H. Gillis commanded the Winnacunnet Guards (spelling varies depending on source and period). Presumably Dunbar’s men presented the silver trumpet (not included). The men came to Fort Union on June 11 or 12th and garrisoned the fort until July 12. When their three month enlistments were up, some of
the men reenlisted and became part of larger New Hampshire regiments
that fought in the South. The Winnacunnet Guards, for example, later
made up the core of Company D of the 3rd New Hampshire Volunteer
Infantry, and Captain Gillis was later the adjutant of the 13th New
Hampshire Volunteers. While they went off to fight in the South,
Davidson, by then already in his 60s, remained in command at
the fort for many years.
CONDITION: Excellent with untouched bright polish
blade with distinct etching, 90% original gilt finish, minor
edge flaking and a thin crack on the grip, and generally
mild overall age and storage related wear mainly on the
scabbard. The belt is fine with mainly crackling on the
leather, and aged patina on the buckle and fittings. The
portrait case is very good with moderate and storage related
wear including cracked corner. The portrait itself is very fine aside from
a faintly visible crack across Davidson’s waist and has a very sharp image with strong tinting and minimal wear. The spyglass is very good with some mild dings and scratches in the metal and leather, clear optics that may need some adjustments to bring into focus, and mild age and storage related wear overall. This is both a stunning and historic Civil War sword, spyglass, and more of one of the longest serving Officers in American military history.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000