David A. Hamilton Americana Books

The Washington Light Infantry of Charleston, S. C. An Account of The Revival of the Company [AND] Washington Light Infantry Proceedings Upon the Resignation of Capt. Wm. A. Courtenay, June 22nd, 1874 [AND] W. L. I. Souvenir Easter, 1888 [AND] The Curious Story of a Tapestry Portrait of Washington Ceremonies Attending the Presentation of the Courtenay Flag

[Washington Light Infantry] [Capt. Wm. A. Courtenay] Porter, Hon. William D.; Lee, Gen. W. H. F. (of Virginia)

With the Proceedings in Commemoration of Its Sixty-Sixth Anniversary, Including the Oration of the Hon. William D. Porter, Senior Ex-Captain and an Honorary Member of the Corps Charleston; Walhalla S.C. Walker, Evans, Cogswell; News and Courier Job Presses; The Keowee Courier Presses, 1874-1904.

First Edition. Hardcover. Archive lot of 4 items related to the Washington Light Infantry of Charleston, South Carolina. The first item is the account of the Revival of the Company. Hardcover. Quarto. [2], Octavo. [2], 99 pages, [1] page. Original lavender cloth binding covers and spine is in poor condition with severe fading and insect damage. The interior contents are in fair condition with some browning to the gutters and light damp stains to the paper edges. Presentation, signed inscription on the first preliminary front end sheet - "Presented to Octavius Wilkie Esq With the Compliments of Wm A Courtenay Charleston S C July 1873." On the second front end sheet is an albumen photograph, approx. 5.5" x 4", showing two men dressed in full uniform with another gentlemen in a suit. The second item relating to the WLI is the resignation ceremony for Capt. William Courtenay. Octavo. 22 pages, [2]. Blue cloth hardcover with gilt WLI seal on the front cover. Cloth binding is lightly soiled and spotted. Light edge wear to the boards. The rear end sheet is creased. Occasional light toning to the contents. The third item is a 6 page, ribbon tied, 1888 Easter Souvenir 'Programme'. The program was for "In Aid of the Fund For The New Monument In Honor of the Three W. L. I. Companies of the War. 1861-'65." Good condition. The last Washington Light Infantry item is the 1876 'Tapestry Portrait' and the '1878 Courtenay Flag' ceremonies. Green stapled wraps with original envelope addressed to Mrs. V. H. Wilkie 333 Telfair St Augusta Ga. Contents consist of 32 pages. The wraps, printed in Walhalla S.C., are in very good condition. The envelope has some tears. Found inside the green wraps is a 9" x 4.5" 1890 printed, engraved certificate from the Trustees of the Washington Light Infantry. The certificate, signed at the bottom by William Courtenay, is for Mrs. V. H. Wilkie of Warrenton, Georgia. The certificate states Mrs. Wilkie will receive 32 dollars quarterly from the Charity fund.

Sabin 88103. Good. Item #26345

From the Washington Light Infantry web site:

The Washington Light Infantry (WLI), organized in 1807, is one of the nation’s oldest militia units. Anticipating a second war with Britain, the citizens of Charleston planned for a number of volunteer corps, one of which was the Washington Light Infantry. It alone survives. The Corps was named in honor of George Washington. Annually, on his birthday, February 22, a military banquet is observed by the Corps. The famous Eutaw Flag (the story of which follows) was borne by another Washington, Colonel William Washington, a cousin of General George Washington.

William Courtenay was the 46th Mayor of Charleston serving from 1879-1887. He died in 1908.
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Price: $800.00