Hello All, Something interesting that pertains to the Civil War, perhaps not directly to Missouri, is the "Meade Collection" auction that will soon take place on December 12, 2002. While perusing Ebay, I found General Meade's "Vellum commission issued to George G. Meade for rank of Major General, United States Army to date from August 18, 1864.. signed in ink by Abraham Lincoln as President and Edwin Stanton as Secretary of War. Document is dated February 2, 1865. Document is accompanied by it's original japanned tin commission tube with gold painted title of contents. Commission is in near mint condition with strong signatures." Another item up for auction is the General's original baptismal certificate from Cadiz, Spain. Apparently the Meade family is auctioning off a number of items that belonged to the General and his son, Colonel George G. Meade. Here are some listings from the auction company that will be selling the items, which can be found at: http://www.alderferauction.com/calendar.asp?pageid=det&dwhen=12/12/2002&id=354 The Meade Collection to be auctioned on December 12, 2002 This large collection details the military and personal lives of General George Gordon Meade, "The Hero of Gettysburg", and his son George Meade Jr.. These items have remained in the possession of direct descendants of the Meade family for over a century and represent one of the largest related archives not held by a government or private institution. Items will include: • Meade’s brigadier general’s commission for services rendered at Gettysburg, other signed Lincoln commissions to Meade and his son, various documents, historical autographs and correspondence. • Photography including CDVs of various Civil War officers (some signed); large format photographs of the General, his staff, reunions, monument dedications; and family related views. • Artifacts including two general officers’ sashes, buttons, two pennons from the 6th PA Cavalry as well as other insignia, medals, & family related items. • Books including Gettysburg related texts, regimental histories, Meade & Civil War related volumes (some with ink presentations to family members). A unique opportunity for the scholar, historian, collector, or investor to acquire an historically significant piece of Civil War history. For more information call Alderfer’s at 215-393-3000. Catalogs available for $25, price list included. Auction Location - Alderfer Auction Center, 501 Fairgrounds Road, Hatfield, PA. 30 minutes from Philadelphia. Two auctioneers selling simultaneously. "General George G. Meade/Col. George G. Meade Collection: Historically Important- General Meade’s commission as Brigadier General dating from July 3, 1863 (Gettysburg) signed by Lincoln, General Meade’s Major General commission signed by Lincoln, son’s commissions (signed by Lincoln and Johnson). Relics- 2-yellow/gold general officers sashes, uniform accouterments of son, 2 pinion flags for lances of the 6th Penna. Cavalry. Letters and Ephemera- Letter from General Meade concerning the wounding of his horse "Old Baldy", letter from Col. Charles P. Stone requesting his own execution, collection of letters by noted Civil War officers regarding son’s book "Did General Meade Desire to Retreat at Gettysburg", General Meade’s original baptismal certificate from Cadiz Spain, other military related letters. Photography- Lg. collection of CDV’s (some signed) & unmounted albumins of military officers, lg. format photography inc. CW period & monument dedications. Books- Lg. collection ! of books from Meade family library with many related to Gettysburg." View information at www.alderferauction.com or Bid online at www.ebayliveauctions.com Interesting stuff. K.