Catalog Archive
Auction 138, Lot 349

"Bermuda Hundred…", U.S. War Department

Subject: Virginia, Civil War

Period: 1867 (dated)

Publication: Military Maps Illustrating the Operations of the Armies of the Potomac and James

Color: Printed Color

Size:
17.5 x 19 inches
44.5 x 48.3 cm
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The Bermuda Hundred Campaign was a series of battles fought in the vicinity of the town in May 1864 during the Civil War. Union Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler, commanding the Army of the James, threatened Richmond from the east, but was stopped by Confederate forces under Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard. Confederate entrenchments are shown in red with the Union lines in blue. The map shows roads, railroads, towns, houses, and names of residents.

Bermuda Hundred, shown at the center far right, was the first incorporated town in the English colony of Virginia. It was founded in 1613 after the English settlers made peace with the Virginia natives. It was named after the shipwreck of the "Third Supply" bringing reinforcements to Virginia in 1609. The leaders of that expedition were shipwrecked in Bermuda and had to take their wrecked ship apart and build two smaller ships to finally get to Virginia. Shakespeare incorporated the tale into his play, The Tempest. In the colonial era, "hundreds" were large developments of many acres, based on the English term to define an area that would support one hundred heads of household.

References: Stephenson #525b.3.

Condition: B+

The map has been backed with archival tissue with some faint toning along one of the folds. Binding trim at left.

Estimate: $200 - $275

Unsold

Closed on 12/7/2011

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