Black Medal of Honor Carte de Visite Grouping, Milton M. Holland, 5th United States Colored Troops, One of 25 Civil War Black Medal of Honor Recipients

Here is one of the rarest CDV groupings in existence, with 5 CDVs from the 5th United States Colored Troops. One is a published CDV of Sergeant Milton M. Holland, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm (New Market Heights) Virginia, September 29, 1864. Included in this lot are 4 CDVs of officers in the 5th USCT; 1st Lieutenant Joseph J. Scroggs, whose CDV is signed by Dr. George Cock, Captain Elliot C. Ford, Lieutenant John B. Viers (wounded at New Market Heights), and an unidentified white soldier who was found with this lot.

The story of Milton M. Holland's life is a fascinating one. Born in Texas in 1844, Milton Holland was the son of Bird Holland, whose brother was the owner of Milton Holland's mother. Bird Holland purchased Milton's freedom from his brother, and sent Milton and his 2 brothers of that same union to school in Ohio. Holland was initially employed as a shoemaker in the quartermaster department before enlisting in the 11th Ohio Infantry in 1862. Holland was mustered into the 5th USCT on June 23, 1863. At Chaffin's Farm, Holland took command of his company after all of his officers had been killed or wounded. Despite being wounded himself, Holland led his men into the rebel fortifications. General Benjamin Butler promoted Holland to Captain for his bravery, but the War Department refused his commission due to his color. Holland was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Chaffin's Farm on April 6, 1865. Milton Holland died of a heart attack in 1910, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Included in this lot are copies of Holland's military records, as well numerous printed materials on Holland and others in the lot. A copy of Military Images: Vol XXI July-August 1999 is included, which contains a photo of this very CDV of Holland. Three books are included with information pertaining to the soldiers in the CDVs. Tarnished Scalpels: The Court-Martials of Fifty Union Surgeons refers to Captain Elliot C. Ford, who was a witness in the court-martial case of Surgeon Lyman Allen. A signed copy of The Diary of J.J. Scroggs includes the diary and letters of Lt. Scroggs, and refers to men whose photos are included here, as well as references to Dr. George Cock. Eagles on their Buttons is a history of the 5th USCT, and includes several references to Milton M. Holland's military and post-war life.

This is a stunning group of Carte de Visites with a wealth of printed materials on the men in the photos. Original photographs of black soldiers are among the most desirable of Civil War images, and photographs of black Medal of Honor recipients are nearly impossible to find today.

IM1- $3800.00