112

Robert S. Williamson.

Sketch of the Defences of Newbern.

New Bern, NC, circa March 1862
Manuscript map, 22½ x 13½ inches, in red and black on thin tracing paper; folds, minor foxing, 2 closed tears, missing a 2-inch section not substantially affecting the map.

This map shows the known Confederate defenses of the coastal city of New Bern, NC. It was most likely done in preparation for the 14 March 1862 Battle of New Bern, in which Union forces routed a small group of defenders and then remained in possession of the city through the end of the war. 

The map covers a large swath of land extending from New Bern southward about 15 miles, including a stretch of the Neuse River down to Slocum's Creek and much of what is now Croatan National Forest. Notable Confederate positions are numbered in red, with an explanatory key, including batteries, entrenchments, and field pieces; a few are noted as blown up or deserted. The Union place of landing and dragoon camp are also noted. The site of the actual 14 March battle about 5 miles south of the city is most heavily annotated, showing "detached lunettes guarded by riflemen," "13 gun battery and long entrenchments, enemy in force," and in the river "submarine chevaux de frise." The city to the north had been served by a "R.R. bridge, burned by the enemy," and was guarded by "cotton bale batteries" and "4 32s on platform cars." 

The map was prepared under the direction of Captain Robert S. Williamson of the United States Topographical Engineers, assisted by H.C. Fillebrown and E.S. Waters. Another very similar tracing of the same map is held by the National Archives.

  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000