Two Infantry "I" buttons, Cedar Mountain

Two battlefield recovered Infantry "I" buttons. Click picture for details.

Two Civil War Union Infantry buttons. These buttons measure approximately 7/8” and on the face is the spread eagle with the “I” (Infantry) within the shield. The backs still retain the shanks, but any back marks are worn off. They were recovered together with several others at the Cedar Mountain, Virginia Battlefield. Maj. Gen. John Pope was placed in command of the newly constituted Army of Virginia on June 26, 1862. Gen. Robert E. Lee responded to Pope’s dispositions by dispatching General Stonewall Jackson with 14,000 men to Gordonsville in July. Jackson was later reinforced by A.P. Hill’s division. In early August, Pope marched his forces south into Culpeper County with the objective of capturing the rail junction at Gordonsville. On August 9, Jackson and Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks’ corps tangled at Cedar Mountain with the Federals gaining an early advantage. A Confederate counterattack led by A.P. Hill repulsed the Federals and won the day, but Confederate General William Winder was killed. This battle shifted fighting in Virginia from the Peninsula to Northern Virginia, giving Lee the initiative. Both buttons remain in very nice solid condition with a beautiful aged patina. I will also include the glass top display case pictured.