Identified original Civil War Sutler’s Script, 10th Michigan Cavalry

This is another nice piece being offered, it is an original Civil War Sutler Script document. The Sutler was a civilian, who carried no rank, who had goods available to purchase that the quartermaster did not already provide the troops. These goods were often food, writing supplies, candies, and other luxuries such as dominoes, playing cards and cologne.

This is a 4″ X 6″ pre-printed paymaster authorization to deduct funds owed the Sutler from Private Mordecai Westbrook, Company L, 10^th Michigan Cavalry. He enlisted on Feb. 17, 1865 and served until November 11, 1865. He fought at Martinsville, VA, Henry Court House, VA, Martinsburg, WV, and Greenville, SC. It was to deduct $83.15 from his Michigan Bounty of $134.00 to pay the sutler.

The 10^th Michigan Cavalry served extensively in the Tennessee theater chasing Morgan and Wheeler’s cavalry. On the 4th of September 1864, the regiment participated in the surprising and routing of Gen. John H. Morgan’s force at Greenville. In this engagement, Gen. Morgan was killed, and a large number of his men captured, among whom were Morgan’s staff.

Overall, this is a great document associated with a famous Civil War regiment. It is very legible, and the back of the form is the soldier attesting to the correct amount owed to the Sutler and that he was treated fairly. A copy of Private Westbrook’s military record from the Civil War Research Database will be included.