CIVIL WAR MEDAL OF HONOR DONATED TO VNMP

The Vicksburg National Military Park has been given the Medal of Honor awarded to Private Charles W. Rundle, who received the medal as a result of his actions during the charge of May 22, 1863, during the Siege of Vicksburg. According to documented evidence:

CHARLES WESLEY RUNDLE (December 14, 1842 – July 11, 1924) was a Union Army soldier of the American Civil War and recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his “gallantry in the charge of the ‘volunteer storming party’” on May 22, 1863, during the Siege of Vicksburg. Private Rundle, of Co. A, 116^th Illinois Infantry, along with about 150 of his unmarried comrades, volunteered to charge a heavily fortified Confederate fort in order to lay bridges and place scaling ladders that were to be used later by a much larger Union force when storming the position. As the volunteers charged the fort across open ground, however, Confederate soldiers poured a withering fire of both small arms and artillery upon the group, inflicting heavy casualties. Their mission thwarted, Rundle and his surviving comrades sought protection from the bombardment among the trenches at the base of the Confederate position. Trapped throughout the remainder of the day, Rundle and about 30 of his fellow soldiers finally succeeded in making their escape back to Union lines after nightfall provided sufficient cover.

The Park is quite fortunate to have received the medal, donated to them by Rundle's Great-Great Grandson. It may be viewed at the park Visitors' Center.

HAND SEWN 48-STATE QUILT

Every once in a while you come across an unusual item produced by a local craftsperson. This is one. The quilt was handmade by a Warren County lady, now deceased, back before Hawaii and Alaska became the 49th and 50th states. It features 48 depictions of the bird and flower chosen by each state as their "their" bird and flower. It's in near immaculate condition, having been stored in a sealed bag for all these years. It's one-of-a-kind, and a very desirable piece that will be sold on eBay by the present owner.

CONFEDERATE MIDGET BOWIE?

This little 10" knife was dug from a creek alongside Minie balls and other campsite junk. Confederate soldiers were obviously camped nearby. The knife is very heavy iron and has a tapered, uplifted point. Although it's shaped much like the Bowies used by the CSA during the War for Independence (Southern), its size creates a question. It's such a heavy item (3/8" thick at spine and tang) that it was meant for serious use. But a Bowie? Who knows?