Captain Francis W. Sabine
of the 11th Maine Infantry
SOMEONE POSTED THIS SWORD FOR SALE ON EBAY DECEMBER 7, 2000, AND AGAIN ON JANUARY 21,2002, as follows:
“...This sword belonged to Captain Francis W. Sabine of the 11th Maine Infantry, who was mortally wounded at the battle of Deep Bottom, Virginia, and subsequently died on September 17, 1864.
What's interesting about Captain Sabine is that in the Maine Adjutant General's Report for 1864-65 on Page 446 there is a tribute to him.(Copy of this along with records will go to successful bidder) I'll extract a few passages. Francis Sabine was a graduate of Bowdoin College and was studying law when the war began. In November 1861 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into Co. E. 11th Maine Infantry. He subsequently made 1st Lieutenant. At the battle of Fair Oaks, as the commander of a detached picket line, he held a position of great hazard in advance of any other portion of the army, his behavior on that occasion winning him honorable distinction. For his gallant conduct in that campaign, he was advanced to the grade of CAPTAIN OF COMPANY G.
While his regiment was in the South he held the position of Provost Marshall of Fernandina, and at various times acted as Judge Advocate. At the Battle of Deep Bottom, Captain Sabine was struck in the forehead by a Minie ball from the gun of a rebel sharpshooter! HE FELL WITH HIS SWORD RAISED ENCOURAGING HIS SOLDIERS TO THE ATTACK. He died at Chesapeake Hospital, Fortress Monroe September 17, 1864....
The sword itself is a standard Model 1850, made by Roby of Massachusetts.... There is an eagle, on one side, and a US on the other, along with a beautiful design.... On the guard (see photo) is hand engraved in old English, "F W S." On The top mount hand engraved in Old English" Capt. F.W. Sabine/Co. G 11th Me./Vols". On the reverse of this mount is deeply stamped, "C. ROBY & Co./W. Chelmsford, Mass."
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