Vote of Thanks. Broadside on silk. [Virginia]: N.p., November 1860. Signed in type by Chairman John Q.A. Nadenbousch and Secretary R. McSherry Doll. 10 x 12 in. Presented in early gilt frame. 

A fascinating broadside printed on silk that was exchanged between two important antebellum Virginia militia units, both of whom were present at the incarceration and execution of John Brown.

The Berkeley Border Guards was an antebellum Virginia militia company near Martinsburg, Virginia (now West Virginia), led by miller John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch (1824-1892). Before the war, they were notably present at the execution of radical abolitionist John Brown. Upon the outbreak of war, they were designated as Company D of the 2nd Virginia Infantry, part of the "Stonewall Brigade" led by General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. 

The Independent Rifles (or Rifleman) was a fire company militia unit in Frederick City, formed as early as 1858. They were a firefighting company but also served as a home guard militia unit. They too responded to John Brown's attempted insurrection at Harpers Ferry. Once they arrived, they were utilized to guard the engine house where the captured insurrectionists were held. 

The broadside here was created by the Berkeley Border Guards in recognition of the "sumptuous entertainment, provided for us on our late visit to Frederick City" by the Independent Rifles. The note that the Rifles were "constituted of gentlemen and soldiers who can behave gallantly at the feast as well as upon the tented field - of men who when the country calls will be found prompt in repairing to the scene of action." Unusually, the proclamation is printed on silk to emphasize the gentlemanly exchange. 

EXCEEDINGLY RARE. We found no other copies at the time of cataloging. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Broadsides, Ephemera, Printing, Posters, Handbills, Documents]