Page 51 - JOA August 2020

by John Sexton

Q: I am writing to seek assistance on how to proceed to discover the value account) of the 126th at Harper’s Ferry in October 1862. The newly
of a Civil War-era folding knife. I have included some photos of the knife, formed 126th was just two weeks old at the time, and 907 men
and the history I have been able to find. This knife has been in my family surrendered, becoming the largest surrendered American military force
for a very long time, but I do not know how we came to have it. until Bataan in WWII.
As you can see in the photographs, the knife is engraved by hand, and it President Lincoln reappointed Baird after an outpouring of support
apparently belonged to Capt. William H. Baird of from several generals and from his commanding
Company H of the 38th Regiment of the New York colonel in the 126th.
Infantry. On the other side of the knife is the name The 126th would soon show their manhood
“William M. Gardner” who apparently received after their capture and humiliation. Eliakim
the knife as a gift from Baird. Sherrell, colonel of the 126th, was killed
I have done some research and had no trouble defending Pickett’s charge at Gettysburg. Baird
finding information on Baird. He was an officer at was promoted to Lt. Colonel of the 126th and
the First Battle of Bull Run. A fascinating account took command of the regiment when Col. James
of that battle was written by him in a letter to his Bull retired from service due to poor health in the
brother in July of 1861. In it, he mentions saving The reverse marked, “To W. Cardner”. spring of 1864.
the life of a Confederate soldier who was badly injured in the leg. No name Baird led the 126th gallantly through the Richmond campaigns,
was mentioned in that letter. However, information on a William Gardner leading to the June 16th Battle of Petersburg where he was regimental
was available and shows that he was at the same battle and badly injured commander of the 126th in Hancock’s 2nd Army Corps. Colonel
with a leg wound. I think it's very possible that may be the William Levin Crandall, commander of the 125th NY, was leading the right
Gardner to whom the knife was given. wing including Baird’s 126th when he (Crandall) was shot in the face,
Thank you for taking the time to have a look at what I have enclosed. and Baird was ordered to take command. Baird was now leading the
3rd Brigade 2nd Division of the 2nd Army Corps through heavy fire
JS: William Baird does have a fascinating history, but the name on the close to Confederate entrenchments.
other side of the knife is not “William M. Gardner” but a much less Baird was soon shot through his right side by a musket ball that tore
common name, “William Cardner.” The letter through both lungs. He was attended by his
you cite from the First Battle of Manassas, or adjutant Spencer F. Lincoln who stayed with
Bull Run, shows Baird’s gallantry, and no him in the field, taking final messages for his
wonder, he went through the ranks with wife and two children at home. Baird died less
promotions and commendations. than one hour after that mortal shot.
Baird entered service 5/24/1861 at Geneva, Adjutant Lincoln, attempting to take Baird’s
NY, as a captain of the 38th New York Infantry. body back to Union lines, was shot and killed, and
He must have received this Union Knife both bodies lay in front of the strong Confederate
Company knife/fork combination sometime defenses. Baird’s final messages were lost.
prior to his leaving the 38th in July of 1862. The closed Union Knife Company William H. Baird (August 19, 1831-June 16,
This particular patent item was very popular with soldiers in the field, 1864) was one of many casualties of the 126th. The total enrollment of
and excavated parts are very common in Civil War campsites. More the regiment during service was 1,036 of whom 17 officers and 259
common are knife/spoon/fork combinations. men were killed. Having 17 officers killed, including two commanding
Captain Wm. H. Baird’s name is carved in the same hand as the officers, was rare in battle, and it showed that the officers were leading
inscription on the other side, “To Wm. Cardner,” using the same their men into action. The 126th rid themselves of the nickname
abbreviation for “William” and the same slab serifs. I can find no one “Harper’s Ferry Cowards” forever.
with the name of Cardner as a soldier; maybe he was a family friend Baird’s tombstone reads: “COL. WM. H. BAIRD / 126TH NY
back in New York? Or did he mismark the “G,” and the name is Vols / KILLED / IN THE BATTLE OF PETERSBURG VA / June 16
William Gardner? Baird does not give a rank, so 1864 / Age 32 yrs 19 mos 27 days.”
possibly it was not one of the 350+ soldiers in The Union Knife Company patented folding
the North and South with that name, but there cutlery combinations, which were copied
are no Gardners in the 38th NY. after Sheffield-made combinations, originally
Gardner’s name may not add much to the were designed for picnicking and for military
value unless William Gardner’s story is rescued officers. But this popular Civil War utensil was
from history, which I have not been able to find ingenious in that the knife portion would slide
anything close in my search. A Colonel William off the fork portion so you could use both hands
M. Gardner (and later a general in the to eat. This was such a popular item in the
Confederate army) is the only officer listed in hands of soldiers that several wartime photo-
the Confederate army wounded at Manassas. If graphs are posed with this unique utensil; one
Baird had gifted this to William Gardner, he tintype of a private holding one sold at Heritage
Union Knife Company knife/fork combo marked,
most assuredly would have recognized this West “CAPT. W H Baird 38th Rgt” valued at $600-$800. Auctions in 2008 for $1,200.
Pointer by rank on the knife, and it would be I have seen many of these knives sold over
part of the historical record. the years. A fine, complete example by the same maker with no history
Regardless, William Henderson Baird has a remarkable Civil War is available for about $200-$300. Identified examples such as this that
history, but not in the 38th NY. That history occurred in the hard- are inscribed to a KIA officer should bring several multiples of the
fought and unjustly labeled “Harper’s Ferry Cowards,” the 126th NY intrinsic value. If I was cataloging it for auction, I would estimate your
where he was commissioned a major on August 1862. Union knife/fork combination at $600-$800 and not be surprised to
Baird was removed from service for the surrender (not on his see it bring more due to the gallant history of the presenter.
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