Civil War soldiers carved pipe identified to Joseph W.H. Purdy 8th regiment New York State Militia. Carved on the bowl is " CAMP 8th REGT. CO. D MOUNT MISERY APRIL 30th 1861" On the shaft is "FORT GRAYS and JWH PURDY" Early in the war the 8th New York State Militia a 3-month unit was detailed to build a fort on Carpender's Hill on the Severn River 2 miles east of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. The site had a commanding view of of the Severn River, Magothy River and Chesapeake Bay and was vital to the defense of Washington. The soldiers quickly named it Mount Misery. One soldier described it as a God - forsaken place hence the name became known as Mount Misery.
Joseph Purdy age 21, occupation seaman enlisted for 3 months service in the 8th NYSM in 1861. There is a possibility that that later he also served in the 5th regiment New York Heavy Artillery. All in all, the pipe was his memento from his service in a God-forsaken place known as Mount Misery. Interestingly a quick Google search reveals that there is a battle going on there today as residents' band together trying to save the area from development.

Item # df852

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