The 178th New York Volunteer Infantry
in the U.S. Civil War

Lore of the 178th NY

Attic Treasure of Henry C. Cooper

When a new owner took possession of a Colorado house, a box of old photos and letters was found in the attic. The original owner of these artifacts was apparently Dr. Henry Clifford(?) Cooper, a New York surgeon who was commissioned into the Field and Staff New York Third Merchant's Brigade in December of 1863. He had enlisted a month earlier, after resigning from his prior service in the war as a Captain with Company E of the New Jersey 7th Volunteers.

Dr. Cooper joined the 178th NY Volunteers on July 1, 1863, when the regiment was first forming. He spent some time as a prisoner of war after being captured near Old Town Creek, Mississippi on July 15, 1864. He was paroled on September 1, 1884, and continued to serve for a year after the war. He mustered out on April 20, 1866.

His belongings include some letters from his wife, Bonnie, letters to a Mrs. CHALMERS and a Mrs. CUSHMAN, as well as the documents presented here. These documents were donated to this site by an interested third party, who recognizes their value. The current custodian of these artifacts wants to return them to their rightful owner, if one can be found.

Unidentified Soldiers	Business Card	Alabama Map (top)
Receipt	Unidentified Soldier	Alabama Map (middle)
Unknown, taken at Binghamton, NY"#FF3399"	Receipt	Alabama Map (bottom)