"War of 1861 - Abraham Lincoln, President", Civil War Union Army Dog Tag Struck in Brass, “F.B. Smith” maker, for Lieutenant William Dutton of the 108th New York Infantry Regiment, measuring about 1" in diameter, Choice Extremely Fine.


This scarce Civil War Union Dog Tag features a detailed depiction of Abraham Lincoln labeled, "War of 1861 - Abraham Lincoln, President" on the front side, a rare pattern design among surviving Dog Tags from the Civil War. This example has clean golden-brown surafces and sharp clear details. Dutton's name and unit designation are stamped on the reverse, "William F. Dutton, Co. D, 108th NYVI Rochester". William Dutton was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on August 9th, 1862 at 37 years old. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant following the Battle of Fredericksburg, where he and the 108th New York participated in the bloody charge on Marye's Heights, suffering 87 total casualties. Dutton was Mortally Wounded at the Battle of Petersburg on June 19th, 1864. Additional copied information on this soldier will accompany the item. (See additional unit history online at: www.EarlyAmerican.com)


The 108th New York Infantry Regiment was organized and mustered on August 18th, 1862 at Rochester, NY. Like many New York formations, they were subsequently assigned to the Defenses of Washington and then to the Army of the Potomac under General George McClellan.

Their major engagements included the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg (where they suffered nearly 50% casualties withstanding Pickett's Charge), Bristoe, Morton's Ford, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. The 108th lost 9 officers and 95 enlisted killed and mortally wounded and 87 enlisted to disease.

They participated in the Washington Grand Review at the war's end and mustered out on May 28th, 1865, with all remaining veterans and recruits transferred to the 59th New York Infantry.