WIA Major Lucius H. Drury 1st Wisconsin Heavy Art. Pay Of Black Servants

WIA Major Lucius H. Drury, 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery – Pay Voucher for Black Servants
 
Civil War pay voucher for Major Lucius H. Drury of the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, documenting payment for two Black servants, Jim and “Boshe.” Jim is specifically described as standing 5 ft 9 in, with black eyes and “kinky” hair. The voucher is dated April 30, 1865, and is signed twice by Major Drury, enhancing its authenticity and collectible appeal. The document is in good overall condition.
 
Drury’s military career was distinguished and daring. Originally serving as Captain of the 3rd Wisconsin Battery, he acted as chief of artillery and chief of scouts under General Horatio P. Van Cleve during the Chickamauga Campaign. He was severely wounded when a Confederate bullet lodged between two of his ribs, narrowly avoiding what was thought to be a fatal injury to his liver. Reflecting his courage, Drury later remarked, “It was supposed that my liver was perforated, but a man that has ‘pluck’ can get along with a liver!”
 
Following his service with the 3rd Wisconsin Battery, Drury went on to serve as Major of the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, after mustering out from his three-year enlistment. This voucher provides a rare glimpse into the personal and administrative aspects of Civil War life, particularly the presence of Black servants attached to Union officers, and is directly connected to a remarkably brave and accomplished officer.