Historical and Cultural Affairs Acquires Rare Civil War Identification Disk
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Dover, Delaware - June 18, 2007 The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) has acquired a rare American Civil War identification disk worn by Corporal J. P. Barney of the 2nd Delaware Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The regiment was part of the 2nd Corps of the Army of the Potomac, United States Army. Disks such as this one were used to identify soldiers who had been killed or incapacitated in battle. The Barney disk is the only 2nd Delaware Volunteer Regiment example known, and one of only two Delaware examples known to date.
The United States Army did not issue personal identification disks (known colloquially as "dog tags") until the 20th century. Fearing that they might be killed or incapacitated in battle, and concerned that their families would not be informed of their fates, Civil War soldiers would frequently write their names on pieces of paper and then pin the paper to their uniforms prior to going into battle. If a soldier had the means and inclination, he might purchase, from his own resources, a brass disk stamped with his personal identification. This was the case with Corporal Barney.
Information from his Compiled Service Record and the Delaware Adjutant General's cards indicated that Barney was born in Queen Anns, Maryland, and enlisted in the 2nd Delaware Volunteer Regiment on June 13, 1861 in Wilmington, Delaware for a term of service of three years. At the time of enlistment, Barney was 20 years old, five feet nine inches tall, with blue eyes and sandy hair. His occupation was listed as "farmer."
Barney's service records indicate that he was a good soldier with no recorded infractions. He was promoted to the rank of corporal in May, 1862 and was present with the regiment during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign, and at the battles of Antietam (September 17, 1862) and Fredericksburg (December 13, 1862), two of the deadliest battles of the Civil War. On January 25, 1863 he was recorded as "absent sick" at the U.S. hospital in Aquia Creek, Virginia; and on March 22, 1963 he was discharged from the army in Falmouth, Virginia for "general physical and mental debility."
The acquisition of the Barney identification disk is in keeping with the goal of HCA's collections program to preserve, and hold in public trust, a record of Delaware's heritage by acquiring items made in Delaware or used by Delawareans throughout history. HCA's collections, which include museum objects, archaeological artifacts, library and archival materials, and oral histories, are utilized in developing exhibits and educational programs that illuminate the state's historical and cultural legacies for the benefit of present and future generations. Scholars and other interested individuals may view specific items from HCA's collections by appointment.
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) is an agency of the State of Delaware. HCA enhances Delaware's quality of life by preserving the state's unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality, and providing educational programs and assistance to the general public on Delaware history and heritage. In addition to serving as the state's historic preservation office, HCA operates eight museums and two conference centers, and manages over thirty historic properties across Delaware. Funding for HCA's museums, programs, and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly, revenue from HCA's History Stores, and grants from the National Park Service, a federal agency.
