This crimson sash belonged to Major William J. Teed, 8th Missouri Cavalry; Teed was mustered into service on July 1, 1862, at Springfield, Missouri. The 8th Missouri Cavalry was organized in Springfield in September under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Elias Briggs Baldwin. Major Teed was wounded in the spine during a skirmish with guerrillas on December 12, 1863, at Duvall’s Bluff, Arkansas. In August 1864, he was declared unfit for military service and resigned his commission.
After resigning his commission, he purchased a half interest in the Patriot, a weekly newspaper in Springfield, Missouri. Later he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he worked on daily newspapers until he retired in 1905. Major Teed died on December 10, 1915, in Courtenay, Florida.
On December 7, 1862, the 8th Missouri Cavalry took part in the Battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; they were then ordered to occupy Huntsville, Arkansas, where they became known for their participation in the “Huntsville Massacre.” In January 1863, Lieutenant Colonel Baldwin ordered nine Southerners being held for unknown reasons to be executed; eight were killed and one left for dead. Baldwin was later arrested and charged for the killings, but was never brought to trial because of the unavailability of witnesses. He was dismissed from the army.
Sashes were worn as part of the Union officer’s uniform. Company and field grade officers wore silk crimson sashes, non-commissioned officers sashes of red wool, and general officers wore silk buff.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30230
