Alexander Wilkin was a St. Paul lawyer and businessman who served as secretary of Minnesota Territory. He was the highest ranking officer from Minnesota killed during the Civil War.
On August 13, 1898, the Thirteenth Minnesota Infantry regiment led an American advance against Spanish forces holding the Philippine city of Manila. Their participation was crucial to the outcome of this important Spanish-American War battle.
This Confederate cavalry saber, along with its scabbard, was captured by Private George W. Buswell, Company B, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, at Fort Blakely, Alabama, April 9, 1865.