15 x 4 1/2 in. soldier's sewing kit, or "housewife" constructed of leather with wool lining and 3-flap pin cushion, and red, white, and blue cotton pockets (some fading, holes in fabric, and wear consistent with age and use). Atop pin cushion are embroidered initials "R.M.A," and underneath is an embroidered eagle clutching a wreath. Sewn to white pocket is a 13-star silk American flag bearing stenciled identification to "Mr. James Stafford, / Care of Capt. Cummings, / Co. F, 4th Iowa Infantry." 

While Corporal Stafford and Captain Cummings both joined Company F on 15 August 1861, Captain Cummings was discharged on 4 September 1862 to accept a promotion to colonel from the 39th Iowa Infantry. Therefore the housewife was likely constructed before September of 1862. 

Initials “R.M.A" might represent the initials of a sweetheart or the wistful desire of a loved one that Corporal Stafford “Remember Me Always.”

Stafford survived a hand wound as one of 106 4th Iowa casualties at Chickasaw Bayou, only to be killed exactly 10 months later at Cherokee, Alabama, thus earning the dubious distinction of being the regiment’s only casualty at that engagement.