Presidents

War Between The States

Personalities

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John Houston Finley

War Between The States
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Union

129. Cyrus Bussey (1833-1915) Union General. Bussey commanded a small force in addition to his own regiment at Elkhorn Tavern (Pea Ridge) and was in command of a Brigade of Cavalry during Frederick Steele's successful expedition against Arkansas Post. 8” x 12”, five-page, document signed, Patent Office, Washington, September 1, 1891. The document is a patent issued to Emil E. Steller for an improvement in conduits for electric railroads, signed as Assistant Secretary of the Interior. The seal and blue silk ribbon are still present, minor toning.  

$200 to $400

130.  John A. Dix (1798-1879) Union General. Dix  was first president of New York City’s Union Defense Committee, which was responsible for raising money, supplies, and volunteers, and later a major general in the army serving in various politically sensitive administrative posts. 8” x 10” printed document signed as secretary of State, State of New York, December 4, 1838, the document is a certification of the 1838 election.

 $150 to $250

131.  John Ericsson (1803-1889) Swedish engineer and inventor. Ericsson designed the ironclad Monitor, which fought the Confederate Merrimack to a draw in a battle between these two vessels in March, 1862, in Hampton Roads, Virginia. 5” x 7 ¾” autograph letter signed, “J. Ericsson,” no place, January 10, 1860, to “My Dear Sir.” “…I have looked quite carefully into the Curkmill matter and strongly advise your dealing this application of the…engine. The best we can do is 3 ½ turns of the Curk mill shaft and then if there are ‘hard points’ our engine will stop…taking the place of animal power applied directly to the work…more particularly when the resistance of such a nature that it may be doubled at times….”   

$700 to $1,200

132.  John C. Fremont (1813-1890) Union General, explorer, politician. Fremont, a Union General during the Civil War, earned the nickname “The Pathfinder” for his exploration and development in the western part of the United States. In 1856, he ran as the first presidential nominee of the newly-formed Republican party, and was defeated by James Buchanan.  10 ¼” x 6” stock certificate for one hundred shares of stock in the Cincinnati Railway Tunnel Company, issued to Fremont and Morton on March 1, 1872 and signed on the reverse, “Fremont & Morton, by J. C. Fremont….”    

 $400 to $700

133.  John Gibbon (1827-1896) Union General. Gibbon  command of the “Iron Brigade,” which he led at 2^nd Manassas and in the Maryland Campaign. After being wounded at Fredericksburg he directed the 2^nd Division of Winfield S. Hancock’s II Corps - with distinction at Gettysburg, until he was again wounded and carried from field. Gibbon fought in all the battles between the Wilderness and the investment of Petersburg. 16” x 9 ¾” partially printed document signed, Commanding Officer of the 36^th Regiment, Fort Sanders, October 13, 1868. The document, which is in pristine condition, appoints George A. Little as a Commissary Sergeant.  

$200 to $350

134.  Charles Harker (1837-1864) Union General. Harker distinguished himself at Chickamauga and Chattanooga. He was made brigadier-general and commanded a brigade under General Howard in the campaign in Georgia. He was killed at Kennesaw Mountain and James J. Archer (1817-1864) C.S.A. General. Archer took part in actions at Beaver Dam Creek, Gaines’Mill, Frayser’s Farm, Cedar Mountain, 2^nd Bull Run, the capture of Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. On the first day at Gettysburg he was captured, becoming the first general taken from the Army of Northern Virginia since Lee took command. 21 ½” x 16” military document signed while both served in the Wisconsin Territory, 1859. The document is a “Report of Persons and Articles Employed” and is in excellent condition.  

$400 to $800

135.  Brayton Ives (1840-1914) Union General. Ives earned the rank of General through his leadership at Reams’s Station, Deep Bottom, Five Forks, and Sayler’s Creek. He was the president of the New York Stock Exchange in 1878 and 1879, and railroad president. 12” x 7 ¾” stock certificate for one hundred shares of Northern Pacific Railroad Company stock issued to Ives on September 15, 1893 and signed by him on the reverse at the time of transfer on September 18, 1893.

$100 to $200

136.  Henry Moses Judah (1821-1866) Union General. Judah served under Grant at Shiloh and was named Acting Inspector General of the Army of Tennessee and commanded a division during the advance towards Corinth, Mississippi. In May 1863 he was assigned to command the 3^rd Division of the XXIII Corps. The division, stationed in Cincinnati, Ohio, was assigned to pursue John Hunt Morgan, a task which, with Judah in command, failed. 9 ¾” x 1 ½” signature cut from the conclusion of a muster roll, no date but circa 1855, Fort Jones, California. 

$150 to $300

137.  George McCall (1802-1868) Union General. McCall helped organize and led the famous Pennsylvania Reserves Division, which served as the 2^nd Division, I Corps, Army of the Potomac. McCall served in the Peninsula Campaign and was wounded and captured at Frayser’s Farm, Virginia, in June 1862. He was imprisoned in Libby Prison. 5” x 8” autograph letter signed, two pages, Langley, January 14 (no year), to Edward McPherson. “…With respect to Capt. F. I feel very much flattered & obliged by his offer…at this time it would not be convenient to receive anyone into my Military family….” The original envelope addressed by McCall is included. McPherson was a prominent Pennsylvania newspaperman, attorney, and United States Congressman and Clerk of the House of Representatives. A significant part of the Battle of Gettysburg’s first day fighting occurred on property owned by McPherson, known thereafter as McPherson’s Ridge. 

$250 to $400

138.  Irwin McDowell (1818-85) Union General. McDowell commanded forces at First and Second Bull Run but held no important commands after his performance at those two disastrous defeats, which proved him ineffective in the field. 7 ¾” x 9 ¾” military document signed, “Irwin McDowell Asst. Adj. Genl.,” Headquarters of the Army, West Point, August 10, 1857. The document is a soldier’s transfer. 

$200 to $400

139.  Homer A. Nelson (1829-1891) Politician. Nelson served as a colonel of the 159^th New York Volunteer Infantry. He left in 1863 when he took his seat in the 38^th United States Congress and was a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention in 1867 and the same year was elected Secretary of State of New York serving until 1871. 7 ¾” x 10” partially printed document signed, State of New York, Office of the Secretary of State, June 29, 1868, to the clerk of Schuyler County. The document directs that the Secretary of State be informed of openings in county offices. Normal folds.

$150 to $250

140.  Carl Schurz (1829-1906) Union General, politician. Schurz fought well at the Second Battle of Bull Run, but his performance at Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg drew criticism. In 1869 he was elected to the Senate from his new home state, Missouri. Schurz’s support for clean government brought him a post as secretary of the interior; in this position he introduced civil service reforms and moved to protect natural resources; he also eventually softened the department’s treatment of Native Americans. 4 ½” x 2 ½” sheet signed, “C. Schurz.”  

 $100 to $150

141.  Winfield Scott (1786-1866) Union General. Scott was a general in three wars, commander of the army 1841-61, and unsuccessful Presidential candidate in 1852. Scott remained loyal to the Union when the South seceded. In declining health, he still formulated the much derided but thoughtful “Anaconda Plan” for a long, strangling blockade and siege of the Confederacy to preserve the Union while keeping casualties low. After the First Battle of Bull Run, which he opposed, he retired in November 1861. 7” x 2 ½” check written and signed, Corcoran & Riggs, April 1, 1851, payable to “W. S.” There are cancellations, the check is fresh and clean.  

$300 to $500

142.  John Sedgewick (1813-1864) Union General. “Uncle John” Sedgwick was one of the most beloved officers in the Union Army of the Potomac. He was promoted to major general and distinguished himself at Sharpsburg, where he was wounded three times and carried unconscious from the field. At the battle of Rappahannock Bridge his corps captured 1,700 prisoners and he commanded with skill at the Wilderness. He was killed at Spotsylvania. 8” x 10” partially printed document signed, November 23, 1863. The document is a grant of furlough, to “George T. Stone…aged 43 years, 5 feet 11 inches high, dark complexion, blue eyes, dark hair, and by profession a musician ... he having received a furlough ... at which period he will rejoin his Company ... or be considered a deserter.... “ On the reverse are written notes, pertaining to the request: “Respectfully forwarded... Mr. Stone wished to attend a law suit involving a considerable amount of property, and at which his personal attendance is necessary...” “Not approved at this time John Sedgewick Maj. General”. Toned with some paper loss at the margins.

 $750 to $1,500

143.  Philip Sheridan (1831-1888) Union General. Sheridan defeated Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley in 1865 and his destruction of the economic infrastructure of the Valley, called “The Burning” by residents, was one of the first uses of scorched earth tactics in the war. In 1865, his cavalry pursued General Robert E. Lee and was instrumental in forcing his surrender at Appomattox. 15 ¾” x 11 ¾” partially printed vellum document signed, Society of the Army of the Cumberland, May 23, 1884, signed as president. The document is a membership certificate for A. L. Gurlitz and has engraved images of Generals Buell, Thomas and Rosecrans and other war scenes. There is a 2” x 1” stain in the upper right margin. 

$750 to $1,500

144.      William Tecumseh Sherman (1921-1891) Union General. Sherman famously said, “war is hell,” and proved it with a destructive campaign through the South that burned the cities of Atlanta, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina. 5 ¾” x 3” envelope address by Sherman to “General Geo. G. Meade,” and franked when Sherman was Secretary of War. The envelope is postmarked, Washington, October 22 (1869) and has been docked by Meade, “Sherman in response to assignment of Capt. Meade….” Extremely rare since Sherman served for only one month as interim Secretary of War. 

$800 to $1,500

145.  William Tecumseh Sherman. 7 ½” x 3” check, written and signed, Riggs & Co., August 28, 1882, payable to “Mrs. Genl Sherman,” not endorsed. There is a cancellation cut that touches the signature but it is discernable only when the check held to the light.  

$600 to $1,000

146.  William M. “Boss” Tweed (1823–1878) Politician. Tweed was known as “Boss Tweed.” In the late 1860s he ran a network of corrupt city officials called the “Tweed Ring,” which extorted kickbacks from contractors and others doing business with the city. 8 ½” x 7” document signed, September 28, 1863. The document is a “New York County Substitute and Relief Committee” whereby William Brown receives $300 to serve as a substitute for William Jackman. Two receipts for the payment are attached. The Conscription Act of March 1863 allowed a drafted man to hire a substitute to serve for him. Tweed has signed as supervisor.  

$200 to $400

147.  Union Generals. Thomas Scott Allen (1825-1905) Allen served first as Lieutenant Colonel of the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (which was part of the Army of the Potomac's “Iron Brigade”), then as Colonel and commander of the 5^th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 8” x 3 ½” check signed, August 31, 1886, as Wisconsin Secretary of State, Judson David Bingham (1831-1909) Bingham served first as Chief Quartermaster of the XVII Corps in the Army of the Tennessee, then as Chief Quartermaster of the Army itself. 7 ¾” x 3” receipt signed, December 13, 1875 and Samuel McCartney Jackson (1833-1907) Jackson was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers after the Battle of Spottsylvania Court House. 14 ½” x 7” Internal Revenue document signed, April 30, 1885. Three items.

 $200 to $400

148.  Christopher  Raymond Perry Rodgers (1819-1892) Admiral. Rodgers was fleet Captain commanding the New Ironsides in the attack on Charleston in 1863, to the end of the war he commanded the Iroquois in its worldwide search for the Shenandoah and other Confederate cruisers. 7 ¾” x 9 ¾” autograph letter signed, “Father,” to his son Raymond, U. S. S. Wabash, Hampton Roads, October 28, 1861. “…We expect to sail at daybreak tomorrow, and though very weary I write a line to you…to wish you goodbye and convey to you my dear son, my parting request that you do everything in your power to make your dear Mother happy…I am very glad to have your photograph, my son, you do not know how dearly I love you….”  

$300 to $500

149.  52^nd Pennsylvania – Lieutenant Edward W. Smith. Two documents relating to Smith’s service: 17” x 13 ¾” appointment, July 8, 1865, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, signed by Andrew Curtin (1817-1894) Governor of Pennsylvania, appointing Smith a First Lieutenant and the 19” x 10 ½” Quarterly Return of Ordinance and Ordinance Stores, January 8, 1866, signed twice by Smith. There is also a photocopy of his enlistment. Smith enlisted on September 23, 1861 as a Corporal and was mustered into “I” Company PA 52^nd Infantry. He received four promotions and mustered out as a First Lieutenant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on July 12, 1865. 

$150 to $300

150.  James C. Stuart (1812-1870) Union surgeon. Stuart was appointed a surgeon in the 17^th New York Volunteers and later a division surgeon in the Army of the Potomac and post surgeon at Decatur, Alabama. 2 ½” x 4 ½” carte de visite photograph signed under his image. The lower corners have been rounded cutting off the “rt” of his signature.  

$150 to $250

151.  Theodore C. Vidal – U. S Army Signal Corps. 17” x 11” partially printed pay voucher, paid on October 11, 1864 for service from August 31, 1864 until September 31, 1864 completed and signed by Vidal seeking payment for himself and his two servants. Vidal was a 1^st Lieutenant in the Signal Corps.  

$100 to $200

152.  Soldier’s Diary. Richard Colburn, a private who enlisted in the 12^th Infantry Regiment, Army of the Potomac on December 18, 1861 and kept this diary from that date until January 31, 1863. Colburn served as a cook. The leather bound diary measures 3” x 4 ½” with entries in pencil, dutifully maintained daily. Colburn records his daily activities: “…Mar 6 At Washington with the expectation of starting in the morning for battlefield at Manassas Junction…Apr 16 Cooking and within a short distance of Yorktown where they are fighting the rebels…Apr 17 Thursday. Yet in the cook house but ready to start at a moments warning to the battlefield and we do not know what moment we will start…Apr 18 The guns are yet roaring…May 5 A hard battle between Yorktown and Richmond which the union men gained the victory. Glory to the North and Praise to God…May 14 Cooking for Uncle Sam’s troops at Cumberland, evening visited by the secretary of state…June 2 Yet at camp. The rebels has dammed up the Chickahominy creek and flooded the floats…June 27 Friday morning. Returned to camp, slung our knapsacks and marched to the left, where we had a heavy battle which Major Olitz , myself and several others were wounded and taken prisoner by the 5^th regiment of Virginia, with some that was not wounded, many killed…July 3 Lying around on the floor in the hospital, it is the report now here that the rebels has taken 1,700 of our union men prisoners and 10 generals….” Wonderful detail and easily read, the diary includes a full transcription. The leather is rubbed but the cover is attached and the spine tight. 

$1,000 to $1,800

153.  Oath and Parole. 8” x 3” partially printed document, Head Quarters District of Virginia, April 9, 1864, issued to Josiah Jolliff. The Certificate of Oath states that Jolliff has “…taken and subscribed the Oath and Parole required…for a Loyal Citizen of the United States residing in a State ever in rebellion….” The certificate is numbered “5373,” and has the stamped signature of Charles M. Wheldon. The upper right corner is missing there is a break in one vertical fold.

 $150 to $250

154.  (Alexander Gardner) (1821-1882) Scottish-born photographer. Gardner emigrated from Scotland in 1856 and was hired by Mathew B. Brady as a portrait photographer, and within two years he opened a studio for Brady in Washington, D.C. In 1861 he began to assist Brady in making a photographic record of the American Civil War. Brady refused to give him public credit, so in 1863 he opened his own portrait studio. 13” x 9 ½” full plate albumen print, image 9” x 6 ¾”, of soldiers in camp surrounding two Negro boys, each holding a rooster, preparing for a cock fight. The print is titled, “Incidents of the War – A “Fancy” Group in Front of Petersburg, Va.” and is credited, “Negative by T. H. O’Sullivan” and “Positive by A. Gardner.”  Timothy H. O’Sullivan (1840-1882) was also a renouned photographer, in July 1863, he created his most famous photograph, “The Harvest of Death,” depicting dead soldiers from the Battle of Gettysburg. Age browned. Extremely rare.

 $1,200 to $2,000

155.  (Alexander Gardner) 12” x 9 ½” full plate albumen print, image 9” x 7”, of four officers in camp being served by a Negro soldier. The print is titled, “What Do I Want,  John Henry?” and credited “Alex. Gardner, Photographer…Washington.” Age browned. Extremely rare.

 $1,200 to $2,000

Confederate States

156.  Pierre G. T. Beauregard (1818-1893) CSA. General. Beauregard was the commander of the Department of South Carolina and Georgia and of the Military Division of the West. He is best known for having ordered the bombardment of Fort Sumter; he received its surrender on April 14, 1861. He was promoted to full general in 1861, after leading the Confederate victory at the battle of First Bull Run. 3½” x 2¼” card signed, “G. T. Beauregard 1860.” Includes a 4¼” x 6¾” matte finish, sepia toned photograph.

$350 to $550

157.  Lawrence O’Brien Branch (1820-1862) CSA General. Branch was the senior Brigadier General in A.P. Hill’s division, Stonewall Jackson’s Corps. He was killed at the Battle of Antietam while in command of the Fourth Brigade of the North Carolina Troops. 11” x 7 ¾” partially printed document signed, “L. OB. Branch,” May 1, 1853.  The document is a stock certificate in the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad Company, Branch signs as president.   

 $200 to $400

158.  Simon Bolivar Buckner (1823-1914) CSA General. Buckner surrendered Fort Donelson on the famous “unconditional surrender” terms of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Released after five months’ imprisonment, Buckner was promoted to Major General and participated in numerous battles, most notably at Perryville and Chickamauga. 10 ½” x 13 ¾” partially printed document signed as Governor, Commonwealth of Kentucky, July 25, 1890. The document is an appointment of a Notary Public. 

$150 to $300

159.  Simon Bolivar Buckner. Check written and signed, Hart County Deposit Bank, November 24, 1908. The signature is touched by an oval cancellation.

$150 to $250

160.  Wade Hampton

$700 to $1,200

161.  Thomas Jordan (1819-1895) Confederate spy, CSA. General. Jordan accompanied General Beauregard to the Western Theater to Kentucky. During the advance from Corinth, Mississippi, into Tennessee, he rendered valuable service in preparing the men for the Battle of Shiloh, where he was conspicuous in efficiently managing the flow of orders to and from the various corps commanders and their respective staffs. For his actions at Shiloh, he was promoted to Brigadier General. When Beauregard was reassigned to the defense of Charleston, Jordan accompanied his long-time friend and mentor as chief of staff for that department. 8” x 10 ½” concluding page of an autograph letter signed, to General Beauregard. .”... neither in my memoir nor now have I sought to criticize the actions of General Johnston. He doubtless had his own reasons for the delay in deciding upon the point at which to assemble the Confederate forces under his direction. Doubtless, he desired meanwhile to be a little more certain than he was as to the ultimate plan of operations of the enemy upon that theatre of war. What happened, however, is a part of the history of affairs in that quarter at that time, and I could not narrate them as they happened within my knowledge when called upon by you for a memoir of them….” The letter is docked by Beauregard on the reverse: “New York. Oct. 26/77. Gen’l Thos. Jordan relative to Col. W. Preston’s note of of Oct 10/77 denying certain facts or statements thereof contained in Gen’l J[ohnston]s narrative of events referring to the Shiloh Campaign of April 1862” Toned in the folds with some breaks and paper loss. The Battle of Shiloh was a major battle in the Western Theater of the War, fought on April 6 and April 7, 1862, in southwestern Tennessee. Confederate forces under Generals Albert Sidney Johnston and P.G.T. Beauregard launched a surprise attack against the Union army of General Grant and came close to defeating his army. 

$700 to $1,200

162.  James Longstreet (1821 - 1904) CSA General. Longstreet was given command of half of Lee’s infantry after the Seven Day’s Battle, and promoted Lieutenant General after Antietam and Fredericksburg. His hesitancy in ordering Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg led to vindictive criticism by Southerners and questions about his strategic ability. 5” x 8” autograph letter signed, Gainesville, Georgia, October 9, 1880, to William A. Moore. “…I have had the pleasure to receive your favor …and am pleased to express appreciation of your kind attentions….”  Pristine. 

$1,000 to $1,800

163.  George E. Pickett (1825-1875) CSA General. Pickett was severely wounded at Gaines Mill, but rejoined his command and was present at Fredericksburg and with Longstreet at Suffolk. He was immortalized in “Pickett’s Charge” on the third day at Gettysburg, when his men where overwhelmingly defeated. He later commanded the Department of Virginia and North Carolina and was one of the defenders of Petersburg. He was defeated at Five Forks but continued with the Army until Appomattox. 7 ¾’ x 9 ¾” conclusion of an autograph letter signed “George,” two pages, front and back. No place, no date, to his wife, Sallie. “Look over my letters and find the pass from Genl Lee it is among them. I may need it send it by Jack tomorrow morning, also my old boots. I am going to fit a pair ... I have just come back from a ride ... Blair says ... it wont be long if you will only follow his advice. Eat your rations kindly, never fear about the baby’s colic, he says you require plenty of food to sustain yourself and little George ... I am afraid you don’t get enough nourishing food. I have two chickens ... and they are growing nicely I can get plenty more – How were the peaches… Bye, Bye my love my lily ... forever George.” The lower loop of the second “g” in George is missing. Darkly penned but torn and crudely repaired with tape, large portions missing or loose. ”Jack” is probably Jackerie, one of the Picketts’ slaves who would deliver letters between George and Sallie. Before the Gettysburg campaign, the 38-year-old widower fell in love with a 15-year-old Virginian, LaSalle “Sallie” Corbel, the recipient of this letter. They were married on November 13, 1863. Their first son, George was born on July 17, 1864 and is referred to in this letter.

 $1,500 to $2,800

164.  Gideon Pillow (1806-1878) CSA General.  Pillow was appointed brigadier general of Tennessee volunteers by his former law partner, President James K. Polk, in the Mexican War. When the Civil War broke out he became a Confederate Brigadier General. His conduct in escaping from Fort Donelson before the Confederate surrender caused the suspension of his command. 7 ½” x 5 ½” autograph letter signed, Philadelphia, July 24, 1848, to Edward Evary. “…I very cheerfully comply with your request & hand you…my private and official autograph….”   

$400 to $700

165.  Alexander P. Stewart (1821-1908) CSA General. Stewart initially commanded a brigade in the corps of General Lideonas Polk. He saw action in many of the campaigns of the Army of Tennessee, including the Battle of Chickamauga, in which he led a division, the Atlanta, Franklin-Nashville and the Carolinas campaigns. 2 ½” x 1 ½” cut signature and rank, “Alex. P. Stewart Lieut. Genl.” 

$500 to $900

166.  Robert Toombs (1810-1885) CSA Secretary of State, General. Toombs became the first Confederate secretary of state, but served only a few months before resigning after securing a brigadier general's commission. He was the most prominent political general in the Army of Northern Virginia, and handled his brigade poorly during the Seven Days' battles and Second Bull Run. He did, however, do very well holding Burnside's Bridge at Antietam. 6 ¼” x 7 ¾” autograph letter signed, Washington, August 18, 1836, to Riggs Bank. “…I have not had time to look at my bankbook and have therefore drawn with reference to my debts and not my credits. You will oblige me by paying my drafts…I do not know that I am overdrawn, but I think it not improbable….”  

$300 to $600

167.  Washington Curran Whitthorne (1821-1887) Whitthorne served as Assistant Adjutant General in the provisional army of Tennessee in 1861 during the Civil War and was in the Confederate service as Adjutant General of Tennessee.  7” x 2 ¼” cut signature, “W. C. Whitthorne Columbia Tennessee.” Includes a printed speech he delivered in the House of Representatives on Mau 8, 1878 on “Labor vs. Capital.” Pennsylvania congressman Lewis F. Watson (1819-1890) has signed on the reverse.

$100 to $200

168.  Confederate States of America: Treasury Circular. 5 ½” x 8 ½”, ten pages, Richmond, September 21, 1861, signed in type by “C. G. Memminger.” The act deals with the collection customs, “…To raise money for the support of the Government and provide for the Defence of the Confederate States of America…Recognizing the existence of War between the United States and the Confederate States….”  

$100 to $200

169.  Confederate General Order # 83. 5” x 8”, one and one-third pages, Richmond, June 13, 1863, signed in type by “S. Cooper.” The order details the Court Martial of Major General John P. McCoun, who was charged with “Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline…” for going “…to Charleston, S. C. and such other points…when the said Major General John P. McCoun…knew that such details were not authorized….” McCoun was found guilty and sentenced to a six month suspension.   

$150 to $250

170.  Confederate Requisition for Forage. 11” x 8 ½” partially printed document, September 30, 1863, “Camp in Virginia,” forage for forty-eight horses for 30 days for “B Cobb…Regiment of Ga. Vols.” Signed by James Jones. Uniformly age browned

$150 to $250

171. 2nd Regiment Kentucky Calvary. 8” x 10” signed document, December 14, 1863, The Confederate States, written by Major E. C. White, 4th Division Calvary. The document directs payment to Private J. H. Wolf for four months pay from July 1, 1863 until October 31st 1863 and for one horse for the same period for a total of $96.00. It has been signed for a received by Wolf at Tunnel Hill Georgia on December 14, 1863. Wolf was a private in the 2nd Kentucky Regiment. The voucher, which is identified as a “Signed Duplicate,” has been witnessed by J. Byron Montgomery of the Ordinance office of the 4th Calvary Division.

$350 to $600

172.  Virginia Resolution. 5 ¼” x 8 ½” printed resolution, January 26, 1864, signed in type by Virginia Senate clerk Shelton C. Davis. “Resolved, that the general assembly of Virginia, deeply impressed with the importance of the most energetic and vigorous preparations for the ensuing campaign, and determined now as ever that the whole resources of the state shall be employed in the prosecution of the war, until our independence is recognized and established, yet firmly convinced that the passage by congress of an act extending the provisions of the conscription act to persons under the age of eighteen or over the age of forty-five years, would be unwise and most injurious in its effect…

$100 to $200

173.  Confederate State of Texas. 7 ¼” x 9” secretarial copy of a letter from Major Sackfield Maclin, Houston, February 4, 1864. “…District Commissaries or Agents are the only officers connected with the Purchasing Commissary Department authorized to employ a clerk. Sub-Agents are confidently expected to perform their duties with as little expense to the Government as possible….” Age spotting at the top and bottom away from the text. With the capture of the Mississippi River by Grant the previous year, Texas had been completely isolated from the Confederacy. This letter is interesting due to its highlighting the increasing financial strain on the Confederacy in the latter days of the Civil War.  

$150 to $250

174.  Confederate Soldier’s Hospital Furlough. 7 ½” x 3” partially printed document, Soldier’s Furlough, Jackson Hospital, Richmond, September, 1864, issued to J. F. Segleu. “…being unfit for military duty…is furloughed for Thirty days to go to Windsor, S. C….” Age browned, minor paper loss at the upper right, normal cancellation stamps. A rare document. 

$250 to $400

175.  Confederate Congress Document. 6 ¼” x 9 ¾”, three page printed document signed in type by G. A. Trenholm. Correspondence Between the Secretaries of War and the Treasury, on the Subject of a Deficiency of Funds, December 29, 1864. “…supplies cannot be obtained for the want of the requisite funds…It has been the occasion or excuse for desertion, marauding, sale of clothing and equipment, among soldiers…officers are resentful, and soldiers reckless….”    

$100 to $200

176.  General Orders # 3. CSA, 5” x 7 ¾” printed document, signed in type by “S. Cooper,” Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office, Richmond, February 6, 1865. “…General Robert E. Lee having been duly appointed General in Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States, will assume the duties thereof, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly….” There is considerable soiling and the lower right corner is missing.

$100 to $200

177.  A Confederate Soldier from the 28^th Mississippi “swaps” His Mule. On April 9, 1865 after four years of Civil War, General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant. Lee asked if the terms allowed his men to keep their horses, he explained that his men would need these animals to farm once they returned to civilian life. Grant ordered his officers to allow any Confederate claiming a horse or a mule to keep it. 5” x 7” document, Gainesville, Alabama, May 10, 1865,  R.H. Weaver, Co. H 28^th Miss. Cavy, “I certify that a dark bay horse, seven years old, with a dim U.S. Brand on left shoulder was bought by my brother, from a man within the Federal lines, near Memphis, Tenn, and was swapped be me to R. L. Bliss  for a mule, said mule being his private property.... Witness to swap, Alfred C. Reynolds.

$100 to $200

Soldiers’ Letters (full transcripts of all letters are posted on our website)

178.  Early War Letter - Sullivans Island South Carolina. 5” x 8”, two pages, January 29, 1861, one month after South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union and seventy-two days before the attack on Fort Sumter, Francis M. Godbold of the 1^st S.C. Volunteers writes home. “…I have spoke to my captain and he says he is perfectly willing for you to join his company…I am truly glad that you are going to join our company. We have not got our uniforms yet….”   

$150 to $250

179.  Soldier Letter – Camp Hand Cock, Virginia, April 14, 1864. 5” x 8”, two one-third pages, from Mark O’Brien of the 1^st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Battery F, to his lady, Emma. “…I think we will not lay here in camp long if the weather keeps good…I think that Ge. Grant will put things thru for it is time for it….” Minor breaks in the folds, some age spotting. 

DEAR EMMA AS I WAS NOT VERY BUSY THIS AFTERNOON I THOUGHT I WOULD WRITE YOU A FEW LINES TO LET YOU KNOW HOW I WAS. I AM IN GOOD HEALTH AT PRESENT AND HOPE THESE FEW LINES WILL FIND YOU ENJOYING THE SAME BLESSING ALL SO THAT YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER IS WELL LET ME KNOW WHAT REGIMENT CHARLES IS IN. I HEARD THAT GILLESPIE WAS IN THE 8^TH PA. CAVALRY. NEYLAND VAN HORN GOT TO BATTERY THE 8^TH OF THIS MONTH. HE IS WELL AND LIKES IT VERY WELL SO FOR. BEN VAN HORN LEFT HERE THE 1^sT OF APRIL. I DON’T KNOW WHERE HE IS GONE TO. WE HAVE HAD A GREAT DEAL OF RAIN AND SNOW THIS LAST THREE WEEKS, BUT TODAY IS A FINE DAY AND WE HAVE GOOD TIMES IN DRILLING THE NEW RECRUITS. I THINK WE WILL NOT LAY HERE IN CAMP LONG IF THE WEATHER KEEPS GOOD FOR A SHORT TIME. ALL THE SUTLERS DUE TO LEAVE THE ARMY THE 16 OF APRIL AND THE GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO HAVE SUTLERS STORES IN THE ARMY. I THINK YOU WILL SEE GLOWING TIMES IN THE ARMY THIS SUMMER FOR I THINK THAT GE. GRANT WILL PUT THINGS THRU FOR IT IS TIME FOR IT I GOT ALETTER FROM LYUIN LAST EVENING AND SHE SAID SHE GOT ONE FROM YOU. I SUPPOSE YOU KNOW THAT YOUR GRAND PAP ELSE IS SICK. ALSO EVE IS SICK. IT IS GETTING LATE AND I MUST QUIT WRITING FOR THIS TIME. GIVE MY RESPECTS TO YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER. ALSO TO YOUR SISTER AND BROTHERS. DIRECT AS FOLLOWS. MARK O’BRIEN, BATTERY F, 1^sT PARTY

$100 to $200

180.  January 30, 1863 – Millville, Pennsylvania. 5” x 8”, four pages, J. M. Potts writes home.  “...We got a letter from Aaron Miller last night. I suppose you know that he was drafted. He is now in ... North Carolina... They had one very long march, about sixty or seventy miles in two days. They had about sixty pounds to carry beside very bad walking part of the way ... He says their General is a regular tyrant. One poor fellow who gave out from fatigue, he tied behind an ambulance by the thumbs which forced him along. Some one cut him loose. He says one died on the march and another afterward. He is in the 175 Regiment....”

$100 to $200

181.  First Bull Run – “Officers say McDowell’s a traitor….” September 11, 1862.   5” x 8”, four pages, in pencil, a soldier writes his wife, Nellie.  “…It is hard work to see what was cause of our defeat unless we lay it to incompetence or to treachery. Several officers say McDowell’s a traitor and attribute his boldness which he sometimes is said to show to have a complete understanding with the rebels and in order to be known wears a most peculiar hat similar an inverted wash bowl. Others say the artillery were admirable arranged but McDowell caused the infantry to advance beyond it rendering the artillery unless and that when the infantry fell back the rebels followed them so close that the artillery was unable to fire so lumbered up and left… Saturday morning and I saw three batteries open one the rebels and one belonging to us. The third I imagine was ours as I could tell where the shells burst unless on the other side of the hill where the rebels were. It seems to me that the part of the fence of what I could see was very strong it being the center of the land. I heard some officers McDowell was cautious about the left being weak by one of our Peninsular Generals and a man with rarity says much, and after the action had commenced was heard to exclaim ‘Egads, where is our artillery’ McDowell has no friends in this part of our army and were glad he has gone….” Includes a full transcription.  

Dear Nellie,

I have not received any letter from you but the one from N. York. The mails are regular in their arrivals but I imagine all the mail does not move owing to the prices of business. Everything is high in Alexandria and all the prices seem to increase every day. The reason given is that government maintains rights the cars between Baltimore and Washington leaving but little means for outside transportation and also that schooner shipments with fruit from Baltimore cannot land their fruit for the government is occupying most of the wharves. I have done some cooking for myself lately and succeeded firmly. I made some quite good fish balls the other days, they relished well. I have succeeded in living well considering the means which I have. I am always able here to have butter and generally nice little rolls, beefsteak, fried potatoes, Fish balls & boiled eggs have been my principle ration. Side dishes, tomatoes raw and stewed fruit peaches poached eggs & eggs. You see that I have quite a variety. I have not as yet had ham and eggs but expect soon. Peaches watermelon, muskmelon and apples generally are to be obtained near camp from peddlers wagons. The weather has been fine today. It has been raining but it was needed to lay the dust There is a general impression prevailing in our division that we are not to be called into active service unless absolutely necessary yet there is a rumor of an excepted move. Some say two or three miles farther from Alexandria others mention Arlington Heights as our destination. The latter would be from what I hear, an amiable situation only 21/2 miles from Washington of which it commands a good view but we doubt such good news although we hope it. Jaundice is being quite prevalent. Some officers and several privates have it. It is hard work to see what was cause of our defeat unless we lay it to incompetence or to treachery. Several officers say Mc Dowell’s a traitor and attribute his boldness which he sometimes is said to show to have a complete understanding with the rebels and in order to be known wears a most peculiar hat similar an inverted wash bowl. Others say the artillery were admirable arranged but Mc Dowell caused the infantry to advance beyond it rendering the artillery unless and that when the infantry fell back the rebels followed them so close that the artillery was unable to fire so lumbered up and left. I had a in fact a splendid view of the ground recaptured by our troops. Saturday morning and I saw three batteries open one the rebels and one belonging to us. The third I imagine was ours as I could tell where the shells burst unless on the other side of the hill where the rebels were. It seems to me that the part of the fence of what I could see was very strong it being the center of the land. I heard some officers Mc Dowell was cautious about the left being weak by one of our Peninsular Generals and a man with rarity says much, and after the action had commenced was heard to exclaim “Egads, where is our artillery” Me Dowell has no friends in this part of our army and were glad he has gone.

Send me since postage stamps not the money. We expect to have 5 small tents for the five officers when they and all present they number 30 making up 6 for each tent, too many. I have put up a small tent and have made a comfortable bed in it and expect to have a magnificent sleep. I have no application for ---dyings(?)and lieutenant & myself will occupy without having to board with ---dying
(?) to let in it . Give my regards to all.

$150 to $250

182.  Thomas Island Attack - July, 1864. 5” x 8”, two pages, front and back, in pencil, “Charleston Roads,” July 18, 1864, a soldier, Allan, writes his mother.  “…On the morning of the 8th our soldiers on Thomas Island were attacked by the Rebs. waking the still morning with heavy musketry, that was at 4 o’clock. The next charge was made while we were at breakfast and then another and the last about 11/2 an hour after, was terrible heavy musketry and cannonading. I tell you it was exciting to be sitting on deck quietly eating a desperate battle going on at our left, and roar of shot & shell going on from the other ships. Most of them had to pass over our heads from either side, we being the advance. I dont know what was the loss on shore of our men but the enemy who made the charges were badly repulsed, meeting very heavy losses…Two men were struck with a rifle shot taking the leg off one & fracturing the leg of another….” Small break in one fold. Includes a full transcription.  

Charleston Roads, July 18^th 1864

Dear Mother

I received your letter of the 9^th this morning. I wrote to you on the 7^th it was, from stone where we was then fighting so called. On the morning of the 8^th our soldiers on Thomas Island were attacked by the Rebs. waking the still morning with heavy musketry, that was at 4 o’clock. The next charge was made while we were at breakfast and then another and the last about 11/2 an hour after, was terrible heavy musketry and cannonading. I tell you it was exciting to be sitting on deck quietly eating a desperate battle going on at our left, and roar of shot & shell going on from the other ships. Most of them had to pass over our heads from either side, we being the advance. I dont know what was the loss on shore of our men but the enemy who made the charges were badly repulsed, meeting very heavy losses.

Two men were struck with a rifle shot taking the leg off one & fracturing the leg of another. That is all that happened on this ship. Mother, I am better off than you think for I do not feel the heat so much as I did home in summer time. I only stand watch in day time in the fire room for I am in the turret at night and that is nice and cool. I dont have to help clean fires or hardly do anything laborious. And in 2 months if everything works well, I will be home again and have enough in the corner of a stocking to make you all right for next winter. They keep in 30 days over our time.

Remember me to Elizabeth, Harriet & George, Willie & Sal. I shall be glad to see you all. I sent you a paper which is printed at Hilton Head, it was not a very late one but had something about the Montauk in it and thought I would send it. We hear some talk about drafting in the north. I hope the boys will not be taken. I would like to see one of those old fashioned family circles again. Mary & all will be home then. Mother, hold any of the boys from going in the Military for there will be plenty of chances yet to go after I come home.

And Mother don’t you worry about me. Talk about the heat in the south, I have not seen as hot weather here as I did North. I have never had better health, in my life. There is always a sure cool wind here.

I will draw some things from the Purser if you think it best & cheaper. I’ll send a little list of some of the things. Morisania is doing well surely. for her citizens. Kiss all the young ones for me. I’ll make a scatter among them some of these days. Tell Jack take a smoke.

Allan

$150 to $250

183.  Charles Horns – Ten Letters Home. Horns enlisted on January 14, 1864 at Pawling, New York and was mustered into the New York 4^th Heavy Artillery as a private. There is no data available about his discharge. This lot consists of ten separate letters, all in verse, Horns has written to his mother. The over all condition is very good and they are neatly written and easily read. None are dated and the location is not indicated.

“Just Before the Battle Mother

I am thinking most of you

While upon the field we’re watching

With the enemy in view

Comrades brave are round me lying

Filled with thoughts of home and God

For well they know that on the morrow

Some will sleep beneath the sod….”  

$400 to $900

184.  May, 1865 Letter Home From Montgomery, Alabama – Lincoln Death Content. 5” x 8”, four pages, “Camp Near Montgomery,” May 8, 1865, a Wisconsin soldier (Suptil) writes his wife. “…Hundreds of men from Lee’s and Johnson’s army are coming into this city daily. They have laid down their arms forever against the Union. The death of our Noble President takes away some of the joys that would be and brings a gloom over the thinking ones prospects. There are some thoughtless & foolish ones even here that say it is a good thing for the country. These are only the bigoted ones and for shame on such ones. They were not or ever will be worthy citizens where they lived at home. I think his place cannot so easily be filled but I think the Vice President will do all in his power to carry out the work that had begun and was so nearly finished…We have a beautiful camp full of shade trees and plenty of good water. Within hearing of the chiming bells of the city. Sounds something like civilized life….” Includes a full transcription and the original envelope.   

ALA Camp Near Montgomery
May 8^th  1865

Dear Wife

Yesterday we received a large mail the first we have had since we left Fort Blakely. I was the happy recipient of six letters. Three of them from you, two from Minerva and one from Lorenzo Knox.

My dear one I was overjoyed to hear from you and home. So glad to hear that you were all well. Somehow I had got it into my head that I was going to hear bad news but all is well with you Thank God. Yes, I am about as I was when I last wrote. After getting your letter I went and dug a lot of blackberry root and boiled it down to a strong syrup and am taking that now. I had thought of it before but kept putting it off from time to time until I thought I would act upon your suggestion. I think I feel better today although I had not taken the medicine long enough to test its virtue thoroughly. Am confident it will help and shall keep using it. I do my regular duty yet but am pretty hard up sometimes. But Linda, the war is over and we will all be home soon that is enough to make a sick man well. It is about all we talk about from morning till night and what great times we will have when we get home. I have a bet with Lavander that we will get home to celebrate the fourth of July there. The forfeit is a good dinner somewhere for He and Ella & you & I.. A good dinner you see is the first thing a soldier thinks of. That may be too soon and I will lose the bet but it can’t be long. All we are waiting is transportation. The opinion of all is that when we move from here it will be for home. We will go by way of N.O.

Hundreds of men from Lee’s and Johnson’s army are coming into this city daily. They have laid down their arms forever against the Union. The death of our Noble President takes away some of the joys that would be and brings a gloom over the thinking ones prospects. There are some thoughtless & foolish ones even here that say it is a good thing for the country. These are only the bigoted ones and for shame on such ones. They were not or ever will be worthy citizens where they lived at home. I think his place cannot so easily be filled but I think the Vice President will do all in his power to carry out the work that had begun and was so nearly finished. I hope so at least. I was somewhat surprised to here that Sis and Cynthia were back to Markesen again so soon. I declare it is a maneuver for Sis. Seems to me she might of stood it even from home a little longer than that especially unless there was something more enticing them. I think she has in Markesen. When I write to her I shall tell her what I think about it and I don’t want to say what I think about it either. I declare only three weeks of wedded life and homesick. Will it be so with us think you? Ah no. My home is nowhere but with my dear Linda. But I was just thinking of the strange coincidence four of our family married and neither one living with their “better halves” but we will show them how to live by and by. You asked me if I intended going west in the fall. If I get home in three or four months I do not know but that I shall be as ready to go then as any time if it suits you. I think they are warping the taxes to me on that land pretty steep this year. There is talk of our being paid six months pay in a few days. We have eight due. The weather here has been awful dry and dusty for the past two weeks but last night we had a beautiful shower of rain and everything is much refreshed in fragrance and beauty. We have a beautiful camp full of shade trees and plenty of good water. Within hearing of the chiming bells of the city. Sounds something like civilized life. Boats and cars run here now and we draw plenty of every thing but vegetables. If Olive don’t rite soon I shant have time to answer tell her not to write till she gets ready. My love to all

Yours affectionately

ABS

$150 to $250

Ephemera

185.  Broadside – “Of the Duties of Servants.” 9 ¼” x 12”, Christopher Pickard, Printer…Leeds. The “duties” are defined in a series of twenty questions. “What is Respect to a Master and Mistress? A. An acknowledgment of their superiority, and authority…. What is the duty of Servants as to the Property of their Masters and Mistresses?  A. To avoid the sins of theft, waste, and negligence….” There is a note indicating that this was printed circa 1845. 

$100 to $200

186.  Broadside – “4^th of July 4^th Excursion.” 10 ¼” x 13 ¾” printed broadside for an “…Excursion to Fort Popham from Gardiner, So. Gardiner and Richmond….” There is an illustration of a “side-wheeler.” This is from coastal Maine and believed to date in the 1870s, Uniformly age browned, minute paper loss at the lower right corner. 

$150 to $300

187.  “Panorama of the Seat of War.” 9 ½” x 15 ½” printed illustration, “Entered according to an act of Congress…Southern District of New York, the front shows a map of Maryland and Virginia from the Maryland boarder to Norfolk with images of Commanders Stringham and Foote at the top. On the reverse there are nineteen  “Comicalities of the War for the Union.”  The broadside has been folded and there are small holes in the folds. 

$200 to $400

188.  American Artificial Limb Company. 8” x 9 ¾” autograph letter, signed “Palmer & Co.,” Office of the American Artificial Limb Company, September 28, 1864. “…we sent you for three sides leather with samples…we do not receive the leather or hear from you…The amt. of former bill will be remitted with bill for leather….”

 $100 to $200

189.  Telegram Eleven Days After the Surrender. 5 ¼” x 8” telegram, The American Telegraph Company, Winchester, April 20, 1865, to Major J. W. Nichols, paymaster. “…Please answer by telegram the date of last payment of Sergeant John Tully…cannot discharge him without date….” 

$100 to $200