Signature, “Benj[amin] Alvord,” a frank on a 1 ½” x 5 ¾” portion of an imprinted “Paymaster General’s Office” envelope; marked “Personal” by Alvord, with a Washington, D.C. postmark at mid left.

Lightly and evenly toned, with minor staining.

Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed

Early in the American Civil War, Ashby’s 7^th Virginia Cavalry functioned primarily on scout and outpost duty along the Potomac.  In the spring of 1862, Colonel Ashby served with distinction in the Shenandoah Valley campaign as head of Stonewall Jackson’s cavalry.  Only two weeks after his promotion to brigadier general, Ashby was killed-in-action.

Autograph Letter Signed, 5 ¾” x 7”, an important, confidential early-war strategic communication, directing the destruction of a dam on the Potomac, between Martinsburg, Virginia and Williamsport, Maryland.

“Camp Jefferson, Sept[ember] 24, [18]61.  Col[onel] Riley.  Dear Sir,  I shall need your cooperation in a few days to destroy the Dam No. 4 – by throwing such force as you can safely send out from Martinsburg towards the Dam to be between that point and the crossing opposite Williamsport, but near enough to be supported by the whole body with me if you should be threatened.  When I am prepared for the work I will inform you – Do not let this be known as secrecy is important.  Respectfully, Turner Ashby, L[ieutenan]t Col[onel] Com[mandin]g.”

Extremely rare, as no other such examples have been offered for sale in the recent past.

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few stains, and there are inconsequential pinholes and minor breaks at the intersections of several folds.

Signed Card, 1 ½” x 3”, “C.C. Augur, Maj[or] Gen[era]l U[nited] S[tates] V[olunteers].”

Evenly toned, with minor chipping at the lower edge.

Early War-Date Franked Patriotic Envelope

Franked Patriotic Envelope 3” x 5 ½”, “Free, E.D. Baker, U.S. Senate,” with a May 27, 1861, New York postmark.  Addressed in another hand to “P. Willard George, Esq[uire], No. 257 North 16^th St[reet], Philadelphia, P[ennsylvani]a.”

Expected toning, soiling, and wear, with several chips and small tears at the edges.

Veteran of the Mexican War; U.S. Congressman – Illinois – 1845-47 & 1849-51; U.S. Senator – Oregon – 1860-61; Close friend of Abraham Lincoln

Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed

Autograph Letter Signed, 7” x 9”, on “Head-Quarters King’s Division” imprinted stationery, directing the encampment of his corps, shortly after the conclusion of the Shenandoah Valley campaign.

“Warrenton [Virginia], 25 – 6 [June, 1862].  P.M.  Major Perkins, A[ide] D[e] C[amp], Etc.  Select a good position and camp our Corps where they are.  I return in an ambulance.  Truly Yours, N.P. Banks, M[ajor] G[eneral] C[ommanding].”

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few light stains; minor bleeding of ink on several letters; two horizontal folds.

Signed Card, 2 ¼” x 4”, as Tennessee Governor, “Executive Office, Nashville, Tenn[essee], Wm. B. Bate.”

Excellent.

Signature, probably war date, with the rank Bates held from enlistment until October 3, 1862, “Wm. B. Bate, Col[onel] 2^nd Tenn[essee] Inf[antry],” on a 1 ¼” x 3 ½” slip of paper.

Lightly and evenly toned, with old mounting remnants on the reverse.

Signed Card, 1 ¾” x 3 ¾”, bevel-edged, “John Beatty.”

Excellent.

Signed Card, 2 ½” x 3 ½”, “G.T. Beauregard, 1891.”  

Exceptional.

Franking Signature, “Frank P. Blair, Jr.” on a ½” x 3 ¾” portion of an envelope, a Washington, D.C. postmark intersecting the signature.  Affixed to slightly larger backing, with minor glue staining at the edges.

Civil War-Date Signed Envelope

Signed Envelope, 3” x 5 ¼”, “J.D. Blanding, Col[onel] 9^th Reg[imen]t S[outh] C[arolina] V[olunteers],” also addressed by Blanding, to “Wm. F.B. Haynesworth, Esq[ui]r[e]…Sumter, South Carolina.”  An indistinct postmark, undoubtedly Tudor Hall, Virginia, and Due “10” markings at upper right; with vertical pencil notations, in an unknown hand, “from Col[onel] 9^th Rec[eive]d Oct[ober] 29, 1861” along the left edge.

Somewhat lacking in contrast, with moderate toning throughout and the expected wear, soiling, and edge chips.

Signature & Rank, probably war date, “E.B. Brown, Brig[adier] Gen[eral] Vol[unteer]s,” on a 1” x 3 ¾” slip of lined paper; affixed to slightly larger backing.

Lightly and evenly toned.

Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed - from Leavenworth, Kansas

Autograph Letter Signed, 5 ¼” x 8 ¼”.  From Leavenworth, Kansas, the vicinity of his father’s actions at the Pottawatomie Massacre and the Battles of Osawatomie and Black Jack in 1856 “Bleeding Kansas,” Brown conveys details of his return home to his wife in Ohio.  Accompanied by the transmittal envelope, imprinted “R. Stevenson, Photographic ARTIST, 40 Delaware Street, Leavenworth, Kansas”; addressed by Brown, to “Mrs. Wealthy C. Brown, Jefferson, Ashtabula Co[unty], Ohio, Box 125,” with a three-cent U.S. postage stamp and a June 6, 1862, Leavenworth City, Kansas Territory postmark at the upper right corner.

“Leavenworth City Kansas, Thursday, June 5 1862.    

My Loved Wife,

I have this moment got yours of the 28^th.  All in a hurry this morning as a Boat for St. Louis has just come and is off in a few minutes.

It will take me about five days to Chicago including one Sunday – say two days there then, one perhaps at Cleveland when I will be home as fast as I can.  Every thing is waiting and I must say good bye. 

Your own, John.”

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few minor stains and smearing of ink to several characters; chipping at the upper right corner and at the edge of the lower of two horizontal folds detracts very little.  The envelope has the expected wear at the edge and the right edge has been torn somewhat irregularly in opening.

A staunch proponent of states’ rights, Governor Brown clashed repeatedly with Confederate President Jefferson Davis and became a major impediment to the prosecution of the American Civil War.

Document Signed, Atlanta, Georgia, February 3, 1879, “Joseph E. Brown,” a partly printed 2 ¾” x 7 ½” check with an imprinted revenue stamp, drawn on The Citizens Bank of Georgia for $220.84.

Excellent.  The signature and text are unaffected by a punch cancellation, with no loss of paper, at mid left.

Civil War-Date Document Signed, 7” x 9”, “S.B. Buckner, Maj[or] Gen[era]l Commanding,” a manuscript listing of rations, “Abstract of Provisions issued from the 1^st to the 31^st day of December 1863 to the troops of the Confederate States stationed in the field by Capt[ain] I. Shelby, Jr…”

Lightly and evenly toned, with two horizontal folds.

Civil War-Date Document Signed by a Killed-in-Action Union General

Document Signed, 7 ¾” x 12”, “Approved, Hiram Burnham, Col[onel] 6^th Maine Vol[unteer]s,” a manuscript “Abstract of articles expended in the public service at Camp near Bell[e] Plains, V[irgini]a…in the month ending on the 31^st December 1862.”  Countersigned three times, front and reverse, by Lieutenant Addison P. Buck.

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few superficial stains and three horizontal folds.

Civil War-Date Document Signed Twice by a Killed-in-Action Colonel, later promoted to the rank of Brigadier General

Document Signed, 8” x 10”, Camp Griffin, Virginia, February 28, 1862, “Hiram Burnham, Col[onel],” a partly printed requisition for personal wood fuel the month.  Signed twice, at the mid and lower right.

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few superficial stains and two horizontal folds.

Early Civil War-Date Pass

Autograph Document Signed, 3” x 5”, a rare handwritten pass from Burnside’s early-war encampment near Washington, D.C., named for Rhode Island Governor William Sprague.

“Camp Sprague.  Washington, June 6^th 1861.  Pass Serg[ean]t Crandall till eleven o’clock.  A.E. Burnside, Col[onel] Com[man]d[in]g.”

Pencil notations in an unknown hand on the reverse list several identified enlisted men of the 1^st Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry.  The 1^st Rhode Island Infantry under the command of Colonel Burnside was actively engaged at the Battle of First Bull Run, July 21, 1861 and returned to Providence, Rhode Island, where the unit was mustered out on August 2, 1861.  Colonel Burnside re-entered Union service soon afterward and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general, effective August 6, 1861.

Lightly toned, with somewhat heavier soiling and wear at vertical and horizontal fold lines; a few small tears and minor chips at the edges.

Document Signed, 9 ½” x 11”, Boston, Massachusetts, April 17, 1869, “A.E. Burnside,” as company president, a partly printed $500 “First Mortgage Bonds” certificate for the Narrangansett Steamship Company.  Countersigned by four company officials.  A five-cent revenue stamp is affixed at upper right, with an embossed seal at lower right.

Lightly toned, with the usual folds; a few tears and cuts at the lower edge; show-through along the lower edge from glue staining on the reverse.

A Handwritten Civil War Pass for Butler’s Brother-in-Law

Civil War-Date Autograph Document Signed, on official 5” x 8” stationery, imprinted “HEAD QUARTERS, Department of Virginia and North Carolina.”

“In the field, June 10, 1864.  Pass Fisher A[mes] Hildreth, Esq[uire] and his wife to visit my Head Q[uarte]rs at Fortress Monroe.  Benj[amin] F. Butler, Maj[or] Gen[era]l Com[mandin]g.”

Lightly and evenly toned, with minor staining at the left edge and the expected folds.

Check signed by the Confederate Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, just two months before the fall of the city…

Civil War-Date Document Signed, 3 ¼” x 7 ½”, “City Clerk’s Office, Atlanta, Georgia, July 1, 1864…J.M. Calhoun,” a partly printed check drawn on the city account, payable to one “John Haslett” in the amount of thirty dollars, compensation for expenses described only as “Streets”; dated just two months before the city was surrendered to Union General William Tecumseh Sherman on September 2, 1864 and countersigned by another city official.

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few light creases and minor staining, wear, and soiling; text and signatures are unaffected by a two-inch horizontal tear, with no loss of paper, at the mid-right edge.

Franking Signature, “Free, S. Cameron,” on a 3 ¼” x 5 ¾” portion of a postal cover; also addressed by Cameron, to “Dr. H. Byerly, Linglestown, Dauphin Co[unty], Penn[sylvania].”

On brown paper, with an obscure early postmark at left; old mounting remnants on the reverse.

Document Signed, an endorsement on the reverse of an imprinted 9 ¾” x 16 ¼” U.S. Army form, “Examined & approved, Ed. R.S. Canby, M[ajor] G[eneral] Com[mandin]g,” approving expenditures for the month of November 1867.

Illustrated in its folded state.  Very good overall condition, with the expected folds.

Document Signed, New York, July 5, 1898, “Joshua L. Chamberlain,” a partly printed 2 ¾” x 6 ½” check, also accomplished by Chamberlain, payable to one H.C. Orr in the amount of ten dollars.  A two-cent revenue stamp is affixed at upper left.

Lightly toned, with a few stains, soiling, wear, numerous folds, and a few tiny edge chips; three hole-punch cancellations, well away from the signature.

Signature, “John Coburn, Indianapolis, Indiana,” as U.S. Congressman on a 2 ½” x 5” portion of an album page.

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few minor stains; original binding traces at the left edge.

Signed Envelope, 3” x 5 ¼”, “Soldier’s Letter, W.H. Cudworth, Chaplain, Mass[achusetts] 1^st,” transmittal for a Civil War letter (no longer present) from an unidentified soldier; addressed in another hand, to “Mr. Joseph L. Rand, North Waterford, Maine,” and bearing a “Due 3” postal stamp.  Pencil arithmetic notations are on the reverse.

Moderate toning throughout, with the expected wear, soiling, and edge chips and tears.

Signature, as U.S. Representative, “Saml. R. Curtis, Keokuk, Iowa,” on a 1 ½” x 4” portion of an album page.

Lightly and evenly toned, with minor staining.

Signature, dated from the former Confederate president’s post-war home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, “Jefferson Davis, Beauvoir, Miss[issipp]i, 4^th March 1882,” on a 1 ¾” x 4 ¾” slip of paper.  Affixed to heavier backing.

Lightly toned; the signature is noticeably light and lacking in contrast.

Signature, probably as U.S. Senator from Illinois, “S.A. Douglas, Chicago, Ill[inoi]s, on a 1 ¼” x 4” portion of an album page.

Lightly and evenly toned.

Signature, from a reunion event, “Clinton B. Fisk, Seabright, N[ew] J[ersey], Army of the Tennessee Reunion, Sept[ember] 26, 1889,” on a 2 ¼” x 3 ½” slip of paper; affixed to a larger sheet

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few minor stains; old binding holes at the left edge of the attached album page.

Just days after the capture of Fort Donelson, Foote makes an appointment in the Western Gun Boat Flotilla, while General Ulysses S. Grant emerges as a champion of the Union.

Civil War-Date Document Signed, 8” x 12 ½”, a manuscript order appointing one G.B. Simmonds to the rank of second master.  Fort Donelson, at the time a Confederate installation on the Cumberland River in Tennessee, was surrendered on February 16, 1862, just three days prior to this order.  Union forces, including Flag Officer Foote, were under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant, whose action during the siege, battle, and capitulation – specifically his demand for “unconditional and immediate surrender” of the Confederate command at the fort - propelled him into national prominence.

“Be it known that reposing trust in the honor and ability of G.B. Simmonds, I do hereby appoint him a Second Master in the United States Gun Boat Flotilla on the Western Water to hold authority as a Second Master and to be obeyed by all persons under him in the service.  The appointment to hold good during the pleasure of the Commander in Chief of the Gun Boat Flotilla for the time being.  Given under my hand this 19^th day of February A.D. Eighteen hundred and Sixty two.  A.H. Foote, Com[man]d[in]g U.S. Naval Forces in the Western Waters.”

Overall condition is very good, with light, even toning, a few minor stains, and the expected folds.

Document Signed, Burlington, Vermont, July, 18, 1878, “Geo. P. Foster,” a partly printed 2 ¾” x 7 ½” check, also accomplished by Foster, payable to “Myself” for seventy-five dollars.

The signature is unaffected by several bank cancellations.

Civil War-Date Signature

Signature, with rank in another hand, “J.G. Foster, Major Gen[era]l Com[mandin]g,” on a 1 ½” x 2 ½” slip of paper.

Lightly and evenly toned, with minor staining and wear; affixed to a larger, heavier card, with old mounting remnants on the reverse.

Civil War-Date

Autograph Endorsement Signed, on a 2 ¾” x 3 ¼” slip of paper, removed from a larger document; dated from Atlanta, Georgia just three weeks after the fall of the city to General William Tecumseh Sherman, his action there earning Fullerton the appointment to brevet brigadier general.

“Head-Quarters 4^th Army Corps, Atlanta, Sept[embe]r 22/[18]64.  Respectfully referred to L[ieutenan]t Col[onel] Remick, Chief Com[mandin]g Sub[sistence] for remark.  By order of Maj[or] Gen[era]l Stanley, J.S. Fullerton, A[ssistant] A[djutant] G[eneral].”

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few small chips at the edges.

Signature, with closing and rank in another hand, “Your ob[edien]t servant, Geo. W. Getty, Col[onel] 3^rd Artillery,” on a 1 ½” x 3 ¼” slip of paper, removed from a larger letter; affixed to heavier backing.

Boldly signed; general staining and wear throughout.

Signed Card, 1 ½” x 3”, as U.S. Senator from Georgia, “J.B. Gordon, G[eorgi]a.”

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few ink stains; old mounting traces on the reverse.

Document Signed, Everett, Washington, January 13, 1898, “D.C. Govan, U.S. Indian Agent,” a partly printed 2 ¾” x 6 ½” check, also accomplished by Govan, drawn on The Everett National Bank for fifteen dollars.  Signed a second time on the reverse, “Witness, D.C. Govan.”

Lightly and evenly toned; punch cancellation at the center, with minimal loss of paper, affects neither signature.

Civil War-Date Letter Signed – early in the Vicksburg Campaign

Letter Signed, 7 ¾” x 9 ¾”.  From encampment across the Mississippi River in Louisiana during the campaign to take the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi, General Grant acknowledges communication from Wisconsin Governor Edward P. Salomon regarding 14^th Wisconsin Infantry Private Isaiah R. Idell.  Private Idell received a disability discharge on September 12, 1863. 

“Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, Millikens Bend, L[ouisian]a, April 14, 1863.  Hon[orable] Edward Salomon, Gov[erno]r of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.  Governor: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Communication addressed to Maj[or] Gen[eral] [Samuel] Curtis under date of March 16, and by him referred to me, in reference to the Descriptive list of Private Idell, 14^th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, and to inform you in reply that I have caused the matter to be investigated, and have this day forwarded to Private Idell, at Mound City Hospital, his Descriptive Roll and Account of Pay and Clothing, together with your letter on the subject.  I enclose herewith, for your information, a copy of the letter of Capt[ain] Henry, of Co[mpany] E, 14^th Wis[consin] Vol[unteers].  I am, Governor, Very Respect[fully] Your Ob[edien]t Serv[an]t, U.S. Grant, Major General.”

Excellent, with light, even toning and the expected vertical and horizontal folds.

Signature, “B.H. Grierson,” on a 1” x 3” slip of paper, removed from a larger document or letter.

Lightly and evenly toned; somewhat closely clipped; excellent otherwise.

Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed

“While the enemy threatens our front, and there remains a reasonable prospect or hope for him to advance, I will not leave my post except to meet him."

Autograph Letter Signed, 8 ¼” x 10 ½”, four pages on a folded letter-sheet, with exceptional content.  Writing to his wife from winter encampment in the northern Virginia, Griffith details the dire situation of matters within the Confederate Army, shares emotional reflections on family and friends, and mentions several slaves by name.

“H[ea]d Q[uarte]rs 1^st Corps Army Potomac, Leesburg, V[irgini]a, Jan[uar]y 21^st 1862. 

My darling wife,

My last letter to you had scarcely been mailed, when much to my delight, yours of 10^th inst[ant] was placed in my hands, acknowledging the receipt of the $10.00 for little Georgy’s new year’s gift.  Happy indeed was I to learn that all at home were well once more, and sincerely do I hope you may thus continue – and that health, happiness and prosperity may constantly attend you until we meet again.  But when that may be I am unable to say at present.  While the enemy threatens our front, and there remains a reasonable prospect or hope for him to advance, I will not leave my post except to meet him.  For the past week the weather has been moderate and wet, & the ground in consequence becoming quite soft.  Should similar weather continue much longer, the roads will become impassable for Artillery and heavy wagon trains, and render active field operations for troops utterly impracticable.  Then I may seize upon the auspicious moment and run home, if to remain there only a few days.  After much beseeching I have yielded to the wishes of my Adj[utant] Gen[era]l and consented to recommend him for a Furlough of 30 days.  During his absence I can’t think of leaving, as much confusion would ensue in the official business of my department – having no other competent to supply his place.  Gen[era]l Hill with assistance of Col[onel] Barksdale could readily fill my post, but my aid is not qualified to step into the shoes of my Adjutant.  To undertake the qualifying another is just what I don’t feel disposed to do just now.  The preparing od one was a huge task, and required several months training, and to attempt to teach another, who is not a very apt scholar, would be a herculean labor, and too much for one year’s campaign.  When

[Page 2]

Capt[ain] Inge returns from his Furlough, I may then be able to leave, which will be most likely towards the latter part of February, providing the opposing armies continue as they now are.  Should I not get the privilege of a short leave, you will be informed of it, and there I shall certainly insist upon a visit from you.  Ere this I should have persuaded you to visit Leesburg, but I knew full well the troubles and difficulties such a trip at this season of the year – encumbered with children and baggage, over broken & interrupted rail roads.  It would be hazardous in the extreme, unless accompanied by someone that could attend to all your wants & wishes to render you comfortable.  Such trips had better be postponed to a more favorable season.  You may rest assured I will come home on a visit if I can possibly leave my post in security.  This however I intend keeping to myself.

As yet, dear wife, those wished for reinforcements have not been furnished, and I much fear they will be looked for in vain.  Gen[era]l Beauregard cannot spare them without weakening his lines.  He has sent us some ordnance which is of material importance, and we have the promise of some more.  But we need an increase of infantry, as well as of Cavalry and Artillery.  Our ranks are being gradually thinned, and no recruits coming to supply the vacancies.  Spring may find our troops going home – their present term of enlistment having expired – and without re-enlistment of new troops, the field must be abandoned to the enemy, and Virginia wil be lost to us, and with the loss of Virginia all is gone and the ‘rebellion crushed.’  The prospect to me just now seems gloomy indeed, but I look for a bright and cheerful dawn.  The women of our Country will be its hope and salvation.  They must not permit the men to remain at home while we have an invading and heartless foe on our borders.  Let them point the finger od scorn at every able bodied man who refuses or fails to meet his country’s call.  Duty demands his service and he is a bare recreant who declines to respond favorably.

[Page 3]

Glad to learn Dr. Buck has returned home, for I shall feel much better satisfied with his Medical attendance in our family; at same time intending no disparagement to the other Doctors of Jackson.  By the papers I see that our Governor has recalled the 60 days militia or Supernumeraries.  I suppose they will be turned into a Home Guard again – filling a place that could be much better occupied by one heroic and patriotic woman – the support of the army – God bless them – following the war worn soldiers with their tears, their blessing, and their prayers – encouraging and cheering him in his manly duty.  Excuse me, dear wife, for writing so much on these matters.  My heart is in it.

I thank you for re-fitting the orchard – it was much needed.  It seems to me that Tom is sufficiently intelligent to cut out the dead limbs and twigs, and shorten in the too much extended  branches.  Perhaps he is the best chance under the circumstances – with Jim Brown or Jim Gardener to assist.  Mr. Allen may have returned by this time, and may be profitably employed again at home.  But I would much rather see him in the ranks as a soldier.  By the way, in riding along the brigade line I saw Mr. Tripp – he has not called to see me.  I also saw Mr. Pat O’conner – my old gardener – in the ranks, and many others I might name whom you might have known – old & young.  Do you know one Ja[me]s D. Green, son of Thomas K. Green?  He is in the ranks here and has applied to me for some position that would relieve him.  If it is the one I think, I don’t like the stock.  Such applications are very numerous, pressing, and very annoying often.  The old linen baby coat was understood by me at first sight, & my remark was simply intended to plague you.  It has been very useful.  It is to be regretted that I did not write you sooner in regard to my account with Shaw & Doherty.  The amount of the bill seems very large, but it may be all correct, except as to the extravagant prices.  When I return will look into it more carefully.  It may be well enough however that it is settled.  Would prefer not to be in debt any where.

[Page 4]

The approach of the Yankees to Jackson from Ship Island need not be apprehended.  The route is not a practicable one.  But I am glad to hear you say they would not find you there to receive them.  In that event the valiant-Home Guard will be called into requisition, and can render themselves useful, and no doubt would.  Yankee threats amount to but little.  For the last three months or more they have been threatening to annihilate our army on the Potomac, but they have scarcely moved from their intrenchments & dare not.  They were to move forward on the 15^th inst[ant], but postponed it to the 25^th, and after that I presume it will be prolonged indefinitely.  We wish they would come – are prepared to give them a warm reception.  Your arrangements for supply of meat &c. for the year is a most excellent one, and meets my full approbation.  Pay Pa the full market price for pork as his proposition is exceedingly generous.  The meat you have, and arranged for, with plenty of Molasses and cornmeal will amply feed the negroes.  And then the potatoes.

How happy it makes me, dear wife, to know that I am loved and thought of by my children as well as by yourself.  In this I am favored and blessed as in other relations of life.  Tell Whitfield not to be impatient, that his Father will write go him again soon, as well as to Jefferson.  To my dear Lucy I must also write something, whether she can read it or not.  To-morrow or next day, I shall look for another from you.  I have written much in this sheet, and said but little – what you don’t wish to read, consider as blank. And save yourself the trouble, as I do frequently with these in which I feel no interest from seeing the name subscribed.  I am indebted to a Mr. J.D. Weil for sending me the Mississippian.  Should you meet him my thanks.  It is late at night and snowing – ground covered again.  Remember me kindly to all, and kiss the babies.  My military family all well.  Have not written half what I wanted to say.   May God bless you all and shield you from harm and danger is the fervent prayer of Your affectionate husband, R. Griffith.”

[Postscript, penned upside-down in the upper margin of Page 1]

"The enclosed dollar is for any negro you may see proper to give it – unless such has already received one.  I will send Whitty one to give away, and also Lucy.  Kiss Lucy often for me."

Accompanied by the 3 ½” x 6” transmittal envelope, addressed by Griffith to his wife, “Mrs. Gen[era]l R. Griffith, Care Col[onel] J.D. Stewart, Jackson, Mississippi,” with a Leesburg, Virginia postmark and two five-cent Confederate postage stamps affixed at upper left.

The letter is in excellent condition and highly legible, with light toning and the expected folds; there is heavier wear and soiling, a few small tears, at the edges of the transmittal envelope.

Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed – from the site of the “Palmyra Massacre”

 Autograph Letter Signed, 7 ¼” x 9 ¼”, from the northeastern Missouri post most dubiously remembered for the Palmyra Massacre of later in the year, concerning the conveyance of prisoners to the provost marshal in St. Louis.  

"Head Quarters, Palmyra, M[iss]o[uri], 9^th January – 1862. 

Lieut[enant] Charles Knowles;

You are hereby ordered to take the members of Co[mpany]s C.D.F.G. & H. now in Palmyra, and take them as an escort to the prisoners, that will be entrusted to Your Charge.  Go to St. Louis via Hudson & N.M. Rail Road.  They will take their equipments & 3 days cooked rations in their Haversacks.

When You shall have delivered your prisoners into the hands of the Provost  Martial [sic] of St. Louis, You will march the men to the Depot of the Pacific R[ail] Road & by the first train send the men to join their Co[mpany]s at the town of Syracuse, there reporting to Lieut[enant] Col[onel] Gildbert, You will return without delay to your Co[mpany] here. 

John Groesbeck, Col[onel] Comm[an]d[in]g Post.”

Lightly and evenly toned, with the expected folds.

Signature, as U.S. Senator, “Benj. Harrison, Ind[ian]a,” on a 5 ½” x 8 ¼” album page, above the signature of Daniel W. Voorhees, Harrison’s Indiana colleague in the U.S. Senate; the large signature of U.S. Senator John A. Logan, Union general from Illinois during the American Civil War, is on the reverse.

Excellent, with light, even toning and a few superficial stains and light surface creases.

Civil War-Date Signature

Signature, with rank in another hand, “William Hays, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l & A[ssistant] P[rovost] M[arshal] Gen[eral],” on a 1” x 3 ½” slip of paper, removed from a larger letter; affixed to larger backing.

General staining and wear throughout; there is a diagonal tear, with no loss of paper, through a portion of the signature.

Signed Card, 1 ¾” x 3 ¾”, bevel-edged, “W.B. Hazen, Br[i]g[adier] & B[re]v[e]t Maj[or] Gen[era]l, Chief Signal Officer U.S.A.”

Rectangular area of uneven toning from past framing surrounds the signature, along with general wear and soiling throughout; surface abrasion at the lower right; old mounting traces on the reverse.

Civil War-Date Endorsement Signed – Just six weeks before Hill’s death at the Battle of Petersburg

War-Date Endorsement Signed, on a 3 ¾” x 7” portion from the reverse of a medical furlough document.  Signed beneath by an adjutant, and on the reverse by two surgeons and 47^th North Carolina Infantry Sergeant Joseph Young Moss.

“H[ea]d Q[uarte]rs 3^rd Army Corps, Feb[ruar]y 17, 1865.  Res[pectfully] forwarded approved, A.P. Hill, Lieutenant Gen[era]l.”

A.P Hill was killed-in-action at the Battle of Petersburg, Virginia just six weeks after the signing of this endorsement.  Modern records indicate that Sergeant Moss was wounded and captured during the Battle of Gettysburg, later exchanged, and was again captured on the day of Hill’s death at Sutherland’s Station, Virginia.

On the medium-brown paper often used by the Confederates, thus a bit lacking in contrast, with the expected light fold creases.

Signature, with sentiment, “Yours Truly, J.B. Hood,” on a 2 ¼” x 4 ½” slip of paper.

A large, exceptional example.

Civil War-Date Signature & Rank

Signature, with sentiment and early-war rank, “Yours Sincerely, Joseph Hooker, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l,” on a 2” x 3 ¼” slip of lined paper, affixed to heavier backing of the same dimension.

Lightly and evenly toned, with minor wear and staining; portions affected by brushing and bleeding of ink, along with surface abrasion.

Signature, as U.S. Congressman, “Eppa Hunton, Warrenton, V[irgini]a,” on a 2” x 5” portion of an album page.

Excellent.

War-Date Letter Signed – City Point, Virginia, September 1864 – Bills of Lading for the “Steamer Charlotte Vanderbilt.”

Civil War-Date Letter Signed, on an imprinted 7 ½” x 9 ½” form.  Partly printed, with the manuscript portions also being accomplished by James.

“Assistant Quartermaster’s Office, Fort Monroe, V[irgini]a, Sept[ember] 26th 1864.  Captain Col[onel] P.P. Pilkin, A[ssistant] Q[uarter] M[aster] City Point, Va.  Col[onel], I have the honor to enclose herewith, duplicate Bills of Lading for Public Stores, shipped this day per Steamer Charlotte Vanderbilt.  Please endorse and return one at your earliest convenience.  Very respectfully Your Ob[e]d[ien]t Servant, Wm. L. James, Capt[ain] and A[ssistant] Q[uarter] M[aster].”

Lightly and evenly toned, with two horizontal folds; there is a small tear, with minor paper loss, in the upper left corner.

Signed Gilt-Edged Card, 1 ¼” x 3 ½”, “J.E. Johnston.”  Affixed to a 4” x 6 ¾” album page, with the violet-ink notation, “January/[18]82” in another hand at lower left.  An unrelated clipping in an unidentified hand and from a larger document or letter is affixed at lower right.

Excellent.

Mexican War-Date Signature & Rank

Signature & Rank, “P. Kearny, Jr., L[ieutenan]t 1^st Dr[agoon]s Com[man]d[ing]…” on a 1 ½” x 5” slip of paper; a portion of the document from which Kearny’s signature was removed is included, and bears the manuscript heading, in an unknown hand, “Date. 31^st December 1846.  Station. Saltillo, (Mexico).”

Minor wear and staining, with two pinholes at the left edge of the dated slip of paper.

Document Signed, Richmond, Virginia, February 6, 1886, “J.L. Kemper,” a partly printed 2 ½” x 8” check, also accomplished by Kemper, payable to “Cha[rle]s J. Kemper,” thus incorporating a second partial signature; drawn on The State Bank of Virginia for one hundred dollars.  The reverse is endorsed by Charles J. Kemper.

Very good overall, with light vertical fold creases; minimal loss of paper from barely noticeable cross-cut and punch cancellations which intersect Kemper’s signature.

Signature, “L.Q.C. Lamar,” with the notation “Sec[retary] of Interior” in an unknown hand, on the reverse of his engraved 1 ¾” x 3 ½” personal calling card.

Excellent, with light, even toning and a few superficial stains.

A Requisition for Hampton’s Legion

Civil War-Date Document Signed, 8” x 11”, Petersburg, Virginia, August 31, 1863, “Approved, T.M. Logan, L[ieutenan]t Col[on el] Com[man]d[in]g Reg[imen]t,” a partly printed requisition “For Quartermaster’s Stores for Hampton Legion, Stationed at Petersburg, V[irgini]a.”

On the brown “necessity paper” commonly used by the Confederate Army at the time, with several minor stains throughout; small tears and chips at the right edges.  While manuscript portions are somewhat light, Logan’s endorsement, at left center, is quite legible.

Signature, with sentiment, “Respect[full]y Your Ob[edien]t Serv[an]t,” on a 1 ½” x 5 ½” slip of lined paper, possibly removed from a letter.

Lightly and evenly toned, with a vertical fold at mid left.

War-Date Autograph Letter Signed – to Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard

Autograph Letter Signed, on a 5” x 8” folded lettersheet, with exceptional early-war content, to General P.G.T. Beauregard, commander of the Confederate Army at Manassas, Virginia.  As newly commissioned major general, Longstreet informs and seeks Beauregard’s direction in the placement of “blackened logs,” commonly referred to as “Quaker Guns” at the time, designed to deceive the Union Army into believing that they faced the heavy artillery of a well-equipped foe on the banks of the Potomac.                                                                                                             

“Taylors, Dec[ember] 6^th 1861.  My Dear General, But two of the Redoubts have been set apart for the batteries of my Division.  I have ordered sheds over the embrasures of these and blackened logs put in there; no others.  If you desire me to have others fixed please advise me.  Very Sincerely Yours, J. Longstreet.  [to] Gen[eral] G.T. Beauregard.”

Beauregard makes initialed notation, in pencil, at the bottom edge:

“Ans[wer].  Arrange all to be garrisoned by the 2^nd Division.  G.T.B.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature, with the rank held from June 11, 1851 through the outbreak of the American Civil War, “N. Lyon, Capt[ain], 2^nd Inf[antr]y, Com[mandin]g Comp[an]y ‘B’”, on a 3” x 4 ¼” slip of lined paper.

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few superficial stains; old mounting traces on the reverse.

Autograph Letter Signed, 8” x 10”, requesting a cask of wine be sent to Fort Independence, Massachusetts. 

“Boston, 5^th July, 1849.  Major Wm. D. Fraser, U.S. Corps Engineers, N[ew] Y[ork].  D[ea]r Sir, I will thank you to forward to this place by first packet convenient one cask Gaudron for the service of Fort Independence.  Gaugeret & his Assistant joined me from St.[?] Newton on the morning of the 3^rd July.  Very Respectfully, Your Ob[edien]t Jos. K.F. Mansfield, Capt[ain]…& B[re]v[e]t Col[onel].’’

Overall condition is very good, with heavier wear and toning at the usual vertical and horizontal folds.

Signed Card, 1 ¾” x 3 ½”, with Confederate rank, “Will T. Martin, Maj[or] Gen[era]l Cav[alry], Wheeler’s Corps, C.S.A.”

Lightly toned, with minor staining and a few surface abrasions and indentations; old mounting remnants on the reverse and minor bumping at the corners.

Civil War-Date Endorsement Signed

Endorsement Signed, on a 3” x 3” slip of lined paper, removed from a larger Confederate document.

“H[ea]d Qu[arte]rs Maury’s Div[ision] A[rmy of the] West, Camp Rogers, Octo[ber] 28^th 1862.  Respectfully forwarded, D.H. Maury, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l Comm[an]d[in]g.”

Lightly and evenly toned, with minor staining.

Civil War-Date Signature

Signature, with sentiment and Civil War date, “very truly yours, Geo[rge] B. McClellan, Jan[uary] 16, 1865,” on a 2” x 4 ½” slip of embossed paper.  Affixed to heavier backing of the same dimension.

Lightly and evenly toned, with scattered glue staining.

Autograph Letter Signed, 4 ½” x 7”, two pages on the first and third leaves of a folded lettersheet.  On black-bordered mourning stationery, Mrs. McClellan responds to a request for her husband’s autograph, probably just months after his death on October 29, 1885.

“32 Washington Square, Jan[uar]y 20^th.  Wm. H Jones, Esq[uire].  Dear Sir, Mr. Curtis writes me that you would like an autograph of General McClellan to put in Mr. Curtis’ little book.  I have no note or letter that I can [s]end, but I enclose his signature which I have cut from a check.  Yours truly, Ellen M. McClellan.”

Lightly and evenly toned, with a horizontal fold at the center; there are a few minor chips to the black border, and a diagonal horizontal fold transverses the lower portion of both pages.

Document Signed, 4 ¾” x 7 ½”, St. Louis Missouri, September 4, 1861, “J. McKinstry,” accomplished in another hand, a partly printed pass for a “Mrs. Sarah McIntyre to pass beyond the limits of the City and County of St. Louis, to go to Ohio.”

A rare autograph on an interesting, seldom-seen form, this being the first McKinstry piece we have encountered.  Moderate toning throughout, with several stains; heavier wear and soiling along two vertical folds, with negligible separation at the edges.

Signature, with closing and rank, “Respectfully, L. McLaws, 2^nd Lieut[enant] 7^th Inf[antry]” on a 1” x 3 ¼” slip of paper removed from a Mexican War-era letter; affixed to a larger, heavier card.  McLaws held the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Seventh U.S. Infantry from March 16, 1844 until February 16, 1847.

Moderately toned, with minor staining and soiling; closely clipped at the upper edge.

War-Date Confederate Bond

Document Signed, 14” x 17”, April 1, 1861, “A.B. Moore,” a partly printed $1000 bond “ISSUED FOR MILITARY DEFENSE” of the state of Alabama, serial number 314.  Countersigned by State Comptroller W.J. Greene, with a pink embossed seal at the lower left.  Thirteen of the original coupons remain attached at the bottom.  Supporting material states that this issue is given the highest rarity rating of “R11” by Confederate Bond Authority Grover C. Criswell.

Lightly toned, with tiny holes at the intersections of the expected folds and a few small tears at the edges.

Civil War-Date Document - Pay for a 101^st Indiana Infantry soldier who died one week later.

Document Signed, 8 ¼” x 10”, Nashville, Tennessee, May 30, 1863, “James D. Morgan, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l Commanding Post,” a partly printed “Certificate to be Given to Discharged Volunteers to Enable them to draw their Pay” for Merrill Ransey (possibly Ramsey), a private in the 101^st Indiana Volunteer Infantry.  Further described, “Disease contracted prior to enlistment,” Private Ransey died in Nashville on June 8, 1863, just one week later.  

Lightly and evenly toned, with scattered staining; somewhat heavier wear at two horizontal folds.

Civil War-Date Document Signed

Document Signed, 7 ¾” x 9 ½”, Chattanooga, Tennessee, December 24, 1863, “James D. Morgan, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l Com[man]d[ing],” a partly printed requisition for corn, in the amount of $35.00.

Lightly and evenly toned, with scattered staining, two horizontal folds, and a few small tears at the edges.

PRICE, STERLING (1809-67)  Confederate Major General; Governor of Missouri – 1853-57; U.S. Representative – Missouri – 1845-46; Veteran of the Mexican & Missouri Mormon Wars

MILLER, MADISON (1811-96) Union Brevet Brigadier General; Colonel of the 18^th Missouri Union Infantry; Late-war Brigadier General in the Missouri State Militia; President of the St. Louis & Iron Mountian Railroad Company

Document Signed, 9 ¼” x 11 ¼”, Jefferson City, Missouri, October 27, 1856, “Sterling Price,” as Missouri Governor, a partly printed $1000 bond of the Saint Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad.  Countersigned below by Missouri Secretary of State Benjamin Franklin Massey, along with Railroad President Madison Miller, future Brevet Brigadier General in the Union Army, on the reverse.

Significant trimming of the ornate original borders also affects the printed text on the reverse; some separation at the expected fold creases, with negligible loss of paper; all signatures are unaffected by cancellation holes and chipping at the edges.

Signed Card, 3” x 4 ¾”, dated and inscribed, “James R. Randall, Augusta, G[eorgi]a.  March 21, 1891.  For Miss Louise Parkinson.”  

Lightly and evenly toned, with several minor stains; bumping at the upper left corner; old mounting remnants on the reverse.

Signature & Rank, “B.S. Roberts, B[reve]t Brig[adie]r Gen[era]l U.S.A.,” on a 1 ½” x 4 ¾” slip of paper.

Excellent.

Civil War “Special Order,” directing a 13^th U.S. Army Officer, mortally wounded at Vicksburg six months later, to report to Camp Butler

Document Signed, 8” x 10”, a manuscript special order, signed twice by Scates at the conclusion, directing 13^th U.S. Infantry Captain Edward Crawford Washington, mortally wounded in the May 19, 1863 assault on Vicksburg, Mississippi, to report immediately to Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois, to enlist and pay bounty to the newly formed 128^th Illinois Infantry.

“Head Quarters Springfield, Ill[inois], December 1, 1862.  Special orders No. 63.  Capt[ain] C. Washington, 13^th Infantry, U.S.A. Disbursing Officer & c. Will proceed immediately to Camp Butler and pay bounty & premium to all the enlisted men of 128^th Regiment Ill[inoi]s Infantry who have been mustered into the Service of the United States & report to these Head Quarters without delay.  By order of Major General John A. McClernand.  Walter B. Scates, Major & A[ssistant] A[djutant] Gen[era]l.  L[ieutenan]t G.W. Hill Will furnish Capt. Washington transportation.  W.B. Scates, Major & A.A. Genl.”

Exhibits the expected soiling, toning, and wear; water staining and clean separation, with no loss of paper, at the upper of two horizontal folds.

Franking Signature, as a post-war U.S. Representative from Ohio, “Robt. C. Schenck, M[ember] C[ongress],” on a 1 ½” x 5 ¼” portion of an envelope, with portions of the recipient’s address in Schenck’s hand beneath and a Washington, D.C. postmark at left.

Irregularly torn at the lower and left edges.

Signature, as U.S. Representative, “Robt. C. Schenck, Ohio,” on a 5 ¾” x 8 ¾” portion of an album page.

Excellent.

Appointing an Officer in the 61^st Virginia Infantry

Civil War-Date Document Signed, on imprinted 8” x 10” Confederate War Department stationery, Richmond, Virginia, May 12, 1864, “James A. Seddon,” a partly printed appointment for William Henry Stewart to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the 61^st Virginia Infantry.  The unit was heavily engaged at the Civil War battles of Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania Court House, and Cold Harbor, Stewart being wounded at all three.

Lightly and evenly toned, with scattered stains and several chips at the corners and edges; there is a water stain at the lower left, well away from Seddon’s signature, and clean separation at two horizontal folds has been reinforced with archival tape on the reverse.

Signed Card, 2” x 3 ¼”, with rank, “P.H. Sheridan, L[ieutenan]t General, U.S.A.”

Excellent, with light, even toning and several small areas of very minor bleeding of ink.

Signature & Rank, “M.L. Smith, Brig[adier] Gen[era]l Vol[unteers],” on a ¾” x 2 ¼” slip of paper, probably removed from a war-date document.  Affixed to slightly larger backing.

General soiling, staining, and wear.

Franked Envelope, 3” x 5 ¼”, “Free, Alexander H. Stephens, M[ember] C[ongress],” also addressed by Stephens, to “John L. Stephens, La Grange, G[eorgi]a,” a recurring correspondent.  Stephens was frail and frequently ill, even as a young man, this atypical signature being an obvious example from one of his unsteady periods.

General soiling and wear, with numerous small tears and breaks at the edges.

Signature, as post-war U.S. Representative, “W.B. Stokes, Alexandria Tenn[essee],” on a 3” x 5” portion of an album page.

Lightly and evenly toned, with old binding traces at the left.

Civil War-Date

Signed Postal Cover, 3 ¼” x 5 ¼”, homemade from a printed 1862 Confederate military document, addressed to his wife, “Mrs. Flora Stuart, H[ea]d Q[uarte]rs Cav[alry] Div[isio]n, Army N[orthern] V[irgini]a.”  Also signed at the upper left corner by Confederate Colonel and Aide-de-Camp Samuel Bassett French.

Front and reverse portions are detached, from heavy wear at the edges; several chips and tears at the edges affect none of the text.

Signature, “John M. Thayer, Nebraska,” an enormous example as U.S. Senator on a 4 ½” x 7” album page.

Excellent, with light, even toning.

Civil War-Date Document Signed, 7 ¾” x 10”, partly printed, “Geo[rge] H. Thomas, Maj[or] Gen[era]l U[nited] S[tates] V[olunteers], Received in the Field the 10[th] of May, 1862…,” a requisition for a tent and tent supplies; countersigned by Captain Oscar Addison Mack of the 13^th U.S. Infantry, a New Hampshire native who died on October 22, 1876.

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few scattered stains and the expected horizontal creases.

Document Signed, 7 ¾” x 12 ½”, March 15, 1879, Lawrence County, Alabama, “Jos. Wheeler,” a partly printed legal document; accomplished in a clerical hand and signed by Wheeler beneath.

Moderate toning and wear, with a few small holes along the usual horizontal folds; heavier staining at center; chipping and irregularity at the edges and corners.  

Leave of Absence for a 4^th Virginia Cavalry Officer – Killed-in-Action just two weeks later at the Battle of First Bull Run

Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed, 7 ¾” x 9 ¾”.  Writing to his wife from his northern Virginia headquarters just two weeks before the Battle of First Manassas, the opening major engagement of the American Civil War in the East, Wickham informs her of the leave of absence for an officer in the 4^th Virginia Cavalry.

“Fairfax C[ourt] H[ouse] [Virginia], July 5^th 1861.  My beloved Lucy, L[ieutenan]t Bowles has a four days leave of absence and as Robin is very anxious to go home for a day or two I have determined to let him go down on tuesday morning.  Be sure to see that he gets off on Tuesday morning.  It is after ten o’clock and I have just got in from an expedition so you must excuse the shortness of my letter on account of my weariness.  I got your letter this morning and was glad to hear that Mary Fanning was coming on.  I will write again in a day or two.  I never was in better health in my life.  Your own husband, Wm. C. Wickham.”

The named officer, Boldman Bowles, here referred to in an informal first name, is quite possibly a family friend or neighbor in Hancock County, Virginia.  Modern records, courtesy of Historical Data Systems, Inc., as follows: “Boldman Bowles.  Residence was not listed; a 34 year-old farmer.  Enlisted on 5/9/1861 at Ashland, VA as a 2^nd Lieutenant.  On 5/9/1861 he was commissioned into ‘H’ Co. VA 4^th Cavalry.  He was Killed on 7/21/1861 at Bull Run, VA (Shot in head).”

Overall condition is excellent, with minor separation at the edges of the expected folds; there are two tiny holes in the extreme lower margin, well away from all text.

Civil War-Date Signed Envelope - Addressed to his Wife

Signed Envelope, 2 ¼” x 4 ¼”, “Wm. C. Wickham, L[ieutenan]t Col[onel] 4^th V[irgini]a Cavalry,” a second partial signature being incorporated into Wickham’s address to his wife, “Mrs. Lucy P. Wickham, Hanover C[ourt] H[ouse], V[irgini]a.”  With postal markings “Tudor Hall, V[irgini]a, Feb[ruary] 22, 1862,” and a “Due 5” hand stamp; there are several pencil dealer notations on both front and reverse.

Lightly and evenly toned, with the expected soiling and wear; slight fading of ink and lack of contrast in the manuscript portions, also quite commonly seen on similar war-date items.

Franked Envelope, 2” x 4 ¾”, in violet ink as U.S. Representative from Georgia, “P.M.B. Young, M[ember] C[ongress],” with the pencil notation “Decemb[e]r 22^nd [18]69” in another hand in the upper left.  Portions of a Cartersville, Georgia postmark of the same date intersect the first two letters of Young’s frank, and the envelope is addressed in an unidentified hand to prominent North Carolina politician Samuel Finley Patterson, 1799-1874.    

Lightly and evenly toned, with somewhat heavier wear and soiling at the edges.