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Important Civil War Telegram Announcing the Fall of Richmond, Sent by Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton...
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$1,625.00
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Description
Important Civil War Telegram Announcing the Fall of Richmond, Sent by Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton 5 1/4" x 8" Western Union Telegraph Company message. Dated April 4th, 1865, this remarkable Western Union telegram, sent by U.S. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton from Washington, D.C., to Mrs. Lucy L. Stanton in care of Mrs. P. Wolcott in Gambier, Ohio (both of whom are relatives of Stanton) delivers momentous news of the capture of Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate capital, by Union forces. Stanton writes:"Our forces captured Richmond yesterday morning. Lee and the remnants of his army escaped during the night. It is not known where Jeff Davis has gone, but Grant is pursuing Lee. Eddie has returned from Newbern & is well." ("Eddie" likely refers to Edwin Lamson Stanton, born in August 1842, the son of Secretary Edwin M. Stanton and his first wife, Mary Ann Lamson.)
The fall of Richmond on April 3, 1865, marked the beginning of the final collapse of the Confederacy. Just days later, on April 9, General Robert E. Lee would surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the Civil War. Stanton's telegram conveys the urgency and excitement of the moment, including a personal note about "Eddie," likely referring to a family member or acquaintance.
Although not written in Stanton's own hand, this piece is a rare and significant artifact from one of the most critical moments in American history, reflecting the immediacy of wartime communication and the Union's final triumph over the Confederacy.
Condition: Evenly toned, small hole upper right corner, overall fine.
Auction Info
2025 April 25 - 26 Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6318 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2025
25th-26th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 13
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 352
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