LOT #40037 |
Sold on Dec 9, 2024 for: Not Sold
Three Telegraphs from General George B. McClellan's Staff to General Samuel Porter Heintzelman Sending Instructions During the...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
McClellan sends instructions during the Battle of Lee's Mill (Dam No. 1)
Three Telegraphs from General George B. McClellan's Staff to
General Samuel Porter Heintzelman Sending Instructions During the
Siege of Yorktown.All three telegrams are a single page, 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 inches and were received on April 16, 1862 from Army of the Potomac Headquarters. The received message is in ink, with endorsements at bottom by Assistant Adjutant General Chauncy McKeever forwarding the orders to General Charles Smith Hamilton.
We could not determine the sequence in which they were sent, but all involve distracting and engaging the enemy so that William F. "Baldy" Smith's division could probe the Confederate lines at Dam No. 1, where McClellan believed a breakthrough might be possible.
The first reads: "The General Comd'g wishes you to direct a section of one (1) of Hamilton's Batteries to occasionally throw shells at long range when the guns will not be exposed to capture with the work towards the front of Porter's old camp which the enemy have been standing for some days past, this is to direct attention from General Smith's operations -" And McKeever writes below (in pencil): "Genl. Hamilton will please carry out the above instructions By command of Brig Gen Heintzelman." Signed, "C. McKeever A.A.G."
The second: "The Gen'l Comd'g directs that you postpone opening your Battery until farther orders unless you hear rapid firing in the direction of Smith's location." Signed, "R.B. Marcy Chf of Staff."
McKeever forwards the telegram: "Genl. Hamilton - The General directs me to send you the enclosed for your guidance -" Signed, "C. McKeever A.A.G."
The third: "The General Comd'g desires you to keep a sharp eye on the enemy & if there are any movements of rebel troops towards Smith's position shell them rapidly and if practicable endeavor to attack and cut them off without incurring any very great risk -R.B. Marcy Chief of Staff."
McKever endorses at bottom: "Genl. Hamilton - The Brig Genl Comd'g directs me to send you the enclosed and that you will take measures immediately to follow out the instructions-" Signed, "C. McKeever A.A.G."
Union forces under General Smith launched an attack on the Confederate defenses, initially managing to cross the river and occupy some of the earthworks. However, the Confederates, under the command of General John B. Magruder, counterattacked and forced the Union troops to withdraw back across the river.
Condition: All three have dark toning along the very top. One has the bottom corners torn off, not affecting any text. Another has heavy creasing and small tears along the top.
Auction Info
2024 December 9 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6303 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2024
9th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 220
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms