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[Civil War]. Autograph Letter Signed from a Confederate Soldier Regarding General Activities of General John B. Hood and Relat...
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$500.00
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Description
[Civil War]. Autograph Letter Signed from a Confederate Soldier Regarding General Activities of General John B. Hood and Related Troops. Eight pages on four leaves, 7.5" x 4.5", Macon, Georgia; September 25, 1864. "Headquarters Army Tennessee, Office Chief of Staff" Letterhead.This lengthy letter shares an incredible glimpse into daily operations and politics of managing an army amidst a war, with details on troop movements, leadership changes, and mentions of several key sites, including Andersonville. Signed "Mack", this letter is presumably in the hand of Lt. McK. Hammett to his "beloved cousin" Florie. Hammett reportedly served on the staff of Generals T.C. Hindman and J.B. Hood, the latter of which is mentioned in the letter.
Hammett was evidentially experiencing many of the discomforts of War, his letter opening with a detailed description of extensive dental work he underwent shortly before being ordered on a long march in the pouring rain. "After three or four days immense suffering in camp, with a horribly swollen face, I was sent down here for treatment. Dr. Stout informs me that he intends to keep me here for some days yet, an arrangement to which I raised not the slightest objection..." After his personal news, he fills cousin Florie in on updates regarding troop activities and shifting leadership, peppered with more than a little skepticism: "The army is busy building fresh fortifications upon the newly established line, but whether General Hood will defend the work when completed, or desert them upon the approach of the enemy, as has heretofore been the policy of the Commanding Generals of the army is not known... the soldiers are willing & will if ordered, hold them or perish to the man. General Sherman's plans for the present seem undetermined - some believe he is satisfied with Atlanta; that the campaign has virtually closed & that he is hurrying forward the greater part of his army to Grant, while others contend that after a short rest for his troops, he will again resume offensive operation here." The war-time updates continue for several pages, including news that General Shoup has resigned from his post as Chief of Staff and note that they will be passing by Andersonville shortly.
All in all, a personal letter of incredible content outlining the realities of War from exciting to mundane and everything in between. These are the details that drive such actions and document the lives of men who enact them, each small decision and reference demonstrating far-reaching consequences.
Condition: Lightly creased along folds. Light scattered foxing and soiling. Small blindstamp to the upper left corner.
Auction Info
2022 November 10 Manuscripts of the American Revolutionary War and Civil War Signature® Auction #6259 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2022
10th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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