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Important Group of Three Manuscript Letters from U.S. Civil War Generals to President Abraham Lincoln Recommending John Henry ... (Total: 4 Items)
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Description
Important Group of Three Manuscript Letters from U.S. Civil War Generals to President Abraham Lincoln Recommending John Henry Hammond for Promotion. Hammond enlisted as a 2d Lieutenant in the 5th New York Cavalry on October 5, 1861 and was commissioned as captain on October 5. He was promoted to Major June 9, 1862, Lt. Col. Feb. 10, 1863, and Brigadier General October 31, 1864, by brevet.(1) The first letter is a 1 page., 7¾" x 9¾" ALS from Brig. Gen. David Stuart. Headed "Headquarters 2d Div. 15th Army Corps, Youngs Point, La., March 1863. Addressed "To the President" Stuart states that Hammond has been urged by Gen. (Stephen) Burbridge and Gen. (Frank Preston) Blair to go to Kentucky to "offer his services as Col. of a Cavalry Regt." and characterizes Hammond as "gallant & brave - particularly well qualiifed and adapted to Cavalry service (an arm very much needed in the West)....I beg to commend him to the President's special notice..."
(2) The second letter is a 7½" x 9¾" 1¼ page letter signed from Maj. Gen. John McClernand. Headed Headquarters 13th Army Corps, Before Vicksburg, March 8th 1863" and addressed "To the President", McClernand recommends that Hammond be given command of a "Reg't or Brigade of Cavalry", stating that "at Shiloh he rendered valuable aid distinguishing himself for courage..." and "In the Battle of Arkansas Post he also added to his previous good reflection". McClernand characterizes Hammond as "one of those inventive and daring men who always rise with the emergency". Just one minor separation along the top left at fold else perfect. Really a great letter.
(3) The third letter is from Ulysses S. Grant to the President. 2½ pages., 5" x 8" folio. Headed "Head-Quarters Armies of the United States City Point, Va. July 17, 1864" and addressed to "His Excellency, A. Lincoln, President of the United States". Although bearing a striking resemblance to Grant's hand we are of the opinion the letter is actually in the hand of an aide. Grant extolls the virtues of Hammond, stating he has known him since "the first commencement of the war". Grant further states that Hammond is one of the "bravest men I have ever seen in action" and recommends that Hammond be given the "rank of Brig. Gen. expressly ...to comd colored troops" and believes that he "would bring a Brigade or Division of colored troops...into a state of discipline and drill as quick as any officer of my acquaintance". A fascinating letter written at the time that Grant is struggling to determine the criteria for dealing with the large influx of colored troops into his command. Perfect condition.
(Also) Included is the 8" x 10" War Department document, signed by Edwin M. Stanton, dated October 31, 1864, promoting Hammond to Brigadier General, also in perfect condition. Hammond was wounded twice in the war and was often engaged with John Singleton Mosby when with the 5th New York Cavalry. At The Wilderness Hammond and a detachment of 500 soldiers with Spencer carbines held off Confederate Gen. A. P. Hill's advance for six hours. A fascinating archive related to a gallant Federal officer who clearly numbered many important military personages among his friends.
Auction Info
2009 June Signature Civil War Auction #6024 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2009
25th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 2,473
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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