William W. Avery. Politician, served in North Carolina congress and represented North Carolina in the Provisional Confederate Congress, signed the North Carolina Secession, LS, 2p, Richmond, July 27, 1862. To Hon. H. T. Clark (Governor) regarding a misplaced recommendation from commissioned officers of the NC State Troops for his brother, Lt. Col. I(ssac) E(rwin) Avery to be Colonel (he became Colonel, 6th North Carolina, died at Gettysburg on day 2), age spots

(image page 2, image of docket)

[Battle of North Anna, Virginia], Receipt for foodstuffs signed by Major George D. Mercer as Quartermaster for Gordon's 2nd Corps, May 23, 1864 (the first day of the battle), Hanover Junction (east of Gettysburg) on CSA Quartermaster's Department imprint stationery

[Battle of Okolona, Scouts Report to James M. Burton (on Secret Service for General Ruggles)], a 1p letter in pencil with address leaf Captain Burton, Columbus, Miss, docket in ink on reverse: "Rec'd at Columbus (Miss.) Feby. 20, 1864 at 10 1/2 PM, Report of Scouts"

letter reads:

The enemy occupied West Point late this evening before we reached there. Forest retreated from the place with out a fight in the direction of Starks ville (Starkville). I understand from a Capt. Comdg Co in Col Forest Cond. that the entire force of Genl (N.B.) Forest was in the retreat. While others think Col. Forest and Chalmers are between West Point and Aberdeen. The Capt with whom I conversed was cut off with his Co and is now in camp between Waverly and West Point. He will s(p)end in tonight and will give me the benefit of his information which I will pass upon (along). Respectfully, J.W. Kaudle (sp?)"

An image of a CSA voucher certifying that James Burton has received payment of $105  at Columbus, Miss "for secret service at the Hd Qrs of Brig Genl Ruggles from February 18th 1864 to March 25th 1864, 35 days @ $3 per day, $105" is here (thank you to Laura Elliott for discovering this reference). Also, my thanks to the "Civil War Talk" platform.

For information on the Sooy Smith Expedition and the battle of Okolona, in which N.B. Forrest's youngest brother, Colonel Forrest was killed, see page here from Battles and Leader of the Civil War

One of the most interesting field letters of the Civil War I have seen in my years of handling Civil War letters and covers

[Battle of Shiloh, Captured Enemy Flag] John Claiborne, Major, ALS, 1p, 4to, Office Chief Quarter Master, Ruggles' Division, Army of the Miss, Corinth, April 20, 1862 , to Capt Roy M. Hooe,  A.A. Gen., Head Quarters, Ruggles' Division 2nd Corps, Army of the Miss.

letter reads:

In reply to your note of yesterday relative to a flag said to have been in possession of a member of the staff of Brig. Gen. D. Ruggles Commanding on the battlefield of Shiloh, I have to state that I saw no flag in the possession of any gentleman member of the staff on that day nor did I hear that any had been captured by any member of the staff, volunteer or official on that occasion, until a day or two afterwards I was told that Capt. Beck, a volunteer A.D.C. had found one in a tent. I am Very respectfully ..... (etc), John Claiborne, Maj. & Ch. Qr. Ms.

endorsements on reverse (here), include "in relation to the Captured flag of the enemy"

P.G.T. Beauregard. General CSA, ALS signed as "Genl. Comdg.", 2p, 8vo, "Head Quarters, 1st Corps, Army Of The Potomac" imprint stationery, Fairfax C.H. (Va), Oct 14 1861 to Brig, Genl. Charles Clark, or officer Comdg at Camp Pickett, Manassas, Va., letter gives instructions to move troops to obstruct Davis ford on the Occoquan (River) and requests recipient to copy the letter to Col. Wade Hampton, accompanied by a portrait print

(image page 2, image of docket)(print)

P.G.T. Beauregard. General CSA, his note with initials "I regret I do not know - G.T.B." at foot of 1872 letter asking if knows where to get an autograph of Genl. Zach Taylor, letter tipped to album page at left edge

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[Blockade-Run Letter and Cover] Charleston S. C. Sep 12 (1863) entry postmark, "Steam-Ship" oval handstamp and pencil "12" rate (10c + 2c ship fee) on inbound cover to Dr. Randell Croft at Greenville, SC; original ALS of Charles K. Prioleau, dated July 31, 1861, on "F.T & Co., 10 Rumford Place, Liverpool" imprint stationery of Fraser Trenholm Co. (Prioleau was President of the famous blockade-running company), cover carried via New York and Nassau and blockade-run into Charleston on one of the very last inbound runs of the year before Union batteries made blockade-running into Charleston too dangerous:

1. Dep Liverpool 1 Aug, Cunard Line steamer China, arv NYC on 11 Aug
2. Dep NYC on 15 Aug per Corsica arv Nassau on 19 Aug
3. Dep Nassau on blockade-runner Spaulding on her second run into Charleston (Dep Charleston on Sep 18th back to Nassau and was captured on her next run to Charleston (Oct 11, 1863)

content:

Liverpool July 31, 1863
Dr Randell Croft, Greenville Dear Sir,

I have just received your letter of 14th Jany and hasten to say that I will have much pleasure in selecting the Pitcher for you and will exercise all the taste I possess in its choice but I must wait to hear further from you as you did not instruct me on whether or not to ship it through the blockade or wait until the war is over. Under present circumstances I would advise the latter course and I do not like to take the responsibility of sending it now. I would by all means advise you to send a Bale of Cotton if possible which would at present prices net me $100 and if you do so, please instruct me whether to invest the whole of the proceeds in the pitcher or only pounds 20.

I have often heard my brother as well as his widow & children speak gratefully of many acts of kindness on your part received by them and I am very glad to be able to render you any service in my power. I heartily wish I could put you in way of retrieving any part of the losses you have sustained through the war of our independence but in the present disjoined condition of affairs it is impossible & futile to suggest anything. We cannot tell what a day or an hour may bring forth. We can only hope and pray that God will ere long grant to her invaded and oppressed country the blessing of liberty and peace.

I remain dear sir, C.K. Prioleau

(additional image of letter)(not from the Peck collection)

[Lawrence O'Bryan Branch] cropped fragment from a hotel guestbook dated Sunday Dec 30th (1860) with signatures of Lawrence O'Bryan Branch. Brigadier General, 33rd North Carolina, killed in action at Sharpsburg signed as being with "2 children & servt.," Bradley T. Johnson. Brigadier General, 1st Maryland, invaded Pennsylvania a year after Gettysburg on Early's orders and Thomas Bragg. Attorney General, Braxton Bragg's brother, tipped to page at top edge

William C.P. Breckinridge. Colonel CSA, 9th Kentucky Cavalry (his unit was designated as Jefferson Davis' bodyguard, after the was he was lawyer and Democratic politician from Kentucky, ALS, 1p, 4to, Lexington, KY, April 18, 1882, a letter of recommendation for the Bar for Col. H.C. Lilly (USA, 14th KY Cavalry) who "was a soldier of high character for all soldierly qualities; & served in the Kentucky Senate after the war with credit," letter is tipped to album page along top border

Simon Buckner. Lieutenant General CSA, a West Point graduate who served in the US Army in the Mexican–American War before accepting a commission in the Confederate Army in 1861. In 1862, he accepted Ulysses S. Grant's demand for an "unconditional surrender" at the Battle of Fort Donelson (the first CSA general to surrender an army in the war). He spent five months as a prisoner of war. After his release, Buckner participated in Braxton Bragg's failed invasion of Kentucky and near the end of the war became chief of staff to Edmund Kirby Smith in the Trans-Mississippi Department. ALS as Governor of Kentucky, 1p, Frankfort, January 17, 1889, to H.G. Babcock, "... I will say that I was captured at Fort Donelson, Tenn" and with a initialed postscript, "Gen. Tilghman was killed in an action preceding the investment of Vicksburg

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Matthew C. Butler. Major General CSA, served with Hampton's Legion and lost a foot at the battle of Brandy Station, from South Carolina, he served three terms as a US Senator after the war and as a major general during the Spanish-American War, ANS, 1p, 8vo on Senate Chamber imprint stationery, Washington, April 1, 1880, a request to the clerks of the Supreme Court for printed opinions in the late cases from Virginia, Tenn. and Ohio, tipped at left edge to album page

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A.R. Chisholm. ADC to General Beauregard, (Head Quarters of the Miss.), Jackson, Tenn., ALS, March 2, 1862 to L.P. Baxter of Jackson, Tenn, "Your proposition to raise a company of mounted men to act as scouts, as stated in your letter of this date (if armed and equipped) is accepted And Genl. Beauregard desires that you report for duty to Major Genl. Bragg," docket on reverse here

[The Citadel] James B. White, Major in command of cadets at the Battle of Tulifinny, ALS, Oct 19, 1865, 1¼p on Hillsborough N.C. Military Academy illustrated letter sheet with original U.S. 3c pink entire used with Hillsboro N.C. postmark, letter and cover addressed to Lt. Amory Coffin at Aiken, S.C., envelope here

James Benjamin White. (notes found online) In 1861, state legislation was passed which established the “Officers and students of The Citadel and the Arsenal as a military corps entitled The Battalion of State Cadets,” In 1861, when Major White became the superintendent of the college, he in turn became the commander of The Battalion of State Cadets. 1861 also saw The Citadel cadets serve proudly in their famed Star of the West engagement as well as the Confederate siege and capture of Fort Sumter.

Major White was faced with a leader's nightmare when as 36 of his cadets deserted The Citadel to join the Confederate army. The effect that the 36 had on the remaining cadets was profound. Soon many more wanted to follow suit and because of this, Major White intervened. He explained the expectations that he had for the Corp and he inspired his cadets to not only meet, but exceed those expectations. Thanks to Major White the Corps returned to their duties with renewed passion.

The respect that the cadets had for Major White became paramount during the Battle of Tulifinny. The Major commanded a force of both Arsenal and Citadel cadets. Under his direction the Battalion of State cadets, comprised of 15 to 22-year-old men, were able to repel an attack from a superior Union force.

Lt. Amory Coffin. Adjutant, Battalion of State Cadets (The Citadel) CSA Army. Graduated from the Citadel, 1862. Enlisted in Co. B, Captain Edward L. Parker's South Carolina Light Artillery (Marion), April 28, 1862, later promoted to Sergeant Major.

In 1863, was appointed 2nd Lieutenant, Company A, Battalion of State Cadets (Citadel), Local Defense Troops. He was severely wounded in the head during the Battle at Tulifinny Trestle, SC on the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, December 7, 1864. Surrendered and paroled at Augusta, GA, May 18, 1865 (surrender of CSA General Johnston's forces at end of war).

According to his obituary, as a Cadet at the Citadel, "Mr. Coffin was in command of the squad which fired what was practically the first gun of the Civil War, an alarm gun to notify the batteries around Charleston that the US Steamer Star of the West had been sighted up the coast bound for the relief of Fort Sumter.

(image page 2)(not from the Peck collection, ex Fred Faulstich)

David C. Coleman. Colonel 39th North Carolina, at Chickamauga he is reported to have "rushed first of all into the enemy's battery," ANS, St. Louis, Mo. Oct 14th, 1869, "General, Allow me to congratulate you on your appointment, May your shadow never be lost."

[Currency, $100 CSA Train Note] dated in manuscript June 18, 1862, (Criswell #T39, J.T. Paterson, Columbia, SC imprint) with "Interest Paid at Richmond" boxed backstamps for January, 1863, 1864 and 1865., note is tipped to album page at top border and the note has minor flaws, still attractive

[Currency, State of George, $10 and $50 Notes] both dated February 2d 1863 in type (Criswell #7C and #8, Howell, Savannah imprints), each is tipped along top edge to separate album page, both are backstamped

[Currency, $1 Virginia Treasury Note] dated July 21 1862 in type (Criswell #17, Hoyer 7 Ludwig imprint), tipped along top edge to album page

Robert L Dabney. Chaplain, 18th Va, AAG and Major with Stonewall Jackson, field order, ANS 1p, 8vo, May 24, 1862, 4½ P.M. to Major Genl. R.L. Ewell, "I am directed by the Genl Commanding (Stonewall Jackson) to inform you that he is now in front of the enemy, who have made a stand at New-town: and that he desires you to press their flank, Yr Obed. Serv., R.L. Dabney, Maj & A.A. Genl.

Battle of Newtown (VA) (from their history center website): On 24 May 1862 (the day before the First Battle of Winchester) when Stonewall Jackson’s Confederate forces were advancing northward on the Valley Pike from Middletown. They had earlier defeated Union troops in Front Royal the previous day. Jackson’s men were hitting the rear columns of the retreating Federal forces as they reached Newtown. At Newtown General George H. Gordon of the Second Massachusetts Infantry ordered the Federal troops under his command to make a stand and stop the Confederate advance. For the next hour or more there was skirmishing and continual artillery fire between the lines over and around the town. Gordon’s men were able to halt the advance of the Confederate forces long enough to ensure that no more Federal wagons were lost. Gordon left the town to Jackson’s forces, and both sides claimed a victory.

[Division of Deceased Soldiers] DS, 1p, 4to, Treasury Department, CS Second Auditor's Office, Richmond, VA, Nov 1, 1864 requesting the effects of two deceased soldiers be forwarded to the office, signed by WHS Taylor as Auditor and Calvert as Chief of Div. Deceased Soldiers, addressed to R. Kidder Taylor, Surg. & Med. Purveyor at Lynchburg, two soldiers (JC Laurence, WW Morris) named were from the Georgia Volunteers, docket is here, repaired tear at right side

[General Hospital No. 21] partially printed DS, 1p, 8vo, Richmond, 31 March 1865, a receipt for payment (at inflation prices)  for $228. for items including 1 chicken ($35), 10 doz. eggs ($110) and drayage, received from and signed by G.W. Semple, Surgeon and signed also by J.V. Hopkins, Steward at Hospital 21, certified as being for the exclusive use of the sick and wounded Prisoners of War, and exceptional document dated just before Richmond fell

Isham Harrison Jr. Colonel 6th Mississippi Cavalry, Killed in Action at Harrisburg, Miss, July 14, 1864, ALS, ½ page, West Point (Miss), January 24th 1864 to Brig, Genl. Daniel Ruggles, "Accept my thanks for the Map of North Miss which you kindly sent to me. It came to hand safely and trust may be useful to our Country's Cause. At all events, it will be cherished by me, Genl as a pleasing souvenir of my considerate and courteous friend, I am Genl, with highest regards, very respectfully truly your friend, Isham Harrison," docketed on reverse as "Rec'd Hd. Qrs, Jany 225, 1864," tipped to album page along top edge

Robert J. Henderson. Colonel (Brig. Genl. without commission) 42nd Georgia Infantry Regiment, ALS, 3p, 8vo, Atlanta, GA, July 16, 1889 to Col. C.C. James, Augusta, sending thanks for his "Address before the Confederate Survivors Association," signed "I am Dear Col., yours truly, R.J. Henderson)

(from Wikipedia): "His obituary stated that he was made a brigadier general by General Joseph E. Johnston, after Johnston witnessed Henderson making a desperate charge at the Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, on March 10, 1865. At the suggestion of his divisional commanders, Henderson signed his parole as a brigadier general. Later, Henderson stated in his pardon application that he had been recommended for promotion to brigadier general but had never received a commission. Henderson commanded a brigade for several weeks at the end of the war but never was officially appointed by Confederate President Jefferson Davis and confirmed by the Confederate States Senate to brigadier general rank."

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Henry Heth. Major General, 45th VA, bottom of his 1847 Class at West Point, his division suffered heavily at Gettysburg, ALS, 2p, 8vo, Richmond, VA, June 14, 1898 to (Brig) General (US National Guard) Lloyd Aspinwall, New York; Heth seeks the address of a Major Robert Grinnell "who was with me during the war"

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Joseph E. Johnston. General, one of the most senior officers in the Confederate Army, ALS, 2p, 8vo, Amelia Springs, VA, July 22, 1862 while recovering from wounds received at the Battle of Seven Pines the previous month, to Hon. John L. Manning (former Gov. of SC who and married to Wade Hampton's daughter.)

letter reads in part: Your letter of the 5th was sent to me from Richmond by your son - I immediately wrote to the war department recommending his being commissioned in the provisional army on account of services, zeal, intelligence & hereditary courage - adding that if the commission should be conferred I hoped to place the young gentleman on my staff. .....

(from Wikipedia entry on Johnston): "(Johnston) was the senior Confederate commander at the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861 .... Johnston defended the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign .... He suffered a severe wound at the Battle of Seven Pines, and was replaced by Robert E. Lee. In 1863, Johnston was placed in command of the Department of the West. In 1864, he commanded the Army of Tennessee against Union Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman in the Atlanta Campaign. In the final days of the war, Johnston was returned to command of the few remaining forces in the Carolinas Campaign.

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William P Johnston. Colonel, a son of General A.S. Johnston, he served on staff of Jefferson Davis as well as with Kentucky forces, ALS, 4p, 8vo, as President of Tulane University on imprint stationery, New Orleans, Dec 13, 1897 to Col. L.Q. Washington, after discussing the effects of malaria, he continues: "I am much obliged for the sketch of Hunter. He had great scope of intellect. No man knew him better than you did, and you have the power to depict him. Benjamin had great lucidity of mind & immense talents....," aging confined mostly to first page cropped slightly

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Thomas Jordan. Brigadier General, an 1840 West Point graduate, Beauregard's Chief of Staff and later a Cuban Insurrectionary General, an exceptional 10p ALS, to General G.T. Beauregard (and with "GTB" initialed note), February 1877, letter reads (in part):

Room 38, No 52 Wall Street, February 1877
My Dear General,
Yesterday I gave to Marria a brief of the points which I thought would be of use to you in preparing that paper for the Philadelphia Times. It was not to Soule that you wrote your letter proposing the Western Campaign just after Chancellorsville (inserted blue crayon note by GTB, "2nd & 3rd May 1863"). The plan sent to Soule was written much later, and that plan is published in the Rebellion Record. It was pitched to the same time indeed. Concentration of our masses & by means of no railway interior lines upon exposed fragments of our Enemy - and in opposition to movements like that of Gettysburg. The letter in question, I am entirely satisfied was sent to Porcher Miles, by him thence to Genl Howell Cobb, and others - doubtless Wigfall - Cobb it was that brought it to the attention of Davis, and urged its adoption. I have an assured recollection of hearing you and Miles answer, and his statement of Cobb's participation.

That you made the proposition substantially as I state it is brief is certain and you can confidently write to that effect in the paper Sheridan and myself propose that you shortly write as a matter of interest of history! If Davis or any friend should deny that such a plan was ever submitted - very well, the reply can be made. The plan was so patent, in view of the military situation at the time; that it ought to have occurred to those charged with the public defense, without outsider suggestion! For nothing could be clearer than the utter disability of Hooker, after the battle of Chancellorsville, to make any offensive movement for 60 days at least against Richmond, and the safety with which the Veterans of Lees' army could (in material part) be thrown elsewhere, to cooperate in crushing ... against such exposed federal fragments as that of Rosecrans, or that also of Grant then opening the extraordinary campaign from Port Gibson through Mississippi to the north of Vicksburg. Not to have seen and taken advantage of the plain opportunity then opened, and to go off on such an operation as that which ended in the mortal wounding of the Confederacy at Gettysburg was the climax of Military blindness - What I say about the statements of the Northern Newspapers at the time, you can rely on & confidently assert in your paper! You must remember how carefully I used to search those papers for items concerning the federal forces - and keep you informed upon those points - They also spoke in the most significant terms of the terrible demoralization of Hookers Army after the battle - through correspondence even in papers which at same time in the same column or paper per chance, would claim, as Hooker does, that, after all, his battalion had much fewer disaster to the Federals.

last line of letter reads: "If men will but act together they can clothe these people in fast clinging garments of infamy"

GTB initialed note in crayon on final page "relative to my plan of Campaigns for the West - GTB / For May 1863"

(complete transcription of text (PDF file), complete file of page images (PDF file)

George Lay. Colonel, A.A.G. on Bonham's staff and A.I.G. on Lee's staff, ALS, 1p, 4to, Head Quarters Advance Forces, Army of the Potomac, June 26th, 1861, Lay gives instructions from Brig. Genl. Boham to Lt. (J.A.) Washington, A.Q.M.:

Trains attached to the Dept. here and sent out with troops have been detained - Major Cabell reports much longer than was necessary and were not unloaded and discharged after having accomplished the service assigned.

The General desires that measures be taken to secure the prompt return here in all cases of all teams not specifically assigned to Companies, Corps, or Regiments.

Robert E. Lee. General, and John Bell Hood. General, signatures on "Southern Hospital Association For Disabled Soldiers" illustrated, engraved card (6.75 by 4.75"), dated July 1, 1866 at top, J. Douglas, New Orleans, imprint, both generals sign with initials and Hood signs as President of the Association, tipped along top edge to album page, a very attractive combination

Robert E. Lee, Jr. Captain and son of General Robert  E. Lee, ANS, 4p General, Romancoke (VA), Monday (May 29, 1889) to an unidentified cousin sending his regrets that he can not attend "the ceremonies at Alexandria the 24th at the unveiling of the monument to the Confederate Dead by RE Lee Camp," Lee signs vertically at left of last page which is affected by hinge remnants, there is a second integral signature on first page as it mentions "RE Lee"

The monument referenced was recently in the news. On June 2, 2020, the bronze portion of the statue was removed in response to the protests and the pedestal was removed the weekend of June 20, 2020.

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[Camp Lee (Hospital)] William P. Palmer, Surgeon in Charge, 1p, ALS, 14 March, 1864 to Col. I. C. Shields, Commandant Conscripts, Palmer responds to an enquiry as to how many of the sick of the lately arrived Paroled Prisoners, my hospital can now accommodate" and he responds:

not more than thirty can be received at this time. This would leave a marginal number of beds for new cases amongst the conscripts, who are daily arriving at the Post, and who, as their numbers increase in the Camp, supply a proportionate addition to the number of sick.  ... I recommend that, in view of the dangers of infection, and in consequence of the above, this being a cap from which men are daily sent to the Army, these men be sent to some General Hospital -  In addition to this, many of the paroled men are apt to become under medical treatment, even after having reported here in health, and have therefore to be accommodated

William H. Fay. signed endorsement on verso forwarding for Col. Shields

James M. Pegram. Major on General Winder's Staff, brother Col. John Pegram, who, with Major Thomas P. Turner put together the "Negro Brigade" of Confederate States Colored Troops when Lee's General Order #14 was issued won March 23, 1865 which allowed the enlistment of Blacks into the service. Endorsement signed on reverse as A.A.G., Hd Qrs Dpt of Henrico, Richmond, March 15, 1864, "Respy Rfd to Med Director who will not send the paroled sick, etc. to Camp Lee as directed yesterday But send them to Genl Hosptl as heretofore, By Order Genl Winder"

hinge remnant and minor repairs at folds

(reverse endorsements)

[Lee's Legion, Powder and Lead] (or Lee's Light Horse before taken into the 9th Virginia Cavalry), James H. Lacy. 1p requisition signed, May 15, 1861:

1 Keg of powder and 100lbs of lead for Lee's Legion - to Capt Thos. S. Garnett or R.L. Beall (R.L.T. Beale) at Carters wharf, Westmoreland County. Forwarded from Richmond this 15 day of May 1861. E.H. Chandler will deliver the above bill of ordnance & arms to Capt (Malcolm H.) Crump by order of R.L. Beall, J.H. Lacy

Thomas S. Garnett died from wounds at Chancellorsville

(reverse docket)

[Libby Prison] Partially printed Document Signed, 1p, Report of a Guard mounted at C.S. Military Prisons on January 18th and relieved January 19th, 1863, a list to Capt Thomas P. Turner and signed by Commanding Guard, reverse endorsed "Report of Guard Mounted Libby Prison," includes lists of guards as well as the countersign of the day (Bragg), document has age stains and minor faults, with a large print of the prison from 1882 that is reduced slightly at top

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Matthew F. Maury. "Pathfinder of the Seas," Naval Commander and Scientist, Maury spent the war mostly abroad, in Great Britain, Ireland, and France. He helped acquire a ship, CSS Georgia, for the Confederacy while he also advocated the stopping the war, ANS, 1p, 8vo, Observatory, Washington, October 31, 1855 complies with request for an autograph for Edwin Barrows at Yale College

tipped to album page along left edge

Matthew F. Maury. "Pathfinder of the Seas," Naval Commander and Scientist, ALS, 1p, Observatory, Washington, June 7, 1860, to Robert Rankin, interesting content include advice:

It appears to me by omitting any direct allusion to our researches at sea, you are proposing the play of Hamlet with Hamlet's part omitted ... The whole navies of Europe, commercial and military, are working in this field, and there is more activity in it, more to achieve, and more to learn that is entirely new than in all the other you propose to occupy ...

tipped to album page along left edge
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James W. Patton. Colonel, 21st VA, brother of George S. Patton (grandfather of the WWII General of same name), ALS, 1p, 4to, Office A.Q.M. Lee's Brigade, Vicksburg, January 22, 1863, to C.S. Williams, Asst Superintendent, Southern Rail Road at Jackson, Miss.

I wrote you yesterday (for Gods' sake) to send cars to Edwards Depot to transport Fodder to this place. I have just been informed that we have 150 bales Fodder there, now ready for shipment. I would urge (if possible) that you place Cars enough at that point (Edwards) to transport all we have there at present. Please attend to this matter, as we have had no fodder for the animals in this Brigade for over a month. The Cars will be unloaded immediately upon their arrival here. J.W. Patton, Maj. & A.Q.M. Lees Brigade

[George Pickett at Petersburg] Robert A. Bright. Captain on Pickett's staff at Gettysburg and Petersburg, ALS, 2½p, 8vo, in pencil because he is in the field placing a battery under fire at Dutch Gap (on the James River as part of larger Petersburg campaign), Chesterfield (VA) August 20, 1864, to unknown recipient that mentions Pickett, in part:

I have been intending to pay you another visit but have been prevented by the sickness of several members of the Genl's staff - Maj. Pickett & myself being the only well ones, have had our hands full. I have been wanting short leave very much for sometime past, in order to visit my refugee home, in Halifax County - My Father having been quite sick but as we were so short handed & a fight expected & skirmishing going on, almost daily, I would not ask. My Father is now much better. ... it was impossible to purchase enough wheat to furnish the Family with flour .. I have made several unsuccessful attempts to purchase some .. we have had another great success over the vandals, near Petersburg, but you will see the news in your papers before this reaches you; it is only another great stride towards our Freedom. I think every thing is looking well; for the Glorious cause, for which, we have all sacrificed so much. ... I have written often (without hearing anything in reply) some times by private hands & sometimes by Flag of truce - but I shall hope for the best -

Excuse my writing with a pencil but I have been away from Head Quarters all day, placing a battery, in position to harass the enemy's working party on Dutch Gap - They opened on us just now, from five batteries & a few minutes since came near killing my pet grey horse now 'a miss is as good as a mile' & this holds good with artty practice - Our guns have stopped their (the enemy's) work, but for how long I can not say - I only hope that you will be able to make this out ... in writing to me direct to care of Genl. Pickett Richmond & it will come right and now hoping & have not tired you, I remain .. Very Respty, Yours, Ro. A. Bright

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[Prisoner Of War's Oath of Allegiance] Kenneth M. Murchison. Colonel 54th Regiment of NC Infantry captured at Rappahannock Station, ADS, 1p, 4to, Johnson's Island (OH), July 6, 1865, countersigned by Col. Charles Hill, Commanding Post

[Prisoner Of War's Request for Amnesty and Pardon, Johnson's Island] J. Cooper Nisbet. Colonel 66th Georgia Infantry, ALS, 1p, 4to, United States Military Prison, Johnson's Island, Ohio, July 5, 1865, to President Andrew Johnson, a cover letter for his an enclosed oath (not now present), tipped at left edge to album page

[Prisoner Of War's Oath of Allegiance, Fort Delaware] J(ames) M. Johnson. Lt. Colonel 30th Regiment Mississippi Infantry, wounded at Resaca, partially printed DS, 1p, 8vo, Fort Delaware, June 17, 1865 countersigned by Albin F Schoepf, Brigadier General Commanding (a Hungarian who fought for Kossuth in the Hungarian Revolution), blue "Headquarters Fort Delaware DE" handstamp

[Prisoner Of War's Oath of Allegiance, Fort Delaware] William P. Mosely. Colonel, VMI student, fought with Stonewall Jackson in Valley Campaign, wounded twice, captured at Petersburg, partially printed DS, 1p, 8vo, Fort Delaware, June 17, 1865 countersigned by Albin F Schoepf, Brigadier General Commanding (a Hungarian who fought for Kossuth in the Hungarian Revolution), blue "Headquarters Fort Delaware DE" handstamp

[Prisoner Of War's Request for Amnesty, Fort Delaware] Michael B. Locke. Lt. Colonel 1st. Alabama Infantry, ALS, 1p, 4to, United States Military Prison, Fort Delaware, DE, June 12, 1865, to President Andrew Johnson, somewhat unusual language for this, accompanied by a letter of reference from Joseph C. Bradley, also addressed to President Johnson, dated at Washington, DC, June 14, 1865, the letter of reference is trimmed slightly at top

(Bradley's letter of reference)

Roger A. Pryor. Brigadier General, a Virginia newspaper editor, member of both U.S. and C.S.A. Congress, after the war was a partner in Benjamin Butler's law firm, ALS, 1p, 8vo, House  of Representatives, April 27, 1860, responds to an invitation from the Hanson Literary Institute that he will give a gratuitous lecture, tipped at left edge to album page, small stain

[Rail Road Train Special Order] Thomas J. Porter, Captain & A.A. Genl signs Special Order No. 6 by command of Brig. Genl. John Adams, 1p, Head Quarters 4th Mil. District, Department Miss & East LA, Jackson, Miss, Jan 17, 1863, text:

No Rail Road train will be permitted to leave this place going east until further orders. The Officer of the Guard will furnish Aid de Camp G. H. Gregory such Officers and guards as may require to enforce this order"

This order was required (according to a post on Civil War Talk webpage) because a bridge and several miles of track had been washed out and there had been a major accident that killed CSA troops, tipped along top edge to album page, light staining

Augustus Reichard. Colonel 20th Regiment LA Volunteers (Germans from New Orleans mostly), ALS, 1p, Head Quarters 20th Regiment, Camp Lewis, December 24, 1861, to General Danield Ruggles, Commanding 1st Brigade at New Orleans, a report of four vacancies in his command, two "being considered entirely unfit for the post, they are now on trial before a court of enquiry"

Daniel Ruggles. Major General, Requisition signed as Colonel, Provisional Army of Virginia, Commanding Forces, 1p, 4to, May 31, 1861, Fredericksburg, VA for 1,000 cartridges with caps for the use of Captain T.B. Coghill's Company, Chilesburg Lt. Infantry (from Caroline County, VA), signed twice by Captain T.B. Coghill, minor edge discoloration

[Daniel Ruggles] Proceedings of a Board of Survey of Brig. Genl. Ruggles's horses, manuscript Special Order No. 22, 1p, folio, Columbus, Miss., March 8, 1864, the board examined and valued four horses "in Confederate service belonging to Brig. Genl. D. Ruggles" and valued them as follows:

One Sorrell Horse "Baton Rouge" Ten years old at $17.00- ($1,700)
One                     "Shiloh" Eight years old at $4,000- ($4,000)
One                     "Cane Brake" Seven years old at $18.00- ($1,800)
One                     " Blood Boy" Ten years old at $17.00- ($1,700)

signed by Jonathan P. Hampton, Capt Co. F, 43th Miss Regt
               Thomas E. Young, Capt, Co. I, 43rd M.R.
               Y.B. Evans , 1st Lt., Co. F, 43rd M.R.

and unusual document (this was done in duplicate, see following lot as well)

[Daniel Ruggles] Proceedings of a Board of Survey of Brig. Genl. Ruggles's horses, manuscript Special Order No. 22, 1p, folio, Columbus, Miss., March 8, 1864, the board examined and valued four horses "in Confederate service belonging to Brig. Genl. D. Ruggles" and valued them as follows:

One Sorrell Horse "Baton Rouge" Ten years old at $17.00. ($1,700)
One                     "Shiloh" Eight years old at $4,000- ($4,000)
One                     "Cane Brake" Seven years old at $1,800- ($1,800)
One                     " Blood Boy" Ten years old at $1.700- ($1,700)

signed by Jonathan P. Hampton, Capt Co. F, 43th Miss Regt
               Thomas E. Young, Capt, Co. I, 43rd M.R.
               Y.B. Evans , 1st Lt., Co. F, 43rd M.R.

and unusual document (this was done in duplicate, see previos lot as well, note the decimal placement varies slightly)

Jonathan Gill Shorter. Alabama Governor during CSA period and signer of CSA Constitution, ALS, 2p, Bellefonte, Jackson Co., AL, September 24, 1859 to President James Buchanan, letter recommending Jefferson Buford to a Federal Judgeship, signed as a Judge of 8th Circuit, minor ink erosion and fold splits

Jefferson Buford is best known for attempting to move pro-slavery settlers into the Kansas Territory.

(page 2)

Francis H. Smith. Colonel 9th Virginia, Commanded 16 year olds at Newmarket, Superintendent of VMI, ALS, 1p, on Virginia Military Institute stationery, Lexington, Va., January 7, 1889 to Benjamin Austin, "I am not able at this time to send you a letter of M.F. Maury. He wrote with difficulty when I was associated with him & his daughter ....

tipped at left edge to album page

William "Extra Billy" Smith. Major General 49th Virginia, Governor of Virginia, the oldest CSA General to hold a field command, wounded five times, ALS, 1p, 4to, Warrenton (VA), December 28, 1847 as Governor, to un-named recipient regarding a discount on a note

aged edges

[George Hume Steuart, Father and Son] 1857 letter and cover from George Hume Steuart (senior) to his son, also named George Hume Steuart, CSA Brigadier General, ALS, very interesting 8p letter, 8vo, Baltimore, 13 December, 1857, the father a War of 1812 veteran was captured while riding with Lee's Army at First Bull Run and released, his son survived Pickett's charge, was captured at Spotsylvania C.H. and exchanged, he was with Lee at Appomattox

the cover bears, which bears an integral signature of the father, is addressed to the son, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Territory

(transcript of letter here) (images of letter here)(not from the Peck Collection, ex Fred Faulstich collection)

William B. Taliaferro. Major General 23rd Virginia, fragment of hotel register signed "Major Wm B. Taliaferro"

aged

(print)

Charles B. Thomas. Colonel, Judge Advocate on Kirby Smith's staff, ALS, 1p, 4to, Office of Army Clothing & Equipage, Philadelphia imprint stationery, August 31, 1858 to H.M. Phillips regarding the Secretary of War's order to discharge two packers at the Schuylkill Arsenal

Robert A. Toombs. Secretary of State and Brigadier General, nearly became Confederate States President, a hero at Sharpsburg for holding Burnsides Bridge, ANS, 1p, 8vo, Washington, D.C., August 14, 1856, "retain my documents in Washington during the vacation or until further instructions"

Robert A. Toombs. Secretary of State and Brigadier General, nearly became Confederate States President, a hero at Sharpsburg for holding Burnsides Bridge, calling card (1.75 by 3.25") signed with short note "R. Toombs, Washington, Ga., I should have to set apart several days to reply to similar applications, I have no wish miss-apply so much of my time R.T."

(print)

[Trent Affair], Lord Lyons. British Minister to the United States who resolved the Trent Affair, ALS, 2¼p, Washington, June 4, 1863, to J. Mandeville Carlisle, a lawyer, thanking him for a letter about decisions in Prize Cases, and other Legation matters, signed "Your very faithfully, Lyons

(page 1)(page 2)

The Trent Affair

(from Wikipedia article): The Trent Affair was a diplomatic incident in 1861 during the American Civil War that threatened a war between the United States and Great Britain and Ireland. The U.S. Navy unlawfully captured two Confederate diplomats from a British Royal Mail steamer; the British government protested vigorously. The United States ended the incident by releasing the diplomats.

On November 8, 1861, the USS San Jacinto, commanded by Union Captain Charles Wilkes, intercepted the British mail packet RMS Trent and removed, as contraband of war, two Confederate diplomats: James Murray Mason and John Slidell. The envoys were bound for Britain and France to press the Confederacy's case for diplomatic recognition and to lobby for possible financial and military support.

[Trent Affair], James M. Mason. a U.S. Representative and Senator from Virginia before representing the Confederate States as appointed commissioner to the United Kingdom and France between 1861 and 1865. ALS, 1p Winchester (VA), October 10, 1848 enclosing a payment

[Trent Affair], James M. Mason. a U.S. Representative and Senator from Virginia before representing the Confederate States as appointed commissioner to the United Kingdom and France between 1861 and 1865. ALS, 1p Senate, February 7, 1853, inviting a professor Henry to attend gathering at his house, tipped to album page along left edge

Robert Tyler. Register of Treasury, son of President Tyler, Four Percent Registered Bond of February 17, 1864 signed "Ro: Tyler" as Register, Richmond, March 1, 1865, made out to J.S. Walton for one hundred dollars, cropped a little into frame design at left

(reverse)

David Urquart. Member of General Bragg's Staff, ANS, 1p, March 31 (1862, "Dear General (General Beauregard), Please forward the enclosed letter to Genl Bragg. The volunteers will I think be ready by Wednesday. The (5th Company) Washington Artillery Capt (Washington I.) Hodgson & Lieut C.H. Slocons is a fine Co & I think will do good service. ....

On Apr 3, 1862 The Washington Artillery, the Fifth Company joined the march of Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston’s army north to attack Gen. U.S. Grant at Pittsburg Landing. They were attached to the Brigade of Gen. Patton Anderson, part of Gen. Braxton Bragg’s Corps.

tipped at left edge to album page, edge faults

[Prints of Confederate Officers] the group of 210 prints of Confederate Officers or Statesmen, 12 prints with scenes or city views, plus miscellaneous such as a CSA Bond remainder and Galley proofs for Beauregard's chapter on the Battle of Petersburg that appeared in the "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War," the prints were almost all professionally inlaid to an book page to fill the 11" height of the page, too extract the prints the left sides of the full 7.5" page width had to be cut down, in most all cases the cut is outside the area of the inlaid (not mounted) prints, the prints were each protected by glassine interleaving and there is virtually no foxing, minor duplication of same image, a large PDF of the items in this lot is here

United States
 

[Battle Between "Iron" Ships Of War] a large print (18.5 by 13.5" overall) in color on stout paper, 1862 imprint of Henry Bill, as well as six additional smaller prints with images of iron-clads, the large print is trimmed at left to the outline of the image where it was bound into book, other sides are full, folds, a wonderful image (scanned image at left is a composite of three scans)

(PDF file of additional prints)(camera image of the large print that exaggerates to folds)

[Pass] Drake De Kay. Aide de Camp, in 1864 he was made Lieutenant Colonel for gallant and meritorious service at the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, his famously oversized signature on partially printed pass, Head Quarters, Military Department of Washington, July 23, 1861 for a G.P. Smith to pass "over the Bridges & within the lines" By order of General Mansfield, Commanding, the large signature is said to have been used so that the bridge guards could see it more clearly at night by torchlight

this is a much nicer example than normally seen with only minor fold soiling on reverse

(reverse of pass)

An article in the Cleveland Leader newspaper of July 13, 1861 suggests that the signature was made using a broomstick! Click image at left for larger image.

[Siege of Vicksburg] Manuscript Special Orders No. 144, Head Quarters, Department of the Tennessee, Near Vicksburg, Miss, May 29th, 1863, 1¼ p, signed by John A Rawlins. Brigadier General of Volunteers, Grant's Chief of Staff and friend as well as his Secretary of War,

this important order just before the fall of Vicksburg reads:

Army Corps Commanders and Commanders of detached forces, will take immediate steps to destruct and render impassable for troops, all roads leading into the rear of their respective commands, and into Vicksburg, except the main Jackson road via the Big Black railroad bridge, and the different roads to Haines Bluff

On the Bridgeport road and on all roads south of it, except the Jackson road, the obstructions will be commenced as far out as the Big Black River, and on all other roads to be obstructed as far out as possible; every bridge on them will be destroyed, and at favorable points the timber cut across the roads in towards the city and up to our rear pickets.

The main Jackson road, via: Big Black railroad bridge and the different roads to Haines Bluff, will be left unmolested

By order of Major General U.S. Grant, Jno. A Rawlins, Assistant Adjutant General

Richard Frajola (Nov 17, 2020)