Dated to September 1888, this original letter was handwritten by Confederate General Joseph E. Johnson. Writing to an A.E. Allen, Esq., Johnson, then 81 years old, expresses regret that he cannot furnish Allen “a satisfactory photograph.” He then signed the letter “J.E. Johnson.”

Johnson, a career Army officer, had a long an accomplished military record, although his performance as one of the most senior members of the Rebel army during the Civil War is generally seen as uninspiring. Wounded during the Battle of Seven Pines, Johnson has the distinction of having been replaced shortly thereafter by none other than Robert E. Lee. After the war, Johnson became active in politics and developed close friendships with both Grant and Sherman, he became sick and died just 10 days after serving as a pall bearer for Sherman in 1891.

The letter is professionally framed with an engraving of Johnson.

This signature is certified under our Authenticity Guarantee program. For more details, please visit fleischersauctions.com.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, Robert E. Lee]