Order by General of the Army Philip Sheridan to "respect the family & property of Mrs. Davis"

[Philip H. Sheridan]. Manuscript Document Signed, "G.A. Forsyth", 1p, on "Headquarters Middle Military Division" letterhead, 3.625" x 8.25", Charlottesville, VA, March 4, 1865. Light toning and scattered foxing. Uneven top edge. Flattened folds with a few small margin tears. In very good plus condition.

In full: "All officers & soldiers will respect & protect the family & property of Mrs. [Varina] Davis - By Order of Maj. Genl. Sheridan". At the time of this order, Sheridan was on his way east to join Ulysses S. Grant before Petersburg. Having secured the Shenandoah Valley for the Union, he sensed the end was near.

George Alexander Forsyth (1837-1915) was a United States military officer most notable for his service in the cavalry. He received a commission as a first lieutenant in the 8th Illinois Cavalry on September 18, 1861, followed by promotions to captain on February 12, 1862, and major on September 1, 1863. He saw action in all major campaigns fought by the Army of the Potomac. He also fought in many cavalry actions in the Shenandoah Valley, where he served as aide-de-camp to Major General Sheridan and received a brevet promotion to colonel on October 19, 1864, for his service at Third Winchester and Cedar Creek. He was appointed a brevet brigadier general of volunteers on March 13, 1865, part of widespread ceremonial promotion of officers at the end of the war.

Philip Henry Sheridan (1831-1888) A career United States Army general, Sheridan is known as one of the most successful field commanders. He was instrumental in forcing General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Sheridan waged war on the Native Americans during the Indian Wars of the Great Plains. He was instrumental in the development and protection of Yellowstone National Park, both as a soldier and a private citizen. In 1883, Sheridan was appointed general-in-chief of the U.S. Army, and in 1888 he was promoted to the rank of General of the Army during the term of President Grover Cleveland.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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