Letter Archive of (5) Union Generals, ca. 1861-1889

A group of five handwritten letters, each from Generals of the Union Army, ranging in date between 1861 and 1889. Totaling seven pieces in all, with two additional pieces of Civil War-related ephemera, including a post card depicting the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln postmarked February 10, 1911. Exhibits varying degrees of age toning, soiling, and minor tearing throughout. Very good overall, with Civil War and Postbellum contents. Please see below and accompanying images for further details.

The lot includes, in chronological order:

1.) Erasmus D. Keyes ALS, 1p, measuring 5" x 8", dated February 26, 1861, Washington, D.C. Signed "E.D. Keyes" at conclusion, the letter reads in full: "I found the enclosed on my table this morning. Thinking it might be for me I broke the seal, but seeing from the address that I was mistaken, I did not look at the contents." A general of the IV Corps of the Army of the Potomac, Keyes (1810-1895) would later become a notable businessman in Postbellum California.

2.) Samuel P. Heintzelman ALS, 1p, measuring 6.5" x 9", dated February 14, 1862, Alexandria, VA. Sent from Fort Lyman and addressed to one E. E. Richards of the Suffolk Literary Institute in Boston, reading in full: "Accept my thanks for your cordial invitation to attend the annual anniversary of the Suffolk Literary Institute. I regret that I did not receive it in time to avail myself of it." Signed at conclusion as "S. P. Heintzelman". A prominent figure during the early months of the Civil War, Heintzelman (1805-1880) had previously served in the Seminole and Mexican-American wars.

3.) Joseph B. Carr ALS, 2p of a bifolium, measuring 5.75" x 9", dated September 7, 1886, Boston, MA. Addressed to one Clarence H. Bell and signed "Joseph B. Carr" at conclusion, the letter reads in part: "Replying to your kind invitation of the 6th to fill a vacant spot in the lecture course you have arranged under the auspices of John A. Andrew, Post 15 G.A.R. would say, my time is so divided up in many things that is of interest to the uniform soldiers, together with my business engagements that it will be impossible for me to comply…". Carr (1828-1895) was a Union General who, during the Battle of Gettysburg, distinguished himself for standing his ground while wounded.

4.) Andrew J. McNett ALS, 2p (front and back), measuring 5.5" x 9", dated March 9, 1889, Belmont, NY. Written in a shaky hand due to injuries sustained at the Battle of Peachtree Creek in which McNett's right arm was amputated, reading in part: "…I was in hospital from the loss of my right arm by a gunshot wound at Atlanta Georgia. If you desire my military record you will find that of any importance is the official register of the U.S. Army. Having been relieved of my right hand by a Rebel bullet you will have to extend your charity over my bad writing". Signed at conclusion as "A. J. McNett/ Col. U.S. Army". The Battle of Peachtree Creek was fought on July 20, 1864 as part of the Atlanta Campaign, with Union forces commanded by William T. Sherman and the Confederate by Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood.

5.) Thomas A. Davies ALS, 1p, measuring 5.5" x 8.5", dated June 12, 1889, New York. A thank you letter, signed "Thos. A. Davies" and reading in full: "I have to thank the Trinity Historical Society for the honor the Society had conferred upon me by electing me an honorary member. As you asked for my photo I send by mail to your address a sketch of my life and a little book of our advanced edition entitled Am I Jew or Gentile?". A Brigadier General during the Civil War, Davies (1809-1899) was later appointed brevet major general in 1866. He ranked twenty-fifth in the West Point class of 1829, with future Confederate general Robert E. Lee among his classmates.

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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