Description:

The Last Hurrah! Just days after Lee's surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia and Lincoln's assassination, Army of Tennessee holdouts Joseph E. Johnston and Wade Hampton "in expectation of the conclusion of peace" see to Joseph Wheeler's promotion to Lieutenant General while he was attempting to cover Jefferson Davis's escape

JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON (1807-1891) Autograph Letter Signed "J.E.. Johnston", 2p, 4.25" x 7", separate sheets. On laid paper. Greensboro, April 22, 1865. To Gen. John C. Breckinridge, Confederate Secretary of War. Lengthy Autograph Endorsement Signed "Wade Hampton / Lt Genl" on verso of second sheet. Fine condition.

Four days before surrendering his Army of Tennessee to Union Gen. William T. Sherman on April 26, 1865, Confederate Gen. Johnston writes, in full, "In expectation of the conclusion of Peace very soon, Major General Wheeler desires to be prepared for foreign service. He has, as you probably know, long commanded a corps of cavalry. He thinks that the evidence of that fact might be of advantage to him in obtaining Military rank hereafter - & that the simplest evidence would be the corresponding rank – or rather the appointment of Lieut. General. I believe that it is needless to remind you of the fidelity zeal courage & success with which general Wheeler commanded his corps." Lieut. Gen. Hampton adds on verso of second sheet, in full, "Hd. Qts. Apr 22nd 1865. I must Respy & earnestly recommend this appointment. Not only will it assist Genl. Wheeler in his proposed object, but it will be a fitting mark by our Government of its appreciation of his long & gallant service. Wade Hampton Lt Genl"

On February 6,1865, Gen. John C. Breckinridge became the Confederacy's last Secretary of War. Joseph Wheeler fought under General Joseph E. Johnston in the Carolinas until the end of the war. Wheeler was replaced as cavalry chief by Lt. Gen. Wade Hampton and fought under him at the Battle of Bentonville on March 19–20, 1865. A telegram from Breckinridge at Greensboro to Jefferson Davis dated April 19, 1865, informing him of Lincoln's assassination, suggests that the Secretary of War was personally presented with Johnston and Hampton's recommendation.

Certainly the finest wartime letter of Johnston in private hands. The only comparable item ever offered is Johnston's General Order #18, surrender of April 26, 1865, of which several fair copy examples exist and which typically sell for around $20,000.

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