Description:

Joseph Wheeler
Raleigh, NC, April 17, 1865
Former NC Gov. Thomas Bragg ALS to Genl Wheeler for Safe Return of His Son, Secured by General Sherman
ALS

A personal letter from Thomas Bragg to General Joseph Wheeler concerning the safety of his son. 1p, measuring 7.75" x 10", Raleigh, North Carolina, dated April 17, 1865. Signed "T. Bragg." Written while Sherman was marching to Raleigh to press General Joseph Johnston for an end to hostilities. Bragg states that Sherman had granted permission and assured safe passage for Bragg's son [John Bragg] to leave Wheeler's forces and join his father. With flattened mail folds. Slightly rough left edge. Contemporary ink stains. Boldly signed.

Reading in full:
"Genl Sherman assures me that my son may return here with perfect safety, and I hope he will do so. Let him know this my dear Genl and send this to him if he is not with you. I am at Genl Sheridan's headquarters and he promises to take this up and will give John permission to come down on the Rail Road. It will be vain for him to continue with you nor can he stand the hardship."

Thomas Bragg (1810-1872), the brother of Confederate General Braxton Bragg, was the former Governor of North Carolina and a close friend to Union General William T. Sherman. This letter is interesting because General Johnston had also sent an envoy to parlay with Sherman and discuss an armistice. It is likely he facilitated this letter from Thomas Bragg using Sherman's assurances for the return of John Bragg.

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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  • Dimensions: 7.75" x 10"
  • Medium: ALS

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