Description:

Gen. Dan Sickles TLS “[I] Am Striving to Make This Beautiful Tribute to our Illustrious, Martyred President’s Wife” by “Raising a Memorial for Them at Mrs. Lincoln’s Old Home”

1p, [8.25” x 10.5”] Single Page TLS, Daniel Sickles, Mary Todd Lincoln Memorial, 44 Astor Court Building, New York, Telephone 5620 Murray Hill, Dated February 8, 1912. Signed “DL. Sickles”, and addressed to Lieut. Joseph J. Janney, of Baltimore, MD, in regards to “Raising a memorial” for President & Mrs. Lincoln “At Mrs. Lincoln’s old home” in Lexington, Kentucky. Signature dark and bold. Expected folds from mailing.

“Dear Commander and Comrade:

There are only three Major - Generals of the Civil War Living. Wilson, Dodge and myself. I am in my 87th year, and am striving to make this beautiful tribute to our illustrious, martyred President’s wife.

I have just received a liberal subscription from Major-Gen. Dodge. In his letter he says: “I think your effort to honor the memory of Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln by raising a memorial for them at Mrs. Lincoln’s old home, Lexington, is a very creditable one. I have always thought that some such tribute should have been paid to Mrs. Lincoln long ago, and I am glad to join you to help carry out the plans.

Will you and your commanders unite also with me in making this a speedy success?

I am seeking the co-operation of my comrades, the good mothers, and patriotic citizens of this country to do this at once.

Thanking you for a prompt and favorable reply, I am

Faithfully your comrade in F. C. and L.

Daniel Sickles

Major - Gen. U.S.A., Retired.”

Daniel Edgar Sickles (1819-1914) American politician, soldier, and diplomat who is remembered for acquiring the land for Central Park in New York City. He was also involved in a number of scandals, most notably the 1859 homicide of his wife's lover, U.S. Attorney Philip Barton Key II, whom Sickles gunned down in broad daylight in Lafayette Square, across the street from the White House. Sickles would become the first person in the United States acquitted of murder on the grounds of temporary insanity.

While he was extremely brave in battle, he often found himself in conflict with superior officers. He outright disobeyed direct orders from Maj. Gen. George G. Meade during the Battle of Gettysburg. Sickles orders were to cover the Round Tops on the Union left flank, instead, he moved his men to the Peach Orchard. The result was that the Third Corps was overrun and driven from the field. Sickles lost his right leg in the disaster. Despite this fiasco, Sickles was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Gettysburg. The citation states that he, "displayed most conspicuous gallantry on the field vigorously contesting the advance of the enemy and continuing to encourage his troops after being himself severely wounded. "Sickles died of "cerebral hemorrhage" in New York City on May 3, 1914. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. 

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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