Description:

John Sedgwick
Fair Oaks, VA, June 7, 1862
Gen. Sedgwick Reorganizes His Division After the Battle of Fair Oaks
ALS

One page, 5.1" x 7.75"; "Camp near Fair Oaks" [Virginia]; June 7, 1862. Brigadier General John Sedgwick sends orders to Major John Stover of the 106th Pennsylvania six days after the Battle of Fair Oaks as he reorganizes his division. Written entirely in his hand and signed with rank, "John Sedgwick / Brig Genl Vols." Gently toned, with rough edges at top and left. A single ink stain at center, and a closed puncture in the next to last line of the postscript. An excellent war-dated relic by a general who died in battle.

From the collection of Larry Berra, son of baseball legend Yogi Berra.

Sedgwick's orders read: "Major / You are ordered to join with your command, before leaving, you will see the surgeon, and ask him if he has any men of this Division that he wishes to send to this Regiment. If so, bring them, as well as any stragglers you may find."

He adds in a postscript: "The Company of the 42d N.Y. is also ordered to join."

After helping to secure the line at Fair Oaks Station with his timely crossing of the flooded Chickahominy River, Sedgwick spent the following weeks reorganizing his division. The orders offered here are evidence of those efforts. As Confederate command passed to Robert E. Lee, Sedgwick's troops remained in the front ranks of the Army of the Potomac. They were soon to be heavily engaged in the Seven Days Battles, where his steadiness under pressure contributed to the army's fighting withdrawal toward the James River.

Sedgwick was killed two years later on May 9, 1864, during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Having been promoted to major general, he was one of the highest-ranking Union officers killed in the war.

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 5.1"
  • Medium: ALS

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