Description:

Robert B. Potter
Antietam, MD, October 4, 1862
Generals Burnside, Sturgis, and Ferrero Approve Promotions 2 Weeks after Antietam on an ALS by a Future General!
ALS

Robert B. Potter ALS with endorsement signatures by Ambrose Burnside, Edward Ferrero, and Samuel D. Sturgis. 4p., 7.75" x 9.625"; Antietam, MD; October 4, 1862. A letter from then Lieutenant Colonel Potter to New York Governor Edwin D. Morgan sending a list of officers recommended for promotion two weeks after the Battle of Antietam. Potter's name is the first listed, and he signs again at the conclusion, "Robert B. Potter / Lt Col Comg." Signed on the fourth page, "Edwd Ferrero," "S.D. Sturgis," and "AE Burnside" all approving the recommendations. Clean paper and bold ink. Light toning and soiling, stray foxing and wear to the exterior folds. Great and timely association to the Battle of Antietam with three endorsement signatures by generals on an ALS by a future general who all took part in the action on the southern end of the battlefield.

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

Potter's letter begins: "The following promotions and appointments to fill vacancies in the positions of commissioned officers in this Regiment having been made I recommend them for your Excellencies approval." He lists a total of 22 men, including their current rank and the name of the officer they are replacing. The last recommendation on the list is for "Samuel Pooley to be 2d Lt vice Springweiler deceased from September 30th 1862." Per the Civil War Database, Charles F. Springweiler, a second lieutenant in the NY 51st Infantry was killed on September 14, 1862 at the Battle of South Mountain, a critical prelude to Antietam – the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.

Robert B. Potter was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers in March 1863 after distinguished service with the 51st New York at Antietam and Fredericksburg. Following his promotion, he commanded a brigade in the IX Corps during the Siege of Vicksburg and subsequent operations in East Tennessee. Elevated to major general of volunteers in 1864, Potter went on to command a division during the Overland Campaign and throughout the Siege of Petersburg, participating in some of the war's most grueling trench fighting. He was wounded in the final assaults before Petersburg in April 1865.

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: 9.625" x 7.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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