Description:

Joseph Hooker
Camp near Falmouth, VA, April 28, 1863
Gens. Hooker & Butterfield Endorse a Petition for an Officer Wounded at Fredericksburg - Signed by James C. Rice - Brig. Gen. Mortally Wounded at Spotsylvania
LS and AES

Joseph Hooker and Daniel Butterfield autograph endorsements signed on verso of a petition signed by James C. Rice. 4pp., 7.875" x 12.125"; "Camp near Falmouth, Va."; April 28, 1863. A petition submitted to Secretary of War Edward M. Stanton asking for the reappointment of Freeman Conner, discharged for wounds suffered at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Signed, "James C. Rice / Col Comdg" along with 28 officers of the 44th New York Volunteers. Generals Hooker and Butterfield write and sign endorsements supporting the appointment. Wear and minor separations at the folds, with a few chips of loss along the left edge of the third sheet affecting Butterfield's rank.

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

The petition to the Secretary of War reads in part: "Honorable discharged in consequence of protracted disability the effects of sever[e] wound received while nobly performing his duty as commanding Officer of this regiment in the battle of Fredericksburg, and having been a faithful Officer of this regiment from the time of its organization, in every way fully competent, we are pleased to testify to his excellence. He has participated with his regiment in every battle in which they have been engaged. We most respectfully beg, on the ground of his extreme worthiness, that he be reinstated as Lieut. Colonel of the 44th Regt New York State Volunteers."

With a long AES by Butterfield on the verso of the third sheet: "Lt. Col Conner is known to me as a brave & efficient officer. His absence was caused by wounds recd at the battle of Fredericksburg. I know his merits honorably I earnestly request that he may be restored to his position – he deserves it. Daniel Butterfield / Maj Gnl Chief Staff." To which Hooker adds: "I concur in the endorsement of maj genl Butterfield. Joseph Hooker."

Freeman Conner was subsequently commissioned in Company "D" of the 44th NY on May 12, 1863, just two weeks after this petition was submitted. He was wounded on May 8, 1864 at Laurel Hill, the opening clashes leading to the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, where James C. Rice was mortally wounded later that day.

James C. Rice (1840-1864) was commissioned into "B" Company in the 39th New York Infantry ("Garibaldi Guard") on May 28, 1861. He was transferred to the 44th New York Infantry later that year in September, where he rose to command. Rice served with distinction at the Battle of Gettysburg, contributing to his promotion to brigadier general in February 1864. He subsequently commanded a brigade in the V Corps, Army of the Potomac, and was mortally wounded during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, dying of his wounds on May 10, 1864.

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: 12.125" x 7.875"
  • Medium: LS and AES

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