Description:

George B. McClellan
Army Headquarters, January 27, 1862
George McClellan Important War-dated ALS: "arming the Berdan Sharp Shooters"
ALS
George B. McClellan (1826-1885). Autograph Letter Signed, "Geo. B. McClellan", as major general, 2pp, 7.75" x 9.75", Head Quarters of the Army, January 27, 1862. On blind-embossed lined bifolium stationery with docketing and endorsement page meticulously detached. Expected mailing folds. Minor discoloration at lower horizontal fold. Light toning and soiling. Tiny chip at bottom left corner not affecting text. Else, in near fine condition.

McClellan writes to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton (1814-1869) in full: "The matter of arming the Berdan Sharp Shooters seems to require an immediate decision. It is a corps composed of picked material, most of the men have been here for a long time & are still unarmed. Without going through a long story it may suffice to say that the men are raised under the promise of being provided with some superior breech loading arm & that they are fully competent to use & take care of such a weapon.

From many causes they have not yet been provided with these or any other arms. There are now in Washington 1000 Colts rifles which can be purchased by the Gvt for $45 each (usual price $52.50), then are one thousand more on hand at Hartford which can be had at once on the same terms. I understand that the Sharp Manufacturing can furnish 1000 rifles about the 4th of the next month.

I would recommend that the 1000 Colts rifles now in this city be purchased & that the 1000 Sharps rifles which will probably be ready next week be also purchased & that all the arms be issued to Berdan's Sharp Shooters. I have now no doubt that these troops thus armed will prove a very valuable addition to our force. The men are much disheartened by repeated disappointments."

Handwritten signed endorsement by Stanton reads: "The Chief of Ordinance will forthwith carry into effect the written recommendation if practicable - & if there be any objection or difficultly in doing so report to me immediately / Edwin M. Stanton / Sec of War / Jany 28, 1862".

Hiram Berdan (1824-1893) was an American engineer, inventor, military officer, and marksman. He was the guiding force behind and commanding colonel of the U.S. Volunteer Sharpshooter Regiments during the American Civil War. During battle, the mission of the sharpshooter was to kill enemy targets of importance from long range. The first regiment of volunteers began service in late November 1860. During their service, they fought in every Eastern battle up until autumn of 1864. During their tour, the Sharpshooters were noted for efficient service in the battles of Yorktown, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania and Petersburg.

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 9.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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