Description:

McPherson James

Bifold autographed letter signed, 7.75" x 9.75", written on recto of the first page, with remaining pages blank. Dated "June 25th 1863", and signed by McPherson TWICE, once within the body of the letter as "McPherson", and once within the salutation as "Very Respectfully / Your Obt. Sevt / Jas B McPherson / Maj Genl". Vibrantly penned letter with strong contrasting ink. Several faint stains, expected folds with professional conservation to small separation along fold line.


 

It would be difficult to locate a more emotional Civil war letter. This fantastic ALS is penned entirely in the hand of James B. McPherson, the second highest ranking Union Officer killed in the Civil War (at the Battle of Atlanta). His letter written to Brigadier General John ("Jno") Smith was in preparation to be ambushed that night. McPherson warned his men to remain armed that night, and in the event of an attack to cry out "McPherson" as the "Battle Cry" in order to be distinguished from the enemy. One can only imagine laying in the dark, and listening for any small noise in the distance … waiting. And perhaps realizing in an night ambush, in the pitch black, that it would be hard to distinguish the enemy amongst the  men.


 

The letter is shown below:

 

"Hd Qrs. 17th Army Corps

Near Battle Field

June 25th, 1863

 

Brig. Gen Jno E. Smith/ Comdg. 7th Div

 

General

In case of an attack tonight the Battle Cry will be "McPherson I norder that our men may be distinguished from the Enemy -Communicate this to your command, & have them under arms tonight.

 

Very Respectively

Your Obt. Sevt.

Jas B McPherson

Maj. Genl"

 


As it would turn out McPherson lived to see another day. Grant recommended McPherson for brigadier general in the regular army, commencing Aug. 1, 1863, and soon after he led a column of infantry into Mississippi and repulsed the enemy at Canton. On October 8 he was promoted to major general, and was soon after given command of the XVII Corps in Grant's Army of the Tennessee. On March 12, 1864, he was given command of the Army of Tennessee, after its former commander, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, was promoted to command of all armies in the West. McPherson's army became the Right Wing of Sherman's army, and ultimately a part of the Atlanta Campaign. It was here where McPherson met his demise. While trying to escape a line of Confederate skirmishers, he wheeled his horse, attempting to escape. The Confederates opened fire and mortally wounded McPherson.

McPherson was the second highest ranking Union officer to be killed in action during the war (the highest ranking was John Sedgwick). His autograph is a legendary rarity, among if not THE rarest of all civil war autographs. A search of auction records show only a few to ever hit the market, in our opinion this is the very best one.

A stunning beautifully penned letter, full of imagery and emotion.

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