Description:

Civil War
Savannah, GA, June 17, 1865
Jewish Confederate ALS to Pres. Johnson
ALS

A letter of petition written to President Andrew Johnson for the release of a Jewish Confederate P.O.W. 2pp of a bifolium, measuring 8.25" x 8.25", Savannah, dated June 17, 1865. Signed by brothers "M.A. Cohen" and "J.G. Cohen" and addressed to President Johnson. The brothers petitioned for the release of their brother, Michael J. Cohen, who was being held at Johnson's Island in Ohio. Countersigned by two other men and with two endorsements from two Union generals, Stewart L. Woodford and Henry Warner Birge, on the verso. The letter is stamped as being "Received by the President" on June 27, 1865. With flattened mail folds and separations which have been repaired with archival tape. Mounting along the left edge. Paper loss and small tears at the edges and corners. Light toning and soiling throughout. Boldly signed by all.

In full:

"We the undersigned brothers of Michael J. Cohen, who is confined as a prisoner of war at Johnson's Island, Ohio, in Block 5 Company 10, endorsed by the distinguished names also affixed to this, Do most respectfully petition of you his release. He was of the rank of third assistant engineer in the Rebel Navy, and was captured when Lee evacuated Richmond. Pledging ourselves, that if he is released under your amnesty proclamation, he will faithfully adhere to the laws of the United States."

June 20, 1865: "I respectfully recommend that Engineer Cohen be released upon taking the amnesty oath, provided that he is not contained within the Exceptions of the Proclamation of May 29, 1865. Stewart L. Woodford Bvt Brig Gen Comdg."

June 21, 1865: "Resply forwarded recommended. H. W. Birge Bt. Maj. Gen. Comdg."

Michael J. Cohen enlisted in the Confederate States Navy on July 29, 1863 as an Acting Third Assistant Engineer, served on the CSS Palmetto State, and was commissioned into the CSA Provisional Navy a year later. He was captured mid-April 1865 while on duty on the Appomattox River and held at Johnson's Island for just over two months. Records show that Cohen did take the Oath of Allegiance on June 19 and subsequently was released.

Henry Warner Birge (1825-1888) was a Connecticut native who helped organize the first state regiment of 3-year troops, the 4th CT Infantry. He was commissioned colonel of the 13th CT Infantry in early 1862 and saw service in the first Red River Campaign and the siege of Port Hudson. In 1863, Birge was promoted to brigadier general and participated in Sheridan's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. He was given command of the defenses of Savannah in early 1865 and later took command of Savannah after the surrender of General Joseph Johnston.

Stewart Lyndon Woodford (1835-1913) served as Assistant United States Attorney for New York's Southern District from 1861 until volunteering for the Union Army in 1862. Woodford served as chief of staff to Quincy A. Gillmore, commander of the Department of the South, and as commander of the 103rd Colored Infantry Regiment. He attained the rank of colonel and was promoted to brevet rank of brigadier general in 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: 8.25" x 8.25"
  • Medium: ALS

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