Description:

John A. McClernand
Cairo, IL, February 1, 1862
John A. McClernand LS Addressed to U.S. Grant Re: Staffing & Supplies Ahead of Battles of Fort Henry & Donelson
LS
A 2pp letter signed by John A. McClernand (1812-1900), then in his role as Brigadier General of the Union Army, as "John A. McClernand" on the second page. February 1, 1862. Headquarters, 1st Brigade Camp, Cairo, Illinois. Secretarially inscribed on laid bifold paper. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds, areas of uneven toning, and isolated discoloration. A circular closed tear affecting the first page has been discretely professionally restored. Else very good. 7.75" x 9.75." A complete transcript of the letter is also included.

McClernand addressed this memorandum to his superior officer, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), commander of the District of Cairo. McClernand wanted to confirm a few logistical details in advance of a big military push - what would be the Battles of Fort Henry (February 6, 1862) and Fort Donelson (February 11-16, 1862.)

In part: "I have made these suggestions supposing and hoping that they will meet with your approbation and be carried into effect by a proper order to be made by you…"

McClernand brought up staffing issues and the status of military stores, specifically: the replacement of one Captain Leland with a certain Lt. William H. Heath as Commissary; the relocation of stores from the steamer "Emerald" to the steamer "Uncle Sam"; and the importance of maintaining a chain of command between the substitute Commissary and the former Commissary's clerks. The army's success depended on its unfettered access to good, cheap military stores. Grant himself had just recently cleaned up the so-called "Cairo Ring" of corrupt military provisioners in the District.

The District of Cairo was an important army outpost located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Grant had assumed its command a few months before, in early September 1861. In February 1862, Grant's troops were ramping up for a dual offensive at Fort Henry, located on the Tennessee River, and at Fort Donelson, on the banks of the Cumberland River. The Confederate garrison at Fort Henry surrendered on the first day of fighting, February 6th. Fort Donelson capitulated to Union forces just two weeks after McClernand's communique to Grant.

It is interesting to see any communication exchanged between McClernand and Grant since the two had a complicated and mostly adversarial relationship. Grant, a West Point graduate and professional soldier, considered McClernand "a politician in uniform," a civilian playing at soldiering for political reasons. McClernand possessed many strong personal ambitions, and even coveted Grant's command of the District of Cairo. Later on during the Civil War, McClernand would use his personal access to President Abraham Lincoln to criticize his fellow generals, Grant among them; and jockey for more powerful military positions.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 7.75" x 9.75"
  • Medium: LS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

October 30, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000