Description:

Nathaniel Lyon
St. Louis Arsenal, Missouri, June 6, 1861
N. Lyon War-Dated ALS, 2 Months Before Being KIA at Wilson's Creek
ALS

Two pp, 7.875" x 9.75"; "Headquarters Department of the West / St. Louis Arsenal, Mo."; June 6, 1861. An exceedingly scarce war-dated ALS by Nathaniel Lyon to Colonel Nicholas Schittner informing him that his regiment will be left out of the companies included for "the three years' service" due to his "want of a knowledge of the English language." Lyon was KIA two months after writing this letter, becoming the first Union general to die in the Civil War. Rough edges at left and right, with some showthrough from bold ink.

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

In large part: "I am satisfactorily informed that your want of a knowledge of the English language is a serious impediment to the instruction, discipline and efficiency of your Regiment, and greatly interferes with the harmony of your command. This inconvenience I have felt sadly in our Artillery Battalion and on this account I am obliged to leave out these Companies for the three year's [sic] service. I am advised that any other position either as Lieut Col or Major in you Regt. Than that of Col and Commander would be satisfactory to all. Aware of your patriotism and readiness to sacrifice much for our great cause, I feel confident you will yield to my request on this subject…" Signed, "N. Lyon / Brig Gen'l /U.S. Vol. Com'g."

Nathaniel Lyon is most noted for his decisive role in keeping Missouri from falling into Confederate hands. The St. Louis Arsenal (where this letter is written) was the key federal stronghold in Missouri, housing large quantities of arms and munitions.

Nicolas Schittner, the recipient of this letter, must have heeded Lyon's request and relinquished his command. He was commissioned the following year as a colonel into Field & Staff of the Missouri 4th Infantry.

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: 9.75" x 7.875"
  • Medium: ALS

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