Description:

Civil War
various, ca. 1862-1863
Two [Civil War] Letters from Union Gen. Kearny & Confederate Gen. Polk
ALS
A pair of letters from Civil War Union General Philip Kearny and Confederate General Leonidas Polk. Kearny's letter, 1p, measuring 4.75" x 8", [Harrison's Landing, VA], dated July 17, 1862, is written from headquarters, where he was battling illness, to a former comrade who requested a position on his staff. Polk's letter, 1p of a bifolium, measuring 5.75" x 9", [Tennessee], dated March 10, [1863], was written during his conflict with fellow Confederate General Braxton Bragg and subtly accuses Bragg of incorrectly recounting recent battle events. Both letters have flattened mail folds, with varying toning and scattered staining on both the front and verso. Boldly signed by both men.

Includes:
1. Philip Kearny ALS, reading in full: "It would be a great pleasure to associate around me friends of yore; & I well know your activity & worth; but unfortunately I have my staff either supplied, or have written for officers to join me." Written less than two months before Kearny was killed in battle outside of Washington, D.C. On September 1, 1862, during the Battle of Chantilly, Kearny, who was known for his aggressive fighting nature, rushed blindly forward into a heavy storm to restore order to the rapidly disintegrating Union line, and he was killed instantly by Confederate fire.

2. Leonidas Polk ALS, reading in full: "I think it important in your letter to Judge Brown, which I have received, to know the language imputed to you quoted as it was said to have been reported by Judge Brown, and I should have furnished you with a copy of it for that purpose. I return you your letter to him with a copy of the language said by Judge Brown to have been used, and shall be obliged by your inserting that in lieu of the words your memory has furnished you. You will please let me have your reply at your earliest convenience." After the Battle of Perrysville, Polk blamed the commander of the Army of Tennessee, Braxton Bragg, for the failure of the Kentucky campaign. He called upon Jefferson Davis to remove Bragg from command, arguing that he no longer had the faith of his men. After the Bragg's retreat and failure to achieve victory at the Battle of Murfreesboro, the rift between the men grew even larger. Polk became increasingly wary of Bragg, sending all of the correspondence that he had with his commander to Davis, and he once again requested that Bragg be transferred for the good of the army.

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: 5.75" x 9" (largest)
  • Medium: ALS

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