Description:

William Sherman
Oak Ridge, MS, August 30, 1863
W.T. Sherman Reports Captured Confederates by John Corse after Vicksburg, Commended by Trump During 250th US Army Celebration in DC!
AES

Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Brigadier General John M. Corse, Oak Ridge, Mississippi, dated August 30, 1863, shortly following the Union victory at Vicksburg, and addressed to Captain R.M. Sawyer of the 15th Army Corps. Corse reports the capture of two Confederate cavalrymen by Lieutenant Holmes of the 6th Iowa Infantry, following a skirmish on August 29th, approximately four miles from his encampment on the Benton Road. Endorsed on the verso by Major General William T. Sherman, reading: "Rep to Lt. Col [Charles] Ewing Insp Genl / W.T. Sherman Maj comd." The letter measures 7.75" x 11." In fine condition, expected folds, boldly signed by Sherman.

In part:

"I have the honor to submit the following report the prisoners sent you were captured Aug the 29th under the following circumstances At a distance of near four (4) miles from my camp on the Benton Road Lieut Holmes of the 6th Iowa Infty with nineteen (19) mounted men encircled and charged upon a regularly organized body of Confederate Cavalry consisting of seventy in number said to belong to Piersons (1st Miss) Regiment. They immediately fled. Lieut Holmes succeeded however in capturing two of the enemy. The rest escaping by the fleetness of their horses and knowledge of the byroads they all appeared to be clothed without regard to Uniform and status (those that were captured) that they were unable to procure other than what they then wore, as their government did not furnish them any prescribed uniform."

In the aftermath of the Union victory at Vicksburg, General William T. Sherman was charged with clearing central Mississippi of remaining Confederate forces and securing vital transportation routes, including roads and rail lines critical to maintaining Union control. His command conducted a series of aggressive raids, reconnaissance missions, and anti-cavalry operations aimed at disrupting Confederate movements and preventing regrouping efforts. Key areas of focus included Jackson, Oak Ridge, and critical thoroughfares such as the Benton Road, specifically cited in General John M. Corse's field report, as Union forces worked to suppress enemy cavalry activity and stabilize the region for long-term occupation.

General John M. Corse, a rising officer under Sherman's command, played a crucial role in stabilizing the region and countering Confederate cavalry activity. His report reveals the difficulties Union troops encountered when dealing with elusive enemy units operating in an irregular manner—"clothed without regard to uniform"—reflecting the Confederacy's declining resources by this stage of the war.

The captured Confederate soldiers were identified as members of Pierson's 1st Mississippi Cavalry Regiment, a force known for its activity in the region. This brief but significant engagement illustrates the broader Union campaign to suppress Confederate cavalry raids, which were commonly used to disrupt Union supply lines and communications in the Vicksburg area.

In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army, President Donald Trump paid tribute to General John Corse in his short speech at the Washington D.C. military parade, recalling his grit during the Civil War: "The Civil War General John Corse, shot in the face in combat, he fired off a message to his commander, ‘I am short a cheek bone and one ear, but I am able to whip the hell out of all of them.' He stayed on the front lines it seems forever." A timeless reminder of American resilience and resolve.

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: 7.75" x 11"
  • Medium: AES

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