Autographs

Military Leaders

Great Confederate Content

Lot 173
Smith, Gustavus Woodson. Letter Signed ("GW Smith"). Signed as Major-General. Two pages, large quarto, Richmond, November 12, 1862. To General Robert E. Lee. Transmittal fold, else very fine.

With the Confederate Army still recovering from its losses at Antietam, troops and supplies were at a premium and the Confederacy was forced to shift men and material from one place to another, as described in this letter. "...The two Mississippi Regiments have arrived. The North Carolina regiments were started upon short notice, that there was not time to relieve the two detached Companies, and directions were given to retain them, until details to relieve them in detached service could be furnished from the Mississippi. In the mean time Small Pox has broken out in one of the Companies...I stated 'his (Gen French's) instructions are to protect Weldon Petersburg and the Railroad. I think he can do this at present with the forces he has. But a portion of this force must be sent to Wilmington in a few days'..." This letter was written in a retained portion of Smith's letterbook and the beginning of a letter to General Samuel Gibbs French at Petersburg is found at the end of the page "...The Secretary of War has requested me to ask your views in regard to the proper geographical boundary of the district above..."
Estimated Value $1,700-2,000.

Lot 174
Stevenson, Carter Littlepage (1817-1888). Confederate Major-General during the Civil War.

Autograph Letter Signed ("C.L. Stevenson"). One page, quarto, "Headquarters" Sewell Mt., October 19, 1861. In black ink. To General Henry R. Jackson. Two horizontal folds, ink smearing affecting one work, toning to edges and a small soil mark at upper left edge. Overall, in very good to fine condition.

Here, Steveneson clues in fellow General Jackson, in charge of troops at Monterey, Virginia, as to the position of the enemy: "...We have reason to believe, I was so informed at Headquarters last night, that the enemy who were in front of us have not gone in your direction. On yesterday the greater part of his forces were on this side of the Ganly. I will advise you from time to time of such information as may be received here with regard to his movements." Four days after this letter was written, Jackson was involved in a battle just 30 miles from Monterey, a battle which may have involved the mentioned 'enemy'.
Estimated Value $850-1,000.

Lot 175
Westmoreland, William (b. 1914). American general who directed the war in Vietnam.

Typed Letter Signed ("WC Westmoreland"). One page, quarto, n.p., November 19, 1968. On United States Army / The Chief of Staff stationery. To Mr. James O. Dunning. Fine condition.

In reply to an autograph request, General Westmoreland writes "I regret that it is not possible to send you an autographed sheet of stationery as you requested..."
Estimated Value $100-UP.

Lot 176
America's World War I Heroes. Lot of five signatures (one is an ALS) and the Seattle Daily Times Armistice Extra Edition. The signatures of James Harbord, C. E. Rosendahl, Hunter Ligget, and Robert Lee Bullard appear on various size cards and William H. Johnston has penned a brief letter outlining his feelings about his military success ("...I was lucky, lasted longer than some, served forty two years on the active list..."). Conditions range from very good to fine.

A lot of America's commanders from the "War to End All Wars" (would that it had been so) and a newspaper celebrating their triumph over "Kaiserdom."
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 177
Europe's World War I Heroes. Lot of six. Marshall Pétain signs his calling card, General Gouraud has penned a brief statement in French above his signature and again below a typed version on a second page. Marshall Joffre signs at the margin of a photograph portrait of himself. Field Marshall Claud W. Jacob and Admiral John Jellico and General Sir Julian Byng offer their signatures on paper of varying sizes. Some corner wear, otherwise conditions range from very good to fine.

These are the men who held the lines for so long before America joined the fight.
Estimated Value $150-UP.

Lot 178
Spanish American War Heroes. Lot of two: 1). Document signed ("George Dewey"). As Admiral of the Navy. Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. One page, 3½ x 8", Washington DC, December 7, 1905. Being a "Record of Officers". One horizontal fold, minor toning, adhesive residue on verso. Very good condition. A secretarial hand fills out the bureaucratic details and the great Admiral gives his approval. 2). Signature ("Richmond P. Hobson"). One page, 3½ x 2½", n.p., n.d. Inscribed "Autograph of...with good wishes" on back of calling card. Mounting residue at corners, else fine.

Dewey, the greatest Admiral of the Spanish-American War and Hobson, "the most kissed man in America" -- he sank the Merrimac in Santiago Harbor.
Estimated Value $100-150.