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427

Joseph E. Johnston

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Joseph E. Johnston

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Auction Date:2012 Apr 18 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
ALS signed “J. E. Johnston,” two pages, 5.5 x 9, January 7, 1885. Letter to Major Robert Stiles. In full: “Yours of the 3d came yesterday. In regard to Mr Howard—I can not see from your opinions that the gentleman has any claim upon me. He says Mr Kelley appointed him my Counsel. That is preposterous. He claims to have proved my account. If he did it was useless. For I knew it before he did. Informed by Mr. Kelley in 1880 or 1881. So I see no reason for waiting upon him. Therefore, unless you think differently, I am for ending the Matter leaving Mr H. to the legal remedies within his reach. As to the report of the battle of 7 Pines by Longstreet—R. Jones and I had an earnest conversation on the subject, I claiming that the book purporting to be Genl L.’s order book was not authority against the report received by me and urging him to accept the latter as the official one, as I offered it. He refused—but consented to let the report made to me, be deposited near or by the order book. This was after 1878.

As this paper was not accepted as official, I now claim it for use. It is of interest to me—because the copy in the order book has an interpolation which contradicts my report of the battle, in all items taken from Longstreet’s report to me—The only official one.” On the reverse, Stiles has docketed the letter, as well as penning a one-page ALS to a Mr. Jones, which reads, “You see how strong Genl Johnston’s impression is that he had left with you this ‘official’ Report. Please write to me a letter responding to this point, that I may forward it to him. I understand your memory is distinct to the contrary of this. If possible give details which may tend to refresh Genl Johnston’s memory, if it be his which is in default & oblige.” In fine condition, with a complete separation to hinge, and mild toning to edges.

Serving under General Joseph E. Johnston, Longstreet exhibited one of the worst battle performances of his military career at 1862’s Battle of Seven Pines. He became lost during the fight and shouted indecisive and imprecise orders to his subordinates—and disregarded verbal orders from Johnston regarding the campaign. In his report, Longstreet implied that the fault lay with Confederate General Benjamin Huger—a version of the truth Johnston accepted, in part because he believed his own verbal orders may have contributed to the confusion. “As to the report of the battle of 7 Pines by Longstreet… the book purporting to be Genl L.’s order book was not authority against the report received by me and urging him to accept the latter as the official one, as I offered it. He refused,” Johnston writes here. Unique reflection on the relationship between Longstreet and Johnston, two of the Confederacy’s greatest generals.
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