97

DIXON MILES A.L.S.

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
DIXON MILES A.L.S.
<b>97. DIXON MILES</b> (1804-1862) Union colonel who was accused of drunkenness at First Bull Run and commanded the garrison at Harper's Ferry where he was mortally wounded after the town's capitulation. Fascinating war-date A.L.S. "<i>D. S. Miles</i>" adding rank, 2pp. 4to.Washington, Sept. 9, 1861 to a Mr. Charles Ogden concerning the accusation that Miles was drunk during the retreat from First Bull Run. In part: "<i>...I regret very much the position you assume...your reason for declining does not [appear] in justice to my case. Your evidence I want...my case has nothing whatever to do with the Bull Run fight...I have been maliciously charged with being drunk on that date...a volunteer captain swore I was...by my getting into my carriage or being helped in, bidding people good bye, etc...did I get into my carriage...in Centreville, Va.? Who did get in the carriage besides yourself? And was I drunk? If you refuse to answer these questions. I shall be unable to summon you...[and] you...have given me not the slightest point on which I could make an affidavit...not [to] mention that you were the gentleman, on foot, almost helpless when I offered you the use of my carriage. If Mr. Harper got into my carriage will you please state where a letter would reach him...</i>". Miles' chief accuser was future Gen. Israel Richardson who along with many others confirmed that Miles could not maintain his balance on his horse, was observed wearing two hats and had issued many nonsensical orders throughout the day. Miles was eventually acquitted because of lack of sufficient evidence and contradictory testimony, and assigned to the out-of-the-way post at Harper's Ferry. Very good. <b>$600-800</b>