LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

74340

E. Kirby Smith Reinstates Marmaduke's Colonels

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:312.00 USD Estimated At:1,250.00 - 1,500.00 USD
E. Kirby Smith Reinstates Marmaduke's Colonels
<B>Autograph Letter Signed by Edmund Kirby Smith to Sterling Price Reinstating the Court Martialed Colonels of Marmaduke's Brigade in Preparation for the Raids on Missouri</B></I> ALS “<I>E Kirby Smith</B></I>”, 1 page, 8” x 10.5”, “<I>Head Quarters Trans Miss Dept Shreveport</B></I>”, August 11, 1864. His instructions read, in full: “<I>I authorise </B></I> sic <I>you to return to duty the Colonels in Marmaduke's Brigade who were reduced by court martial, after you cross the Arkansas River. I am induced to take this course by the representations of Gov Reynolds</B></I> confederate Governor of Missouri <I>who says he will be responsible for their good conduct.</B></I>” After several unsuccessful attempts into the east side of the Mississippi, Kirby Smith decided to concentrate his efforts on the west of the river and directed Price to take all cavalry to attempt recovery of Missouri. Price left Princeton, Arkansas in August of 1864, in the company of the cavalry divisions of J. F. Fagan and John S. Marmaduke. He would soon meet up with J.O. Shelby's cavalry. With forces totaling over 12,000 men, Price would enter Missouri on September 19. His forces would suffer a bloody defeat on September 27 at the hands of Thomas Ewing's Federal forces. His forces would continue west meeting ever-toughening Federal forces and eventually retreating including a detour through Indian Territory. Governor Thomas C. Reynolds, who had accompanied Price throughout the campaigns, greatly criticized Price's abilities pointing out his "glaring mismanagement and distressing mental and physical military incapacity." The letter is tipped and in good condition with a bit of paper loss at the folds, none affecting the text. There is an endorsement in an unknown hand on the verso. Great content letter just prior to the start of the last organized Confederate Military action in the Trans-Mississippi region.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Smal (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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