54

HUGER, BENJAMIN

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 700.00 USD
HUGER, BENJAMIN
<b>54. BENJAMIN HUGER</b> (1805 - 1877) Confederate major general who led the evacuation of Norfolk and led a division at Seven Pines, Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. An extremely scarce war date endorsement on the verso of a letter requesting the return of the body of a Union Captain, Norfolk, Va., Oct. 1, 1861 on the verso of a letter by the son-in-law of Captain Silas Martin, J.S. Williams, stating: <i>"...it is the desire of the aged widow & family of the above decd. That they should be permitted to obtain his remains..."</i>. On the verso Huger has written an 11 line A.E.S. reading, in full: <i>"Norfolk, October 1, 1861. Jas. J. Williams of N.C. making enquiries if his Father in Law S.H. Martin of Wilmington, N.C., late master of the schooner Albion. Wishes to know where he was buried & etc. respectfully referred to Maj. Gen. J.E. Wool by His obt. Sort Benj. Huger Br. Gen Oct. 7th/ 1861"</i>. Most interesting as this letter was sent across the lines to Union Major General John E. Wool for his action to have the body send to the blockade runner's family. Both the letter and the endorsement are in fine condition.<b>$500-700</b>