Auction Date:2012 May 16 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : 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
Union general (1815–1872), known as ‘Old Brains,’ who, despite his administrative skill as general-in-chief, failed to achieve an overall battle strategy for Union forces. Lincoln once described him as ‘little more than a first rate clerk.’ War-dated ALS signed “H. W. Halleck,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 4.75 x 7.75, Headquarters of the Army letterhead, September 29, 1863. Letter to U. S. Grant at Vicksburg, notated at the top “Unofficial.” In full: “Brig. Genl. H. M. Naglee, U. S. Vols., has been placed on duty in several Depts., but seems to nowhere give satisfaction. The Secty of War has just ordered him to report to you at Vicksburg. I thought it was rather unfair to impose on you an officer who makes trouble wherever he goes, and the Secty has authorized me to say to you that you are under no obligation to give Genl. Naglee a command. You can put him on duty or not, as you may deem proper.” Matted and framed (so both sides may be viewed), with a seated portrait of Halleck, to an overall size of 16.75 x 13. Intersecting folds, some scattered light toning, and a couple light brushes and creases, otherwise fine condition. Provenance: Christies Sale 2361, December 3, 2010.
Here Halleck writes to warn Grant about Brigadier General Henry Morris Naglee, who had commanded the District of Virginia in 1863, but was removed after he angered Virginia’s Unionist Governor Francis Pierpont. Pierpont had ordered him to confiscate all personal property of Southerners who refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Union, but Naglee refused to comply. This letter from an exasperated Halleck followed the general’s dismissal. Naglee would not be given another command and sat out the rest of war “awaiting orders.” At the time of this letter, Grant was still in Vicksburg, which he had famously captured two months prior. Lincoln would soon put him in command of the Division of the Mississippi. Despite the letter’s friendly tone, Halleck disliked Grant; he was suspicious of Grant’s history of alcoholism and frustrated by his lack of communication with Halleck’s command. A candid letter from “Old Brains” to the general who would succeed him.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
Previewing Details:
Visit www.RRAuction.com
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Up to $100 $10.00
$101-$500 $15.00
$501-$1,000 $20.00
$1,001-$3,000 $35.00
$3,000-$10,000 $45.00
Over $10,000 $100.00
Payment Details:
Paypal address: mandy@rrauction.com
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- PayPal
Buyer's Premium
A 20% buyer's premium will be added to each winning bid, with a 2% discount for those paying by check, cash, or money order.
Your bid is a contract
Placing a bid online means you agree to abide by the terms and conditions listed by RRAuction.
Payment methods accepted
Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, or Wire Transfer.
Payment for items won in auction 353 is due by Monday, May 28, unless prior arrangements have been made. Late payment may result in suspension of your bidding privileges.
Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Discover are only accepted up to $5,000 without prior arrangement: please contact Mandy Eaton-Casey.
Further descriptions
You can call us or email us if you'd like us to answer questions about these items.