LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 December Civil War Auction #674  / 

72100

JAMES LONGSTREET AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,400.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
JAMES LONGSTREET AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED
<B>JAMES LONGSTREET EARLY AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED,1850.</B></I> Longstreet was one of the foremost Confederate generals of the American Civil War, the principal subordinate to General Robert E. Lee, who called him his "Old War Horse." He served under Lee as a corps commander for many of the famous battles fought by the Army of Northern Virginia in the Eastern Theater, but also with Gen. Braxton Bragg in the Army of Tennessee in the Western Theater. Biographer and historian Jeffry D. Wert wrote that "Longstreet ... was the finest corps commander in the Army of Northern Virginia; in fact, he was arguably the best corps commander in the conflict on either side." <BR><B></B></I><BR>Very early ALS. Two pages, quarto, dated February 21, 1850 from San Antonio, Texas. Written to secretary of War George W. Crawford. <I>“Sir I hope that I am not infringing upon the rules of correspondence in taking the liberty of addressing you. If you do not remember me, my cousins with whom you are not unacquainted can probably speak for me. I write to ask, (if it be not asking to much) your assistance in getting me promotion, should an opportunity offer. If any testimony of my services; other than the reports of our Military Chieftains would assist me; I would like to give it. For I do not hesitate to say that I can furnish ample proof, from every officer under whom I have served, is as much service as any officer of my grade could have rendered. I shared a full part in every action of the late war against Mexico. Before, and since the war I have constantly served on the Frontier. It is true that I have been brevetted twice for services during the late war. But brevets have been given in such promiscuous profusion, that this is an empty requital, which confers neither fame nor reward. Please do me the favor to present my kindest regards and remembrances to your kind lady, and my good cousins. I am Sir with much respect and esteem, your most obt Servt, James Longstreet Bt. Major 8th Infantry”</B></I> A superb early letter from Longstreet, who would not be promoted until aligning himself with the Confederate cause. <BR><BR><B>Condition:</B></I> Very fine.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot