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John Bell Hood

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:5,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
John Bell Hood

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Auction Date:2016 Sep 14 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, 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
Civil War-dated ALS signed “J. B. Hood,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, March 11, 1864. Written from Dalton, Georgia, a letter to a colonel, in full: “I am told some of the old women in our country fear I am not in good health. And that I have to be tied or fastened on my horse, etc. Since I came here I have been riding all over this country with Gen. Johnston. And have been in the saddle every day. I have been in the saddle enough to have fought two or three battles, and feel no inconvenience for it whatever. I wish you would let the country know that I am in good health & young. And am as ready & in as good condition to fight a battle as I ever was. You know how to arrange it. Give my warmest regards to Mrs. Thrasher.” Hood adds a brief postscript to the last page, signing with his initials, “J.B.H.,” in full: “I ride with perfect comfort to myself. And expect to walk with a cane before long.” In fine condition, with small splits along fold ends, an unobtrusive tear to the bottom edge, and writing show through from opposing sides.

Roughly three months after an exploding shell immobilized his left arm at the Battle of Gettysburg, Hood succeeded in losing a limb at the Battle of Chickamauga when his right femur was fractured and doctors were forced to remove his leg just below the hip. After a prolonged recuperation that saw Hood promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, he returned to duty in the spring of 1864, soon accepting an appointment from Confederate President Jefferson Davis as corps commander. In spite of his impairments, Hood performed well in the field, strapped to his horse and riding up to 20 miles a day with his artificial leg. An exceptional letter that sheds light on Hood’s recovery and indomitable fighting spirit.