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Joseph E. Johnston

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,000.00 - 2,500.00 USD
Joseph E. Johnston

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Auction Date:2014 Jun 18 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : 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
ALS signed “J. E. Johnston,” two pages, lightly-lined, 8 x 10.5, November 17, 1875. Letter to Colonel John P. Nicholson, commenting on inaccuracies in the recently released English translation of the Count of Paris's History of the Civil War in America. In part: “I have looked at so much of the Count of Paris’s book as relates to my operations—and can not imagine why he sent it to me. Certainly not in compliment. No party electioneering newspaper is less candid. He calls Genl Beauregard ‘commander-in-chief,' in writing of the Battles of Manassas; although it is evident that he has read my official report. His account of the circumstances of the action is as incorrect as possible. That of the operations in 1862, previous to Genl Lee’s actions near Richmond is still more so. Such as one might expect to find in time of war, in the letters of a newspaper correspondent. But far below what we call history. In his account of the affairs of rear guard, at Williamsburg, it is treated as if the Confederate army had adapted the line of Fort Magruder for that of Yorktown. And takes his account of the action and its consequences from the sensational despatches of the next few days—instead of consulting McC’s report, and my elaborate one, of 1863.

In like manner, he seems to have been taught the events of the Battle of 7 Pines by Genl Mindil. Regardless of the confessions of Sumner, Heintzelman, Hooker and Carey—Made under oath to the Joint Committee on the conduct of the war. I remember that in one of his letters to you, he treated the evidence of these generals, quoted by me, as that of the committee. I bored you so much about this battle of seven pines in connection with Gen Mindil’s pamphlet that no more details of it shall be thrust at you. I will say, however, that it would be very hard to make a statement more utterly incorrect than that published by his Royal Highness. He introduces a slander of my being idle for some eight hours—the troops of course losing so much time that should have been devoted to the battle. He has not the slightest authority for the accusation. Did I ever send you a copy of my report of the Battle of Manassas? If not, and you desire it, I will do so.” Intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing between two letters of signature), and a few slight edge tears and stains, otherwise fine condition.

In publishing his History of the Civil War in America, Louis Philippe d’Orleans—himself a Civil War veteran of the Union variety—described his book as having been ‘written rather for the instruction of the European public than for transatlantic readers to whom every incident of the war is already familiar.’ Johnston's criticisms are certainly valid, having been overlooked for Beauregard, his superior officer, during the war—although Johnston made the most important tactical decisions, Beauregard was considered the hero of the First Manassas and was promoted that day by President Davis to full general in the Confederate Army. While Johnston had supported the promotion—recommended it, in fact—seeing his own achievements committed to print as Beauregard’s, a decade after the conclusion of the Civil War, was clearly upsetting and perceived as a blight to his name. A boldly penned letter rich in Civil War content, offering insight into Confederate controversies that continued well beyond the battlefield.