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Lot 108: John C. Fremont Signed Document

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Lot  108: John C. Fremont Signed Document
<b>Autographs</b><hr><b>Civil War Document Signed By John FrŽmont</b>

<b>JOHN C. FREMONT, Soldier, Explorer, and Politician.</b>
Partly-printed Document Signed, 'J.C. FrŽmont / Maj Genl Commdy,' September 10, 1861, Army of the United States, Headquarters Western Department, St. Louis, Mo., 11.25' x 8.75', Fine. Appointment of A.M. Powell 'Captain in the First Regiment Missouri Light Artillery.' Marginal fold tears and light toning, not affecting the extremely bold signature. A rare war date FrŽmont document.

FrŽmont was appointed Major General USV on July 3, 1861 and put in command of the newly created Western Department. His command was surrounded by controversy, from the multitude of contracts he gave to dishonest contractors (although he did not profit from them himself), to the martial law which he declared in Missouri on August 30 and his emancipation of the slaves of everyone who resisted the government. Also, Federal troops under FrŽmont continued to suffer military reverses. Lincoln revoked FrŽmontÕs emancipation proclamation and relieved him of his command. In March 1862, he was placed in charge of the newly-established Mountain Department and was unsuccessful in opposing JacksonÕs Shenandoah Valley campaign. In June 26, 1862, when his corps was placed under Pope, FrŽmont refused to serve and was relieved on June 28. He spent the rest of the war in New York, awaiting orders which never came.