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406

Nelson A. Miles

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Nelson A. Miles

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Auction Date:2011 Feb 09 @ 19:00 (UTC-5 : 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
War-dated ALS signed “Nelson A. Miles,” two pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, August 22, 1865. To an unnamed general, undoubtedly Assistant Adjutant General Edward D. Townsend, to whom Miles sent all his reports about the prisoners. In full, “I have the honor to state that the prisoner ‘Davis’ is feeling quite comfortable this morning, complaining a little however of erysipelas in the face and a carbuncle on his leg. I also enclose a communication from [Clement] Clay to the ‘Sec of War’ together with a letter to his wife which he desires, forwarded. In regard to the Sentinels, when they were taken out of his room he said they did not disturb or waken him, lately they have been required to make as little noise as possible and not to walk around in the room. I do not think it possible for him to escape, even if the sentinels are taken out of the front room, he will still be under two locks, aside from the Guard in front of his cell.” In fine condition, with ink stain at top right of first page, scattered toning, and expertly strengthened on the reverse at folds.

Confederate President Davis and Senator Clay arrived at Fort Monroe in May 1865, a few days before the arrival of Major General Miles, camp’s new commanding officer. Davis’ official transfer consisted of him being led into the fort by Miles, followed by other Confederate prisoners and Union troops acting as guards. Guards were stationed in cells on either side of Davis and Clay, ensuring that there would be no means of escape—a fact bolstered by the heavy shackles that encircled his limbs. Despite this report that Davis was “feeling quite comfortable this morning, complaining a little however of erysipelas in the face and a carbuncle on his leg,” a report filed by a Union physician claimed that the Confederate leader was ‘suffering severely from erysipelas’ with ‘his condition denoting a low state of the vital force.’ Davis reportedly suffered greatly from various ailments following his imprisonment, including a lack of sleep resulting from the constant patrol of guards in the adjacent cells. In this letter, General Miles notes that the sentinels are “required to make as little noise as possible.” But the very fact that the officer kept Davis shackled in his cell made him the target of severe criticism. Excellent content pertaining to the South’s leader as he began a two-year incarceration.
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