LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

74315

Union Brigadier General John Buford ALS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Union Brigadier General John Buford ALS
<B>Union Brigadier General John Buford Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>Jno Buford</B></I>". Two pages, 5" x 8.25", Headquarters 1st Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac letterhead, np, September 7, 1863, ink, to Lt. Col. C. Ross Smith, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps. At the time that he wrote this very interesting letter, Buford was brigadier general in command of the 1st Cavalry Division of the Army of the Potomac. The letter was written just a few months after Buford's critical involvement in the Gettysburg campaign, where his 1st Division was the first to arrive at Gettysburg, and helped stave off Confederate attacks in the early-going moments of the battle, allowing General Meade to fortify his position to the south and east of the town. This important involvement at Gettysburg became Buford's legacy, and earned him a retroactive commission as major general on his death bed. The letter presented here is a second attempt by Buford to gain a furlough for a sergeant under his command. Buford writes that "<I>Sergt. Spencer's application have been returned without receiving the success I had hoped for.</B></I>" Spencer had requested a leave in order to travel to his home state in order to be "<I>ordained a Minister of the Gospel</B></I>". Buford relates to Col. Smith that Spencer suffered "<I>jeers and sneers</B></I>" from his fellow soldiers "<I>for his religious scruples</B></I>", but that he had since "<I>proved himself as brave a soldier as any in the Regt., has deported himself consistently with his professions amid greater temptations than many young men are called upon to undergo, and now has the entire confidence and respect of the whole regiment.</B></I>" The document is signed "<I>Jno Buford BG Vols Comg</B></I>". The comments in this letter are high praise from Buford,and a fascinating reminder of the complexity of life inside the military. The document is in very fine condition, with very minimal toning of the top edge and one vertical mailing fold.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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