LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 Dec Signature Civil War Auction #642  / 

25246

Union Major Holman S. Melcher ALS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Union Major Holman S. Melcher ALS
<B>Union Major Holman S. Melcher to Col. Joshua Chamberlain Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>H. S. Holman</B></I>". One page on the letterhead of the Twentieth Maine Regiment Association, 8" x 10", Portland, Maine, February 11, 1895, to Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, in modern frame with a cover from a reprint of Melcher's book, fine condition. Melcher (1841-1905) seeks clarification regarding two of Chamberlain's (1828-1914) acting field officers during the battle at Little Round Top. The letter reads: "<I>My Dear Sir: Will you kindly let me know at your earliest convenience if you had two acting field officers to assist you during our fight at Little Round Top. I have always understood that Capt. S.W. Clark, as the ranking Captain was acting Major but it is claimed that Spear Ellis Spear was acting major and Clark acting Lieutenant Col. It is important, just now, that I should know the facts in this case, Yours Very Truly, H.S. Melcher</B></I>". Though Chamberlain was awarded the Medal of Honor for initiating the famous charge that stopped the Confederate attack at Little Round Top, Ellis Spears post-war writings cast doubts on the Chamberlain claim and provided corroboration to the claim that it was Melcher who led the attack. One can only wonder what the reply to Melcher's letter might have been.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Framed (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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