25363

William T. Sherman Recommends a Court of Inquiry

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
William T. Sherman Recommends a Court of Inquiry
<B>William T. Sherman Recommends a Court of Inquiry to Clear the Name of General Governor K. Warren</B></I> An important content autograph endorsement signed, "W. T. Sherman General," dated Washington, December 2, 1879. On the verso of a two page manuscript letter signed by Governor K. Warren, dated Washington, November 18, 1879, in which he demands a Court of Inquiry to clear his name from an incident in which he was removed from command by Philip Sheridan at the Battle of Five Forks in 1865. Warren writes, in part, "...I again respectfully ask attention to and action upon my application for a Court of Inquiry into my conduct as Major General Commanding the Fifth Army Corps at the battle of Five Forks, Virginia on April 1st, 1865, and into the operations of my command on that day, and on the day preceding, as far as they relate to my conduct or to implications or accusations against me...." Warren, a hero of Gettysburg, ran into conflicts with Grant and Sheridan in the closing months of the war over the use of troops. Grant thought his superior numbers over the Confederate Army so vast that he could pour his troops into battle and still sustain large amounts of casualties. Warren would only enter battle if he thought it best to proceed and he wouldn't loose a large amount of his men in the process. During Five Forks, Warren had become delayed by conflicting orders in reinforcing Sheridan. Sheridan took the opportunity to remove Warren from command. For the balance of his career, Warren attempted to get his day in court, but it was not until this request that he got his wish. Sherman approves this demand adding his endorsement on the verso: "Head Qrs of the Army - Washington D.C. Dec. 2, 1879. The Hon. Secretary of War having asked my opinion of the enclosed appeal - I must say that the long endured irritation ? in the far I am of Gen. Warren warrants the Court of Inquiry he has repeatedly asked for, and which has thus far been denied him. W. T. Sherman General." Later in the month, President Rutherford B. Hayes would order a Court of Inquiry which convened the following month (and closed a year and a half later!) to consider a verdict. The verdict came on November 15, 1882, exonerating Warren of all accusations related to Five Forks. However, Warren would never get to hear the verdict... as he died on August 8, 1882. Pages measure 8" x 10" each, and bear only minor wear including the expected folds as well as a little minor soiling. Overall the piece is in excellent condition nicely housed in a white mat with a portrait of Sherman and ready for framing. This is a true piece of military history worthy of the most sophisticated collection. <I>From the collection of Bradley O'Leary.</B></I> <I>Accompanied by COA from PSA/DNA.</B></I>