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William T. Sherman

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:40,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
William T. Sherman

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Auction Date:2013 Jul 25 @ 18:00 (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
An outstanding pairing of two pair of Sherman’s shoulder straps, one set worn at Shiloh, and a war-dated letter of provenance from Sherman himself. The one-page war-dated ALS, 7.75 x 8.5, signed “Yr friend, W. T. Sherman, Maj Genl,” dated December 16, 1862, to David Stuart reads, “I send you two pairs of shoulder straps. Those wrapped in paper were worn by me at Shiloh. I commit them to your care with an absolute knowledge that they are fully merited and will be appreciated.” Stuart (1816–1868) was a wealthy lawyer from Illinois who raised and equipped 2000 men at his own expense. As a colonel he commanded the 2nd Brigade of Sherman’s division at the battle of Shiloh and held the far left flank although vastly outnumbered; though badly wounded there, he refused to leave the field. He went on to valiantly command a regiment at Corinth and another during the Confederate evacuation of Memphis, for which President Lincoln appointed him to the position of brigadier general on November 29, 1862, shortly before Sherman sent him these shoulder straps. In January, 1863, Stuart led his division in the capture of Arkansas Post. Two months later, on March 11, 1863, the Senate did not confirm Stuart’s appointment (believed to be for political reasons) and Sherman was forced to relieve Stuart.

From Stuart’s direct descendant comes this Sherman letter and two sets of the general’s shoulder straps, both worn by Sherman and one, as indicated in his letter, worn on the legendary battlefields at Shiloh, where he played a crucial role in the Union's victory. Both sets are made of stamped brass with faux embroidered borders, cloth-covered backs, and single silver stars on the wool covered centers. One set has a single faux embroidered border and has partial paper labels on the back with “Jas. S. Smith/Patent/June ? 1861//15 Dutch Street/New York.” The second set is slightly wider and has a double border. Although two of the straps have small moth holes on the wool and three of the wool centers have faded to brown, overall condition is fine. Included with this lot from Stuart’s descendant is an excellent example of a Hardee hat side plate insignia. The 3? high oval insignia is tin backed and gold bullion embroidered on fine black wool. A unique and remarkable relic from one of the Civil War’s greatest commanders, as well as a palpable artifact to one of the War’s bloodiest battles.