Apr 17, 2012 - Sale 2276

Sale 2276 - Lot 216

Price Realized: $ 3,120
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000
SOON AFTER THE BATTLE OF VICKSBURG SHERMAN, WILLIAM TECUMSEH. Autograph Letter Signed, "W.T. Sherman / Maj. Gen.," to Captain Stephen Carr Lyford, expressing concern that his health may be suffering from swamp poisons, speculating that General Ripley may be jealous of his commission, suggesting that ordnance officers should be given the same opportunities for advancement as others, reporting that he has been ordered to reinforce General Rosencrans, complaining that he lacks an ordnance officer, inviting him to fight at the front should he long for action, and adding that he would soon be leaving for Memphis. 4 pages, 4to, ruled paper; silking to verso and recto, large closed tear across center vertical fold. (AKF) "Camp on Big Black," 26 September 1863
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". . . [Y]our health might have become seriously affected by the Miasmatic Cancer which has cost us dear . . . . I can't imagine why Gen'l Ripley should fly up at an offer to you of a major Commission . . . . Human nature is the same in all Corps, and the ordnance should permit honor & advancement similar to what is offered in other Branches . . . . We should have a good ordnance officer with each Army Corps in the field. . . . I am now ordered to reinforce Rosecrans by way of Memphis, Corinth, Tuscumbia &c & you can imagine that I ought to havwe a good ornance officer along. But as heretofore will trust to luck. . . . Today for the first time I am notified my requisitions . . . can be filled tomorrow. But one Division is already on its way up the River. Another will embark today . . . after this leaving the only chance we are ever likely to have to put our Batteries in order after . . . two years constant work. . . .
"I move to Vicksburg tonight & tomorrow will be starting up for Memphis. & these last by any means afforded by the Railroad."
with--William T. Sherman. Carte-de-visite photograph, unsigned, vignetted bust portrait, showing the general in uniform. "Genl. Sherman" written in an unknown hand along lower edge of image. S.M. Fassett's imprint on mount verso. 3 1/2x2 inches (image), 4x2 1/4 inches overall.