Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
In September 1862 a controversy erupted in the 4th New York Cavalry after New York's Governor Edwin D. Morgan (1811-1836) assigned Italian-born Col. Louis Palma di Cesenola (1832-1904) to their command following Col. Christian Dickel's discharge due to disability on Sept. 10th. Morgan's move rankled Lt. Col. Ferrier Nazer who had command of the regiment during Dickel's absence. On Sept. 15, 1862, Nazer sent a letter, through military channels, to the adjutant general of the United States expressing his indignation of being passed over for command. Nazer's letter, 1p. 4to., "Hd. Qrs. 4th N. Y. Cavalry, Camp Hall's Farm, [defensives of Washington, D. C.], Sept. 15, 1862," reading, in part: "Having from very good authority that Gov. Morgan has appointed as Colonel of this regiment L. Palmer [Palma] di Cesenola. I hereby enter my solemn protest against such appointment as being unjust in every respect to myself and contrary to the wishes of the officers & men under my command. In the absence of Col. Dickel I have had sole control of the 4th N. Y. Cavalry during months of its most arduous service and I know that I enjoy its fullest confidence. Being an old cavalry officer, who has seen many years service in the English Army [90th British Light Infantry], and having been Lieut. Colonel of this regiment since its organization I could not without remonstration see the promotion over me of a person entirely unknown to the regiment…especially as such an act would appear to cast a reflection upon my capacity which I feel that I do not deserve. Referring to my superiors in command as to whether my conduct has not always met with their heartiest approval…Ferrier Nazer. Lt. Col. comdg. 4th N. Y. Cavalry." The letter's entire verso is filled with six separate endorsements. Col. JOHN BEARDSLEY (1816-1906) filled one entire endorsement panel with glowing approval in Nazer's ability to command. There are four forwarding endorsements by Generals ROBERT H. MILROY (1816-1890); SETH WILLIAMS (1822-1866); NATHANIEL P. BANKS (1816-1894); THOMAS M. VINCENT (1832-1909). Finally, squeezed into the bottom of the center panel Governor Morgan adds: "approved E. D. M." Nazer's letter had no affect on Gov. Morgan and di Cesenola's became the colonel of the 4th New York and Nazer supporter Col. John Beardsley soon found himself replaced by Di Cesenolaas brigade commander after he was charged with cowardice and "conduct unbecoming of an officer." Di Cesenola went on the win the Medal of Honor for his gallantry during the battle of Aldie, Va. At the battle on June 17, 1863, while under arrest on false charges, he led his regiment in a desperate counter charge and he was wounded and captured. A great piece of United States military history. Very light soiling, else VG to near fine
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