Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
ZOOK, Samuel Kosciuszko (1821-1863) was a Union general during the American Civil War, mortally wounded in action during the Battle of Gettysburg. Scarce war-dated Autograph Letter Signed “S. Z. Zook, Col 57th NYI,” three pages on two lightly-lined adjoining sheets, 7-3/4” x 10”, February 20, 1862. Letter, written from Camp California, to Dr. Samuel Oakley Van der Poel, Surgeon General of New York. In full: “I have before me your letter to Dr. Merrill dated January 31st in which you said at that time 'I cannot as yet promote Dr. McKim' and assigned amongst other reasons his recent graduation & the fear of imposing upon him too great a responsibility. I am glad to find by your letter to me of February 11th that you have changed your views and are now more favorably disposed towards McKim. He will risk the responsibility & the Regt. will risk his experience if you can be induced to promote him. Your department in the event of ‘criticism’ may shelter itself behind the repeated & earnest solicitation of the regt. after four months acquaintance with him, for his advancement. As. Dr. Ferguson has not yet reported I trust I am not asking too much when I request that his prolonged delay be regarded as a declination of the appointment; and that Dr. McKim be given it. That being done there will remain but one favor more to ask—the immediate appointment of a competent assistant to take Dr. McKim’s place who will report at once. The wishes I have herein expressed are those of all the officers of the regiment and I believe of Dr. Grant as well.” After his signature, Zook continues on with a postscript which reads, “Dr. Grant has read the above & fully concurs in the wish to have Dr. McKim promoted and his place well & immediately filled. We need our full medical staff even as we are & much more if we move forward. Yesterday a division of the Rebels advanced to Fairfax station six miles this side of Centreville. S.K.Z." Intersecting folds, a few passing through signature, a bit of mild toning, a couple brushes to text, small separation to hinge, and some ink flecks to postscript, otherwise fine condition. Dr. R. V. McKim enlisted in the 57th New York Volunteer Infantry as an assistant surgeon September 27, 1861, and was quickly promoted to a full surgeon on February 20, 1862 (the same day of the letter) at Camp California with the rank of major. He was only 21 and one of the youngest surgeons in the Union Army, participating in the Peninsula Campaign, the Second Battle of Bull Run, and Antietam before he became acting brigade surgeon and placed in charge of a division hospital at Harper's Ferry. After a leave of absence for a well-deserved rest, he resigned before the Battle of Fredericksburg and was mustered out December 3, 1862. During February 1862, Early and Johnston's Rebel troops were centered in and around the Centreville area where they had constructed a military railroad for The Battle of Bull Run, but Jefferson ordered Johnston to move his force closer to Richmond. Zook's regiment, stationed at Camp California just a short distance from Alexandria, saw his first combat in June during the Seven Days Battle and later had his horse shot out from under him at Fredericksburg where his actions earned him a promotion to brigadier general. Less than a month after his own appointment, McKim's much needed medical skills were required as the Fifty-Seventh New York Volunteer Infantry joined in the Seven Days' Battle under Zook. The major earned praise for his handling of the wounded, justifying the promotion the commander gave the young surgeon. On July 2, 1862, Zook was mortally wounded during the Gettysburg battle and died the next day.
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