Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
MCCOOK, Alexander McDowell (1831-1903) Union major general whose career was damaged because of his participation in the rout at Chickamauga. Important war-date Autograph Note Signed, 1p. 8vo., "Hdqrs U.S. Forces Fort Stevens Apl. [actually July] 12 [1864]", to Asst. Secretary of the Navy GUSATVUS V. FOX, well-connected in Washington political circles. On the second and final day of Jubal Early’s raid on Washington, centered on an attack at Fort Stevens where McCook had been placed in command of the defenses of Washington, the beleaguered general writes: "...The Blair residence is in possession of the enemy. I am unable to say whether it has been burned or not..." In his haste to write the note, McCook dated it "Apl 12", but a docket on the verso correctly dates the dispatch "July 12, 1864". Pencil note at bottom attribute the piece to Walter Benjamin Autographs. Very good. "Falkland", the mansion built by Lincoln’s postmaster general Montgomery Blair, was indeed burned to the ground on July 12th by either retreating Confederate soldiers or their camp followers and looters. Lincoln himself watched the battle from Fort Stevens, and he may actually have dictated this message for delivery to Fox.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.