2020-09 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2020
War-date Confederate general's letter, 2pp. 4to., written by Col. HENRY B. DAVIDSON (1831-1899), as colonel and post commander of Staunton, Va., "Head Quarters Valley District, Staunton, Va., Sept. 25, 1862," to Medical Director, Surgeon E. P. Gaillard, Richmond, Va., reading, in part: "The American Hotel in this place has been taken as a hospital by the Medical Department…I found it necessary to make some provision for the wounded men [since] they are coming in so fast…I have taken possession of this hotel and place the men in it until they can be sent to Richmond. The ladies of this place volunteered to do or have done the cooking for the wounded…they are now hard at work cooking for some five or six wounded…most of them have had nothing to eat since leaving Winchester and are almost starved…I think I will be able…to alleviate the suffering of the wounded…I will send them down as fast as I can. The surgeon in charge…objected to my taking the hotel…but as I considered it absolutely necessary I did take it and report the fact to you for the information of Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, comdg. I hope it will meet with his approval…H. B. Davidson, Col. Com'dg." Davidson's letter made its way through military canals with the verso showing four endorsements. "Approved and respectfully forwarded" endorsements by both GUSTAVUS W. SMITH, as Major General, dated Oct. 3, [1862] and Secretary of War GEORGE WYTHE RANDOLPH (1818-1867) dated, Oct. 14, [1862.] Plus, two times by Major JASPER STRONG WHITING (1828-1862) as AAG to General Gustavus W. Smith. First on being sent to Gen. Smith and then on its return to Col. Davidson. Overall VG.
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