2020-09 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2020
War-date Confederate General's letter signed, 1 1/3pp. 4to., by Col. HENRY B. DAVIDSON, "Head Quarters Valley District, Staunton, Va., Oct. 17, 1862," to Major Samuel W. Melton, reading, in part: "I would respectfully request of the Major General comd'g. instructions…the sick and wounded are not allowed to get on the train by the conductors. What course am I to pursue. Also…I have prisoners to take do[wn] to Richmond…they refuse to take them…I have done what I considered to be the best interest of the service…a telegraph dispatch received…by me infers my course has not met with the approval of the Sec. of War . It appears the quartermaster is to give orders here…I would respectfully request to be notified of the approval or disapproval of my course as reported to Maj. Gen. Smith…H. B. Davidson, Col. Comdg." Four endorsements appear on the verso showing that it made its way through military channels. The most important endorsement is by Gen. Smith's Chief Quartermaster, Major AURELIUS FRANKLIN CONE (1836-1894), reading, in full: "Quartermaster's Office, [Richmond], Oct. 24, 1862. A sick train was started on the road for Staunton yesterday and will have three trips a week for that purpose alone. If prisoners are to be sent, if Col. Davidson will telegraph Mr. Whitcomb [railroad superintendent] or Capt. Wright prisoners will be sent[?] A. F. Cone, [M]aj. & qm." Minor right margin chipping, else VG.
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