2023-03 HCA Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2023
JOHN ELLIS WOOL (1784-1869) Officer in the United States Army during three consecutive U.S. wars: the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the American Civil War. By the time of the Mexican war he was widely considered one of the most capable officers in the army and a superb organizer. He was one of the four general officers of the United States Army in 1861, and was the one who saw the most Civil War service. When the war began, Wool, at age 77, a brigadier general for 20 years, commanded the Department of the East. Signed "John E. Wool, Capt. in 13th Regiment Infantry US Army" and dated October 31, 1812, Buffalo. Clipped from the bottom of a pay note: "due the United States $130.00." All in his hand a rarely found manuscript item from the early years of this meritorious General. In the significant Battle of Queenstown Heights, fought October 13, 1812, Wool, with bullet shots to both his thighs, successfully charged up the Heights to capture the British cannon. He had led a group of American soldiers up a fisherman's path to the British artillery stationed on top of the heights. Then, in the face of an infantry charge led by famed British general Isaac Brock, he rallied his men and held his ground, repulsing the charge and leading to the death of Brock. When he recovered he was promoted major of the 29th United States Infantry which he led with distinction at the Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814. 16" x 2 ½" Tear separation in the "W" of his autograph, archivally repaired.
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