2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Circular, 5-1/2” x 8-1/2,” center horizontal fold wrinkling tiny separation affecting one line of text, elseVG .Farewell broadside signed in type by Harris Merrill Plaisted (1828-1898) as brevet brigadier general, 11th ME, who went on to become governor. "Headquarters 3d Brig., 1st Div., 24th A.C. Army Of The James," Before Richmond, Mar 25, 1865. Plaisted takes leave of his command, commending them for their service, bravery and loyalty, acknowledging that his soldiers had sacrificed "killed and wounded" on 59 days accrued to 1,385 out of 2,693; and "that among the names of the battlefields, adjudged to belong to your Banners, are: 'Walthall Junction,' or 'Green Valley,' 'Chester Station,' 'Drury's Bluff,' 'Richmond Pike,' 'Bermuda Hundred,' 'Richmond and Petersburg Railroad,' 'Ware Bottom Church,'" and several others. "Reviewed by the Lieutenant General and the Secretary of War a few days since, your soldierly appearance won from those high officials the strongest expressions of their approbation and delight. What would they have thought had they seen you fight!...Your conduct has afforded me the keenest pleasure of my life, and while life shall last, memory will constantly recur to the conduct of the 'Iron Brigade,'...In the opinion of our greatest General, the 'hard fighting is over.' May the day come quickly when you can return to your homes...For your generous confidence and support, Soldiers, you have the grateful thanks of your late Brigade Commander, and his best wishes for your future welfare, prosperity and happiness...To the 11th Maine: My old Companions, farewell!.."
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