February 23rd, 2012
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2012
War-date Union officer's Autograph Letter Signed by Brevet Major General Herman H. Heath (1823-1874) who served as Capt in the 1st Iowa Cavalry, Major, Provost Marshal General, Staff of Major General Samuel R. Curtis, and Colonel of the 7th Iowa Cavalry. This letter is 3pp. quarto, penned by General Heath from Dubuque, Iowa, May 11, 1861, and is addressed to Governor Kirkwood of Iowa, it reads in part: "...Your last letter, expressing a pleasure that I would raise a company of Light Artillery, has been duly received and I take pleasure in saying that I have instituted the necessary measures for its organization at once. And I am in hopes that I shall, before the Legislature has been in session over four or five days, have the satisfaction of communicating to you its actual existence...For this branch of service, active young men, wihtout physical fault are essential & I intend to give some attention to the morale of the men whom I company...The past efficiency of the Light Artillery arm of the service, I think forms the strongest argument in favor of the raising & equipment oif at least a battalion in this state...I am very desirous of affording my share, at least, of aid to you & my country & the state particularly, in this crisis, and am only sorry that I am not now in position to be effective. Party lines being now demolished & the one idea of country, Constitution & Union, being the motto of all true patriots. I trust, with some little military ability, to be enabled to give you some assistance in saving this...glorious Union...." Fine condition
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