2023-08 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/26/2023
Dixon Stansbury Miles (1804-1862) was a career United States Army officer who served in the Mexican-American War and the Indian Wars. He was mortally wounded before he could surrender his Union garrison in the Battle of Harpers Ferry, 1863.Document Signed, "D(ixon) S. Miles", on reverse as an endorsement, on CERTIFICATE, To Be Given to Volunteers at the Time of Their Discharge ...", signed Harpers Ferry, July 22, 1863.When General Robert E. Lee began his Maryland Campaign in 1862, General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was sent to capture Harpers Ferry. Miles received orders from General Henry W. Halleck to defend the town until he could be relieved by forces from General George B. McClellan. Miles decisions in setting up the defense of the town led to the town and the Union forces within being trapped by the forces of General Jackson. On September 15, 1862, Confederate forces began to bombard the town. After discussing the matter with several other commanders in the town, Miles decided that he had to surrender Harpers Ferry. Before he could officially surrender; however, he was struck in the leg by shrapnel from an exploding shell, and died the next day from his wound. After his death and the surrender of Harpers Ferry, Miles was denounced for his actions during the campaign.
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