2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2025
Telegraph form in the hand of Van Dorn’s AA, September 13, 1862, Holly Springs, to General Ruggles, in full “Seventeen Transports with troops from Curtis’ Army passed Memphis reported, Wael Van Dorn, Maj. Gen’l”. Docketed on the reverse, Rec’d Sept. 13th/1862. Gossip quickly spread around town about Van Dorn's visits to Mrs. Peters' home and the couple's frequent unchaperoned carriage rides together. When Dr. Peters returned home on April 12, he was mocked by local townsfolk for being a cuckold. Peters said he would shoot Van Dorn or any of his staff who set foot on his property. On May 7, 1863, Peters walked into Van Dorn's office, where the general was writing at his desk, pulled out a pistol, and shot him in the back of the head. The small caliber pistol round had traversed through Van Dorn's brain and lodged behind his forehead. He suffered cerebral herniation and eventual cardiac and respiratory arrest.
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