June 2013 Auction Ends Thursday, June 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/27/2013
Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston autograph letter signed ''J.E. Johnston'', dated 16 May 1865 from Charlotte, North Carolina, written soon after being released on parole by the Union Army. Also with three endorsements signed by Ulysses S. Grant, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and General John Schofield. Letter is addressed to General Schofield, just two weeks after Johnston surrendered his Army of Tennessee and still active rebel troops. After both parties agreed to military surrender, Johnston and Schofield negotiated supplementary terms, including his soldiers' release, and here asks permission to travel to Canada. Reads in part: ''...As soon as the terms of 'the convention' are executed in Georgia & Florida, I wish to go to St. Catherine's Springs, Canada. Will you be so kind as to inform me if I will be permitted to travel directly from Virginia to that point? Most respectfully / Your obt sevt / J.E. Johnston''. General Schofield endorses the letter on 16 May, the same day, ''Respectfully refered [sic] to Lt. Gen. Grant. J M Schofield Maj Genl.'' Grant then endorses the letter on 22 May: ''I am very much in favor of granting Gen. Johnston's request and if authorized will telegraph the authority at once. U. S. Grant Lt. Gen.'' Lastly, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton seeks approval from President Johnson: ''Submitted to the President who directs that the permission asked by General Johnson [sic] be granted with the condition that he does not return to the United States without leave of the President. Edwin M Stanton Sec of War.'' Letter on one page measures 8'' x 6.25'', matted with a portrait of Johnston to an overall size of 12.5'' x 18.25''. Light toning and folds throughout; very good to near fine. A very rare and desirable Civil War document.
Historically Important Civil War Document Signed by Johnston, Grant & Stanton -- General Johnston Negotiates His Parole Terms After Surrendering His Army & General Grant Agrees, ''...I am very much...
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