August 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2019
Revealing autograph letter signed by General Joseph E. Johnston, Civil War dated 31 July 1862, while Johnston was recuperating from his wounds suffered at the Battle of Seven Pines. During his recovery, Johnston was replaced by Robert E. Lee as Commander of the Army of Virginia, and here worries about what he might expect when re-entering the Army, even cautiously hoping that Lee will relinquish control of the northern army to Johnston.
Writing to his friend Louis T. Wigfall, who had just resigned his Generalship for a position with the Confederate Congress, representing Texas, Johnston writes from Amelia Springs, Virginia, in full, ''My dear Wigfall, The last mail brought your note from Coyner's. Many thanks for it. / I send some letters which came the day after you passed. They could not be forwarded sooner. We had heard the name of the place to which you had your baggage checked, but didn't know that of the post office. / You were lucky in being turned away from this place. It is the meanest of the kind in the world. Kept by three brothers who vie with each other in miserly & unaccommodating spirit & ignorance of ordinary decency. I should follow you immediately but for fear of the effect of the journey. I can't stand hard shaking. shaking [sic]. When does Congress meet? Did you learn the plans of the government in relation to the war? I am very anxious to know what to expect on rejoining the army. It is evident already that there are to be two armies. I want the one they are forming in the North. But unless Lee chooses to command that of Richmond I shall doubtless be assigned to it. To wait McC's [McClellan] leisure - I have already had something too much of that. / Very truly yours / J. E. Johnston / What has become of the application for a Captaincy of Eng's for my friend Schleichen?''
Letter is accompanied by original cover addressed to Wigfall in Coyner's Springs, Virginia with postmark, partially faded but likely reading ''Jetersville Va / Aug 2''. Lot is also accompanied by letter to collector Bessie Gresham, from whose collection the Johnston letter originates, from Louis Wigfall's niece in 1920 regarding General Johnston's sword. Johnston letter measures 5.75'' x 7'', with envelope measuring 5.5'' x 3''. Folds and two closed tears, one with a small bit of tape repair to verso. Overall very good condition.
General Joseph Johnston Autograph Letter Signed From July 1862 While Recovering From His Wounds After Being Replaced by Lee -- ''...I am very anxious to know what to expect on rejoining the army...''
Click above for larger image.