Sell or Auction Your Joseph Johnston Autograph Letter Signed for up to Nearly $2,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
FREE VALUATION. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Joseph Johnston autograph letter signed that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Free Appraisal, Auction or Sell Your Joseph Johnston Autograph Letter Signed
We sold some autograph letters signed from Confederate General Joseph Johnston. Please see below for details:
Fascinating autograph letter signed by Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston, written from Chattanooga, Tennessee on 26 January 1863, shortly after Johnston assumed command of the Department of the West. Johnston writes to his close ally, Confederate Senator Louis Wigfall, revealing how he believes he is essentially positioned for failure in his command. It’s an intimate letter, with Johnston even writing “I have never been so garrulous before – & won’t be so again”, and then plainly asking Wigfall for help: “If you can help me out of my present place I shall love you more than ever. It will require diplomacy & cunning”. Four page letter on bifolium stationery reads in full,
“My dear Wigfall, I have asked the government by telegraph if any additional troops new or old, can be furnished for Bragg’s army – but have had no reply. Will you suggest to Mr. Seddon [CSA Secretary of War] that we are in a very critical condition in Tennessee & the enemy has fully supplied his losses, I am officially informed – While our army has received stragglers & exchanged prisoners amounting to about a third of our killed & wounded. Such being the case, if there is any truth in arithmetic another battle most [?] as still farther back. If driven across the Cumberland Mountains we can not hold East Tennessee & once in possession of that country Rosencranz [sic] may choose his point on our Southeastern or Eastern frontier – from Richmond to Mobile. It is of the utmost importance, therefore, to reinforce Bragg. The conscription is operating very slowly – can no mode of expediting its enforcement be adopted? I can not draw upon Pemberton, for his force is far too small now – I proposed the bringing to him 18000 or 20000 troops from Arkansas, none of whom ever came. The enemy is again at Vicksburg, too, in heavier force – & doubtless with a different plan- probably to attempt to attack from below instead of from the Yazoo.
Bragg has done wonders, I think. No body of troops has done more in proportion to numbers, in the same time. At Murfreesboro he killed wounded & took 17000 men – & within the three weeks preceding 7500. His own loss in all that time about 9000.
My own official position does not improve on acquaintance. It is little, if any, better than being laid on the shelf. I have endeavoured to explain this to the president – but he thinks it essential to have one here who can transfer troops from this department to [?] & vice versa. That would be extremely well if either dept could possibly spare troops, even for a short time – but that is not the case. Each having too few for immediate purposes – & the distance & character of the intermediate country is completely prevent[ing] them from aiding each other – except an occasional cavalry movement. It is an attempt to join things which cannot be united. It would require at least a month to send 10000 men from one of the two armies to the other. Each department having its own Commander, & requiring – indeed having room for but one, you perceive how little occupation I can find. I can not unite the two armies – because they are too far apart – & each is required where it is. Nor can I take command of one, because each has its proper commander & yet the country may hold me responsible for any failure between N. Carolina & Georgia & the Mississippi – for I am supposed to be commanding in all that country. After commanding our most important & I may add best army for a year, it is hard to lose that command for wounds in battle – & to receive a [?] one. I must confess i can not help [?] at this position. The president, however, evidently intends that I shall hold a high position – & important one, but I think he mistakes the relation between Tennessee & Mississippi.
I flatter myself that I have never been so garrulous before – & won’t be so again. We rarely see Richmond papers – so I don’t know what you are doing for us.
My cordial regards to Mrs. W. & the young ladies. / yours truly / J.E. Johnston”. Johnston then adds two additional notes, written in the margins, “I left Mrs. J. in Jackson a week ago” and “If you can help me out of my present place I shall love you more than ever. It will require diplomacy & cunning, however, & I don’t think you strong in the latter.”
Letter measures 4.75″ x 8.875″ as folded. Separation starting along folds, else near fine. Sold for $1,791.
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…”
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. Sold for $540.
We also sold the following related American Civil War signed items:
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. Sold for $12,500.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012Civil War-dated handwritten letter serving as an official notice of General Lee’s resignation, and ultimately the end of the war, dated 9 April 1865. Sent by telegraph from the ”Head Quarters Armies of the U.S.”, letter is addressed to Confederate General Cadmus Wilcox from Confederate General William Loring and is signed by an aide to Loring. Letter reads in full: ”Genl. Willcox — The following received Head Quarters Armies U.S. Appomattox C.H. April 9th, 1865 — Genl Lee this afternoon surrendered his entire army to Lieut. Genl. Grant; officers and privates to retain private horses, arms and baggage; officers and men to be permitted to return to their homes, but not be disturbed by the U.S. authorities as long as they observe the laws where they reside; all public property to be turned over to Ordinance and Quartermasters Departments. Remnant of Lee’s Army surrendered is about 30,000. – April 10, surrender is complete this morning; munitions of war turned over to the U.S. and Genl. Grant leaves for City Point at eleven o’clk this morning. The Army of Northern Virginia is no more!!! (sgd) Schemerhorn”. Card-style 2pp. letter has handwriting on pages 1 and 3. Some toning, foxing and two 1” tears along a horizontal fold. Very good condition overall. Scarce. Sold for $10,780.
Rare George A. Custer Autograph Letter Signed as Lt. Colonel of the 7th Cavalry — “…some of the company officers appear on parade wearing ‘government pants!’…”
Very rare autograph letter signed by George Armstrong Custer as Lt. Colonel of the 7th Cavalry, regarding the effect of uniforms on troop morale and discipline. From Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on 24 January 1870, Custer writes to Lieutenant Moylan, in full, ”I would respectfully state for the information of the Brevet Major General Comdg the regiment that some of the company officers appear on parade wearing ‘government pants!’ As all officers are expected to appear on parade in full uniform and as the dress hat and epaulettes are not in keeping with the pants intended for the enlisted men (when worn by an officer) I would recommend that uniformity in dress be required in officers appearing at dress parades or inspections. I have seen fit to call the attention of the regimental commander to the above fact believing it had not come under his notice heretofore. And would respectfully ask to be informed whether it is expected by him that I will, in future, report or take other action on any similar irregularities which may come under my observation when upon duty. / Yours &c. / GA Custer / Lt Col 7th Cav / Br Maj Gnl / USA”. Sold for 8,125.
Robert E. Lee Letter Signed Battle of Chancellorsville
General Robert E. Lee letter signed, composed a week after Lee executed his “perfect battle” plan at Chancellorsville. In the face of overwhelming Union forces, Lee made the bold decision on 1 May 1863 to split his army, pitting a small force to defend Fredericksburg against the advance of Union General John Sedgwick, and using the remainder of his army to attack Union General Joseph Hooker’s forces. The strategy was so effective that Lee divided his army a second time on 2 May, allowing General Stonewall Jackson to rout the Union’s XI Corps, and causing Hooker to hesitate before ultimately withdrawing his forces. Indeed, the battle was so perfectly executed that many believe it led to Lee’s hubristic decision to pursue the Union army north, leading to the Battle of Gettysburg, which completely altered the course of the Civil War. Sold for $7,873.
Large Jefferson Davis Signed Photo Display in Original 18″ x 21.5″ Gilt-Etched Frame
Jefferson Davis photo display signed. Full-length portrait of Davis bears his autograph inscription to the photographer Bendann Brothers’ border, upon which photo is mounted. Dedication to his nephew Maunsell White of Deer Range, Louisiana reads, “Affectionately your friend / and uncle / Jefferson Davis”. Other notations by unknown hands are present at the lower left and top center. Framed in its original antique wooden frame with gilt decoration to an overall size of 18″ x 21.5″. Toning and fading to image, else near fine. Sold for $4,382.
Ulysses S. Grant autograph letter twice-signed, dated 21 April 1863, while Grant served as Major General for Union forces. The 18th U.S. President writes to Colonel C.A. Reynaud in Millikins Bend, Louisiana in full: ”In view of the expected fall in the river, and possibly the difficulties that may be encountered in reaching Walnut Bayou through the Canal, I think it advisable to put through at once all the barges now ready to receive freight &c. to Cooper’s Plantation. Should the water there fall the distance would not be great to haul supplies to reach the bayou which will be navigable with a great fall of water. Should the river still keep up the barges can be brought back to the mouth of the canal to receive their loading. / Respectfully / US Grant / Maj. Gen.” In a postscript Grant adds, ”This should not be delayed longer than to-morrow / U.S.G.” Five days prior, Grant had ordered Union troops under fire in Vicksburg to meet up with his troops at the West side of the Mississippi. This move confused the Confederate Army and led to a victory at the Battle of Champion Hill on 16 May 1863. 2pp. letter is written in ink on one page, front and back. Measures 8” x 10”. Folds, dampstaining to top right corner and archivally repaired tear at left edge. Overall very good condition with bold and legible writing. Sold for $3,781.
Jefferson Davis Signed CDV Photo — With University Archives COA
Confederate President, Jefferson Davis signed CDV portrait photo. Signed boldly in black fountain pen, ”Jeffn Davis”. Photograph was taken by C.R. Rees & Co. in Richmond, Virginia, capital of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. With blind-embossed CSA seal on front and verso. Photo and mount measures 2.375” x 3.875”. Very good to near fine condition. With University Archives COA. Sold for $3,500.
Ulysses S. Grant autograph letter signed, dated 14 August 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War, and a week after Grant’s promotion from Colonel to Brigadier General. Grant writes from his Headquarters at Ironton, Missouri to a Mr. Crane in Pilot Knob, MO, in full, ”Sir: Send me six teams this morning. Let them come by the depot and put in two sacks of corn each. / Respectfully / U.S. Grant / Brig. Gen. Comdg”. Letter measures 7.75” x 9.75”. Professionally restored along folds, overall in very good condition. A rare letter by Grant during the Civil War, likely one of his first as General. Sold for $3,000.
Scarce William T. Sherman twice-signed copy of his Civil War Military Orders, collected and bound in this ”Military Orders of General William T. Sherman, 1861-’65”. Sherman inscribes both the cover and the title page to General Samuel W. Crawford, Civil War surgeon wounded at Antietam. Cover reads, ”To Gen. S.W. Crawford – / U.S. Army. / with compliments of W.T. Sherman / General.” Title page reads, ”To General S.W. Crawford / U.S. Army / with compliments of / W.T. Sherman / General. / Washington DC, / February 10, 1873.” First edition, published in 1869, in original green paper wrappers, runs 375pp. Book measures 5.25” x 8”. Wrappers soiled and lightly chipped, professionally restored to attach to book. Light soiling to interior pages but overall in very good condition, with no auction records of another copy signed by Sherman. Sold for $2,875.
Ulysses S. Grant Twice Signed Cabinet Photo
Ulysses S. Grant cabinet photo signed “U.S. Grant” on both the border underneath the photo and verso. Grant’s autograph inscription in sharp black ink to verso reads in full, “With the compliments of U.S. Grant / New York City / September 30th 1882 / For / Mr. Edward Bok / Brooklyn, N.Y.” Upon the photo’s border is printed, “Houseworth, Photographer, 12 Montgomery St., San Francisco”. Measures 4″ x 6.5″. Foxing and a minor dent to the right edge, else near fine. Sold for $2,623.
Jefferson Davis Signed CDV Photo
Confederate President, Jefferson Davis signed CDV portrait photo. Signed boldly in black fountain pen, ”Jeffn Davis”. Photograph was taken by C.R. Rees & Bro. in Richmond, Virginia, capital of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. CDV measures 2.375” x 4”. Trimmed right edge and some foxing, otherwise near fine. Sold for $2,250.
FREE VALUATION. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Joseph Johnston autograph letter signed that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
We offer the following for your Joseph Johnston autograph letter signed:
- Appraise Joseph Johnston autograph letter signed.
- Auction Joseph Johnston autograph letter signed.
- Consign Joseph Johnston autograph letter signed.
- Estimate Joseph Johnston autograph letter signed.
- Sell Joseph Johnston autograph letter signed.
Connect with us