RICHARD S. EWELL (1817 - 1872) Confederate lieutenant general who fought in the war from Bull Run to Appomattox he lost a leg at Groveton and was strapped in his saddle to lead his men into Pennsylvania and at Gettysburg. Fine content manuscript L.S. ""R. S. Ewell"" on ""Head Quarters Department of Richmond"" letterhead 2pp. 8vo. [n.p.] June 18 1864 to Col. JOHN B. SALE. On the first day of the siege of Petersburg following four desperate and fruitless assaults by forces under George G. Meade Ewell sets forth urgent orders. In part: ""...Washington Artillery has been moved to the South Side - in pursuance of orders from Genl. R. E. Lee. Carter's two Battalions...have supplied the place of the Washington Artillery and are supported by Gary's Brigade of Cavalry...and Chambliss' Brigade...200 wagons and a considerable amount of stores have been left by the Enemy at White House protected by a guard of about 1 000 men. Directions have been given to Col. Gary to inform the Comd'g officers of the Cavalry on the other side of the Chickahominy - so that prompt steps may be taken to destroy or capture the wagons and stores...disposition of Artillery and Cavalry on the Chickahominy has been made...[by] Genl. Lee..."". Docketed by Sale on verso summarizing the contents of the letter. Very good to fine.