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ALLEN, WILLIAM WIRT

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75. WILLIAM WIRT ALLEN (1835 - 1894) Confederate major general who wounded at Perryville and who commanded a brigade of cavalry with Wheeler at Atlanta. Scarce and good content war date L.S. 1p. 8vo., "Headquarters Allen's Div 11.15 pm Feb. 8, 1865". Writing in secession ink, which has faded somewhat, Allen reports on the defeat of Col. Hagan's 3rd. Alabama Cavalry at the hands of federal forces. Allen writes in full: "I have the honor to report that I have heard nothing further from Col. Hagan - From the best information I can get I am satisfied that neither he nor any of his command are to blame for the disaster, unless fighting too stubbornly were a fault -- The officer who gives me the information assures me that everything was done that could have been & that the force which attacked Col. Hagen was so large that nothing could have prevented the rout." We are unsure of the specific action to which Allen refers, but James Hagan and the 3rd Alabama Calvary which served under Allen in Wheeler's Corps were engaged in opposing Sherman's northward march after the capture of Savannah. Left margin rough, usual folds, secession ink quite faded, but still clear and legible, otherwise very good condition. $600-800

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