Autographs
"Robert Anderson" Signed Military Letter Mentioning the "Secretary of War" (Jefferson Davis) When Written
ROBERT ANDERSON, (1805-1871) Famous Union Commander of Fort Sumter at the Outbreak of Civil War.
1856 Written Letter Signed, "Robert Anderson", no location, 4 integral pages, measuring 8" x 5.25", Choice Extremely Fine. Addressed to Capt. Bowman, regarding the proper building of a military construction project, this letter reads, in part:
"...I hope you will not forget to send me the receipt for mixing cement.... You will find that I was compelled to assume a responsibility in reference to a point not belonging to my duties--but, the circumstances were apparently so urgent, that there was no other remedy. I went over the whole question... and all agreed that the plan adopted would answer as well as the one it was intended to replace. We would have preferred... to have placed the two beams close together, but this would have diminished the size of the hoistaway.... I shall... confine my attention to a general supervision of the painters and an inspection of their work.... The Clerk is still engaged making out a list of the work that has been done for the Dept.... I would like to know whether the Secy wishes to keep me on this duty or not. I told the Secy of War [Jefferson Davis] when in Washington, that my wife's health was not improving as well as I had anticipated...."
There is some very light tone and a few ink smudges; a couple of pinholes; and normal folds, written and signed in dark brown ink. Ex: EAHA Auction, February 11, 2006, Lot 7, where it sold for $1,062. Letters signed by Robert Anderson are scarce and this one indirectly mentions his future adversary as the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, who was the United States Secretary of War at the time this letter was written!
Robert Anderson (1805-1871) a pro-slavery Kentuckian but absolutely loyal to the Union, was considered an ideal choice for commander in Charleston Harbor during the 1860 secession crisis. Having graduated from West Point (1825), he had risen to major, 1st Artillery, by the time of his assignment on November 15, 1860. "The Hero of Fort Sumter," Anderson refused to surrender the fort to the Confederacy in April 1861 and ultimately endured two days of bombardment before capitulating during the first battle of the Civil War.
"Robert Anderson" Signed Military Letter Mentioning the "Secretary of War" (Jefferson Davis) When Written
ROBERT ANDERSON, (1805-1871) Famous Union Commander of Fort Sumter at the Outbreak of Civil War.
1856 Written Letter Signed, "Robert Anderson", no location, 4 integral pages, measuring 8" x 5.25", Choice Extremely Fine. Addressed to Capt. Bowman, regarding the proper building of a military construction project, this letter reads, in part:
"...I hope you will not forget to send me the receipt for mixing cement.... You will find that I was compelled to assume a responsibility in reference to a point not belonging to my duties--but, the circumstances were apparently so urgent, that there was no other remedy. I went over the whole question... and all agreed that the plan adopted would answer as well as the one it was intended to replace. We would have preferred... to have placed the two beams close together, but this would have diminished the size of the hoistaway.... I shall... confine my attention to a general supervision of the painters and an inspection of their work.... The Clerk is still engaged making out a list of the work that has been done for the Dept.... I would like to know whether the Secy wishes to keep me on this duty or not. I told the Secy of War [Jefferson Davis] when in Washington, that my wife's health was not improving as well as I had anticipated...."
There is some very light tone and a few ink smudges; a couple of pinholes; and normal folds, written and signed in dark brown ink. Ex: EAHA Auction, February 11, 2006, Lot 7, where it sold for $1,062. Letters signed by Robert Anderson are scarce and this one indirectly mentions his future adversary as the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, who was the United States Secretary of War at the time this letter was written!
Robert Anderson (1805-1871) a pro-slavery Kentuckian but absolutely loyal to the Union, was considered an ideal choice for commander in Charleston Harbor during the 1860 secession crisis. Having graduated from West Point (1825), he had risen to major, 1st Artillery, by the time of his assignment on November 15, 1860. "The Hero of Fort Sumter," Anderson refused to surrender the fort to the Confederacy in April 1861 and ultimately endured two days of bombardment before capitulating during the first battle of the Civil War.
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Auction details
Coins-Currency-Autographs-Americana
9:00 AM PT - May 18th, 2008
offered by
Early American
P.O. Box 3507
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
