(1815-1879) Confederate brigadier general, defended New Madrid from a siege by Pope, then commanded the Army of the West and became part of Hardee's Corps. Relieved of his command in April 1863 when tried and found guilty of disobedience, and sentenced to suspension from duty for a period of six months. McCown rejoined, defended the Catawba River, and was paroled after the war. Rare, lengthy war-date A.E.S. at the conclusion of a letter from Capt. J. T. Champney, 2pp. 4to., Columbus, KY, Oct. 30, 1861, to McCown, asking his commanding general to add his signature to his application for a position in the artillery corps, to be forwarded to the Secretary of War. Below, McCown pens his endorsement, dated at the same place on Nov. 1, in full: ‘I have known Capt Champney since may last. He possesses every quality to recommend him to the Department for an appointment in the Artillery’. He signs ‘J. P. McCown’ in black ink, adding his rank ‘Brig Genl’. Shows folds throughout, somewhat ragged and soiled along the top edge, otherwise in very good condition overall.