(1822 - 1894) Union major general who led a corps at Fredericksburg, and later commanded cavalry raids at Chancellorsville, Macon, and in the Carolinas. Lengthy war-date A.E.S. on a small 4to. sheet detached from a letter of recommendation written to New York Governor Edwin D. Morgan, [n.p.], Oct. 11, 1862, in full: ‘I must cheerfully and gladly endorse the written recomdn and assure your Exy [excellency] that in my opinion a better selection cannot be made to fill the place of the gallant Genl [J. H. Hobart] Ward late Col of the 38th [New York Infantry]. I shall feel assured that with Col [likely future Brig. Gen. William] Birney as its commander the 38th will continue to maintain its well-merited reputation for gallantry & efficiency’. He signs in black ink at the conclusion, adding his rank ‘Brig Genl Comdg Div[isio]n’. Expertly inlaid, shows original mailing folds and a pencil identifying inscription, slightly ragged at the top edge, otherwise in very good to fine condition overall. Despite Stoneman’s endorsement, the 38th had just the previous day already received a new commanding colonel, James Clark Strong. Sold with a period frontispiece engraving of Stoneman, with his facsimile signature beneath the portrait.