Details:

John A. Rawlins autographed Civil War Union pass issued from “Head Quarters, Department of the Tennessee, Near Vicksburg, Miss., July 4, 1863,” authorizing William H. Hessin, on duty at these headquarters, to “pass into, through and from Vicksburg without hindrance until further orders.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by John A. Rawlins as Assistant Adjutant General, issued “By order of Maj. Genl. U. S. Grant.”

Fine condition with only some minor pooling of ink to the A. in the Rawlins signatures.

This historically significant pass was issued on July 4, 1863—the very day of the Confederate surrender of Vicksburg to Union forces, a defining moment of the American Civil War and a turning point in the Western Theater. The document reflects immediate post-surrender military administration, granting controlled movement into the recently captured city of Vicksburg under Union authority. The wording “without hindrance” underscores the restoration of order and regulated access following the successful siege.

Issued under the command of Ulysses S. Grant, this pass connects directly to the Siege of Vicksburg, which concluded on this exact date and effectively gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. The signature of John Aaron Rawlins, Grant’s trusted chief of staff and one of his closest confidants, adds further historical importance, as Rawlins played a critical role in the administration and discipline of Grant’s army throughout the war.

A scarce and highly desirable wartime pass tied precisely to one of the most pivotal dates of the Civil War, representing the immediate aftermath of Union victory at Vicksburg and the operational authority of Grant’s command structure.

John Aaron Rawlins (1831–1869) served as chief of staff to Ulysses S. Grant throughout the Civil War and was instrumental in maintaining discipline and organization within the Union high command. A lawyer by training, Rawlins rose to the rank of brigadier general and later served as Secretary of War under President Grant.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11669 1415247-1