Details:

Abner Doubleday autographed two-page handwritten military letter, dated October 9, 1862, from Camp Barnett near Sharpsburg, Maryland, recommending promotions within New York regiments following the Battle of Antietam. Written just weeks after the Union victory at Antietam, the letter details vacancies caused by battlefield deaths, wounds, resignations, and promotions, providing a firsthand look at the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac during one of the Civil War’s most critical campaigns. The manuscript comprises two pages on a single folded sheet with additional docketing endorsements on the verso, including a secondary docket slip affixed to the reverse that lifts to reveal additional period notations. Also bearing contemporary endorsements by John F. Reynolds, Seth Williams, William F. Rogers, and Theodore B. Gates approving the recommendations.

Very good condition, with expected folds, scattered toning, edge wear, and period docketing consistent with military use.

Abner Doubleday (1819–1893) was a career United States Army officer who served with distinction from Fort Sumter through Gettysburg. Following the death of Major General John F. Reynolds on July 1, 1863, Doubleday assumed command of the Union I Corps during the opening day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Beyond his military accomplishments, Doubleday occupies a unique place in American sports history through the long-held—but now disproven—legend that he invented the game of baseball in Cooperstown, New York. Although modern historians have established that baseball evolved from earlier bat-and-ball games and that Doubleday was not its inventor, the enduring story led directly to Cooperstown becoming the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Today, Doubleday remains one of the few Civil War generals sought by both military and baseball collectors, making documents signed by him especially desirable.

John F. Reynolds (1820–1863) was one of the Union Army’s most respected corps commanders and a West Point graduate. He commanded the Left Wing of the Army of the Potomac during the Maryland Campaign and was killed while directing troops on the opening day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Widely regarded as one of the Union’s finest field commanders, Reynolds’ death was one of the Confederacy’s greatest early successes at Gettysburg.

Seth Williams (1822–1866) served as Assistant Adjutant General of the Army of the Potomac and later became Adjutant General of the United States Army. Known as one of the Union Army’s most capable administrative officers, Williams coordinated troop movements, promotions, correspondence, and military records throughout many of the war’s most significant campaigns.

William F. Rogers (1820–1899) was a Union officer who commanded the 21st New York Volunteer Infantry before being promoted to brevet brigadier general for gallant and meritorious service. He participated in numerous campaigns with the Army of the Potomac and earned recognition for his leadership during the war.

Theodore B. Gates (1825–1911) commanded the 80th New York Volunteer Infantry (the “Ulster Guard”) during the Maryland Campaign, including the Battle of Antietam. He was later brevetted brigadier general in recognition of his wartime service and remained active in veterans’ organizations following the Civil War.

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

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Reference sku: 11669 1416848-1