Details:

Henry B. Carrington autographed handwritten letter (ALS), dated September 15, 1886, from Boston, Massachusetts, on illustrated letterhead of the American Institute of Civics. Addressed to fellow Civil War veteran and historian General James Grant Wilson of New York City, the letter is written in black ink and signed "Henry B. Carrington" at the conclusion, with his military designation indicating his retired status.

Carrington discusses correspondence concerning historical matters and refers to several prominent individuals, including Carter Harrison of Chicago. He mentions forwarding material and provides information relating to his historical research and publications.

The recipient, James Grant Wilson (1832–1914), was a Union Army officer, author, and historian who earned the brevet rank of brigadier general during the Civil War. Following the war, Wilson became a prominent literary figure and editor, best remembered for his extensive contributions to American historical and biographical scholarship, including his work on Appletons' Cyclopaedia of American Biography.

An interesting example of correspondence between two Civil War generals who subsequently devoted considerable attention to preserving and documenting American history.

The letter measures approximately 7.75 x 10 inches. Very good condition with original mailing folds, scattered age toning, staining, and handling wear. Areas of discoloration and ink disturbance are present across portions of the manuscript, although the signature remains clearly legible.

Henry Beebee Carrington (1824–1912) was an American military officer, Civil War brigadier general, author, and historian who served in both the American Civil War and the Indian Wars of the American West.

A graduate of Yale University, Carrington entered military service before the Civil War and was appointed Adjutant General of Ohio in 1857. During the Civil War, he played an important role in organizing and supplying Union volunteer forces and served as a brigadier general of volunteers. Assigned to military administration in Indiana, Carrington became involved in investigating and suppressing Confederate-sympathizing organizations operating in the North.

Following the Civil War, Carrington assumed command of U.S. Army forces assigned to protect the Bozeman Trail in the Wyoming Territory during Red Cloud's War. In 1866, he supervised the establishment and commanded Fort Phil Kearny, which became the center of intense conflict between the United States Army and Native American forces.

Carrington was commanding the fort during the infamous Fetterman Fight of December 21, 1866, when a force of 81 American soldiers and civilians under Captain William J. Fetterman was overwhelmed and killed by Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. Although initially subjected to considerable criticism following the disaster, Carrington was subsequently cleared of responsibility by military investigations.

Following his retirement from military service, Carrington became a prolific historian and author. His publications included Battles of the American Revolution (1876), an important historical study of Revolutionary War military engagements. His firsthand involvement in the Civil War and the conflicts of the American frontier made him a significant figure in 19th-century American military history.

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

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Reference sku: 11700 1419339-1