September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
An interesting example of how concerns over states’ rights and jealously guarded state prerogatives might interfere even in Confederate military affairs. On this multi-fold sheet, CS President Jefferson Davis asks whether Virginian Alexander W. Reynolds, seeking promotion to brigadier general, might be assigned a brigade of Virginia troops and some available Tennessee general be found to take over the Tennessee brigade Reynolds had been commanding as a colonel, initialing the question “J.D.” on what clearly was the government file envelope holding the request for promotion and supporting documents. Reynolds graduated West Point in 1838 and had a checkered career as a US Army quartermaster, being dismissed in 1855 and reinstated through political connections in 1858. In 1861 he joined the Confederacy, becoming Colonel of the 50th Virginia, fighting in western Virginia, and then transferring west. He was in command of a Tennessee brigade in early 1863 when he began a campaign for promotion, again using political connections, corresponding to the earliest date on this sheet, February 1863. The issue was postponed with Reynolds’ capture at Vicksburg in July and the notations pick up again dated September, while he was awaiting official exchange. Davis’s question is answered by a note from Confederate Adjutant General Samuel Cooper, saying no Tennessee general is available and that officers “of the old army” (i.e., the U.S. Army) have in practice been given command of brigades from outside their native states. This gives Davis an out if faced with any criticism and he boldly writes along the left edge, “Appoint Col. Reynolds as recommended / Jeffer Davis.” Reynolds was exchanged in October 1863 and promoted to brigadier general with rank from September 14th, 1863, the period of the exchanges recorded here. He saw action as general in the Chattanooga and Atlanta Campaigns, was wounded at New Hope Church in late May 1864, and later posted to Georgia as Inspector General. After the war, he saw service in the Egyptian Army from 1869 to his death at Alexandria, Egypt, in 1876. The letter comes with a James Spence Authentication Full Letter of Authenticity. Former Dr. John K. Lattimer Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Minor folds, tears and stains, but none affecting the text.
Item Dimensions: 10" x 10"