Doubleday (1819–1893), credited with the invention of modern baseball, was also the Union general who reportedly aimed the first shot at the Confederates in the defense of Fort Sumter. ALS signed “A. Doubleday,” one page, 5 x 8, Office of Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac letterhead, December 20, 1861. Doubleday writes to Colonel T. D. Doubleday (1815–1863), his older brother. In part: “General Barry informs me that your Regiment is entitled to one extra First Lieutenant and one extra Second Lieutenant to each company and also authorises me to say that the Governor of New York can make the appointments, and the President will not interfere. If the Governor makes the appointments it will be all right. This question has arisen before and the above decision is the result of an interview with Genl. Barry and the Head of the War Department. The decision is general for all similar cases….” Accompanied by a period portrait engraving. Intersecting mailing folds (vertical fold between “A” and “D”), otherwise fine, clean condition. R&R COA.
