Controversial and colorful American politician and military officer (1819–1914). After discovering his young wife was having an affair, Sickles shot the man, the son of Francis Scott Key, and managed to secure an acquittal with the then-novel defense of temporary insanity. During the Civil War, Sickles served as a general and lost his leg in a famous incident at the Battle of Gettysburg. After the war, Sickles served as Minister to Spain and as a U.S. Representative. TLS signed “D. E. Sickles,” one page slightly trimmed in size to 7.75 x 9.25, September 10, 1910. Sickles writes to New York Governor Charles E. Hughes. In part, “I would be very glad to have you appoint an associate for me … to make appropriate arrangements for the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, in July, 1913. In this relation allow me to suggest the name of General George S. Nichols…. General Nichols took part in the battle of Gettysburg as Lieutenant-colonel of the Ninth New York Cavalry in Buford’s Division, and his regiment opened the battle of Gettysburg on the 1st of July. He is an officer of distinction; afterwards became Colonel of the regiment, and was brevetted Brigadier-General at the close of the war, ‘for gallant and meritorious services’ in all cavalry engagements under General Sheridan, From April 6, 1864, to March, 1865. He is a personal friend of mine, and my association with him would be very agreeable to me….” Trimming as noted, and light intersecting folds (vertical fold to last name), otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
