Career United States Army officer and author who had War Department assignments in Washington, D.C., during the Civil War, in which he served as a major general. War-dated ALS signed “E. A. Hitchcock,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, April 12, 1862. Letter to his niece Mary. In part: “This place is killing your uncle…I am now nearly 64 years of age, and though tolerably well, so long as I can keep quiet and take care of myself. I am by no means fit for the wear and tear of public life, especially army life…I do not intend to remain here, but shall withdraw as soon as my doing so shall not appear to throw a doubt upon the cause. You must not count too much upon the Union success at Pittsburg Landing. The enemy withdrew in good order and may yet be in full force at Corinth…The movement (a secret) of Gen. McClellan has been (there is every sign of fear) a bad mistake. He should have moved forward from this city directly toward Richmond making the road as he went. He expected serious opposition in taking Yorktown; – and then he counted upon an easy march to the neighborhood of Richmond where he thought the enemy would be beaten in a pitched battle and so surrender the Confed. capitol. He might have guessed better.” In fine condition, with a bit of scattered light toning, paperclip impression to top edge, and a small separation along hinge. RRAuction COA.
