Union general, he was killed at the Battle of Atlanta. After the war, Fort McPherson in Atlanta was named in his honor. War-dated handwritten and signed endorsement, “Jas. B. McPherson, Maj. Genl,” 7.75 x 9.75, dated August 1863. McPherson endorses a request made by Lieutenant Colonel Albert Micajah Powel “to apply for conscripts to fill the 1st Regt. Missouri [Infantry]…one hundred and fifty men…The Regt. was the first-raised in the State at the commencement of the war. And on account of its…efficient services in the field deserves to be the first filled.” In fine condition, with some soiling and toning. McPherson is rare in any form.
McPherson received his promotion to major general in 1862, and a few months later was assigned to a command under General Ulysses S. Grant. During the Vicksburg Campaign and at the Battle of Champion's Hill a few months before writing this letter, he gained acclaim for his actions that helped secure a Union victory, only to be killed while leading his troops in battle the following year in Atlanta. McPherson is scarce in handwritten form, especially from the war. RRAuction COA.
