War-dated ALS signed “Henry J. Hunt, Brig. Gen. Chief of Ary,” one lightly-lined page, both sides, 5 x 8.25, embossed Office of Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac letterhead, February 3, 1863. Hunt writes to General Sprague of New York, in full: “Allow me to present to you Captain Razdevichin, of the House Artillery of the Guard of the Emperor of Russia. I do not doubt that his services will be valuable if he receives a commission, and I would recommend him for an appointment should there be one at your disposal. Capt. R. speaks German and French, and is rapidly acquiring the English. The kind reception given to our officers by the Russian service in the Crimea, when Capt. R. served at the perod [sic] of Genl. McClellan’s visit, entitles officers of that army to special consideration. Captain R. brought letters to Genl. Burnside from Genl. McClellan, recommending him to our kind officer.” Intersecting folds, a trivial spot of soiling to the bottom edge, and a pencil notation to the top edge, otherwise fine condition.
Prior to the war, the United States had already entered into a friendship with Russia and had sent Captain McClellan to Europe as part of a 1856 military commission to study European tactics, logistics and weaponry. In exchange, Captain Razdevichin, a veteran of the Crimean War, was one of the Russian officers who entered into service, or served as on observer, during the Civil War; known for their valor and field expertise, the Russians were welcomed by the Union army. This 1863 letter of introduction to General Sprague, with McClellan's recommendation, offered the Captain "special consideration." The most well known Russian soldier who fought in the Civil War, was Colonel Ivan Vasilevich Turchaninoff, aka John Basil Turchin, a flamboyant Cossack, who left Russia in 1856 and joined the Union army in June 1861 as a Colonel of the 19th Illinois Volunteers. A veteran of the Crimean War, he was given command of the 8th Brigade in General Buell's Army of Ohio because of his reputation as a fighting leader. Lincoln promoted Turchin to brigadier general, and he would distinguish himself at Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga and in the Atlanta campaign. The bravery and leadership of the Russian vets won the admiration of the troops and helped secure the Union’s ultimate victory. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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