Union general killed during the Battle of Wilderness in 1864. War-dated ALS signed “Jas. S. Wadsworth,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, embossed letterhead, October 28, 1861. Wadsworth writes to Governor Morgan, in part: “The 21st (Buffalo) Regt. is one of the best from our state. It is so far as my knowledge goes the best—a fair share of this result is due to Lt. Col. Root, and I beg leave to recommend him to your excellency for promotion. I know that Genl. McDowell concurs with me in this favourable opinion of Col. Root. If Mr. Geddy’s does not take the 12th I do not know of a more competent man than Col. Root. Tho another officer will probably be recommended to you for that plan, as the offices of the Regt. object to take an officer from a Regt. strong side of them, they’re willing to take one from the regular army.” Docketing on the reverse. Two vertical folds, light toning, and a pencil notation to the top edge of the first page and the reverse of the second integral page, otherwise fine condition. An eloquently penned recommendation written just weeks after being appointed commander of the 2nd Brigade in McDowell's Division of the Army of the Potomac.
Despite his complete lack of military experience at the outbreak of the Civil War, Wadsworth was commissioned a major general in the New York state militia in May 1861. He served as a civilian volunteer aide-de-camp to Major General Irvin McDowell at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 8. McDowell recommended him for command and, on August 9, Wadsworth was commissioned a brigadier general; on October 3 he received command of the 2nd Brigade in McDowell's Division of the Army of the Potomac. He then led the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, of the I Corps of the army until March 17. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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