Civil War–dated document handwritten by Grant but unsigned, one page, 7.5 x 9.5, June 18, 1863. Special Order 164 relieving Major General McClernand of command after disastrous losses at Vicksburg. In full: “Maj. Gen. J. A. McClernand is hereby relieved from the Command of the 13th Army Corps. He will proceed to any point he may select in the state of Ill. and report by letter to Head Quarters of the Army for orders. Maj. Gen. E. O. C. Ord is hereby appointed to the command of the 13th Army Corps, subject to the approval of the President and will immediately assume charge of the same.” Document is written entirely in Grant’s hand, with the exception of the date and the last three words, “of the same.” Grant also struck through two sets of words, one in the first line, “E. O. C. Ord,” and one in the final line, “the command.” In fine condition, with two light stains.
Grant disliked McClernand from the beginning, and was finally able to relieve him of command after he failed in his assaults on Vicksburg and for his insubordination in communicating with the press against orders. The man Grant replaced him with, Edward Ord, went on to command the Army of the James during the Appomattox Campaign, playing a crucial role in the breakthrough at Petersburg and helping to force the surrender of Robert E. Lee. An incredible document that demonstrates Grant’s decisive actions, with an association that foreshadows the combined efforts of Grant and Ord in bringing about the climactic Union victory and the end of the war at Appomattox. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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