Union general. ALS signed 'Wm.T. Sherman, Maj. Genl.' one page, 8 x 10 lightly lined paper, with the imprinted Head Quarters Military Division of the Mississippi letterhead, September 1, 1865. To Captain John C. Vanburen, Assistant Superintendent of the Mississippi Territory. 'I take great pleasure in bearing testimony to your skill in your art, and your good administrative capability. You had charge...of the Military Telegraph Lines to the Rear of the Army during the Atlanta Campaign, when they were constantly subject to interruption by Cavalry dashes and Guerillas. You had also to construct numerous lines of the field telegraph from my HdQu to the various parts of the Army, all of which was done to my entire satisfaction. I hope if you leave the Military Service you will fine appreciation and honor in the no less important sphere opened to you in Civic Life.' Coincidentally, the letter is written almost one year to the day after Sherman's occupation (September 2, 1864) of Atlanta, the culmination of his bloody and controversial passage through that state, whereupon the capital was evacuated and razed. He departed Atlanta in mid-November and began his infamous 'March to the Sea.' In 1869, upon the election of Gen. U.S. Grant as president, Sherman assumed command of the entire U.S. Army, remaining in that post until 1883. In fine condition, with usual letter folds, one fold through a letter of the signature, and some light soiling in places. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
