Union general (1831–1901) who saw action at Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, as well as nearly all the engagements of the Peninsula Campaign and Sherman’s March to the Sea. He is generally credited as the composer of the bugle call “Taps.” TLS, two pages, 8 x 10, February 18, 1889. Butterfield writes to Samuel A. Christie in Waltham, Massachusetts. In part: “General Louis Fitzgerald’s address is at the Mercantile Trust Company, New York. Points about General Morrel, you can find by addressing Col. R. S. Auchmuty…. I enclose you a tolerably fair description of the Battle of Resacca. I am glad that you are undertaking the work you speak of. In your biography of me is omitted the fact that I was on duty in Washington for several days prior to the arrival of the troops [handwritten: with the Clay Guards], organizing and drilling the citizens of Washington for the defense of public buildings and the care of public property until the troops should arrive. I commanded a separate expedition in the Army of the Cumberland to head off Wheeler’s [handwritten: raid]. I was designated by Gen. George H. Thomas to fix the number of troops necessary to hold the defenses in rear (a very important and responsible duty) and was recommended by Gen. Thomas for the command of a corps.” In fine condition. R&R COA.
