Abner Doubleday (1819–1893), controversially credited with the invention of modern baseball, was also the Union general who in 1863, as major general of volunteers, he commanded a division at Gettysburg, taking the high ground, leading 9,500 men against ten Confederate brigades that numbered more than 16,000. The high ground he held became decisive in winning the Battle of Gettysburg. Superb content ALS signed “Abner Doubleday, Bvt. Maj. Genl USA,” three pages on two sheets, 4.75 x 7.5, personal letterhead, November 30, 1879. Letter to an unidentified general concerning his “Manual of Service.” In part: “I do not approve the last paragraph on page 68, although it may correspond with the last regulations. I think the custom of giving any kind of salutes to a grand guard is highly objectionable. When the Duke of Wellington visited his outposts the sentinels and grand guards treated him precisely as if he were a private soldier. A sharp enemy judges a great deal from indications as to what is going on in the opposing army. He could frequently make good use of the information that a general is away from the main body of his forces and is visiting the outposts. A plan might be made to cut him off or attack another portion of the line while he is absent. The military is of course subordinate to the civil authority but it seems to me that the commanding officer of an encampment ought to have power to quell disorder himself without relying on a peace officer.” Doubleday adds a short postscript mentioning his sending a letter to the president, and signed “A. D.” Triple matted and framed with a portrait of Doubleday and a printed caption, to an overall size of 38 x 15.5. In fine condition, with intersecting mailing folds.
RRAuction COA.
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