War-dated ALS signed “W. T. Sherman, Maj. Genl.,” one page, 8 x 10, December 24, 1863. Letter to Lars Anderson in Cincinnati. In full: “A few days since at Chattanooga I received a letter from some gentleman asking of me a letter and original documents of interest to the people for the benefit of the Western Sanitary Commission. I feel strongly disposed to do everything in my power to aid the Commission which has done so much for our armies in the past. I have heretofor thanked Mr. Yeatman in person and now renew my thanks for past favors to the soldiers of my command. 1—A Fifty (50) dollar Confederate note last issue. 2—Genl. Burnside’s receipt for my dispatch conveying to him in Knoxville notice of the near approach of my command such to his relief. 3—Note for Genl. Burnside same date on same occasion sent by another messenger.” Matted and framed with a color portrait of Sherman, to an overall size of 20.75 x 16.75.
Sherman is making reference to the relief he provided for General Burnside during the Knoxville campaign. During the campaign, Burnside advanced to Knoxville, Tennessee, first bypassing the Confederate-held Cumberland Gap. After Maj. General William S. Rosecrans was defeated at the Battle of Chickamauga, Burnside was pursued by Lt. Gen. James Longstreet, against whose troops he had battled at Marye's Heights. Burnside skillfully outmaneuvered Longstreet at the Battle of Campbell's Station and was able to reach his entrenchments and safety in Knoxville, where he was briefly besieged until the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Fort Sanders outside the city. Troops under Sherman marched to Burnside's aid, but the siege had already been lifted. Professional repair to paper loss along vertical edges, some scattered mild toning and soiling, and some light wrinkling, otherwise fine condition.
RRAuction COA.
