Manuscript DS, signed “J.E.B. Stuart, Major Genl Comdg,” one lightly-lined page, 7.75 x 9.75, May 10, 1863. This General Order No. 15 was written from Cavalry Division Headquarters in Northern Virginia and concerns the death of his right-hand man, Channing Price. In full: “It becomes my painful duty to announce to the Division the death, from wounds received in action, of Major Channing Price, Asst: Adjt: General, Cavalry Division.
This gallant officer while at the post of duty near the Furnace, in Spottsylvania County, on the 1st of May, received a fatal wound, which in a few hours deprived the Division staff of its most efficient member, the country, of a faithful and gallant defender, and an afflicted family, of its brightest ornament.
Surely Death loves a shining man. The purest and best have fallen: let their spirits animate those of us who survive.
In token of respect for the memory of the deceased, the Division Staff will wear the usual military badge of mourning for thirty days.”
Beautifully double-suede matted and framed with a color portrait of Stuart, and a descriptive plaque, to an overall size of 30 x 27. In fine, clean condition.
R. Channing Price joined the 3rd Virginia Howitzers at the outbreak of the Civil War. On July 29, 1862, he was appointed aide-de-camp to Stuart. Having just turned 20, and serving as a major for only eight weeks, Price was a universally popular young officer of Stuart’s staff. Price’s photographic memory made it possible for Stuart to issue long and intricate orders as they rode side by side, then would dismount and write them out verbatim.
Near Catharine Furnace on May 1, a shell fragment hit Price behind the knee. Although bleeding profusely, Price refused medical aid and insisted on staying at Stuart’s side. Price soon fainted from loss of blood and died that evening at the Wellford house a few hundred yards south of where he had been wounded. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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