Manuscript quotation, signed “J. A. Garfield,” one page, 4.75 x 6.25. In full: “While men shall read the history of battles, they will never fail to study and admire the work of Thomas during that afternoon. With but 25,000 men formed in a semicircle of which he was the center and soul, he successfully resisted, for more than five hours the repeated assaults of an army of 65,000 men flushed with victory and bent on his annihilation. He was indeed the ‘Rock of Chicamauga [sic]’ against which the wild waves of battle lashed in vain.”
Matted with two engraved portraits, one of Garfield, the other of Thomas, to an overall size of 18 x 9.5. In very good to fine condition, with two horizontal folds, a light uniform shade of toning, heavier at the edges.
This quotation has its roots in the September 1863 Battle of Chickamauga and Brigadier General George H. Thomas’ refusal to withdraw his troops from the fight until nightfall. Although disobeying an order by Major General W. S. Rosecrans, his chief of staff, Brigadier General James A. Garfield, who delivered the order, notified Rosecrans that Thomas was still fighting and ‘standing like a rock.’ That message, reprinted in newspapers around the country, earned Thomas the name ‘Rock of Chickamauga.’ A unique observation from a Civil War commander and future president. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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