War-dated ALS signed “W. T. Sherman, Brig Genl,” one page, 8 x 9.75, April 19, 1862. Sherman writes to Maj. General Wallace from Camp Shiloh. In full: “Yours dated 17 (should be 19) is just received. I will at once conform to your request—yesterday I sent scouts out 6 miles on the Rudy Road and now have a Cavalry picket of 1 officer and 25 men at Vick’s Lane. I will keep a strong Infy. Guard at the Fork of the road with pickets toward…Place. As soon as this rain slackens I will come and visit your Lines and so engage my Guard & pickets…Yesterday with General Grant I passed your new camps and went on to Buell’s advance pickets—for supposed you very busy else would have stopped. You may always take it for granted that I will accede to any plan of picketing you may suggest.” In fine condition, with a few light creases and a uniform block of mild toning over text and signature from previous display.
Sherman composed this letter a little over a week after the Battle of Shiloh in southwest Tennessee, one of the Civil War’s biggest conflicts and the greatest wartime devastation at the time. Writing from the Shiloh camp, Sherman mentions some principle Union generals, including Ulysses S. Grant, who led the Northern army and is referenced as accompanying Sherman “to Buell’s advance pickets.” Buell, of course, is General Don Carlos Buell, who supplied reinforcements during the fight and helped launch a counterattack. Despite the Union victory, Grant’s overall reputation suffered as many credited Buell with taking control of the situation. Sherman also emerged as a hero for presenting a strong front while under enemy fire. Historically significant content and references from the wake of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest fights. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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