Union general (1837-1925) during the Civil War. Originally a topographical engineer, Wilson joined the cavalry in 1864, and in March 1865 was sent with more than 13,000 horsemen, known as Wilson's Raiders, through Georgia and Alabama to disrupt production centers. His cavalrymen captured Confederate President Jefferson Davis in May 1865. ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, August 13, 1890. The Union general writes to John C. Rofes of Boston from St. Petersburg, where he is traveling with his two daughters. In part: “I came here via Berlin where I spent several days, and shall leave the country via Stockholm and Copenhagen. When I perceive the immense distances, and character of the country I am amazed at Napoleons [sic] audacity in invading it. When it is considered that he did it without railroads, it is still more amazing.” In fine condition, with central horizontal fold and writing on opposing sides lightly showing through.
Wilson, as a commanding general of cavalry, would understand Napoleon’s foolish undertaking in a unique way. “When I perceive the immense distances...I am amazed at {Napoleon’s] audacity in invading it,” be bluntly states. That savage 1812 campaign marked a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars, reducing the French invasion forces to a tiny fraction of their initial strength and weakening a previously dominant France.
The cavalry officer’s reference to the French leader is also interesting, given that for much of the Civil War, Union forces viewed the deployment of Napoleonic-style cavalry forces ineffective. The Union was initially reluctant to enlist additional cavalry regiments because of the expense, the understanding that training an effective cavalryman could take as long as two years, and the conventional wisdom that the rough and forested terrain of the United States would render most cavalry divisions useless. Even so, Wilson provided his share of heroics on horseback during the war. In the Battle of Selma in April 1865, Wilson defeated a Confederate Army force commanded by Lieutenant General Nathan Bedford Forrest. They later participated in the Battle of Columbus before their capture of Davis. An interesting comment from a Union hero regarding Napoleon’s greatest tactical errors. RRAuction COA.
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