Casey (1807–1882) was a Union general who bore the brunt of the Confederate attack by General A. P. Hill’s troops at the battle of Seven Pines, giving way to the phrase, “Casey’s Redoubt.” He later commanded a brigade in the Washington defenses and served as president of a board to examine candidates for officers of Negro Troops. He was also the author of Infantry Tactics, a volume which was adopted by the government in 1862; and Francis Fessendon (1839–1907), son of President Lincoln’s Secretary of Treasury, William P. Fessenden, was a Union general who directed a charge at Monett’s Ferry which saved the retreating Union forces. After suffering a severe wound at Cane River Crossing on April 23, 1864, his right leg was amputated. He would go on to serve as a member of the military commission, and was assistant commander of the bureau of refugee’s, freedmen, and abandoned lands. Partly-printed war-dated endorsements, signed on the reverse “Silas Casey, Maj. Genl. Vols.,” adding “Approved and Respectfully forwarded,” and “Francis Fessenden, Col. Comdg. 1st Brigadier, Caseys Div.,” one page, 8 x 10, March 21, 1863. Document granting a furlough to Private Archibald Downs, Co. I. 27th Maine infantry. Furlough is granted for the period of March 21, 1863 through March 31, 1863, “at which period Downs will rejoin his Regiment at Camp Gen. Casey, Virginia, or wherever it may be, or be considered a deserter.” Docketed on the reverse by Casey, Fessenden, and Colonel M. F. Wentworth, and also bearing the large, bold signature of General Drake De Kay. In very good condition, with scattered light toning, partial areas of separation at the end of both horizontal folds, moderate show-through from writing on the reverse, some scattered ink marks, and a purple ink notation below the docketing. A highly-desirable document bearing a solid gathering of prominent wartime signatures, Downs did desert the 27th Maine; incidentally, this unit never once engaged in combat throughout the entire course of the war. In fact, “there were a total of 949 men listed on the muster rolls for the 27th Maine. During their service, the regiment lost nineteen men by disease and one was killed by the accidental discharge of his musket.” Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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