Union general (1819–1898) who, after a long string of victories, was defeated at Chickamauga and relieved of his command. Remarkable war-dated LS in pencil, signed, “W. S. Rosecrans, Maj Genl,” one page both sides, 5.5 x 8.5, Headquarters, Army of the Cumberland, Tullahoma, July 2, 1863. Letter to an unidentified general, possibly to George Henry Thomas. In part: “Your dispatch of 9 P. M. & subsequent recd by Lieut. Kelly give you history & position. Genls Brannan & Reynolds will have reported on this. Our role is now to push with all our vigor. Remind all officers leading the advance that…have a vigorous attack is made. The enemy naturally suffers…Let two or more pieces of artly accompany the sick…column. Stanley will be down…with all his cavly coming in on your left. He has orders to report to you & he & you will consult together for the purposes of cutting up the rebel cavalry & trains in the mountains. It is of the greatest importance that no lives is [sic] lost. Please advise me frequently & open communication with Sheridan & Johnson on your right—choose the leaders of your advance from the best officers in your command.” Letter is inlaid to a slightly larger sheet. Expected light soiling, a uniform shade of toning, and a contemporary pencil notation to bottom of second page, otherwise fine condition.
Though overshadowed by contemporaneous Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, Major General William Rosecrans’s victory in the strategically masterful Tullahoma Campaign was a major success for the Union. Outmaneuvering the Confederate Army of Tennessee, commanded by his longtime opponent General Braxton Bragg, Rosecrans drove the Confederates from Middle Tennessee and threatened the strategic city of Chattanooga with minimal bloodshed. In this letter, likely written to Major General George H. Thomas, who commanded his largest division of troops, Rosecrans encourages communication with himself and the XX Corps, which included Richard W. Johnson and Philip H. Sheridan, to bring the campaign to a close. An excellent war-dated letter with significant battle content. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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