Union cavalry officer (1822–1894) who was later elected the governor of California; during the Civil War, he was captured during a July 1864 attempt to free prisoners from the infamous Andersonville prison, becoming the Union army's highest-ranking prisoner of war. ALS signed “George Stoneman, Capt. 2d Cavly,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 9.75, Camp Cooper, Texas, August 6, 1857. Letter to Major General T. S. Jessup regarding the payment of a private physician. In part: “Each Vo. is a certificate of an officer of the Army, that there was no medical attendance at the post other than the services of a private physician, which was by need procured. During the period mentioned (Dec. 1849 to Nov. 1850) in which the medical attendance was rendered Asst. Surg. J. S. Griffin…was absent a good deal of the time…Dr. Griffin’s absence was with the knowledge of and consent of the Comdg. Genl. though not officially recognized…and it was during his absence that the services of other physicians were procured.” In fine condition, with light show-through from writing to opposing sides. Accompanied by an unsigned engraving of Stoneman. RR Auction COA.
