Lot #306

P. G. T. Beauregard and John Pegram Civil War-Dated Endorsements on a Confederate Deserter (1863)

Description

Scarce 1863 correspondence on a Confederate deserter, endorsed by P. G. T. Beauregard and the rare John Pegram

Civil War-dated endorsements signed "G. T. Beauregard" and "J. Pegram," on the integral leaf of a letter signed by Virginia's former governor-turned-general, “Henry A. Wise,” one page both sides, 7.5 x 9.75, September 25, 1863. Letter by former Virginia governor Henry A. Wise to Major T. O. Chestney, in part: "Capt. G. A. Wallace, Co. F, 59th Va. Regt., on the 9th inst., applied that he, with one Sergeant and one Private be detailed, with a leave of absence for 15 days, to recruit his Company; and he at the same time applied for additional 7 days to attend to private business in Buckingham Co., Va. Both of these applications were disapproved…On the morning of the 14th inst. just as the orders were being executed to move to Charleston, S.C., Capt. Wallace again urged his applications for the detail and for leave…This again was disallowed. He then asked for 6 hours' leave of absence to go to Richmond before starting for Charleston. There being ample time…this leave was granted for 6 hours…Capt. Wallace did not return & did not join his Company at Rice's Station, & was has not up to this, the 25th day of Sept., returned to his Regiment. Instead of doing so, Capt. Wallace by a letter to you informs you that he was confined by fever…Under the circumstances there is reason to apprehend that Capt. Wallace is taking without leave, the absence he applied for. He was lately under arrest for precisely that offence, when he was relieved by Pres. Davis' proclamation. It is respectfully asked whether Capt. Wallace sent a Surgeon's Certificate, where he now is, in Richmond or not; on what day he was taken ill; and whether he is now too ill to return to his duty. If he is not now unable to do duty, it is asked that he be arrested and sent to his Company under arrest." The integral leaf bears several signed endorsements, forwarding the letter through the chain of command; among the signers are John Pegram (twice), P. G. T. Beauregard, C. H. Lee, Henry A. Wise, T. O. Chestney, and others. Pegram's autograph is especially rare, as he was killed in action in a skirmish at Hatcher's Run, Virginia, in February of 1865. In fine condition, with a small split at the hinge.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
• Dates: #676 - Ended October 11, 2023

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