Telegrapher (1838–1921) for the United States Military Telegraph Service during the Civil War, personally thanked by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton for delivering a critical message to Major General Meade telling him the location of Robert E. Lee's rebel army and of Lee's plans. ALS signed “Nike,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, November 12, 1862. Handwritten letter from Gainesville, Virginia, on the replacement of General McClellan by Burnside and a spectacular cavalry raid on Fredericksburg. In part: "I rode over to Warrenton to see Gen. McClellan before he left. I met him and staff at New Baltimore six miles from here (with Genl. Burnside and Staff) taking his farewell from part of Porters Corps stationed near there…Some of Genl McC's staff officers refused to remain longer but by some means McC. induced them to return with Gen. B. which they did with the exception of Maj. Allen (alias—Allen Pinkerton of Chicago) Secret Service and party who left with the Genl….Genl. B. is a good man and will soon be a hero or [an] almshouse scapegoat as he intends to give [the] enemy a brush very soon…If he is fortunate enough to win…he will eclipse any Genl yet come before public notice. But should he be unsuccessful—goodbye Burnside—come in Hooker and try your luck. But Burnside is a man who will take more chances than McClellan…Capt. Dahlgren on Genl Sigel's staff made a dash through Fredricksburg last Sunday morning (with 30 of the body guard) taking Rebel cavalry (500) stationed there by surprise, routing them, bringing in 32 prisoners…This is the most daring cavalry raid during [the] whole war." In very good condition, with partial splits to folds, and an irregularly clipped corner affecting some of the text.
