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Lot 378
Imboden, John Daniel (1823-95) C.S.A. general. He organized the Staunton Artillery (Apr. 1861); named Col. in 1862 and commanded the 1st Va. Partisan Rangers; special appointment as B.G. C.S.A. in Oct. 1862, reporting directly to R.E. Lee. In the Gettysburg campaign, his brigade protected Lee's left flank during the advance into Pennsylvania and covered the wagon trains and the wounded during the retreat. He captured Charleston W. Va during the Bristoe campaign and fought at Piedmont and New Market. After the war, he was a businessman and lawyer.
Autograph Letter Signed "J.D. Imboden," on "The Damascus Enterprise Company" stationery, 8 pp, 11"x8½", Damascus, Va., 1891 Aug. 4. Very fine. Responding to questions from Mr. U.S.O. Dounde of Massachusetts regarding the condition of General Lee's army after Gettysburg and refuting claims that Lee's army was crushed. Exerpts from the letter:
"…Genl. Lee's army was not "crushed", nor was it demoralized. It was repulsed with very heavy loss of life and had to retire to the South Side of the Potomac. Of course we were all depressed by the loss of so many of our brave men, and dear friends, without achieving a victory, which we all expected would be decisively in our favor, and would speedily end the war. But we retired in perfect order, taking all of our unexpended material of war - and all our artillery and small arms, that had escaped the casualties of battle, together with our transportation which was under my immediate escort to Williamsport…where on the 6th of July 63 I defeated Genls. Buford & Kilpatrick, who with 13 Regts. of Cavalry…had been sent there to capture me and all of Genl. Lee's transportation & between 6000 and 7000 of our wounded who were able to be brought away in the wagons….Lee brought away with him 4,200 and odd prisoners who were turned over to me when he reached Williamsport on the 7th & 8th of July; and he was there able to hold his own against the pursuing army successfully, till the night of July 9th when he crossed into Virginia, losing a small part of his rear guard only…."
Imboden recounts his conversation with Lee on the night after the battle of July 3rd. He was given instructions for the retreat and told that he would be given a sealed package for President (Jefferson) Davis which he should protect from falling into the hands of the enemy "at the risk of your life." He reports a conversation between Lee and Longstreet and adds, "…I withdrew, feeling exhilirated by the cheerful spirits of my distinguished superior officers, one of whom I regarded as invincible and unconquerable - our adored Genl. Lee…and I think our whole army shared these feelings of absolute confidence." Much more content. A superb letter!
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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