Lot 881
Sheridan, Philip H (1831-1888) Union general. War-date autograph letter signed ("P.H. Sheridan") as Major General (2nd Div. IV Corps), 1p, 8 x 4¾ in., Loudon (Tenn.), 14 Feb. (18)64. To Captain Dickerson, Chief Q.M., Dept Ohio, Knoxville. "Trains are now coming in with forage & supplies to transport them across the River here. With our present means it is a big contract. Have you ordered a Steamer for ferrying purposes. It will require additional trains from Knoxville here." Fine; light toning, some contemporary ink smears and one rust mark from a paper clip at upper right edge. Matted with a color engraving of Sheridan and framed to an overall size of 16½ x 19¼ in.
The bridge at Loudon, Tennessee had been the longest bridge crossing the Tennessee River on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. It ran between Knoxville, Tennessee and Dalton, Georgia and represented an important transportation link between the southern and western Confederacy. In September 1863, Confederate soldiers burned the bridge to prevent Union General James L. Shackleford from capturing it. In early 1864, the U.S. government contracted W. H. Bristol to reconstruct the Tennessee River Bridge at Loudon. At the time of this letter, the bridge was out of commission and ferries had to be used to transport supplies across the Tennessee River.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
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| Realized $863 |
