Lot 118
Stuart, J.E.B, Fitzhugh Lee, and Others. Manuscript document with endorsements on the verso by Major General J.E.B. Stuart, Brigadier General Fitzhugh Lee (R.E. Lee's nephew), Colonel William C. Wickham, and Colonel Walter H. Taylor (aide de camp of R.E. Lee), all of the 4th Virginia Cavalry, one page, 6¼ x 7¾ in., April 19-24, 1863. Recto has an autograph document signed by Capt. Hobson, Co. F, 4th Reg. Va. Cav. regarding James Foster, a 12-month volunteer in Co. D, 18 Va Battalion of Artillery, who upon the expiration of his original enlistment, claimed to be a British citizen, received his papers from the British Consul, and enlisted in Hobson's company, where he had been a good soldier. Foster's former commander in Co. D, 18th Va. Artillery seems to have accused him of being a deserter, but the officers of the 4th Va. Cavalry all support Foster. On April 19, 1863, Col. Wickham sings Foster's praises: "Foster is a most excellent trooper…Is one of my best men and was not liable to conscription. He is in no way a deserter. I have no doubt but that this application will be refused." Wickham forwards the document to "Fitz Lee / Brig. Genl Comdy" who signs in approval on April 21 and forwards to "J.E.B. Stuart/Major Genl" who approves on April 22 and forwards the document to R.E. Lee's aide de camp, Col. Taylor, who, on April 24, notes that the document was returned to the commanding officer of Co. D, 18th Va. who, we assume, retreated from the fire power of the 4th Va. Cavalry officers.
The document is toned overall, has some marginal chipping, and is silked on the recto (signed by Hobson); Taylor's writing is light but the other endorsements are boldly signed. Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000
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