Lot 119
Wool, General John E (1789-1869) Veteran of the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War until his retirement in July 1863. Valuable (and violent) autograph letter signed on verso of an accuser's long letter to this fourth-ranking Federal general (junior only to McClellan,
Fremont & Halleck) of October 31, 1864. The accuser, who only signs with the initials "T.D.D.," refers to "a story being spread that…you told him that Gen, then Lieut. McClellan, assisted by Beauregard planned the attack on the City of Mexico…adopted by a council-of-war, yourself being one of the council." He goes on to accuse Wool of being illicitly involved in securing a "…contract for building one or more Monitors or other ironclads…etc." An irate Wool replies from Troy on Nov. 1, 1864 on the verso of the letter, "There is not one word of truth in this communication. It is a lie from beginning to the end." After signing his name in full, he adds a p.s., stating, in part, because the writer would not reveal his sources, "There should be no concealment when your country is beset by traitors, liars and forgers."
Comes with a fine steel-engraved portrait of Wool. Estimated Value $500 - 600
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