Lot 536
Powell, William H (1825-?) Brigadier General in the Union Army, he led the Second West Virginia Cavalry into many actions, including the Sinking Creek raid. Captured and taken to Libby Prison in July 1863, he was exchanged for Richard H. Lee (then a prisoner on Johnson's Island) in January of 1864. Following his release, Powell led the Second West Virginia with distinction during the Shenandoah Valley campaign.
Autograph Letter Signed ("W.H. Powell B.G."). Three pages, quarto, Ironton, Ohio, November 30, 1864. To Reverend C. C. McCabe. Docketed on verso. Mailing folds with some edge separation, minor foxing, ink has faded somewhat, diagonal crease at bottom of third page, tape repairs on verso. Very good condition.
Great Civil War content! Powell and Reverend McCabe had served together in Libby Prison, and the intimate, frank tone of this letter speaks of their friendship (they even sang together in the Prison Glee Club). Powell writes while home on leave and mentions his fellow generals, including Custer, Sherman and Grant, the campaign on the Shenandoah, Lincoln's re-election and his prison experiences: "…Our Cavalry in the Valley has accomplished wonders and fully demonstrated the power and efficiency of that arm of the service, when properly handled…I take great pleasure in saying to you that Major Generals Torbert, Custer and Merritt are strictly temperate men…I have been very actively employed…and have taken an active part in every battle in the Valley and in West Virginia since the opening of this years operations through all of which the same Almighty friend that watched over me while in Rebel dungeons has also kept me during my labors…I feel greatly encouraged at our prospects in general 1st in that of the re-election of Old Father Abraham, 2nd in the movements and prospects of General Sherman's operations which I pray God may be abundantly successful, 3rd in the apparent quietness at home in civil life since the elections, 4th of the wonderful effect produced upon the public mind in favor of the government in consequence of the great success of Sheridan, and although Grant is quiet about Richmond I hope to hear of something brilliant from that quarter soon worthy of the reputation he bears and of the confidence afforded in him…I have met many of our old Libby friends during the summer…"
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
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| Realized $575 |
