Civil War

A rare and unusual Soviet imprint on Karl Marx’s 1864 petition to Abraham Lincoln

Nationalization of the Land — Letter to President Lincoln, unpaginated, ([Moscow?], c. 1930), 5 leaves, 251 x 170 mm. (9 7/8 x 6 13/16 in.), the first two leaves bearing reproductions, the first: 300 x 194mm. (11 3/4 x 7 5/8) folded into quarters, the second: 170 x 112 mm. (16 13/16 x 4 1/4) folded into two leaves. All housed in unstitched titled paper wraps, first leaf separate and balance bound together though independent of the outer wrap.

A highly unusual imprint offering a reproduction of Karl Marx’s petition to Abraham Lincoln, on behalf of the International Working Men’s Party, composed in November 1864 and presented to Charles Francis Adams, the American Ambassador to the Court of St. James in January 1865. The balance of the work concerns Marx’s 3 December 1869 memorandum to English philosopher Robert Applegarth advocating his reasons for the abolition of private property. The volume includes a four page color reproduction of Marx’s draft memorandum to Applegarth as well as a five page printed transcript of the same.

The origin of this rare publication is murky. We have been able to source only two extant copies of this imprint one at the University of Kansas and the other at the Staatsbibliothek in Berlin (OCLC 56194628). The copy owned by Kansas is cataloged as possibly printed in the United States. However, the example in Berlin is cataloged suggesting a Soviet origin c. 1930. (The presence of stamps from the Marx-Engels-Lenin Institute in Moscow, visible in the reproduction of Marx’s draft letter to Applegarth is likely what informed this supposition).

Corner creases and small tear to rear cover, light soiling to front cover, tear at bottom os spine neatly repaired, other light marginal wear, light toning, and some mild creases.

(EXA 5707) $1,200

A rare Civil War broadside edition of Gideon Welles’ congratulatory message to David D. Porter on the fall of Vicksburg

(Gideon WELLES) (1802-1878) Broadside, “CONGRATULATORY LETTER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ON THE FALL OF VICKSBURG, TO BE READ TO OFFICERS AND CREW.” 250 x 197 mm. (9 7/8 x 7 3/4 in.), 13 July 1863.

Welles’ message reads in full: “Sir-Your dispatch of the 4th instant announcing the surrender of Vicksburg on the anniversary of the great historic day in our national annals, has been received. The fall of that place insures a severance of the rebel territory, and must give to the country the speedy uninterrupted navigation of the rivers which water and furnish the ocean outlet to the great central valley of the Union. For the past year the key to the Mississippi has been Vicksburg, and so satisfied of this was the rebel chief who pioneered the rebellion and first gave the order to open the fires of civil strife, that he staked his cause upon its retention. By the herculean efforts of the Army under the admirable leadership of General Grant, and the persistent and powerful co-operation of the Navy, commanded by yourself, this great result, under the providence of Almighty God, has been achieved. A slave empire, divided by this river into equal parts, with liberty in possession of its banks, and freedom upon its waters, cannot exist. The work of rescuing and setting free this noble artery, whose unrestricted vital current is essential to our nationality, commenced with such ability by the veteran Farragut and the lamented Foote, and continued by Davis, is near its consummation. You have only to proceed onward and meet that veteran chief whose first act was to dash through the gates by which the rebels assumed to bar the entrance to the Mississippi, whose free communication to and above New Orleans he has ever since proudly maintained.

When the squadrons of the Upper and Lower Mississippi shall combine, and the noble river be again free to a united people, the nation will feel its integrity restored, and the names of the heroic champions who signalized themselves in this invaluable service, will be cherished and honored.

Present and future millions on the shores of those magnificent rivers which patriotism and valor shall have emancipated, will remember with unceasing gratitude, the naval heroes who so well performed their part in these eventful times. To yourself, your officers, and the brave and gallant sailors who have been so fertile in resources, so persistent and enduring through many months of trial and hardship, and so daring under all circumstances, I tender, in the name of the President, the thanks and congratulations of the whole country, on the fall of Vicksburg.”

On 13 July 1863, Welles recorded in his diary: “…Wrote a congratulatory letter to Porter on the fall of Vicksburg. Called on the President and advised that Porter should be made a rear-admiral. He assented very cheerfully, though his estimate of Porter is not so high as mine. Stanton denies him any merit; speaks of him as a gas-bag, who makes a great fuss and claims credit that belongs to others. Chase, Seward, and Blair agree with me that Porter has done good service. I am aware of his infirmities. He is selfish, presuming, and wasteful, but is brave and energetic.”^*

Rare. A search of auction records and bibliographies show no example of this edition of Welles’ letter to Porter. Most likely printed aboard Porter’s flagship soon after its receipt.

Light folds, some mild ink transfer from its folding soon after printing, else quite clean and in fine condition.

(EXA 5655) $1,000
___________
^* Diary of Gideon Welles, (Boston, 1911), 368-369.

Captain Tunis Craven, in his final letter to friend John A. Dahlgren before he went down in the ironclad Tecumseh at Mobile Bay, asks to have a 16 year old Landsman transferred off the doomed vessel: “there is no chance for a boy, in such craft as this.” – With a sentimental endorsement by Dahlgren: “the last from my old friend…“

(Civil War: Battle of Mobile Bay) John A. DAHLGREN (1809-1870) Autograph Endorsement Signed “JAD” at the conclusion of Tunis Augustus Madonough CRAVEN (1813-1864) Autograph Letter Signed “T. Aug. Craven“, 3pp., 204 x 127 mm. (8 x 5 in.), aboard the USS Tecumseh, 13 July [1864].

Craven’s final letter to his friend Dahlgren, requesting a new ship for a 16 year old landsman, declaring that the ill-fated U.S.S. Tecumseh: “there is no chance for a boy, in such a craft as this.” Only 23 days prior to the lightening-quick sinking of the Tecumseh by Confederate torpedo, in which Craven and most of his crew lost their lives, Craven asks his friend Dahlgren to obtain a transfer for a young landsman, thus sparing him the most likely fate of death aboard the Tecumseh:

“I wish to ask your kind offices, in behalf of a Son of a friend, the late Capt. Stephen B. Wilson USN. Wm A. Wilson Land[sman]. aged 16, was recently transferred to this vessel, from the Minnesota; I accidentally learned of his origin, and have satisfied myself of his identity. He has entered the service, with his Father’s consent, and must work it out; but there is no chance for a boy, in such a craft as this; Can you send him to a Ship, where he can learn, and be advanced? He has had a fair school education. I asked you yesterday if you wanted a Comdg Officer for some small cruising vessel. I can hire Actg Master Chas. F. Langley, nearly two years attached to the Acacia, and who was ten months, in this Squadron; a most excellent officer— capable; full of energy and systematic. I shall give him a high testimonial of character— if you can give him a suitable command, and will give me an Act[in]g Master or Ensign in his place. I will be glad to see Mr. Langly [sic] advanced— but do not wish to part with him unless for his advantage.”

Below Craven’s closing, Dahlgren writes: “the last from my old friend— A month later he perished with his Monitor in entering Mobile“. Sadly, Dahlgren was unable to grant Craven’s request. William A. Wilson is listed among those who died aboard the Tecumseh on 5 August 1864.¹

The Ironclad U.S.S. Tecumseh, which incidentally included two Dahlgren guns in its compliment, led a group of four ironclads ahead of a line of the more vulnerable wooden ships through the narrow passage into Mobile Bay on the morning of 5 August 1864. When the Tecumseh struck a submerged mine (or torpedo as they were called at the time), the ship sank in under a minute taking Craven and most of the crew with her. When the sinking threatened to block the forward passage of the entire fleet under Farragut’s command, the admiral famously decided to break the line and steer his flagship Hartford around the other ships through a known minefield (allegedly declaring “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”). Farragut’s bold move proved to be one of the key tactical decisions that won the battle for the Union.

Tunis A. Craven served in the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War, dying in action when the vessel under his command, the USS Tecumseh, was torpedoed and instantly sunk in the Battle of Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864.Craven also commanded the USS Libertad, Corwin, Mohawk, Crusader, and Tuscarora.

John A. Dahlgren is best known as the “Father of American Naval Ordnance” for his central role in establishing the Navy’s Ordnance Department , and a prolific designer of various types of guns and cannons, including his namesake invention the Dahlgren Gun, which contributed significantly to the Union victory in the American Civil War.

Light soiling (mostly at inside spinal fold), glue remnants to left margin not affecting content, else fine condition.

(EXA 5668) SOLD.
________

¹Navy Department Library: Deaths Due to Enemy Action, 1776-1937 (1962), 32.

Attorney General Isaac Hayne sends Civil War-date edits of the Impressment Act of South Carolina to Governor Bonham

(Confederate South Carolina) Isaac William HAYNE (1809-1880) Manuscript Document Signed “I.W. Hayne” as Attorney General of South Carolina, 2pp., 325 x 205 mm. (12 3/4 x 8 in.), [Columbia], 3 November 1863, to Governor Milledge L. Bonham (1813-1890) containing Hayne’s edits to the First section of the Impressment Act of South Carolina, in full: “First. Over and above ‘the property necessary for the support for the owner & his family & to carry on his ordinary agricultural & mechanical business’ of The Surplus ‘forage, articles of subsistence or other property’ in the hands of those who have ‘raised, grown or produced the same’ can only be taken for public use according to the provisions of the 1st and 2nd sections: that is; where the owner and impressing officer cannot agree as to compensation, the same must be determined by two loyal and disinterested citizens—on their disagreement, an umpire’s to decide to be final subject to an appeal by the impressing officer to the Commissioners Second. The above articles (not surplus) whether in the hands of the producers or in the hands purchasers not for sale of speculation but held for their own use or consumption ‘shall not be taken or impressed for the public use’. But where the owner and impressing officer cannot agree as to the quantity necessary, the decision of the appraisers, appointed under the 1st section, as to the quantity, shall be final. Third. The taking of ‘forage articles of subsistence and other property’ for public use, at the prices fixed by the Commissioners appointed under the 5th section, is not warranted under the Act, except in the hands of persons not holding the same for their own use or consumption: that is; in the hands of those who have purchased the same for ‘sale or speculation’—And then only according to the provisions of the 6th section.” On the verso Hayne writes: “I have examined the written and concur in the views expressed as a correct constructure of the Impressment Act.”

Hayne was a staunch South Carolina secessionist. He served as Attorney General of South Carolina from 1848 to 1868, and was appointed Commandant of Conscripts at Columbia during the Civil War. In 1861, he operated as a special envoy to engage in discussions with President Buchanan regarding a cession or sale of Fort Sumter to the Confederate State of South Carolina, following an incident in which the Star of the West, a civilian steamship employed by the U.S. Government to supply and reinforce Fort Sumter, was fired upon by Confederates and forced to retreat at the onset of the War. He also served as the Secretary of the 1832 Nullification Convention. His uncle was Robert Young Hayne (1791-1839), Governor of South Carolina from 1832 to 1834 and U.S. Senator from 1823 to 1832. One of Hayne’s sons joined the Confederate Army and was killed at Cold Harbor in June 1864.

Light toning to address panel, edge wear as shown, usual folds, overall fine condition.

(EXA 5288) $850

Admiral David D. Porter eulogizes Reverend Henry Ward Beecher



David Dixon PORTER (1813-1891) Autograph Letter Signed “David D. Porter” as Admiral, 8pp., 250 x 197 mm. (9 3/4 x 7 3/4 in.), Washington, 18 March 1887, to Edward W. Bok^* eulogizing Henry Ward Beecher. Porter writes, in large part: “ I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your communication, and while thanking you for the compliment paid me in supposing that I could do justice to the character of such a man as henry Ward Beecher, I fear you have assigned me a task which I am not competent to execute. Ten men have performed so faithfully the labors he assumed as Mr. Beecher. Whether in the capacity of theologian orator, lecturer or citizen his life marks an era in the history of our country, and his vacant place is not likely to be filled. When I saw Mr. Beecher in the pulpit, or in any other position where he brought his oratorical powers into play, I can’t compare him only to the mighty falls of Niagara sweeping everything before it— he was sovereign among orators as Niagara dominates all other characters. He was the Himalaya overtopping all others of his profession, the Leviathan compared with whom the Common herd[?] are but a shoal of minnows, and although there are many occupants of the pulpit— men of hight aspirations and Without talents, yet none of them can fill the vacancy— none but himself can be his parallel. In the pulpit Mr. Beecher occupied the place se to in the forum by Daniel Webster and his great talents were only exceeded by his benevolence. It was simply necessary to look into his face to see how full of sympathy and kindness was his heart, and should any question arise his account books would show the thousands of dollars spent upon the needy. The first time I ever saw Mr. Beecher in the pulpit was in Plymouth Church. It was an imposing sight, the hall was crowded, the aisles were filled with people standing and many were unable even to enter the building. The pastor stood in his place wiping the perspiration from his brow, for the weather was very warm. With him in the pulpit, were five little boys, from six to ten years of age and I wondered at their presence until I remembered the words of the Savior— ‘Suffer little Children to Come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.’ These words were his text and it was handled as only Mr. Beecher could do it. Pointing to the little men he said ‘I love to dwell with children for they are the best part of humanity and will often teach the way to Heaven when other means fail.’ One can imagine how eloquent Mr. Beecher could be under the inspiration of such a text, and although thirty years have passed since I heard that sermon, yet I have a vivid remembrance of all that was said and down on the occasion. I remember in particular, one little fellow who about the middle of the sermon climbed upon a chair at the pastor’s side, and stood looking intently into Mr. Beecher’s eyes while the latter paired forth his most eloquent periods. Mr. Beecher closed with a prayer and as he did so placed his hand on the boy’s head and said ‘God bless this child’! When I first saw Mr. Beecher’s benevolent face and Conine head, I said to myself— what a grand man that is! but when I heard him speak it was as if a nightly river was rushing through my should washing out every vestige of sin abiding there and I think I was a better man after listening to that sermon. I went again to hear Mr. Beecher and would have attended his church regularly had I lived in his neighborhood. The gifts with which nature had endowed our great pulpit orator, were never used to better purpose than when he made his pilgrimage to England during our Civil War, to plead the cause of the Union and battle against the prejudices of our transatlantic brethren. For his services on this occasion the people of the United States are to Mr. Beecher an eternal debt of gratitude. The death of this great Christian orator is an event that will long be remembered. It is only necessary to recall the weeping throngs who attended his funeral, to realize how he was appreciated by those who knew him best, and the floral offerings laid upon his coffin were tributes of affection such as few men have ever received. Henry Ward Beecher was a great national Character and as such will always be remembered. He was ever ready to devote all his energies to the service of his Country and had it been necessary would have shouldered a musket in her defence. I am not the less willing to bear testimony to the great abilities and serves of Mr. Beecher, from the fact that I had with him a serious misunderstanding that was never cleared up. On that occasion he showed some asperity if temper for which I forgave him, recognizing the greatness of the man too fully to permit a matter of that kind to affect my opinion.“


Light creasing, usual folds, light bleed to signature, overall fine condition.(EXA 4662) SOLD. ________ ^* (1863-1930) Dutch-born American editor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. For three decades Bok edited Ladies Home Journal where he coined the term “Living Room”, updating the Victorian parlor for the twentieth century. Bok began collecting autographs in his early teens, impressing presidents, generals, and celebrities in numerous fields with his engaging questions.

General Sherman sends his regrets regarding his inability to pen a tribute to Reverend Thomas De Witt Talmage

William T. Sherman ALS 1884 to Edward Bok regarding Reverend Thomas De Witt Talmage

William T. Sherman ALS 1884 to Edward Bok regarding Reverend Thomas De Witt Talmage (1)

William Tecumseh SHERMAN (1820-1891) Union General infamous for this “March to the Sea.”Good content Autograph Letter Signed “W.T. Sherman” as General of the Army, 2pp., 205 x 125 mm. (8 x 5 in.), St. Louis, 25 November 1884 on 912 Garrison Avenue letterhead, to Brooklyn Magazine editor Edward W. Bok^* on his inability to write a tribute to the Reverend Thomas De Witt Talmage (1832-1902). Sherman writes, in full: “Your confidential letter is received and it surely will be most grateful to Mr. Talmage to possess the tribute you intend for him— I have never heard him preach a Sermon, nor have I ever to my Knowledge been in his Church— I have met him socially, and heard him Speak on such occasions. I am sure he is an Earnest and most Enthusiastic preacher, but I am not the person to bear witness thereto, as my observation has been most limited.”

Usual folds, extremely light toning, else very bright and clean and in fine condition.

(EXA 4656) $750
_________
^* (1863-1930) Dutch-born American editor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. For three decades Bok edited Ladies Home Journal where he coined the term, “Living Room”, updating the Victorian parlor for the twentieth century. Bok began collecting autographs in his early teens, impressing presidents, generals, and celebrities in numerous fields with his engaging questions.

A scarce 1864 printing of the Confederate Congress’ final suspension of habeas corpus

(Confederate Suspension of Habeas Corpus) “House Bill, No. 267.—Secret… A Bill To suspend the privilege of writ of habeas corpus, in certain cases, for a limited time.” ([Richmond: 1864]), 6pp., 232 x 147 mm. (9 1/8 x 5 3/4 in.), faintly stamped “REBEL ARCHIVES RECORDS DIVISION WAR DEPARTMENT” at top center.

Although both the constitutions of the United and Confederate States allowed for the legislative branch to suspend the writ of habeas corpus, Jefferson Davis (unlike Lincoln) sought his Congress’ approval before declaring martial law around Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia from February 1862 to February 1863. The Confederate Congress granted Davis similar powers from March to August 1864.

In November 1864, as the situation for the Confederacy grew perilous, the Confederate Congress in Richmond granted Davis a ninety-day blanket authorization to suspend habeas corpus when he saw the necessity, specifying fifteen instances in which he could do so. This included treason, participation in conspiracy to overthrow the government, fomenting “servile insurrection,” and other acts against the state. Approved by the House on 10 November 1864 and the Senate on 9 December, this proved to be the last time the Confederate Congress allowed the President to suspend the writ before the end of the war in April 1865.

Just as in the north, these suspensions by the Confederacy drew criticism, despite its constitutional validity. Vice President Alexander Stephens openly expressed his opposition to the move in the southern press in 1862: “…in this country there is no such thing as marital law, and cannot be until the Constitution is set aside, if such an evil day shall ever come upon us.”^*

Crandall, 467; Parrish & Wallingham, 731. OCLC 702706470^†. We have located only 9 extant examples of this act in institutional holdings, including Library of Congress, Yale, Virginia Historical Society, University of Richmond, University of Virginia, State Library of North Carolina, Univeristy of Georgia, University of Illinois (HARWELL Collection), Francis Marion University. Auction records reveal no copies appearing at auction in the last four decades.

Extremely light toning at margins, clean minor tear along spine, else fine.

(EXA 5060) $400
__________
^* Alexander H. Stephens, “Letter of the Hon. A. H. Stephens on Martial Law [3 Sept.1862]” Macon [Ga.] Weekly Telegraph, 10 Oct. 1862, 2.
^† OCLC.

An editor seeks words from William T. Sherman on the late Henry Ward Beecher for a memorial volume.

William Tecumseh SHERMAN (1820-1891) Autograph Letter Signed “W.T. Sherman“, 1 page, 235 x 140 mm. (9 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.) bifolium, “5th Ave Hotel” [New York], 13 March 1887, to Edward W. Bok, in Brooklyn on his inability to write something for a memorial volume for Henry Ward Beecher.

“Yours of the 11th is received, on my return from Phia[delphia] some days ago I wrote to Major J. B. Pond some thoughts about Mr Beecher — I have no copy but I am sure the Major must possess enough letters to take up half a dozen volumes. I think you had better see him.”

Despite his apologies, Sherman did finally manage to compose some words on the late pastor for Edward W. Bok’s 1887 volume of tributes to the late pastor of Plymouth Church. Sherman wrote that “The friendship excising between Henry Ward Beecher and myself was most warm. We met often at the festal board and on the platform, and I recall our wanderings together…. His mind and imagination could not be tied down to the narrow dogmas which shackled smaller men…”^*

Edward W. Bok (1863-1930) was a Dutch-born American editor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. For three decades Bok edited Ladies Home Journal where he coined the term, “Living Room”—updating the Victorian parlor for the twentieth century. Bok began collecting autographs in his early teens, impressing presidents, generals, and celebrities in numerous fields with his engaging questions which in turn elected some excellent letters.

Major James B. Pond (1838-1903) began his career as a printer in Wisconsin. During the Civil War, he served with the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry where he rose to the rank of major. He was one of few the survivors of the Baxter Springs massacre in 1863. Later in life he began managing public lecturers and other performers including Henry Ward Beecher, Mark Twain, Henry Stanley, P.T. Barnum, and William T. Sherman^†

Light creases and expected folds, very minor wear along top margin as shown, extremely lightly toned at lower margin on verso, else very good.

(EXA 4666) SOLD
_________
^* Edward W. Bok, ec., Beecher Memorial: Contemporaneous Tributes to the Memory of Henry Ward Beecher. 3-4.
^† “Major J. B. Pond is Dead” New York Times (22 June 1903), 1.

Union patriotic rally broadside from Iowa, 1863

(Iowa in the Civil War) Broadside, 555 x 413 mm. (21 3/4 x 16 1/4 in.), ([n.p., 1863]) announcing a planned “Grand Rally of UNION MEN IN MASS CONVENTION! AT FAIRFIELD, IOWA, ON SATURDAY, FEB. 21, 1863, AT 12 O’CLOCK M.” with the appeal: “LET THE FRIENDS OF THE OLD FLAG COME TO THE Rescue of their Country!” while promising “DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS From abroad have been invited, and are expected to be present and address the people.” In an appeal across party lines, the broadside adds quotes from two prominent Democrats who, at the outbreak of war became solid union men: Stephen Douglas and Joseph Holt.

A large and evocative broadside.

Dampstains, light soling and folds as shown, several minor losses at folds do not significantly affect text. Simply framed. Not examined out of frame.

(EXA 5341) $3,750

Only weeks after Grant dismissed him from command for the failed Fort Fisher expedition, Butler casts the blame on Admiral David D. Porter

Benjamin BUTLER (1818-1893) Fine content Autograph Manuscript, 1p. 129 x 204 mm. (5 x 8 in.), [n.p., n.d. c. January 1865], a portion of a draft speech with several corrections and emendations, concerning his failed plan to use an explosive-laden ship to breach the walls of Fort Fisher which became popularly known as “Butler’s Folly.” The disastrous mistake resulted in Grant relieving Butler of command. In protest, Butler, delivered a speech on 29 January 1865 in Lowell, Massachusetts defending his conduct. The speech was published under the title: A Speech by Maj.-Gen. Benj. F. Butler, upon the Campaign Before Richmond, 1864. Delivered at Lowell, Mass., January 29, 1865 (Boston: 1865), p. 18.

Still smarting from the disgrace of Grant’s dismissal, Butler attempts to cast the blame on Admiral David D. Porter. He writes, in full: “…Yet, Porter thinks would intimate I had too much faith in the efficacy of the Powder boat and that he had no belief in its effect. Certain it is admitted that he got his fleet so far away from the scene of the explosion that for that or some other reason he could not get back again under ten hours thereafter to fire the first shot at [the] fort after the boat powder boat exploded.” Page bears a notation in Butler’s hand, “27 1/2 ‘C’” in the upper left corner, and a collector’s ink notation in left margin “Gen. Benj. F: Butler’s handwriting”.

In October 1864, the Union Navy was assembled at Hampton Roads, Virginia, awaiting Grant to provide adequate ground support to the Navy’s impending advance on Fort Fisher, North Carolina. In November, Grant, who was preoccupied by the Union siege of Petersburg and Richmond, reluctantly agreed to detach an infantry to accompany the naval expedition to North Carolina. Grant’s inaction became General Butler’s opportunity to forward his own plan of blowing the ramparts of Fort Fisher to smithereens with an enormous floating bomb. Butler argued that Fort Fisher was particularly vulnerable because of its earthen walls, easily toppled with the right amount of explosive force. The Navy rolled out Butler’s plan to the tune of a quarter of a million dollars, outfitting the U.S.S. Louisiana with 260 tons of gunpowder, a complex detonation system, and a coat of white paint to disguise the ship as an ordinary blockade-runner.

On 23 December 1864, under the cover of darkness, with 64 vessels of the North Atlantic Squadron commanded by Admiral David Porter stationed 12 miles out to sea, the disguised U.S.S. Louisiana was towed inland by the U.S.S. Wilderness, and dropped anchor in the shallows below Fort Fisher’s Northeast bastion. Unbeknownst to everyone, the Louisiana became caught in an undertow and drifted off course. Way off course. The Union officers awaited impatiently for the explosion. At 1:40am on Christmas Eve, they were treated to a spectacular light show and all Union ships in the area received a fierce rattling, but no damage was done to Fort Fisher. “Butler’s Folly” was an incredibly expensive and embarrassing failure for the Union Army and Navy, and Grant was left with precious little alternative but to dismiss Butler from his military post.

A classic example of a disgraced officer seeking to deflect blame over his own actions by casting in on others.

Provenance: William Stackhouse Collection; Minnesota Historical Society.

Light toning, creasing, soiling and edge wear, else fine.

(EXA 5139) $700

1 2