Union Brigadier-General. In 1862 Stanton authorized Saxton to recruit and train 5,000 former slaves and became military governor of the Department of the South 1862-1865. Wardate ALS in pencil signed 'R. Saxton,' 7.5 x 10, May 28, 1862. In full: 'General, I am going send a few shell from the Dalgren [sic] gun on to the height's opposite. I send this you may understand the firing...' In a postscript he adds, 'Please say to Col. Schendiegh [?] that I do not think it will be best for him to go nearer Martinsburg than Smithville,' after which he initials 'R.S.' In very good condition, mounted to card stock of the same size with usual folds, slight fold separations not affecting text or signature, minimal mounting residue along top and bottom edges, minor soiling and wrinkling. RRAuction COA.
