Army officer who shot and killed Philip Barton Key, son of Francis Scott Key, because of Key’s attentions to Mrs. Sickles. He was tried and acquitted on the grounds of a then-novel plea of a temporary mental aberration; he later became a Union general and lost a leg in defense of the famous Gettysburg Peach Tree salient. ALS signed “D. Sickles,” one page, 5 x 8, September 9. Closing page of an ALS reading, “Postmaster & hand him the enclosed cards.” Signed at the conclusion by Sickles, adding his rank underneath signature. Matted with a portrait of Sickles, to an overall size of 14 x 11. Partial separations along horizontal mailing folds and a few creases, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
