Famed Union General (1820–1891) best known for his devastating campaigns in the deep South, including the “March to the Sea,” that led to the capture of Atlanta and Savannah and proved to be one of the turning points of the Civil War. ALS signed “W. T. Sherman,” one page, 4.75 x 8, Headquarters, Army of the United States letterhead, October 8, 1878. Sherman writes to Kenneth Rayner (1808–1884), former North Carolina congressman and then-Solicitor of the U.S. Treasury. In full: “On my return from Calif[orni]a yesterday, I found the enclosed letter from Henry A. Smythe, our Collector of New York and an old personal friend. Will you be kind enough to read it, and return it with such answer as I can send him….” Though Rayner had supported the secession of his state, he refused to vote for Confederate president Jefferson Davis, whom he disliked. When Sherman’s troops approached Raleigh in 1864, it was Rayner who formally surrendered the North Carolina capital to the Union Army. Two vertical folds to last name, small blot to first letter of signature, and mild handling wear, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
