Union general who was killed in action at the Battle of Perryville during the Civil War. His brother was also killed during the same war, making the Terrills one of the few sets of American brothers killed in action while commanding brigades. Ironically, they were on opposite sides in the conflict. War-dated ALS, one page, lightly-lined, 7.75 x 5, Christmas Day, 1861. Brief letter to his father, prominent Bath County attorney William H. Terrill. In full, “I am here and well.” Two vertical folds, one through a single letter of signature, and scattered toning and soiling, otherwise fine condition.
A graduate of the United States Military Academy, Terrill chose to stay with the Union Army while his brother, James Barbour Terrill, sided with the Confederacy. Both men rose to the rank of general, but William’s decision divided the family with his father once threatening to have him hanged if he ever returned home to Virginia. Sadly, neither Terrill brother ever returned home alive again, as both were killed in action during the bloody conflict. A poignant note as a son, moved by the spirit of Christmas, briefly reassures his father. RRAuction COA.
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