Manuscript DS, signed “P. H. Sheridan, Maj. Genl, Comd’g,” one faintly-lined page, 7.75 x 10, May 26, 1863. Sheridan approves payment of $300 to two loyal East Tennessean brothers. In full: “For Services rendered as Scouts, going from Murfreesboro, Tenn via Bridgeport to Chattanooga and bringing important information of the position and movements of the enemy (from May 5th to May 20th 63) 300.00.” Approved by Major General Alexander McDonald McCook. Printed certification: “I Certify that the above account is correct and just; that the services were rendered as stated; and that they were necessary for the Public Service.” Signed at the conclusion by Sheridan. Rusty paperclip mark to top edge, scattered mild toning, a few creases and wrinkles, and light show-through from docketing on reverse, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by an original unsigned carte-de-visite portrait of Sheridan bearing no photographer’s credit.
Espionage pays. In this case, it paid a pair of “loyal East Tennessean brothers” $300 for their dedication to the cause and—for a price—the willingness to bring “important information of the position and movements of the enemy.” Unfortunately for one of the brothers, the ultimate cost may not have been worth it, as within a month he was captured by Confederate guerillas and hanged.
In his memoirs, Sheridan recalled the Card brothers, one of whom approached the general and ‘offered to the Union cause his services in any capacity in which they might be made useful…The gathering of information about the enemy was also industriously pursued.’ He wrote his scouts were “exceedingly useful...making several trips to East Tennessee within the enemy’s lines to collect information as to the condition of the loyal people there.’ Captured and executed, Sheridan wrote that a surviving brother ‘so hardened his heart...that it was with difficulty I could persuade him to continue in the employment of the Government, so determined was he to avenge his brother’s death at the first opportunity.’ A fascinating paper trail with a tragic twist. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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