Episcopal Bishop of Louisiana (1806-1864). His West Point classmate, Jefferson Davis, urged him to accept an appointment as a Confederate general during the Civil War, despite having had no combat experience. His rank earned him the nickname ‘The Fighting Bishop.’ Polk, a second cousin of James K. Polk, defeated Grant at Belmont and commanded large forces at Shiloh and Chickamauga. Gen. Braxton Bragg ordered him to be court-martialed for not following orders at Chickamauga, but Davis reinstated him. Polk was killed in action near Pine Mountain, Georgia, in June 1864, and although Davis lavished the highest praise on him as a military leader, most of his peers felt his real talents lay in his ministry. War-dated ALS signed “L. Polk, Lieut Genl,” one page, 8 x 10, March 25, 1863. Letter to Major General John C. Breckinridge. In full: “Your request as to the report of Capt. Robertson I will comply with, with pleasure. He is now here and soon as it can be made out I will send it to you. In the meantime I send you an extract from my own report covering so much of the story as I understand and have told as it relates to the part taken by your troops after they reported to me on my side of the river. I have discussed the matter with Col. O’Hara to make my views more clear.” Double matted and framed with a small portrait of Polk to an overall size of 19 x 16. Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and scattered light toning, otherwise fine condition. Provenance: Christies Sale 2361, December 3, 2010.
Polk refers to the Battle of Stones River or Mufreesboro of late 1862, an unsuccessful confrontation between General Rosencrans’ Army of the Cumberland and General Bragg’s Army of Tennessee. The controversial Confederate retreat was widely condemned by the southern press, and thus the battle was closely analyzed following the defeat. Polk’s letter to Breckinridge recapitulates the details of this crucial engagement, specifically the events of December 31, when a few brigades of Breckinridge’s division were posted to Polk after his last reserve was exhausted. Polk sought to dislodge Union forces at Round Forest, but failed to drive back the enemy because the reinforcements arrived too late. This letter references Captain Felix Huston Robertson, who served as a captain of an Alabama artillery battery and was promoted to major for his courageous actions at Murfreesboro, and to Colonel Theodore O’Hara, who served under Breckinridge. A fine letter from the Fighting Bishop regarding an important Civil War battle. RRAuction COA.
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