Union general (1815–1872), known as ‘Old Brains,’ who, despite his administrative skill as general-in-chief, failed to achieve an overall battle strategy for Union forces. Lincoln once described him as ‘little more than a first rate clerk.’ War-dated ALS signed “H. W. Halleck,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 4.75 x 7.75, Headquarters of the Army letterhead, September 29, 1863. Letter to U. S. Grant at Vicksburg, notated at the top “Unofficial.” In full: “Brig. Genl. H. M. Naglee, U. S. Vols., has been placed on duty in several Depts., but seems to nowhere give satisfaction. The Secty of War has just ordered him to report to you at Vicksburg. I thought it was rather unfair to impose on you an officer who makes trouble wherever he goes, and the Secty has authorized me to say to you that you are under no obligation to give Genl. Naglee a command. You can put him on duty or not, as you may deem proper.” Matted and framed (so both sides may be viewed), with a seated portrait of Halleck, to an overall size of 16.75 x 13. Intersecting folds, some scattered light toning, and a couple light brushes and creases, otherwise fine condition. Provenance: Christies Sale 2361, December 3, 2010.
Here Halleck writes to warn Grant about Brigadier General Henry Morris Naglee, who had commanded the District of Virginia in 1863, but was removed after he angered Virginia’s Unionist Governor Francis Pierpont. Pierpont had ordered him to confiscate all personal property of Southerners who refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Union, but Naglee refused to comply. This letter from an exasperated Halleck followed the general’s dismissal. Naglee would not be given another command and sat out the rest of war “awaiting orders.” At the time of this letter, Grant was still in Vicksburg, which he had famously captured two months prior. Lincoln would soon put him in command of the Division of the Mississippi. Despite the letter’s friendly tone, Halleck disliked Grant; he was suspicious of Grant’s history of alcoholism and frustrated by his lack of communication with Halleck’s command. A candid letter from “Old Brains” to the general who would succeed him. RRAuction COA.
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