Civil War–dated ALS signed “J. Johnston Pettigrew, Brig. Gen. P. A. C. S.,” one page, lightly-lined, 5.75 x 9, Magnolia, February 1, 1863. Letter to R. J. Holmes. In full: “Owing to my frequent and uncertain movements, your very acceptable letter of the 7th was a long time in reaching me. It contains exactly the kind of information I desired. The Engineers are now down in your region and their map with your explanation of the character of the roads will give me all the information required.” Central vertical and horizontal folds, the vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature, overall toning and soiling, and two large areas of dampstaining affecting the text and signature, otherwise very good condition.
After suffering a near-fatal injury during the Peninsula Campaign in the summer of 1862, brigadier general Pettigrew was taken prisoner by the Union army and held until an exchange two months later. Ordered to Eastern North Carolina, where he was to secure and gather supplies in preparation of Lee’s offensive into the north, he contacted friend and attorney R. J. Holmes to help map his area (most likely New Bern, North Carolina, where Holmes lived). Five months later, Pettigrew’s brigade was assigned the position of the left flank in the famous infantry assault now known as Pickett’s Charge on the final day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Badly wounded in the battle, Pettigrew began to lead his troops’ retreat back to Virginia; but when they faced an unexpected Union attack at Falling Waters, West Virginia, he was shot again, this time fatally. An incredibly rare letter from the courageous Confederate general, just months before his final attack in the Battle of Gettysburg—the only Pettigrew we have ever offered. RR Auction COA.
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