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Union officer (1829–1864) who raised the 23rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment in 1861 (locally known as the 'Irish Brigade') and distinguished himself in several battles, including the First Battle of Lexington; he was killed in action at the Second Battle of Kernstown in July 1864. Civil War-dated LS signed “Jas. A. Mulligan,” two pages both sides, 7.75 x 12, February 17, 1864. Letter to Adjutant A. M. Harper of Wheaton's Brigade, in part: "Find the Trifle enclosed. Staff and Self reciprocate the kind wishes of Col. Moody, yourself and the 139th all of whom we hope again to beet before 'this cruel war is over.'" Mulligan's letter comes amidst three pages of a report on a battle of cavalry and artillery near Parson's Ford, in part: "On the evening of the 3d inst. I took command of the column then in pursuit of Genl. Rosser on the Moorefield and Hardy Pike…I ordered Carlin's Battery with a guard of two hundred cavalry back to the Infantry at Purgitsville. It being hazardous to risk so much artillery with so light a force. With the remaining force of 300 and the Section of Ewing's battery we moved forward to feel the enemy whom we discovered at eight o'clock A.M. at Parsons Ford…Lieut. Morton immediately opened on the enemy from the ford. I sent orders to Col. Thoburn to come forward with the Infantry…Lt. Col. Thompson was directed to take a part of his force with one piece of artillery move into a good position near Inskips Ford. On the enemy's flank hold it and harass the enemy which movement he executed with rapidity and success. At the same time Lt. Col. Fitzsimons steadily pressed the enemy in front until his advance under Major Quinn drove them through and out of Moorefield…The enemy made an other stand at Randolph, on the South Fork but gave way as the artillery was brought up and fell slowly back up the Fork when Early's infantry were reported by Lt. Col. Fitzsimons." In very good to fine condition, with a few small edge tears.
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