Lot 1234

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Description:

(1832-1913) French confederate major general who served on the staffs of Beauregard and Bragg, fought with distinction in the Red River Campaign. Sent by the Confederacy in 1864 to request recognition and intervention by Napoleon III but arrived too late. The last living Confederate major general at the time of his death. Superb A.L.S., 4pp. 8vo., Paris, May 4, 1875, to Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard recommending he accept a commission from the Khedive of Egypt. In part: '...I have just heard from a friend of mine who lives at Cairo and has an official position near the Khedive (with whom he stands very well) that the offer which was made to you a few years ago...would be renewed now if you were disposed to entertain it...taking into account the wretched condition of affairs in your native city and the brilliant prospects of Egypt I would strongly advise you to accept it even if you did not think of retaining the position for more than a few years, for even under those circumstances I feel assured that you can turn it to a good account...it may be that...the viceroy meditates to strike a blow for his independence and in that case would like to secure the services of an officer who besides his qualities as a commander in the field, has as an engineer devised the world famed defenses of Charleston. For in the case of a war of independence the position of Egypt would be one not of aggression but of defense...Most of the Confederate officers who went there made a failure of it. Success in that country requires a good deal of tact and coolness and sound judgement...I have no doubt that with all the qualities which I have ever known you to be possessed of you would make it pay in plain language. Nor do I think that your decision should be too much delayed...The Khedive must soon make some choice...there are many ways in which I can aid and assist you...my friend...[I] stand as high with the viceroy as any one...' Very fine condition. Along the margin of the last page, Beauregard endorses in pencil 'Telegraphed June 15th, 1875 Yes- Beauregard' Despite this endorsement, Beauregard never accepted a commission from the Khedive of Egypt. He rather spent his post war years as an author, railroad engineer, and politician who worked to end Republican rule in the south during Reconstruction. Yet after the end of the war, several ex-Confederate officers accepted commissions from foreign governments to serve in their armies, as the American Civil War was known around the world as one of innovation and advanced tactics. Henry H. Sibley and William W. Loring are two such officers known to have served in Egypt.

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August 25, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000