Chester A. Arthur Civil War dated L. S. 1p. 8vo., New York, Apr. 22, 1861 Just a week after the bombardment of Fort Sumter and the start of the Civil War, Engineer in Chief Chester A. Arthur writes Bvt. Brig. Gen. Hiram Duryea concerning draftees. In part: ... I desire to use the arsenal in Brooklyn as a Depot for Volunteers mustered into the service, and shall send Col. Lanning's command there as mustered. he signs C. A. Arthur Eng. in Chief Actg Asst Q. M Genl . On verso, Duryea refuses the request citing the need to use the building for its purpose as arms depot. Arthur gave great service to his country, rising to the rank of brigadier general of the New York Militia and inspecting troops at Fredericksburg and the Chickahominy. Very good.