72. ROBERT S. GARNETT (1819-1861) Confederate brigadier general who became the first general from either side to be killed in the Civil War. While withdrawing from his Laurel Hill entrenchment following the battle of Rich Mountain, Garnett received false information that his escape route into Virginia was blocked. Instead he turned northeast along the ridges and valleys that were more difficult to travel. He had withdrawn under cover of dark on July 11, 1861, but the federal column caught up with Garnett's rear guard on July 13. For several days the Federals gave chase and skirmished at every stream crossings. While directing his rear guard at Corrick's Ford, Garnett was shot and killed. Rare A.L.S. "R. Garnett Capt", 1p. 4to., [n.p.], 1854 to his Officer of the Day (and future brevet brigadier general) HENRY L. ABBOT. In part: "...[You] will instruct Members of the Sections paraded for examination to add the state from which they are appointed to their names on the black board when they are called upon the floor..." Folds, else very good. Garnett is rare in any form! $1,500-2,000