Description:

GEORGE F. SHEPLEY
(1819-1878) Union brigadier general who led forces during the New Orleans campaign and served as military governor of Louisiana. An interesting autograph D. S. twice ‘G. F. Shepley', 3pp. 4to., New Orleans, [March 21, 1864], a copy entirely in Shepley's hand of his ‘General Order No. 22' of May 12, 1863, which prevented the enforcement of a Louisiana law prohibiting emancipation. In full: ‘I. The Act of the Legislature of Louisiana, approved March 6th, 1837, entitled ‘An Act to prohibit the emancipation of slaves' never having been adopted or sanctioned by the Military Authorities, and being inconsistent with the principles of the Government, is hereby declared to have been without force or effect since the occupation of Louisiana by the forces of the United States, on the twenty-fifth day of April, A. D. 1862. Since that time, all owners, and persons legally empowered to act by such owners of slaves, have had and they shall continue to have the right to emancipate their slaves on petition to any court of record. II. Any person held as a slave, and being legally entitled to freedom may bring suit for his or her freedom in any court of records against any person claiming him or her as a slave.' Shepley signs at the conclusion in black ink, adding his rank ‘Brig. Genl. U. S. V.' and ‘Military Governor of Louisiana'. On the facing leaf, he adds an A.N.S. indicating that the copy was made at the request of the ‘National Committee of the Maryland State Fair', which requested copies of important communications from various Union figures as part of their 1864 exposition, again signing with rank at the conclusion. Shows original mailing folds, otherwise in fine condition. SOLD WITH: A.L.S. ‘G. F. Shepley' 2pp., 4to., New Orleans, March 21, 1864, transmitting the above document to Mrs. Amos Birney of the ‘National Committee, Maryland State Fair'. In fine condition. Sold with a period frontispiece engraving of Shepley. Three pieces.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000