Description:

GIDEON J. PILLOW
(1806 - 1878) Confederate major general, who fought at Belmont and was second-in-command at Fort Donelson from which he fled to avoid capture by Grant. Historic content and association A.L.S., 1p. 4to., ‘Head Quarters Army Tenn', Memphis, Jan. 26, 1861, a dispatch to be sent by telegraph to Tennessee governor Isham G. Harris. In full: ‘I have examined the Treaty of Tennessee with Confederate States, and I am satisfied that my impressions were erroneous – Tennessee's Army is clearly an independent state force, and it will require the action of the Legislature to make any change in its character. I telegraph you at once, that the opinion I express may not be the means of leading you to erroneous conclusions. My opinion is that action should be taken by the State to change its character immediately.' He signs ‘Gid J Pillow' in black ink at the conclusion, adding his rank ‘Major Genl. Com. A[rmy] T[ennessee]'. Shows original mailing folds, otherwise in fine condition overall. In this message, Pillow responds to the indecision which existed in many Confederate states at the outbreak of the war, over whether to regard their state troops as independent state armies, or to combine them as one grand Confederate army. Of course, the latter option would be chosen.

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. 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.

March 27, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
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