John C. Fremont 1813-1890 The Pathfinder , explorer of the western frontier and Union army major general until sacked by Lincoln for his efforts to garner more power. Fine, historic content war date L.S. 1p sm. folio on Head Quarters, Western Department letterhead, St. Louis Sep. 21, 1861 to Union General Edward D. Townsend in Washington. In part: [I am making] preparations for an advanced movement against the enemy, that I propose to make on Monday next, to be headed by myself in person. I find it impossible to prepare and send to you the charges and specifications against Col Frank P. Blair, to which I had the honor to refer in my telegram. Signed J C. Fremont Maj. Gen. Commdg. . Signed by Townsend on verso. Later a Union major general, Francis P. Blair was instrumental in saving Missouri for the Union in his capture of the St. Louis Arsenal, and subsequent action under Nathaniel Lyon. Fremont quarreled with Blair, and finally arrested him for insidious & dishonorable attempts to bring his authority into contempt with the government . The action infuriated Lincoln, along with Fremont's emancipation proclamation . A second arrest of Blair essentially sealed Fremont's sacking by Lincoln. The action referred to by Fremont was a move against Sterling Price following the Union debacle at Wilson's Creek. Folds archivally strengthened on verso, two small chips in text affect two words only. E750-1000 0