Description:

LEWIS PARSONS
(1818-1907) Union brigadier general who was one of the last officers promoted to the rank during the war. Parsons was in charge of rail and river transportation for several different armies through the years of the war and laid the foundations for expanding railroad activities into the west. War-date A.L.S., 2pp. 4to., St. Louis, May 31, 1863, on ‘Quartermaster's Department' letterhead to a Col. J. A. Pingham regarding transport boats and his responsibilities. In part: ‘Boats are getting more plenty and more moderate in their demands, Several are applying to me for charters at greatly reduced rates. If you can favor me soon with a list of the boats in service in your Department, with nature of service in which they are engaged I am confident I can send you some boats to exchange at from 40 to $60 per day reduction in price. I would be glad to have the ‘Hiawatha' sent up anyhow as the committee awarded her $105 per day over expenses and I can send the Choctaw [?] of 1100 tons at $50 per day… Can you give me any idea as to the probable demand for chartered boats below… If this can be systemitised [sic] in some degree, I think it will… diminish annoyances to yourself and all of us…' He signs ‘Lewis B. Parsons' in black ink at the conclusion, adding his rank ‘Col & A[ssistant] Q[uarter] M[aster]'. The blank overleaf has been trimmed ans shows mounting remnants, with original mailing folds and three pinholes at bottom right, otherwise in very good condition.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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