Description:

NATHAN BEDFORD FORREST
(1821 - 1877) Confederate lieutenant general of Tennessee cavalry and arguably the greatest cavalry officer in history, he raided and harassed Union forces and supply lines with great effect throughout the war. Rare war-date signed endorsement on the verso of a letter to Capt. W. A. Goodman from J. P. Trotter of the 5th Miss. Cavalry Regiment, 1p. 4to., Tupelo, May 13, 1864. Trotter explains that Pvt. A. A. Turnbo of his regiment had been commissioned a captain and had raised a company of men, then in camp 'on the Yazoo or Miss. swamps...' He then lists six men whom he believes have deserted, curiously noting: 'We do not ask for action on the above - but simply submit the facts to the best of our knowledge, by order of Gen. Chalmers...'. From his headquarters in Tupelo on May 19th, Forrest boldly signs a manuscript endorsement on the verso of the document: 'Respy forw'd to Gov'r Clark - who is requested to take such measures as in his judgement will cause the return of these men to their commands.' Also appearing is an A.E.S. of C.S.A. Brigadier Gen. JAMES R. CHALMERS (1831-1898), known for his proficiency in commanding cavalry, who served under Braxton Bragg, John B. Hood, and Nathan Bedford Forrest. On the 18th, also from Tupelo, he writes: 'Capt. Turnbo is a deserter & has raised a company in State service. Gov. Clark presumed he should be returned on proper application. I respectfully ask that demand be made on the Gen. for Turnbo & the deserters with him herein named...', as well as an A.E.S. of Col. ROBERT MCCULLOCK of the 2nd Mississippi Cavalry Brigade forwarding the document. Damp-stained widely, yet still entirely legible. Forrest is rare - especially in war-date material.

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April 1, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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