Description:

PHILIP ST. GEORGE COCKE
(1809-1861) Confederate brigadier general best known for organizing the defenses of Virginia along the Potomac after secession. Served at First Manassas before becoming despondent and committing suicide. SEEKING PROMOTION FOLLOWING FIRST BULL RUN Very rare war date A.L.S. with initialed postscript, 2pp. 4to., 'Headquarters 5 Brigade Camp near Suspension Bridge', August 9, 1861 to Virginia Gov. JOHN LETCHER. In small part: '...I sent a few days ago...a copy of my report to Gen. Beauregard of the part taken by my command in the late great battle and victory of the 21st of July [First Bull Run], requesting McFarland to show the report to you...The confidence you have ever manifested in me, and the high, honorable, and responsible offices you have conferred on me at various times, incite in me, I trust, a due desire to show that your confidence has not been misplaced. You'll find that I have also the confidence of Gen. Beauregard, that I have had the command of a brigade ever since I joined his army, and that the great battle of the 21st July was fought in the position of my brigade. I have been at or near the very front of military operations here ever since the war commenced. In what manner I have fulfilled all the responsibilities of my position it would not be becoming in me to speak. I can only say that I yield to the claims of none as making greater sacrifices to serve the Southern cause, and that I am unreservedly devoting mind, body, and the state to the great struggle now pending for the salvation of our honor, our liberties, and our country. I ask no other reward than the consciousness of doing my duty, the continued confidence of my friends, and equitable award of impartial history...The copy of my official report to Gen. B- above referred to has been sent to be filed with my Will and other papers for the care of my family and friends, of course not to be made public now...' Light dampstain and a small loss at the fold between the two pages, else very good. After eight months' service, during which he was promoted to brigadier general in the provisional Confederate army, he returned home, 'shattered in body and mind' Exhausted from the strain, and despondent over perceived slights from Beauregard stemming from First Bull Run, Cocke shot himself in the head on December 26, 1861.

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.

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