Description:

ROBERT PATTERSON
(1792 - 1881) Union major general of Pennsylvania volunteers sacked for his failure to halt Johnston at Bull Run. Both of his sons served as brevet brigadier generals as well as his son-in-law. War-date A.L.S., 1p. 4to., Philadelphia, April 17, 1863, briefly his service in the Mexican-American war and his brief role in the Civil War, in part: ‘...I was appointed a Major General in the Army of the United States early in July 1841, and retired from service in August 1848 shortly after the return of the army from Mexico. On the 17th April 1861 I was ordered to take command of the three months volunteers from this state [Pennsylvania]. On the 19th I was put in command of the Department of Washington embracing the District of Columbia and the states of Maryland Delaware and Pennsylvania, and by General Order from the headquarters of the army dated 19th July 1861, my time hav[ing] expired I was with many other officers honorably discharged and mustered out of service…' Patterson expresses his regrets at not being able to help his correspondent whether a fellow general is living and where, and signs ‘R. Patterson' at the conclusion in black ink. Shows original mailing folds, with archival tape mounting remnants to the verso, else very good to fine. SOLD WITH: a period printed copy of the War Department General Orders of July 18, 1862, 2pp. 8vo., featuring the notice of Patterson's discharge to which he alludes in his letter. Two pieces.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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