Description:

Unusual war-date document endorsed by three Union generals accepting the resignation of a surgeon facing "charges of a serious nature". In his letter of Sep. 20, 1862 surgeon William G. David of the 98th N.Y. Vols. writes from Yorktown, Va. to Gen. Edward D Townsend, Asst. Adjt. Gen. of the United States. In part: "...I hereby resigned my commission...to take effect immediately...My position in the Regiment has never been pleasant...All my efforts have failed to satisfy a portion of the officers & men..." On the verso, four generals sign off on the resignation. In order of appearance: Major Gen. JOHN G. PECK (1821-1878) writes: "Have changes been made affecting the standing of this officer?"; Brigadier Gen. WILLIAM H. EMORY (1811-1887) responds: "Yes. Charges of a serious natures are I understand now in the hands of the Corps Commander..."; Brigadier Gen. Emory pens a second A.E.S. approving and forwarding the letter to the corps commander. Major Gen. Peck also pens a second lengthy A.E.S.: "After a careful examination into this case I am satisfied that the interests of the public service will be advanced by accepting the within resignation..." Finally, on Sep. 22, corps commander Major Gen. ERASMUS D. KEYES (1801-1895) signs an endorsement accepting the resignation. Typical wear and soiling commensurate with age, else fine. David was discharged the same day, but on Sep. 4, 1863 he was commissioned into the 78th Connecticut Vols. where he served as a surgeon until the end of the war.

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February 18, 2019 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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