July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
SICKLES, Daniel Edgard (1819-1914) was a colorful and controversial American politician, Union general in the American Civil War, and diplomat. As an antebellum New York politician, Sickles was involved in a number of public scandals, most notably the killing of his wife's lover, Philip Barton Key II, son of Francis Scott Key.[2] He was acquitted with the first use of temporary insanity as a legal defense in U.S. history. He became one of the most prominent political generals of the Civil War. At the Battle of Gettysburg, he insubordinately moved his III Corps to a position in which it was virtually destroyed, an action that continues to generate controversy. His combat career ended at Gettysburg when his leg was struck by cannon fire. After the war, Sickles commanded military districts during Reconstruction, served as U.S. Minister to Spain, and eventually returned to the U.S. Congress, where he made important legislative contributions to the preservation of the Gettysburg Battlefield. War-date Union general’s Autograph Letter Signed “D. Sickles Brig. Genl. Commd. Div.” 3pp. octavo, Head Quarters near Alexandria, 2nd Division, Heintzleman’s Corps, September 29, 1862, addressed General Hillhouse of New York, pertaining to organizing a division of New York regiments, and reads in part: “...I have received several applications from Regiments desiring to join my command and believe it would not be difficult to organize an Excelsior Division to be composed of New York Regiments if the Governor favors the proposal. In order to develop the Excelsior Brigade into a Division I would begin by organizing the 2nd Excelsior Brigade, under the Command of Gen. Nelson Taylor (late Col. of the 72nd N.Y.). With your approval five of your new Regiments could be so organized & assigned. Those Regiments desiring to serve in the Division could be ascertained & made known to you through Col. Graham now in charge at New York City...I would assign one of my veteran units to each new Brigade...” More. Fine condition.
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