July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
HARKER, Charles Garrison (1837-1864) was a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was killed in action at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in northern Georgia during the Atlanta Campaign. War-date Autograph Letter Signed twice “C.G. Harker” as Colonel 65th Regiment Ohio Volunteers, 6pp. octavo, Lebanon, Kentucky, February 7, 1862, addressed to Hon. Nathan Taylor Stratton (1813-1887) of New Jersey, and reads in part: “...In my past letters to you I mentioned that although I had received a commission as Col. of the 65th Regt. O.V. from the Governor of Ohio, I had not received the necessary leave of absence from the War Department to enable me to accept the same. So many applications similar to my own had been made to the War Dept from the Regular Army that they found it necessary to refuse in every case. I was informed however that I would be allowed to remain in my command in a quiet manner. Another officer of the Reg. service held a similar position in the same brigade that I am serving in. We were unwilling however to remain in this unomolous position. We desired to have our positions defined in order that we might know whether we were captains of Reg. or Col. of Vols...Arriving at Columbus on my way to Washington I learned that Genl. McClellan had granted the necessary leave of absence and sent it to the Gov. of Ohio. I therefore have returned to the Regiment and assumed command of it....My return was hailed with every demonstration of delight. This was certainly very flattering to me. I merely mention these things in order that you may understand my position &c &c....” About very good condition.
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