September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
An extremely rare Union sharpshooters document, 1p. 4to., "In the field, Va., March 22, 1865" written and signed by written by 1st Lt. John Downing [WIA Gettysburg] as commander of the 25th Army Corps sharpshooter battalion. Downing advises A.A.G. West of the 2nd Corps that that he has received a copy of Special Order No. 64 stating that several named members of the 127th United States Colored Troops had been assigned as sharpshooters and mentions further that the soldiers had not yet reported. On the verso appears an eight line A.E.S. by Union Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY (1819-1907) calling for the matter to be investigated to determine why these men had not yet appeared for duty. This is the first instance we have ever seen of colored troops being employed as sharpshooters! Some soiling and spotting, still quite good.
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