September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
PHELPS, John E. (1839-1921) The son of John Smith Phelps. He started his military service in the spring of 1861 as a secret agent of General Nathaniel Lyon. On February 17, 1862, by order of General S.R. Curtis, he was detailed as acting volunteer aid upon the staff of Brigadier General Eugene A. Carr. In the Battle of Pea Ridge, his dauntless courage impressed many. Near the end of the battle he was wounded in the leg and was forced to return home to heal. While on sick leave he organized the 2nd Arkansas Cavalry and was made its Colonel on March 18, 1864. The cavalry seen gallant action at Jefferson City, Boonville, Independence, Big Blue, Osage and Newtonia. By order of the War Department the names of these six battles were placed on the colors of the regiment. In camp at Springfield, Missouri, they were ordered to Memphis, Tennessee. Leaving on December 14, 1864, they arrived at Memphis on January 25, 1865. On March 13, he received a brevet to Brigadier General for his gallant and meritorious services in the fall campaign of 1864 in southwest Missouri. He and the regiment were mustered out at La Grange, Tennessee, on August 20, 1865. War-date Union officer's Autograph Letter Signed by John E. Phelps, U.S.A., 1pp. quarto, Head Quarters Post of Cassville, Missouri, October 20, 1863, addressed to General Thomas Ewing Jr, and reads "Gen. McNeil informs me that he can not mount more than 400 men and wishes you to join him in all haste. The general is now at Pea Ridge Ark...." About very good condition.
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