2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Both these original documents found with the original papers of Captain. J. C. Hopper, aide-de-camp to General Fremont while in command of the Mountain Department in West Virginia early in the war. (ITEM 1) boldly and neatly penned two page document signed only "God preserve you." Obviously a document Fremont's forces captured when they occupied West Virginia. The account opens: "TROOPS IN LARGE NUMBERS arriving. Over 80,000 volunteers have reached here. On the 3'rd 10,000 soldiers and on the 5'th 12,000 more left for Virginia by way of Rockville, Point of Rocks, Edwards Ferry and the other side. Pattersen [sic] and McClelland [sic] are to turn Manassas. Scott says that he will reach Richmond by the 19'th of this month. That he will try, trust me for reasons; his own position depends on it. Ultra [ ? ] party rejoin the war; they know it is their game. The struggle will be desperate; they are wise also and will [take] advantage of the late defeat.…Western men will be in command as far as practicable. What I know of the political complications is so important that it should be known. Believe me, it is far more important then any information as to movements of men. The war hangs on it and I know all. Believe me, you should arrange for me to see some leading men so as to communicate and take instructions. Circumstances not only give me the knowledge of what I wish, but also a strange influence which I do not know what to do with…today a most strange thing happened…a visit from two… New York Editors with propositions which will surprise you. I wish I could write freely. Be always on guard. I tremble for you.…McClelland [sic] has 18,000 men for the objects stated. Of one thing be sure, infirmity of purpose no longer exists. Bold measures [are being taken by Gen'l E.D. Keyes' orders] at Camp McDowell. I BELIEVE YOUR ONLY CHANCE IS TO PICK OFF THE OFFICERS." Normal light aging. Few very short tears on edges of folds (weakening) but all intact…(ITEM 2) Hurriedly penned, either by Capt. Hopper himself or an aide who had just taken the testimony of a messenger from the field (or possibly the Ohio officer himself) just-returned from on scout: "…Capt. Higgins, Company B, 73'rd O.V.I., Schwenk's Brigade - on previous expedition found a fine meal ready for a number of persons, but no guests at the Widow Eyir on Harrisonburg road. Sent a man same day…beyond the widow's house and never heard of him [again]. Found two horses in widow's stable branded 'U.S.' &'S.B.'…widow and family professed to know nothing of them, did not know they were there ! Nooman [sic] said he had left Bridgewater to come to Franklin to give himself [up] but was moving towards Petersburg - he don't know anything about the horses. …Said he just stopped there…[and] intended to go…still farther down road from Widow. We had no trains out on that road and he may have thought he was safe in stopping…He had his uniform coat in saddlebags and had on a blue blouse. It was sometime before he admitted he had come over Shenandoah…THINK HE IS A SPY." Just normal aging and toning. Exc. +. Single page. Reverse docketed in same hand "Arrest of Nooman." Accompanied by a printed Army form "U.S. MILITARY TELEGRAPH" with message neatly penned by the telegraph office indicating sent and received same day, April 21, 1862, from Wheeling to J. C. Hopper in Rowelsburg (West Va) with curt message: "Horses in hands of U.S. marshal. Answer immediately." 6 x 9 blank reverse; docketing same date. …Also original printed General Order titled: "MOUNTAIN DEPARTMENT / Hdqtrs Army in the Field / Camp at Franklin, Va [West Va later] May 16, 1862"; printed signature of Gen'l. Fremont. 5 x 7. Regarding: "Officers, soldiers or followers of the camp [ !! ] losing horses or mules…[or] coming into possession of horse or mule… lost or strayed…" with directions and / or orders how to report and identify…or restore to owner: "neglect or failure to comply…will be held a matter for investigation and punishment; be the rank of the offender what it may." Exc. ALSO, a photostatic copy of a letter by Fremont commending Capt. Hopper for his important service as his aide taken from Fremont's 1866 published "Report of the operations…of the Mountain Department." The group.
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