Raynor HCA 2014-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014
A good collection of four (4) war-date letters and documents related to the military career of Colonel Isaac F. Shepard (1816-1909) Harvard graduate, commander of the 3rd Missouri Vols., ardent abolitionist and devote antisecessionist. His commanders saw potential. His zealous in carrying out operations, his superb conduct during battle was constantly cited by superiors such as William T. Sherman. First, is a choicely worded war-date Union general's letter, 1p. 8vo., (field copy), written by Major General Samuel R. Curtis, "Hd. Quarters Department of the Missouri, St. Louis, Dec. 7, 1862", to an unnamed general, reading, in full: "Col. Isaac F. Shepard formerly of Massachusetts has been serving faithfully since the war broke out in Missouri and deserves promotion far better than many drunken Pro-slavery men that constantly worm forward and get in the way of our progress. Shepard is a good soldier, an educated man, true to his country and following the proper line of policy to break down rebel power. I wish you would take a kind interest in securing his promotion." At the time, this letter did not have any effect and in late spring 1863 he took command of the 51st USCT. Shepard was promoted to brigadier general on November 17, 1863 only to be again disappointed when the U. S. Senate failed to approve that promotion. Second, is a war-date Brevet Brigadier General's letter, 1p. 4to., D. S. by JOHN H. HAMMOND (1833-1890) original colonel of the 5th California Vols. and assistant adjutant general on William T. Sherman's staff, "Head Quarters 15th Army Corps, near Vicksburg, March 12, 1863 appointing Shepard "officer of the day" the following day. Third, is a war-date letter, 1p. 4to., D. S. by Capt. Cutlandt VanRensselaer [DOD 01/07/64] 13th United States Infantry, "Steamer 'War Eagle' opposite Gen. Sherman's Hd. Qrs, February [10], 1863 subpoenaing Shepard to come on board the steamer to give evidence before a general court martial. Fourth, is a war-date document, 1p. oblong 12mo., written by Lt. Frederick Homer Wilson 76th Ohio, "Head Qrts., 2nd Brigade, 1st Div., 15 A. C., Feb. 23, 1863" informing Shepard that, "Guard mounting will take place…in front of your head Qrts (3rd Mo. Vols.), please instruct officer of Day. Guard & music…order Brig. Genl. Hovey…". All four are overall very fine
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