Raynor HCA 2014-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014
General O. O. Howard Letter Signed Twice ("O. O. Howard" and "O.O.H."). One page, 8.5" x 11", Burlington, Vermont, November 27, 1907, typed on letterhead reading, "Lincoln Memorial University." Also included is an eleven-page manuscript in Union General Thomas Ruger's hand relating major events in his life and military service. While serving on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee university, Howard, preparing to write a biographical sketch of the recently deceased General Thomas Ruger, writes to Ruger's wife requesting "a transcript of his record . . . and if you will tell me anything concerning him. . . . I would like to get also any brief incidents that are characteristic of my classmate and friend. . . . I did not know of Gen. Ruger's death until I saw a notice of it some time afterward in a newspaper. My sketch of him will be a part of the notice retained for the Association of Graduates at West Point." Mrs. Ruger proved helpful to General Howard by sending eleven manuscript pages of a biographical sketch in pencil in General Ruger's hand that he had obviously prepared before his death. Ruger's manuscript begins with his birth and includes notes on Civil War battles, such as Harpers Ferry and Antietam. One page lists the names and dates of battles in which he participated. Toned, folded pages with brown envelope containing penciled notations on the outside. Howard and Ruger had been classmates at West Point, both graduating in 1854. They then served as Union major generals during the Civil War. After the war, Howard, a very religious man, served as Freedmen's Bureau commissioner for nine years. General Ruger later served as the military academy's superintendent from 1871-1876, with Howard serving in the same capacity from 1881-1882. Included is the postmarked transmittal envelope. Overall VG to near fine
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