2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
OSTERHAUS, Peter (1823-1917) On the outbreak of the American Civil War he joined the Union Army. He was soon promoted to the rank of colonel and given command of the Southwest Missouri. Appointed brigadier general in June, 1862, during the Vicksburg Campaign, he commanded the 9th Division of the Army of Tennessee. Osterhaus obtained the rank of major general in July, 1864. Autograph Letter Signed, “Peter J. Osterhaus”, 1p. quarto, March 17, 1905, Savoy Hotel, New York, with cover addressed to General Wilmon Blackmar, Commander-in-Chief GAR, and reads: “...My sincerest thanks are due to you and to all comrades for the very friendly congratulations upon the passage of the law placing me on the retired list U.S.A. as a Brigadier General. Personally I did not seek the distinction, but my friends with the support of the Veterans called for it and succeeded. I am proud of the act of Congress, and consider it as an official recogition of services rendered in defense of the integrity of our Union and its glorious Flag. In a few days I expect to sail for Europe where it will be my melancholy duty to bury the remnants of my dear son Charles, Major of Artillery in the German Army, who was mortally wounded at Waterberg, S.W. Africa...” Fine.
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