Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
A great lot of three Union officer's letters concerning benevolent aid given to Brevet Brigadier General Theophilus F. Rodenbough, by Mrs. James Meredith of Winchester, Virginia, following losing his right arm during the battle of Opequon (Third Winchester) on September 19, 1864. As a member of the 2nd United States Cavalry he was severely wounded in the right arm which required amputation in order to save his life. He was cared for by the patriotic Meredith family, a family all Union officers, even Phil Sheridan, seemed to know well. A war-date letter mentions Rodenbough's recovery at the Meredith house. The post war letters are written by Rodenbough and General Sheridan. They both vouch for the Meredith family's unwavering patriotism during the battle of Opequon. Sheridan letter is historically important as he notes that he was impressed at seeing them in the streets cheering on the Union army following his return to Winchester following his storied ride. Perhaps, their enthusiasm helped give Sheridan the needed energy in order to push forward in order to clutch victory from the jaws of defeat. The first letter is war-date, 2pp. 8vo., written by James Riley, Philadelphia, Sept. 26, [1864] to Captain Th. Rodenbough wife updating her on her husband's condition following the amputation of his leg after the battle of Opequon, reading, in part: "Have just seen Col. Smith, 6th Pa. Cavalry who saw Theoph last Wednesday. Say;s he is at the house of Mrs. Meredith at Winchester who is a good Union lady. Has two pleasant daughters who nurse Theoph & that he is as comfortable as possibly can be…the amputation was entirely successful…there is no danger…Theoph was cheerful & very comfortable. Mrs. Meredith is a lady of means & they have every comfort. There are three officers there & they have the best care. Col. Smith says they will be brought to Harpers Ferry in a few days…Col. Smith speaks in the highest terms of Theoph's conduct in the fight & says his bravery was the admiration of all the officers & men…Jas. Riley." Next, is a, 1p. 4to., letter written by Bvt. Brig. Gen. Theo. Rodenbough, New York City, Feb. 24, 1879, to the chairman Southern Claims Commission, reading, in part: "I take the pleasure in certifying…the…substantial loyalty to the government of the United States…of Mrs. James Meredith of Winchester, Virginia on the 19th of September 1864. While in command of the 2nd U. S. Cavalry…1st cavalry Division I was severely wounded at the battle of Opequon and was carried to Mrs. Meredith's house at her suggestion. I remaindered at her house with my servant for three weeks enjoying the most tender care…until entirely able to travel. During all that time scores of Union officers were entertained by Mrs. Meredith without compensation…this family suffered socially on account of their pronounced Union sympathies…[their] aid rendered by Mr. Meredith to our cause…can never be fully recompensed…the above mentioned facts can be corroborated by Lieut. General P. H. Sheridan…Major Genl. W. Merritt…Captain M. H. Randolph, 5th U. S. artillery and others. T. F. Rodenbough Colonel, Bvt. Brig. Genl. U. S. A." On the verso of Rodenbough's letter is a Philip Sheridan's manuscript copy letter, reading, in part: "I knew Mrs. James Meredith of Winchester…during the fall of 1864…she was a loyal woman. When I first entered Winchester on the day of the battle of Opequon…driving the enemy out I met two daughters of Mrs. Meredith…with little American flags in their hands to meet the troops and give them welcome and this before the battle was yet over. They were wildly enthusiastic over our success. I subsequently knew the mother, daughters and son. They were all loyal in words, manner and actions. P. H. Sheridan, Lieut. General U. S. A." Minor toning, else VG
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