2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
BUTLER, Benjamin Franklin. (1818-1893) Anti-monopoly and Greenback (National) Party candidate for President in 1884, as a Civil War Union general, his "Butler's Folly" led to a dismissal by Grant. Written during the battle of Drewry’s Bluff, outside the defenses of Richmond, in mid-May 1864, this communique is entirely in the hand of General Butler. It was the note, most likely handed to an aide, that formed the telegram sent to Brigadier General Adlebert Ames, on May 13, 1864, at 7 PM. The Battle of Drewry’s Bluff was an attempt to break the rebel lines on Butler’s front. Fortifications on the bluff were blocking passage of Butler’s Army from Bermuda Hundred on the south, to Richmond, on the north. Butler was ultimately thrown back and punished by counterattacking Confederate forces, which then proceeded to bottle him up on the Peninsula, of little assistance to General Grant, with whom Butler was cooperating. This note signals one of the early successes by Major General Quincy A. Gillmore, commanding the X Corps of Butler’s Army. Autograph Document Signed “BF. Butler Maj Genl. Comg.” 1p. 5”x5-1/2” pencil, in full: “Gen. Gilmore has covered the Enemies works on their right. We are before them on theleft. Glorious news from Grant enclosed. Can you hold your own without his guard against surprise and night attack. Report to me frequently. Near half way house (Dr. Cheathams). B.F. Butler Maj. Genl. Comg.” Shows slight field use, else VG.
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