1865 Autograph Letter Signed by Bvt. Major General John McNeil

  

1865 Autograph Letter Signed by Bvt. Offered for your consideration is a business letter, written to a publisher or photographer immediately after the close of the Civil War, signed at the conclusion by a Union officer who served in the campaign for Missouri. This letter was penned from " St Louis " on June 23. 1865 " and was addressed to " J C Butler? The letter reads Dear Sir / Capt R.

Hinton Headquarters of the Dept. Of the North West is publishing a book in which he desires to display my'Phis' as executed by you. He wants (1500) fifteen hundred copies - and says they can be furnished by you for 2 cents each. If so, do it at once, and advise me by return of mine and I will remit you the funds on receipt of your bill. The Captain says that he must have the plates by the 15. Day of August'sharp', do not excepte the.

Unless it can be done by that time. He concludes the letter by telling the recipient to Send the plates per express to address of Capt R G Hinton A.

Head quarters Department of the North West. Milwaukie Wis __ ", with a closing from " Yours truly / John McNeil / late B. Vols (he was not too far removed, as he had just resigned on April 12, 1865). There are a few pencil notations in the upper left corner, probably from the recipient (they appear to be dates). It is interesting that this publication was being done so soon after the war, though first person accounts should not have been too difficult to get. Certainly worthy of further research, and possible acquisition of the work being discussed.

Was born on February 14, 1813 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, though he moved to Boston, Massachusetts at a relatively early age and learned the trade of a hatter. Sometime prior to 1840, McNeil moved to St. Louis, Missouri, serving as a member of the state legislature from 1844 through 1845. In early 1861, McNeil served as a captain in a local volunteer company, after which he became colonel of the 3. Missouri (Union) Infantry another source says it was the 3.

United States Reserve Corps Infantry, serving from May 8. Through his discharge in August. McNeil led about 600 men to victory at Fulton, Missouri, after which he was placed in command of the city of St. On August 3, 1861, McNeil was commissioned colonel of the 19. Missouri Volunteer Infantry, though he resigned in December to accept a colonelcy in the State troops guarding along the Kansas border.

Louis in early 1862 to command the 2. Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, as well as the District of Northeast Missouri, with the express purpose of clearing the area of guerrillas.

He was lightly wounded at the battle of Kirksville, after which he ordered the execution of fifteen allegedly paroled Confederate soldiers, as well as Frisby McCullough, supposedly for being a bushwacker. McNeil was subsequently associated with the so called "Palmyra Massacre", when ten Confederate prisoners were executed in retaliation for the death of a Union loyalist. He became known (among Confederates) as the "Butcher of Palmyra". McNeil was promoted to brigadier general to rank from November 29, 1862, and that following spring, he held Cape Girardeau with 1700 men against a Confederate force of 10,000 soldiers. During 1864, McNeil participated in the defense of the Missouri capital, commanded the 2.

Brigade of General Alfred Pleasonton's Provisional Cavalry during Confederate General Sterling Price's raid, and led the attack on the second day of the Second Battle of Independence. He also participated in the Second Battle of Newtonia in October, and in the subsequent battle of Westport, was relieved of command for "cowardice and failure to attack the enemy" by Pleasonton. He was awarded the brevet rank of major general of volunteers to date from the day of his resignation. He subsequently served as clerk of the criminal court in St. Louis County from 1865 through 1867 and again from 1875 until 1876, sheriff of the county from 1866 to 1870, and in 1876, was commissioner to the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.

He was an inspector in the United States Indian Service in 1878 and 1882, and was serving as the superintendent of the United States Post Office, St. John McNeil died on June 8, 1891 in St. Louis, Missouri, and was buried in that city's Bellefontaine Cemetery. The presently offered letter exhibits signs of expected period use, followed by many years of long term storage and probable display.

Toning is present across the entire surface, imparting to the paper a beige to light tan appearance. This toning is somewhat darker at the edges and along the expected postal folds.

The toning is mixed with additional light soiling, as well as residue from glue at the edges. The glue is applied to the edges, as this piece has been mounted to a display page, the center of which has been removed so that the back of the letter can be viewed (see illustrations). The folds have caused slight separations, especially at the edges, some of which have been strengthened with tape (the archival nature of this tape is not known).

The contrast is average (there are some light areas), with most of the transcription issues being due to poor penmanship on the part of the writer (the signature and rank are well presented, however). Ink corrosion is noted on both sides, though no paper has been lost to this time. As previously mentioned, there are several pencil notations at the upper left, significantly affecting the first letter in recipient's name.

The letter itself measures approximately 7¾ x 9¾ inches, while the overall dimensions are 8¼ x 10¼ inches. A great item to add to any Civil War related autograph collection. If you have any additional questions regarding the condition of this item, please ask before purchasing. If you have any questions concerning this item, please ask before purchasing. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Documents". The seller is "coin4u" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Modified Item: No
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Theme: Militaria
• Original/Reproduction: Original
• Conflict: Civil War (1861-65)