This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2022
Like all the Confederacy’s top commanders, General James Longstreet had been a career officer in the US Army before 1861. Longstreet had graduated West Point and served as an infantry officer in the Mexican American War. He later held various posts in the American West, and it is that time to which this signed letter originates. The letter is dated January 19, 1858, and is addressed to Colonel H.K. Craig, Chief of Ordnance. At the time Longstreet was a captain in the 8th Infantry out of Fort Bliss, Texas. The letter, written in black fountain pen on lined paper, is the cover page for his unit’s ordnance inventory report. Longstreet signed the letter with, “Capt. 8th Inf. Bvt. Maj” shorthand for Captain, 8th Infantry, Brevet Major.” The back of the letter is dated January 19, 1858 and has been marked accordingly as it was passed up the chain of command. The sheet shows toning from age and has horizontal creases from folding. There is a small piece missing on the right side of the sheet on the fold. The ink has aged to a warm sepia. A superb piece representative of Longstreet’s pre-Civil War career as an up and coming officer on the Texas frontier. The letter is accompanied by a modern print of a portrait of Longstreet in his Confederate uniform. Comes with an LOA from Beckett.