Description: JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON. Joseph E. Johnston (1807–1891) was a Confederate general who, when Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, resigned his commission as a brigadier general in the regular army, the highest-ranking U.S. officer to do so. Initially commissioned as a major general in the Virginia militia, he relieved “Stonewall” Jackson’s command at Harper’s Ferry and organized the Army of the Shenandoah. IMPORTANT AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED BY JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON DEFENDING HIS CIVIL WAR MILITARY SERVICE BY BEGINNING HIS MEMOIR Important autograph letter signed by, “J.E. Johnston,” defending his Civil War military service by beginning his memoir, Narrative of Military Operations, later published in 1874: “I have had, ever since the war, ambition to correct my name with some enterprise for the benefit of the country, or an important portion of it…As to the report - I have the materials, so far as they are to be obtained. The vacated life I have been leading since the war, has made it impossible to draw it up, however. I am beginning now to have a little leisure every day. And during the summer am likely to have abundance, which shall be turned to account.” In addition, Johnston wishes to read an article by Jefferson Davis criticizing his surrender at the end of the Civil War: “Have you ever heard of that paper of the Ex-Pres[iden]t. of which we talked on the way from Selma to Jackson? It is now in the hands of Mr. Ethel Banksdale - who regards it as a very valuable contribution to his story by his Ex-Exc[ellenc]y. to be made however, for usefulness, after my death - apparently. It is very important to me to learn its substance.” “I HAVE HAD, EVER SINCE THE WAR, AMBITION TO CORRECT MY NAME WITH SOME ENTERPRISE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COUNTRY, OR AN IMPORTANT PORTION OF IT.” After Johnston learned of General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House, he agreed to meet with General William T. Sherman to discuss terms of surrender. Because Johnston did so without being defeated in battle first, President Jefferson Davis condemned Johnston’s decision as an act of treason. Sent to his literary agent, Mr. Banks, contains four pages on a bifolium, measures 8 by 5 inches, created in Savannah, GA on May 16, 1869, and in very good condition with toning, soiling, and staining.
Price: 1312.5 USD
Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina
End Time: 2025-01-23T14:01:48.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
Industry: Military
Signed by: Joseph E. Johnston
Signed: Yes
Autograph Authentication: Guaranteed to pass PSA/DNA, JSA, or Beckett
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
