CIVIL WAR SOLDIER LETTER- A COUNTERFEIT GENERAL ARRESTED 1865 For Sale

An unusual Civil War item- An Original Civil War letter from "Addie" at Washington, DC, July 25, 1865 to "Wesie" recounting events in camp- the gossip and excitement - a week ago the 'Duke de Canterbury" introduced his friend "Brevet Brigadier General Fred Clinton, Colonel of the 158th Massachusetts Regt" on General Pope's Staff, bearing his appointment, signed by Secretary of War Stanton, ordering him to" Fort Leavenworth, Mo". The supposed General wore stars on his shoulder and cap. On being informed that there was no 158th Massachusetts Regiment he claimed his assignment "was by special command of Governor Andrews". The writer relates that "yesterday our officers fed up with his "cheek" sent Hammond (Lt John W Hammond of the 2nd NHV) to the War Dept and returned with a detective who escorted him to Old Capitol Prison where his valise was found to contain the forged papers implicating "my lord Duke", who is now in close confinement- " you wont be obliged to see him again". He also writes that he encloses General Hooker's Speech to the "Old 2nd" (Hooker's 2nd Division 3rd Corp) . I will call on Houghton (Captain Center Houghton Lawrence 2nd NHV ) today. 2pp 8 x 11" ink. Edge wear, age stains, Overall VG. TThe writer was Sergeant Addison Tobie, Company C, 2nd New Hampshire Volunteers. Comes w service info. This came from the estate of Joab Patterson, a notable 2nd New Hanpshire Infantry. Comes w service info.

Mike Brackin