Abner Doubleday (1819–1893), controversially
credited with the invention of modern baseball, was also the Union
general who in 1863, as major general of volunteers, he commanded a
division at Gettysburg, taking the high ground, leading 9,500 men
against ten Confederate brigades that numbered more than 16,000. The
high ground he held became decisive in winning the Battle of
Gettysburg.
Superb content ALS signed “Abner Doubleday,
Bvt. Maj. Genl USA,” three pages on two sheets, 4.75 x 7.5, personal
letterhead, November 30, 1879. Letter to an unidentified general
concerning his “Manual of Service.”
In part: “I do not approve the last paragraph on page 68, although
it may correspond with the last regulations. I think the custom of
giving any kind of salutes to a grand guard is highly objectionable.
When the Duke of Wellington visited his outposts the sentinels and
grand guards treated him precisely as if he were a private soldier.
A sharp enemy judges a great deal from indications as to what is
going on in the opposing army. He could frequently make good use of
the information that a general is away from the main body of his
forces and is visiting the outposts. A plan might be made to cut him
off or attack another portion of the line while he is absent. The
military is of course subordinate to the civil authority but it
seems to me that the commanding officer of an encampment ought to
have power to quell disorder himself without relying on a peace
officer.” Doubleday adds a short postscript mentioning his sending a
letter to the president, and signed “A. D.”
(1819-1903) Abner Doubleday was famous for his association with the
invention of the game of baseball. At Cooperstown, N.Y. home
of the Baseball Hall of Fame, the baseball diamond there is named
after him. From a prominent New York Family, his grandfather
fought in the American Revolution, his father was a two term
Congressman and both his brothers were colonels in the Civil War.
He graduated from the West Point class of 1842, and served in the
Mexican War with the artillery branch of service. In April
1861, Doubleday served in the garrison at Fort Sumter, and he was
said to have aimed the first gun to reply to the Confederate
batteries. Appointed a brigadier general, he commanded a
brigade of McDowell's corps during the 2nd Bull Run campaign.
At Antietam and Fredericksburg, he commanded a division of the 1st
corps. His greatest performance of the war came at Gettysburg
when he assumed command of the 1st corps after the death of General
John F. Reynolds. Doubleday remained in the U.S. Army after
the Civil War, retiring in 1873.
In fine condition, with intersecting mailing
folds.
Triple matted and framed with a portrait of Doubleday and a
printed caption, to an overall size of 38 x 15.5.
|
 |
|
 |
|
Autograph: |
Abner Doubleday |
|
Document Type: |
Autograph Letter Signed |
|
Framed Dimensions: |
38" x 15.5" |
|
Price: |
SOLD |
|
Shipping/Handling: |
|
