Rare Autographs, Manuscripts and Aviation Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/27/2016
Virginia-born military officer (1825–1875) who fought with distinction during the Mexican-American War, resigning his commission to join the Confederate forces shortly after the beginning of the Civil War. Rising to the rank of Confederate brigadier general within a year, a division led by Pickett arrived on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. In an attack that would come to be immortalized as ‘Pickett’s Charge,’ more than half of the Confederate forces were wiped out. ALS signed “G. E. Pickett, Capt. 9th Infy, Comg Co. D,” one page, lightly-lined, 7.75 x 9.75, July 4, 1856. Brief letter to Colonel H. K. Craig, Chief of Ordnance of the U. S. Army. In full: “I have the honor to enclose the return of Ordnance & ordnance stores pertaining to Compy ‘D’ 9th Infy. For the 2nd Quarter 1856.” Nicely double matted and framed with a seated portrait of Pickett and a biographical plaque to an overall size of 25.25 x 25. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, and some scattered light toning and soiling.
Pickett began serving with the 9th U.S. Infantry in Texas and in 1855 was promoted to captain in the regiment. The year of this letter, he was dispatched the Pacific Northwest to quell tensions between white settlers and Native Americans. He would command the construction of Fort Bellingham on Bellingham Bay in Washington Territory, where he would learn the Chinook language and become sensitive to the predicament of the local Indians. In Washington, Pickett married Morning Mist, a Native American woman of the Haida tribe, who would give birth to his son, James Tilton Pickett. A fine example. Oversized
George Pickett (Pickett's Charge)
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