Abner Doubleday war-dated autograph letter signed “A. Doubleday, Brig. Genl Vol, Comdg 3d Div,” one page, 5" x 8", March 13, 1863, written on official “Head Quarters 3d Division, 1st Army Corps, Army of the Potomac” letterhead. Light toning and expected folds, overall fine condition. Addressed to a fellow general, Doubleday writes in full:
“I have appointed Lieut. Thiedenkap Acting Top. Officer for this Division and would like to get one or two instruments for him if you can spare him any. I think there ought to be Top. Officers for each Brigade and will appoint them from my command if I can get materials for them to work with. I am Genl, Your Obdt Servt, A. Doubleday, Brig. Genl Vol, Comdg 3d Div.”
An excellent wartime letter from Doubleday, written just months before his prominent role at Gettysburg, in which he assumed command of the I Corps after the death of General John F. Reynolds and held the Union line heroically on the first day of battle. His reference to appointing officers and securing instruments underscores the logistical challenges of keeping the Army of the Potomac organized and prepared in the field.
Abner Doubleday (NY/NJ, 1819 -1893) was a United States Army officer and Union major general in the American Civil War. He fired the first shot in the opening battle of the war at Fort Sumter and had a pivotal role in the early fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg.
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