Henry J. Hunt Autographed Military Letter, Commander of Artillery at Gettysburg, Wartime Military Document

Henry J. Hunt Autographed Military Letter, Commander of Artillery at Gettysburg, Wartime Military Document - Inventory Number: DOC 115 -SOLD

Henry J. Hunt war date 3 1/4" x 8" autographed endorsement signed (AES) from Artillery Headquarters, July 26, 1864, recommending promotion of and officer.  Letter reads:

"Artillery Head Quarter's Army of the Potomac

July 26, 1864

I heartily approve the

Recommendation of

Lieut. Nilleston by Col.

Kitching. His appoint-

ment would be an ex-

cellent one for the

regiment, and his ser-

vices fully entitle him

to the promotion it

would give.

        Henry J. Hunt

        Brig. Gen'l Ch of A'y"

Includes certificate of Authenticity guaranteeing the autograph to be authentic and personally signed by the Henry J. Hunt for the life of the item. 

Henry Jackson Hunt (1819 - 1889)

Born: 09/14/1819 in Detroit, MI

Died: 02/11/1889 in Washington, DC

USMA: 1839, class rank: 19/31

Hunt, Henry J., brigadier-general, was born in Detroit, Michigan, Sept. 14, 1819.  He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1839, served in the Canada border disturbances of that year, and afterwards until the Mexican war was stationed at forts and on recruiting duty, being promoted 1st Lieutenant in 1846.  He was brevetted Captain for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco, and Major for services at Chapultepec, was engaged also at Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, San Antonio, Molino del Rey, where he was twice wounded, and in the assault and capture of the City of Mexico.  He was promoted Captain in 1852, was placed in command of Harper's Ferry, Jan. 3, 1861, was promoted Major, May 14, 1861 and in the battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, commanded the artillery on the extreme left.  After being in charge of the defenses of Washington, July to September 1861, he was placed on the staff of Gen. McClellan, Sept. 28, with the rank of Colonel, and he organized the artillery reserve of the Army of the Potomac, which he commanded at Gaines' Mill. July 27, 1861, and rendered conspicuous service in covering the retreat of McClellan's army to Malvern Hill, at the battle of that place, July 1, 1862, distinguishing himself, and having two horses shot under him.  He was promoted Brigadier-General of volunteers in September 1862, and as chief of artillery of the Army of the Potomac was present at Fredericksburg, where he commanded the artillery, posting 147 guns on Stafford Heights, Nov. 21, 1862, and he also commanded the artillery in the Chancellorsville campaign.  For his services at Gettysburg, where he was chief of artillery of the Army of the Potomac, he was brevetted Colonel U. S. A., and he was given the brevet of Major-General of volunteers, July 6, 1864, "for faithful and highly meritorious services" in the campaign from the Rapidan to Petersburg.  For services in the campaign ending with Lee's surrender he was brevetted Brigadier-General U. S. A., and for services in the war, Major-General U. S. A., the last two brevets dating from March 13, 1865.  He was made Colonel of the 5th U. S. artillery, April 4, 1869; was retired from active service, Sept. 14, 1883, and commanded the Soldiers' Home, Washington, until 1889.  Gen. Hunt died in Washington, D. C., Feb. 11, 1889.  Framed, frame measures 19 3/4" x 18 1/2". 

Inventory Number: DOC 115 - SOLD