A Narrative of the Campaign in the Valley of the Shenandoah in 1861 — 1865 First Edition, Presentation Signed by General Robert Patterson / SOLD

Description

A Narrative of the Campaign in the Valley of the Shenandoah in 1861 — 1865 First Edition,

Presentation Signed by General Robert Patterson

 

First edition (1865) of A Narrative of the Campaign in the Valley of the Shenandoah, in 1861, written and presentation-inscribed by Union Major General Robert Patterson. Published in Philadelphia by Sherman & Co., this work represents Patterson’s personal defense of his controversial command during the opening campaign of the Civil War.

 

The book is inscribed at the front in period ink:

“For Joseph Swift, Esq., with the distinguished compliments of R. Patterson.”

 

Such signed presentation copies are scarce and highly desirable, offering a direct personal connection to a senior Union general and one of the most debated figures of the early war.

 

Patterson, the oldest general in the Union Army, was widely criticized—and often blamed—for failing to decisively engage Confederate forces under Joseph E. Johnston in the Shenandoah Valley, allowing Johnston to reinforce Beauregard prior to the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run). In this volume, Patterson methodically lays out his reasoning, correspondence, and operational decisions, making it an essential primary source for understanding Union command controversies in 1861.

 

Bound in original black cloth boards, this example shows honest period wear, including rubbing and splitting at the front joint, consistent with age and handling. The interior remains clean and complete, including the folding map at front, with approximately 128 pages total.

 

A historically important, candid Civil War memoir—enhanced substantially by its inscription.

 

Inventory Number: HIS 293