Handwritten Letter with William Tecumseh Sherman Attributed Signature | Battle of Allatoona | Dated 1875

Historical Context & Origin

Region: United States – St. Louis, Missouri; Historical Subject: Allatoona Pass, Georgia
Material: Paper document bearing cursive handwriting and signature, engraved-style portrait print, decorative matting, glass, and gilt-finished frame
Period: Reconstruction Era, 19th Century; correspondence dated June 22, 1875

Description

An impressive framed historical presentation featuring a handwritten letter bearing a signature attributed to Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820–1891), one of the most influential American military commanders of the nineteenth century. Dated June 22, 1875, the correspondence discusses the historic Battle of Allatoona Pass and the origins of the celebrated Civil War expression "Hold the Fort."

The letter bears the heading "Headquarters Army of the United States" and is dated from St. Louis, Missouri, during Sherman's tenure as Commanding General of the United States Army. Addressed to William E. Dodge, the correspondence concerns the Battle of Allatoona Pass, fought on October 5, 1864, during the American Civil War.

The historical account describes Confederate attacks observed from Kennesaw Mountain, approximately eighteen miles from the threatened Union position at Allatoona. With telegraph communications disrupted, Union forces relied upon military signal flags to communicate across the battlefield. The correspondence discusses efforts to inform the defenders that reinforcements were approaching and reflects upon the determination of the Union garrison to maintain its position.

Of particular historical interest is the discussion surrounding the celebrated expression "Hold the Fort." Although the phrase became closely associated with the battle, Sherman questioned whether he had personally used those precise words during the engagement. The correspondence offers a fascinating perspective on the relationship between documented military events and the historical narratives that subsequently entered American popular culture.

The manuscript bears flowing nineteenth-century-style cursive writing, with a signature appearing beneath the correspondence.

Accompanying the letter is an oval engraved-style portrait depicting General Sherman in his Union military uniform, complete with shoulder insignia and formal nineteenth-century military attire. The portrait follows the traditions of historical engravings depicting prominent American military and political figures.

Both elements are mounted against a rich royal-blue background decorated with intricate gold floral ornamentation and delicate linear borders. Contrasting red, white, and black matting surrounds the manuscript and portrait individually, while an ornate gilt-finished outer frame provides an elegant presentation suitable for a historical collection, private study, library, or military-themed display.

The reverse of the frame retains an original brushed-metal identification plaque from Centre Gallery, Indianapolis, Indiana, providing a tangible connection to the presentation's earlier gallery history.

Features

• Headed "Headquarters Army of the United States"

• Addressed to William E. Dodge

• Discusses the October 5, 1864, Battle of Allatoona Pass

• References military signal communications from Kennesaw Mountain

• Explores the historical origins of the celebrated expression "Hold the Fort"

• Signature appearing beneath the correspondence

• Accompanying oval engraved-style portrait of General Sherman in military uniform

• Rich royal-blue decorative background with gold floral ornamentation

• Contrasting red, white, and black presentation borders

• Ornate gilt-finished frame with protective glazing
  

Cultural Significance

William Tecumseh Sherman remains one of the most consequential military figures in American history. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Sherman rose to prominence as a senior Union commander during the American Civil War and became a close military associate of General Ulysses S. Grant.

His campaigns through Georgia and the Carolinas contributed substantially to the Union victory in 1865. Sherman's military strategies, particularly his celebrated March to the Sea, remain subjects of extensive historical research and debate.

Following the Civil War, Sherman continued his distinguished military career, serving as Commanding General of the United States Army from 1869 to 1883. His influential Memoirs, first published in 1875, preserved his firsthand recollections of military operations, leadership decisions, and wartime experiences.

The Battle of Allatoona Pass, fought on October 5, 1864, centred on a strategically important railroad supply position north of Atlanta, Georgia. Confederate forces attempted to capture the fortified Union position, but its defenders successfully resisted repeated attacks.

The engagement became particularly memorable because of the use of military signal communications and the expression "Hold the Fort," subsequently associated with the popular gospel hymn composed by Philip Paul Bliss.

The historical correspondence dated June 22, 1875, offers an especially interesting perspective on the origins of this expression. Rather than confirming that he personally issued the famous command, Sherman questioned whether he had actually employed those exact words.

Condition

Good overall display condition, with the letter and accompanying portrait presented beneath protective glazing.

The document displays a warm cream-coloured appearance, with flowing cursive writing and a signature visible toward the lower portion. The accompanying engraved-style portrait retains clear facial features, uniform details, and decorative inscriptions.

The royal-blue matting remains visually vibrant, with surviving gold ornamental detailing throughout. Contrasting borders surrounding both elements remain intact and well defined.

The outer gilt-finished frame exhibits minor surface wear, small marks, and areas of finish variation consistent with handling and display. Reflections are present in the protective glazing.

The individual paper components have not been examined outside the frame. The writing medium, manuscript date, and signature attribution have not been independently verified.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Overall framed display:
Height: 19.25 in
Width: 22.75 in
Depth: 1 in

Age (Approximate)

Original correspondence dated 1875 (151 years ago)

Provenance

Previously associated with Centre Gallery, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, as evidenced by an original brushed-metal gallery identification plaque affixed to the reverse of the frame. The surviving plaque features Centre Gallery's distinctive spiral-shell emblem and identifies its former location as 8510 Castleton Corner Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250, together with its historical telephone number, (317) 849-1245.

Centre Gallery was an established regional art gallery associated with art dealer Mark E. Weintraut (1931–2019). Weintraut developed his art business from an Indianapolis gallery into an operation comprising four galleries, including Centre Gallery in Carmel, Indiana, recognized for exhibiting and presenting fine art to collectors.

The original gallery plaque remains attached to the frame, providing a tangible connection to the presentation's earlier gallery history and an important element of its documented provenance.

Subsequently offered through Ripley Auctions, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Established in 1991, Ripley Auctions is a third-generation, family-operated auction house specializing in fine art, antiques, historical memorabilia, and estate collections. Led by art and antiques specialist Dan Ripley.

Learn More

Explore the historic Civil War engagement associated with General William Tecumseh Sherman, the Union defence of Allatoona Pass, and the origins of the celebrated hymn Hold the Fort.

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