Received five wounds at the Battle of Sharpsburg, Md. in 1862 and almost died

United States Senator from Georgia

Governor of Georgia

Endorsement on the reverse of a letter to Senator John B. Gordon

(1832-1904) Born in Upson County, Ga., he had one of the most spectacular Civil War and postbellum careers of any civilian who fought for the Confederacy. His army service began shortly after the bombardment of Fort Sumter when he raised a company of mountain men from northwest Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee called the "Raccoon Roughs," of which he was unanimously elected major, and his War Between the States career ended at Appomattox Court House as a corps commander. Six foot tall, narrow of frame, and possessing perfect posture, Gordon could inspire confidence in his troops with his image alone. General Lee gave him the distinct honor of leading the Army of Northern Virginia at the formal surrender ceremony at Appomattox. In between he fought magnificently on every battlefield in which the Army of Northern Virginia participated, except when he was absent from wounds. During the battle of Sharpsburg he was wounded five times, once severely in the head, and only a bullet hole in his cap prevented him from drowning in his own blood as he lay unconscious face down on the ground! He was promoted to brigadier general on November 1, 1862. He compiled a brilliant record in the Wilderness campaign, and in the Shenandoah Valley under General Jubal A. Early. His promotion to major general dated to rank from May 14, 1864. On the retreat from Petersburg, he was in command of one half of General R.E. Lee's army. General Lee considered him one of his most trusted subordinates and selected him to oversee the army's final offensive movement, the attack on Fort Stedman on March 25, 1865. After the war Gordon returned to Georgia where he became the idol of the people of his native state. He was elected to the U.S. Senate three times and was Governor of Georgia from 1886-90. A prime organizer of the United Confederate Veterans, he was elected its first commander-in-chief and served in that position from 1890 until his death. He is buried in Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Ga.

Endorsement on the verso of a letter to Senator John B. Gordon: 5 x 8, 2 pages in ink, written to Senator Gordon, by S. Root.

60 Broadway, N. York
March 16/75

Hon. J.B. Gordon,
My Dear Sir:

Mr. Root writes that he does not know Mr. Conklin or Mr. Kernan from New York. He discusses a book that was published in 1869, and one in 1873 which he has used in his correspondence with England. He continues by saying that if it will trouble you or cost you anything don't bother about it. Hopes that he will put through the extra session of the Senate., and that it will come only in good health & spirits. Mr. Varley of London -a baptist- is creating some excitement there & he thinks is doing good practicing to enormous crowds of 15,000 to 20,000. Ends the letter by offering his kind regards to Gordon & his family, and signs the letter, Cordially yours, S. Root.

There is a docket on the reverse: March 16, 1875. Hon. John B. Gordon.

On the center panel of the verso of the letter is written: Will Mr. Merchant please [mail] these books to Mr. S. Root, 60 Broadway, N. York with my frank & oblige me. Truly, J.B. Gordon. Very nice signature! The letter has been professionally tipped into a thick 8 1/4 x 11, album page, so all sides of the letter are easily accessed and read. Bold and neatly written.

General John B. Gordon is extremely popular and very desirable. Excellent piece.

Comes with an engraved portrait etched by Charles B. Hall, New York. 5 3/4 x 9, standing portrait of General Gordon wearing his Confederate uniform with rank of major general, and holding his slouch hat and sword. Excellent condition.