BRIGADIER GENERAL HENRY MOSES JUDAH - AUTOGRAPH ENDORSEMENT SIGNED 04/02/1863 - HFSID 5436

HENRY M. JUDAH
Signed Autograph Endorsement (war dated, April 1863), recommending retention of an aide-de-camp
Autograph Endorsement signed: "H. M. Judah/Brig. Gen/Comd. US Forces Ky.", 1 page, 6½x7¾ Bowling Green, Kentucky, 1863 April 2. Endorsing a Lieutenant J. D. Bailey's request, dated April 1, to retain his commission after expiration of his term of service, Judah writes in full: "Lieut. Bailey is an efficient officer and I should be gratified to retain him upon my Staff, particularly as he is and has been the only one never unsure in that capacity." Henry Moses Judah (1821-1866), the son of a Presbyterian minister, graduated from West Point in 1843. Thereafter his military record was a mixed one. He served with distinction in the Mexican War, commended and promoted for his bravery in the Battles of Monterrey, Molino del Rey and Mexico City. Alcohol became a problem for Judah, however. He was too drunk to lead his men during a skirmish with Plains Indians in 1854, avoiding prosecution only by agreeing to a transfer. He served as General Grant's inspector general during the Battle of Shiloh, and conducted the pursuit of the Confederate raider Morgan in Kentucky in 1863. However, as a division commander in the Atlanta campaign, he was reprimanded by General Schofield for alcohol abuse and poor performance. Attempting to restore his reputation, he ordered a rash and costly assault on Confederate lines during the Battle of Rescaca (May 13-15, 1864). He was then relieved of command and relegated to administrative duties. Mounting residue on corners. Corners chipped away. 1 vertical fold crease through center. Soiled. Torn at upper and lower center edges. Pencil note (unknown hand) on verso. Staple holes at upper right corner.