MAJOR GENERAL AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 12/28/1871 - HFSID 252611

AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE
Written from London after he tried, unsuccessfully, to negotiate the end of the Franco-Prussian War.
ALS: "A.E. Burnside", 3p, 5x8. Langham Hotel, London, 1871 December 28. To Miss Kate F. Strong, Torquay. In full: "Thanks for your kind letter. I'm something easier now, but not well. In addition to my neurolgia (sic) or rheumatism, I am attacked by a swelling in my right thumb, the result of the same cold no doubt. My personal appearance is not in the least improved by this new development, but as the pain is gradually leaving my side I feel quite hopeful. I talk of my aches and pains as if they were something dreadful, but I am sure your dear, good mother would be glad to compromise for them every day-I do pity her, from the bottom of my heart. Please give her my very best love. I shall be out again in Feby, but whilst I currently hope to meet you both then, I will not say that I certainly will, because I said that when just before leaving in October. Mrs. Burnside will be with me next time and it is my hope not to be so busy-In her last letter she said be sure to go down to see Mrs Strong and Pussie- You may be sure that I will try to get down to see you. I will be home, God willing in time for Miss Kate's wedding-God bless her." Burnside adds in a postscript: "Hope you sent package for your good father to Sherlock." Ambrose E. Burnside (1824-1881), a 1847 West Point graduate, resigned from the Army in 1852 to manufacture a breech-loading rifle of his own invention. He commanded a brigade at the first Battle of Bull Run. Commissioned Brigadier General and Major General, he resigned in 1865 and served as Rhode Island Governor (1866-1868) and U.S. Senator (1875-1881). The peculiar short side-whiskers which he wore were named "sideburns" in his honor. This letter was written from England. He had gone to Europe on business during the height of the Franco-Prussian War. As a soldier, he naturally wished to witness some of the siege operations against Paris. Visiting the Prussian headquarters at Versailles, he found himself called upon to act as an envoy between the hostile forces, which he did, passing back and forth under a flag-of-truce, endeavoring to further negotiations for peace. Although his efforts at peace-making were unsuccessful, he secured the lasting respect and confidence of both sides. Folds do not touch signature. ¾-inch separation at horizontal fold of third page touches 1 word. Light show through. Overall, fine condition.