FRANZ SIGEL
To New York Governor Morgan recommending a German-American soldier to be appointed Colonel in a State Regiment.
Manuscript Letter Signed: "F. Sigel", 1¼p, 7¾x10. Washington City, 1862 December 24. To Governor E.D. Morgan of New York. In part: "The bearer Captain Gustavus St. Albe at present and for a long time an Aid de Camp to Major General McDowell, will present this note of introduction. He wears the honors of Solferino, and has acted with great bravery, in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock, and in both the recent battles of Mannassas. I strongly recommend him to your Excellency, as a most suitable person for an appointment as Colonel or Lieut. Colonel, in one of the Regiments from your state. He has high Military talent and presence on the field of battle; has had much experience in the field, is a good disciplinarian and speaks the English language sufficiently well for all purposes of Command...." Union General Franz Sigel's German troops were proud of serving under one of their own, and their rallying cry, "I fights mit Sigel", became well known in the Army of the Potomac. After suffering defeat at the hands of Confederate General John C. Breckenridge at the Battle of New Market in 1864 and only delaying General Jubal Early at Harpers Ferry, Sigel was relieved of command for "lack of aggression". Lightly creased. Blue pencil marking and staple holes at upper left margin. ¾-inch separation at lower horizontal fold at right margin and on integral leaf affects 2 words. Overall, fine condition.