Autograph Letter Signed.
The controversial Union general nicknamed "Fighting Joe" Hooker took part in many pivotal Civil War battles, but is often remembered for losing the Battle of Chancellorsville to Robert E. Lee in 1863 -- and more often for the meritless belief that his and his troops' off-the-field entertainment led to the nickname of prostitutes as "hookers." Item #52140
ALS, 2pp (single leaf), 5" X 8", Garden City, NY, 16 July 1878. Addressed to General H.S. Huidekoper. Very good. Original folds evident. In his bold and legible hand, Hooker writes: "In looking over my old letters today I found yours dated June 15th 78, and it suggested itself to me that I had never acknowledged it. I did, however, write at the time as you requested to Judge Harlan, as good a letter as I could write in your behalf. I only hope that you received the Receivership you desired, but have my fears. Those places, as you well know are generally bestowed upon some personal friend either of the judge or the stock holders of the Road. This application of yours led me to infer that you had not received the appointment you had desired from the hands of Gov'Hartranft. I shall address this to Indianapolis in the hope that it may find you there. Should Mrs Huidekoper be with you, please make my Kindest remembrances to her and family, and accept my best wishes for yourself...." Signed ""J. Hooker, Maj. Genl." Huidekoper (1839-1918) was a Union officer who commanded a regiment in the Battle of Gettysburg in which he lost an arm and was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery. In 1877, while a major general in the Pennsylvania National Guard, Huidekoper was brought in to help quell the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, brought about by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad having reduced wages several time. The "Road" mentioned in Hooker's letter is perhaps the B & O and possibly Huidekoper was seeking a position with that railroad. Huidekoper received no "Receivership" -- a court-appointed post in which a neutral party is brought in to stabilize an ailing business -- which he may have thought the B & O needed following the strike. This letter has been ornately double-matted in blue and red (with gold filigree) together with an oval steel-engraved head-and-shoulders portrait of Hooker in uniform and an engraved plate bearing his name and birth/death years, the trio under glass framed in a ½" gold frame (overall dimensions 18" X 15"). The second page of the letter (with Hooker's signature) is displayed, while a color copy of the first page in clear sleeve is affixed to the frame verso. An intriguing and scarce letter and superb display item.
Price: $2,500.00