[CIVIL WAR]. FOOTE, Andrew H. (1906-1863). Autograph letter signed ("A.H. Foote"). Washington, [DC], 21 May 1863.

3 pages, 5 1/8 x 8 3/8 in., old folds, few diagonal separations to right edge. On "Navy Department, Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting" letterhead.

In this letter to an indecipherable recipient, Foote first apologizes for his delay, explaining that he has many public duties and little time for private correspondence. He then outlines his entire military career, with dates of promotions and posts throughout. In part: "In the month of Aug 1861 I was promoted to the rank of Captain and soon afterwards was ordered at the command of The western flotilla, and in the month of Nov. of that year was appointed "Flag Officer" of that fleet. In this service I [commanded] a squadron which captured Fort Henry on the Tennessee river, participated in the capture of Fort Donelson, captured the city of Clarksville, and received the surrender of Island No. 10. on the Mississippi river..."

Explaining how he ended up in his current role, he writes, in part: "...was detached in the month of May from the command of the squadron by the Navy Department, and was appointed Chief of Bureau of Equipment & recruiting. In the month of June, after having received a note of thanks by Congress, was selected as one of the nine[?] Rear Admirals in the Navy."

Foote was preparing to take command of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron when he suddenly died from a kidney disease, a little over a month after writing this letter.

[With:] CDV-sized engraving mounted to a tissue bifolium with newspaper clippings about Foote affixed to interior. Philadelphia: William S. & A. Martien, n.d. -- 6 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. (sheet) engraving by Geo. E. Perine, mounted to a nearly fully separated blue paper bifolium with newspaper clippings about Foote affixed to interior pages. Facsimile signature beneath image. -- 7 1/4 x 9 3/8 in. (sheet) engraving by G. Stodart after a photograph by Brady, mounted to a blue paper bifolium with newspaper clippings about Foote affixed to interior pages. Patriotic and naval vignettes surround portrait, with facsimile signature below. -- Together, 3 printed engravings featuring Andrew H. Foote as naval commander.

Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana, and Historical Documents