American Historical Ephemera and Photography Online

Partial document signed "A.M McCook, Brig. Genl. Commanding," with the following printed in top margin, "Headquarters Department of Arizona, Los Angeles, Cal." 3 x 4 3/8 in. (sight), matted and framed with a modern print of McCook and biographical information, 23 x 19 1/2 in. (signed document with toning, folds, not examined outside frame). -- Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper. 30 August 1862. Partial, front cover of issue, which features depiction of Robert McCook being "waylaid and murdered by rebel guerillas while sick and wounded in his ambulance, on his way from Salem, Alabama, to join his brigade..." 15 1/2 x 10 in. (sight), matted and framed, 26 x 16 in. overall (toning, wear to issue, not examined outside frame).

Alexander McDowell McCook (1831-1903) was born in Columbiana County, OH. He was part of the "Fighting McCooks," along with seven brothers and five cousins, plus his father and uncle. Although his father was too old for field duty, he was active in a local militia, and died in a skirmish with John Hunt Morgan (see lot 185, this sale). Brothers Daniel, Jr., Edwin and Robert, and cousins, Anson and Edward, were all Union Generals. Alexander attended USMA, graduating in 1852 and serving in New Mexico fighting Apaches and Utes for several years. He then became an instructor in infantry tactics until the Civil War erupted. He was appointed Colonel of the 1st Ohio Infantry immediately. By fall he was a Brigadier General, and commanded the 2nd Division of the Army of the Ohio at Shiloh, and subsequently against Corinth. He did not fare as well at Chickamauga, and was blamed for the Union debacle, court-martialed and relieved of duty. It would be a year before he commanded another force, this time to defend Washington, DC from CSA Gen. Jubal Early. After the war, he continued in service, in Texas for a while, then as ADC to Sherman, command of Fort Leavenworth and the infantry and cavalry school, then departments of Arizona and Colorado. He retired in 1895, but served to investigate the actions of the Department of War during the war with Spain.

[With:] Prominent Union and Confederate Generals and Statesmen. Modern reproduction of a composite print depicting Civil War generals and statesmen, 23 x 34 in. (sight), matted and framed, 27 x 39 in. Photo of document available upon request.