1871 Edward O. C. Ord Autograph Letter – Re: Convicts on Alcatraz, Syphilis

Description

1871 Edward O. C. Ord Autograph Letter – Re: Convicts on Alcatraz, Syphilis
Offered for your consideration is an unusual letter, penned in 1871 by a brigadier general on duty in California, with reference to the island prison of Alcatraz. Headlined “
Headquarters Department of California,
” at “
San Francisco,
Cal
” and dated “
Aug 29, 1871
”, this interesting letter is addressed to another, currently un-identified general. The letter opens by stating that “
Your note came while I was in the mts am at leisure now to say that while I see the point of your remarks and would be glad to send the engineer convicts on Alcatraz to you my authority doesnt extend beyond the limits of my Dept __ & I cant order any one out of it. The division Commander can only order convicts to places within his division and so you will have to apply to the Secty of War or the Genl Comdg the Army __
”. He further states that “
Obrien the man you ask for is just dischd by the Sectys order – besides he is I am officially informed such a victim of syphilis that he cant work _
” and closes by saying that “
I am glad to see you continue your interest in Arty matters I read your reports hastily but with interest & sent it to some of my Arty friends __
”. It is signed at the conclusion “
Yours truly
/
E O C Ord
”, in the same hand as the remainder of the letter. Apparently, the recipient of this letter had requested General Ord to transfer some engineer convicts, who presumably had some value in construction projects, from Alcatraz to another location. However, these transfers are beyond the military authority of General Ord, and the recipient was instructed to apply to a higher office. It is interesting that the particular individual mentioned for possible transfer is unable to work due to syphilis. An unusual letter, touching as it does on two sensitive topics. It may be possible, with diligent research, to determine the recipient of this letter, and therefore the individual who requested the transfers. Worthy of further research.
Edward Otho Cresap Ord
was born on October 18, 1818 in Cumberland, Maryland. He received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point at the tender age of sixteen, graduating in 1839 with a commission as second lieutenant in the 3
rd
US Artillery. He served in Florida during the Second Seminole War, earning a promotion to first lieutenant. In January, 1847, Ord was sent to Monterey, California to complete the construction of Fort Mervine, which was renamed Fort Halleck (it was subsequently renamed Ord Barracks). While serving in California, Ord became involved in several surveying projects, some of which were related to the famous gold rush. Ord was promoted to captain in 1850 while on duty in the Pacific Northwest, the outbreak of the Civil War found in as post commander at Fort Vancouver, Washington Territory. After leading two companies of the 3
rd
Artillery to San Francisco, California, Ord was transferred east and assigned as a brigade commander in the Pennsylvania Reserves. On May 3, 1862, Ord was promoted major general of volunteers and assigned to command the 2
nd
Division of the Army of the Tennessee. Though missing the actions at Iuka and Corinth, Ord’s command engaged the retreating Confederate forces at the battle of Hatchie’s Bridge. During this action, Ord was seriously wounded, though he relinquished field command for only a short time. He assumed command of the XIII Corps during the final days of the siege of Vicksburg. He subsequently served in Louisiana and the Shenandoah before assuming command of the XVIII in 1864. Ord was seriously wounded during the attack on Fort Harrison and did not return to action until January, 1865. During the spring campaign, Ord commanded the Army of the James, his troops being instrumental in the breakthrough at Petersburg. On April 9, 1865, his men made a forced march to relieve Sheridan’s cavalry at Appomattox Court House, leading to the surrender of General Lee’s army. General Ord was present at the surrender ceremony and actually purchased the marble-topped table at which Lee had sat. On December 11, 1865, Ord received commissions as lieutenant colonel and brigadier general in the regular army and brevet major general of volunteers, all dating from March 13, 1865. He held several post-war commands including the Department of Arkansas, the Fourth Military District, the Department of California, the Department of the Platte, and the Department of Texas. In 1876 he was appointed military governor of the Fourth Military District, composed of Mississippi and Arkansas. Ord retired in 1881 with the rank of major general, after which he was hired by U. S. Grant as a civil engineer to build a railroad line from Texas to Mexico City. While working in Mexico, Ord contracted yellow fever, forcing him to return to the United States. While in route, Ord became seriously ill and was taken ashore in Havana, Cuba. Edward O. C. Ord died on July 22, 1883 and was subsequently buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
The presently offered letter exhibits signs of period use, though it remains in very fine condition. Light toning is noted across the surface, imparting to the paper an off-white appearance. This toning is slightly darker at the edges and along the folds. Several small spots are scattered throughout the piece, though none of these are particularly large or detrimental to the overall eye-appeal. The contrast is somewhat less than ideal, though whether this is due to fading or a lack of ink upon initial application is unknown to the seller (among the faded/light text is the closing signature). All of the text is visible, though somewhat difficult to read due to Ord’s scratchy penmanship. Two horizontal folds are present, though due to the type of paper used, this has not resulted in any holes or tears. Two small holes are seen at the left, affecting some of the text on the second and third pages (their purpose is unknown to the seller). Measuring approximately 5 x 8 inches when folded and approximately 8 x 10 inches when laid flat, this piece would make an interesting addition to any Civil War or California collection, especially with the reference to Alcatraz.
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Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA