Lot 89: THOMAS GEORGE H.

89. GEORGE H. THOMAS (1816-1870) Union major general, "The Rock of Chickamauga", Thomas led at Chickamauga, Shiloh, Atlanta and Franklin. Scarce personal A.L.S. during the interval before taking command of the Military Division of the Pacific, 4pp. 8vo, on imprinted "Head-Qrs. Dept. of the Cumberland'' letterhead, Louisville, March 7, 1868, to his friend and former Assistant Adjutant General during the Civil War, Col. R.H. Ramsey, undoubtedly with the premonition of his new command. Thomas, wanting to divest himself of valuable timber lands, writes, in part: "...I have been three times suddenly upset here, and ordered away within a twelve month [period], but have been fortunate enough to escape moving-I cannot expect the same good luck to follow me & have therefore concluded to dispose of my interest in the Manning Lands...These lands are worth $10. per acre for the timber alone that is on them, besides they are undelayed with the finest quality of soft coal. There is also a large amount of excellent soil especially in the Valleys and along the streams well adapted for wheat, corn and fruits of all sorts. The pasturage for stock of all kinds is unsurpassed, and the climate is agreeable and salubrious. Most of it is in primitive forest, and consists of White & Red...Cedar, Yellow pine, White poplar or Tulip tree, Chestnut and Ashe, all of excellent quality. I will dispose of my interest in the Forty five thousand acres for 50 cts per acre...If not disposed to buy yourself I will place it in your hands to dispose of for me, and pay you $3,000...Please let me hear from you on this subject at your earliest convenience. Details of these last remaining years of Thomas's life are sketchy at best, as he destroyed all of his personal papers, saying "All that I did for my government are matters of history, but my private life is my own and I will not have it hawked about for the amusement of the curious". In very good condition. $500-600