^#1841 ^Lot 1901 Edward D. Townsend

Union general (1817-1893) who was killed in Washington after an accidental shock from a cable car. Lengthy endorsement, signed “E. D. Townsend,” dated September 13, 1879, written while serving as Adjutant General, on the reverse of a one-page letter to the Attorney General by J. Bradfield, 7.75 x 14.5, September 5, 1879. Letter and reads, in part: “There is a man named Beasley in jail at this place charged with shooting a man named Fox during the war. B. was a soldier in Company F 10th W.Va. Vol. Infantry and was tried by court martial for the same offense within two weeks…As the Government is interested in protecting its soldiers, I trust this case may receive your attention.” The endorsement on the reverse spans two panels, reads, in part: “With reference to the trial of Beasley by General Court Martial…the records in this Office show that Harrison Beasley was enrolled in the 10th Regiment…was mustered into service as Private…he is reported as on duty with Company ‘F’ of said regiment to Dec., 26, 1862, when he deserted…He rejoined…again deserted while on a Scout in Braxton Co., W. Va.” Reverse also bears two other endorsements. In very good condition, with scattered toning and soiling, two of the endorsement panels taped to edges of letter, and several stamps and notations.