^Lot 344 Albert Sidney Johnston

American military officer (1803–1862) who fought with distinction in the Mexican-American War. Upon hearing of the secession of Texas in 1861, he resigned his Army commission and became Confederate commander of Western Department, making him the second-highest-ranking general in the CSA. On April 6, 1862, as he led the fierce Confederate charge at Shiloh, he took a bullet to the knee; though the wound did not appear serious, the bullet had struck a major artery, and Johnston bled to death, becoming the highest-ranking casualty of the war. Uncommon ink signature, “A. S. Johnston,” on an off-white 3.75 x .75 clipped slip. Slip is affixed to the top of a brief undated 4.75 x 8 ALS from Johnston’s wife, which reads, “I send as you requested my husband’s autograph.” Irregular edges, a few stray ink marks, and slight toning to top right corner tip from adhesive on reverse, otherwise fine condition.