JOHN BELL HOOD, JAMES LONGSTREET AND JOHN BRATTON

JOHN BELL HOOD, JAMES LONGSTREET AND JOHN BRATTON
An extraordinary combination of war-date endorsements, on a single piece - those of Major Gen. JOHN BELL HOOD (1831-1879), Lt. Gen. JAMES LONGSTREET (1821-1904) and Brigadier Gen. JOHN BRATTON (1831-1898), all concerning potential charges against a soldier who had left his regiment to serve with another, unbeknownst to his superiors. The first endorsement, Feb. 11, 1863, is largely written by Bratton and notes that a 'Col. Coward's statement of facts' should be examined in the case. There follows Hood's signed endorsement of the same day, forwarding the matter. On Feb. 12, the case arrives at 'Head Qrs, 1 Army Corps' where Longstreet writes and signs a very lengthy endorsement, in full: 'The soldier should be remanded to his proper Comp. & Regt. It is presumed that he can [?] a transfer to the Cav'y if he desires it, and thus accomplish his desire and put himself right otherwise. The principle of allowing soldiers to go off and join such Companies as they may at any time elect is ruinous, and if permitted in one instance must be for all time.' Longstreet signs, adding rank. Finally, there appears an endorsement by AAG Col. WALTER H. TAYLOR, staff officer to Gen. Robert E. Lee, who replies for Lee: 'Referred to Gen. [J. E. B.] Stuart. From Col. Coward's statement it is evident that the man belongs to Co. B 5th S.C.V. & it is desired that he be returned to his proper comy & regt. By Order of Gen. Lee...' A superlative content and association piece, in excellent condition.