Description

Description: John E. Wool (1784-1844) was an officer in the U.S. Army from the War of 1812 through the American Civil War, obtaining the rank of Brigadier General in 1841. In the 1820s and early 1830s, the Army sent him to Europe to learn about others’ military organization and operations.

Lewis Cass (1782-1866) was an American military man and politician. In 1832, he was Secretary of War for President Jackson.

This lengthy letter has superb content regarding the conclusion of the Siege of Antwerp. Wool begins, "I hasten to transmit to you the enclosed correspondence between General Chasse and Marshal Gerard," then transcribes an extract from a message dated December 24, Antwerp. In part: "The conditions of the capitulation exceed all that could have been expected; the Marshal has obtained everything that he could have obtained after a victorious assault. The garrison is to file off with drums at their head, and after having laid down their arms… surrender themselves prisoners of war…"

Wool goes on to offer his own opinions on Chasse’s defense of the citadel, mentions an engraving of the citadel that he enclosed with the letter, and ends with friendly good wishes for Cass’s family. Written on a full sheet of 9" x 14 3/4" paper, folded in half. The first and third pages of the letter are presented in the image here. Item #A00266

Condition: A few small separations to the center fold, two of which are repaired on the interior with archival tape, one stain from an old tape repair, and a bit of light staining to the fold. The three pages of text are not affected at all, and are in fantastic shape.