Lot 1180

(UNION NAVY) HOSPITALIZED PAYMASTER PRAISES FORREST’S RAID ON MEMPHIS

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(UNION NAVY) HOSPITALIZED PAYMASTER PRAISES FORREST’S RAID ON MEMPHIS

Estimate: $200 - $300

Starting Bid: $100

(0 Bids)

by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
July 31, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
106 East Main Street, Suite 103
Elkton, MD, US 21921

(UNION NAVY) HOSPITALIZED PAYMASTER PRAISES FORREST'S RAID ON MEMPHIS
A fine content, war-date letter, 4pp. 8vo., Memphis, Sep. 22, 1864, from U.S. Navy paymaster Hugh Nott to an unnamed doctor. Nott, writing from the U.S. Naval Hospital at Memphis, presumably while recuperating, describes Confederate cavalry general Nathan Bedford Forrest's raid on that city on August 21, in part: ‘...you have no doubt heard of Forrests rade into Memphis, it was a brilliant affair on his side & rather reflecting on these Generals who were regulating the price of Squash & Cucumbers about that time, I pledge some blame should be attached to our 100 Day patriots, about 5 thousand of them were stationed around Memphis Forrest captured about 5 hundred of them I am informed if they had not hid themselves he would have the lot… [all sic]' He continues with a remark on the 1864 presidential election: ‘...Thorp, Parker & myself are about the same we differ about Mack [Gen. George B. McClellan, the Democratic candidate] & Abraham, but make up again what do you think are the chances for Mack?… [all sic]' He closes with one more mention of Forrest: ‘… it is half past nine and the boys in the streets are singing out extra Forrests pickets within 4 miles of the city on all sides. I hope he will remain out untill I get my quarterlies to Washington… [all sic]', and signs at the conclusion in black ink. The balance of the letter is primarily social content. Shows original mailing folds, with a pencil identifying inscription at top left on the first page, otherwise in fine condition.

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Bid Increments
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$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000