Lot 1172

WILLIAM WIRT ADAMS

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WILLIAM WIRT ADAMS

Estimate: $400 - $500

Starting Bid: $200

(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

WILLIAM WIRT ADAMS
(1819 - 1888) Confederate brigadier general, formed and enlisted the Wirt Adams Cavalry Regiment which fought at Shiloh and Corinth, harassed Sherman in Mississippi and operated alongside Forrest in Alabama. Good association A.L.S. ‘Wirt Adams', 4pp. 4to., Vicksburg, Feb. 28, 1869, to fellow former Confederate general PIERRE G. T. BEAUREGARD (1818-1893). Adams discusses a proposed business deal in New Orleans, in small part: ‘...I received several letters from Mr Jennings, in which he still manifests great interest in the Lease, and says that Mr Schoder, & his father… are yet desirous of affecting it… I [?] upon them again the necessity of absolute silence, and the cessation of all correspondence, even of the most confidential character, with parties in New Orl[eans]…' Adams closes with an interesting reference to the upcoming inaugural address of their shared foe in the recent war, newly-elected President Ulysses S. Grant: ‘...On Thursday next, I suppose we will be favored with the oracular utterances of the Radical Sphinx, General Grant. I hope the country will breathe freer after he speaks, I confess I expect but little light from that source.' He signs in black ink at the conclusion. Legible with some effort, the letter shows original mailing folds, with insect damage affecting both sheets to varying degrees, with some spots of soiling and a pencil identifying inscription to the final page, otherwise in very good condition overall. In his inaugural address, Grant would strongly urge the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the federal government or any state from denying or abridging a citizen's right to vote ‘on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude', no doubt to the chagrin of the former Confederates.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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