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Lot Number: 156
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Estimate Range: $500 - $600
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This Lot is CLOSED for Absentee Bidding.
Confederate Major General LEONIDAS POLK’s Telegram Sent to Confederate General Ruggles February 13th, 1864

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February 13th, 1864-Dated Civil War Period, Partially-Printed Document, Telegraph Operator Completed and Agent Signed Telegraph Form issued and transmitted under the authority of General Polk, Signed “L. Polk” in the hand of the hand of the telegraph operator, sent from Meridian to Columbus, Mississippi by the South-Western Telegraph Company to Confederate General Ruggles, Fine.

(LEONIDAS POLK) (1806-1864). American Civil War Confederate Major General; a Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, and founder of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Confederate States of America; a planter in Maury County, Tennessee, and First Cousin twice removed of President James K. Polk; resigned his ecclesiastical position to become a Major-General in the Confederate States Army, when he was called "Sewanee's Fighting Bishop"; killed in action in 1864 during the Atlanta Campaign. Three prior mounting tabs on the reverse side corners, the fourth lacking with a small marginal tear where removed at bottom left. The text of this Telegraph reads, in full:

“Is Mr DeBorr the Cotton Agent for the Confederate Govt in Columbus - if not do you know where he is? (Agent signed) “L. Polk”. Docketed on the reverse by General Ruggles in deep brown ink, likely by the receiving and delivery Agent, “D12. Meridian, Miss Feby 13th 1864 - L. Polk Lt. General. - Enquiring about Mr. De Dow Confederate Cotton Agent”.

Provenance: Collection of J. William Middendorf II
General Leonidas Polk was one of the Civil War's more notable, yet controversial, “Political Generals.” Recognizing his familiarity with the Mississippi Valley, Confederate President Jefferson Davis commissioned his elevation to a high military position regardless of his lack of prior combat experience.

Polk commanded troops in the Battle of Shiloh, the Battle of Perryville, the Battle of Stones River, the Tullahoma Campaign, the Battle of Chickamauga, the Chattanooga Campaign, and the Atlanta Campaign.

He is remembered for his bitter disagreements with his immediate superior, the likewise-controversial General Braxton Bragg of the Army of Tennessee, and for his general lack of success in combat. While serving under the command of General Joseph E. Johnston, Polk was killed in action in 1864 during the Atlanta Campaign.
Keywords: LEONIDAS POLK, Civil War, Confederate, Ruggles, 1864, Telegraph
Lot Number: 156
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Estimate Range: $500 - $600
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