I picked up an Army of the Potomac official dispatch... any idea how rare/valuable these are?

William Wit

Private
Joined
Aug 10, 2017
Location
Charleston SC
First, I don’t have any desire to sell it - was just finding it tough to determine how rare these are and how they are valued.

Photos - front and back (darkened it so it’s easier to read), seal imprint, and the text (front and back) that I transcribed:

https://imgur.com/a/BF9dj (sorry these are not in HD - Imgur compresses them heavily - the actual writing on the document is very high quality though, just faint - hence why I darkened it).

Basically, it’s an order to Maj Gen John Newton (1st Corp) from March 3rd 1864, written and signed by A.A. Humphreys and signed by an AAG/ 2 AAAGs. The front side is addressed to Lt Col C.E. Phelps (commander of the 7th MD). It’s an order to remove them from a state of “readiness” to move quickly. For some context, Grant was made commander of all Union forces on March 2nd, so I assume this dispatch was a reaction to that, as the Corps were soon reorganized and relocated.

Also, Lt Col C. E. Phelps was awarded the Medal of Honor a couple months after this dispatch for his actions at Spotsylvania. Later was a Congressman, Judge, and City Council member.

It’s referenced officially in this US Congressional Serial Set (middle of the page): https://books.google.com/books?id=fDFHAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA630&lpg=PA630&dq=inform+you+that+the+requiring+your+command+to+be+held+ready+to+move&source=bl&ots=POvjTW7IpQ&sig=oiFCa6huSJ-uToEELnwj36gxFTY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQ59_V8-rYAhUILKwKHaNQBY4Q6AEwAHoECBUQAQ#v=onepage&q=inform you that the requiring your command to be held ready to move&f=false
 
Last edited:
I have now idea how much it's worth but it's great that you have it! Here is a photo of Charles E. Phelps.
CEP-MOH.jpg

Source. Scroll up one page to read the article. Another photo of him at his wikipedia page.
 
About two years ago one of the larger firms dealing in Militaria offered me $600 for the original midnight dispatch from Sheridan to Grant announcing the Union victory over Early at Fisher's Hill. I declined the offer.
 
About two years ago one of the larger firms dealing in Militaria offered me $600 for the original midnight dispatch from Sheridan to Grant announcing the Union victory over Early at Fisher's Hill. I declined the offer.
Hmm, interesting! I’m sure it depends on the content and people involved. Thanks for commenting!
 
Back
Top