90

Lew Wallace.

Letter allowing passage to the front to historian Benson Lossing.

Baltimore, MD, 5 December 1864
Autograph Letter Signed as Major General commanding the Middle Department and Eighth Army Corps, to the officers under his command. One page, 8 x 5 inches, on Middle Department letterhead; folds, minimal wear.

Benson J. Lossing (1813-1891) was already one of America's most popular historians by 1864, and was researching his "Pictorial Field Book of the Civil War" (published in 1866). He obtained this pass from his friend and brother-in-law General Lew Wallace (their wives were sisters). Wallace had dabbled in writing historical fiction in his free time, and later wrote the best-selling novel of the 19th century--Ben Hur.

In this pass, Wallace writes: "Commandants of Posts, Guards &c in Mid[dle] Dep't: Will admit the bearer, Mr. Benson J. Lossing into the lines and pass him out at his pleasure. As his investigations are for historical purposes, they will furnish him every possible aid therein." 

Lossing was said to be "quietly gathering materials for his great History of this gigantic rebellion" as early as 1 June 1864 (Daily Evening Express of Lancaster, PA). Newspapers show him with the Union Army not long after this pass was written. The Poughkeepsie Eagle-News shows him as a guest of Admiral David Dixon Porter en route to Wilmington (26 December 1864). 

  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000