Affectionate love letter from the fabled Confederate to his wife: “How I do want to see her, bless her—I want to kiss her so much”
Virginia-born military officer (1825-1875) who fought with distinction during the Mexican-American War, resigning his commission to join the Confederate forces shortly after the beginning of the Civil War. Rising to the rank of Confederate brigadier general within a year, a division led by Pickett arrived on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. In an attack that would come to be immortalized as 'Pickett's Charge,' more than half of the Confederate forces were wiped out. ALS in pencil signed "George," three pages on two sheets, 4 x 6, no date. Letter to his wife, Sallie. In part: "I wrote my darling by Jackerie but as Charlie is on point of starting, I could not forego the opportunity of saying to my Sallie how I do want to see her, bless her-I want to kiss her so much. Darling must try and not overwork herself-not mind little George too much or I shall get very very jealous. Speaking of that there are three ladies sitting on a porch looking at me...I don't want to look at any one but Sallie. She is the darling of my heart. She is my Chulita vida mia. Bye Bye sweet precious one." Reverse of second sheet is addressed in Pickett's hand, essentially presenting a second signature on this item, "Mrs. George E. Pickett, Richmond" and is noted in the lower left that it was being carried by "Maj Pickett," his younger brother, Major Charles F. Pickett, referred to in the letter as "Charlie." Jackerie was the General's servant. In good to very good condition, with portions of text extremely light but visible, scattered staining and foxing, a rusty paperclip mark to the upper border, and some chipping to edges. A sweet, intimate letter from the general to his wife, who went on to play a major role in immortalizing Pickett in American mythology through her laudatory writing.
Iconic Auctions guarantees this item to pass authentication by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS). Full certification for this item can be acquired for an additional fee. Please contact our offices at 1-800-325-7127 or email us at Info@IconicAuctions.com for pricing and details.