THE PROPERTY OF A DESCENDANT OF HUMPHREY MARSHALL
The following six lots are part of an extensive archive from the diverse and interesting career of Humphrey Marshall (1812-1872) of Frankfort, Kentucky, a distant relation of Justice John Marshall. An 1832 graduate of West Point, Marshall initially pursued a career in law and became an active member of the Whig Party, but the outbreak of the war with Mexico drew him into service. He was commissioned Colonel of the 1st Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry and commanded the regiment under Zachary Taylor at the Battle of Buena Vista. Returning to politics at the war's close, he served as Kentucky Congressman during the heated political crisis of the 1850s (1849-1852, 1855-1859) and then as Minister to China (1852-1854). When the nation was plunged into Civil War, Marshall accepted a commission as Brigadier General in the Confederate Army and commanded at the Battles of Middle Creek and Pound Gap against forces led by future President James Garfield. Later, he served under Braxton Bragg during the 1863 invasion of Kentucky, but eventually relinquished his commission and was elected to the Confederate Congress. Remaining with the government until the Fall of Richmond (which he describes in his diary, lot 30), he fled to Texas but later returned to practise law in Louisville, Kentucky.
[BATTLE OF THE THAMES]. HOLEMAN, J.H. Autograph letter signed to Humphrey Marshall, an account of William Henry Harrison at the Battle of the Thames, Owen County [KY], 25 September 1840. 5 pages, 4to, damaged integral address leaf, small tear on page 5, minor browning.
Details
[BATTLE OF THE THAMES]. HOLEMAN, J.H. Autograph letter signed to Humphrey Marshall, an account of William Henry Harrison at the Battle of the Thames, Owen County [KY], 25 September 1840. 5 pages, 4to, damaged integral address leaf, small tear on page 5, minor browning.
HARRISON AT THE BATTLE OF THE THAMES: "HE WAS BRAVE, SKILLFUL AND PRUDENT". A detailed account of the Battle of the Thames furnished at the request of Marshall in the midst of the Whig campaign to win Harrison the presidency. Holeman, who fought in the battle as a member of Colonel Richard Johnson's Mounted Volunteers, happily answers six questions concerning Harrison's participation in the battle. He begins with an in depth description of the moments leading up to the battle, recalling an interview between Johnson and a captured British soldier who informed him "of the position of the British and Indians and of their determination to give us battle." Holeman notes that they crossed a swamp and formed a dismounted battle line: "Just before the charge was made, the question was repeatedly asked, 'Where is Harrison?'...and I can assure you, I felt considerable anxiety myself, upon the subject." Holeman writes that orders were soon received from Harrison that the regiment would lead the attack; "this information gave me as well as many others around me, considerable comfort, and I have no doubt, mainly contributed to the gallant attack." He describes the initial charge through thick woods; "I was not more than ten steps from Col. Johnson when the firing commenced. It soon became so animated that my attention was drawn from all objects, except the Indians, who leaping from the ambush that concealed them rushed upon us with the greatest fury...It has always been my opinion, that Col Johnson was wounded at this time." Holeman relates that after repelling an Indian attack, the order came to make a second charge: "Gen. Harrison came riding through the bushes, in front, and from the left of our lines, and requested that the words should be passed, 'Slow on the right.' I was so astonished at seeing General Harrison in that place, at that time, that I did not immediately obey his request. He repeated it a second time. I passed the word, and he returned the same direction he came." He describes how Shelby's men soon arrived and they made another charge which broke the enemy lines. Responding to the question "What was the estimation in which Gen. Harrison was held by the officers, and men under him?", Holeman writes: "I can only say, that so far as my acquaintance...the universal opinion was, that he was brave, skilfull, and prudent; that he not only gave entire satisfaction but was beloved by all."
The Battle of the Thames, fought on 5 October 1813, restored American dominance in the Northwest during the War of 1812 and resulted in the death of the great Indian leader Tecumseh.
HARRISON AT THE BATTLE OF THE THAMES: "HE WAS BRAVE, SKILLFUL AND PRUDENT". A detailed account of the Battle of the Thames furnished at the request of Marshall in the midst of the Whig campaign to win Harrison the presidency. Holeman, who fought in the battle as a member of Colonel Richard Johnson's Mounted Volunteers, happily answers six questions concerning Harrison's participation in the battle. He begins with an in depth description of the moments leading up to the battle, recalling an interview between Johnson and a captured British soldier who informed him "of the position of the British and Indians and of their determination to give us battle." Holeman notes that they crossed a swamp and formed a dismounted battle line: "Just before the charge was made, the question was repeatedly asked, 'Where is Harrison?'...and I can assure you, I felt considerable anxiety myself, upon the subject." Holeman writes that orders were soon received from Harrison that the regiment would lead the attack; "this information gave me as well as many others around me, considerable comfort, and I have no doubt, mainly contributed to the gallant attack." He describes the initial charge through thick woods; "I was not more than ten steps from Col. Johnson when the firing commenced. It soon became so animated that my attention was drawn from all objects, except the Indians, who leaping from the ambush that concealed them rushed upon us with the greatest fury...It has always been my opinion, that Col Johnson was wounded at this time." Holeman relates that after repelling an Indian attack, the order came to make a second charge: "Gen. Harrison came riding through the bushes, in front, and from the left of our lines, and requested that the words should be passed, 'Slow on the right.' I was so astonished at seeing General Harrison in that place, at that time, that I did not immediately obey his request. He repeated it a second time. I passed the word, and he returned the same direction he came." He describes how Shelby's men soon arrived and they made another charge which broke the enemy lines. Responding to the question "What was the estimation in which Gen. Harrison was held by the officers, and men under him?", Holeman writes: "I can only say, that so far as my acquaintance...the universal opinion was, that he was brave, skilfull, and prudent; that he not only gave entire satisfaction but was beloved by all."
The Battle of the Thames, fought on 5 October 1813, restored American dominance in the Northwest during the War of 1812 and resulted in the death of the great Indian leader Tecumseh.