Union Civil War General Benjamin Butler Constructs Military Architecture PSA

Title:
Benjamin Butler Signed 1863 Civil War-Dated Letter from Bay View, Virginia – PSA Certified (AQ03031)

Description:
Offered here is an original Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Major General Benjamin F. Butler, dated July 27, 1863, and written from Bay View, Virginia, during the height of the American Civil War. The letter is addressed to P. W. Chandler, Esq. of the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. In the body, Butler relays a request from a stonecutter who needs a “cross-section of your steps and buttresses” — referring to architectural components likely associated with military fortifications or infrastructure. The letter measures approximately 5" x 8", written in a neat hand on lightly toned paper with horizontal folds and mild handling wear. It is signed clearly at the bottom, “Benj. F. Butler.”

Full Transcription:

Bay View, July 27th, 1863

My Dear Mr. Chandler,

The stonecutter says that he wants a cross-section of your steps and buttresses so as to be able to get them out.

Please have it sent at your earliest convenience.

Yours very truly,
Benj. F. Butler

P.W. Chandler Esq.
Navy Dept
Washington D.C.

Historical Context:
Benjamin Franklin Butler (1818–1893) was a Union general and prominent political figure during the Civil War. Known for his controversial administration of New Orleans and his pioneering stance on classifying escaped slaves as "contraband of war," Butler played a significant role in both military and political developments during the conflict.

This letter, dated July 27, 1863, was written just weeks after the Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, during a period of growing Union momentum. Butler, then active in the Tidewater region of Virginia, was overseeing coastal defenses and logistical operations. His reference to “steps and buttresses” — both architectural elements — and a stonecutter's request for a cross-section suggests this letter pertains to engineering or construction support related to military installations or public works, possibly for a fort or naval facility. This operational detail offers collectors an authentic window into the day-to-day command responsibilities of a senior Union general during wartime.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated by PSA/DNA with full Letter of Authenticity (LOA), certification number AQ03031. PSA confirms the signature's authenticity after expert analysis of slant, flow, and pen pressure consistent with known exemplars.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This war-dated 1863 letter signed by General Benjamin Butler, complete with Civil War engineering content and PSA-certified authenticity, is a significant and compelling addition to any Civil War or presidential-era autograph collection. The letter’s content reflects not only Butler’s authority but also the Union’s extensive logistical efforts at mid-war. Its combination of military context, architectural terminology, and wartime date makes it a choice artifact for collectors of 19th-century American history.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.