Title:
Robert Anderson Signed Autograph Cut - Commander of Fort Sumter at the Outbreak of the Civil War - PSA/DNA Certified Authentic - Certification No. 85952476

Description:
A particularly desirable autograph cut signed by Major General Robert Anderson, the United States Army officer forever associated with the defense and surrender of Fort Sumter in April 1861, the opening engagement of the American Civil War. Anderson has written a formal closing and signed with his military rank:

"Respectfully
Your obt servt
Robert Anderson
Maj Gen. U.S.A."

The substantial signature is boldly executed in dark period ink on lined paper, with Anderson identifying himself by rank beneath his name. The paper exhibits expected age toning, light scattered spotting, and minor edge wear, while the handwriting remains strong and readily legible. The reverse displays faint writing or ink transfer consistent with the piece having been removed from a larger period document.

Historical Context:
Robert Anderson was born in Kentucky in 1805, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1825, and served in the Black Hawk War, Second Seminole War, and Mexican-American War, where he was wounded at the Battle of Molino del Rey. His enduring place in American history, however, was established during the secession crisis of 1860-1861.

In November 1860, Anderson assumed command of the small Federal garrison guarding Charleston Harbor. Following South Carolina's secession, he concluded that Fort Moultrie was vulnerable and, on the night of December 26, 1860, secretly transferred his command to the more defensible Fort Sumter. His occupation of the fort transformed it into a focal point of the escalating confrontation between the United States and the seceded states.

On April 11, 1861, Confederate commander P. G. T. Beauregard demanded Fort Sumter's surrender. Anderson refused. Confederate batteries opened fire at approximately 4:30 the following morning, beginning the first battle of the Civil War. Anderson and his small garrison endured approximately 34 hours of bombardment, returning fire from the fort until worsening fires and damage made continued resistance untenable. Anderson agreed to evacuate, and his command departed Fort Sumter on April 14 with the honors of war.

Anderson became a celebrated figure in the North and was subsequently promoted to brigadier general. In a remarkable historical bookend, he returned to Fort Sumter on April 14, 1865, exactly four years after his evacuation, for a ceremony in which he raised the same U.S. flag that had flown over the fort during the 1861 bombardment.

This autograph therefore belongs to the officer whose name is most directly identified with the Union defense of Fort Sumter and the opening of the American Civil War.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
The autograph has been authenticated and professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA. The PSA label identifies the piece as "CUT / ROBERT ANDERSON" and designates the autograph "AUTHENTIC AUTO." It carries PSA certification number 85952476, displayed on the holder. The clear encapsulation protects the original paper while keeping Anderson's signature, military rank, and handwritten closing clearly visible.

• 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:
For collectors of Civil War material, Robert Anderson represents an exceptionally important connection to Fort Sumter and the very beginning of the conflict. This example is especially appealing because Anderson signed his full name and included his rank as Major General, U.S.A. With its bold period handwriting, strong Fort Sumter association, and PSA/DNA authentication, the piece offers a tangible connection to the Union commander at the center of one of the defining moments in 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.