John B Gordon (1832-1904) notably one of the most successful commanders in the Confederate army, led his troops through many bloody battles. Though he had no prior military experience, his fierce command and endurance inspired his soldiers through the likes of conflicts including the Battle of Antietam, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Siege of Petersburg. Following the war, Gordon would continue to involve himself in the affairs of statehood, serving as a United States Senator and governor. Infamously, he would also be generally acknowledged as the head of the Ku Klux Klan in Georgia, despite his public denials of it. 

Post-war, John B. Gordon fought to reject Reconstruction ideals that were being centralized in the reunification process of the United States. Gordon was instrumental in negotiating the removal of federal troops from the south, and upon being elected to serve as a United States Senator, continued to undermine Reconstruction efforts.

Highlighted in this grouping is a letter penned to Rutherford B. Hayes, dated 1877, offering a recommendation for a Georgian citizen to assume the role of U.S. Marshall. Famously, Hayes would elect Frederick Douglas into the aforementioned position, which would have no doubt shaken Gordon and his vicious white supremacy sentiments. 

This grouping of John B Gordon includes one (1) albumen framed view, one (1) framed letter of correspondence during Gordon’s service as a United States Senator, and a framed collection including one (1) printed view of Gordon, one (1) cut signature, and a plaque of information & identification.

1.Autograph letter signed by John B. Gordon, as United States Senator of Georgia. Atlanta, Georgia, 26 June 1877. 1 page, 10 x 7 3/4in., on official United States Senate Chamber letterhead. 

Following the election of Rutherford B. Hayes, a historic selection was made to the office of the U.S. Marshal; Frederick Douglass, famed freedman, abolitionist, and writer, would be confirmed in his appointment by the Senate on 18 March 1877. Douglass would serve as U.S. Marshal until 1881. 

Nearly a month later, on 26 June 1877, Senator John B. Gordon penned a letter to President Hayes submitting a recommendation for the office of U.S. Marshal. 

While the letter itself contains nothing but the anticipated verbiage used to recommend a candidate such as duty and experience, it was no doubt a blatant letter of protest in response to Hayes’s appointment. Following his military career in the Confederate army, Gordon had continued his fight, staunchly rejecting Reconstruction and calling for the removal of federal soldiers in southern territories. Additionally, although he publicly disputed it, Gordon was associated as a prominent leader within the Ku Klux Klan of Georgia. To settle the dispute over the results of the 1876 election, Gordon was an instrumental figure in crafting the Compromise of 1877, which declared Rutherford B. Hayes as the new president under the condition that he begin to rescind Reconstruction-era policies. Federal troops were removed from overseeing the south, and Haye’s presidency would ultimately mark the end of Reconstruction. While it was likely considered a success to Gordon, it was no doubt short-lived upon the selection of Frederick Douglass to serve as U.S. Marshall. 

This letter serves, if nothing else, as a passive aggressive statement made by Georgia Senator, John B. Gordon. A fascinating document pertaining to a monumental appointment made in the United States government. 

2. John B. Gordon Three-quarter length studio portrait albumen 5 ½ x 3 ½ visible. N.p.,n.d. Cased in 12 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch frame.  

Mustering into service as a lieutenant colonel in the 6th Alabama Infantry on 26 December 1861, John B. Gordon began his war-long service in the Confederate army. Recognized as a fearless force, Gordon was wounded a speculated 5-8 times during his service, only to be carried from battle once after a shot through his face narrowly missed his jugular vein. As a result of his nearly fatal injury, Gordon was promoted to Brigadier General on 1 November 1864. By the end of the war, Gordon had received the rank of Major General, placing him as an attendee alongside General Lee at the surrender of the Confederate Army in Appomattox, Virginia. 

There is a small tear to the albumen, else a fine example.

3. Framed grouping of John B. Gordon which includes:

(1.) John B. Gordon half-length studio portrait view black & white copy.         N.p.,n.d. 

An impressive portrait of John B. Gordon in full uniform with his officers insignia in view. Looking off to the side, his gaze is direct and intense.  

(2.) Military memo cut signature by John B. Gordon. N.p., 11 September 1863.

(3.) 4 x 6 ¼ in. modern plaque which reads: “Major General John Brown Gordon/ Soldier, Statesman/ 1832-1904/” with additional biographical and military career description.

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