A large group of letters, photographs, documents, art, and ephemera related to General Rufus Ingalls (1818-1893), numbering approximately 80 pieces. 

 

General Rufus Ingalls (1818-1893) was a career military officer who served as Quartermaster General of the United States Army during the Civil War. Considered by many to have been a key architect of Union victory, Ingalls's meticulous planning and strategic foresight ensured the smooth supply and transportation of vital resources to federal troops despite incredible logistical challenges. His innovative approaches revolutionized military operations, facilitating the efficient movement of troops, ammunition, and provisions across vast distances and treacherous terrain. This is a significant collection of artifacts associated with an important figure, whose strategic brilliance as Quartermaster General was instrumental in securing Union victory.

 

This large archive includes items from the full span of his military career, from his 1839 appointment signed by Secretary of War J.R. Poinsett, to his many Civil War-era documents and letters, to his postbellum career as Quartermaster. 

 

Pre-War Documents 

 

Rufus Ingalls was able to secure an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point through his father’s political connections. He graduated in the Class of 1843, alongside his friend Ulysses S. Grant. After serving in the New Mexico Territory during the Mexican-American war and later in California, he was stationed in Oregon Territory in 1849 and Fort Vancouver in 1852.  In 1854, he accompanied the Steptoe Expedition from Fort Leavenworth through Utah Territory to the Pacific Coast.

 

Highlights include his cadet appointment signed by Secretary of War J.R. Poinsett and documents from his duty in the western frontier. Of particular note is a drawing of a tombstone of “Rolla an Indian Boy…erected by his…true friend Rufus Ingalls.” 

 

1. Rufus Ingalls’ 1839 cadet appointment to West Point.

 

Partly printed document signed by Joel Roberts Poinsett, as Secretary of War. [Washington, D.C.], 30 June 1839. 1 page, 4to. 

 

“The President of the United States having been pleased to appoint Rufus Ingalls a Cadet in the service of the United States.” 

 

2. Letter signed by Rufus Ingalls. Quartermaster’s Office, Camp near Fort Vancouver, O[regon] Territory, 1 August 1849. 1 page, 4to, docketed to verso. Report.

 

3. Manuscript document. [Oregon], 15 December 1849. Indenture between Peter Shein Ogeden Chief Factor of the Hon. Hudsons’ Bay Company, Oregon, and Rufus Ingalls for a sawmill situated on the Columbia River above Fort Vancouver.

 

4. Autograph letter signed by Rufus Ingalls to James Davidson at Fort Constitution, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Denmark, Maine, 20 November 1853. 1 page, 4to, on blue paper. 

 

5. Abstract of Disbursements on Account of Contingencies by Ordnance Sergeant James Davidson in Charge of Subsistence. Fort Constitution, New Hampshire, 31 December 1853. Signed by James Davidson.

 

6. Ink drawing. In Memory of Rolla an Indian boy from Utah Ter. Died Aut. 10 1860 Supposed Age 13 years. Erected by his Earthly Guardian and True Friend Rufus Ingalls U.S. Army.

 

7. Autograph letter signed by Rufus Ingalls to Colonel H.R. Craig. Washington, D.C., 10 December 1860. Endorsement of Capt. Eckerson.

 

Civil War Letters and Documents

 

After early duty in Florida at the start of the war, Ingalls became aide-de-camp to General McClellan. In this role, he established supply depots for the Army of the Potomac during the Peninsula Campaign and efficiently evacuated during the Seven Days Battles. He became the Chief Quartermaster for the Army of the Potomac by August 1862. When Grant was given command of all Union Armies, he placed his old friend in charge of supply with responsibility for all Federal armies operating against Petersburg and Richmond. His effective organization and leadership are widely credited with the victory of both campaigns. 

 

Highlights include an autograph letter signed by Ingalls to General Meigs regarding his upcoming promotion after he spoke with General Grant. 

 

1. Autograph letter signed by J[ames] H[enry] Van Alen (1819-1886) as Brigadier General to Rufus Ingalls. New York, 27 May 1862. 3 pages, 8vo. 
A letter from Brigadier General van Alen with congratulations to Ingalls: “I tender you my warmest congratulations on your promotion.”

 

2. Copy document signed by Rufus Ingalls. Hd. Qrs. Army of the Potomac, 1 June 1863. 3 pages, 4to, with docketing. A document regarding property captured by the Cavalry Corps. 

 

3. Letter signed by Rufus Ingalls to Colonel C.G. Sawtelle. Head Quarters, Army of the Potomac, Culpepper, Virginia, 23 September 1863. 2 pages, 4to. Extremely fine secretarial hand. 

 

A formal letter upon receiving a fine watch: “I received your letter of the 16th with the accompanying watch and chain presented through you by the Officers of the Quartermasters Department of the Army of the Potomac…I have always relied upon them with a confidence never misplaced and I desire no loftier renown than the title of Fallen Soldier with them in this grand Army."

 

4. ALS by Ingalls to General Meigs regarding promotion after speaking with Grant

 

Autograph letter signed by Rufus Ingalls to M[ontgomery] C. Meigs. Hd. Quarters Army of the Potomac, 26 April 1864. 2 pages, 8vo, on monogrammed letterhead. 

 

To his colleague General Montgomery C. Meigs, he writes regarding his promotion after speaking with his friend Grant: “I Saw General Grant today. He was pleased with your [suggestion] that Allen, Rucker and myself should be made Brevet Brig. Genls. He thinks it better for many reasons for ourselves; and said he would write tonight to Genl. Halleck requesting him to have us properly sent to the Senate, and that he would also write to Senator Wilson. Now if we are to be confirmed in our present grade, perhaps it would be better to step with that, though I had rather have the Brevet with the proper dates. I am sure the President is friendly to me. Will you please decide what is best for Allen, Rucker and myself, and if you decide in favor of the Brevet, please see Genl. Halleck and have our dates arranged correctly.”

 

5. Autograph letter signed by Rufus Ingalls to Capt. P.P. Pitkin. Hd. Qrs. A or P, 20 February n.y. [1864?]. “When you have forage you will turn it over to the different landings as required taking receipts.” 

 

6. Letter signed by Rufus Ingalls to Captain P.P. Pitkin. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Office of Chief Quarter Master, At Armstrong’s on the Ny., 12 May 1864. 2 pages, 4to. Orders regarding ambulances, wagons, etc. 

 

7. Autograph letter signed. Head Quarters Armies United States, City Point, Virginia, 10 December 1864. 1 page, 12mo. Sent from his headquarters during the Siege of Petersburg.

 

8. Letter signed by J.F. Hazelton to Colonel Ron Batchelder. Office Asst. Q.M. 2nd B, 3rd O, Cavalry Corps, 24? March 1865. Hire citizen teamsters. Extensive docketing including signature of Rufus Ingalls. 

 

9. June 1865 accolades from the Independent New York Cavalry.

 

Autograph document. Head Quarters, Oneida Company, Independent New York Cavalry, Arlington Heights, Virginia, 12 June 1865. 3 pages, folio, hinge at upper edge. 

 

The Company “having acted for the past three years as Escort to Brevet Major General Rufus Ingalls…being desirous of expressing our appreciation of him as an officer and a gentleman.” 

 

10. Engraved portrait of Ingalls as Brigadier General in uniform. Rufus Ingalls, Bvt. Maj. General & Asst. Q.M. Genl. USA. Engraved by H.B. Hall Jr. after a photo by Gardner. Published by John B. Bachelder, New York.

 

11. Engraved portrait of Ingalls as Major General in uniform. Maj. Gen. Rufus Ingalls. Eng. by A.H. Ritchie. 

 

Photographs, Mostly War-Time

 

1. Three-quarter-length albumen CDV studio portraits of Ingalls in uniform holding his sword. New York: E. & H.T. Anthony, Brady negative. Anthony imprint to mount verso.

 

2. Vignetted bust-length albumen CDV portrait of Ingalls in uniform. New York: Sarony + Co. Imprint to verso. 

 

3. Vignetted bust-length albumen CDV portrait of Ingalls in civilian clothes. New York: Sarony + Co. Imprint to verso. 

 

4. Albumen of Rufus in uniform. On paper mount. No photographer information. 

 

5. Cabinet card group portrait of a group of military officers, including Rufus Ingalls. Omaha, [Nebraska]: Currier. Possibly Christopher C. Augur and Staff at Ft. Leavenworth.

 

Post-War Letters & Documents 

 

After the war, Ingalls continued work in various quartermaster posts in the Regular Army. On 23 February 1882, he was named as the 16th Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army with the full rank of Brigadier General. He retired in 1883, living in Oregon and New York before his death in 1891.

 

1. Promotion to full Colonel in the Quartermaster Office of the Regular Army signed by General Meigs.

 

Letter signed by M.C. Meigs to Rufus Ingalls. Washington, D.C., 3 December 1866. 1 page, 4to. On Quartermaster General’s Office letterhead. 
“I have the pleasure to forward your appointment as Colonel + Assistant Quartermaster General. Congratulations upon this public recognition of faithful service to the country in her hour of peril and trusting that you may long enjoy health and strength for her service.”

 

2. Autograph letter signed by A. H. [Illeg.] To Rufus Ingalls. New York, 7 June 1867. 2 pages, 4to. Regarding investments, stocks, silver, etc.

 

3. Letter signed by Rufus Ingalls to J.P. Reynolds. New York, 24 February 1870. 1 page, 4to, on Office of Assistant Quartermaster General letterhead. 
Ingalls writes to an artist: “If I am not in error, you are the artist who painted 'War Record' for Genl. Pleasanton and myself. If such is the case I beg to say that I shall be pleased to see you at an early day in reference to painting another, with a few changes.”

 

With pencil note at foot: “Answered above and called on him in person sometime after at the Revere House Boston. Again in N.Y. while canvassing there."

 

4. Autograph letter signed by Rufus Ingalls to Col. James Belger. New York City, 1 June 1870. 3 pages, 8vo. 

 

In 1863, Colonel Belger, then Quartermaster in Baltimore, was dismissed for improper conduct and dismissed dishonorably. In 1870 he appealed his case, and here, Ingalls writes to Belger regarding his understanding of the case: “I have quite forgotten any conversations I may have had with Genl. Grant as to your case - we have referred to it often of course, he comprehends it in all its bearings. The point now is, what can he do? The Court, composed of men of the highest integrity, honorably acquitted you. The President through Stanton dismissed you - that is - I hear that the late Mr. Stanton said the President Lincoln gave him the order though I believe it was one of the many arbitrary sets [of] acts of Mr. Stanton, and one, which was a source of regret to him. It was an insult to the Court and an irreparable injustice to you. I feel that Genl. Grant would do all he can legally for you. For one, I hope you will press your claims for restoration, at least to the rank you held; and I am unselfish enough to hope that full and even-handed justice shall be done you. Please show this to the President, and if I can be of service to you let me know how.” 

 

5. Autograph letter signed by Rufus Ingalls to Mrs. Stoughton. New York, 16 October 1870. 1 page, 8vo, on Office of Assistant Quartermaster General letterhead. 

 

6. Partly printed document signed by Rufus Ingalls. List of Quartermaster’s Stores &c. Barrancas, Florida, 17 May 1871. 1 page, 4to, docketing to verso. Declining invitation.

 

7. Autograph letter signed by Rufus Ingalls to Edwin Stoughton. N.p., 5 October [1872?]. 1 page, 8vo. 

 

8. Autograph letter signed by A. Torbert to R. Ingalls. Paris, [France], 1 January 1874. 1 page, 8vo, on Consulat General des Etats-Unis d’Amerique letterhead. Declining a dinner invitation.

 

9. Autograph letter signed by Rufus Ingalls. New York, 22 August 1874. 2 pages, 8vo, on blue paper with monogrammed letterhead. 
“The President has sent for Genl. Meigs to be at the Branch Monday or Tuesday - so it begins to look like business! He will be a guest at the President’s cottage so Porter says. The President goes on Wednesday on that grand excursion of the “City of Peking”...I presume you and Mrs. Belknap will be of the party.”

 

10. Letter to Ingalls regarding escalating tensions in post-war South.

 

Autograph letter signed by Bob to R. Ingalls. Boston, Massachusetts, 17 September 1874. 2 pages, 8vo, on Office Deputy Q.M. General U.S. Army letterhead. 

 

“Those S– of B—s down South are going to precipitate a Civil War. The Army has neither men money or supplies. Meigs hasn’t the nerve to undertake to 'sling' troops or [dish?] out the necessary legislation to provide funds. You, I think, will have to 'Boss' the job, + I’m d-d if I would do it or take the responsibility as a subordinate. There is one fellow I want you to take care of between now + 76 and that is R. Ingalls. To the exclusion of every body else, unless you believe in a third term  which this late performance look d-nably like.” 

 

11. Autograph letter signed by ? to R. Ingalls. Cairo, 11 October 1874. 3 pages, 8vo. 

 

“I cannot thank you warmly enough for the very beautiful sword. It came ten days ago and has had not only my admiration but that of everybody who has seen it."

 

12. Letter signed by Rufus Ingalls. New York, 9 June 1876, on Depot quartermaster’s Office letterhead. Request for staves and other supplies.

 

13. Letter signed by Stanley Brown. Washington, D.C., 26 October 1881. 1 page, 8vo, on mourning lettersheet. 

 

14. ALS by J.J. Ingalls to Rufus Ingalls. Washington, 30 June n.y. 1 page, 12mo. 

 

“I have information which I consider reliable. That Meigs will not be retired under any circumstance. Sherman is doing what he can for Van Vliet. Probably you know more than I do about these matters.” 

 

15. ALS by John J. Ingalls to Rufus Ingalls. Atchinson, [Kansas], 28 June n.y. 1 page, 4to. Split along old folds. 

 

“The Prest. told me that Meigs probably not be relieved but he is such a liar that his statement not have much weight with me. Maj. Grimes was here yesterday + said his understanding was the same - that Hayes retain Meigs in consequence of some arrangement made between the ladies of the two families."

 

16. Appointment to Quartermaster General of the United States Army signed by Adjutant General Richard C. Drum. 

 

Letter signed by Richard C. Drum, as Adjutant General, to Rufus Ingalls. Washington, D.C., 13 March 1882. 2 pages, 4to, on War Department letterhead. 

 

“I have the honor to acknowledge…that you will be prepared to enter upon duty as Quartermaster General on or after the 15th instant…the Secretary of war directs that you repair to this city on the date named.” 

 

17. Letter signed by William Reid to Rufus Ingalls. Portland, Oregon, 12 April 1884. 1 page, 4to. 

 

After retirement from the Army, Ingalls entered civilian life in Oregon. “Today you will be elected the President of the Portland National Bank, to act in the absence of the President, with the same power conferred on him, when he is absent.”

 

18. Autograph letter signed “General” to Lucy. Portland, Oregon, 6 February 1890. 2 pages, 8vo, on Arlington Club letterhead. 

 

19. Autograph letter signed “General” to Blair [Ingalls]. Portland, Oregon, 3 March 1890. 2 pages, 8vo, on Arlington Club letterhead. 
“I don’t want those big Books of Records of the War here, yet they are valuable. I have redirected some to the Army Building today.” 

 

20. Letter signed by S.J. Barker to Rufus Ingalls. Portland, Oregon, 22 August 1892. 1 page, 4to. Paid bills. 

 

21. Group of 19 pieces of ephemera, including receipts, promissory notes, and invitations. Various, 1870-1892.

 

Death and Documents Related to his son Blair Ingalls 

 

Rufus Ingalls died on 15 January 1893 in New York. The archive includes several documents related to his death, estate, and tomb. Also included are some documents related to his son Blair Ingalls (ca 1866 - 1940) who served in the United States Army, including in the Philippines, Governor’s Island, and Fort Porter in Buffalo, New York (The Record, 26 Feb. 1940, p. 2).

 

1. An emotional letter written to Blair Ingalls the day after his father's death. 

 

Autograph letter signed by Charlie to Blair Ingalls. Vancouver Barracks, Washington, 16 January 1893. 3 pages, 8vo, on Office Depot Quartermaster letterhead. 

 

“My heart is too heavy to write you a letter today, and I can only send a line now to assure you of my love, and join with you in sorrow over our great loss. I cannot realize it! I have in my possession certain written instructions of the General’s - copies of which I will send you in a few days. In order that I can carry out his wishes you must write me freely about his Wall St. matters and other business interests if any in N.Y. You must also write and tell me all about the funeral as well as the particulars regarding his last sickness. I would give years of my life to be with you and lend a helping hand today. I cannot write more. God bless you."

 

2. General Orders No. 3. Headquarters of the Army, Adjutant General’s Office, Washington, 18 January 1893. 2 pages, 8vo. Printed with mourning border - announcing the death of Rufus Ingalls. Three copies present. 

 

3. Ink drawing of tombstone for Rufus Ingalls. 

 

4. Ingalls Tomb. Atchinson, Kan. Real photo postcard. 

 

5. Small snapshot of tomb. 20th century. 

 

6. Receipt for funeral expenses of General Rufus Ingalls. New York, 15 January 1893. 1 page, 4to, on E.M. Senior, Undertaker letterhead. 

 

7. Partly printed document to Blair Ingalls. Washington, D.C., 10 March 1893. 1 page, 4to, on Treasury Department, Second Auditor’s Office letterhead. Settling treasury certificates for Rufus Ingalls. 

 

8. Partly printed document. New York, 20 February 1892. Blair Ingalls appointed Coxswain in the 3rd Battery, 1st Battalion, Naval Militia, S.N.Y. Docketed to verso. 

 

9. Partly printed document. New York, 1 May 1893. Blair Ingalls appointed Coxswain in the 4th Division, 1st Battalion, Naval Militia, S.N.Y.

 

10. TLS to Blair Ingalls. New York, 23 December 1893. 1 page, 4to, on Lafayette Post No. 140 letterhead. Invitation to honor Rufus Ingalls. 

 

11. Typed document signed by Melville C. Day. New York, 1 March 1895. Court documents related to payment to the executors of Rufus Ingalls’s will (Melville C. Day and Daniel E. Garrison).

 

12. Typed letter to Blair Ingalls. New York, 23 June 1896. 1 page, 4to. Re: $500 owed by his father to Mr. Sieberg, who helped recover the New York Life Insurance money. 

 

13. Partially printed receipt. New York, 24 April 1905. $100 at Breese & Smith. 

 

14. Clipped signature: “John James Ingalls of Kansas.”

 

15. TLS to Sarah Ingalls. Hackensack, New Jersey, 13 April 1944. 1 page, 4to. The Hackensack Trust Company. Enclosed officers’ check for $226.22.

 

16. Albumen cabinet card portrait of an officer (Blair Ingalls?). New York: Anderson.

 

17. Vignetted bust length albumen CDV portrait. New York & Washington D.C.: Brady. Signed “J.J. Ingalls / USS Kansas.” 

 

A wonderful archive related to the great Quartermaster General Rufus Ingalls with several standout pieces. 

 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards]