Paper meas. approx. 4.50 x 2.50 and is very clean. Across the center of the piece is a bold flowing signature in ink that reads “YOURS TRULY / J. B. HOOD.” Signature is in two lines with the name underscored. Reverse of the paper is blank.

John Bell Hood was born in Owingsville, Kentucky in 1831 and graduated from West Point at the age of 22. After serving in California and Texas he resigned his commission in the United States Army in April of 1861 to join the Confederacy as a cavalry captain. From there, he was soon promoted to Colonel of the 4th Texas Infantry.

By the time of the Peninsula Campaign he led a brigade. At the Battle of Gaines' Mill on June 27, 1862 he distinguished himself by leading his brigade in a charge that broke the Union line - arguably the most successful Confederate performance in the Seven Days Battles. While Hood escaped the battle without an injury, every officer in his brigade was killed or wounded.

He was promoted to Major General in 1862 and commanded a Division with distinction at Sharpsburg and at Fredericksburg. At the Battle of Gettysburg, Hood was ordered by Longstreet to attack the Union’s left flank. During the assault Hood was severely wounded in the arm and was forced to relinquish his command. Soon after his return Hood lost a leg at Chickamauga. After his recovery, he was appointed to Lieutenant General serving under J.E. Johnston, whom he would replace in the spring of 1864. Hood conducted the remainder of the Atlanta Campaign with the strong aggressive actions for which he was famous. He launched four major offensives that summer in an attempt to break Sherman's siege of Atlanta, starting almost immediately with an attack along Peachtree Creek; however, all of the offensives failed, with significant Confederate casualties. Finally, on September 2, 1864, Hood evacuated the city of Atlanta, burning as many military supplies and installations as possible.

Hood marched his army into Tennessee where his forces were crippled trying to break through Union breastworks at the Battle of Franklin. His army suffered again at the Battle of Nashville from Union forces lead by General Thomas. Hood was relieved of his command (at his own request) in January of 1865. He desired to take control of the Texas army, but they surrendered before his arrival. In May 1865, Hood gave himself up to Union forces in Natchez, Mississippi. After the war, Hood moved to New Orleans and lived there with his wife and children until he died in 1879 of yellow fever. He was buried in Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans.

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