8x10”, ADS, in ink. Excellent condition, fold lines. This letter sidelined Collis for the Battle of Gettysburg!

Collis was born in Ireland in 1838. Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry at the battle of Fredericksburg, VA, 12/13/62. Promoted to Brevet Brigadier General 10/28/64, and Brevet Major General, 3/13/65. He is buried in the National Cemetery at Gettysburg.

Letter is written by 2^nd Brigade, 3^rd Corps, Army of the Potomac, Surgeon in Chief Orpheus Everts.

“Head Quarters, 2^nd Brigade, 1^st Division, 3d Corps, Army Potomac, June 1^st, 1863. Col. Chas. H.T. Collis, of the 144^th Penna. Vol. having applied to me for a certificate on which to base an application for leave of absence, I certify that I have carefully examined this officer (being under my medical care at these Head Quarters) and find that is now and ha been for several days suffering from irritative fever of a serious character, that in my opinion he is unfit for duty, and that he will not be able to resume duty in a shorter period than fifteen days, that I recommend leave of absence as necessary to save life or prevent permanent disability. Orpheus Everts, Surgn. In Chief, 2^nd Brigade.”

The author of this document, Orpheus Everts, had previously been the surgeon of the 20^th Indiana. He was promoted to Surgeon in Chief, 2^nd Brigade, 1^st Division, General Sickles’ 3^rd Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. In the Gettysburg battle report of Brig. Gen. J.H. Hobart Ward, he said of Everts, “the thanks of many sufferers in this command are tendered for his undivided attention to their wants and comforts.”

This is an important document as it was this piece of paper that put Colonel Collis out of action.  [ld]

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