Item No. 8451518

Federal artillery batteries are reassigned between corps during the Siege of Petersburg in this October 12, 1864, telegraph message written and signed by Major John G. Hazard, commander of the 2nd Corps Artillery Brigade. Hazard writes in pencil from “2d Corps Hd Qrs,” to Colonel John C. Tidball, commander of the 9th Corps artillery. Tidball had held this position for only a couple of weeks since returning to the front in September after a brief three-months as commandant of cadets at West Point. The two artillery officers had served together in the 2nd Corps artillery prior to that.

In the telegraph message Hazard writes:

The Vt battery has been ordered to report to me. As soon as it reports will relieve Capt Eaton & send him to you.
Jno. G. Hazard
Maj. & C.O.A.

The Vermont Battery referred to is the 3rd Vermont Battery, while the captain mentioned is Captain John B. Eaton of the 27th New York Battery.

Hazard is also notable for having commanded the 2nd Corps artillery at the Battle of Gettysburg.

The message was written on a 5 1/4” x 8” pre-printed form with the heading “United States Military Telegraph.” Excellent condition with light toning. Creased at the original folds.