Alexander Macomb "Hero of Plattsburgh" ALS Re: Militia Book

3pp of a bifolium, measuring 8" x 9.75", Washington, D.C., dated September 23, 1837. Signed "Al: Macomb" and addressed to Lt. Col. James Taylor Worthington. Macomb writes of the recent death of his first cousin and of a published book of militia tactics. Reading in part:

"It was with great grief I learned the melancholy death of my dear relation David B. Macomb. It was so long a time since I heard anything of him that I apprehended that some misfortune has happened to him. I am glad to hear that the children have got safe out of Texas and hope that poor Ellen may not suffer by being left there. With respect to the Book of Tactics for the Militia, I have to say that it does not differ in any particular from the practice of the army, it is only made easy and comprehensible to anyone…The work is well adapted to the Militia and [illegible] is generally preferred by the army on account of its brevity. The work of Gen. Scott is a translation of the present French system & is a most valuable Book. But all the maneuvers are for their rank formation & for two, which rather tends to puzzle one in reading it - while the Militia Book is based on the file rank formation only…" Addressed on verso, along with an informational note made in pencil by Charles Hamilton, handwriting expert, forensic document examiner, and literary historian. The letter has flattened mail folds, light soiling, and small areas of toning. Paper loss from the broken wax seal, with a small amount of text being affected. Boldly signed.

Alexander Macomb (1782-1841) was Commanding General of the U.S. Army from 1828 to 1841. He served with distinction during the War of 1812 and earned the nickname "The Hero of Plattsburgh" after he led his men to victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh. For his service, Macomb was promoted to Major General and awarded both the Thanks of Congress and a Congressional Gold Medal.

David Betton Macomb (1793-1837) was General Alexander Macomb's first cousin. In 1816, he married Marry Tiffin Worthington, daughter of Thomas Worthington (Governor of Ohio) and sister of James Taylor Worthington. After numerous business venture failures, David Macomb moved the family to Texas and became a trusted confidant of Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston. However, Mary Macomb contracted an illness on the journey to Texas and died in October 1836. Her despondent husband then committed suicide the following year on Valentine's Day, leaving seven children orphaned.

James Taylor Worthington (1802-1881) was the eldest son of Ohio governor Thomas Worthington. He was educated at the United States Military Academy at West Point and later practiced law in Chillicothe, Ohio before serving in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1831-1833 and 1840. Worthington also served as a major general in the 16th Division of Militia, 3rd Regiment in Chillicothe, which is likely the reason for his interest in a book of military tactics.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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