Army Register. Letter from the Secretary of War, Transmitting Copies of the Official Register of the Army

Washington: U.S. Congress, Gov. Printing Office, 1855. Octavo. 33d Congress 2d Session Ex. Doc. No. 58. 55 pages. This was the special printing of the Army Register, beginning with a letter from Jefferson Daivs, who was Secretary of War. The book records the names of those who became generals or otherwise distinguished themselves in the Civil War. It lists their pay, rations, allowance for servants, and forage expenses for those with horses. Robert E. Lee, who we learn, had just received Brev from Captain to Colonel; with pay and rations to a little over $2,000. U.S. Grant on the other hand had just been Brevetted a Captain with pay and rations of $1,000 (truncated) (annually). Also found in this volume is that of Jefferson Davis, George McClellan, George. Thomas, W.T. Sherman, George Meade, Longstreet, Sheridan and a host of others including the problem officers Bragg, Pemberton and Burnside. There is also a listing of officers whose fame came after the Civil War, George Crook, Randolf Mercy and a list of the surgeons who were given the rank of Major (p. 60.) A fascinating look at the details of the period just seven years before the outbreak of the Civil War. Bound in red cloth, spine lettered in black, some light toning to the last page and endpapers. (Inventory #: 032590)