Americana Exceptional Auction
Lot 28:
Description
Autograph manuscript signed “E.J. Allen,” the wartime alias of famed Union spymaster Allan Pinkerton. Addressed at the conclusion to Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, this remarkable intelligence report comprises 13 sheets (seven written on both sides), totaling 20 pages in Pinkerton’s hand. Datelined Headquarters City Guard, Provost Marshal’s Office, Washington, D.C., October 29, 1861, the report was written just two days before McClellan was named General-in-Chief of the U.S. Army, and only weeks before the Union’s peaceful occupation of the Eastern Shore of Virginia — an operation likely influenced, if not directly shaped, by the intelligence in this report. This extensive briefing summarizes field reports from Pinkerton operatives embedded in Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland during the early months of the Civil War. Operating under assumed loyalties, Pinkerton’s agents infiltrated pro-Confederate circles, gathering intelligence on terrain, troop strength, arms, logistics, and supply lines. The report details a revealing conversation between an operative and Col. Southey Finney in Drummondtown, who openly discussed the area’s artillery placements and readiness — intelligence of clear strategic value. True to Pinkerton’s methodical approach to espionage, the report is written with minute attention to detail, including references to roads, creeks, artillery positions, and suspected Confederate sympathizers by name. It is an exceptional example of early Union intelligence work — predating the formal establishment of federal agencies such as the Secret Service. To our knowledge, this document remains unpublished, and represents a rare, primary-source artifact of the Union’s earliest military intelligence efforts. Unconditionally guaranteed authentic, without reservation or time limit. (This report was offered earlier this year. Be aware that credit cards will not be accepted for the purchase of this item.) *** PLEASE NOTE: Photos of all the pages of this document are in this digital flipbook — visit this address: https://publuu.com/flip-book/83345/1941279 *** This item can be shipped in-house. Multiple lot combined shipping may require 3rd Party shipping.
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