Heritage to Auction Important and Unique Civil War Gettysburg Document

Dallas, Texas: Heritage Auction Galleries will offer the only known copy of Union Major General George Meade's (1815-1872) first report of victory at Gettysburg. The document is offered as part of Heritage's February 20-21 Books, Autographs and Manuscripts Auction in Dallas, Texas with simulcast in New York City.

According to Heritage's historical Americana expert Tom Slater, "This broadside is a 'Holy Grail' of Civil War collecting, as it is the only example believed known to remain extant. It also represents the earliest printed report on the victory at Gettysburg. A supreme rarity from the battle that changed American history, a cornerstone document."

The one page document, measuring 5.5" x 6.1" bears the letterhead of "Head Quarters Army of the Potomac" [Gettysburg, Pennsylvania], dated July 4, 1863, and entitled General Order 68, congratulates Union forces on their hard-won victory at Gettysburg. The document reads: "The Commanding General, on behalf of the country, thanks the Army of the Potomac for the glorious result of the recent operations. An enemy superior in numbers and flushed with the pride of a successful invasion, attempted to overcome and destroy this Army. Utterly baffled and defeated, he has now withdrawn from the contest. The privations and fatigue the Army has endured, and the heroic courage and gallantry it has displayed will be matters of history to be ever remembered. Our task is not yet accomplished, and the Commanding General looks to the Army for greater efforts to drive from our soil every vestige of the presence of the invader. It is right and proper that we should, on all suitable occasions, return our grateful thanks to the Almighty Disposer of events, that in the goodness of his Providence He has thought fit to give victory to the cause of the just. By command of MAJ. GEN. MEADE."

The broadside has been off the market for over 50 years, and is part of the Henry E. Luhrs Collection, being auctioned by Heritage.

The broadside carries a presale estimate of $30,000-50,000.

Heritage is the world's largest collectibles auctioneer with annual sales exceeding $500 million. For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of past prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit our Permanent Auction Archives at www.HeritageAuctions.com.

To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Nicole Jewell at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272, or visit www.HeritageAuctions.com to order by email.