Redwood, Allen C. “Sheridan’s Charge. At the Battle of Five Forks, Va., March 31st. 1865”

Allen C. Redwood (1844-1922).  “Sheridan’s Charge.  At the Battle of Five Forks, Va., March 31^st. 1865.”  [Also known as: “Pursuit to Appomattox, Custer's Charge”] 

New York: William Pate, 1887.  18 ¾ x 29 3/8.  Wood engraving by Charles Schlecht.  On chine appliqué mounted on heavier stock; as issued.  Several repaired tears in margins and one into image at top.  Otherwise, very good condition.  

A dramatic and unusually large wood engraving showing General Custer’s cavalry charge at the Battle of Five Forks.  The title of the original painting is “Pursuit to Appomattox, Custer's Charge.”  The Union Army was commanded by General Sheridan at this battle hence the title of the print.  The print was issued by William Pate, a well known publisher of historic scenes, though more commonly steel engravings.  The print has a stirring close-up image of Custer leading his men with his sword drawn and approaching the Confederate soldiers, who are firing or preparing to repel the Union forces with their bayonets.  Issued at a time when many soldiers were beginning to look back with some nostalgia on the Civil War, this print would have found a ready market among those who participated in this battle.

Allen Christian Redwood is one of the few sketch artists of the Civil War who fought in combat as an officer. Born in 1844, he was just seventeen when he enlisted in the 55th Regiment of the Army of Northern Virginia.