Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) to Henry W. Halleck
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00543 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 October 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 22 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Henry S. Hewitt will report to Washington, as ordered, in accordance with a notice to delinquents. Defends Hewitts conduct, and says if he was delinquint it was due only to a misunderstanding, but states he will report to "the 'Military Commission.'" anyway. Envelope addressed by Grant.
Henry Stewart Hewitt was a Union Army surgeon, breveted Colonel in 1865.
Head Quarters, Dept. of the Tn
Vicksburg, Miss. Oct. 5th /63
Maj: Gen. H. W. Halleck
Gen. in Chief, Washington D.C.
General,
The Army & Navy Gazette of the 22d of Sept. just received here, contains a "Notice to Delinquents," of same date, requiring them to report to the "Military Commission" now in session in Washington City, within fifteen (15) days from the date of the notice, or stand dismissed. Surgeon H. S. Hewitt's name I see is on the list. I have ordered him to report forthwith and he will leave here in compliance with the order this evening.
Surgeon Hewitt is now well and ready for any duty assigned to him. As I understand his case it stands thus. On the march from Bruinsburg to this place it was necessary to leave Surgeons in charge of such of our men as were wounded in the different battles and would not bear moving. In this way Surg. Hewitt was left at Jackson Miss. When the wounded in his charge had so far recovered as to require his services no longer he was released but required to return North via Richmond. Privations and exposure made him sick and on his arrival North he obtained sick leave. Before the expiration of his leave he recovered sufficiently to do duty and reported for orders. He received his orders to report here and on his way out received the order to report at Annapolis, Md. Thinking the order to report there was given under the supposition that he was unfit for duty he continued on in obedience to the previous order.
I was not aware of the existence of the order for Surgeon Hewitt to report at Annapolis and am not entirely prepared to say whether, under the circumstances, he should have reported there or simply report the facts to Washington for further instructions. The latter I rather think would have been the proper course. I do not know whether this was done or not. I am satisfied however the Dr. intended no disobedience or neglect of orders and if an error has been committed it was been one of judgement only.
I hope the penalty of this notice will be set aside in this case.
I am Gen, very respectfully
Your obt. Svt.
U. S. Grant
Maj: General
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