Lee, John F., 1813-1884 to Henry Jackson Hunt

Mentions Emily Virginia Mason's biography of Robert E. Lee, for which Hunt supplied information. Discusses a compromise of Hunt's integrity, apparently regarding fabrications published about Hunt's false involvement with the Ku Klux Klan. States that Sherman did not bear false witness against Hunt in the matter. Speculates that Winfield Scott Hancock did not "make much" by the publication of his letters. Referring to the controversy regarding the conduct of Fitz John Porter at Second Manassas, asserts that General Irvin McDowell falsely accused Porter in order to serve Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton and General John Pope. Says, "I do not know how a soldier could do a more unworthy thing." Calls for reform of the military. Declares "When we settle down, and complete our reconstruction, the army will be exposed... the whole south, the northern democracy, & the volunteer heroes- who did all the service while west point cheated them of the glory & promotion... a better order, upheld by soldiers & gentlemen, may be hoped for." Discusses reconstruction at length, mentioning black labor, Ulysses S. Grant, and Charles Sumner. Says, "We have extirpated negro labor - and perhaps the negro. Certainly if he aspires to rule. If he dont, and is content to work, and be virtuous, he will be happy ..." Refers to his time spent in the War Department. Encourages Hunt to read a discourse on Stanton (possibly Jeremiah Black's book on Stanton, published in 1871).