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Ray, George W. (George Washington) (1844-1925) Speech of Hon. George W. Ray, of New York, in the House of Representatives, Friday and Saturday, January 25 and 26, 1884.

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08445.04.03 Author/Creator: Ray, George W. (George Washington) (1844-1925) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Pamphlet Date: 1884 Pagination: 1 v. : 40 p. ; 22.9 x 14.8 cm. Order a Copy

Representative Ray discusses the court-martial of General Fitz-John Porter. In conclusion, writes "In the name of justice, for the honor of our country, and in behalf of the thousands of soldiers who appeal to us for justice to their old comrade in arms, and whose confidence in his integrity, loyalty, and devotion has never been shaken, I ask for that most righteous verdict in this case which will have been rendered when this bill becomes a law."

In 1878 and 1879, General Porter was placed before a military board gathered to reevaluate his actions in the Battle of Second Manassas. In March 1879, the board exonerated Porter of former charges placed against him. In the 1880s, Porter's sentence was officially reversed, and under a special act of Congress, his commission was restored (with no back pay due). In an autobiographical sketch (refer to GLC02494.07) he notes, "restoration to the army by President Cleveland under authority of act of Congress dated July 1 '86- Commission as Colonel dating back to May 14 1861. Placed on the retired list of the Army as Colonel July 7 1886."

Ray, George W. (George Washington), 1844-1925
Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

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