Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00633.02

Author/Creator: Everett, Edward (1794-1865)

Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts

Type: Autograph manuscript signed

Date: 5 February 1864

Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm.

Summary of Content: Transmits the manuscript (GLC00633.02) of a speech formerly delivered to the Putnam Phalanx (referred to as the Warren Phalanx) for presentation at a Soldiers’ Sanitary Fair scheduled to be held in Cleveland, Ohio. Informs Perley, Chairman of the Autograph Committee of the Soldier’s Aid Society of Northern Ohio, that the speech was previously printed in an unspecified newspaper. Referring to the Civil War, declares ”But as our dependence, in years past, was upon the Patriotism of the masses, to defend the Country against a foreign invader so in the present crisis, our reliance, under Providence, must be on the same arm of strength to crush this gigantic rebellion.”

People: Everett, Edward, 1794-1865., Perley, L. S., fl. 1864., Putnam Phalanx, fl. 1858.

Historical Era: Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877

Full Transcript: Mr. Commander & Gentlemen, I anticipate no such crisis; but if, among the possilities of the future, it should arise, the spirit which animates your Corps, pervading the mass of our fellow citizens, will prove itself equal to any emergency. You came among us under circumstances, which bespeak a hearty welcome. You have adopted the old Continental organization; Your uniform is that which Washington wore, your music is the simple drum & fife, no other was heard at Lexinton, Concord & Bunker Hill, - your name is one which Massachusetts to the latest generation, will delight to honor, that of the Yeoman Soldier, who never looked back but once, after putting his hand to the plough & that was when he left it in the furrow, at the tidings of Lexington & Concord. You share, I doubt not, his spirit, & in the hour of danger, would imitate his example. , But other duties, other calls await you. Again tendering, Mr.Commander & Gentlemen, my cordial thanks for this distinguished honor, I bid you a respectful Farewell., I certify that the foregoing manuscript is a report of the remarks made by me to the Putnam Phalanx, in the street before my door in Summer Street, Boston, on the 5th of October 1859 & written out by me, at the request of the Editor, for one of the Newspapers. Having been accidentally preserved, the manuscript was sent by me, in compliance with application for an autograph, for the Sanitary Fair at Cleveland., Witness my hand & seal this 14 March 1864

Keywords/Subjects: US Sanitary Commission, Civil War, Military History, Charity & Philanthropy, Patriotism

Sub Era: The American Civil War

Background: Everett served as Governor of Massachusetts 1836-1840, Secretary of State 1852-1853, and United States Senator 1853-1854. The Putnam Phalanx was organized in 1858 to welcome home former Connecticut Governor Thomas H. Seymour on his return from Russia and is noted for its adoption of old Continental uniform.

LOC Search Terms: Presidents--United States., United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865., Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863., Gettysburg (Pa.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.