Porter, Fitz-John (1822-1901) to Captain Julius Walker Adams
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00214.02.02 Author/Creator: Porter, Fitz-John (1822-1901) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 February 1879 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 21.6 x 13.7 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses a delay in the meeting of the board. Mentions the arguments of John C. Bullitt and Joseph Hodges Choate, his counsels during hearings. Writes "I know nothing of the Board. My relations with it have been entirely of a formal character & I know nothing of their views. I know what they ought to be." Refers to Pope and McDowell, among others. Notes that he has attempted to keep politics and his case separate, so as to allow the case to stand on its own merit. Remarks that Major Gardner, the lawyer opposing Porter, "made an ass of himself from the time he and Smith met" (Thomas Church Haskell Smith, who served as an aide to General John Pope, and later as general). Docket, signed by "Oliver," asks the recipient to request two copies of Choate's speech from General Porter. Written on Central Railroad Co. of New Jersey stationery.
Generals Irvin McDowell and John Pope both participated in the Battle of Second Manassas. Following the battle, both men upheld accusations of Porter's insubordination. The 1878-1879 board exonerated Porter of previous charges made against him.
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