Porter, Fitz-John (1822-1901) to Captain Julius Walker Adams
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00214.02.07 Author/Creator: Porter, Fitz-John (1822-1901) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 09 June 1879 Pagination: 2 p. ; 21.6 x 13.9 cm. Order a Copy
Refers to his lawyers John C. Bullitt and Joseph Hodges Choate. Mentions General Irvin McDowell, dispatches pertaining to his case from 1862, and a letter he (Porter) sent to Adjutant General Edward Davis Townsend concerning the testimony McDowell gave before the board. Sent the letter to Townsend under cover to Senator Randolph (possibly Theodore Fitz Randolph). Expresses disgust regarding collaboration between Major Gardner, Thomas Churchill Haskell Smith, and Bowers, a witness against Porter. Notes that "your 'siege of Washington' was sent...to greet [John] Pope at West Point. That address is a bitter pill to all concerned." Adds, "Poor Smith -- this connection with the President - and his natural propensity to deceive some one keeps him in the nuisance business. He is a tramp…." Written on Central Railroad Co. of New Jersey stationery.
The 1878-1879 board exonerated Porter of previous charges made against him. 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.
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