Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) to John Aaron Rawlins
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00255.03 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) Place Written: Louisiana Type: Autograph endorsement signed Date: 25 April 1863 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Written at Smith's Plantation, Headquarters of the Department of the Tennessee, to Colonel Rawlins, General Grant's aide-de-camp and assistant adjutant. J. H. [Hewit?], possibly a Secretary of the United States Volunteers, states "it is a matter of the greatest importance that means of transportation for the sick and wounded and hospital supplies should be provided..." Requests that he may contact Confederate medical personnel at Vicksburg, Mississippi, in order to obtain permission for the floating Union hospitals and supply boat to keep their batteries. Writes "I respectfully submit that the wounded will be placed in the most painful position in case of battle between Vicksburg and Port Hud" (possibly Port Hudson, Louisiana). States "They can neither go above nor below and will be necessarily retained in an unhealthy climate..." Requests that Rawlins refer this letter to Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant General of the United States Army. General Grant dockets the letter, confirming its referral to Thomas. Thomas signs, stating "I regard this as a matter of humanity altogether, and being desirous of having anything done to relieve the sick and those wounded in battle, recommend that...Hewit be authorized to confer with the proper authorities of the Confederate states, to effect, if possible the object of his communication." On verso there is a Hewitt autograph letter signed to John Aaron Rawlins.
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