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Bixby, Horace E. (fl. 1862) to Andrew H. Foote

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00999 Author/Creator: Bixby, Horace E. (fl. 1862) Place Written: Aboard Flagship Benton near Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 July 1862 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 20.7 x 16.8 cm. Order a Copy

Bixby, seeking a mail contract, asks Foote to recommend him to Postmaster General Montgomery Blair. Notes that Flag Officer Davis has already written such a letter. Adds that in the event of his flotilla being turned over to the navy, and there being a grade of pilot established, he would like to get the position of Pilot in Chief. Andrew Foote autograph note signed at bottom of recto says "Mr. Bixby is a clever, honest man. A. H. Foote U.S. Navy."

[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
Flag Ship Benton
Off Vicksburg July 9th 1862
Flag Officer A. H. Foote
Dear Sir
I have been solicited by two Gentlemen to join them in a Mail Contract. Now I must ask a favor of You, that is to Write me or to the Postmaster General setting forth my merits, or otherwise as you may think best, Flag Officer Davis has written a very pretty letter to Mr Blair, in my behalf, if you will accommodate me, by recommending me to his consideration and Address to Col J. G. Sloo Washington City-You will confer a great favor on me, by sending me a Coppy [sic] of your letter you will much oblige me-

[2]
In the event of this Flotillas being turned over to the Navy, and there being a grade of Pilots established for this Service, I would like very much to get the position of Pilot in Chief, provided the Salery is commensurate. any favor that you may do me will be truly appreciated. Hoping this may find you in good health and spirits I have the honour to be Your Obedient Servant,
Horace E. Bixby

[docket]
Mr. Bixly is a clever, honest man.
A.H. Foote
U.S. Navy

Bixby, Horace, fl. 1862
Foote, Andrew H. (Andrew Hull), 1806-1863

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