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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) to Fitz-John Porter

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01513 Author/Creator: Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) Place Written: Concord, New Hampshire Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 September 1866 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.6 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy

Pierce, former President of the United States, discusses General Porter's court martial and conviction for his actions at the Battle of Second Manassas. Writes, "There are reasons why I am disinclined at at [sic] present to address any request to the President, altho' I concur with his views upon the issues which now particularly Engross the public mind." Transmits a "brief expression of my convictions with regard to yourself- your services and the infamous sentence with which these services have been rewarded" (document not present). Remarks that if Porter wishes, he may send the enclosed brief to President Andrew Johnson. Marked "Private."

Private
Concord N.H.
Sept 18, 1866
Dear Sir,
I received your letter of the 15th inst this morning. There are reasons why I am disinclined at at present to address any request to the President, altho' I concur with his views upon the issues which now particularly Engross the public mind. [2] It affords me pleasure to send the enclosed brief expression of my convictions with regard to yourself - your services and the infamous sentence with which these services have been rewarded. You are at liberty of course to send it to the President should you deem it desirable to do so.
Sinly Yours
Franklin Pierce
Genl F. J. Porter
City of New York

Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869
Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901
Johnson, Andrew, 1808-1875

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