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Halleck, H. W. (Henry Wager) (1815-1872) to Edwin M. Stanton

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01688 Author/Creator: Halleck, H. W. (Henry Wager) (1815-1872) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 January 1863 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to the Secretary of War to request that he be "releieved from further duties" as General in Chief of the Union Army because of differences of opinion between himself, Stanton, and the President. In March 1864 he was appointed (demoted) to chief of staff. Written on stationery of the Head-Quarters of the Army.

Washington Jany 1st 1863
Hon E.M. Stanton
Secty of War
Washington D.C.
Sir,
From my recent interview with the President and yourself, and from the President's letter of this morning which you delivered to me at your reception, I am led to believe that there is a very important difference of opinion in regard to my relations and that I cannot perform the duties of my present office satisfactorily at the same time to the President and to myself. I therefore respectfully request that I may be relieved from further duties as Genl in chief.
very respectfully
Your obt servt

H.W. Halleck

Halleck, Henry Wager, 1815-1872
Stanton, Edwin M. (Edwin McMasters), 1814-1869

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