Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Endorsement on Winfield Scott ALS 3 p. 2-8-1865 re: paroling nephew E. P. Scott
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01889.01 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington Type: Endorsement signed Date: 1865/02/10 Pagination: 4 p. + env. 21 x 27 cm Order a Copy
Scott's ALS to William Hoffman, Commissary General of Prisoners, 2/8/1865 has been endorsed by Lincoln, asking that Capt. E. P. Scott be paroled to Lieut. General Scott. Young Scott was the elder's grand nephew, serving as a Confederate Prisoner of War.
[Scott's letter to Hoffman:]
New York, Feb. 8, 1865
Brig. Genl. Hoffman,
Com. General of Prisoners.
Dear General:
I have a great nephew, Capt. E. P. Scott, a prisoner of war [inserted above: late] in the Lincoln hospital, Washington, but perhaps, now in a prison.
I should be sorry [2] to learn he had been exchanged, but ask that he may be paroled. I will be surety for his keeping his word. Indeed a stiff ankle makes it probable he will not be able to take the field again.
I will beg that you will cause the accompanying check for $20 to be cashed[3] cashed [sic] & the money sent to Capt. Scott. Mr. Williamson messenger in the Adjutant General's office knows the prisoner & will gladly, to oblige me, deliver the money & make purchases, &c.
Please put the matter in the hands of Williamson with this letter.
Yrs. very truly
Winfield Scott.
[4] [Endorsement, signed by Lincoln:]
Executive Mansion,
February 10th. 1865
Let Capt. Scott be paroled and bailed to Lieutenant General Scott.
A. Lincoln
[Clerical docket:]
Respectfully referred to the Commissary General of Prisoners for the executions of the above order. By order of the President.
War Dept. Louis H. Pelouze
Feb. 10, '65 Ass't Adj't Gene'l.
Notes: Basler 8: 285, based upon a scrapbook clipping. See also Scott's letter of thanks to Hoffman, below.
TRANSCRIPT GLC 1889.02
Winfield Scott. Autograph letter signed: New York, to William Hoffman, 1865 Feb. 11. 3 p.
New York, Feb. 11 / 65
My Dear General:
I am infinitely obliged to the President for the order he has given to release my unfortunate great nephew on parole & hope he may not soon be exchanged. I am also thankful to you [2] for the prompt & kind Attention you have given to my communication.
Please add to my obligation to you by sending the accompanying letter to its address & allow Capt. Scott to proceed homewards in any government steamer going up [3] the James River. His parents reside near Bellfield, a village recently visited by our troops.
With kind regards I remain Yrs truly,
Winfield Scott.
General Hoffman.
&c &c.
[4] Please place the captain on the usual parole.
W. S.
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