Blair, Montgomery (1813-1883) to Francis P. Blair Jr.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02089 Author/Creator: Blair, Montgomery (1813-1883) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph document signed Date: 20 September 1861 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Telegraph draft to his brother, regarding the quarrel between Francis Blair and John C. Frémont. Blair writes, "Fremont requests your letter from President & I sent it, It will do to stand by - Caution friends against controversy with the Provost either in German or English…." Francis Blair had been highly influential in getting Frémont appointed as commander of the Western Department, which included Blair's home state of Missouri. Blair had believed Frémont would ensure that Missouri remained under Union control, but he quickly clashed with him, and began to lobby for his dismissal from office. The heavy-handed Frémont ordered Blair's arrest, just a few days after this letter was written, while Blair was in St. Louis. Soon afterward, Blair and others were able to convince Lincoln to remove Frémont. The reference in this note to the German language, no doubt pertains to Francis Blair's work in recruiting German-American Missourians into supporting the Union. Francis P. Blair Jr., a Congressman from Missouri and officer in the Union Army, later rose to the rank of major general, and served in the U.S. Senate.
Francis P. Blair Jr. was a Congressman from Missouri and an officer in the Union Army. Later rose to the rank of Major General, and also served in the United States Senate.
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