Warren, Gouverneur Kemble (1830-1882) to Henry Jackson Hunt
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02382.045 Author/Creator: Warren, Gouverneur Kemble (1830-1882) Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 January 1880 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 20.3 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks Hunt for help writing an article on the Mine Run campaign. Discusses, at length, his "appeal to the president for a Court of Inquiry" relative to charges made by Sheridan against Warren, which has been granted. "Genl Sherman seems to have intended to give me a fair show, in putting Genl Hancock at the head. I am urged now to give an account of the battle of the Wilderness, but I cannot do it without running the risk of stepping on Hancock's toes, on one side, or Grant's on the other, and it is obvious that when I am having a contest with Sheridan, that I must avoid both…." Says he thinks General Porter will be sustained by Congress. Also mentions Hunt's argument with Winfield Scott Hancock over Gettysburg and other matters. Hunt continued the argument with Hancock (and his staff) into the pages of Battles & Leaders 3: 385-87.
An 1850 West Point graduate, Warren was posted to the topographical engineers, where he served until the early part of the war, working on river, canal, and railroad projects. As second in command of his regiment he fought in the first land engagement of the war, Big Bethel. He joined Hooker's staff as chief topographical engineer, and in March 1863 became chief engineer upon the mergers of the engineers and the topographical engineers. He participated at Gettysburg under Meade's command. He had been dispatched to the field on the first day and had assisted in placing the army into position along Cemetery Ridge. The next afternoon he ascended Little Round Top and to his amazement found only a signal station, packing to leave. The key to the Union's army position was undefended. Racing down the hill, he gathered troops and a battery which reached the crest in the nick of time to save the position and the army's left flank. Here he suffered his second wound of the war. He fell into displeasure with Meade and was criticized by several for battle outcomes. He resigned from the army and died before the conclusion of an inquiry into his military action.
An 1850 West Point graduate, Warren was posted to the topographical engineers, where he served until the early part of the war, working on river, canal, and railroad projects. As second in command of his regiment he fought in the first land engagement of the war, Big Bethel. He joined Hooker's staff as chief topographical engineer, and in March 1863 became chief engineer upon the mergers of the engineers and the topographical engineers. He participated at Gettysburg under Meade's command. He had been dispatched to the field on the first day and had assisted in placing the army into position along Cemetery Ridge. The next afternoon he ascended Little Round Top and to his amazement found only a signal station, packing to leave. The key to the Union's army position was undefended. Racing down the hill, he gathered troops and a battery which reached the crest in the nick of time to save the position and the army's left flank. Here he suffered his second wound of the war. He fell into displeasure with Meade and was criticized by several for battle outcomes. He resigned from the army and died before the conclusion of an inquiry into his military action.
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