Gibbon, John (1827-1896) to Henry Jackson Hunt
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02382.056 Author/Creator: Gibbon, John (1827-1896) Place Written: Omaha, Nebraska Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 March 1885 Pagination: 4 p. ; 23 x 13.7 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that General Winfield Scott Hancock is on the brink of death due to pneumonia (Hancock did not die until February 1886). Relates that Hancock recently dined with a Lieutenant Kingman, and fell sick the next morning. Writes "I fear Hancock will leave his family in very poor condition." Mentions several doctors working with Hancock, and a Mrs. Taylor, who has remained by Hancock's side. Of Hancock, declares "... there are few more high toned honorable gentlemen in the army, few possessed of more good hard common sense & very few more honest & faithful in the performance of duty... " Expresses joy that Hunt's bill (possibly regarding veterans' retirement) has passed.
Hunt was governor of the Soldiers' Home in Washington, D.C. from 1883 until his death. Gibbon, a Civil War general, continued in the military after the war, serving in the Montana Territory and Pacific Northwest. He commanded Fort Laramie in 1883, and the Department of the Platte in 1884.
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