Hunt, Henry Jackson (1819-1889) to George Brinton McClellan
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02382.068 Author/Creator: Hunt, Henry Jackson (1819-1889) Place Written: Atlanta, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 March 1880 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.6 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy
Mentions an article re the Battle of Antietam advertised in the 'North American Review.' Hunt discusses his conspiracy theory involving Stanton, McClellan and the Emancipation Proclamation. "…if you had lost Antietam you would have been shot [a hury?] - if a court could be packed for the purpose, and after a defeat such a court could have been got - After a victory, they were able to remove you and pack a court almost sufficient to shoot [a hurry?] Porter, and the spirit that prescripted it, is as then proceeding, in the Senate …as malignant an virulent as ever. You ran a terrible risk in that Maryland campaign. I was not aware of it at the time for I did not then know of the trap that was laid, although I was aware that you were obstructed so far as possible at every step…." Notes that the N.A. Review article accuses Stanton and Halleck of treachery regarding this supposed plot against McClellan. Claims the plot was aimed at preventing a great defeat of Lee's army in 1862, as conditions after such a victory would have led to an uprising that would have isolated Virginia. "Halleck & Stanton & the whole radical crew knew it and dreaded it. - until the Em. Proclamation should be issued - and the proclamation would hold the south together and deaden the opposition even of NC & Tenn to the Confederacy. But what cared the abolitionists for that!...."
Mentions an article by a Boutwell, also in the N.A.R. Writes that if a radical candidate is not elected at the polls, he is still declared elected. Claims planned election fraud, with a quid pro quo between Grant and Hayes & Wheeler.
Hunt had served as Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. He was military commander at Charleston, South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia 1875-1880. McClellan commanded the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War, before being relieved of command. He was Governor of New Jersey 1878-1881.
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