Porter, Fitz-John (1822-1901) to Henry Jackson Hunt
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02382.076 Author/Creator: Porter, Fitz-John (1822-1901) Place Written: Morristown, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 October 1883 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.7 x 26.1 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks Hunt for his recollections regarding Manassas. Mentions Generals John Fulton Reynolds, Robert Cumming Schenck, Irvin McDowell, John Alexander Logan, and John Pope, among others. Notes that another writer is tackling the topic of Manassas, and that Hunt will soon received the work in pamphlet form. Recently sent copies of some notes on Second Manassas to the War Department. Discusses controversy regarding his conduct at Second Manassas. Writes that McDowell was "so blind to his own interests in the effort to harm me that he could not see the effect of his acts when before the Schofield board," referring to a board headed by General John M. Schofield, called in 1878 to investigate Porter's conduct during the battle.
Hunt had served as Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac. After the Civil War, he occupied various military posts, including that of Governor of the Soldier's home in Washington, D.C. from 1883 until his death. Porter was dismissed from the military in 1863 because of his actions at Second Bull Run (or Second Manassas). His sentence was reversed in 1886.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.