Lee, John F. (1813-1884) 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 #: GLC02382.089 Author/Creator: Lee, John F. (1813-1884) Place Written: Upper Marlboro, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 March 1871 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.4 x 25.4 cm. Order a Copy
Mentions Emily Virginia Mason's biography of Robert E. Lee, for which Hunt supplied information. Discusses a compromise of Hunt's integrity, apparently regarding fabrications published about Hunt's false involvement with the Ku Klux Klan. States that Sherman did not bear false witness against Hunt in the matter. Speculates that Winfield Scott Hancock did not "make much" by the publication of his letters. Referring to the controversy regarding the conduct of Fitz John Porter at Second Manassas, asserts that General Irvin McDowell falsely accused Porter in order to serve Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton and General John Pope. Says, "I do not know how a soldier could do a more unworthy thing." Calls for reform of the military. Declares "When we settle down, and complete our reconstruction, the army will be exposed... the whole south, the northern democracy, & the volunteer heroes- who did all the service while west point cheated them of the glory & promotion... a better order, upheld by soldiers & gentlemen, may be hoped for." Discusses reconstruction at length, mentioning black labor, Ulysses S. Grant, and Charles Sumner. Says, "We have extirpated negro labor - and perhaps the negro. Certainly if he aspires to rule. If he dont, and is content to work, and be virtuous, he will be happy ..." Refers to his time spent in the War Department. Encourages Hunt to read a discourse on Stanton (possibly Jeremiah Black's book on Stanton, published in 1871).
Hunt had served as Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac. After the Civil War, he occupied various military posts. During the early 1870s, Hunt served at Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island. Stanton served as Secretary of War 1862-1868. Black was Attorney General 1857-1860 and Secretary of State 1860-1861.
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.