Lee, John F. (1813-1884) to Henry Jackson Hunt
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02382.091 Author/Creator: Lee, John F. (1813-1884) Place Written: Upper Marlboro, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa 16 August 1872 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.4 x 25.4 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses an unspecified case with Hunt, and notes that Hunt is engaged in political service. Remarks "I wish you would solve that mystery of the Ku Klux. It is not all a dream. There must be some waking reality in it." Mentions General Ethan Allen Hitchcock, and his military report on Missouri for William Selby Harney, who commanded in Missouri before and during the early years of the Civil War. Mentions Edwin McMasters Stanton, General Henry W. Halleck, and General George Brinton McClellan. Asserts that Stonewall Jackson led some Dutch soldiers at Chancellorsville, and refers to the Franco-Prussian War. Notes "You will have some disagreeable things in the army ... the negro cadet & officer element for example- if the Radicals hold on to the government." Mentions Barry and praises his honesty in Fitz John Porter's case (referring to an investigation of Porter's conduct at Second Manassas). Refers to Barry's pamphlet on John Pope's campaign, and his oration on Grant.
Hunt had served as Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac. After the Civil War, he occupied various military posts. In the early 1870s, Hunt served at Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island.
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