Lee, John F. (1813-1884) to Henry Jackson Hunt
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02382.098 Author/Creator: Lee, John F. (1813-1884) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 May 1883 Pagination: 2 p. ; 21.2 x 13.3 cm. Order a Copy
States "I say you are still fit for the tented field; full pay; and to hold your own with any hero or patriot of them all (even with Cullum- I will tell you, someday, why I put him first)." Scolds Hunt for going to Little Rock, Arkansas because Little Rock's climate is too warm. Encourages Hunt to come to Washington, D.C. Mentions Humphreys (possibly Andrew Atkinson Humphreys), Hunt's gout, and Blair's pills for gout. Discusses mutual acquaintances, the repercussions of the Civil War, and emancipation. Referring to economics, remarks "I know that the Yankee meant right. He stole & robbed & plundered at the south. But it was in the cause of humanity, & to promote justice and liberty... what will become of the hapless nigger! God knows." Rails about miscegenation: "The male [African American] had better move to Mass (if he can stand the climate) and intermarry - when the white man has gone south. It will come right; by the order of Providence - even if Boston does become a ruined village - a "sea sodom-[Gomorrah] of the Waters-"
Hunt had served as Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac. After the Civil War, he occupied various military posts. He was Commander of the Department of the South 1880-1883.
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