Cowan, Andrew (fl. 1861-1887) to Henry Jackson Hunt
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02382.106 Author/Creator: Cowan, Andrew (fl. 1861-1887) Place Written: Louisville, Kentucky Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 February 1887 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 25 cm. Order a Copy
Responds to a letter from Hunt. Discusses an article on the Battle of Gettysburg Hunt recently submitted to Century Magazine for publication. Referring to space dedicated to George Custer and Alfred Pleasanton in Century, remarks "I can see just the trouble you had to contend with, in condensing the narrative to fit the space allotted by the Century Co and share your disgust over the Custer & Pleasanton honors which have no connection on Earth with the subject. I must admit it makes me smile to think of the hot water you have got into... " Takes issue with General Daniel E. Sickles's version of what happened at Gettysburg. Mentions Confederate General George Pickett's charge and General Alexander S. Webb. Recently wrote to Congressmen Sereno Elisha Payne and Willis (possibly Albert Shelby Willis) regarding what he calls the "Pension Matter." Hunt had long attempted to secure passage in Congress of a bill pertaining to military retirement pay; Cowan wonders whether he can assist Hunt's efforts.
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. Cowan served in the First New York Independent Battery of Light Artillery, Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. The Century Magazine was first published in the United States in 1881 by The Century Company of New York City as a successor to Scribner's Monthly Magazine. It ceased publication in 1930.
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