Meigs, Montgomery C. (Montgomery Cunningham) (1816-1892) to Perry Belmont
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02457.12 Author/Creator: Meigs, Montgomery C. (Montgomery Cunningham) (1816-1892) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph document signed Date: after May 21, 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25.6 x 20.4 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 25.4 x 17.4 cm. Order a Copy
Souvenir copy of Meigs's order relaying the "Military Possession of all the Rail Roads in the United States" by President Lincoln, per Act of Congress. This copy, in Meigs's hand is identified in pencil as having been written out at the request of Belmont Perry , an autograph collector. Signed by Meigs at the close of the body and, in an abbreviated style, beneath the "True copy" note. This copy is dated May 21; the original order, however, was dated May 25. One bust engraving of Meigs included as collateral.
Montgomery Meigs was the Quartermaster General of the Union Army.
Perry Belmont was a Congressman from New York.
War Department
Washington City D.C.
May 21st 1862
Ordered
By virtue of the authority vested by act of Congress the President takes Military Possession of all the Rail Roads in the United States from and after this date until further order and directs that the respective Rail Road companies their officers & servants shall hold themselves in readiness for the transportation of troops & munitions of war, as may be ordered by the military authorities to the exclusion of all other business
By order of the Secretary of War
M C Meigs
Quartermaster General
a true copy
MCMg
QrMs A copy of a famous military order made by
Gen. Meigs for Belmont Perry
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