Wirt, William (1772-1834) to Thomas Jefferson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02504.41 Author/Creator: Wirt, William (1772-1834) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: June 24, 1820 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 19.7 x 13.5 cm Order a Copy
Written by Wirt as Attorney General of the United States to Jefferson in retirement. Letter of introduction for Colonel Allen M. Lane, who was recently given a land bounty by Virginia for his services in the Revolution. Says the testimonials of his exploits in the war, as told by General George Washington, were recently before Jefferson. Says Chief Justice John Marshall's and Major Gibbon's praise make any further introduction superfluous, "since no one knows better how to value a soldier of the revolution." One bust engraving of Wirt included.
Washington. June 24. 1820
Dear Sir
I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance, Colo. Allen M Lane to whom Virginia has lately done an act of justice, in an order of council, for land county, in the revolutionary war- the testimonies of the merits of this gentleman in the was [struck] the revolution have been lately before you from [illegible] Washington; then with the testimony of his brother officer Judge Marshall & Major Gibbons render it superfluous on my part to express my personal feelings and impression in his favor; since no one knows better how to value a soldier and a soldier of the revolution
Yours mo. Respectful
W. Wirt
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