Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to John Charles Fremont
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04874 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 2 August 1861 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.5 x 25.4 cm. Order a Copy
President Lincoln informs Major General Fremont that Dr. Godfrey Aigner was appointed by the United States Sanitary Commission to visit soldiers stationed at a camp under Fremont's command "to report upon circumstances affecting their health, and to advise the officers in regard to means for sustaining and improving the sanitary condition of their men." Contains a United States Bureau of Pensions Division stamp.
The United States Sanitary Commission, formed in 1861, unified the efforts of benevolent societies and the Federal Government in acquiring donations and provisions for the Union Army.
Washington, August 2d 1861
To Major Genl. Fremont,
Godfrey Aigner, M.D. has been selected by the Sanitary Commission to visit the camps of a portion of your department, to report upon circumstances affecting their health, and to advise the officers in regard to means for sustaining and improving the sanitary condition of their men. As Doctor Aigner [2] will only act consistently with the strictest rules of military discipline, and as it will be his duty to sustain your authority and meet your wishes in all respects, your countenance, aid and support is confidently requested to be extended to him, in facilitating his movements and strengthening his influence.
Yours truly
A. Lincoln
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.