Casey, Silas (1807-1882) to William Cullen Bryant
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05027 Author/Creator: Casey, Silas (1807-1882) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: October 20, 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20 x 25.1 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 29 x 20 cm Order a Copy
General Casey, who served as president of the Board for the Examination of Candidates for Officers of African American troops, encloses an article which he cut from the New York Evening Post (not included). Informs Bryant, editor of the Post, that assertions made by the newspaper regarding the Board were false. States that Colonel Bowman, in charge of the Board during Casey's absence, also attests that the Post's allegations were false. Reports "The objectionable part of the article, will I fear have a tendency to keep persons of true merit from presenting themselves for Examination." Discusses extending the Board's system of examination to white officers. Accompanied by a paper backing. 1 black and white bust engraving of Major General Silas Casey included.
[Excerpt:]
That part of the article, which states that an applicant was rejected on the ground of "want of self possession" does injustice to the Board...This Board is performing a good work for the country, and it deserves the support of all truly loyal [illegible]...I feel confident...you do not wish to do any thing, that will tend in any manner to bring into disrepute a Baord, which could the system of examination inaugurated by it, be extended to the White regiments would prove of [illegible] benefit to the Country. We are opposed only to humbuggery & mere pretension. True merit has nothing to fear.
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