Hancock, Winfield Scott (1824-1886) to Simon Cameron
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06350.01 Author/Creator: Hancock, Winfield Scott (1824-1886) Place Written: Falmouth, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 December 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 23.7 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy
Asks Cameron to discover if he has been promoted. Hancock believes that he has just been promoted to Major General, but can not be certain because the appointments are being held by Secretary of War Stanton until the Senate reconvenes. Hancock wishes to know about the promotion immediately, and asks Cameron if he will ask Stanton for an answer. Also states that he strongly believes that he is due for this promotion, since he has served loyally since the start of the war and been recommended by Burnside and McClellan. Believes he has not yet received the promotion because he has "never used any political influence." Hancock proved to be correct, he had in fact been promoted to Major General. Earlier that year Stanton had replaced Cameron as Secretary of War.
I regret I have no formal acquaintance with you to serve as an excuse for my troubling you. I am from Pennsylvania [] and ask your [good office] in a matter which [] not cause you much inconvenience in case you are on such with Mr. Stanton as to undertake the task: If you do not desire to act [] it need not give you any trouble.
Before the meeting of Congress, a number of Major Generals and Brigadier Generals were appointed, but as it was but a few days before the Congress met, it was considered (I understand) by the Secretary, [] to the Senate to distribute the appointment until it was confirmed. Still I have understood that if a member of the Senate would ask the Secretary for the appointment (they were made in the recess) in any particular case, it could be had. There has been examples of this kind.
I believe I was made a Major General. I have been with the Army since its organization, have never left it, have been recommended for promotion both by Genl McClellan and Genl Burnside for all my [] with which I have served. I have never used any political influence. I have been a good deal neglected. [Now however] since I have been appointed for I [wish] the [opportunity]. I have a Major General [command] and for many [reasons must] like [] promotion. I therefore request you to ask the Secretary for my letter of appointment if I have been appointed a Major General.
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