Holt, Joseph (1807-1894) to Lorenzo Thomas
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06457 Author/Creator: Holt, Joseph (1807-1894) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 October 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 20.3 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy
The military commission investigating the surrender of Harpers Ferry desire that Major General Wool testify before the commission, and also bring with him all orders and correspondence between himself and Colonel Miles regarding the defense of Harpers Ferry. The Union army was badly defeated at Harpers Ferry on 15 September 1862 by Stonewall Jackson's forces, and forced to quickly surrender.
John Ellis Wool commanded the Department of Virginia until his retirement in 1863. He was the oldest officer to exercise executive command on either side during the Civil War.
Joseph Holt was judge advocate general of the Union army. His office was in charge of prosecuting war criminals, a power he used somewhat liberally.
Lorenzo Thomas was the adjutant general of the army.
Judge Advocate Generals office
Octr. 28th 1862
Adjt Genl. Thomas
General
The military commission charged with the investigation of the circumstances attending the surrender of Harper's Ferry deem the testimony of Maj Genl. Wool important, & I have therefore to request that he may be ordered to appear before the Commission at as early a moment as may be practicable & also that he bring with him copies of all orders given by himself to Col Miles & of all communications recd from the latter in relation to the preparation [inserted: for] & conduct of the defense of Harpers Ferry & Maryland Heights.
very respectfully
your obt. Servt.
J Holt
[docket]
242. J. 1862
Judge Advocate Genl's
Office, Oct. 28. 1862.
J. Holt
J.A. General,
Desires that Major
Genl. J.C. Wool, be
directed to appear
as a witness before
the Military Com-
mission charged with
the investigation of
the circumstances at-
tending the surrender
of Harper's Ferry, Va.
====
Recd (AJO) Oct. 28/62.
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