Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to Edwin McMasters Stanton
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06678 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 June 1863 Pagination: 1 p. ; 20.5 x 12.6 cm. Order a Copy
President Lincoln states that Judge William Darrah Kelley, a United States Representative from Pennsylvania, is attempting to raise African American regiments in Philadelphia. Informs Stanton, Secretary of War, that Milton [M. Herpert?] is a friend of Kelley and a Private in the 112th Regiment from Pennsylvania. States that Herpert wishes to serve as lieutenant of one of the African American regiments. Reports that if Kelley agrees of Herpert's appointment as lieutenant, Lincoln also approves. States that Herpert needs Stanton's approval to carry a letter to Kelley discussing this appointment. Written on Executive Mansion stationery.
There is a record of a private Milton L. Hupert who served in the 2d Heavy Artillery, 112th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He deserted 8 August 1863 (www.pa-roots.com). Kelley was an early member of the Republican party. During the Civil War, he favored conscription and strongly urged Congress to enlist African American soldiers.
Executive Mansion,
Washington, June 23, 1863
Hon. Sec. of War.
My dear Sir:
You remember that Hon. W. D. Kelly & others are engaged in raising [struck: some] or trying to raise, some colored regiments in Philadelphia. The bearer of this, Wilton M. Herpert [Milton L. Hupert ?], is a friend of Judge Kelly, as appears by the letter of the latter. He is a private in the 112th Penn. and has been disappointed in a reasonable expectation of one of the smaller offices. He now wants to be a Lieutenant in one of the colored regiments. If Judge Kelly will say in writing he wishes to so have him, I am willing for him to be discharged from his present position & be so appointed. If you approve, so endorse & let him carry this letter to Kelly,
Yours truly, A. Lincoln
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