Porter, Fitz-John (1822-1901) to Captain Julius Walker Adams
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00214.02.14 Author/Creator: Porter, Fitz-John (1822-1901) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 December [1878] Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.5 x 14.5 cm. Order a Copy
Porter discusses his case. Notes that Adams's friend, Thomas Church Haskell Smith, testified against him. Relates that Major Gardner requested documents from the War Department regarding Generals George McClellan, William Buel Franklin, and Henry Wager Halleck to use against Porter in trial. Remarks that his lawyer, Joseph Hodges Choate, proved Smith a failure on the stand. Attests that Smith is "after revenge and is now trying to prove that McClellan & Franklin & I were in league to defeat [John] Pope, even at the risk of ruining the army & the loss of the capitol." Thinks Smith's aims are political. Notes that Pope has become enemies with Secretary of War George W. McCrary and has been befriended by Sherman. Instructs Adams to hold on to his copy of the testimony.
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