Vallandigham, Clement L. (1820-1871) to James Brooks
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02467.28 Author/Creator: Vallandigham, Clement L. (1820-1871) Place Written: Cincinnati, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 May 1863 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 19.5 x 24 cm. Order a Copy
Two notes written in pencil (one beneath docket) indicate that this letter was written to Brooks, a U.S. Representative from New York and fellow Copperhead. Vallandigham, a former United States Senator from Ohio, had recently been arrested for treasonable remarks, and was held in military custody. Writes, "I have just read your speech as reported, (I believe) in the Journal of Commerce, & thank you ten thousand times for it. The whole country responds to you, & indeed, indeed it is time that it should. Not a moment is to be lost. I am still here 'awaiting orders!'- military orders!- court martial orders!" Docket notes that Vallandigham is "an interesting Congressman, and aggressive copperhead."
Vallandigham was originally sentenced to two years military confinement for his remarks, but was later banished to the Confederacy by President Abraham Lincoln.
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