McDowell, Irvin (1818-1885) to Ulysses S. Grant
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03021 Author/Creator: McDowell, Irvin (1818-1885) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Letter signed Date: 8 June 1868 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Signed as Brevet Major. Discusses reconstruction and politics in Mississippi. McDowell writes that the Mississippi Governor, despite having no patronage or money, is seeking to defeat a new constitution. He believes that removing the governor would result in "political martyrdom," and actually increase his influence. Writes that in case he is wrong, he recommends General Adelbert Ames as military governor. Written on Headquarters 4th Military District, (Department of Mississippi and Arkansas) stationary. Note in pink ink by the Cipher Operator states that a duplicate was sent my mail to Memphis to be telegraphed from there.
[excerpt]
...Immediately after the sudden death of his wife, Genl. Kautz left the District with her remains, and will not return till too late for the purpose suggested -
The Governor in this State is now without any control, patronage, power or funds - He has only the bare prestige of his nominal office, and the loss of this, would, I think be more than made up by the prestige he would acquire of political Martyrdom - [2] In either case he would exert his personal influence - which is all he has - against the adoption of the Constitution and that influence will only be increased by his removal -
If I find I am wrong in this view, or you will telegraph me that you think I am - I will remove him and appoint Brevet Major General A. Ames as the most suitable officer I now have available for the place...
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.