Moore, John (1826-1907) to Mary Moore Kelly
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04195.10 Author/Creator: Moore, John (1826-1907) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 April 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 24.6 cm. Order a Copy
Lincoln and his wife have remained at the camp; they have gone riding, visited one of his hospitals, and reviewed the troops. They prepare to march soon. He was recently in Washington, where he had his photo taken. Written from the headquarters of the 5th Corps.
Excerpt: "For five days last week we were all riding about with old Abe having reviews and all that kind of thing. Mrs. Lincoln was out every day also. He rested in one of my hospitals one day for a little while, and partook of cheese and crackers. While there 'he was reminded of a story he once heard,' whereupon he told a very 'good little thing' that once happened in a negro debating society. He received all the troops while here; on one day about 70000 in one body."
Excerpt: "I hope for great achievements, and shall be sadly disappointed if I should have to tell you of another Fredricksburg repulse. But I don't expect it. Fortunate for us, 'Hope springs eternal in the human breast.'"
After serving in the Utah War, Moore returned east, assigned to the Marine Hospital in Cincinnati until August 1862. As a newly promoted major, he transferred to the Army of the Potomac, assigned as medical director of the Central Grand division, where he participated in the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and in Chancellorsville as medical director of the 5th Corps. In June 1863 Moore became the medical director of the Department of the Tennessee, assisting in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and Sherman's march on Atlanta, where he acted as medical director of the armies of Georgia, Tennessee, and Sherman's army, and was given the rank of lieutenant colonel and then colonel. Moore saw the end of the war in Missouri in St. Louis and Vicksburg.
Following the war Moore served two years at Fort Wadsworth and Fort Columbus in New York Harbor then practiced as a surgeon in the New York City area. After short stints in Europe, Virginia, Texas, Washington, and California, he was named Surgeon General in 1886. He retired in 1890 and continued living an active life in Washington, D.C. until his death in 1907.
Kelly is Moore's sister.
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