31 July 1862

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Recommendation regarding Company C, 1st New York Artillery]

Also signed by General Fitz John Porter. Requests that the Governor of New York suggest the commission of Lieutenant [Oscar] Von Luttwitz as First Lieutenant, Company C., 1st New York Artillery, commanded by Major [Albert] Arndt. Luttwitz will fill a vacancy formerly occupied by Lieutenant Fred August Schnitzlein, who has been absent on sick leave for more than one month. Notes that Schnitzlein has sent a resignation, and that Luttwitz's appointment "will prevent the discharge or the acceptance of the resignation... " General Porter forwards and recommends Luttwitz's appointment.

GLC02463.08

2 November 1863

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Recommendation for the muster of Lieutenant Carl Ludwig Berlin]

Two of Hunt's autograph endorsements are found on verso of a letter written 2 November by Joseph M. Kennedy, a commissary of musters. Kennedy informs Lieutenant Berlin (possibly Carl Ludwig Berlin) that he cannot be mustered as second lieutenant in the 8th Regiment, New York Cavalry. Assures that he will muster Berlin, if Berlin obtains commission as first lieutenant or captain. Otherwise, Berlin will need an order from the War Department. On verso, Hunt requests that General William F. Barry, Chief of Artillery of the defenses of Washington, D.C., assist Berlin. Notes that Berlin…

GLC03469.05

February 25, 1880

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Manuscript

Title: to William Sherman

Hunt's analysis of artillery at Gettysburg, written as part of his long, ongoing feud with Winfield Scott Hancock. The first part of the manuscript explains and defends the organization artillery and the post of Commander in Chief of the Artillery. Hunt quotes Hancock's letters and responds at great length, mapping out the role of the artillery in battles prior to Gettysburg, pointing out weaknesses in the lack of centralized command. He notes why batteries were placed in certain positions, why they fired and did not fire at certain times during the battle, etc. In an earlier letter to the…

GLC06415.02

circa 19 September 1880-1883

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to W. Kalenski

Signed "HJH." Date range inferred from Hunt's location. Mentions [Kalenski's?] application for the Ordnance Department. Finds fault with the conclusions, not the facts, of an article on the Peninsula campaign. Defends McClellan's strategy in that campaign, and suggests there was a plot in Washington against the general: "What a misfortune for the cabal in Washn. that McC did not lose the battle of Antietam! They could have shot him then for his audacity in assuming the command of an army usurping the powers of the president and fighting in disobedience of his instructions. But alas! he won…

GLC05561

1 May 1877

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George B. McClellan

Transmits an article (not included) Hunt wrote on either the Battle of Petersburg or Gettysburg. Informs McClellan he has applied for an extension of his leave. Discusses attempting to publish his writings in the A & N Journal and the New York Herald. Writes that an article was denied publication, possibly because it promised "a rod in pickle" (a scolding in store) for Winfield Scott Hancock, who was "approaching nomination for President. Finding his name was up, I refrained also. [I don't] want to give this a political aspect." Discusses "queer things done at Petersburg. Grants order to…

GLC02382.065

21 March 1880

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Brinton McClellan

Mentions an article re the Battle of Antietam advertised in the 'North American Review.' Hunt discusses his conspiracy theory involving Stanton, McClellan and the Emancipation Proclamation. "…if you had lost Antietam you would have been shot [a hury?] - if a court could be packed for the purpose, and after a defeat such a court could have been got - After a victory, they were able to remove you and pack a court almost sufficient to shoot [a hurry?] Porter, and the spirit that prescripted it, is as then proceeding, in the Senate …as malignant an virulent as ever. You ran a terrible risk in…

GLC02382.068

8 August 1863

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Henry Knox Craig]

Written from "Camp near Warrenton Junction, Virginia." Discusses supplies, reservists and conscription. "There is a notable difference in the manner in which supplies are now furnished from that practiced after the battle of Antietam, the drag seems not to be on now…No sign of immediate action. I suppose that, unless we are attacked, we will be quiet until the conscripts begin to fill up our ranks…it has been directed that the Artillery receive no recruits until the Infantry is filled up…The neglect I almost may say antipathy to the artillery passes my comprehension." Has requested three…

GLC02382.017

12 March 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

He comments on Andrew Johnson's pending impeachment trial Says, "It seems to me that it is a predetermination to get rid of Mr. Johnson…and the prospect that the Reconstruction Acts may be declared unconstitutional in the decision on the McCardle case only makes the necessity of his removal greater: I therefore think that the P. [President] will be convicted and removed anyhow: then it will be utterly useless to attempt to get justice as against G. [Grant?] and G. [Grant?] will take precious good care that justice shall not be obtained as against Thomas." Also discusses results of the New…

GLC02382.038

1862-1888

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Header Record

Title: Collection of Henry Jackson Hunt [Decimalized .001-.233]

Collection of letters, principally received correspondence, military returns, and one military journal. Includes military correspondence during the War, letters concerning Hunt's various post-war publishing endeavors, correspondence pertaining to Hunt's advocation of a bill which would affect his retirement rank and pay, and general discussions of Reconstruction politics. Primarily organized chronologically by sender. GLC02382.136-.204 consist of military returns related to artillery reserves, Army of the Potomac. With collateral material (11 envelopes, 4 clippings, and 1 engraving).

GLC02382

22 May 1863

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Colonel

A pencil note written at a later date suggests this letter was written to Colonel Henry Knox Craig. Mentions the army's demoralization and questions the power of the Confederates. Writes, "As to the Army, I regret to say that the general feeling, of shame, disgust, and humiliation is well founded - I suppose it is very indiscreet to talk this but it is only to repeat all mens thoughts. So far as I can judge there is no earthly reason why the whole rebel army should not have been crushed - ruined... A Fitz John Porter, to shoulder the blame has been sought but so far as known, none is yet…

GLC02382.015

23 December 1864

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

Writes, "I trust you are right and that their [main?] armies were broken up that the rebels will give in in good faith, and return to their allegiance in peace, and quiet but I dont expect it. People who have sacrificed so much and showed their capacity in that way, who have suffered so much, and who are governed so much more by their passions, pride, and prejudices, than by their interests will not humiliate themselves on a question of conveniences, or comfort, or of easy habits... It will be I think with them, and in a greater degree, as it has been with the Mexicans. Nine out of ten…

GLC02382.019

1864

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Notes concerning the Rapidan campaign and Burnside's corps]

Possibly written in May or June, with a later note by Hunt on verso dated Aug. 1882. Written on Artillery Head-Quarters, Army of the Potomac letterhead.

GLC02382.023

23 May 1864

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Personal military checklist]

Hunt, Chief of Artillery of the Army of the Potomac, writes in pencil on Artillery Headquarters, Army of the Potomac stationery. Notes things he needs to do, including making sure rations are drawn, obtaining several field returns, confirming that ammunition has been drawn before leaving Fredericksburg, Virginia, etc. Cites one captain's refusal to act as commissary, and mentions the 2nd, 5th, and 6th corps of infantry. Lists other notes. Possibly written in Virginia. Content pertains to the campaign of Cold Harbor.

GLC02382.032

3 June 1864

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph note signed

Title: [Questions regarding munitions]

A field dispatch written during the Battle of Cold Harbor. Hunt signs with initials. Hunt asks Col. Charles H. Tompkins how many batteries have been engaged and arms expended and whether he can spare ammunition for Capt. Elder. A Tompkins autograph note signed on verso says "Have five (5) batteries engaged. Have expended about 100 rounds per gun. Not known exactly…." Offers to provide ammunition to Captain Elder, but may need it himself. The Battle of Cold Harbor, part of the Overland Campaign, pitted Grant against Lee in one of the war's bloodiest engagements. At dawn on 3 June 1864,…

GLC02382.033

16 August 1867

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to dear General

Signs with the letter "H." Addressee is likely Hunt's father-in-law, Henry K. Craig. Hunt.discusses President Andrew Johnson's attempt to force the resignation of Secretary of War Edwin McMasters Stanton. Refers to newspaper editorials discussing Stanton's successor. "So S. [Stanton] is at last kicked out - and what a precious scene of buttering and licking each other is presented by him and his successor." Writes that Johnson "would be sure to select the worst possible man" for the position. Declares that the Republican party always turns to Ulysses S. Grant. Discusses various letters/…

GLC02382.034

4 October 1867

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

Hunt calls Emory Upton's book A New System of Infantry Tactics, Double and Single Rank a "botched application of a stolen principle." Hunt had been a member of a three-man board that revised field artillery drill and tactics, and published a revered manual on the topic. Claims that Upton stole his ideas, but "failed to apply the principle properly to the infantry, or to understand the fullness of its value..." Refers to William F. Barry, who had served with him on the board. Discusses the evils of current times; does not think that political conservatives will carry elections in Iowa, Ohio,…

GLC02382.035

circa February 7, 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

Hunt discusses salmon he previously sent to Craig. Mentions Julia and Conway, his children. Discusses other family or mutual acquaintances. Year inferred from content. Signed as "H.J.H." Includes a pencil note on page 3. Letter was originally with others in an envelope labeled "Private Letters from Eastport to General Craig &c."

GLC02382.036

February 25, 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

Hunt reports that he sent papers to Craig the previous day addressed to General Schenck (possibly Robert Cumming Schenck, a Congressman from Ohio), and Wilson. Discusses whether or not the House of Representatives will vote to impeach President Andrew Johnson, using the accusation that he wrongly fired Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton (on 24 February the House actually did vote to impeach Johnson). "I am of the opinion that the House will think better and that they will not impeach. Then the Rads will be furious and it is not unlikely that both S. & W. will jump at the chance of taking…

GLC02382.037

19 March 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Henry Knox Craig]

Comments on Johnson's impeachment and radical reconstruction. He has been involved with Schenck's bill. Says, "It looks to us here as if the P. [President] would stand a poor chance, that the case is prejudged on party grounds. I hope the evidence will be full and show up many things not expected by the Rads…."

GLC02382.039

2 April 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

He is working for pay for retired soldiers. Comments on the Supreme Court decision in the McCardle case and President Andrew Johnson's impeachment. Expresses strong feelings about the Republican party and Reconstruction, criticizing the unfair treatment of rebels. "I don't wonder that you characterize so severely that little dodge by which the Supreme Court was ousted of its jurisdiction in the McArdle [McCardle] case…." Compares it to a scene from Tristram Shandy of "accomplishing a purpose and avoiding the responsibility." Discusses the Radical Republican tactic of disallowing votes from…

GLC02382.040

13 April 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Henry Knox Craig]

Writes from Fort Sullivan. Asks if Craig received a copy of a play-bill he previously transmitted. Complains about the cold Eastport winter. Discusses the abrupt departure of Captain Wilson from Fort Sullivan. Discusses Wilson's actions, and declares that he is insane or deranged, due to his loss of memory and atypical behavior. Recipient inferred from content and from previous letters in the collection.

GLC02382.041

29 April 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

Writes about Captain Wilson, noting that he was an honest man who became involved in dishonest dealings regarding expenditures, etc. Cites his attempts to organize Wilson's ill-managed accounts "in the interest of those who have in good faith trusted Uncle Sam through him." Discusses the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson, mentioning Charles Sumner, an impeachment advocate. "I have not doubted a conviction, law or no law, evidence or no evidence and Mr Sumners [proposal?] just received here, to limit the 'findings' to the facts set forth , and not to pronounce on the charge 'high crimes…

GLC02382.042

25 June 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

Expects Craig to visit in July. Mentions his son Conway Hunt. Discusses his plans for the Fourth of July, and whether Craig should travel to Maine by steamer or train.

GLC02382.043

21 October 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

Hopes Craig will consider spending future summers in Eastport, if he (Hunt) remains stationed there. Discusses the upcoming presidential election (won by Ulysses S. Grant). "So the October Elections are over and we are beaten on all the fields - This settles the November Election beyond doubt; they may cry fraud as much as they please and I have no doubt that the states all three were carried by fraud - but the result will be to send a host of those who worship success - the great Wobble party in a Mass into the radical ranks. We are only demonstrating the truth of an old American theory. '…

GLC02382.044

April 23, 1861

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Braxton Bragg

Hunt replies to Bragg's earlier letter (GLC00925.01) regarding their long time friendship and their now differing loyalties in the war. "How strange it is! We have been united in our views of almost all subjects, public and private. We still have, I trust, a personal regard for each other which will continue, whatever course our sense of duty may dictate, yet in one short year after exchanging at your house assurances of friendship, here we are face to face, with arms in our hands, with every prospect of a bloody collision. How strange!" He sympathizes with the south and his southern friends…

GLC00925.02