circa 1861-1865

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Photograph

Title: Vignette Bust Portrait

Graphite inscription on recto "Fitz-John Porter." Imprint on recto "Brady New York." Graphite inscription on verso "Major-General Fitz John Porter" "Century Vol 2 page 333" "Porter." Photographers imprint on verso: "Brady's National Photographic Portrait Galleries, Broadway & Tenth Street, New York & No 352 Pennsylvania Av. Washington D.C."

GLC05111.02.0648

circa 1861-1865

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Photograph

Title: In dress uniform, standing 3/4 length with left hand on sword

Ink inscription on recto "Porter." Graphite inscription on verso "Gen F J Porter." Photographers imprint on verso: "Published by E. Anthony 501 Broadway New York from Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery."

GLC05111.02.0649

25 March 1871

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

Porter replies to a letter from Hunt. Mentions McClellan, and initials on verso of page one. Recalls his experience in the Mexican American War for Hunt, who was writing on the topic. Suggests Hunt attempt to publish his writings in a magazine. Recalls a battle (possibly the 19 August 1847 Battle of Contreras). Mentions Cadwalader (possibly George Cadwalader), Percifer F. Smith, Pierce (possibly Franklin Pierce), Robert E. Lee, Zealous Bates Tower, and Colonel Riley.

GLC02382.074

2 July 1881

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

Porter thanks Hunt for offering his recollections on events during the war. Reflects on McClellan's tactics during the Peninsula Campaign. Notes that General Alexander Stewart Webb is writing a book on the topic, and it will be published by Scribner. Mentions Tecumseh (possibly William T. Sherman). A note on page two (possibly created by Hunt), indicates that Porter's reflections pertain to the Battle of Malvern Hill. Written on Central Railroad Co. of New Jersey stationery. Porter was dismissed from the military in 1863 because of his actions at Second Bull Run. His sentence was…

GLC02382.075

23 October 1883

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

Thanks Hunt for his recollections regarding Manassas. Mentions Generals John Fulton Reynolds, Robert Cumming Schenck, Irvin McDowell, John Alexander Logan, and John Pope, among others. Notes that another writer is tackling the topic of Manassas, and that Hunt will soon received the work in pamphlet form. Recently sent copies of some notes on Second Manassas to the War Department. Discusses controversy regarding his conduct at Second Manassas. Writes that McDowell was "so blind to his own interests in the effort to harm me that he could not see the effect of his acts when before the…

GLC02382.076

circa 10 November 1883

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

Laments the death of his friend Randolph. Encourages Hunt to befriend John Alexander Logan in the Senate. Mentions [Lord's?] pamphlet and Slocum (possibly General Henry Warner Slocum). Refers to a letter written by Ulysses S. Grant, which benefited him (possibly referring to the controversy over his military dismissal). Remarks, "Grant is true of heart when he knows he is right." Accompanying envelope is postmarked 14 October 1883, but docketed 23 November. A pencil note on the envelope indicates that it accompanies this letter.

GLC02382.078

1862

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Letter

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

United States Military Telegram. Requests an officer to assist Hazlett. Porter graduated from West Point in 1845, then was posted to the artillery. McClellan appointed him to command one of two provisional corps, and at Beaver Dam Greek, Gaines' Mill, and the start of the Seven Days battle, Porter displayed excellent generalship in defensive fighting. At Malvern Hill he played a leading role in covering the withdrawal of the army, and was subsequently awarded a second star and brevetted regular army brigadier. At 2nd Bull Run he was ordered to attack the flank and rear of Stonewall…

GLC02382.014

21 April 1887

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [An autobiographical sketch]

Possibly written in New York City. Lists details of Porter's military service. Mentions various civilian careers. Notes "restoration to the army by President Cleveland under authority of act of Congress dated July 1 '86- Commission as Colonel dating back to May 14 1861. Placed on the retired list of the Army as Colonel July 7 1886." Records service as New York City Commissioner of Police 1884-1888.

GLC02494.07

19 July 1862

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edwin D. Morgan

General Porter writes to Morgan, the governor of New York. Transmits an order (not present) appointing persons "to the vacancies occassioned by resignation and losses in action- in the 25th Regt New York Vols- subject to confirmation by your Excellency. Their appointments are for good conduct in the recent battles." Porter was commander of the 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac.

GLC02464.13

September 1878 - June 1887

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Header Record

Title: Collection of Porter letters [Decimalized .01-.14]

Most of the letters in this collection are to Captain (sometimes Colonel) Julius Walker Adams, a noted engineer and cousin of President John Quincy Adams. Porter discusses the reevaluation of his conduct at Second Manassas by a special commission in 1878 and 1879. The commission, headed by General John M. Schofield, submitted a report 19 March 1879, exonerating Porter from previous charges. In the 1880s, Porter's sentence was officially reversed, and under a special act of Congress, his commission was restored (with no back pay due). Fitz John Porter (1822-1901) fought in the Mexican War…

GLC00214.02

19 March 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Pamphlet signed

Title: Report of the Board of Officers in the Case of Fitz-John Porter...

"Report of the Board of Officers in the Case of Fitz-John Porter, Late Major-General of Volunteers" published by the Army and Navy Gazette. Annuls Porter's 1863 court-martial and restores his position of major general. Includes transcriptions of communications between Porter and General Pope before the 2nd Battle of Bull Run, after which Porter was arrested for actions that Pope said led to the Union defeat.

GLC09312

December 30, 1878

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

In this letter, Porter discusses his case. Notes that Adams's friend, Thomas Church Haskell Smith, testified against him. Relates that Major Gardiner 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…

GLC00214.02.14

April 11, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Fitz-John Porter remarks that he recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for business. Discusses the board evaluating his conduct in the Battle of Second Manassas. Remarks that Major Gardiner plans to attempt to gain support from the Secretary of War, George Washington McCrary. Insists that Gardiner's aim is to "get the Republican party to take the sins of Pope & McDowell on their shoulders or to kick up such a dust as to hide the evils of these men... " Attests that Gardiner hopes to persuade the board that the case is an attempt to place General George Brinton McClellan in the presidency…

GLC00214.02.03

June 9, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Refers to his lawyers John C. Bullitt and Joseph Hodges Choate. Mentions General Irvin McDowell, dispatches pertaining to his case from 1862, and a letter he (Porter) sent to Adjutant General Edward Davis Townsend concerning the testimony McDowell gave before the board. Sent the letter to Townsend under cover to Senator Randolph (possibly Theodore Fitz Randolph). Expresses disgust regarding collaboration between Major Gardiner, Thomas Churchill Haskell Smith, and Bowers, a witness against Porter. Notes that "your 'siege of Washington' was sent...to greet [John] Pope at West Point. That…

GLC00214.02.07

June 26, 1887

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Bruce Warden

General Porter, New York City Police Commissioner, writes to Warden, an author and associate judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio. He has given General Henry Jackson Hunt, Governor of the Soldier's Home in Washington, D.C., an introduction card. He hopes Warden will receive Hunt when he visits. He inquires as to a literary project undertaken by Warden. Discusses longevity rations for retired officers, and other military retirement issues. A year earlier Porter had been reinstated in the army, and then he retired.

GLC00214.02.12

October 26, 1878

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Colonel Julius Walker Adams

The year for the date is inferred from the letter's content. The letter mentions Generals Irvin McDowell and David Hunter, in reference to an investigation called to reevaluate Porter's actions at the Battle of Second Manassas. He remarks, "There is evidently a war to be raised by those fellows- & Sherman is to give aid- has done so." He suggests that Pope and Sheridan are working against his case in conjunction with McDowell, who had previously criticized Porter's actions at Second Manassas. He also suggests that following the battle, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton used several…

GLC00214.02.13

September 17, 1878

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Colonel Julius Walker Adams

Discusses convening of the military commission to reevaluate Porter's actions during Second Manassas. Notes that Asa Gardiner, the lawyer opposing Porter in the trial "has notified 'McDowell & Pope that he will take care of their honor.' before the Board." Generals Irvin McDowell and John Pope, participants in the Battle of Second Manassas, upheld accusations of Porter's insubordination the battle. Written on Central Railroad Co. of New Jersey stationery. Adams was a noted engineer and cousin of President John Quincy Adams.

GLC00214.02.01

February 27, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Discusses a delay in the meeting of the board. Mentions the arguments of John C. Bullitt and Joseph Hodges Choate, his counsels during hearings. Writes "I know nothing of the Board. My relations with it have been entirely of a formal character & I know nothing of their views. I know what they ought to be." Refers to Pope and McDowell, among others. Notes that he has attempted to keep politics and his case separate, so as to allow the case to stand on its own merit. Remarks that Major Gardiner, the lawyer opposing Porter, "made an ass of himself from the time he and Smith met" (Thomas…

GLC00214.02.02

April 19, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Discusses whether President Rutherford B. Hayes will support his case, which had been before a military board, concerning his conduct during the Battle of Second Manassas. Discusses his desire to keep the case separate from politics, and remarks that Republicans are defensive about the case. Praises the political practices of James Garfield (Representative 1863-1880). Notes that Mr. Chandler should have taken Garfield's course (Senator Zachariah Chandler). Requests that the recipient send John C. Bullitt and Joseph Hodges Choate, his counsels, a copy of the Express. Written on Central…

GLC00214.02.04

May 7, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Discusses President Rutherford B. Hayes actions concerning his case. Remarks "I had not heard of any efforts to prevent the President acting on my matter... nor do I believe that any such efforts would have any influence even if made." Wonders whether Senators Zachariah Chandler and Roscoe Conkling will oppose congressional action regarding his case. Relates that the board's report is in print and "will go forward this week." Written on Central Railroad Co. of New Jersey stationery.

GLC00214.02.05

May 16, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Sends money for a subscription to Adams's paper "The Engineering News." Mentions Major Gardiner has been asked to officially submit the report on his case. Writes, "You asked Pope to deliver the address to Cadets -- [Jon] & Sherman?" Written on Central Railroad Co. of New Jersey stationery.

GLC00214.02.06

July 5, 1881

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Mentions the Slater letters, noting that Slater is an excellent Republican who served in the 13th New York Volunteers, and was badly wounded in the Battle of Second Manassas. Discusses "a terrible blow to the country" at length, referring to the July 2, 1881 shooting of President James Garfield. Remarks that in his youth, the highest political offense that took place was the pulling of Jackson's nose (President Andrew Jackson), but "now it has got to murder- in two cases" (referring to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and Garfield). Relates events which took place after Lincoln's murder,…

GLC00214.02.08

July 7, 1881

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Declares, "When you publish anything I write you must be careful- I write without thought of the matter going beyond yourself... you bring Teller on me now- Well it's done- There is not use crying over spilt milk-" Porter had recently mentioned Senator Henry Moore Teller in a letter to Captain Adams. Written on Central Railroad Co. of New Jersey stationery.

GLC00214.02.09

July 11, 1881

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Fitz-John porter mentions a past event involving Senator Henry Moore Teller in which Porter had been banned from residing in the Colorado Territory by an individual who hoped to please Secretary of War Stanton and John Pope; both men were enemies of Porter. At the time, Teller was indifferent. Mentions the health of President James A. Garfield, who was shot on July 2. Ends with "This is private."

GLC00214.02.10

February 14, 1887

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles Guy Warden

General Porter, New York City Police Commissioner, instructs Warden to wish his father, author Robert Bruce Warden, luck in a literary undertaking. Indicates that R. Warden's project involves Salmon P. Chase, who had served as Secretary of the Treasury under Abraham Lincoln, and later as Supreme Court Chief Justice. He hopes R. Warden "will be able to give the facts of Judge Chase's course towards McClellan & the prompting of his acts. Every point of the kind is now looked for with great interest in the light of history." R. B. Warden published a book on Chase in 1874. Chase was an…

GLC00214.02.11