10 March 1864

Steele, Frederick, 1819-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ulysses S. Grant

Steele, commander of the Department of Arkansas, writes to Lieutenant General Grant, commander of the Military Division of the Mississippi (just before Grant became commander-in-chief of the United States Army). Corresponded with Generals William Sherman and Nathaniel Banks regarding an expedition against Shreveport, Louisiana. Remarks, "they are both mistaken in regard to the strength of my command and also in regard to the situation of affairs in my Dept." Intends to transmit copies of his correspondence with Banks. Declares, "The forces under Banks will make Kirby Smith run without a…

GLC03834

4 May 1863

Steele, Frederick, 1819-1868

Letter signed

Title: to Irvin McDowell

Written at 2:00 am on Headquarters of the Army of the South West stationery, but Army of the South West has been crossed out, and 1st Division written in its place. General Steele writes to McDowell, who served as president of the court for investigating cotton frauds and president of the board for retiring disabled officers in 1863. Writes from Dawson's Plantation, and intends to try to be at Richmond, Virginia by 8:00 am. Written in pencil.

GLC03835

circa 1861-1865

Steele, Frederick, 1819-1868

Photograph

Title: As major general, seated 1/2 length portrait

Ink inscription on verso "Frederick Steele" "138 239 936." Photographers imprint on verso: "Brady's National Photographic Portrait Galleries Broadway & Tenth Street, New York & No 352 Pennsylvania Av. Washington D.C."

GLC05111.02.0754

March 13, 1865

Steele, Frederick, 1819-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Rowe Smith

Union General Steele discusses mutual acquaintances with Smith, a doctor. Referring to General John Parker Hawkins, states "the only officer of the old Army about me is Genl. Hawkins, Mrs Canby's brother. He was Lt. in my Company where I was Capt. in the old [second], and is a warm friend of mine. He is the Commander of a Negro Division which has been assigned to my command. They are well armed & equipped and better drilled than most of the white troops." Discusses the appointments of A.J. [General Andrew Jackson] Smith, General [Edward Richard Sprigg] Canby, and [General Gordon] Granger…

GLC00332

4 May 1865

Steele, Frederick, 1819-1868

Broadside

Title: General Orders no. 3

Signed official at bottom by Lieutenant Joseph Lyman, A.D.C. Orders that Federal troops are not to pillage homes and plantations since the hostilities of the Civil War have ended. Advises newly freed blacks to stay on their plantations with their former masters as the United States Government cannot feed them. "...they are advised to remain on the plantations, and to assist to raise crops, to keep themselves and their children from starving. The fact of their remaining with their former masters, does not deprive them of their freedom." Signed in print by order of Major General F. Steele…

GLC01908

1865/05/04

Steele, Frederick, 1819-1868

Document

Title: General Orders no. 3 [inability of government to help black refugees]

Informing people that "destitution and distress is likely to arise from the influx of the colored population into this city. People of this class are informed that it is impossible for the United States Government to feed them and they are advised to remain of the plantations and assist to raise crops to keep themselves and their children from starving." Signed by Joseph Lymun as Adjutant General to Major General F. Steele.

GLC07293