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Pope, John, 1822-1892 to Valentine Baxter Horton

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04385.01 Author/Creator: Pope, John, 1822-1892 Place Written: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 27, 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; Height: 24.7 cm, Width: 19.6 cm Order a Copy

General Pope, commander of the Department of the Northwest, writes to father-in-law. Notes that his mother's health is better than it has been for the past two years. States, "I find the whole public mind in the West possessed with the belief that I am to command at Vicksburg and many of the papers are loudly advertizing it." Notes that the Chicago Tribune and the Missouri Democrat have both reported on his possible command. Mentions Frémont and Sigel (possibly Generals John C. Frémont, former commander of the Department of the West, and Franz Sigel). Writes, "...I would much regret being forced into prominent & active position under present circumstances- I trust matters may improve in the Administration of the Govt especially of the War Dept of it so that an officer can with good heart & some confidence take his part in this War- At present I am more than content to remain where I am... I do not find myself in the mood to go..." Mentions his wife Clara, in New York (Horton's daughter). Hopes to hears Horton's views of Congress as the current session ends. Mentions a proposal to nominate Horton as a candidate for Governor (possibly of Ohio), but thinks he would feel separated from public affairs.

Horton, Valentine Baxter, 1802-1888
Pope, John, 1822-1892
Fremont, John Charles, 1813-1890
Sigel, Franz, 1824-1902
Pope, Clara Horton, 1834-1888

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