Description:

ANDREW JOHNSON THROWS LORENZO THOMAS TO THE WOLVES
LORENZO THOMAS (1804-1875) Union brigadier general and Chief of Staff to Winfield Scott. Served as Secretary of War following the dismissal of Edwin Stanton. Fascinating A.L.S., 2pp. 8vo., Washington, Oct. 7, 1869 to Judge William A. Carter at Ft. Bridger, WY. Six months earlier, Andrew Johnson had left the Oval Office having narrowly avoided impeachment. He had delegated Thomas with the duty of delivering Sec. of War Edwin Stanton his letter of dismissal, and had also appointed Thomas Secretary of War ad interim and reinstated his general's pay. Indirectly, Thomas' attitude at the impeachment trial may also have helped to acquit Johnson. However, this letter demonstrates how Johnson abandoned Thomas once the latter left office. In part: "...Just as my friend President Johnson was going out of office...he did me the ungracious act of placing me on the retired list thus reducing my salary some three thousand or more dollars a year. With my large family I will find it difficult to live on my reduced means. I must do something to add to my present income. Your new territory of Wyoming has attracted my attention...Is there anything I could engage in at your region, or that one of my sons could take note of?...". Perhaps Thomas was unaware that Carter came from an old Virginia family, as he was no doubt turned down: Carter docketed the letter: "Genl. L. Thomas alias 'Ad Interim'". Fine condition.

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December 9, 2011 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

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