Description:

HUGH T. REID
(1811-1874) Union brigadier general of volunteers, promoted after being wounded and left for dead at Shiloh. As commander of the 1st Brigade, 6th Division, he commanded a mix of white and Black troops. Good political content A.L.S., 4pp. 4to., Washington, D,C, May 21, 1858, to a Q. M. Milbourne. He opens by discussing the progress of mining operations around his home city of Keokuk, Iowa, before continuing: ‘...There is not much of interest being done in Congress, except that [former] Gov. [Aaron V.] Brown of Tennessee made a fine speech yesterday in the Senate in favor of the Homestead Bill, in which he pretty efficiently used up Clay, Hammond and other Southern fire eaters, on the white slave and other kindred doctrines, and it was really a very Patriotic and Statesmanlike speech – he said if the country was rid of a few ultras North and South, that the we [sic] would get along with perfect harmony…' He continues, describing lobbying efforts on behalf of his home state: ‘...in the matter of getting the land certified we have appealed from the decision of the Secretary of the Interior to the President [James Buchanan] – the matter was presented to him day before yesterday by Beverly Johnson whom I enjoyed, accompanied by Genl Jones who says we may rely on him doing every thing in his power to advance our interests – Mr Johnson tells me that he explained the law to the president, and [likely Attorney General Caleb] Cushing's Opinion, at which Opinion of Cushing he says the President laughed, saying that the Grant extended to the source of the River only to the Racoon Forks [sic], and agreed to submit the matter to the Attorney general – in whose Opinion Johnson has confidence…' Reid concludes by discussing a proposed railroad grant through Nebraska, and signs ‘H T Reid' vertically in black ink in the margin at bottom left. The letter contains much detailed content related to the expansion of Iowa and the surrounding environs, worthy of further research. A war-date ink biographical inscription has been penned in the left margin of the first page, and the letter shows original mailing folds and mild toning at the top edge, otherwise in very good to fine condition overall.

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March 27, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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