Description:

WILLIAM W. BELKNAP
(1829 - 1890) Union brigadier general and Secretary of War in Grant's administration; impeached by the Senate for accepting bribes from Indian posts. Somewhat ironic A.L.S. on his legal letterhead, 1p. 4to., Washington, Feb. 25, 1888, to Gen. CHARLES H. TOMPKINS (1830-1915), a Union brevet brigadier general awarded the Medal of Honor for valor in action on June 1, 1861, in the Battle of Fairfax Court House (June 1861). This was the first action in the Civil War for which a Union Army officer would receive the Medal of Honor. Tompkins actually killed the first Confederate officer in the war. Belknap's letter reads, in part: '...I was Secretary of War on 1872 at the time of your trial in Arizona. I never believed that you could properly be charged with misapplying money dishonestly...the amount involved was...honestly used for the public service. But there was a violation of law...technical...your honor and honesty as an officer could not be questioned...'. Slightly toned at the left due to old adhesive, else very good. Of course, while serving as Secretary of War, Belknap was himself accused of receiving bribes and resigned his position. Tompkins, however, would finish his military career six years later and retire untarnished.

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August 15, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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