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1887 Gen. Fitz John Porter ALS Union V Corps Civil War General, NYC Police
Boldly signed Fitz John Porter. Porter requests a copy of a publication titled "Charming Family Pedigree". This letter was written just one year after Porter's formal reinstatement to the U. Army following his infamous court martial of 1862-63.
The piece is mounted with two contemporary engraved portraits of Porter, with an old collector's notation beneath. West Point graduate (1845) and veteran of the Mexican-American War. Rose to Major General of Volunteers and commanded the V Corps, Army of the Potomac during the Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days Battles. At Malvern Hill (July 1862) his leadership was credited with saving the Union army from disaster. At the Second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862), Porter hesitated to attack Stonewall Jackson's line, correctly perceiving that Longstreet's corps was present in strength.
Despite his caution being tactically sound, he was court-martialed for disobedience and cashiered from the Army in January 1863. After nearly 20 years of lobbying, a Board of Inquiry led by Gen.
John Schofield vindicated him, declaring his actions likely saved the Union army from greater defeat. In 1886, Congress restored him to the rolls of the Army, though without back pay. He later served as a Police Commissioner in New York City, which is where this letter originates. Format: Autograph Letter Signed (ALS). Stationery: New York Police Department, Commissioner's Office.Signature: "Fitz John Porter" - strong and bold. Extras: Mounted with two engraved portraits of Porter, plus period biographical notes. Overall clean with light age toning and a horizontal fold.
Mounted to album page with portraits. Collector pencil notations on verso. Fitz John Porter's story embodies the political turmoil of the Union high command.
His fall and eventual redemption remain one of the most famous controversies of the Civil War. Letters from his later life, especially on official New York Police Commissioner stationery, are scarce and desirable.