2022-07 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2022
JOHN ANDREW (1818-1867). Governor of Massachusetts during the Civil War. Autograph Letter Signed, “J.A.A.” Four pages 7 5/8” x 9 5/8”. “Boston.” August 22, 1861. To “Mr. Wm. W. Davis Q.M. Serfant, Mass. 4th Batl. Inf. Fortress Monroe.” Andrew writes: My dear sir Your letter is before me, it is a terrible story of abuse and … I cannot understand how it is that with all the pains I have taken, through two separate units of staff officers, one sergeant at arms, one councilor sending for a private, even of the 3D Rgt to come home and report – these revolutions come so recently I had heard about the time the third 3d…men came home of Capt. Clarks return presence, however, and Lt. White told me of his inattention to duty. Had these matters been earlier notified to me, I’d have earlier tried to help the company. Its poverty of clothes &C, &C is mostly due to its own officers, I have no doubt nor hesitation in saying. I have no power, however, to reach any of these evils & errors. As they are amenable to the US laws, officers and government. But, I will at once forward a copy of your letter to Major General Wool commander of the post with the earnest request that he shd cause justice to be done, would report to me any provision or duty remaining on my part possible to be fulfilled; and would make meet suggestions as to the future. Please present to him in person if you can my respectful compliments, assuring him personally of my desire ardently to cooperate in all measures appropriate to the case. To increase the efficacy that contributes to the honor and happiness of our Massachusetts soldiers…Please ask that a statement of the condition…of each Co. as they now stand shd be sent me, I think the men who are good in Clarks and Tylers Cos. Had best perhaps be sifted into the other companies, and their good officers, if any appd. To fill vacancies in them; that if like occasion…the good members any of the company of the seven shd be sifted to the better companies; that the poor companies shd be disbanded. They say from our five good strong companies…which might be reinforced by sending them companies sufficient to make up a full, strong, true hearted…Massachusetts Regiment, sustained by self respect and generous pride…” In 1860, John Andrew was elected governor of Massachusetts by the widest margin to that date. Governor Andrew, a staunch abolitionist, immediately placed the Commonwealth’s troops at a state of readiness to aid the Union upon his election. When, on April 15, 1861, President Lincoln made an urgent request for states to send 75,000 volunteers to defend the Capitol, Governor Andrew ensured that Massachusetts’ troops were the first to arrive in Washington and the first troops to fight in the Civil War. Our letter, written less than six months after these patriotic men responded to Lincoln’s call, shows that Andrew remained devoted to the supply and organization of his state’s troops even after they departed their home state. Andrew, the Bay State’s most celebrated governor of his generation, would again take a leadership role when he petitioned President Lincoln to force the Army to accept the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, a entirely black regiment under the command of volunteer white officers, in 1863.
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