Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
William P. Fessenden, Secretary of the Treasury and a Maine native, wrote to Gen. Benjamin Butler, commander of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina for the Union army, asking Butler to give Brig. Gen. George F. Shepley, also a Maine native, leave for a few weeks to return to Maine.
Republican political forces wanted Shepley in Maine to speak on behalf of Lincoln and other candidates before the 1864 election. Shepley was a Democrat who became a Republican after the war. He was commander of the 12th Maine Regiment, then became commander of the 3rd Brigade, military commandant of New Orleans, and military governor of Louisiana.
When Louisiana elected a civil government loyal to the Union, Shepley became commander of the Department of Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: W.P. Fessenden to Gen. Benjamin Butler, Washington, D.C., 1864
- Creator: William P. Fessenden
- Creation Date: 1864-08-22
- Subject Date: 1864
- Location: Washington, DC
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 20.5 cm x 13.3 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 117, Box 4/2
- Collection: George Foster Shepley papers
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Public speaking--Maine
- Military service, Voluntary
- United States--Civil War, 1861-1865
- United States. Army. Maine Infantry Regiment, 12th (1861-1864)
- Military service--1860-1870
- Political campaigns--United States
- Elections--United States
- United States. Army.--Leaves and furloughs
People
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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