Governor of Pennsylvania
War Date Autograph Letter Signed
(1819-1873) From the age of 16 he had been a militia lieutenant and with the outbreak of war with Mexico, he was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry, and took part in General Winfield Scott's advance from Vera Cruz to Mexico City. In the interval between the close of the Mexican War and start of the Civil War, Geary organized the post office system in California, served as the 1st mayor of San Francisco, and for several months was the territorial Governor of Kansas. On June 28, 1861, he was appointed Colonel of the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry and joined the command of General N. P. Banks at Harpers Ferry. He distinguished himself in several engagements and was wounded at Bolivar Heights, captured Leesburg in March 1862, was twice wounded at Cedar Mountain, and returned to action in time to command a division of the 12th Corps at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Later transferred to the western army, he fought at Chattanooga, the Atlanta campaign and took part in General Sherman's celebrated March to the Sea. After the capture of Savannah, Ga., Geary was appointed it's military governor. His post war career saw him elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 1866, serving two terms.
War Date Autograph Letter Signed: 7 3/4 x 9 7/8, in ink.
Camp De Korponay Point of Rocks, Md. Aug. 31st, 1861
S.R. Hilt, Esq.
Dear Sir,
Yours of 23rd inst. is just handed to me by your son. Your former letter was replied to by me, but I suppose the letter was lost. Mr. Geimmey is authorized by me to rent the house, No. 614, North 16th Street, but before doing so I wish him to consult with my wife who has a blank power which can be filled up to authorize someone to act for me in the matter. She may also have made some arrangements about renting the house which it would be well to ascertain before any final action be made by Mr. Geimmey.
Please give your attention to this matter and you will do me a great favor.
I will give attention to the affairs of your son at once. He is well- much improved in appearance.
Your friend, Jno. W. Geary
Light age toning and wear. Very fine. Nice early Civil War letter written by then Colonel John W. Geary to a Pennsylvania friend.
Mr. Hilt’s son David was a private in then Colonel Geary’s 28th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry. Camp De Korponay was named for Colonel Gabriel De Korponay. |