Major General Winfield Scott Hancock - Autograph Letter Signed 02/15/1877
(WINFIELD HANCOCK The Civil War hero and Presidential cand...)
WINFIELD HANCOCK The Civil War hero and Presidential candidate sends thanks for a bottle of champagne. Autograph Letter signed: "Winfield S. Hancock, Commanding", 1 page, 5x8. New York, 1877 February 15. To William A. Seaver, in full: "I received your note and the bottle of champagne. I had it tonight. It is good and very cheap. I will keep a memorandum of the name and agent and will remember you for your kind attention. I am very truly yours". Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886), a highly successful Union Corps commander during the Civil War and a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg (1863), was the Democratic Party's candidate for President in 1880, losing to James A. Garfield 4.45 million (214 electoral) votes to 4.44 million (155 electoral) votes. He was Commanding General of the U.S. Army's Department of the East, headquartered on Governor's Island, from 1877 until his death. General Hancock must have been considering a purchase of champagne in bulk, perhaps for the officer's mess or for ceremonial events. Why else would he have complimented Seaver for a wine that was "good and very cheap"? Normal mailing folds. Lightly toned. Otherwise, fine condition. - Please contact us if you have any questions or require additional information. HFSID 5454
Major General Winfield Scott Hancock - Autograph Letter Signed
(WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK The Civil War general writes lette...)
WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK The Civil War general writes letter of thanks to an admirer, but apologizes for being unable to accept it, signs his name in black ink Autograph letter signed: "Winfield Scott Hancock" in black ink. 3 pages, 5x8 folded, 10x8 flat. Washington D.C. In part: "Miss May Monisey..." Thanks her for the present she has sent but, "I cannot therefore accept the present and I trust you will understand that I highly value your effort". Multiple editing corrections throughout. Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886), a highly successful Union Corps commander during the Civil War and a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg (1863), was the Democratic Party's candidate for President in 1880, losing very narrowly to James A. Garfield by a margin of fewer than 40,000 votes out of 9 million cast. (The Electoral Vote margin was wider, but far from a landslide: 214-155.) Hancock was Commanding General of the U.S. Army's Department of the East, headquartered on Governor's Island, from 1877 until his death. Normal mailing folds. Toned. Slightly soiled. Ink stains throughout. Otherwise, fine condition. - Please contact us if you have any questions or require additional information. HFSID 30332
Major General Winfield Scott Hancock - Manuscript Letter Signed 06/25/1885
(WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK Hancock will be "very much gratifi...)
WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK Hancock will be "very much gratified" if the letter bearer can be given employment in the San Francisco Custom House. Manuscript Letter signed: "Winfield Scott Hancock", 1 page, 5½x8½. Governor's Island, New York 1885 June 25. To Col. Edward Taylor, Naval Offices, San Francisco, California., in full: "The bearer of this letter, Mr. Thos. H Kearney is known to me. He desires employment in the San Francisco Custom House. Should you find that his recommendations are good and that he is fitted for the duties of that department, I would be very much gratified if you would give him employment. It is unusual for me to interfere in matters of this nature and I hope you will pardon the intrusion. I am yours very truly". Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886), a highly successful Union Corps commander during the Civil War and a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg (1863), was the Democratic Party's candidate for President in 1880, losing very narrowly to James A. Garfield by a margin of fewer than 40,000 votes out of 9 million cast. (The Electoral Vote margin was wider, but far from a landslide: 214-155.) Hancock was Commanding General of the U.S. Army's Department of the East, headquartered on Governor's Island, from 1877 until his death. One horizontal and one vertical fold. Lightly creased. Slightly worn. Ink stain from signature at lower left edge (barely visible). Otherwise, fine condition. - Please contact us if you have any questions or require additional information. HFSID 30313
Letter addressed to His Excellency, E. M. Pease, governor of Texas
(This reproduction was printed from a digital file created...)
This reproduction was printed from a digital file created at the Library of Congress as part of an extensive scanning effort started with a generous donation from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Library is pleased to offer much of its public domain holdings free of charge online and at a modest price in this printed format. Seeing these older volumes from our collections rediscovered by new generations of readers renews our own passion for books and scholarship.
Major General Winfield Scott Hancock - Autograph Letter Signed 03/25/1871
(WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK His handwritten letter concerning ...)
WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK His handwritten letter concerning medical bills for his mother-in-law Autograph Letter signed: "Winfield Scott Hancock", 1 page, 5½x8¾. St Paul, Minnesota, 1871 March 25. To Paine, Keferstein & Haydel, St Louis, Missouri, in full: "I send you two bills due to Dr. H. C. Stankloff, of Commander S. S. ?, by Mrs. Adaline Russell. As follows: $175.00/57.75 = $232.75. I bill on order of Dr. Stankloff as qualified for the above payable after April 1st next. I am truly yours". Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886), a highly successful Union Corps commander during the Civil War and a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg (1863), was the Democratic Party's candidate for President in 1880, losing very narrowly to James A. Garfield by a margin of fewer than 40,000 votes out of 9 million cast. (The Electoral Vote margin was wider, but far from a landslide: 214-155.) Hancock was Commanding General of the U.S. Army's Department of the East, headquartered on Governor's Island, from 1877 until his death. Adaline Russell was the mother of Winfield Hancock's wife Almira. One vertical fold. Lightly frayed at left edge. Slightly creased. Ink note (unknown hand) on verso (no show through). Otherwise, fine condition. - Please contact us if you have any questions or require additional information. HFSID 30339
Major General Winfield Scott Hancock - Manuscript Letter Signed 10/01/1880
(WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK With his Presidential election cam...)
WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK With his Presidential election campaign in full swing, Hancock thanks an Ohio supporter for valuable services and information. Manuscript Letter signed: "Winfield Scott Hancock", 1 page, 5½x8½. Governor's Island, New York Harbor, 1880 October 1. To T. N. Bartley, Park Hotel, Columbus, Ohio, in full: "Please accept my thanks for your valuable services, and for the information conveyed by your letter of the 22nd instant. Very truly yours". Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886), a highly successful Union Corps commander during the Civil War and a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg (1863), was the Democratic Party's candidate for President in 1880, losing very narrowly to James A. Garfield by a margin of fewer than 40,000 votes out of 9 million cast. (The Electoral Vote margin was wider, but far from a landslide: 214-155.) Hancock was Commanding General of the U.S. Army's Department of the East, headquartered on Governor's Island, from 1877 until his death. Two horizontal and one vertical fold. Lightly toned. Lightly creased. Otherwise, fine condition. - Please contact us if you have any questions or require additional information. HFSID 30325
Major General Winfield Scott Hancock - Autograph Letter Signed 01/19/1870
(WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK The Civil War commander writes to ...)
WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK The Civil War commander writes to the family doctor requesting billing information for a Mrs. Russell and his own wife Mrs. Hancock, while living in St. Paul, Minnesota Autograph letter signed: "Winfield Scott Hancock" in black ink. 2 pages, docketed on verso, 5½x8½ folded, 11x8½. January 19, 1870. St. Paul, Minnesota. Addressed to a Dr. Slanhoff. In full: "My Dear Dr. Mrs. Russell requests that you will Send her Bill Information...Mrs. Hancock also informs me that illegible which also please sent to the send at the same time". Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886), a highly successful Union Corps commander during the Civil War and a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg (1863), was the Democratic Party's candidate for President in 1880, losing very narrowly to James A. Garfield by a margin of fewer than 40,000 votes out of 9 million cast. (The Electoral Vote margin was wider, but far from a landslide: 214-155.) Hancock was Commanding General of the U.S. Army's Department of the East, headquartered on Governor's Island, from 1877 until his death. Toned. Normal mailing folds. Stained throughout. Otherwise, fine condition. - Please contact us if you have any questions or require additional information. HFSID 30340
Major General Winfield Scott Hancock - Autograph Letter Signed 06/19/1871
(WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK The Civil War commander discusses ...)
WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK The Civil War commander discusses Georgia Governor Crawford with a friend, signs his name in black ink Autograph letter signed: "William Scott Hancock" in faded black ink. 2 pages, 11½x9 flat, 5¾x9 folded. June 19, 1871. St. Paul, Minnesota. In part: "My Dear Mr. Wall, I have received and read the Huntington County...which you called my attention...I noticed what you say of Governor Crawford of Ga. ( a good old Georgia name). Also at Mr. Bunnes, State Organizer, which is good. I received the book and sent it to Mr. Gliren for examination: When returned, will give it to Gov H.H. Siley of St. Paul: He will be of great use in explaining southern states. I am ever yours". Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886), a highly successful Union Corps commander during the Civil War and a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg (1863), was the Democratic Party's candidate for President in 1880, losing very narrowly to James A. Garfield by a margin of fewer than 40,000 votes out of 9 million cast. (The Electoral Vote margin was wider, but far from a landslide: 214-155.) Hancock was Commanding General of the U.S. Army's Department of the East, headquartered on Governor's Island, from 1877 until his death. Normal mailing folds. Light surface creases. Slight ink states throughout. Very slightly soiled. Otherwise, fine condition. - Please contact us if you have any questions or require additional information. HFSID 30341
Major General Winfield Scott Hancock - Manuscript Letter With Autograph Note Signed 09/08/1883
(WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK As President of the Aztec Club, fo...)
WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK As President of the Aztec Club, for veterans of the Mexican War, Hancock endorses for membership the son of a fellow general, penning his apology for the manuscript text of the letter Manuscript Letter with Autograph Note signed: "Winfield Scott Hancock", "w. s. y.", 3 pages (integral leaf), 5x8. Governor's Island, New York, 1883 September 8. To General William. H. Emory, 1718 H Street, Washington, D.C. in full: "Your favor of the 2nd inst. was duly received. I communicated its content to Professor Coppee. I am pleased to know that you are still well and strong. With kind regards to Mrs. Emory in which Mrs. Hancock joins. I am very truly yours signature". He has penned an autograph postscript: "Please pardon the dictation. It seems necessary to arm you with a proper reply. initials" Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886), a highly successful Union Corps commander during the Civil War and a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg (1863), was the Democratic Party's candidate for President in 1880, losing very narrowly to James A. Garfield by a margin of fewer than 40,000 votes out of 9 million cast. (The Electoral Vote margin was wider, but far from a landslide: 214-155.) Hancock was Commanding General of the U.S. Army's Department of the East, headquartered on Governor's Island, from 1877 until his death. The Aztec Club was an association of Mexican War veterans, similarly in purpose to the Society of Cincinnati formed after the Revolution, and the Grand Army of the Republic, which followed the Civil War. Since Mexican war veterans included soldiers from both sides in the Civil War, the Aztec Club served the additional purpose of promoting sectional reconciliation. Hancock was President of the Aztec Club from 1881 to 1885, succeeded by former Ulysses S. Grant. General William H. Emory (1811-1887) served with distinction in the Mexican an... More information available. Please contact us if you have questions. HFSID 30292
Winfield Scott Hancock was an American soldier. He took part in the Mexican-American War, and in 10 battles during the American Civil War.
Background
Winfield Scott Hancock was born on February 14, 1824 in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, United States. He was named for Winfield Scott, already an outstanding figure in the War of 1812. His father was Benjamin Franklin Hancock, the son of Richard Hancock, a Philadelphia seaman, and his second wife, Anna Maria Nash, of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Benjamin Hancock was reared by John Roberts, a Quaker; he was at first a teacher, but was admitted to the bar in 1828, and practiced law in Norristown, Pennsylvania, for over forty years, where he had the reputation of being a well-read lawyer. His first wife was Elizabeth Hoxworth, of English descent.
Education
In Norristown in due time Hancock attended the Norristown Academy until it was merged into a high school, and showed a fondness for drill by organizing a military company among his schoolmates. He entered West Point on July 1, 1840, at the age of sixteen years and, though admittedly immature and not well grounded in his studies, graduated from the Military Academy on June 30, 1844, eighteenth in a class which had been reduced by elimination from one hundred to twenty-five members.
Among his contemporaries at West Point, who later became distinguished generals, were Grant, McClellan, Franklin, W. F. Smith, Reynolds, Rosecrans, Longstreet, Pickett, and "Stonewall" Jackson.
Career
Upon graduation, Hancock was assigned to the 6th Infantry, and after two years' service in Texas, joined General Scott's army in Mexico in time to win brevets for gallantry at the battles of Contreras and Churubusco and to take part in the assaults upon Molino del Rey and Chapultepec. There followed some fourteen years of instructive, valuable experience for Hancock - the Seminole War in Florida, the Border War in Kansas, Harney's Utah Expedition, and quartermaster duty on the Pacific Coast.
The outbreak of the Civil War found Hancock, then in his thirty-eighth year, active intellectually and physically, ripe in the experience of handling troops, and enjoying the confidence of his military superiors.
Accordingly, on General McClellan's recommendation, he was promptly made a brigadier-general of volunteers, September 23, 1861, and put to work organizing and training the newly assembled Army of the Potomac.
His brigade - the 49th Pennsylvania, 43rd New York, 5th Wisconsin, and 9th Maine regiments - was early prepared for field duty, and took a prominent part in all the battles of McClellan's Peninsular campaign, and at Crampton's Pass, South Mountain, and Antietam. In the latter decisive battle, Hancock succeeded to the command of the 16th Division, II Army Corps, and was promoted to major-general of volunteers, November 29, 1862. He commanded his new division with distinction at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. In the desperately contested battle of Chancellorsville, May 1-4, 1863, the steadiness of Hancock's division largely prevented overwhelming defeat, and he was promoted to command of the II Army Corps.
It was at Gettysburg, however, that he achieved lasting fame as one of the great soldiers of the Civil War. On the first day of the battle, it was Hancock, acting under broad discretionary powers from Meade, who virtually selected the field of Gettysburg upon which to fight and who by simulating a strongly held position on a broad front, dissuaded General Lee from attacking at once. On the second day, it was Hancock, commanding the left wing, who thwarted Lee's all but-successful attempt to turn the Federal army's flank. On July 3, it was Hancock's corps which successfully repulsed the Confederate army's desperate thrust at the Federal center.
During the battle, Hancock received a wound from which he never fully recovered. In the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, his corps again engaged in severe fighting which continued on to Appomattox; but on November 26, 1864, he was recalled to Washington and entered upon a period of recruiting.
For gallant and distinguished services in all the operations of Grant's army in Virginia, Hancock was made a brigadier-general in the Regular Army (August 12, 1864). He was appointed a major-general in the Regular Army, July 26, 1866.
During the ensuing years he personally led an expedition against hostile Indians while in command of the Central Military Department, 1867; commanded the Department of Louisiana and Texas, 1867, where his proclamation giving to civil tribunals jurisdiction over all crimes and offenses not involving forcible resistance to Federal authority failed to meet with the approval of Congress and led to his being relieved; commanded the Department of Dakota, 1870-1872, the Division of the Atlantic, 1872-1886, and finally, the Department of the East also, with headquarters at Governors Island, New York.
In the National Democratic Convention of 1868 he received, as a military hero, a large number of votes for the presidential nomination, and in 1880, at Cincinnati, he was nominated for the presidency by the Democratic party. The campaign was notable for the lack of major issues and is chiefly remembered for Hancock's undeservedly ridiculed remark, "The tariff question is a local question. " He lost the election to James A. Garfield by a small popular plurality and fifty-nine votes in the electoral college.
He died, after a very brief illness, at Governors Island and was buried with military honors at Norristown, Pennsylvania.
(WINFIELD HANCOCK The Civil War hero and Presidential cand...)
book
Politics
Hancock was a Democrat, but had absolutely no experience in politics and possessed but little knowledge of the problems of government.
Membership
Hancock was a member of the Aztec Club of 1847.
Personality
As a cadet Hancock has been described by a fellow student as "of tall, slender, and handsome person, which he bore without haughtiness or condescension. "
In later years General Grant said of Hancock: "Tall, well-formed young and fresh-looking, - he presented an appearance that would attract the attention of an army as he passed. "
Among those who knew him personally Hancock was characterized as possessing great industry, courage, ambition, lofty ideals, unfaltering loyalty to friends, and the quality of patient labor which has been called genius.
His Army colleagues called him "Hancock the Superb. "
Quotes from others about the person
In his Memoirs, General Grant said of him: "Hancock stands the most conspicuous figure of all the general officers who did not exercise a separate command. He commanded a corps longer than any other one, and his name was never mentioned as having committed in battle a blunder for which he was responsible. His personal courage and his presence with his command in the thickest of the fight, won for him the confidence of troops serving under him. "
Connections
On January 24, 1850 Hancock married Almira Russell, the daughter of a St. Louis merchant. They had a son and a daughter, both of whom died before their father.