Item No. 1920274

This is an 1843-dated secretarial copy of a letter from Lorenzo Thomas, adjutant general of the Army, to the commander of the corps topographical engineers Colonel John J. Abert. In it Thomas discusses the apparent filing of charges against Captain Thomas J. Cram by Lieutenant Joseph D. Webster, stating that the case had “been laid before the General-in-Chief,” Winfield Scott. “The Commanding General is of opinion that the only result of a trial would be expense and inconvenience to the public,” Thomas states. “He therefore declines ordering a court for the trial of Capt. Cram.” What the offense was is not known, but perhaps worthy of additional research. During 1843 Cram had worked along the Ohio River near Louisville on a project for improved river navigation that was never adopted.

The letter reads:

Adjutant General’s Office
Washington, Sept. 5th 1843

Sir
The charges preferred by Lt. Webster against Captain Cram, both of the Topographical Engineers, have been laid before the General-in-Chief.

The Commanding General is of opinion that the only result of a trial would be expense and inconvenience to the public. He therefore declines ordering a court for the trial of Capt. Cram.

Please communicate this decision to the parties interested.
I am Sir
Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
L. Thomas
Asst. Adjt. Genl.

Col. J. J. Abert
Topl. Engrs.

The letter was written on one side of a letter sheet measuring about 7 3/4” x 9 5/8”. It is briefly docketed on the reverse. Excellent condition with light toning. Creased at the original folds.