Item No. 6370726

A fascinating 1868 ALS by General Winfield Scott Hancock. The General, who continued serving in the Army long after the war, had been invited to attend the dedication of a monument to the 104th Pennsylvania Volunteers in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He sent his regrets to the men of the organizing committee, including the regiment’s original colonel, William W. H. Davis. Hancock found it impossible “to lay aside my official duties here, even for the performance of that other sacred duty, the honoring of the memory of the gallant dead of my own native state.” He continued:

Pennsylvania has reason to be proud of the valor and fidelity of her troops. They sleep upon every battle-field of the Rebellion. Composed of every nationality, of every party, and of every religion, animated by the simple desire to preserve forever that wonderful form of Government which had made us a great, powerful & prosperous nation, they rushed onward. Many fell in defense of this principle, and while their memory will be forever honored, it is our duty to keep a record of their deeds, that the name of even the humblest of them all, may be preserved as an example for all future generations.

The letter was written on three pages of a 4-page bifolium stationery sheet measuring 5” x 8”. It is in very good condition with light foxing and toning. Creased at the original mail folds. There are remnants from a previous album mounting on the fourth page, and some residue previously removed left two holes in the margin of page 3. The letter was written and signed in ink in Hancock’s distinctive style. It reads:

Washington D.C.
May 22d 1868

Gentlemen,
I have received your invitation to participate in the dedication of the monument erected “to the memory of the officers and men of the 104th Pennsylvania Regiment who fell in the late war, to take place at Doylestown Pennsylvania” on the 30th inst. I have delayed an answer because I hoped that circumstances would permit me to be present. I find it impossible, however, at this time, to lay aside my official duties here, even for the performance of that other sacred duty, the honoring of the memory of the gallant dead of my own native state.

You will will assemble for a purpose which should be initiated by every volunteer Regimental organization that came to the defense of our Constitution during the late war.

The feeling which animated you is founded in the purest and most patriotic motives, and spring also from that soldierly Esprit de Corps which never failed to make a good Regimental, Brigade or higher organization. It is because of the magnificent reputation of your command that its survivors are now seeking to perpetuate its fame.

Pennsylvania has reason to be proud of the valor and fidelity of her troops. They sleep upon every battle-field of the Rebellion. Composed of every nationality, of every party, and of every religion, animated by the simple desire to preserve forever that wonderful form of Government which had made us a great, powerful & prosperous nation, they rushed onward. Many fell in defense of this principle, and while their memory will be forever honored, it is our duty to keep a record of their deeds, that the name of even the humblest of them all, may be preserved as an example for all future generations.

When we assemble to do honor to their memory, let us also determine to finish the work they left to us, by restoring friendship, harmony, & fraternal relations to the Country for whose preservation they fell. In so doing the living will erect the most enduring monument to the memory of the dead, the affection of a united and happy people.

I am very Respectfully
Yours
Winf. S. Hancock
Maj. Gen. U.S.A.

To
Mr. W. W. H. Davis, Mahlon Yardley, Henry P. Ross, George T. Harvey, James B. Hendried, Henry T. Darlington, George Lean, continued, &c., &c.