1851 Signed Letter From General Thomas S. Jessup, Quartermaster General. SOLD

Description

Signed Letter From General Thomas S. Jessup, Quartermaster General. Written from his office in Washington, D.C., the Quartermaster General writes this January 7th, 1851, to Major George H. Crosman, QtrMtr. at Philadelphia, concerning the request for guards at the Schuylkill Arsenal, Pa.  The letter had gone through proper channels; to General Jessup, and then on to the Adjutant General, as quoted, ” This subject has been duly considered, & although a guard no doubt is required for the objects expressed within, the General-in -Chief regrets that the very reduced strength of the company organization will not justify a detail to be made from the company at Fort Mifflin (Delaware River, below Phila.).  The garrisons are so small every where as to render it necessary not to diminish the companies at any of the post.”  Jessup mentions that he expressly doubted the safety of the Schuylkill Arsenal, “no danger whatever to be apprehended.”

What may have precipitated safety concerns by Major Crosman is unknown. Perhaps some in-depth research may give that answer. I don’t believe the Slave and States Rights issue had yet come to the forefront.

Thomas Sidney Jesup (December 16, 1788 – June 10, 1860) was a career army officer known as the “Father of the Modern Quartermaster Corps”. He began his service in the Infantry until 1817, the as Lt. Col. he was with the Adjutant General’s Department. Jessup was promoted to Brigadier General in 1818, as was the QM General from then on.  His 52-years in military service was one of the longest in United States Army history.  He saw service in the War of 1812, Seminole Wars, and Mexican War.

Gen. Jessup passed while  in office at Washington, D.C., June 10, 1860 at 72 years of age.

George Hampton Crosman  USMA Class of 1823, entered service as a 2nd Lt. in the 3rd Infantry; obtained the rank of captain in 1838, having been given quartermaster duties in various regiments. Major Asst.QM, 1847, Lt.Col. Dept. QM, 1856, Col. and Asst QM in 1863, retired in 1866. Brevets for gallant conduct at Battle of Palo Alto, Tex.. brigadier and major general for faithful and meritorious service during the war.  He died  28 May, 1882.

The document is in excellent condition. Some light pencil annotation in a few areas, easily removed.