Item Description: Copy of Union General John Gray Foster’s 14 April 1863 Order commending the troops, enclosed in a 17 April 1863 letter written to William L. Whitney of Cambridge, Massachusetts from his son in the Union army stationed at Washington, N.C.
[Item transcription available below images.]
Item Citation: From Folder 51 of the Federal Soldiers’ Letters #3185, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Item Transcription:
General Order Apr. 14th 1863 Head Quarters Washington N.C. The Comdg Gen. announces to the garrison of the town that he is about to leave for a brief time the gallant soldiers & sailors of the garrison – Brig. Gen. Potter will remain in command, and in him the Comdg. Gen. has the most perfect confidence as a brave and able soldier. The Commander of the naval forces remains unchanged therefore that arm of the defense will be as effective & perfect as