Lorenzo Thomas, Civil War Adjutant General, Writes Letter To Andrew Johnsons Private Secretary Days Before 1869 Inauguration Day

LORENZO THOMAS (1804-1875). Thomas served as Adjutant General of the Army from 1861 to 1869 and acting United States Secretary of War from 1868 to 1869. ALS. 1 pg. 8 x 10. March 1, 1869. Washington D.C. An autograph letter signed L. Thomas to Col W.G. Moore: I arrived yesterday and find myself settled. I have got two cemeteries to inspect then to collect and arrange my data and make my annual report for Congress. I think I should be placed on duty with my full pay & allowances once this work is completed. Will you please forward the case to the President, and request for me such an order. I know his time is now fully occupied. This letter was written at a time of great transition for the sender and recipient and for the country. Lorenzo Thomas was serving as Secretary of War ad interim under President Andrew Johnson. Johnsons attempt to replace Secretary of War Edwin Stanton with Thomas, in violation of the Tenure of Office Act, prompted Johnsons congressional impeachment and is a defining moment of Radical Reconstruction after the Civil War. Thomas was also still serving as Adjutant General of the Army at the time, though he resigned that position a week before this letter. William G. Moore was private secretary to President Johnson, and his notes and diary are a key component of Johnsons official papers at the Library of Congress. There is no evidence that Thomas was successful in regaining his pay and seniority, but these positions were his last in military service. However, he was awarded $6,500 from the federal government in 1871 for damages caused by the Civil War. The letter is in good condition and valuable to any student of Reconstruction.