To Ambrose E. Burnside1Jump to section
My dear Sir January 28. 1862 [1863].
Gen. Humphreys is now with me saying that you told him that you had strongly urged upon me, his, Gen. H's promotion, and that I in response had used such strong language, that you were sure his name would be sent to the Senate. I remember nothing of your speaking to me; or I to you, about Gen. H. still this is far from conclusive that nothing was said. I will now thank you to drop me a note, saying what you think is right and just about Gen. Humphreys. Yours as ever A. LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] ALS, IHi. Lincoln misdated this letter as to year. On February 14, 1863, Burnside answered as follows:
``General [Andrew A.] Humphreys is the general that behaved so gallantly at Fredericksburg, and when I spoke to you of him you said he ought to be rewarded by promotion to rank of major-general, and I hope it will be done. . . .'' (OR, I, XXI, 1006).
On March 28, 1863, Humphreys wrote Secretary Stanton asking for a court of inquiry in regard to a note of censure which he received from Major General Halleck, September 13, 1862, ``I make this request because after having been strongly recommended for promotion for services in the field by Major-General Burnside, my promotion has not taken place. . . .'' (OR, I, XIX, I, 368). Halleck endorsed this complaint with the notation that ``As General Halleck did not oppose General Humphrey's promotion, but on the contrary supported General Burnside's recommendation for such promotion, the whole motive of General Humphreys' complaints falls to the ground.'' (OR, I, LI, I, 1000). Humphreys' promotion to major general was sent to the Senate in a list under date of December 31, 1863, but was not confirmed by the Senate until May 12, 1864.