Description:

Fillmore Millard Autograph Letter Signed “Millard Fillmore,” 2 pages, 5” x 7.75”, front and verso. Buffalo, September 21, 1861. To Dr. Cyrus Powers, nephew of his late wife Abigail.

In full, “I have this moment received your letter of the 18th inst. informing me that you have applied to the State Medical Examiners for a certificate, and contemplate offering your services as surgeon to some Regiment in the U.S. Army, and requesting of me a letter of recommendation to the appointing power, which, as I have known you long & have a favorable opinion of your professional skill, I should most cheerfully give but for the fact that, I do not interfere in any appointments.

“I have never recommended any one for office to those who have succeeded on in the administration of the government, for the reason that self respect forbids that I should ask a favor, and respect for the ‘powers that be’ forbids that I should volunteer advice to them ‾ But I deem it every man’s duty at this time to serve the country as best he can and I therefore sincerely hope that you will offer your services and be accepted. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you and Mrs. Powers again, and in the mean time make her my kindest regards and believe me, Truly yours.”


Dr. Cyrus Powers (1814-1880) was the son of Judge Cyrus Powers (1779-1841), eldest brother of First Lady Abigail Powers Fillmore (1798-1853). Abigail Powers married Millard Fillmore in Judge Powers’ home in 1826. She died on March 30, 1853, less than four weeks after leaving the White House.

Without the help of his uncle, Dr. Powers received the appointment of Assistant Surgeon in the 75th Regiment, and in 1862 that of Surgeon of the 160th Regiment. He saw service with his regiments in the field and did hospital service at New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and Portland, Maine.


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