Description:

War of 1812 Veteran, Capt. John Culbertson, Correspondence Re: Appointment

A group of seven letters spanning 1821-1835, related to the military career of War of 1812 veteran, Captain John C. Culbertson (1791-1868). John Craighead Culbertson was born in Pennsylvania in 1791. Just months prior to the start of the War of 1812, Culbertson enlisted in the Army as a private and was mustered into the 22nd Infantry Regiment, under the command of fellow Pennsylvanian, Colonel Hugh Brady. During the War of 1812, the 22nd participated in several prominent engagements, including the Battles of Chippawa and Niagara Falls (also known as Lundy's Lane). It was during the latter that Culbertson was wounded. Throughout his service, Culbertson earned a reputation as a competent and meritorious soldier, respected by all. The letters in this archive focus on the years following the war, during which the army was reduced and many veterans were discharged from the service. Culbertson was one of the soldiers who lost his position, and these letters track his attempts to gain a new position through recommendations from his peers. The lot even contains a letter signed by Secretary of War and political firebrand, John C. Calhoun.

The earliest letter dates from June 6, 1821, and is written by Jonathan Kearsley, who at the time held the position of Receiver of Public Monies in Detroit. Kearsley writes, in part: "...I have no hesitation in declaring my belief that from 1812, when you entered the military service of our country as an Ensign to the present time I have never known or heard of any imputation against your character as a gentleman or an officer - on the contrary, during the war when we served in the same division of the army, I do know that at all times you were held in the highest estimation by Col. Brady and others your superiors in the, then, 22d Regt. of Infy. Your wounds received in the field of action must be known to the War Dept., and to these I well know Col. Brady will bear ample testimony..."

Another letter in support for Culbertson's reinstatement came from War of 1812 veteran Lewis Cass, written while serving as 2nd Territorial Governor of Michigan, and addressed to Major General Jacob Brown. Dated June 6, 1821, and reading in part: "That unexceptionable selection should have been made in all cases, in the recent reduction of the army was not to have been expected. But it is particularly unfortunate that Capt. Culbertson is among the officers, who are compelled to abandon the military profession. He is said, by all who know him, to be one of the most valuable officers of his grade now in our service. His reputation is high and unimpeached, and I cannot but request your inference to procure his restoration in the Army…"

Additional letters include the following: one letter written by Lt. Col. William Lawrence, 2nd Infantry Regiment, to General Thomas S. Jesup [June 8, 1821]; one letter written by an unidentified Colonel to Major General Brown [June 16, 1821]. Captain Culbertson made his own entreaty for reinstatement writing on July 29, 1821, to his friend Colonel George Gibson, Commissary General of Subsistence, stating that he has applied personally to Secretary of War Calhoun for an appointment to the sutler position with the Regiment at Baton Rouge, and asking Gibson to follow-up with Calhoun about the appointment. Culbertson's wish was granted as he was appointed Sutler to the 1st Infantry in Baton Rouge on August 1821. However, in a letter dated April 30, 1822, written by a secretary but signed "J.C. Calhoun," the Secretary of War informs Culbertson that he desires him to accept an appointment with a different Battalion stationed at a remote outpost on the Red River.

The final letter in the collection is dated February 14, 1835, and is an interesting, slightly accusatory inquiry from Roger Jones, Adjutant General US Army. Jones inquires as to how and why the Sutler for Fort Snelling is residing in Cincinnati, writing in part: "The Secretary of War…desires me to inquire whether it is your intention, as Sutler to Fort Snelling, to reside at the Post as required by the Regulation, and if so, at what probably time it may be expected you will proceed there?" Jones ends the communication with a mildly hostile accusation, writing, "You will please to communicate also, the authority which now permits you to reside away from the Post for which you are the Sutler."

Documents are generally in good condition with expected wear, toning, and flattened mail folds. Some separations at the folds and small areas of chipping, with minor loss along edge line or at folds. Light staining or dampsoiling.

After the War of 1812, the United States undertook the immense task of building up its military forces. In 816, Congress approved a major naval expansion bill, and the Republican-led government pursued peacetime military expansion. However, by 1821, government interest in the military began to wane, and sharp reductions in staff and manpower were ordered. The Army, which had grown to the size of nearly 13,000 strong, was harshly scaled back to pre-War of 1812 numbers - re-established at 6,200 men. John C. Calhoun proposed numerous reforms and modernizations to the military during his tenure as Secretary of War but was frequently met with inaction by Congress.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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