McKinley Writes of His Civil War Service

Typed letter signed, “W McKinley”, with handwritten post-script, to Wm. H. Clark, West Somerville Mass., concerning Clark's Civil War service.

Canton Ohio: June 8, 1896.

Price: $500.00


About the item

One page. 1 vols. 8vo. McKinley Writes of His Civil War Service. The letter, mounted on a backing sheet, shows old folds and frayed edges, not affecting text--the sort of wear it might have received by being carried in one's pocket, and frequently displayed.

Item #26899

The letter reads: “My dear Sir: Your kind letter of the 5th inst. is very much appreciated by me. I have examined your discharge paper and have no doubt at all that the signature is mine. Yes, I recollect Major Lewis. He was indeed a noble man. I return to you your discharge paper, thinking you may value it. Yours very truly, W. McKinley”.

Beneath this, McKinley has penned: “I was A.A.A.G. [Acting Assistant Adjutant General?] on Genl Crooks staff [word unclear] Dept West Va on Feb 10 1865, and I undoubtedly issued the order”.

McKinley, having served two successful terms as Governor of Ohio, was at the time preparing to attend the Republican Party Convention, which opened at St. Louis a scant week later, on June 16. Thanks to the effective pre-convention efforts of Mark Hanna, McKinley was elected the GOP nominee on the first ballot, and defeated Bryan for the Presidency that November.

A brief but intriguing look at one facet of McKinley's war service.