Item 31: Letter from James K. Polk to Lewis Cass, 1832 January 14
Item — Box: 9, Folder: 31
Dates
- Created: 1832 January 14
Creator
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Some of the name and subject authority tags have been assigned by educated guessing and estimation of persons and subjects by region, age, profession, and familial relationships. They have been thoroughly researched by using primary and secondary sources available digitally, and named in each description, or in some cases linked directly to the person tag.
Access:
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Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
Letter.
Measurements:
11 ⅛ in. x 8 ½ in. (closed); 16 in. x 11 ⅛ in. (open)
Description:
The following item depicts a letter, dated January 14, 1832, written by James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States, to Lewis Cass, an American politician who would serve as Secretary of State under James Buchanan during his presidency in 1857. In the letter, Polk is requesting attention concerning the due pension of one of his constituents, Solomon Campbell, a soldier during the Revolutionary war. He states that the listing on the muster rolls attest to Campbell’s service but due to being named among the dead of his infantry, his identity has been challenged. Polk is testifying to the proof of his identity and requesting Cass to see to the deliverance of his pension.
Location:
Washington, D. C.
Condition Note:
Good.
Transcription:
Washington City
Jan[uar]y 14th 1832
Sir
I beg leave to call your attention to the case of
Solomon Campbell, a soldier of the Revolution, who applies
for a pension. His papers are one file in your office. His
proof I understand is entirely satisfactory, and such as to
bring him within the provisions of the existing pension
terms — The only difficulty in his case seems to be, that he is noted
on the muster rolls as among those who died in the Service.
This I am satisfied must have been a mistake, and it is submitted
whether such an entry is of itself of such high authority, - as
to preclude the positive testimony of credible infantry as to his
identity, and that he is still living. Such proof accompanied
by his such declarations under oath, he has not closed. If the
entry on the rolls, be not conclusive, but only —-(?) inducement,
and paid proof can be admitted to explain or contradict it, then
I ask that his case may be reconsidered; and that if found
entitled a pension may be granted to him. I know Mr. Campbell
personally and from the character which he sustains in his
neighborhood, and ^I have no hesitation in saying that I would
give full credit to any statement he would make on oath.
[Page Two]
He has sworn positively that he is the person whence he respects himself to be and that he did perform the service stated by him during the revolution, and I believe him. His own statement is correlated and sustained by the oath of several other credible witnesses, when depositions accompany his declarations on file in your office. When his case shall have been re-examined, be pleased to advise me of your decision upon it.
Very Respectfully Hon[orable] Lewis Cass Y[or]r Abt [Absolute] & Very Hon[orabl]e Sev[an]t Secretary of War James K Polk. Washington City
{cover} Hon[orable] J. K. Polk Ans[wre]d Jan[uar]y 1832
Hon[ora]ble Lewis Cass Secretary of War Washington City.
claim all[owe]d Jan 1832.
Along side of page: Jan[uar]y. 18. 1832 Pension Officer
[Page Two]
He has sworn positively that he is the person whence he respects himself to be and that he did perform the service stated by him during the revolution, and I believe him. His own statement is correlated and sustained by the oath of several other credible witnesses, when depositions accompany his declarations on file in your office. When his case shall have been re-examined, be pleased to advise me of your decision upon it.
Very Respectfully Hon[orable] Lewis Cass Y[or]r Abt [Absolute] & Very Hon[orabl]e Sev[an]t Secretary of War James K Polk. Washington City
{cover} Hon[orable] J. K. Polk Ans[wre]d Jan[uar]y 1832
Hon[ora]ble Lewis Cass Secretary of War Washington City.
claim all[owe]d Jan 1832.
Along side of page: Jan[uar]y. 18. 1832 Pension Officer
Creator
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu