(1805-1867) Union brigadier general, commander of the Benton Barracks then sent to New York for an unknown mission before he was appointed the commander of the District of St. Louis by John M. Schofield, holding this post from June to October 1863. Historic content A.L.S. 3pp. 4to., New York, Oct. 19, 1863, in which Strong tenders his resignation from the army to Genl. Henry L. Halleck. In small part: ‘…I left St. Louis on 10th Inst. on a short sick leave…I have now been absent from my family and all oversight of my private affairs for a period of more than two years…This long neglect of my private affairs makes it imperative that I should give them my personal oversight and care. I have therefore felt constrained from a sense of duty to ask to be relieved from all further service under the commission I now hold as Brig. Genl. U.S. Vols. and have to day transmitted my resignation to the Secretary of War requesting that it take effect immediately…I cannot take this step which severs my official relation from you and from them all without expressing to you my grateful thanks…I have endeavored to be faithful…The continuance of the war for now nearly two years and a half has multiplied to an almost indefinite extent General Officers who can take my place…’. Strong’s resignation was confirmed the following day and, in November 1863, he returned to New York where he communicated with Stanton on the enlistment of Black troops and workers. Marked ‘unofficial’ at top, boldly penned and expertly tipped to a larger sheet, fine condition.