General John W. Geary Civil War Letters,

General John W. Geary Civil War Letters, Plus Signed Promotion. David B. Hilt Collection, 1861-1862. 28th Pennsylvania Infantry; 10 items.

This small collection consists of six letters regarding the efforts of a father, Samuel R. Hilt, to obtain a commission for his son David. The most notable thing about these letters is that five of them were written by Col. John White Geary of the 28th Pennsylvania --- the man whose career in the west had already seen him serve as the last Alcalde and first Mayor of San Francisco and as governor of Bleeding Kansas and whose future included a brevet to Major General in the Union army and Governor of Pennsylvania.

The best of these letters show both the wheedling efforts of Samuel Hilt to ingratiate himself to Geary and Geary's measured response. After Hilt apparently offered to supply a stand of colors for Geary's regiment and asked for biographical information about the famous colonel, Geary responded (Oct. 11, 1861) by advising Hilt contact Capt. H.H. Wilson in Philadelphia about the flags, and suggesting he read Geary's Military and Political History.

In a second letter of the same date, however, Geary took a more paternal tone, informing Hilt that "David's conduct has been such, since he entered the Regiment as to meet my approbation, except some trifling juvenilities which I could not describe if I would. In youth we all have had a portion of its waywardness, but in his case he is rapidly assuming a generous manhood which is highly creditable to him and all concerned, and I can truly say he is becoming a soldier in every sense of the word -- brave -- generous -- honorable. I would advise, if it be practicable, that he should be promoted to a Lieutenancy on the first opportunity that offers, and if the one spoken of can be obtained, take it...."

It was not to be. In December, Geary wrote to say that there had been no opportunity for promotion in the regiment and that if there had been, all promotions "must from necessity of prescribed regulation undergo strict military examination, and candidates can only receive a commission as an officer to fill a vacancy, after passing successfully...."

Topped off with another letter from July 1862 regarding promotion and a letter of recommendation (copy) from Gov. Andrew G. Curtin to hold a captaincy for David Hilt. Hilt ended the war as Quartermaster Sergeant of the 28th. The appointment as QM Sergeant is included. The lot also features Union of the Titans paperwork housed in original envelope, addressed to David B. Hilt; letter of introduction of S.R. Hilt to George L. Thorn, dated July 22, 1862; and letter of introduction of Mrs. D.B. Hilt to General Bingham, signed by John P. Nicholson.

An interesting reflection of rank in the Union Army during the Civil War, with a collision between an overbearing parent and a tough-edged John Geary. The letters are in good condition with the exception of separation along some folds; the appointment looks well toasted and is along three edges, not quite affecting text.