James Saunders to John Bell

Letter

Patrick Henry's Red Hill

Name/Title

James Saunders to John Bell

Entry/Object ID

2023.15

Description

Ink on woven paper. Three-page, front and back letter on a single piece of paper. Folded several times. Written by James Saunders to Secretary of War John Bell, recommending Alexander Spotswood Henry for the position of superintendent of the armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Remnants of a wax seal still exist on the outer page.

Transcription

[Page 1] Dear Sir, Lynchburg Mar. 23 – 1841. I have understood That my friend and fellow townsman Capt AS Henry has made or is about to make to the Depart-ment over which you preside, application of the appointment of Superintendent of the Armory at Harper’s Ferry in Virginia – and I beg leave, unknown to you as I am, to offer to you my humble testimony in his behalf. Capt Henry is The son of Patrick Henry; and has inherited his father’s ardent patriotism and his sound principles. He is a man of lofty honor and incorruptible integrity, and he unites with those traits of character ull_t judgement and energetic habits of industry. Capt Henry was as prompt to serve his country in times that “tried men’s souls” as he is willing to serve it now in less arduous and more profitable labors. In the beginning of the late war with England he was appointed a Captain of artillery; and was known as a most valuable army munitions officer until its termination. He possesses, or ought to possess you will perceive, an ____mental knowledge of arms, of arms, I mean in the mechanical sense of the term as in other reports? (over) [Page 2] If good judgement, business habits, energetic industry, an elevated reputation for integrity and honor, ardent patriotism, and a jealous devotion to sound political principles. Those principles alone upon which rest the safety and perpetuity of our Institutions, can be any guaranty [sic] for a faithful and advantageous discharge of official duties. Those who best know him would feel no want of confidence in Capt Henry’s acquitting himself with honor to himself and satisfaction to the appointing power, should it be your pleasure to confer the appointment upon him. In a word, Sir, while I beg pardon for the _____ of my humble recommendation, I assure you I do not mean, nor am conscious of, any ______ eulogy when I declare that I do not believe there is a man in Virginia who would discharge the duties of the office in question better, or more to the satisfaction of the department, and of the country, than Capt Henry would discharge them. It is no more to justice to him to say – and I say it in the freedom and frankness of an American citizen in addressing A public functionary, whether my testimony is worth something or nothing – That Capt Henry is very _____ _____ fitted and qualified for the appointment he is a candi- [Page 3] -date for. Be pleased to accept my grateful consideration for your distinguished public service – more particularly? for some able army official instrumentalist in bringing about that recent glorious communication which I have no doubt will again make us a happy and prosperous people. – I Thank you most cordially for having so zealously and vigorously appointed to disperse the “Goths and Vandals from Rome” _____ and his lordes are scattered, and some will be swept from the face of the Earth. And most cordially T__ I think [sic] you, for I feel a deep intense on? (cut off page) his behalf, to consider the claims of my friend and fellow townsman ___ to the appointment he is a candidate for Yr. Mo. Obh __ __ James Saunders [Addressed] John Bell ESQ. SEC. of War, Washington City The care of The REVD. Mr. Dupuy Lynchburg Mar 24 3 March 28. S163. March 31, 1841 Ordinance office. A.S. Henry

Language

English

Dimensions

Width

10 in

Length

15-3/4 in

Provenance

Notes

This letter was written by James Saunders to Secretary of War John Bell, recommending Alexander Spotswood Henry (1788-1854) as the next superintendent of the Harpers Ferry Armory. Alexander Spotswood Henry was the sixth son of Patrick and Dorothea Henry, born on June 2, 1788 at Pleasant Grove in Prince Edward County, Virginia. As a young man, Alexander inherited half of Saura Town lands, selling it to his brother-in-law George Winston. According to Herbert B. Hawes, he was "of literary habits, with no work apparent to the general run of people." In fact, Alexander never seemed to hold a steady job, which created a running joke that if one were not employed, they were "clerking for Capt. Henry." Alexander married Paulina Cabell on February 10, 1814. He died on January 6, 1864 and was buried at Red Hill, leaving behind twelve children. John Bell (1796-1869) was a Tennessean antebellum era planter and politician who served in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He was also a speaker of the House for the 23rd Congress and was the Secretary of War during the William Henry Harrison Administration in 1841. Known as the “Great Apostate” for his constantly shifting political views in the years leading up the Civil War, Bell initially opposed the expansion of slavery and was against the concept of southern succession. This changed after the battle of Fort Sumter where he chose to support the Confederacy. Harpers Ferry was an armory in the early 19th century serving as a site of weaponry and a transportation port, hosting a ferry service and close proximity to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This location earned it the name of, “The best strategic point in the whole South.” In 1859, the site held the historically significant event of John Brown’s Raid in what was the armory's engine house. When this letter was written, the previous superintendent, Edward Lucas, lost his position at Harpers Ferry in 1841 with the election of William Henry Harrison as president. Alexander Henry applied but lost out to Henry Craig, who was said to be more qualified. Alexander would die a year later. This letter was purchased by PHMF from an eBay seller on February 20, 2023.