Autograph letter signed, “John H. Allen,” four pages on a bifolium, written from Camp Franklin, Tenn., March 19, 1863, to Dr. Githens. Accompanied by the sender’s later Grand Army of the Republic calling card identifying him as “Late Assistant Surgeon 10th and 118th Illinois Infantry.” A substantial and highly readable Union Army medical officer’s letter written during the Tullahoma Campaign period, combining commentary on military affairs, partisan politics, conditions in Middle Tennessee, and the influence of patronage in obtaining army medical appointments. Writing from Camp Franklin near Nashville, Allen reports recent excitement in the department and refers to Confederate cavalry activity under Van Dorn, noting that Union troops were nearly called into action. He offers pointed opinions on military leadership, praising General Benjamin Prentiss Granger, then commanding at Franklin, and expressing hope that General Charles Champion Gilbert might be removed from command after reports that the Senate had refused to confirm his nomination. The letter is particularly rich in political observations. Allen blames Southern civilians for supporting secession and remarks that wealthy residents are being impoverished by the war, adding that he has little sympathy for their plight. In a striking passage, he advocates confiscating rebel property for government use, declaring that he would “take every thing they have got from a chicken to the negro,” while condemning Northern “Copperheads” as more harmful to the Union cause than Confederate leaders themselves. Of special interest is Allen’s discussion of army medical service and patronage. He informs Dr. Githens that the regiment’s current surgeon is expected to resign, states that the position would likely suit the recipient, and reports that Major Broaddues (or Broaddus) would use his influence to secure the appointment should Githens accept a surgeoncy with the regiment. Such references provide valuable insight into the informal networks through which many wartime medical appointments were pursued. In part: “Dr. Fowler our Surgeon I think will resign before long… Major Broaddues sends his regards to you, and if you will accept of a position as Surgeon of our regiment he will use all of his influence for you…” A desirable Civil War medical and military letter combining firsthand observations from occupied Tennessee with commentary on Union command politics, anti-Copperhead sentiment, and the practical realities of securing a regimental surgeon’s commission. Accompanied by the author’s GAR identification card, providing later-life attribution and veteran provenance. Condition: Folded as mailed, with expected light toning, minor wear, and a few separations at folds; handwriting strong and fully legible. Overall very good.
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March 19th 1863 Letter from John K. Allen to Dr. Githens: Camp Franklin, Tenn. March 19th 1863 Dr Githens Yours of the 8th of March came to hand yesterday. Was pleased to hear from you. It is always a pleasure to me to get letters from friends in America — there has been considerable excitement here since we came. And one disaster to our troops, which of course you have seen an account of in the papers — we were not ordered out until the fight was over although we were in hearing all the time fine Military Strategy!! It seems to me that some of our military men are trying to see how long they can protract the war. Everything seems to be quiet here now, but we may kick up a breeze with Van Dorn at most any time, as he is not very far off. Gen Granger is commanding here now and things move off some better than when Gilbert was in command...and they would do much better if Gilbert would leave us. He is still in command of our division. We heard today that the Senate had refused to confirm his nomination. His entire division would be glad if that is the fact. This is a most beautiful country. As fine as I have ever seen. And if it was inhabited by white people and Loyal men it would almost be a paradise. The peach trees is (sic) in full bloom, and the flowers are out, and everything in nature looks cheerful, but the fate of war has laid a heavy hand on this country a good many wealthy men have been made poor. And if the war continues much longer they will all be reduced to poverty, (God grant how soon). I have no sympathy for them they brought the sin on their own heads and let them bear it. The sooner they are reduced to poverty the sooner the war will be over. My motto is take everything they have got from a chicken to the negro — I would not have the men steal it, for that would soon demoralize them, but I would have officers appointed to take everything they have got and apply it to government use. — You folks in the North seem to be in a bad fix. Why don't you hang every one of those Copperheads. They are doing more harm to the government than the Armys (sic) of Jeff. Davis. If they were here we would soon get them out of the way. I tell you when the soldiers get hold of them there will be rattling among the dry bones — Dr Jorden our Surgeon I think will resign before long. He has not been with us since we left Nashville. He is not able to be in the field, and I don't think he will for some time to come, and there is the place for the Surgeon to be. I think there is no doubt but he will resign. I think the chances for you would be good. If the place is vacant at any time I will let you know. Major Bro_dders sends his regards to you, and if you will except [accept] of a position as Surgeon of our regiment he will use all of his influence for you. Give my regards to the old friends in Keokuk — let me hear from you often. Fraternally Yours John K Allen
