JOHN E. WOOL, (1784-1869), US Army Officer who served for more than 50 years, fighting in the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the Civil War; Inspector General of the Army, 1816-1841; When the Civil War began, he was 77 years old, the oldest General on either side of the war, and the oldest General to see active service in the War; In 1862, after Wool led the capture of Norfolk, Va, President Lincoln promoted him to a full Major General in the Regular Army. On Aug. 1, 1863, Lincoln issued an order retiring him after 51 years service, an action which dismayed Wool, as he considered himself still fit for active duty, at age 79, and protested the order to no avail.
Scarce autograph letter signed (ALS), 1 pg., approx. 7-3/4" x 9-7/8", dated Inspector General's Office, Philadelphia, Apr. 2, 1827, and signed "John E. Wool, Brigadier & Insp -Genl., U.S. Army".
The letter is to Captain T. J. Baird, Ordnance Department, Frankford Arsenal, Pa., and was mailed as a folded letter with PHIL postmark, "FREE" handstamp, and with Wool's free frank signature as Inspector General of the Army: "John E. Wool, Brigadier & Insp-Genl., U.S. Army'. Addressed in his hand to Capt. Baird (Thomas J. Baird, 1795-1842, an 1814 graduate of West Point, he served in the War of 1812, and primarily in command of various arsenals until he resigned from the army in 1828).
The letter reads:
"Sir,
I have just arrived in Philadelphia. Previous to the inspection of the Arsenal, and public property under your command, I wish to see you at my quarters; you will therefore call on me tomorrow morning, as early [as] practicable, and bring with you the inventories of the public property.
Respectfully
Your obed. Servt.
John E. Wool
Brigadier & Insp-Genl.
U.S. Army
At Miss Boyd's
(corner of 7th & Chestnut)
To
Capt Baird
Frankford
Ordnance Dept."
Very Fine condition.
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