Title:
Fitz John Porter – Autograph Letter Signed (ALS), October 11, 1896 – Post Office New York Letterhead Offers Mexican War Veteren References! PSA LOA (Cert. #AR02382)

Description:
Offered here is an Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Fitz John Porter, dated October 11, 1896, written on official Post Office New York, N.Y., First Division, Cashier’s Office letterhead. The letter is entirely handwritten and signed in full:

“F. J. Porter
Maj. Genl. U.S.A.”

The letter is addressed to Joseph Dana Miller, Esq. and reads in full:

Post Office New York, N.Y.
First Division, Cashier’s Office
October 11th ’96

Joseph Dana Miller, Esq.
Dear Sir,

I have your letter of the 30th Sept. kindly sent me and assure you I will do all in my power to aid you in your good work. Though I must acknowledge I am in great (?.?.?)by sickness and mental and bodily work which engrosses my time.

I suggest that you communicate with Gen’l Z.B. Towns(?), Cohassat, Mass., who knows much of the Mexican war and has much astute experience in it of interest & value.

I have no picture of myself of old date and nothing but photographs since 1862. I will send you with pleasure what I have & as soon as I can what manuscript I can prepare for you.

I wish you success in your work.

Yours truly
F. J. Porter
Maj. Genl. U.S.A.

Gen. John P. Hatch U.S.A.
No. Castle
103rd St.
New York — is a veteran of the Mexican war.
I can give you good references.

The letter displays typical age toning, light creasing, and edge wear consistent with late 19th-century correspondence. The bold engraved letterhead enhances its visual appeal and institutional provenance.

Historical Context:
Fitz John Porter (1822–1901) was a United States Army officer who served with distinction in the Mexican–American War and later as a Union general during the American Civil War. He is perhaps best remembered for his controversial court-martial following the Second Battle of Bull Run (1862), where he was accused of disobedience and misconduct. Decades of advocacy and review ultimately led to the reversal of the charges and restoration of his military reputation in 1886, when he was reinstated and later retired as a colonel.

By 1896, Porter was an aging but respected veteran, frequently corresponding with historians and veterans regarding recollections of the Mexican War and Civil War. His reference in this letter to the lack of photographs since 1862 is historically poignant, marking the year of his court-martial and removal from command.

The mention of General John P. Hatch, another veteran of the Mexican War and Union general during the Civil War, further situates this correspondence within the network of surviving 19th-century military leadership reflecting on earlier campaigns.

This ALS offers a rare late-life glimpse into Porter’s personal reflections, health, and willingness to assist historical inquiry, written nearly 35 years after the Civil War.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Accompanied by a full PSA Letter of Authenticity dated February 6, 2026, certification number AR02382. PSA has authenticated the signature of Fitz John Porter. The LOA provides professional third-party verification and long-term collecting assurance.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
A historically significant late-19th-century ALS from one of the Civil War’s most controversial and ultimately vindicated Union generals, this Fitz John Porter letter combines strong content, attractive official letterhead, and PSA authentication. Its references to the Mexican War, Civil War veterans, and Porter’s own legacy make it a compelling acquisition for advanced collectors of American military history.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.