Two O.O. Howard Letters Concerning Bowdoin College

OLIVER OTIS HOWARD (1830-1909). Howard, a Union general, fought at First Manassas, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, where he was in charge for a short time. At Seven Pines, he lost an arm and was awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1865, he was chosen to head the Freeman’s Bureau and later was superintendent of West Point. Howard University in Washington, D.C. is named in his honor. ALS. 1pg. 5” x 8”. July 25, 1888. San Francisco. An autograph letter signed “O.O. Howard Major General U.S. Army” on “Headquarters Division of the Pacific” stationery. He wrote to “The Secretary of Bowdoin College” in Maine: “Dear Sir, The newspapers report that the degree of L.L.D. was conferred upon me by the college. Will you kindly give me the usual official notification. I thought, perhaps, you would not know my address.” TLS. 1pg. 8” x 10”. April 1, 1892. Governor’s Island. A typed letter signed “Oliver Otis Howard” to Franklin M. Drew of Lewiston, Maine; Drew was a Maine lawyer, Civil War veteran and the secretary of the board of trustees and ex-officio member of the board of overseers of Bowdoin College: “Being very grateful for the honor conferred upon me by the election to a trusteeship of Bowdoin College, and especially so far for the most courteous and friendly terms in which you convey the tidings, I am glad to accept the same. I fear that I cannot give much attention to the Institution during the remaining two years of my active army life. After that I shall, in a measure, be my own master, and will endeavor or to ponder the needs and the duties which the office devolves upon me, and act accordingly.”. The letter has mailing folds, the upper right corner is folded over, and it is in fine condition with a large autograph.