Washburn, Henry D.

Henry D. Washburn
S1368
February 1, 1865
1 folder

Manuscript & Rare Books Division
Indiana State Library

Finding Aid by: Nikki Stoddard Schofield, October 2011

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Biographical Note:

Henry Dana Washburn, born March 28, 1832, was a U.S. Representative from Indiana and general for the Union Army during the Civil War. Washburn enrolled as Lieutenant Colonel the 18th Indiana Infantry Veteran Volunteers.. Promoted to Colonel on July 15, 1862. Appointed Brigadier General by Brevet on Dec. 15, 1864. Promoted to Major General by Brevet on July 18, 1865. Mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service. Following the Civil War, Washburn served as U.S. Representative from 1865 to 1868. After a career in politics, was appointed surveyor general of Montana in 1869 where he served until his death. In 1870, Washburn headed an expedition to find the headwaters of the Yellowstone River and discovered what is now known as Yellowstone Park (Mount Washburn, Mont., is named after him). Washburn returned to Clinton, Vermillion County, Ind., where he died on January 26, 1871. He was interred at Riverside Cemetery.

Source:

Indiana State Digital Archives. http://www.digitalarchives.in.gov/ViewRecord.aspx?RID=BCC1E70A0744A2EB2218C0D1140FB30D. 10/14/2011.
Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=W000172. 10/14/2011.

Scope and Content Note

The collection contains one letter written in Savannah, Georgia, dated February 1, 1865. In the letter, Col. Washburn recommends Dr. James K. Bigelow, surgeon with the 8th Indiana Infantry Veteran Volunteers, for brevet promotion. Dr. Bigelow entered the service on April 23rd, 1861, and served three months in Western Virginia.  Col. Washburn has known Dr. Bigelow since August 1861. Dr. Bigelow served in the battles of Pea Ridge, Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson (Mississippi), Fisher’s Hill and Cedar Creek, Virginia. Washburn noted Dr. Bigelow’s “attainments as a Surgeon are excellent.”  

Photocopying Policy:

Manuscript materials CANNOT be photocopied or digitized in their entirety. Photocopies and/or digital images cannot exceed 25% of a collection or a folder within a collection. In some cases, photocopying may not be permitted due to the condition of the item. Check with a Manuscript Librarian for other options.

Item Listing:

Feb. 1, 1865 Letter – Henry Washburn to C.M. Stanton

Collection Information

Size of Collection: 1 folder, 1 letter
Collection Dates: February 1, 1865.
Provenance: Unknown
Access : The collection is open for research use
Restrictions: None.
Reproduction Rights: Permission to reproduce, exhibit, or publish material in this collection must be obtained from the Manuscript Section, Indiana State Library.
Language: Materials are entirely in English.
Alternate Formats: None
Related Holdings: 
Notes: