Henry Wager Halleck was a senior United States Army officer, scholar, and lawyer. A noted expert in military studies, he was known by a nickname that became derogatory: "Old Brains". He was an important participant in the admission of California as a state and became a successful lawyer and land developer. Halleck served as the General-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States from 1862 to 1864, and then became Chief of Staff for the remainder of the war when Ulysses S. Grant was appointed to that position.
Washington Washington, August 15, 1863. Col. C. R. LowE 1, Jr., Commanding Cavalry: It is reported on authority which appears reliable that White is in the vicinity of Dranesville with…
CORINTH CORINTH, August 17, 1863. General HURLBUT: One of General Dodge’s scouts just returned reports no change since his last report, except that Walker’s division of Johnston’s army has been…
Washington, D. C. Washington, D. C., September 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, GENERAL : It gives me great pleasure to forward the inclosed appointment of major-general of volunteers.…
Beverly Beverly, September 18, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Commanding Depariment: My scouts left Crab Bottom the day before yesterday at 4 o’clock . m. Jenkins was there with…
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., October 15, 1863. (Received 11 p. m.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HAuLeck, General-in-Chief: I have ordered Colonel Boyd, with eight companies of cavalry, to Sharpsburg. No…
HAGERSTOWN, MDp. HAGERSTOWN, MDp., October 19, 1863. (Received War Department 4 p. m.) Colonel SHARPE, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: I am satisfied that Longstreet’s corps has returned from Bragg…
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, October 23, 1863. Major-General GILLMORE, Department of the South: GENERAL: Yours of the 17th and 18th instant are received. All conscripts from States represented in…
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, November 19, 1863. Major-General GILLMORE, Comdg. Dept. of the South: GENERAL: The Secretary of the Treasury has submitted to the War Department various letters of…
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, November 20, 1863. GENERAL: No action has been taken on your application in regard to the transfer of the troops from North Carolina to your…
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, November 26, 1863. Major-General GILLMORE, Department of the South: My Dear GENERAL: Your dispatches by Major Brooks were laid before the President, but he has…
PRIVATE. } EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, D. C., December 21, 1863. Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR: My Dear Sir: Sending a note to the Secretary of the Navy, as I romised, he…
New CREEK New CREEK, May 6, 1864. General B. F. KELuey: By order of General Halleck, the Fourth Virginia Infantry will arrive at Parkersburg to-morrow, and is directed to report…
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Tazewell County, Va., May 8, 1864. Capt. G. W. McoVICKER, “e Commanding Third West Virginia Cavalry: Sir: You will immediately proceed with your command to one mile…
ANNAPOLIS, Mp. ANNAPOLIS, Mp., May 13, 1864. (Received 12.45 p. m.) Hon. E. M. STANTON: I have no doubt that a volunteer militia force of two or three regiments could…
CHIEF OF THE RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, May 19, 1864. AND Washington: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFIOR, 13.99. The work of preparing the records of the war for public use…
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, September 6, 1864. Major-General CANBY, New Orleans: GENERAL: Lieutenant-General Grant directs that all the sick and detailed men of the part of the Nineteenth Corps…
Washington, January 3, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: GENERAL: In compliance with the instructions of the Secretary of War, to transmit to you all papers in regard to supply…
January 3, 1865. . Washington, D. C., January 3, 1865. Brig. Gen. H. E. PAINE, New York City: GENERAL: Whenever General Beall is ready to make distributions at any prison…
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, January 3, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point, Va.: GENERAL: In compliance with the instructions of the Secretary of War, to transmit to you all papers…
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, January 3, 1865. . Washington, D. C., January 3, 1865. GENERAL: Whenever General Beall is ready to make distributions at any prison camp where there are…
Washington, D. C., January 23, 1865. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: In compliance with your instructions I submit herewith copies of all papers and correspondence filed at…
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., January 23, 1865. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: In compliance with your instructions I submit herewith copies of all papers…
Washington, D. C., February 15, 1865. Lieutenant-General GRANT, City Point: GENERAL: Information has been received here from various sources that the proceeds of the 1,000 bales of cotton sent from…
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 23, 1865. Major-General HANCOCK, Winchester : I am very much gratified by your energy in organizing and administering the military affairs of your important command.…