John A. Dix Civil War Pass and Letter

Collection

Identifier: MS 0110

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of two items: a Civil War pass to and from Baltimore “by steam, free of charge,” signed by John A. Dix, dated August 19, 1862, and written on stationery with the letterhead “Head Quarters Seventh Army Corps, Fort Monroe, Va.”; and a personal letter dated December 1, 1869 (evidently written in New York City) to “My dear Colonel,” in which Dix comments on recent activities, discusses a recent land purchase and investment opportunity, and expresses the hope that his friend will soon visit him.

Dates

Creation: 1862
Creation: 1869

Creator

Dix, John Adams (Person)

Access Restrictions

This material is open for research.

Conditions Governing Access

Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Use Restictions

Permission to publish material from the John A. Dix Civil War Pass and Letter must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

Biographical Note

John Adams Dix was born July 24, 1798, in New Hampshire. He received a classical education and then served in the army, rising to the rank of major. He went on to study law, became an attorney, and in 1826 married Catharine Morgan. They eventually had seven children. Dix resigned from the army and moved to New York State, where he managed family properties and entered politics, serving in a number of positions. In 1845, he was elected to fill a term in the United States Senate, where he participated in international affairs. Dix later served briefly as postmaster and then as secretary of the treasury and in 1861 was commissioned major-general by President Lincoln, serving during the Civil War in administrative positions, including as head of the Department of Maryland. After the war he became minister to France from 1866-69 and then withdrew from political life for a time, serving as president of two railroads and practicing law in New York City. In 1872, Dix was elected governor of New York and served one term. He retired, but served in various civic activities. Dix was also the author of several books. He died April 21, 1879 in New York City.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet (2 items)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract:

John A. Dix (soldier, attorney, and politician) was commissioned Major General by President Lincoln in 1861 and served in administrative positions during the Civil War, issuing the military pass in this collection during that time; after the war he became minister to France (1866-69), then returned to New York State to resume his professional and business activities. In his letter of December 1, 1869, written to “My dear Colonel,” he discusses a recent land purchase and investment opportunity, and urges his friend to visit him soon.