Page:A history concerning the pension claim of Harriet Tubman.djvu/2

“Cha Simmons”

“Saml Hayward”

Endorsed

"app

R. Saxton,

Brig. Gen’l”

Unconscious of the great value of the official documents she had from the several officers at different times, Harriet has lost some of them—and the first documentary proof we have of her service in the Department of the South is a pass issued by Gen’l Hunter—a copy of which is hereto appended:

FROM GENERAL HUNTER

Headq’rs Dept’t of the South,
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S.C.,
Feb. 19, 1863.

Pass the bearer, Harriet Tubman, to Beaufort, and back to this place, and wherever she wishes to go, and give her passage at all times on all Government transports. Harriet was sent to me from Boston, by Gov. Andrew, of Mass., and is a valuable woman. She has permission, as a warrant of the Government, to purchase such provisions from the commissary as she may need.

D. HUNTER,
Maj. Gen. Com’g.

H.Q. Dep’t of the South,
July 1, 1863.

Continued in force.

Q.A.GILLMORE,

Brig. Gen'l Com'g.

On July 6, 1863 Col. Montgomery wrote as follows.

“HdQrs Col. Brigade

St. Helena Island

July 6, 1863

“Brig Genl Gillmore

Com’d’g Dept of the South

General:

I wish to commend to your attention Mrs. Harriet Tubman, a most remarkable woman, and valuable as a scout. I have been acquainted with her character and actions for several years.

Walter D. Plown is a man of tried courage and can be made highly