Benjamin and William Alvord letters

Collection

Identifier: Mss 719

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Collection includes a letter copy book belonging to William C. Alvord, 1 volume, 1911-1912; a manuscript letter to Benjamin Alvord from George E. Pickett, 4 pages, February 13, 1861, regarding the danger of a civil war; and a manuscript letter to Benjamin Alvord from James A. Garfield, 1 page, November 20, 1880, thanking Alvord for his "congratulations."

Dates

1861-1912

Creator

Alvord, Benjamin, 1813-1884 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Biographical note

General Benjamin Alvord was born in Rutland, Vermont, on August 18, 1813, and died October 16, 1884. He graduated from West Point in 1833, was a scholar and teacher for 21 years, and served on active duty in the Mexican War and a number of Indian Wars. In 1853, he was assigned to Fort Dalles at the eastern edge of the Columbia Gorge. He became Paymaster General of the U.S. Army in 1876 and retired in 1880. He produced research on mathematics, Indian customs, maps, and other topics. The Alvord Desert in Eastern Oregon is named for him.

Extent

0.45 Cubic Feet (1 slim document case)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Collection includes a letter copy book belonging to William C. Alvord, as well as two manuscript letters to Benjamin Alvord, one from George E. Pickett, February 13, 1861, regarding the danger of a civil war; and one from James A. Garfield, November 20, 1880, thanking Alvord for his "congratulations."