Henry Wilson Storey's History of Cambria County, V.II, p.356

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History of Cambria County, V.2

356 HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

decline to take your hand,” and as quickly Hancock responded, “Under any other circumstances I should not have offered it.” They had been former friends and Hancock desired to give him comfort without humiliation.
    Gen. Grant said: “Hancock stands the most conspicuous figure of all the general officers who did not exercise a separate command. He commanded a corps longer than any other one man, and his name was never mentioned as having committed in battle a blunder. No matter how hard the fight, the 2d corps always felt that their commander was looking after them.”
    We have been permitted to publish a personal letter, which has a great value to the public in truly disclosing his admirable character. His sense of feeling neglected, as he did at the time, awakes in us a feeling of regret.

Plymouth, Va., Dec. 26, 1862.
    My Dear Sir: I regret I have no personal acquaintance with you, to serve as an excuse for my troubling you. I am from Pennsylvania (Montgomery Co.), and ask your good offices in a matter which will not cause you much inconvenience in case you are on such terms with Mr. Stanton as to undertake the task. If you do not desire to ask him any favors it will not give you any trouble.
    Before the meeting of Congress, a number of Major Generals and Brigadier Generals were appointed, but as it was but a few days before the Congress met, it was considered (I understand) by the Secretary, indelicate to the Senate to distribute the appointments until they were confirmed. Still I have understood that if a member of the Senate would ask the Secretary for the appointment (they were made in the recess) in any particular case, it could be had. There have been examples of this kind.
    I believe I was made a Major General. I have been with the army since its organization, have never left it: have been recommended for promotion both by General McClellan and General Burnside and all my superiors with whom I have served. I have never used any political influence. I have been a good deal neglected; now however, since I have been appointed for services, I wish the appointment. I have a Major General's command and for many reasons would like to have promotion. I therefore request you to ask the Secretary for my letter of appointment if I have been appointed a Major General.
        I am, Sir, very respectfully,

Your ob't serv't.
WINF'D S. HANCOCK.
Brig. Genl. Vols.
    To Hon. Senator Cowan, of Pennsylvania. U. S. Senate, Washington, D. C.

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356	HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
decline to take your hand,” and as quickly Hancock responded, “Under any other circumstances I should not have offered it.” They had been former friends and Hancock desired to give him comfort without humiliation. Gen. Grant said: “Hancock stands the most conspicuous figure of all the general officers who did not exercise a separate command. He commanded a corps longer than any other one man, and his name was never mentioned as having committed in battle a blunder. No matter how hard the fight, the 2d corps always felt that their commander was looking after them.” We have been permitted to publish a personal letter, which has a great value to the public in truly disclosing his admirable character. His sense of feeling neglected, as he did at the time, awakes in us a feeling of regret. Plymouth, Va., Dec. 26, 1862. My Dear Sir: I regret I have no personal acquaintance with you, to serve as an excuse for my troubling you. I am from Pennsylvania (Montgomery Co.), and ask your good offices in a matter which will not cause you much inconvenience in case you are on such terms with Mr. Stanton as to undertake the task. If you do not desire to ask him any favors it will not give you any trouble. Before the meeting of Congress, a number of Major Generals and Brigadier Generals were appointed, but as it was but a few days before the Congress met, it was considered (I understand) by the Secretary, indelicate to the Senate to distribute the appointments until they were confirmed. Still I have understood that if a member of the Senate would ask the Secretary for the appointment (they were made in the recess) in any particular case, it could be had. There have been examples of this kind. I believe I was made a Major General. I have been with the army since its organization, have never left it: have been recommended for promotion both by General McClellan and General Burnside and all my superiors with whom I have served. I have never used any political influence. I have been a good deal neglected; now however, since I have been appointed for services, I wish the appointment. I have a Major General's command and for many reasons would like to have promotion. I therefore request you to ask the Secretary for my letter of appointment if I have been appointed a Major General. I am, Sir, very respectfully, Your ob't serv't. WINF'D S. HANCOCK. Brig. Genl. Vols. To Hon. Senator Cowan, of Pennsylvania. U. S. Senate, Washington, D. C.