Gen. John E. Wool Faced Legal Action For Confiscating Rebel Goods Upon President Lincoln's Orders

JOHN ELLIS WOOL (February 20, 1784 – November 10, 1869) served as an office in the U.S. Army during three consecutive wars – the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. By the time the Mexican War occurred, Wool was widely considered one of the most capable officers in the army and a superb organizer.  He was one of the four general officers in 1861 and the one who saw the most Civil War service.  

1 ¼ pp,  5 ¼ x 8 ½,  Troy, February 26, 1864, to Wm C. Traphagen, Esqr, of New York. “I give you many thanks for your favor of yesterday. Herewith I return the affidavit executed.

“It would be singular, as it appears to me, if the application to carry my case to the United States Court would be refused. Gudeman is a Georgian and a rebel. I have an invoice of goods purchased by Gudeman which sir I hold by the United States. I am a citizen of New York and an officer of the Army, acting at the time of Gudeman’s arriest, officially under the orders of the President [Lincoln]. 

“I hope to be with you on Monday or Tuesday, on my way to Washington. I will stop long enough to see you.

“Very truly yours

“John E. Wool”

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