Harriet, the Moses of Her People Part 10

I am, General, your most ob't servant,

JAMES MONTGOMERY, Col. Com. Brigade.

_Letter from Mrs. Gen. A. Baird_.

PETERBORO, _Nov_. 24, 1864.

The bearer of this, Harriet Tubman, a most excellent woman, who has rendered faithful and good services to our Union army, not only in the hospital, but in various capacities, having been employed under Government at Hilton Head, and in Florida; and I commend her to the protection of all officers in whose department she may happen to be.

She has been known and esteemed for years by the family of my uncle, Hon. Gerrit Smith, as a person of great rect.i.tude and capabilities.

MRS. GEN. A. BAIRD.

_Letter from Hon. Gerrit Smith_.

PETERBORO, N.Y., _Nov_. 4, 1867.

I have known Mrs. Harriet Tubman for many years. Seldom, if ever, have I met with a person more philanthropic, more self-denying, and of more bravery. Nor must I omit to say that she combines with her sublime spirit, remarkable discernment and judgment.

During the late war, Mrs. Tubman was eminently faithful and useful to the cause of our country. She is poor and has poor parents.

Such a servant of the country should be well paid by the country.

I hope that the Government will look into her case.

GERRIT SMITH.

_Testimonial from Gerrit Smith_.

PETERBORO, _Nov._ 22, 1864.

The bearer, Harriet Tubman, needs not any recommendation. Nearly all the nation over, she has been heard of for her wisdom, integrity, patriotism, and bravery. The cause of freedom owes her much. The country owes her much.

I have known Harriet for many years, and I hold her in my high esteem.

GERRIT SMITH.

_Certificate from Henry K. Durrant, Acting a.s.st. Surgeon, U.S.A._

I certify that I have been acquainted with Harriet Tubman for nearly two years; and my position as Medical Officer in charge of "contrabands" in this town and in hospital, has given me frequent and ample opportunities to observe her general deportment; particularly her kindness and attention to the sick and suffering of her own race. I take much pleasure in testifying to the esteem in which she is generally held.

HENRY K. DURRANT, Acting a.s.sistant Surgeon, U. S. A.

In charge "Contraband" Hospital.

Dated at Beaufort, S.C., the 3d day of May, 1864.

I concur fully in the above.

R. SAXTON, Brig.-Gen. Vol.

The following are a few of the pa.s.ses used by Harriet throughout the war. Many others are so defaced that it is impossible to decipher them.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HILTON HEAD, PORT ROYAL, S.C., _Feb_. 19, 1863.

Pa.s.s the bearer, Harriet Tubman, to Beaufort and back to this place, and wherever she wishes to go; and give her free pa.s.sage at all times, on all Government transports. Harriet was sent to me from Boston by Governor Andrew, of Ma.s.sachusetts, and is a valuable woman. She has permission, as a servant of the Government, to purchase such provisions from the Commissary as she may need.

D. HUNTER, Maj.-Gen. Com.

General Gilmore, who succeeded General Hunter in command of the Department of the South, appends his signature to the same pa.s.s.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, _July_ 1, 1863.

Continued in force.

Q.A. GILMORE, Brig.-Gen. Com.

BEAUFORT, _Aug_. 28, 1862.

Will Capt. Warfield please let "Moses" have a little Bourbon whiskey for medicinal purposes.

HENRY K. DURANT, Act. a.s.s. Surgeon.

WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C, _March_ 20, 1865.

Pa.s.s Mrs. Harriet Tubman (colored) to Hilton Head and Charleston, S.C., with free transportation on a Government transport,

By order of the Sec. of War.

Louis H., a.s.st. Adj.-Gen., U.S.A.

To Bvt. Brig.-Gen. Van Vliet, U.S.Q.M., N.Y.

Not transferable.

WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C., _July_ 22, 1865.