Autograph letter signed by former Union General John McNeil (1813-1891) to New York State Treasurer Elliot Danforth (1850-1906). Albany, New York 11 November 1870. 2 pages, 8vo.

Before joining the Union army, McNeil was president of the Pacific Insurance Company. He was appointed Brigadier General of volunteers and notoriously earned the nickname "Butcher of Palmyra" for his execution of ten Confederate prisoners in what is now known as the Palmyra Massacre during his campaign in Monroe County, Missouri in 1862. 

Here, McNeil breezily writes New York State Treasurer Elliot Danforth regarding his commission of rank and pay subsequent to the incident in Palmyra: "My commission as Brig. Genl was not made a the actual date of appointment Nov. 29th 1862. But I took the ranks and was paid form that date to commission issuing in April 1863. My appointment, rather, my nomination was made in September 1862 for a successful campaign I had made north of the Missouri terminating in the Battle of Kirksville...it was withdrawn that Mr. Lincoln might inquire into the 'humanity and necessity' of what has been characterized as the 'Palmyra Execution.' He requested the facts as developed in vindicating the written and renewed the nomination. The war department in issuing the Commission omitted to restore the original date of rank as well as the reasons of promotion."

Though McNeil's actions were criticized by Union supporters and his character attacked throughout the American and European press, he ultimately received the brevet rank of major general of volunteers for his meritorious service during the war. He went on to serve in the local government of St. Louis, Missouri, after the war, as clerk of the criminal court, county sheriff, and finally superintendent of the United States Post Office, St. Louis branch.

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