Letter from John Clem to James Christie
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Scope and Contents
This collection consists of a letter signed by John Lincoln Clem (1851–1937), the youngest noncommissioned officer in the Civil War and a long-serving veteran of the United States Army. The letter, dated February 16, 1917, and written from Washington, D.C., is addressed to James Christie of Nyack, New York. In the letter, Clem acknowledges the recognition given to him by the Adjutant General as the youngest soldier to serve in the Civil War and notes that he was the last Civil War veteran on the active list of the Regular Army for over three years before his retirement on August 13, 1915. He also expresses admiration for Christie's father and uncles for their contributions to preserving the Union.
Your favor of the 15th rec'd and I take pleasure in saying that the Adjutant Gen'l U.S. Army gives me the honor of being the youngest soldier that served during the Civil War. I was the last Civil War veteran on the active list of the Regular Army for over three years, before my retirement Aug 13, 1915. Your father and his brothers certainly did their share in saving the Union. Wishing you health and happiness Sincerely yrs Jno L. Clem.
Dates
- Creation: 1917 February 16
Conditions Governing Access
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Conditions Governing Use
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Biographical / Historical
John Lincoln Clem (1851–1937) was a notable figure in American military history, best known as the youngest noncommissioned officer to serve in the Civil War. Born on August 13, 1851, in Newark, Ohio, Clem gained fame as the "Drummer Boy of Chickamauga" after reportedly shooting a Confederate officer who demanded his surrender. Though initially rejected due to his age, he unofficially joined the 22nd Michigan Infantry and later became a drummer boy. His bravery on the battlefield earned him a promotion to sergeant at the age of 12, making him the youngest noncommissioned officer in U.S. Army history.
After the Civil War, Clem pursued a long and distinguished military career. He attended the U.S. Military Academy but was unable to complete his studies. However, with the support of President Ulysses S. Grant, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Regular Army in 1871. Over the decades, he served in various capacities, eventually attaining the rank of brigadier general before retiring from active duty on August 13, 1915. Clem was the last Civil War veteran to serve in the Regular Army, marking the end of an era.
Following his retirement, Clem remained a respected figure in military circles until his death on May 13, 1937. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, honored for his remarkable service and contributions to American military history.
Extent
1 item ; 1pg. 9" x 6".
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The University of Alabama Libraries acquired the Letter from John Clem to James Christie from Stuart Lutz Historic Papers in 2025.
Condition Description
The letter is in very fine condition.
Processing Information
Processed by Courtney Tutt, January 2025.
- Title
- Guide to the Letter from John Clem to James Christie
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created by Courtney Tutt, January 2025.
- Date
- January 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository