Union general (1831-1906) who served as army commander in Sherman's Atlanta campaign and who later became General in Chief of the army. ALS signed “J. M. Schofield, Maj. Gen'l,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, September 28, 1866. Letter to Union General Oliver Otis Howard, in full: "This will be handed you by the Hon. R. Rayner of North Carolina, whom you doubtless know well by reputation. Mr. Rayner was president of the Board of Visitors in 1853, when I graduated. He then made a Union speech which I shall never forget. His opposition to secession continued firm and decided until separation was regarded in the South as an accomplished fact. He then yielded as nearly all in the South did, but I believed remained about as nearly loyal as it was possible for any one to be in North Carolina. From my personal acquaintance with Mr. Rayner as well as from my knowledge of his public record, I most cheerfully recommend him to your favorable notice." In fine condition. Kenneth Rayner (1808-1884), a planter, lawyer, and Whig politician from North Carolina, opposed both slavery and secession. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1839 and 1845, and his passionate speeches alienated fellow Southerners.
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