Detective (1831-1883) for Pinkerton's Detective Agencies who was Allan Pinkerton's chief assistant during the Civil War, providing military intelligence to General George B. McClellan and the Army of the Potomac. War-dated ALS signed “Your affectionate son, George,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, June 14, 1863. Handwritten letter to his mother, in part: "During the last two years I have only been home about six weeks…It has been a shamefully long time since I wrote to you, but what adequate excuse can I make? I know it will do your heart good to hear from me in my own hand, to hear from your 'Prodigal Son'…Well, mother, you need not have any doubt. It is George that is here writing you. Precisely the same George that he was, when you last saw him. I have not changed. I am still with Mr. Pinkerton. This is the 9th year I think that I have been with him. In August 1861 I went to Washington and was there associated with the Provost Marshal General's office under Mr. P. until March 1862 when I accompanied General McClellan to the Peninsular, being in the Secret Service Department of the Army of the Potomac, also under Mr. Pinkerton. Owing to the sickness and absence of Mr. P. I had full charge of this for a considerable portion of the time during the Peninsular Campaign…I was also with General McClellan, in the same capacity, during the Maryland Campaign, being present at the battle of Antietam, and with him until he was removed when Mr. Pinkerston withdrew from further connection with the Army, having no confidence in the ability of General Burnside.
During last winter I was in New York investigating some heavy frauds which were going on in the Mustering & Disbursing Office of the Government (U.S.) and since have been principally here upon an operation, where the Adams Express Company have been robbed of $120,000. Mr. Pinkerton's usual success has accompanied us in all that we have been engaged in. In the latter operation we have arrested all of the thieves…and have recovered nearly all of the money." He also signs his full name as part of his address in the postscript, "Geo. H. Bangs, Drawer 5783, Chicago, Ill." In fine condition, with scattered small stains. Accompanied by a magazine page featuring an image of Bangs with Pinkerton during the Civil War.
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