Wash, May 28, 73’ My Dear General- As more members of teh Board will probably be present on the 3^rd than previously I agree with you that the review had better on that day (Tuesday). I certainly expect to go up in the morning boat on Monday & shall do so, unless something unforseen occurs. Should I miss the boat I will telegraph you from N.Y. I am very much obliged for your kind invitation. to stay at your quarters but as I have two young girls with me and as I will have others coming to see me from time to time, I think that I had better stay at the Hoel. With Sincere reguard to Mrs. Ruger Very Truly Yours Wm W Belnap Secy. Of War

William W. Belknap was first a Union general in the American Civil War, being given the task of the enlisting and recruitment of the 15^th Iowa Volunteer Infantry on December 7, 1861. On April 6^th of 1862, Belknap fought in the Battle of Shiloh, where he and his green troops fought with distinction under smothering cannon fire. During this, Belknap suffered a minor wound, had his horse shot from right underneath him, yet fought on. After Shiloh, Maj. Belknap engaged in the Siege of Corinth, on April 29^th 1862- May 30^th 1862. He received many praises, being commended by his senior officer Col. Hugh T. Reid for being "always in the right place at the right time”. Participating in Sherman’s March to the Sea, now Col. Belknap fought in the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864. Here he also performed acts of remarkable valor, including engaging in the savage hand-to-hand combat on Confederate breastworks. In the same battle, during the sweltering Georgia Summer, Belknap physically captured and dragged behind Union lines Confederate Col. Harris D. Lampley of the 45th Alabama Infantry. On March 13, 1865 Belknap received a promotion to Brevet Maj. General, as a reward for his bravery. After the war, on October 25 1869, President Grant personally appointed General Belknap to Secretary of War, after the previous Sec. John A. Rawlins’ death was attributed to tuberculosis. In January of 1870, Belknap showed a sense of justice foreign to his age, by pardoning a black cadet for an unreasonable charge. Later, in 1871, Sec. Belknap appointed Thomas H. Ruger to the position of Superintendant of West Point. Belknap commended Col. Ruger in 1873, largely due to the General’s reduction of hazing at the school. The two kept a close relationship.