Charles P. Wood

“ Gen'l Hunter being then in Washington, Mr. Seward refered the matter to him in a note, of which the annexed is a copy:
Letter from Sec’y Seward
Washington, July 25, 1865. Major Gen’l Hunter—My Dear Sir:
Harriet Tubman, a colored woman, has been nursing our soldiers during nearly all the war. She believes she has claims for faithful services to the command in South Carolina, with which you are connected, and she thinks that you would be disposed to see her claim justly settled.
I have known her long as a noble, high spirit, as true as seldom dwells in the human form. ”

“ Harriet Tubman was sent to Hilton Head—She says—in May 1862, at the suggestion of Gov Andrew, with the idea that she would be a valuable person to operate within the enemies lines—in procuring information & scouts. She was forwarded by Col Frank Howe—the Mass. State agent in New York, by the Gov’t transport Atlantic—was sent-up to Beaufort, attached to the H'Qrs of Gen’l Stevens—and rendered much, and very valuable service acting as a spy within the enemies lines—and obtaining the services of the most-valued Scouts and Pilots in the Gov’t employ in that Department. ”

“ That Harriet is entitled to several thousands of dollars pay—there can be no shadow of doubt—the only difficulty seems to be in the facts that she held no commission, and has not in the regular way and at the proper times and places, made proof and application of and for, her just compensation. ”