1865 Union Army Discharge: Andrew J. Foster
To all whom it may concern:
Know ye That Andrew J. Foster, a private of Captain E.A. Smith’s Second Kansas Battery of Light Artillery volunteers, who was enrolled on the thirteenth fay of August one thousand eight hundred and sixty two to serve three yeas or during the war, is hereby DISCHARGED from the service of the United States this Eleventh day of August 1865, at Leavenworth Kansas under General Order 105, Adjutant General’s Office, War Department, Dated June 2, 1865.
(No objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist).*
Said Andrew J. Foster was born in McMinn Counrt in the state of Tennessee, is twenty one years of age, five feet nine inches high, fair complexion, black eyes, black hair, and by occupation when enrolled, a farmer.
Given at Keavenworth Kansas this Eleventh day of August 1865.
*This sentence will be erased should there be anything in the conduct or physical condition of the soldier rendering him unfit for the Army.
A.G.O No. 99
J.R. Kemble
Brevet Captain 3rd U.S. Cavalry
Assistant Mustering Officer
E.A. Smith
Captain 2nd Kansas Battery
Commanding
GENERAL ORDERS No. 108
WAR DEPARTMENT
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,
Washington D.C. June 2, 1865
Soldiers of the Armies of the United States! By your patriotic devotion to your country in the hour of danger and alarm-your magnificent fighting, bravery and endurance-you have maintained the supremacy of the Union and the Constitution, overthrown all armed opposition to the enforcement of the Law, and of the Proclamation forever abolishing slavery, the cause and pretext of the Rebellion, and opened the way to the rightful authorities to restore order and inaugurate peace on a permanent and enduring basis on every foot of American soil.
“Your marches, sieges, & battles, in distance, duration, resolution and brilliancy of result, dim the luster of the world’s past military achievements, and will be the patriot’s precedent in defense of liberty and right in all time to come.
“In obedience to your country’s call, you left your homes and volunteered in its defense. Victory has crowned your valor, and secured the purpose of your patriot-hearts; and with the gratitude of your countrymen, and the highest honors a great and free nation can accord, you will soon be permitted to return to your homes and families, conscious of having discharged the highest duty of American citizens.
“To achieve these glorious triumphs and secure to yourselves, your fellow-countrymen and posterity the blessings of free institutions, tens of thousands of your gallant comrades have fallen, and sealed the priceless legacy with their lives. The graves of these a grateful nation bedews with tears–honors their memories, and will every cherish and support their stricken families.”
U. S. Grant
Lieutenant General
Official:
George B. Halsted
Captain and Assistant Adjutant General
U.S. Volunteer Army