Letter About Nelson Charles's Military Career
6/25/1898
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George Underwood — of Underwood, Storke, and Seward Counselors at Law — sent this letter to Sereno E. Payne, Chairman of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries in the House of Representatives, concerning the military career of Harriet Tubman's second husband, Nelson Charles (who had changed his name to Nelson Davis, his father's last name, after escaping slavery).
Tubman received a pension as the widow of Union veteran Nelson Davis, who had served as a private in the Eight United States Colored Infantry during the Civil War. Tubman herself had served the Union side as a scout, nurse, cook and spy. She later petitioned Congress for additional benefits for her own service. In 1899 Congress passed, and the President signed, an increase of Tubman’s pension to 25 dollars per month for her service as a nurse.
Tubman received a pension as the widow of Union veteran Nelson Davis, who had served as a private in the Eight United States Colored Infantry during the Civil War. Tubman herself had served the Union side as a scout, nurse, cook and spy. She later petitioned Congress for additional benefits for her own service. In 1899 Congress passed, and the President signed, an increase of Tubman’s pension to 25 dollars per month for her service as a nurse.
Transcript
Underwood, Storke & Seward,Counselors at Law
George Underwood. 120 Genesee Street,
Frederic E . Storke. Auburn, N.Y.
W. H. Seward, Jr. June 27th, 1888
Hon. S.E. Payne,
Washington, D.C.
My dear Mr. Payne: -
Yours of June 23rd was duly received, but until today I have not been able to get the information you ask.
The number of Mr. Davis' pension certificate is 415,288. Her husband was known while in the service as Nelson Charles - he having been a slave and Charles having been his master's surname. About the time of his marriage to Harriet Tubman he assumed thee name Davis which was his own proper name. Under the name Nelson Charles he was enrolled as a private in Company G. of the 8th Regiment U.S. Colored (Infantry) Volunteers under Capt. James. S. Thompson September 35th, 1863 for three years - was discharged November 10th 1865 at Brownsville, Texas, and died October 14th, 1888. I believe this answers all of your inquires.
I hope you will be successful in doing something for Harriet.
Very truly yours,
George Underwood
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. House of Representatives.
National Archives Identifier: 306576
Full Citation: Letter from George Underwood, of Underwood, Storke, and Seward Counselors at Law, to Sereno E. Payne, concerning the military career of Nelson Charles, Harriet Tubman's husband; 6/25/1898; Accompanying Papers of the 55th Congress; Accompanying Papers, 1865 - 1903; Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, Record Group 233; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/nelson-charles-military-career, March 29, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.