Speed, James, 1812-1887

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1812 - 1887

Biography

James Speed (March 11, 1812 – June 25, 1887) was an American lawyer, politician, and professor who was in 1864 appointed by Abraham Lincoln to be the United States Attorney General. Speed previously served in the Kentucky legislature and in local political offices.

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:

Edwin McMasters Stanton letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 866464

Mss 866464

Date(s): 1866-08-14

Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from Edwin McMasters Stanton in Washington, DC to James Speed, telling him of affairs in Washington and speaks of the political convenention in Philadelphia.

James Harlan letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 866458

Mss 866458

Date(s): 1866-08-08

Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from James Harlan in Washington, DC to James Speed, thanking him for his well wishes, and commenting on hopes for the autumn elections securing victory in the north and west for the Union cause.

Lyman Trumbull letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 866461.1

Mss 866461.1

Date(s): 1866-08-11

Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from Lyman Trumbull in Chicago, Illinois to James Speed in which he is concerned with the political situation in the country.

Walt Whitman letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 866563

Mss 866563

Date(s): 1866-10-13

Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Walt Whitman in Washington, DC to James Speed, telling him that he is sending a copy of "leaves of Grass" and activities in the office of attorney general. There has been a rush of Confederate generals to the office.

William Gannaway Brownlow letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 867124.1

Mss 867124.1

Date(s): 1867-01-24

Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from William Gannaway Brownlow in Nashville, Tennessee to James Speed, asking him to assist in arguing the state case of the franchise law before the Supreme Court.