Abraham Lincoln saves John B. Castleman

Regarding the above letter, John B Castleman wrote:

"I did not know until 1877 that in November, 1864, Judge Breckinridge had, in my behalf, made a visit to President Lincoln."

After talking to Samuel for awhile Abraham Lincoln said, "In fifteen minutes we have a Cabinet meeting and I will give you now in the strictest confidence a note only to be used in case of emergency. Meantime, from what I learn, it would be best to have that boy's attorneys endeavor to postpone the trial, for those young Confederates have caused the government annoyances and expense."

--------------------------

Abraham Lincoln
16th President of the United States of America

(Letter transcribed)

Executive Mansion, Washington, November 29, 1864.

Major General Hovey, or Whomsoever may have charge:

Whenever John B. Castleman shall be tried, if convicted and sentenced, suspend execution until further order from me, and send me the record.

A. LINCOLN.

-----------------------------

General Castleman, wrote "Abraham Lincoln was tolerant and tactful, and unflinching. It is of small public interest that the writer owes his life to this great man. This will be mentioned further on, and is of no importance other than as exemplification of the greatness of Lincoln in dealing always with the smallest detail which involved the welfare of individuals, even midst tremendous public responsibilities."

Monument: 7 more things to know about John Breckinridge Castleman

1. Thomas Jefferson's mother was the sister of John B. Castleman's great-grandmother, Susanna Randolph.
   
   

   

   Mary Hopkins Cabell Breckinridge
   "Grandma Black Cap"
2. When visiting with Mary Hopkins Cabell Breckinridge he would often hear her talk about her late husband John Breckinridge. Very often did he hear her say: "My son, 'twas in this office that my husband would write to Tom Jefferson and to his other friends and it was here that my husband wrote the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798."
   
   

   

   Honorable Robert Letcher
   15th Governor of Kentucky

3. In 1853, John B. Castleman attended a political debate at a small Indian fort at Cabell's Dale. The debate was between John Cabell Breckinridge and the Honorable Ronald Letcher, Governor of Kentucky.
   
   "I understood little of the controversy between the Whigs and the Democrats, but was impressed by the enthusiasm of the great crowd and by the wonderful voice and graceful manner of Major Breckinridge.
   
   From miles around a great throng of people came to listen to the debate. Interest in young Breckinridge was remarkable, and to me everyone seemed to favor and to cheer him. When the debate was finished, he held me by the hand, and together we walked through the multitude.
4. In 1857, as a 16-year-old boy, he entered his horse "Lightfoot" into the exhibition at the United States Fair.  There were thirty-five exhibitors in this "Saddle Class." He won first prize, a blue-ribbon, and a check.
   
   

   

   Abraham Lincoln
5. John B. Castleman said he "owed his life" to Abraham Lincoln.
   
   General Castleman wrote, "Abraham Lincoln was tolerant and tactful, and unflinching. It is of small public interest that the writer owes his life to this great man. This will be mentioned further on, and is of no importance other than as exemplification of the greatness of Lincoln in dealing always with the smallest detail which involved the welfare of individuals, even midst tremendous public responsibilities."
6. His father's first wife, Mary Breckinridge Castleman died in 1816. Her brother was Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge, was a staunch Unionist and Presbyterian preacher.
   
   During the Civil War, Kentucky Presbyterian minister Robert J. Breckinridge was an important advisor to President Abraham Lincoln.
   
   John B. Castleman wrote:
   "Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge was, in his day, recognized and designated as "The Napoleon of the Pulpit." Whenever it was known that he was to preach, no church where this gifted orator and intense controversialist spoke could hold the crowds that sought to listen to his persuasive eloquence. In after years this able and many-sided man presided as temporary chairman over the National Republican Convention that met in Baltimore in 1864 and nominated Abraham Lincoln for a second term.
   
   
   
   
7. In November 1864, Samuel Breckinridge made a visit to President Abraham Lincoln on behalf of John Breckinridge Castleman. At the meeting Lincoln gave Samuel a letter to be used in an emergency if needed.
   
   
   
   Nov. 29. 1864, Abraham Lincoln to Alvin P. Hovey
   
   "Executive Mansion, Washington, November 29, 1864.
   Major General Hovey, or Whomsoever may have charge:
   Whenever John B. Castleman shall be tried, if convicted and sentenced, suspend execution until further order from me, and send me the record.
   
   A. LINCOLN."

Major General Alvin P. Hovey

.

Gathering of Big Men Assures Statue to
"Dear Old General."
Enthusiasm is Shown.
Equestrian Piece Planned to be a Credit to the Whole City.

Charles F. Grainger
Mayor of Louisville, KY

If there ever was any question as to just how much sincerity and tenderness, and real affection and admiration and loyalty could be crowded into four little words, it was settled today after hearing a group of Louisville's representative citizens refer to General John B. Castleman as "the dear old General." The four words were voiced in many keys by men of varied interests— professional men, millionaires, soldiers — in fact, the very flower of Louisville's citizenry — but in each instance they carried absolute conviction of the profound admiration and affection which each man holds for General Castleman. The occasion of the meeting, which was held in the leather room at the Seelbach at twelve o'clock, was the formulation of plans and the effecting of an organization to carry out the work necessary to have made and placed in one of Louisville's parks an equestrian statue in bronze of General John B. Castleman. Charles F. Grainger acted as temporary chairman, but for some time before the meeting was formally called to order the men discussed the plan informally, and each man had some new incident to relate, giving additional reasons why he personally "just wanted to see that statue put up right away." Rare good fellow ship prevailed and there was a deal of kindly jesting among the men, and it was authoritatively stated four new stories were told, but were not ordered spread upon the minutes.

THOUGHT HE KNEW. 

When Mr. Grainger called the meeting to order he said: "I thought I knew a number of General Castleman's fine characteristics, I thought I could say as many kind things, and appreciative things about the dear general as any man in Louisville, but I pledge you my word that since this project was first broached about six or eight weeks ago, and I have since discussed it with some of my friends and have told some people that they might contribute, I have learned that I could not begin to express the kindly things that have been said about General Castleman. Each man to whom I have spoken about the plan of placing a statue of General Castleman in one of the parks has fairly jumped at the opportunity to contribute, and in doing so has given such a variety of reasons for admiring the general that I realize my own limitation in expressing what I feel for him. The matter was first discussed by a few of us at the bridge club about six or eight weeks ago. John Vreeland and I talked it over, and then all the men present said: 'Sure, go ahead." A list was made out of seventy men, and I want to say that I believe this was the most representative list of Louisville's citizens ever gotten together — "

WANTED To KNOW.

Just here the query was put to Mr. Grainger by several of the men present — "were we on that list, Charlie?" Upon being assured by Mr. Grainger that most emphatically "he had 'em on the list," he was allowed to proceed. "Out of that list of seventy," continued Mr. Grainger, "there were only four refusals — and these were from reasons that were adequate. I want to read you just a few brief extracts from some letters I have received — each letter, by the way containing a subscription. Here is one from Hardin H. Littell in Buffalo. Mr. Littell says: 'I gladly inclose my subscription toward erecting an equestrian statue to dear old General Castleman, the man who so long kept life in and held together the State Guard (Louisville Legion); who did so much for Louisville's beautiful park system, the Saddle Horse Breeders' Association, Horse Show As sociation, and many other things of benefit to dear old Louisville.' 

"I was with General Castleman for nine years in the 'Louisville Legion" days'" said Mr. Grainger, "and I want to say right now that if General Castleman had the money which he spent personally for the good of the Legion, I believe it would amount to $25,000. And no man ever came to Louisville with a letter of introduction to General Castleman that the general did not give his personal courtesy and kindly thought to the stranger."

Mr. Grainger then read other letters received from prominent Louisville men. "Here is a letter from Naples-on-the-Gulf," said Mr. Grainger. "It says: 'You have certainly secured a representative list of our best citizens as subscribers to the Castleman memorial. The general is entitled to this expression from his fellow-citizens, and it is most fitting that it should come while he is still with us. The general is justly deserving a full measure of praise for the good work already done by him. A notable characteristic of the dear general is that whatever he does is always done well. Mr. Watterson and my brother, when I mentioned your request most willingly joined with me in authorizing you to place their names on. the list of $100 subscribers.' This letter is from Colonel W. B. Haldeman."

TRIBUTE TO LIVING FRIEND. 

Referring to the question of the propriety of erecting the statue while General Castleman is living, Mr. Grainger said : "I'd rather have five kind words while I am alive than a ton of flowers after I'm dead," and the men present with a most thorough unanimity concurred in this viewpoint. Marion Taylor was then elected permanent chairman, Oscar Fenley, treasurer and Daniel E. O'Sullivan, secretary, although Mr. O'Sullivan protested that he wanted to make a speech, in fact, would rather make a speech than be secretary. However, upon being assured that he might do both, he entered upon his duties. Mr. Grainger had announced that $6,200 was already pledged, and John W. Barr then spoke briefly, and suggested that the testimonial be one from the entire public, and also that provision be made that any amount of money needed 'should be raised. "The general has always been accustomed to riding good horses," said Mr. Barr, smilingly, "and we want this bronze horse to be the very best, one that the general will approve of, and we want the statue of General Castleman to be one that we will all*enjoy looking at."

THE RESOLUTIONS.

Mr. Grainger offered the following resolutions: 

RESOLVED, That a committee consisting of eleven remembers selected from the subscribers to this testimonial be appointed and empowered to receive subscriptions, employ a sculptor, select a design and take such other steps as it may deem necessary to carry out the object of this meeting. 

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the chairman of this meeting' be authorized to select and appoint said committee, and that he be an ex-officio member. 

Which was unanimously adopted, and the following committee appointed by the chair: Marion E. Taylor, John B. McFerran, J. M. Atherton, Lawrence Jones, Oscar Fenley, W. I. Mapother, Allen R. Hite, Charles F. Grainger, C. C. Mengel, B. Bernheim, Bruce Haldeman and Dan E. O'Sullivan. The only unfortunate thing about the meeting was that no one man was allowed to finish his own special tribute to the general, because' "the other fello" was so anxious to voice his heartfelt admiration.

A tribute to John B. Castleman by William R. Goodwin, on November 8, 1913

November 8, 1913

William R. Goodwin, a member of the American Saddle Horse Breeders' Association, and editor of the Breeder's Gazette came from Chicago to attend the unveiling.

John Breckinridge Castleman on his horse Carolina

WILLIAM R. GOODWIN'S TRIBUTE.
THE CASTLEMAN EQUESTRIAN STATUE. 

Profound indeed is the esteem which led a city and a state to erect a statue of one of its distinguished citizens while he yet dwelt among men. Such supreme honors are wontedly reserved for the dead. Singularly appropriate is this precedent-breaking man. The unselfish, lavish devotion of General John B. Castleman to the interests of his state and country are written on the imperishable tablets of the hearts of his people. Public service has ever been the animating spirit of his career. Never has a man devoted more of his time and talent, unsparingly, intelligently and effectively, to the service of his city and state than General Castleman, and the results of his labors bless the present and future generations. Had he but served his own interests with half the fidelity with which he has served his fellow citizens, he would have been numbered among the financial captains of the South. The bronze statue, on its eternal granite base, commanding the entrance to beautiful Cherokee Park in Louisville, dedicated in the songs of the school children, the concerted sounds of the players on many instruments, the fanfare of military trumpets, the eulogies of state and city officials, and the plaudits of his fellow citizens, proved that John B. Castleman chose to serve the people, not Mammon.

Flowers at the funeral are so prescribed by conventionality that appreciative words while yet in the flesh seems fairly strange. Small wonder it is that some out of touch with the man and his work marveled that so distinguished an honor should be done him while yet he walked the earth. They had but to feel the thrill of the dedication atmosphere to understand it was an outpouring of the appreciation and love of a people loyally and intelligently served. His most familiar appearance in Louisville, either at the head of the Louisville Legion or pursuant of his labors as president of the Board of Park Commissioners, was on the back of a five-gaited horse. The model selected from a competition to which numerous sculptors contributed was designed by R. Hinton Perry of New York and the statue was erected at a cost of $15,000 by popular subscription from city, state and other commonwealths to General Castleman "as a man, a citizen, a soldier and a true friend." It may be seriously doubted if ere a more life-like presentation of man and horse in bronze has ever been achieved. With infinite pains the artist labored with his equine model, and the sculptor's art has finally been able to ask of horsemen unqualified approval of a bronze presentment of the noblest of man's animate aids. The statue breathes the form, pose and life of man and mare.

General Castleman is known to the live stock world as the foremost advocate of the most beautiful creation of the breeder's art — the American saddle horse. For nearly a quarter of a century as president he has guided the destinies of the American Saddle Horse Breeders' Association, inviting and compelling the attention of the lovers of the pleasure horse to the matchless beauty, finish and service of the saddle horse as developed under the auspices of the association, and has lived to see the complete triumph of the type in America, measured by the prominence, intelligence and wealth of its patrons. Of his civic and military services this journal does not treat, but promising as the fundamental fact of his life, the animating motive of his actions, his high sense of public duty, it can only be said that the Honorable Edward J. McDermott, lieutenant-governor of Kentucky, sketched with altogether adequate eloquence the career of Gen. Castleman with which the people of his state have been familiar since he entered the Confederate service as a mere youth and returned home from the Spanish War with a general's commission, to receive this unprecedented honor from his people in the seventy- second year of his age. His services to the state in times of riot and profound political disturbance, when his diplomacy and decision wrought for peace and tranquility, were fittingly set forth, as were also his courage and his courtliness "A gentleman of the old school," all delighted to term him — rare example in these latter days which possess not the environment which makes for their development.

(source: 'Active Service', John B. Castleman)

The John Breckinridge Castleman Statue, Louisville Times, November 7, 1913

(From the Louisville Times, November 7, 1913.) 

THE CASTLEMAN STATUE. 

Life is very short. Must we then wait until the next generation discerns the proper judgments and rewards? Must all recognitions be tardy? Surely not, and it is the happy realization of that truth that prompted the graceful tribute, which, on Saturday next, is to be paid to General John Breckinridge Castleman.

General Castleman's monument was secure, even though it were never raised — it stood firm in the hearts of his friends and the memories of his fellow- citizens. Fame would still be busy with his name if no visible remembrance existed; but, in bestowing upon him honor and recognition while yet in full enjoyment of a vigorous and useful life, a noble impulse has received its legitimate fulfillment. It has been said that the love of a few faithful ones, the personal devotion of those who know you best, is all that any man deserves; we cannot accept so narrow a view, and we could never understand why those who are censorious and critical throughout all the changing vicissitudes of a man's career should be so generous with flowers when his heart is still and his eyes closed forever.

It is not a little thing that this gallant soldier, this urbane, courtly gentleman, has done for a city and a state that delights to distinguish those who distinguish them; hi these later days we cannot disassociate him from those wonderfully beautiful parks that are his pride and in great measure his 'creation, and, when the history of the nation was being written in the lifeblood of its best and bravest, where shall we find pages more inspiring than those that tell the deeds of this lateborn cavalier, this knight sans peur et sans reproche?

The secret of a man's charm is an elusive and indefinable as the secret of a writer's style; the hold he has on us, the place he fills, the loyalty he arouses — how explain them? General Castleman is a man of the world, the big world; there are few experiences that are foreign to him, no activities in which he takes no interest, no traditions of breeding, of manner, of gallant bearing that do not center in him. It is inconceivable that such a man should sit in the shadow. He could not be commonplace if he would. His character has been touched with bold, broad touches, generously, lavishly even, and he brings with him the sense of a spacious outlook. Geniality is of his essence; children know that he is not un fathomable, and it is peculiarly fitting that the school children for whose welfare he has been so solicitous, so intelligently providing, should join in the exercises of the day. It was a pleasant thought pleasantly carried out. There at the entrance to the park whose beauty is so much his work, will stand, appropriately, an equestrian statue, attracting and arresting attention by the sweep of its lines, the vigor of its pose, the evidence of its truth. For felicity of situation as of design it stands alone among our memorials; it has succeeded in catching something of the irresistible verve of its delightful model — more cannot be asked of any artist; it denies forever and to all men that "the days of our youth are the days of our glory." To have caught this veteran of two wars young and eager has been the happy idea of Mr. Charles F. Grainger; to him and to Mr. Marion Taylor, his industrious colleague, the community owes a debt of very real gratitude.

Alfred Castleman's request for pardon sent to President Andrew Johnson

To His Excellency Andrew Johnson, President of the United States,

Andrew Johnson
 17th President of the United States

I Alfred Castleman aged 69 years, a farmer by occupation and a resident of Clarke County Virginia, most respectfully represent that I desire to obtain a pardon and frankly state all the facts in relation to my position. I have held no office under the Confederate or state government since the commencement of the rebellion and have never been in the Army. I had two sons in the United States Army one of whom was killed, and two in the Confederate Army. After the battle near Snicker's Ferry or Castleman's Ferry as it is sometimes called, in July last, there was a Hospital for U. S. wounded soldiers, established in my neighborhood and I waited upon them and furnished proper love for them. It is due to truth and candor, to state that I was a Southern man, and my empathies were with my native state, and alltho I took no part in the war, I desired that the Confederates should succeed, and I who for the Ordinance of Secession.

I have remained quietly at my farm attending to my own affairs, and have not taken a prominent part in the unhappy strife. I have taken the Amnesty with, which accompanies this ?????? and I intend in good faith to observe it, and hope to lead a quiet law abiding life for the remainder of my days.

My taxable property is estimated at more than twenty thousand dollars, but I am with considerably less than at the commencement of the rebellion. I do not know that I have done or said any thing which should justly subject me to punishment of my property to confiscation, but friends in whose opinion I have confidence have ?????? me that it is best for me to ask for a pardon, and as I wish not to be disturbed in my old age. I most earnestly and respectfully ask that you will grant me a pardon.

We the undersigned residents of Clarke County Virginia, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Alfred Castleman who has signed the ????? ????? for a pardon, that he is a gentleman of veracity, whose statements may be relied upon and we believe that the facts stated in the ????? are true. Given under our hands this 28th day of August 1865

?.P. Pendlet???
Wm McGuire
????? Shepherd
Gallahan, Jefferson Co.
M Pulliam
?????

If my pardon shall be granted, please endorse it to me at Winchester Virginia to the care of P. Williams, as there is no post office at Berryville in Clarke County near to which I reside.

A. Castleman 
??? ????
Your ?? servant
Alfred Castleman

August 26, 1865

Clarke County to int

J M Pulliam a Justice of the Law in and for this country aforesaid in the state of Virginia, do ?????? certify that Alfred Castleman whose name is signed to the ?????? Letter for a pardon, made with ???? me in my county aforesaid, that the facts stated in said ?????? are true to the best of his knowledge and belief.

Given under my hand this 28 day of August 18, 1865

M Pulliam JP

Alfred Castleman, Pardoned by Andrew Johnson

Rev. Robert Allen Castleman and Mary Morrison (Lee) Castleman move back to Virginia in 1860

In 1860, just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, Mary wrote:

“His [Rev. Castleman] mother just died in Virginia and left him, six slaves. He cannot conscientiously set them free; for he cannot tell what would become of them. He cannot send them to Liberia; he has not the means. He cannot bring them here [Harrisburg, PA] in the existing state of feeling on the subject. His conclusion is, he must go back to Virginia, take a country parish and take care of these slaves.”

The years during and immediately after the Civil War were difficult for this large family. Practically destitute, they were loaned a small farm which allowed them to feed their family. Both Mary and her husband sought out teaching jobs.

"In 1865, Rev. Castleman was inexplicably shot and killed by an unknown person while returning home from a neighbor’s house. His obituary noted, “He had no enemy, capable of such a deed; it is supposed he was the victim of an appalling mistake.” [source: Mrs. Mary Lee Castleman Remembering Herndon's History: A Prominent Woman’s Influence on The Herndon Seminary and St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church.]

Rev. Castleman's obituary reads: "An affectionate husband and devoted father, a faithful pastor, and preacher of Christ and Him crucified."

• On Feb 27, 1860, Abraham Lincoln said he favored "deportation" of slaves. 
• In 1862 In 1862, when Congress ended slavery in the District of Columbia they set aside $600,000 for freed slaves to be deported. Lincoln's Commissioner of Emigration planned to send people to a list of countries that were not even their native lands such as Equador, Honduras, French Guiana, etc.

Mary Morrison (Lee) Castleman was the first cousin of Robert E. Lee