Newspaper Editor, Civil War Officer, Author and Advisor to Presidents' Grant, Garfield and Arthur

(1835-91) Jonas Mills Bundy, was born at Colebrook, N.H., and moved with his parents as a child to Beloit, Wisconsin. He graduated from Beloit College, in 1853, then went to Harvard Law School, was admitted to the bar, but never practiced law, his tastes leading him instead to adopt journalism as his profession. His first experience in newspaper work was on the Milwaukee Daily Wisconsin, and he later joined the staff of the Milwaukee Sentinel. Subsequent to the Civil War he settled in New York City, and entered the office of the Evening Post as their literary critic. During the Civil War he served as a major in the field and staff of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, and on the staff of General John Pope. After the Army of Northern Virginia surrendered at Appomattox, Major Bundy was dispatched by General Pope as one of two "peace commissioners" sent to meet with Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith to discuss the possible surrender of his Trans-Mississipi Army. Bundy, and Colonel John T. Sprague, the other commissioner, had been instructed to offer General Smith the same terms for the surrender of his army that Grant had offered Lee at Appomattox. In 1868, Bundy became chief editor of the Evening Mail, which was afterwards bought by Cyrus W. Field, who retained him as its chief editor, which position he held until his death. His vigorous attacks on the Boss Tweed Ring caused his appointment as a member of the committee which exposed the corruption of the New York City government. He was an adviser to Presidents' Grant, Garfield and Arthur, and was the author of, "The Life of General James A. Garfield."

Sources: Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans

The Last Chapter In The History Of The War by Jonas M. Bundy

Autograph Letter Signed: 4 3/4 x 7, in ink.

New York, January 8th, 1875

It is a great honor and privilege for any one to follow the example of such men as Mr. Bryant and Mr. Cooper, in giving encouragement and support to the work in which Mrs. Hayes has engaged. The Evening Mail will not be believed any of its contemporaries in giving its space and influence in behalf of the noble clarity for whose benefit the proposed Reception is to be undertaken.

J.M. Bundy

Approved,
Robt. Johnston

Light age toning and wear. Very fine.