Transcript
Francis Harrison Pierpont, a former school teacher and lawyer for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, vowed to raise more Union troops despite the fact that his government had no money.
“The putting down of the rebellion is of vastly more importance to us and to the world than the formation of a new state.” Francis Pierpont
He secured bank loans personally guaranteeing the notes and seized $27,000 intended for a new state insane asylum. Within a month, Pierpont had recruited and equipped 20,000 Union volunteers.
“Frank Pierpont is one of those men well-fitted for the stormy and revolutionary times that are upon us. A truer man to the cause of the Union does not live.” Archibald Campbell
Determined to maintain the standards of the governor’s office, Pierpont bought himself a tailored suit to replace what he called his homespun clothes. But, he refused to employ a black servant and had the uniform bought for one returned.
