Stephen Hurlbut

Stephen Hurlbut was a prominent American attorney, politician, and military officer who served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois during the Reconstruction era. Born on November 29, 1815, in Charleston, South Carolina, Hurlbut's early life was marked by his family's Northern roots, despite his Southern birthplace. He became a significant figure in both military and political spheres, particularly during and after the American Civil War, where he held various leadership roles, including commanding troops in key battles. After the war, he transitioned into a political career, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and later as a diplomat. Hurlbut's life and career reflect the complexities of American society during a time of profound change.

Early life and career

Stephen Hurlbut was born to Martin Luther Hurlbut and Lydia Bunce, whose origins were in the North. His father, a Unitarian minister and educator, had previously served as the president of Beaufort College in South Carolina. This background provided Hurlbut with a unique perspective, balancing Northern ideals with Southern realities. He pursued legal studies under the mentorship of James L. Petigru, a notable lawyer in South Carolina, and became a law clerk before being admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1837.

Hurlbut's early career included military service during the Second Seminole War, where he served as adjutant of a South Carolina infantry regiment. This experience likely shaped his later military leadership during the Civil War. In 1845, at the age of 30, he relocated to Illinois, a free state, where he established a law practice in Belvidere. His move to the North coincided with his growing political involvement; he married Sophronia R. Stevens in 1847, and together they had two children.

Hurlbut's political career began in earnest when he participated as a Whig delegate in the Illinois constitutional convention of 1847. His political activities continued as he served as a presidential elector for the Whig Party in the 1848 presidential election, where he became acquainted with Abraham Lincoln while campaigning for Zachary Taylor. In 1859, Hurlbut was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, a position he retained after being re-elected in 1861. His political trajectory was marked by his support for Lincoln during the 1860 presidential campaign, which culminated in his attendance at Lincoln's first inauguration in March 1861.

Hurlbut's involvement in national politics deepened when he and Colonel Ward H. Lamon were tasked by Lincoln to investigate the political climate in Charleston, South Carolina, shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. Their mission aimed to assess the sentiments surrounding the impending conflict, and Hurlbut's detailed report highlighted the challenges of national unity in a deeply divided country.

House tenure

Hurlbut's military career began in earnest when the Civil War broke out. He joined the Union Army and was commissioned as a brigadier general of volunteers on May 17, 1861. His leadership was quickly recognized, and he was promoted to major general on September 17, 1862. Hurlbut commanded the 4th Division of the Army of the Tennessee during the pivotal Battle of Shiloh, where he played a crucial role in the Union's advance toward Corinth and the subsequent siege. His command extended to the Battle of Hatchie's Bridge, where he took charge of the entire Union force after the wounding of General Edward Ord.

Throughout the war, Hurlbut's leadership was characterized by his command of the XVI Corps from his headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. His tenure in this position was not without controversy; he faced accusations of antisemitism and was implicated in orders that led to the confiscation of Jewish property and restrictions on Jewish trading. Hurlbut also led a corps under General William T. Sherman during the 1864 Meridian Expedition and subsequently commanded the Department of the Gulf until the war's conclusion. However, his military career was marred by allegations of embezzlement, leading to a court-martial proceeding initiated by General Edward R. S. Canby. Ultimately, Hurlbut was allowed to resign in June 1865 rather than face a court-martial.

Following his military service, Hurlbut became one of the founding members of the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization for Union veterans. He served as the organization's commander-in-chief from 1866 to 1868, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in post-war America. In 1869, he was appointed Minister Resident to Colombia, where he served for three years, engaging in diplomatic efforts during a period of significant political change in Latin America.

Hurlbut's political career continued when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican from Illinois in 1872. He was re-elected for a second term in 1874, demonstrating his continued support among constituents. However, his political career faced a setback when he was defeated in the 1876 election, marking the end of his congressional tenure.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Hurlbut's legislative focus reflected the broader concerns of the Reconstruction era. His background as a military leader and his experiences during the Civil War likely influenced his perspectives on issues such as civil rights, veterans' affairs, and the reintegration of Southern states into the Union. While specific details about his legislative initiatives and committee assignments are not provided, it can be inferred that Hurlbut's military background and political experiences would have informed his contributions to discussions on national unity and the rights of formerly enslaved individuals.

After his congressional career, Hurlbut was appointed as ambassador to Peru in 1881. His diplomatic role involved navigating complex international relations during a time of political upheaval in South America. His tenure as ambassador was marked by tensions with General Hugh Judson Kilpatrick, the U.S. minister to Chile, as both men became increasingly partisan in their respective assignments. Hurlbut continued to serve in this capacity until his death on March 27, 1882, in Lima, Peru.

Following his death, Hurlbut's remains were returned to Belvidere, Illinois, where he was interred alongside his wife in Belvidere Cemetery. His life and career encapsulate the tumultuous period of American history during the 19th century, reflecting the challenges and transformations faced by the nation in the wake of the Civil War and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and national reconciliation.