(1829-90) Union General and Secretary of War under Grant (1869-76). After practicing law in the District of Columbia he removed to Iowa and at the time of the outbreak of the Civil War was a Democratic State Legislator. On Dec. 7, 1861 he was commissioned as a Major in the 15th Iowa Volunteers and served with distinction. Wounded at the Battle of Shiloh, he led a Regiment at Corinth and was promoted to Colonel for his actions. Took part in the Vicksburg Campaign and was promoted to Brig. General in 1864 and given command of the 3rd Brigade in the XVII Corps. Played a key role in Sherman's Atlanta Campaign and March to the Sea. During the Atlanta Campaign he repulsed Hood on July 22, 1864 and six days later at Ezra Church he played an important role in supporting a division of the XV Corps. During the March to the Sea and the Carolinas Campaign he led the XVII Corps and was brevetted Major General. Post Civil War he allied with the Republican Party and in 1869 was named Secretary of War under Grant. In March 1876 he was accused of accepting a $28,000 bribe from a post trader who was seeking to stop his removal from office. By some accounts Belknap was unaware of the bribe that may have been arranged by his wife. Unanimously impeached, he resigned from office during his trial before the Senate. Fine Large Fountain Pen Sig., dated "Oct. 7, 1881."

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