Raynors HCA 2019-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/21/2019
A great war-date Confederate congressman's letter, 8pp. 8vo., written by Tennessee Congressman Joseph B. Heiskell (1823-1913), CSA senator, Rogersville, [Tenn.], Oct. 23, 1862, addressed to President Jefferson Davis, reading, in part: "I had the honor to mention to you the name of Col. F. M. Walker…19th Regt. Tenn. Vols. as a most meritorious officer [as] deserving of promotion…since I came home…a testimonial is in the course of preparation baring his appointment as a Brig. Genl…it is due him as a simple act of justice…he was Lieut. Col. in the fight at Shiloh…he led the regiment with distinguished bravery & skill. Since that time he has been during the nearly the whole time in command of the brigade…[he] has been distinguished by Genl. Breckinridge be marks of confidence & esteem. He is now on the march to Murfreesboro in command of the brigade…[he] should be preferred for promotion. In making the new brigadiers I do most earnestly recommend that a position be given to him. We have from this section 11 regiments of infantry, 2 Regts. of Cavalry…six companies of artillery. We have…one Brig. Genl. Vaughan. I am sure…the true men who in the face of popular clamer & real danger raised the first troops in this section of the country deserve much…the 19th was raised simultaneously with the 3rd…some of its companies were mustered in with the first companies of the 3rd…I am inclined to the belief that the employment of the conscription act has done & will do much more. Some of Nelson's men are cursing him, but such will only be put down by seeing the government ready & able to enforce its laws. The enrollment brings the government home to the people…men who would not recognize its existence…are now compelled to come before its officers, claim exemptions, or go into its armies & fight its battles. They can no longer…take the oath…with the declaration that the oath was not binding because there is no such government. It makes itself felt…one cause doubtless is the difficulty about the new Regts…notwithstanding the act of Congress…the positive orders of the Secretary of War, the commanding Genl. here is still encouraging the hope among these men that they will be received under this present organizations. It is not necessary to remind you of the conferences you…ha[d] with Me [M. E.], Swan on the subject in which the policy adopted by congress…was approved. It is said here that the effort is…to construe the act to cover companies organized before the 1st of October though Regts were organized afterwards. The act is conclusive on its face. But certain circumstances…make it plain…Mr. Haynes introduced the resolution…the resolution included companies. The Senate…provided only for Regiments…the action of the government in deciding the matter cannot be too prompt in putting an end to them. I am satisfied from talking with several privates that there is no difficulty with them. I met one on my way home who asked me if they would be recd…I gave him information…of the matter. He at once acknowledged the justness of the policy of filling up the old Regts and began to advise with me whether he should join the 19th or go with a company now in Kentucky…a difficulty may be improvised if the matter is delayed & officers greatly interested personally-aided as they will be by Union men…but…prompt [?] no danger is to be apprehended. Pardon this long discussion of local affairs…with great respect…J. B. Heiskell." Near fine
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